Bayou Catholic Magazine May 2018

INSIDE

Graduation

Bayou

Catholic

Shrimp boats is a-comin’ Golden Meadow Blessing of the Fleet

MAY 2018 ~ VOL. 38 NO. 11 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

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on the Latest Advances in Eye Care A.J. “Dr. D” delaHoussaye MD, FACS ®

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By Mail: Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Annual Bishop’s Appeal Office Post Office Box 505 Schriever, LA 70395

At your Parish: Place your envelope in the In-Pew collection on Sunday Your pledge is key to continued growth in ministries that strive to live the Lord’s Mission.

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Contents

Features 18 Ministry in Action

By Janet Marcel

26

Priest ordination June 2

27

Transitional diaconate ordination May 26

28

Advertisers Spotlight

34

Michael DiSalvo leaves diocese

36

Long time Catholic educator retires

By Janet Marcel

By Janet Marcel

By Janet Marcel

By Janet Marcel

By Janet Marcel

Columns 8 Comfort For My People

By Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

12

Pope Speaks

13

Questions of Faith

14

Readings Between The Lines

25

Reading with Raymond

31

Thoughts for Millennials

Pope Francis I

By Father Wilmer Todd

By Father Glenn LeCompte

By Raymond Saadi

By Ryan Abboud

42 Overtime

By Ed Daniels

In Every Issue 6 From the Editor 16 Scripture Readings 20 Youth In Action 22 Heavenly Recipes 24 Diocesan Events Announcements 38 Pastoral appointments

announced

On Our Cover

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

4 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

A flotilla of shrimp boats process down Bayou Lafourche during the annual Blessing of the Fleet held recently in Golden Meadow. Jo Stafford recorded a song in 1951 entitled, Shrimp Boats, which included the following lyrics: The shrimp boats is a-comin’. The song is a throwback to the days of bountiful shrimp harvests and a simpler lifestyle. For more photos see page seven.

Elaine LeRay

Elaine Cooks a:

Bayou Cabbage Casse Catholic INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. extra lean ground beef 1 lb. Jimmy Dean sausage 2 medium onions, chopped How to reach us: 1 rib celery, chopped

BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132 1 large green bell pepper, chopped

BY MAIL: P.O. Box 505 1/2 pkg. chili powder Schriever, LA 70395 1 can stewed tomatoes

BY FAX: (985) 850-3232 1 cabbage, chopped BY 1/4E-MAIL: cup water bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org 1 cup uncooked rice 1 can Rotel tomatoes The Bayou Catholic is published monthly, for This month’s heavenly recipe, cabbage casserole, comes the people of the Romansauce Catholic Diocese Cheese ingredients: from Elaine LeRay, a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist of Houma-Thibodaux by the H-T Publishing 1/2 stick butter or margarine Co., P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395.

Church in Thibodaux. Elaine, who loves to cook, feels that Subscription rate1iscup $35 milk per year. she shares her mother’s passion for cooking. “My mom was 1 tbsp. flour a really good cook. She always cooked fresh vegetables; she The Bayou Catholic is a10 member the Catholic 8 to slicesofcheese really cooked white beans well. The cabbage casserole is my Press Association, the National Newspaper Association and an associate member of the favorite dish. It makes plenty; I usually give the extra to my Louisiana Press Association.

DIRECTIONS: kids.”

Brown meat and sausage; drain. A Elaine and her husband Glenn, who is retired from the Lawrence Chatagnier and Cook until vegetables U.S. Postal Service, have been married for 43 years. The editor and tomatoes. general manager cabbage and water.

Cook five minute LeRays have two children, Daphne who teaches math and Glenn J. Landry, C.P.A. heat.

Add uncooked rice and mix we Glenn Jr. who is a K-9 deputy. Elaine is a member of the St. business manager 13 baking dish. Cook cheese sauce ing John pastoral council, a part of the parish’s implementation heat until melted. Add cheese sauce t team for the diocesan strategic plan, and is an extraordinary Janet Marcel assistant baking dish and bake in covered pan minister of the Eucharist. She feels there is hope for the staff writer/administrative degrees for 30 to 45 minutes or until ri future of the diocese. “I think the leaders of the diocesan Brooks Lirette strategic plan are doing a wonderful job. I see hope for the advertising accounts executive diocese. I think we need to get the younger generation back Daphne was studying to be a nurse Lisa Schobel Hebert that she could no to church.” occurred.

Realizing graphic designer Twenty-three years ago an auto accident changed the lives nurse, she set her sights on becoming a of the LeRay family. “Our daughter Daphne who was says that vocational rehab really Meridy Liner 18 years old at the time was involved in a tragic accounts receivable/payable assistant back to school. She auto accident. She had life threatening injuries University which included a head injury and spinal cord injury. then also ob Daphne is a C5-6 quadriplegic. She spent three degree from months at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans then 40, Daphne went to Thibodaux Regional for rehab.” math at F Like us on Facebook Elaine recalls leaning heavily on her faith at the Community C or time of Daphne’s recovery. “I spent a lot of time in 12 years.

Find us on the web the chapel at Children’s Hospital praying to God Elaine says www.bayoucatholic.org asking for him to take care of her. I had a son at home at the belief in God h time who was 13 years old and needed a mother, also. My through some very difficult t to find your Bayou husband and I traveled back and forth from New Orleans Where have faith.

There is Catholic no way we could have Bayou magazine can be found weCatholic did without faith in God.” BC every day,” she says.

CASSEROLE

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22

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22 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

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Bayou

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Catholic

at all Catholic churches and Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

To pick up a copy, you may also visit the merchants who advertise in our issue. Those wishing to receive the magazine by mail can call Janet Marcel at (985) 850-3132 or write to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395.

Subscription price is $35 annually. For the online edition, go to www.bayoucatholic.com

May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 5

From The Editor

In a departure from my regular welcome to our readers I am offering the following information on mental health. It’s a condition which affects millions of people in America.

May is Mental Health Month.

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the rest of the country are raising awareness of mental health.

Each year they fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.

One in five Americans is affected by mental health conditions. If you have a mental health condition, you’re not alone. Across the population, one in every 25 adults is living with a serious mental health condition such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or long-term recurring major depression.

As with other serious illnesses, mental illness is not your fault or that of the people around you, but widespread misunderstandings about mental illness remain. Many people don’t seek treatment or remain unaware that their symptoms could be connected to a mental health condition. People may expect a person with serious mental illness to look visibly different from others, and they may tell someone who doesn’t “look ill” to “get over it” through willpower. These misperceptions add to the challenges of living with a mental health condition.

Trying to tell the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental illness isn’t always easy.

There’s no easy test that can let someone know if there is mental illness or if actions and thoughts might be typical behaviors of a person or the result of a physical illness.

Each illness has its own symptoms, but common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents can include the following: n Excessive worrying or fear n Feeling excessively sad or low n Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning n Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria n Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger n Avoiding friends and social activities n Difficulties understanding or relating to other people n Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy n Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite n Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations, in which a person experiences and senses things that don’t exist in objective reality) n Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior or personality n Abuse of substances like alcohol or drugs n Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”) n Thinking about suicide n Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress n An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance Knowing warning signs can help let you know if you need to speak to a professional. For many people,

6 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step in a treatment plan.

Unlike diabetes or cancer, there is no medical test that can accurately diagnose mental illness.

A mental health professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, to assess symptoms and make a diagnosis.

The manual lists criteria including feelings and behaviors, and time limits in order to be officially classified as a mental health condition. After diagnosis, a health care provider can help develop a treatment plan that could include medication, therapy or other lifestyle changes.

Getting a diagnosis is just the first step; knowing your own preferences and goals is also important. Treatments for mental illness vary by diagnosis and by person. There’s no “one size fits all” treatment. Treatment options can include medication, counseling (therapy), social support and education.

Every year people overcome the challenges of mental illness to do the things they enjoy. Through developing and following a treatment plan, you can dramatically reduce many of your symptoms. People with mental health conditions can and do pursue higher education, succeed in their careers, make friends and have relationships. Mental illness can slow us down, but we don’t need to let it stop us.

The above information was obtained from the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ website, www. nami.org. BC

Lawrence

Lawrence Chatagnier Editor & General Manager

Church Life

Blessing of the Fleet Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Golden Meadow recently held its annual Blessing of the Fleet. The flotilla of shrimp boats processed down Bayou Lafourche then up the bayou while Father Joseph Henry Sebastian, M.S.F.S., blessed the boats.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 7

Comment

Rejoice and be Glad

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

On April 9, 2018, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Exhortation entitled, Gaudete et Exsultate or Rejoice and be Glad. In a previous exhortation, the Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis called all the faithful to be missionary disciples. In the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux, we have responded to this call to missionary discipleship in many ways through our ongoing efforts to undertake our Strategic Plans of Hope.

In this new exhortation, Rejoice and be Glad, Pope Francis presents the work at the heart of the call to missionary discipleship, which is to be in relationship with Jesus Christ, who not only invites us to be holy, but also assists us in achieving holiness of life. In Rejoice and be Glad, the Pope ‘exhorts’ each and every one of us in achieving our call to holiness, which is a journey that takes place concretely in the here and now of our everyday life. The Pope points out that in the simple things of our daily lives we are led more and more by God’s grace to achieve holiness.

Our Strategic Plans of Hope can assist us in this journey to holiness of life that Pope Francis is inviting us to undertake. I sincerely urge each one of us to read Rejoice and be Glad, but wish to share a few thoughts from it below.

In Rejoice and be Glad, the Pope speaks personally to each person and extends an invitation to follow Jesus Christ. Readers will find that the exhortation is deliberately not complicated in both its language and

invitation. It is aimed directly at people who live in the world, people who have jobs and families, responsibilities and many different pressures placed upon them by daily living. The Pope makes it very clear that people must be aware that to be holy they do not necessarily need special education or to make religious vows. All that is needed is a heart and a desire open to spending time with the Lord in prayer and reading the Gospel. The Pope indicates

“

In Rejoice and be Glad, the Pope speaks personally to each person and extends an invitation to follow Jesus Christ. Readers will find that the exhortation is deliberately not complicated in both its language and invitation.

“

Comfort For My People

that the church has everything people need to be holy, and the church desires to make this available to them.

In striving for holiness, much of what Pope Francis practically suggests is already well known in Catholic life, such as: making time for prayer; participating regularly in the Eucharist and confession; daily doing an examination of conscience; and reading and reflecting upon the Gospel regularly. The Pope also emphasizes that these spiritual activities cannot be

8 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

separated from actions rooted in mercy.

The authenticity of these spiritual activities will be manifested in how we become more humble and merciful, and especially in how we respond to the concrete needs of others, chief among these the poor.

In this document the Pope also addresses what he believes to be modern day versions of two ancient heresies in the church, Gnosticism and Pelagianism. These two heresies focus on seeking salvation not through the power of Jesus Christ but through the power of ideas (Gnosticism) or human effort (Pelagianism). Pope Francis explains in everyday language the dangers of the modern day manifestations of these two heresies.

As he has in other contexts, the Pope again insightfully insists on the danger of ‘gossip,’ which sows division and suspicion, as well as destroying communities and people. The Pope states that the danger of gossip is greater now because modern social media makes it possible to spread false information, and the Pope reminds us of the Eighth Commandment’s warning against bearing false witness.

Pope Francis also says that growing in holiness will change how we look at the world, especially how we view the human dignity of all people, including the poor, migrants and immigrants. We must see the poor and the immigrant first as people and not only as statistics.

Finally, we are reminded by the Pope that as we strive for holiness, we will always struggle against our ancient foe, the devil. However, in the church the Lord has given us many powerful weapons to safeguard us against the devil’s deceptions. As we are victorious in the Lord over the devil’s temptations, we grow in holiness.

A copy of Gaudete et Exsultate can be found on the Vatican website at www. vatican.va. Again, I urge all to read and reflect upon it. Peace and blessings to you! BC

Rejoice and be Glad gaude te e t exsultate

POPE FRANCIS APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION

May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 9

Comentario

Alégrense y Regocíjense el Evangelio. El papa nos explica que la Iglesia tiene todo lo que los fieles necesitan para lograr la santidad y la Iglesia quiere proveer estas cosas a todos.

Para lograr la santidad, mucho de lo que el Papa Francisco sugiere ya

“

En Alégrense y Regocíjense, el papa le habla personalmente a cada persona y los invita a seguir a Jesucristo. Los lectores se darán cuenta que la exhortación es intencionalmente sencilla en su lenguaje e invitación. Se dirige directamente a la humanidad, a personas que tienen trabajos y familias, responsabilidades y que viven una variedad de presiones que surgen de la vida cotidiana.

“

El 9 de abril, 2018, el Papa Francisco publicó una Exhortación Apostólica titulada Gaudete et Exsultate, o Alégrense y Regocíjense. En una exhortación anterior, La Alegría del Evangelio, el Papa Francisco hizo un llamado a todos los fieles a convertirse en discípulos misioneros. En la Diócesis Houma-Thibodaux, hemos respondido a este llamado de muchas maneras a través del esfuerzo continuo de llevar a cabo nuestro Plan Estratégico de Esperanza.

En esta nueva exhortación, Alégrense y Regocíjense, el Papa Francisco dice que el trabajo central del llamado a convertirse en discípulos misioneros, es estar en relación con Jesucristo que nos invita a ser santos y nos ayuda a lograr la vida de santidad. En Alégrense y Regocíjense, el papa exhorta a cada uno de nosotros a lograr nuestro llamado a la santidad que es un camino que se lleva a cabo aquí y ahora en la vida cotidiana. El papa señala que en las cosas sencillas de la vida somos guiados más y más por la gracia de Dios para alcanzar la santidad. Nuestro Plan Estratégico de Esperanza nos ayuda en este camino de santidad al que el Papa Francisco nos invita a llevar a cabo. Les pido con sinceridad que cada uno de ustedes lean Alégrense y Regocíjense.

Quiero compartir unas cosas de esta exhortación.

En Alégrense y Regocíjense, el papa le habla personalmente a cada persona y los invita a seguir a Jesucristo.

Los lectores se darán cuenta que la exhortación es intencionalmente sencilla en su lenguaje e invitación. Se dirige directamente a la humanidad, a personas que tienen trabajos y familias, responsabilidades y que viven una variedad de presiones que surgen de la vida cotidiana. El papa nos aclara que toda la gente debe estar consciente que para ser santo no se requiere educación especial o votos religiosos. Todo lo que se necesita es un corazón y el deseo de estar con el Señor en oración y leer

es bien conocido en la vida católica: hacer tiempo para orar, participar con frecuencia en la Eucaristía y la confesión, hacer una examinación de consciencia cotidiana y leer para hacer reflexión del Evangelio con frecuencia.

La autenticidad de estas actividades espirituales se manifestará en nuestros

10 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

actos de humildad y misericordia y en especial en cómo actuamos ante las necesidades de nuestros semejantes, sobre todo las necesidades de los pobres.

En este documento el papa trata sobre lo que él cree que son versiones modernas de dos herejías antiguas en la Iglesia, Agnosticismo y Pelagianismo.

Estas dos herejías enfocan la salvación a través del poder de las ideas (Agnosticismo) o el esfuerzo humano (Pelagianismo) y no a través del poder de Jesucristo. El Papa Francisco explica con lenguaje cotidiano los peligros de la manifestación de estas herejías en la era moderna.

El papa ha repetidamente advertido sobre el peligro del ‘chambre’ que siembra divisiones y sospechas que destruyen comunidades y personas.

El papa declara que este peligro es mayor ahora debido al hecho que la prensa moderna posibilita la difusión de información falsa y el papa nos advierte que el Octavo Mandamiento habla en contra de dar falso testimonio.

El Papa Francisco también dice que crecer en la santidad cambia la forma de interpretar el mundo, en especial cómo interpretamos la dignidad humana del ser humano, incluyendo al pobre, los migrantes e inmigrantes.

Debemos tratar a los pobres y los inmigrantes como seres humanos y no solamente como estadísticas.

Finalmente, el papa nos dice que, en nuestro camino a la santidad, siempre lucharemos contra nuestro enemigo antiguo, el diablo. Sin embargo, el Señor nos ha dado en la Iglesia una variedad de armas potentes para protegernos de los engaños del diablo. En nuestra victoria con el Señor sobre los engaños del diablo, nuestra santidad crece.

Se puede encontrar una copia de Gaudete et Exsultate en el sitio web del Vaticano, www.vatican.va. Les recomiendo que lean este documento y reflexionen. ¡Qué la paz y la bendición sea derramada sobre ustedes! BC

Binh luan bang loi

Mừng Rỡ và Hân Hoan Vào ngày 9 tháng 4 năm 2018, Đức Thánh Cha Phanxicô đã ban hành một Tông Huấn có tựa đề Gaudete et Exsultate (Mừng Rỡ và Hân Hoan).

Trong một Tông Huấn trước đây, Niềm Vui Phúc Âm, Đức Thánh Cha Phanxicô đã kêu gọi tất cả các tín hữu trở thành các môn đệ truyền giáo. Trong giáo phận Houma-Thibodaux, chúng ta đã đáp lại lời mời gọi này với vai trò của người môn đệ truyền giáo bằng nhiều cách, thông qua những nỗ lực liên tục để thực hiện các Kế hoạch Ứng dụng Hy vọng của chúng ta.

Trong Tông Huấn mới này, Mừng Rỡ và Hân Hoan, Đức Thánh Cha Phanxicô trình bày hoạt động chính của lời mời gọi làm người môn đệ truyền giáo, là mối liên hệ với Chúa Giêsu Kitô, Đấng không chỉ mời gọi chúng ta nên thánh, mà còn giúp chúng ta đạt được sự thánh thiện của cuộc sống. Trong Tông Huấn Mừng Rỡ và Hân Hoan, Đức Thánh Cha khuyên mọi người và mỗi một người trong chúng ta hãy đạt đến ơn gọi thánh thiện, là cuộc hành trình diễn ra cụ thể trong cuộc sống hằng ngày của chúng ta, nơi đây và lúc này. Đức Thánh Cha chỉ bảo rằng trong những điều giản dị của cuộc sống hằng ngày, chúng ta được hướng dẫn nhiều hơn nhờ ân sủng của Thiên Chúa để đạt được sự thánh thiện.

Kế hoạch Ứng dụng Hy vọng có thể giúp chúng ta trong cuộc hành trình này đạt đến sự thánh thiện của cuộc đời mà Đức Thánh Cha Phanxicô đang mời gọi chúng ta thực hiện. Tôi chân thành khuyến khích mỗi người trong chúng ta hãy đọc Tông Huấn Mừng Rỡ và Hân Hoan, nhưng tôi muốn chia sẻ một vài suy tư từ tông huấn đó dưới đây.

Trong Tông Huấn Mừng Rỡ và Hân Hoan, Đức Giáo Hoàng nói riêng với từng người và mở rộng lời mời gọi bước theo Chúa Giêsu Kitô. Người đọc sẽ thấy

rằng Tông Huấn này rõ ràng không quá phức tạp cả trong ngôn ngữ lẫn lời mời gọi. Nó nhằm trực tiếp vào những người sống trên thế giới, những người có công ăn việc làm và có gia đình, những trách nhiệm và nhiều áp lực khác nhau đè nặng trên họ trong cuộc sống hằng ngày. Đức Thánh Cha nói rõ là mọi người phải ý thức rằng sự thánh thiện không nhất thiết phải có sự giáo dục đặc biệt hoặc phải tuyên khấn như các Tu sĩ. Tất cả những gì cần thiết chỉ là một trái tim và khát vọng mở ra để dành thời gian với Chúa trong lời cầu nguyện và đọc Phúc âm. Đức Thánh Cha nhận định rằng Giáo hội có đủ mọi điều dân chúng cần để nên thánh, và giáo hội mong muốn tạo mọi điều kiện thuận lợi cho họ.

Trong việc nỗ lực nên thánh, phần lớn những gì mà Đức Thánh Cha Phanxicô gợi ý thực tế đều đã được mọi người biết đến trong đời sống Công giáo, chẳng hạn như: dành thời gian cầu nguyện; siêng năng tham dự Thánh Lễ và xưng tội; xét mình mỗi ngày; và thường xuyên đọc và suy gẫm Phúc âm. Đức Giáo Hoàng cũng nhấn mạnh rằng những hoạt động thiêng liêng này không thể tách rời khỏi các hành động bắt nguồn từ lòng thương xót.

Tính xác thực của các hoạt động thiêng liêng này sẽ được thể hiện bằng cách chúng ta trở nên khiêm tốn và thương xót hơn, và đặc biệt là cách chúng ta đáp ứng những nhu cầu cụ thể của người khác, nhất là những người nghèo khổ.

Trong tài liệu này, Đức Giáo hoàng cũng nói đến những gì ngài tin là những văn bản hiện đại của hai lạc thuyết cổ xưa trong Giáo hội, là thuyết Gnosticism (Ngộ đạo) và Pelagianism (Không tin tội tổ tông). Hai lạc thuyết này tập trung vào sự cứu rỗi không qua quyền năng của Chúa Giêsu Kitô mà qua quyền năng của tư tưởng (Gnosticism) hoặc qua nỗ lực của con người (Pelagianism). Đức Giáo

hoàng giải thích qua ngôn ngữ bình dân về những nguy hiểm của thời đại biểu hiện của hai lạc thuyết này.

Cũng như trong các đoạn khác, Đức Giáo hoàng một lần nữa nhấn mạnh về sự nguy hiểm của ‘ngồi lê mách lẻo,’ sinh ra chia rẽ và nghi ngờ, cũng như phá hoại cộng đồng và con người. Đức Thánh Cha nói rằng sự nguy hiểm của tin đồn nhảm nhí ngày càng nhiều hơn bởi vì các phương tiện truyền thông xã hội hiện đại làm cho chúng ta có thể truyền bá thông tin sai lạc và Đức giáo hoàng nhắc nhở chúng ta về lời cảnh báo của Điều răn thứ tám: Chớ làm chứng dối. Đức Thánh Cha Phanxicô cũng nói rằng việc trưởng thành trong sự thánh thiện sẽ thay đổi cách chúng ta nhìn thế giới, đặc biệt là cách chúng ta nhìn nhận phẩm giá của tất cả mọi người, bao gồm người nghèo khó, người di dân và người nhập cư. Chúng ta phải nhìn thấy người nghèo và người di dân trước hết là con người chứ không chỉ là những con số thống kê.

Sau hết, Đức Thánh Cha nhắc nhở chúng ta rằng khi chúng ta cố gắng nên thánh, chúng ta sẽ luôn luôn đấu tranh chống lại kẻ thù xưa nay của chúng ta là ma quỷ. Tuy nhiên, trong Giáo hội, Chúa đã ban cho chúng ta nhiều vũ khí mạnh mẽ để bảo vệ chúng ta chống lại sự lừa dối của ma quỷ. Khi chúng ta chiến thắng những cám dỗ của ma quỷ nhờ ơn Chúa, chúng ta lớn lên trong sự thánh thiện.

Bản tiếng Anh của Tông Huấn Mừng Rỡ và Hân Hoan có thể tìm thấy trên trang mạng của Vatican: www.vatican. va. Một lần nữa, tôi khích lệ tất cả mọi người hãy đọc và suy gẫm về nó. Xin Chúa ban phúc lành và bình an cho tất cả Anh Chị Em! Dịch thuật do Lm. Francis Bui, SDD và Thầy Paul Vu, SDD. Tu Đoàn Tông Đồ Giáo Sĩ Nhà Chúa BC

May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 11

Comment

The sign of the cross is our badge, Pope Francis says The Pope Speaks

Vatican City, (CNA/EWTN News) Pope Francis said that to make the sign of the cross is to mark ourselves as Christians, and that it is something we should do often to remind ourselves that we belong to God. “The cross is the badge that shows who we are: our speaking, thinking, looking, working (we are) under the sign of the cross, that is, the love of Jesus, to the end,” the pope recently.

“Making the sign of the cross when we wake up, before meals, before a danger, to defend against evil, [at] night before sleep means to tell ourselves and others who we belong to, who we want to be.”

Pope Francis spoke about the sign of the cross during the general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

Reflecting on its connection to the sacrament of Baptism, he offered the suggestion of keeping a small dish of holy water at home, so that, “every time we come back or go out, making the sign of the cross with that water, we remember that we are baptized.”

“In fact, what happens in the celebration of Baptism arouses a spiritual dynamic that passes through the whole life of the baptized; it is the beginning of a process that allows one to live united to Christ in the Church,” Francis stated.

He explained that it is good for us to increase our understanding of the gift we received on the day of our Baptism, in order “to renew the commitment to respond to it in the condition in which we find ourselves today.”

For this reason, the pope explained

DANIEL IBANEZ/CNA

the process of the Baptismal Rite, which he said begins with the welcoming rite, when the priest or other celebrant asks what name is of the person to be baptized.

This, Francis pointed out, is like when we meet someone for the first time and we immediately introduce ourselves in order to remove “anonymity.”

“God calls each one by name, loving us individually, in the concreteness of our history,” he said, explaining that in a Baptism we use the person’s individual name because God’s call is “personal” and not a “copy and paste” situation.

“In fact, Christian life is interwoven with a series of calls and answers: God continues to pronounce our name over the years, making his call to conform to his Son Jesus resound in a thousand ways,” he said.

“So, the name is important!” he continued, urging parents to choose the name of their child carefully, even before the child is born.

Francis also noted the importance the sign of the cross plays in the Baptismal Rite, like in the Baptism of children, when the parents and godparents

12 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

express the desire for the sacrament on behalf of the child, demonstrating it through the sign of the cross traced on the forehead of the child.

“The sign of the cross expresses the seal of Christ on the one who is about to belong to him and signifies the grace of redemption that Christ has acquired for us through his cross,” he said, quoting from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

He also explained the way adult catechumens are marked with a cross, on each of the senses.

They are crossed with the following words, he said: “Receive the sign of the cross on your ears to hear the voice of the Lord; On the eyes to see the splendor of the face of God; On the mouth, to answer the word of God; On the chest, because Christ dwells through faith in your hearts; On the shoulders, to support the gentle yoke of Christ.”

“Christians become the extent to which the cross is imprinted in us as an ‘Easter’ mark, making visible, even outwardly, the Christian way of facing life,” he said. BC

Comment

Questions of Faith Father Wilmer Todd

A just war?

What is the church’s position on using military force on leaders such as North Korea’s Kim Jong-un and Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad? These two leaders are a global threat for peace and they show no respect for human rights and the welfare of their people.

The question raised by the reader is very difficult to answer. The first thing we have to acknowledge is that the two situations presented here are totally different. In Syria there is an ongoing war. In North Korea, a real threat of war exists but Kim Jong-un has not declared war. Let us look at the church’s teaching on a just war and then we can make some applications.

The Just War Doctrine was first formulated by St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 A.D.) and has been a mainstay of Catholic teaching since then. However, some theologians today question whether modern weapon systems have changed some of our thinking about a just war.

Nevertheless, the current Catechism of the Catholic Church (para. 2309) defines the four conditions that must be met for a war to be just.

1. The damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave and certain.

2. All other means of stopping the aggressor have been impractical or ineffective.

3. There must be serious prospects of success.

4. The use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated.

The church teaches that war should always be the last resort. All efforts should be used to obtain peace. A preemptive war or a war of aggression is intrinsically immoral. Civilians should never be the targets of war. Any war fought for the purpose of expansion, domination or any other reason other than defense is immoral, regardless of how it is fought.

Let us apply these principles to North Korea. The leaders of North Korea including its present leader Kim Jong-un have been developing nuclear weapons and have threatened to use them. The United Nations and individual countries have tried to persuade North Korea to give up its goal of developing more nuclear weapons.

If we went to war with North Korea and nuclear weapons were used, millions of people in North Korea and in other countries would be killed. The fourth Just War principle, “the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated” would certainly apply here.

We hope that talks between heads of nations like the one scheduled between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un can be successful.

The Syrian situation is more complicated. The Syrian Civil War is an ongoing multi-sided armed conflict fought primarily between the Ba’athist Syrian Arab Republic led by President Bashar al-Assad, along with its allies, Iran, Russia and Hezbollah, and the various forces opposing the government.

President Trump got this one right when he said that the Middle East was

a mess. We all agree that President Bashar al-Assad is a “butcher.” He has used chemical weapons on his own people and allowed civilians to be bombed and killed in horrible ways. The unrest in Syria grew out of the 2011 Arab Spring protests. The discontentment with Assad’s government escalated to an armed conflict after the protesters called for his removal and were violently suppressed.

Russia and Iran have been supporting the Syrian government militarily with Russia conducting air operations since September 2015. On the other hand, the U.S. led international coalition established in 2014 with a declared purpose of countering ISIS, has conducted air strikes against ISIS in Syria and also against government and pro-government targets.

What is the answer? The war could easily escalate. The Just War principle No. 3 says, “There must be serious prospects of success.” It seems like President Bashar al-Assad needs to go. At the same time, we want to avoid an all-out war with Russia. We need to bring all parties together and keep trying to achieve a lasting peace. BC

Readers are encouraged to send their questions to our local Bayou Catholic columnists by email to bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org.

May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 13

Reflections

The Gospel of Mark: Readings Between The Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

Having been interrupted by the Lenten and Easter Seasons, the sequential reading of the Gospel of Mark on Sundays will resume June 10. Among the many methods of interpreting Mark’s Gospel is that in which we analyze it as a story, a story which can be divided into three parts: 1) An introduction of the main character, Jesus, along with his precursor (John the Baptist, 1:2-13).

A superscription to the Gospel, Mark 1:1 tells the reader that Jesus, the character he is about to introduce is the Messiah and Son of God, details about Jesus that the characters in the story do not know. 2) Jesus’ ministry in and around Galilee (1:14-8:26), and 3) the mystery of the suffering Messiah 8:2716:8, where Mark’s original story ends enigmatically with the women bolting from the empty tomb fearfully and saying nothing.

In a subsection (1:15-3:6), most of which is skipped this year, Jesus, the main character, emerges after John the Baptist has prepared his way and is arrested (1:14). In this part of Mark’s story, Jesus announces the need for repentance due to the imminence of God’s Kingdom (1:15) and begins assembling an entourage of disciples by calling four fishermen (1:16-20).

Mark presents Jesus as a healer who wields divine authority (1:21-27).

Jesus’ assertion that he has authority to forgive a paralyzed man’s sins brings forth the antagonists (the Jewish religious leaders) of the story. Although his opponents object to his claim, Jesus

A story of miracles, sermons, parables, action heals the paralytic, an act he claims proves his divine authority (2:1-12).

The sequential reading of Mark which will resume June 10 begins with 3:20, in a subsection which actually commences at 3:7. There, Jesus, after confrontations with his opponents, resumes his ministry of healing and draws great attention from the crowds, who come from Judea (in the South) as well as from Galilee. The only characters in the story who actually know Jesus’ identity are the demons which he expels from human beings.

He enjoins them to silence (3:12). This injunction is part of a critical motif in Mark’s story, a motif known as “the Messianic Secret.” Jesus’ Messiahship can only be properly understood once he has endured his passion. The Messianic Secret motif will also surface when characters are astounded by something Jesus’ does or when, curiously, they ask, “Who is this?”

In 3:13-19, Jesus appoints 12 disciples “whom he also named apostles” (3:14), a word which means, “those who are sent.” Immediately he sends them forth to preach and heal as he does (3:14-15). Although Jesus’ popularity is growing with the crowds (3:7-8, 20), he faces opposition on two fronts: 1) a familiar one, his family, who think he is mad (3:21) and 2) the Jewish religious leaders, who claim that he performs exorcisms by the “prince of demons” (3:22). To be a madman or to be possessed by an evil spirit, in the cultural milieu in which Mark composed his Gospel would amount to about the same thing, since mental illness was

14 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

attributed to supernatural evil forces.

So, is Jesus simply a madman possessed by an evil spirit? Jesus refutes such an identification by pointing out that if Satan works against himself, his kingdom cannot stand (3:26). The episode finishes with a reference back to Jesus’ relatives, but he asserts that true familial relationship to him consists of being a person who does the will of God (3:31-35). In essence, the foregoing assessment of Jesus’ identity, which might have discredited his mission and halted it, is proven to be false and illogical, so the story moves on.

In chapter 4, Jesus turns from working mighty deeds to speaking in parables. But the narrator explains Jesus’ motive for doing so as an attempt to veil his speech in order that those opposed to him will not understand (4:11b-12), and the prophecy of Isaiah 6:9, which speaks of an obstinate people who simply refuse to hear, is fulfilled. The disciples, however, are granted to be enlightened about the mystery of God’s Kingdom (4:11a). The disciples receive private explanations of the parables; however, Mark depicts Jesus’ need to explain the parables to them as pointing to the disciples’ lack of capacity to understand (4:13). The division between those for whom the parables serve as veiled speech and those for whom they are meant to reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God relates to the growing separation of people surrounding Jesus into disciples, enemies and even people whose following of him lacks a depth of faith (consider the seeds that

a

Reflections

fall on rocky ground in the parable of The Sower, 4:5). Jesus’ Kingdom parables seek to explain the Kingdom by relating it to facts of everyday life, such as the planting and growth of seeds, but they always contain a surprise twist.

Having finished his discourse in parables, Jesus and his disciples embark in a boat for the other side of the lake (4:35-36). However, a violent squall whips up and the boat is tossed about by the waves, endangering the lives of all in the boat. The contrast between the terrified disciples of Jesus and their Master asleep in the stern of the boat could not be greater (4:38)!

They waken Jesus who calms the storm with his word (4:39). Then he rebukes the disciples, because their fear betrays a lack of faith. Even if they believe that Jesus has wielded divine authority in his ministry, they still have not grasped that he is God’s beloved and divine Son, the Messiah, otherwise they

would have trusted in his ability to save them. While they have observed his healings and exorcisms, they have seen him do nothing like calming a storm.

Therefore, his action causes to rise yet again, now among his disciples in the boat, the question of Jesus’ identity.

“Who then is this, whom even wind and sea obey” (4:41)?

The current subsection (3:7—5:43) ends with Jesus resuming his ministry of mighty deeds in an exorcism (5:1-20), an episode during which Jesus tells the healed person to share his good fortune with his family. Instead he announces it throughout the Decapolis, and Jesus ends up traversing the lake again.

The chapter ends with two converged healing stories, that of a woman with a hemorrhage and the raising of Jairus’ daughter (5:21-43). The woman with the hemorrhage displays something the disciples do not have enough of at this point, that is, faith.

In Mark 3:7—5:20 we encounter

Jesus initiating the breaking in of God’s Kingdom in powerful word and deeds amid chaos, spiritual deficiency and the forces of evil. The victorious risen Lord is with us as we encounter these same difficulties in our own lives. BC

Reflection Questions v How do you experience Jesus’ healing of your own spiritual deficiencies and struggle with the lure of evil in your own life? v What militates against your coming to a deeper understanding of the person of Jesus? How can this be remedied? v The faith of the woman with the hemorrhage is in part motivated by her desperate situation. How can we, when we are not in such dire need, develop the same depth of faith?

Michael S. Haydel, M.D. FIPP, ABIPP • Michael P. Charlet, M.D., FAAN Daniel R. Clayton, PA-C • Donovan J. Matherne, FNP-C • Brandi B. Degruise, FNP-C

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May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 15

ScriptureReadings and a listing of Feast days and saints

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

7

8

9

Easter Weekday Acts 17:15, 22—18:1 John 16:12-15

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:17-23 Mark 16:15-20

Easter Weekday Acts 18:9-18 John 16:20-23

Easter Weekday Acts 18:23-28 John 16:23b-28

14

15

16

17

18

19

11

5

Saturday

2

10

4

Friday

1 May

Easter Weekday Easter Weekday Acts 16:11-15 Acts 16:22-34 John 15:26—16:4a John 16:5-11

3

Thursday

Easter Weekday Acts 16:1-10 John 15:18-21

Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 10:25-26, 3435, 44-48 1 John 4:7-10 John 15:9-17

12

13

Feast of Saint Matthias, apostle Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 John 15:9-17

Easter Weekday Acts 20:17-27 John 17:1-11a

Easter Weekday Acts 20:28-38 John 17:11b-19

Easter Weekday Acts 22:30; 23:611 John 17:20-26

Easter Weekday Acts 25:13b-21 John 21:15-19

Easter Weekday Genesis 11:1-9 Romans 8:22-27 John 7:37-39

21

22

23

24

25

26

Weekday James 3:13-18 Mark 9:14-29

28

Weekday 1 Peter 1:3-9 Mark 10-17-27

Weekday James 4:1-10 Mark 9:30-37

29

Weekday 1 Peter 1:10-16 Mark 10:28-31

Weekday James 4:13-17 Mark 9:38-40

Weekday James 5:1-6 Mark 9:41-50

Weekday James 5:9-12 Mark 10:1-12

30

31

1 June

Weekday 1 Peter 1:18-25 Mark 10:32-45

16 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Zephaniah 3:14-18a Luke 1:39-56

Memorial of Saint Justin, martyr 1 Peter 4:7-13 Mark 11:11-26

6

Sunday

Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, priest James 5:13-20 Mark 10:13-16

Seventh Sunday of Easter Acts 1:15-17, 20a, 20c-26 1 John 4:11-16 John 17:11b-19

20

Solemnity of Pentecost Sunday Acts 2:1-11 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13 John 20:19-23

27

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Deuteronomy 4:3234, 39-40 Romans 8:14-17 Matthew 28:16-20

May

Holy Father’s prayer intentions

Evangelization

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May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 17

Ministry in Action

St. Bernadette’s ‘welcoming’ ministry has its roots in the parish’s evangelization efforts Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma introduced its New Parishioner Ministry in early 2000 under the leadership of the late Father Patrick O’Brien, who served as pastor there from July 1998 until he retired in December 2010. Theresa Becnel, who has been in charge of this “welcoming” ministry for about 10 years now, says it came about as part of the parish’s evangelization ministry to reach out to people in their homes.

“St. Bernadette parish covers a large geographical area and is situated in a neighborhood so it’s conducive to this type of ministry,” says Becnel, who adds that there are always new people coming in to the parish, many to enroll in the school. The parish has also historically had a lot of children enrolled in its religious education program.

Becnel says she always calls new parishioners first to ask if they are open to having her visit them in their homes. She gets a new parishioner registration form from the church office which includes their names, phone number, address, names of their children, their reason for registering with the parish, and the sacraments they’ve received, etc., so she has a little background on the family before she visits them.

While visiting the families, she sometimes prays with them, blesses their home, tells them about special things the parish offers like Children’s Liturgy during the 9 a.m. Mass, upcoming church parish events and opportunities to further their faith development. Before leaving, she always asks if they have any questions. She usually goes alone, but says on occasion the pastor and the associate pastor have gone with her.

Becnel recently visited new parishioners Jessica and Kenneth

Theresa Becnel chats with new St. Bernadette Church parishioners Teri and Toby Liner, and their boys Trace and Taylor, at their home. Becnel leads the parish’s New Parishioner Ministry.

Tharpe at their home. Jessica says she loved the little welcoming basket that Becnel brought to them which contained a blessed candle, a crucifix, information about the parish, the latest church parish bulletin, a current issue of Bayou Catholic magazine, some fresh fruit and candy for the children.

“I loved the little basket Theresa brought for us. She sat down and talked with us; we prayed together and she blessed our home. Then she asked if we had any questions about the parish. It was so nice and very informative,” says Jessica. “I lived most of my life in another church parish and I never heard of anything like this ministry before. Theresa was very welcoming and she made us feel welcomed.” Jessica and her husband Kenneth have two children, five year old Jace who attends St. Bernadette Elementary School and three year old Emma.

Becnel, a retired physical therapist,

18 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

and her husband Steve have been parishioners of St. Bernadette since 1980 when they moved into the area shortly after getting married. They have three children and five grandchildren. All of their children attended St. Bernadette Elementary School and two of her children are parishioners there now with their own families.

“It’s really a blessing to me to be part of this ministry. I love my parish and I want people to feel welcome here and be active in the parish. The people are always very gracious and glad to have someone from the parish welcome them. And, I enjoy meeting new people, telling them about our parish and encouraging them to get involved. I often see them at Mass after the visits and I am able to talk to them again. This ministry really gives me a lot of joy,” says Becnel, who adds that they are always looking for new volunteers to participate in this ministry. BC

Tribute

Father Patrick O’Brien dies at age 74

Rev. Patrick O’Brien

Father Patrick O’Brien, a native of Dublin, Ireland, and a retired priest of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, died Thursday, April 12, at the age of 74, following a lengthy illness.

He was ordained to the priesthood June 8, 1974, in Ireland for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. His first assignment was as associate pastor of St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma. He also served as associate pastor of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma, as founding pastor of Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church parish in Thibodaux, and as pastor of St. Bernadette Church parish until his retirement in December 2010. Father O’Brien returned to Ireland in early 2011.

Father O’Brien also served the diocese as director of Marriage Encounter, a member of the ministry to priests program, the priests council, finance council, college of consultors, board of directors of H-T Publishing Co., and as dean of the Terrebonne and the Upper Lafourche deaneries.

A Mass of Christian burial was held Monday, April 16 at St. Peter and Paul’s Church in Ballyduff, Kerry, Ireland, followed by interment on the church grounds. BC

An Irish farewell

Photos by Father Joshua Rodrigue May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 19

Youth

in action

Caroline Bernard School: E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux Grade: 11th Church parish: St. Thomas Aquinas Describe your family unit: My parents are Nancy and Adrian Bernard, and I have one sister, Sarah-Catherine Bernard Favorite Hobby: Hanging out with friends and family Favorite Movie: The Greatest Showman Favorite T.V. Show: Riverdale Favorite Genre of Music: I love a good oldie!

Disciple: A role model who leads others to Christ When I think of the word “disciple,” I think of someone who loves and is willing to help others do well in their life. They are a supportive role model that leads others to God. Someone that I feel is a disciple of Christ is my mom because she is always by my side on my faith journey.

She is always supportive of me and helps me understand the world of being a Catholic. She teaches me new things and makes me strive to be a better Catholic.

It is easiest for me to follow Christ’s example when I have others beside me on my journey. Having the extra guidance there for you is wonderful

in case you happen to do something wrong. Those people are there for you to assure you it is okay and everything will be alright.

It hardest for me to follow Christ’s example when society is working against me. Not everyone will agree with your decisions regarding your faith life and when this happens you can begin to second guess your

20 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

decisions and think, “Wait, am I sure I’m doing the right thing?”

Some ways that I energize my faith and keep it alive is by attending Mass on Sundays and actually listening and paying attention to the Mass and what is going on, and also when I become intrigued by a Mass reading and or what the priest is preaching about in his homily. BC

Seminarian Education Burses What is a seminarian burse fund?

A seminarian burse fund is an invested sum of money where the interest is used in perpetuity to help fund the education of men to the priesthood in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

How does someone establish a seminarian burse fund?

Very simply, a burse may be established and named for anyone you choose, be it family, friend, bishop, priest, deacon, religious, etc.

When is a seminarian burse complete?

A seminarian burse fund is complete once it reaches $15,000. If you choose to continue to contribute, a new burse will be created for you.

Who do I contact to contribute to or establish a burse fund?

To contribute to or establish a burse, send funds to the Pastoral Center, Attn: Seminarian Burse, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395 or contact the Catholic Foundation office at 985-850-3116 or aponson@htdiocese.org for more information.

Completed Burses of $15,000 each Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Bienvenu Harry Booker Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux (3)* Mr. Eledier Broussard Rev. Adrian J. Caillouet Rev. James Louis Caillouet Bishop L. Abel Caillouet Judge & Mrs. L.P. Caillouet Msgr. Lucien J. Caillouet Abdon J. & Ada B. Callais Harold & Gloria Callais Family Paul A. Callais Peter W. Callais Vincent & Fannie Cannata Minor Sr. & Lou Ella Cheramie

March 2018 Burse Contributions

Note: Numbers stipulate the amount of completed burses.*

Maude & Edith Daspit Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis family (3)* Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis C. Remie Duplantis Marie Elise Duplantis Warren J. Harang Jr. Msgr. Raphael C. Labit Msgr. Francis J. Legendre Rev. Charles Menard Dr. & Mrs. M.V. Marmande & Family Donald Peltier Sr. (3)* Harvey Peltier (30)* Richard Peltier The Peltier Foundation (5) Orleans & Louella Pitre Msgr. Joseph Wester

Robert R. Wright Jr. Rev. Kermit Trahan St. Bernadette Men’s Club Diocesan Knights of Columbus Leighton Delahaye Mrs. Shirley Conrad Bishop Shelton J. Fabre Elizabeth Hebert Callais Family Fund Rev. Joseph Tu Tran Society of St. Joseph Endowment Fund - $119,136.90 James J. Buquet Jr. Julius & Marie Pauline St. Amant

Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ............$200.00 Rev. Anthony Russo ..................................$50.00 Msgr. William Koninkx .........................$200.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ....................................$100.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ...................................$300.00 Deacon Connely Duplantis .................$25.00 Bernice Harang ...........................................$100.00 Preston & Gladys Webre ...................$150.00 Claude & Lucy Mahler Family ........$100.00

Open Burses with Balance as of March 31, 2018 Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis ...................... $13,000.00 Donald Peltier Sr. No. 4 ................................ $13,000.00 Joseph Strada Memorial .............................. $12,642.63 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit No. 2 ....................... $11,320.00 Harvey Peltier No. 31 ................................... $10,486.91 Claude & Lucy Mahler Family ...................... $10,300.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ......................... $10,200.00 Joseph Waitz Sr. ............................................ $10,100.00 Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis No. 2 ................ $10,000.00 C. Remie Duplantis No. 2 ............................. $10,000.00 Marie Elise Duplantis No. 2 .......................... $10,000.00 Maude & Edith Daspit No. 2 ........................ $10,000.00 Msgr. George A. Landry ................................ $10,000.00 Elie & Dot Klingman ....................................... $9,140.00 Msgr. William Koninkx .................................... $7,200.00 Rev. Victor Toth .............................................. $7,000.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ................. $6,598.00 Rev. Peter Nies ............................................... $6,000.00 Catholic Daughters ......................................... $5,995.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue .......................................... $5,900.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes .......................................... $5,586.00 Msgr. Francis Amedee .................................... $5,150.00 Mr. & Mrs. Love W. Pellegrin .......................... $5,000.00 Anonymous No. 2 ........................................... $5,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Family No. 4 .... $5,000.00 Rev. William M. Fleming ................................. $5,000.00 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne .............................. $5,000.00 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ............................... $4,839.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta ...................................... $4,450.00

Rev. Henry Naquin .......................................... $4,311.00 Harry Booker No. 2 ......................................... $4,138.00 Msgr. James Songy ......................................... $4,075.00 Anawin Community ....................................... $3,700.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ......................................... $3,610.96 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande ........................... $3,500.00 J. R. Occhipinti ................................................ $3,400.00 Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ................................. $3,060.00 St. Jude ........................................................... $3,000.00 Diocesan Knights of Columbus No. 2 ............. $2,894.62 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ................................. $2,600.00 Warren J. Harang Jr. No. 2 .............................. $2,500.00 Preston & Gladys Webre ................................ $2,350.00 Willie & Emelda St. Pierre .............................. $2,000.00 Rev. John Gallen ............................................. $1,950.00 Rev. H.C. Paul Daigle ....................................... $1,900.00 Deacon Connely Duplantis ............................. $1,700.00 Alfrances P. Martin ......................................... $1,650.00 Msgr. Francis J. Legendre No. 2 ...................... $1,645.00 Rev. Robert J. Sevigny ..................................... $1,600.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ............................... $1,550.00 Judge Louis & Shirley R. Watkins ................... $1,550.00 Msgr. Emile J. Fossier ..................................... $1,545.00 Ronnie Haydel ................................................ $1,535.00 Dr. William Barletta Sr. ................................... $1,525.00 Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski ......................... $1,525.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ .................................... $1,450.00 Jacob Marcello ............................................... $1,400.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso ........................................ 1,250.00

Msgr. John L. Newfield ................................... $1,200.00 Rev. Joseph Tu Tran No. 2 ............................... $1,094.00 Rev. Clemens Schneider ................................. $1,000.00 Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux No. 4 ................ $1,000.00 Msgr. John G. Keller ........................................ $1,000.00 Edna W. DiSalvo ................................................. $900.00 Leo & Ethel Hebert ............................................ $862.83 Bernice Harang .................................................. $800.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ...................................... $800.00 Ruby Pierce ....................................................... $800.00 Deacon Roland Dufrene .................................... $750.00 Juliette & Eugene Wallace ................................ $700.00 Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ............................. $700.00 Deacon Raymond LeBouef ................................ $550.00 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata ............................ $500.00 Robert Walsh ..................................................... $500.00 Dean Joseph Chiasson ....................................... $500.00 Anne Veron Aguirre ........................................... $380.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz ......................................... $300.00 Richard Peltier No. 2 ......................................... $300.00 Claude Bergeron ............................................... $250.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin ................................. $150.00 Deacon Pedro Pujals ......................................... $100.00 Rev. Michael Finnegan ...................................... $100.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier ..........................................$ 50.00 Deacon Nick Messina ..........................................$ 50.00 Rev. Warren Chassaniol .......................................$ 50.00

Overall Seminarian Burses Total: $1,697,345.85 May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 21

Heavenly Recipes

Elaine LeRay

Elaine Cooks a:

CASSEROLE Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

This month’s heavenly recipe, cabbage casserole, comes from Elaine LeRay, a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church in Thibodaux. Elaine, who loves to cook, feels that she shares her mother’s passion for cooking. “My mom was a really good cook. She always cooked fresh vegetables; she really cooked white beans well. The cabbage casserole is my favorite dish. It makes plenty; I usually give the extra to my kids.”

Elaine and her husband Glenn, who is retired from the U.S. Postal Service, have been married for 43 years. The LeRays have two children, Daphne who teaches math and Glenn Jr. who is a K-9 deputy. Elaine is a member of the St. John pastoral council, a part of the parish’s implementation team for the diocesan strategic plan, and is an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist. She feels there is hope for the future of the diocese. “I think the leaders of the diocesan strategic plan are doing a wonderful job. I see hope for the diocese. I think we need to get the younger generation back to church.”

Twenty-three years ago an auto accident changed the lives of the LeRay family. “Our daughter Daphne who was 18 years old at the time was involved in a tragic auto accident. She had life threatening injuries which included a head injury and spinal cord injury.

Daphne is a C5-6 quadriplegic. She spent three months at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans then went to Thibodaux Regional for rehab.”

Elaine recalls leaning heavily on her faith at the time of Daphne’s recovery. “I spent a lot of time in the chapel at Children’s Hospital praying to God asking for him to take care of her. I had a son at home at the time who was 13 years old and needed a mother, also. My husband and I traveled back and forth from New Orleans every day,” she says.

22 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

Cabbage Casserole INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. extra lean ground beef 1 lb. Jimmy Dean sausage 2 medium onions, chopped 1 rib celery, chopped 1 large green bell pepper, chopped 1/2 pkg. chili powder 1 can stewed tomatoes 1 cabbage, chopped 1/4 cup water 1 cup uncooked rice 1 can Rotel tomatoes Cheese sauce ingredients: 1/2 stick butter or margarine 1 cup milk 1 tbsp. flour 8 to 10 slices cheese

DIRECTIONS: Brown meat and sausage; drain. Add seasonings and tomatoes. Cook until vegetables are tender. Add cabbage and water. Cook five minutes over medium heat. Add uncooked rice and mix well. Place in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Cook cheese sauce ingredients on low heat until melted. Add cheese sauce to ingredients in baking dish and bake in covered pan at 375 to 400 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes or until rice is cooked.

Daphne was studying to be a nurse when the accident occurred. Realizing that she could no longer become a nurse, she set her sights on becoming an educator. Elaine says that vocational rehab really pushed her to go back to school. She attended Nicholls University and got her degree, then also obtained her master’s degree from Nicholls. At age 40, Daphne has been teaching math at Fletcher Technical Community College for the past 12 years.

Elaine says that her trust and belief in God has gotten her family through some very difficult times. “You have to have faith. There is no way we could have gone through what we did without faith in God.” BC

The special collection will be taken at all Masses May 12 and 13, 2018 Thank you for your generous support

May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 23

Diocesan Events

www.bayoucatholic.com

May

n Permanent diaconate ordinations, Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m., St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux. n Holy Hour of Adoration for Men, Sunday, May 6, 7-8 p.m., Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, May 1, Ellendale Country Club Restaurant, 3319 Highway 311 in Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. n Planned Giving seminar sponsored by the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana, Thursday, May 17, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever.

n E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux, graduation ceremony, Friday, May 18. n Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma, graduation ceremony, Saturday, May 19. n Central Catholic High School, Morgan City, graduation ceremony, Saturday, May 19. n Transitional diaconate ordinations, Saturday, May 26, 10 a.m., St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux. n Bishop’s Diocesan Awards Ceremony, Sunday, May 27, 2 p.m., St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux.

June

July

n Ordinations to the priesthood, Saturday June 2, 10 a.m., Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma. n Evening Prayer and Eucharistic Procession, Saturday, June 2, following 4 p.m. Mass, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, June 5, Ellendale Country Club Restaurant, 3319 Highway 311 in Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. n Women’s Cursillo Weekend, June 7-10, Lumen Christi Retreat Center, Schriever. Cost for the weekend is $150, which includes meals. Visit www.htcursillo.weebly.com for more information.

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, July 3, Ellendale Country Club Restaurant, 3319 Highway 311 in Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. n Kateri Mass, Friday, July 13, 6:30 p.m., Holy Family Church, Grand Caillou.

Advertise in the Bayou Catholic and help spread the Good News. Call (985)850-3136 for more info.

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24 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

Book Reviews

Reading with Raymond

Killing England

By Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard Henry Holt & Co. $30

Raymond Saadi

The writers have teamed up to write a series of interesting and informative books on history and this is one of their best. We know how our young country with its fledging military defeated the mighty English forces to win America’s independence. But the co-authors make the story come alive with fascinating personal facts about the individuals involved. BC

All the Beautiful Lies

By Peter Swanson William Morrow $26.99 On the eve of his college graduation, Harold learns his father is dead.

Bypassing the graduation ceremonies, he hurries home where he soon realizes his father’s young widow is coming on to him just as police determine that the father’s “accidental” death might actually be a homicide. The plot cruises along a steady pace until, all at once, everything explodes into a frightening exposé. BC

Fifty Fifty

By James Patterson & Candice Fox Little, Brown $28 Harriet Blue is a strong willed advocate of her brother’s innocence of three murders, and she’ll do anything to prove his innocence, including physically attacking the prosecutor.

For that she’s sent to a distant outpost where all residents are about to be exterminated. She has about a 50-50 chance of saving them and that’s being generous. BC

Richard Rohr Essential Teachings on Love Selected by Joelle Chase and Judy Traeger Orbis $22 Fans of Father Rohr’s writings will be happy to know that this collection with go on sale later this month and with its’ singular theme of love in all its’ manifestations should find a welcome place in every home and bedside. BC

Andrew Jackson & the Miracle of New Orleans

By Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger Sentinel Books $28 In this, our “Second War of Independence,” (the British never learned,) we again had to fight the world’s mightiest forces with another ragtag army and navy. We won again thanks to Andrew Jackson, and our knowledge of the bayous and swamps surrounding New Orleans, not to forget the unstinting, nonstop prayers of the Ursuline Nuns.

Whether prayers or platoons, the right guys won again. BC

May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 25

Church Life

Two to be ordained priests at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales June 2 Story by Janet Marcel The Rev. Mr. Paul Birdsall and Deacon Joey Lirette will be ordained to the priesthood Saturday, June 2, at 10 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre will be the ordaining prelate.

The Rev. Mr. Birdsall is a 29 year old native of Cut Off and a graduate of the Seminary of Christ the King High School in British Columbia, Canada.

He is the son of Dr. Gary and Wanda Birdsall, and has three brothers and two sisters. He is currently attending Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

As part of his priestly formation, the Rev. Mr. Birdsall has worked at St. Genevieve Church parish in Thibodaux, Sacred Heart Church parish in Cut Off, St. Joseph Church parish in Galliano, St. Anthony of Padua Church parish in Bayou Black, St. John the Evangelist Church parish in Thibodaux, and St. Hilary of Poitiers Church parish in Mathews.

Some of his responsibilities at these parishes included serving at Masses, working with youth ministry, teaching CCD, leading and helping with parish Bible study groups, mission trips, nursing home and hospital visits, helping parish staff, office work/administration, serving and attending parish and diocesan meetings and committees, door-to-door evangelization, witness and theological talks and seminars, and homiletic reflections on Mass readings.

“I am most looking forward to celebrating the sacraments and encountering Christ in the people of Houma-Thibodaux,” says the Rev. Mr. Birdsall.

Rev. Mr. Paul J. Birdsall Born: March 19, 1989 Home parish: Sacred Heart Church, Cut Off Seminary: St. Joseph Seminary College (St. Benedict) and Notre Dame Seminary (New Orleans) Favorite field of study? Scripture Favorite Saint? St. Paul and St. Joseph are my favorite saints because they are my namesake and I was born on St. Joseph day. Also, I love the letters of St. Paul. St. Peter is my favorite because I have always been able to relate to him as a fisherman, apostle and one who was imperfect in the Gospel.

Hobbies? Hunting, fishing, cooking, archaeology, metal detecting He will celebrate his first Mass Sunday, June 3 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Cut Off. Deacon Joey T. Lirette is a 62 year old native of Chauvin and a parishioner of St. Ann Church in Bourg. He has two children, Keli Boudreaux and Lori Lirette, and two grandchildren, Jaryan and Jaydi. He is the son of Bruce and Shirley Lirette. He graduated from South Terrebonne High School and attended Nicholls State University.

Deacon Lirette was ordained to the permanent diaconate in May 2015.

As part of his priestly formation he served St. Ann Church parish in Bourg and Annunziata Church parish in Houma. He says he is most looking forward to celebrating Mass and hearing confessions after he is ordained. He also has a great passion for helping those who are sick and may be in need of anointing.

“I know I am not your typical priest.

I have been married, divorced and annulled. I have two daughters and two grandchildren,” says Deacon Lirette. “I have encountered lots of joys and pains in life. I feel I can relate

26 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

Deacon Joey T. Lirette Born: August 5, 1956 Home parish: St. Ann Church, Bourg Seminary: Notre Dame Seminary (New Orleans) Favorite field of study? The classes I took on the Bible with Dr. Brant Pitre Favorite saint? Padre Pio is my favorite Saint because we know he had the stigmata and it was also said that he could bi-locate. This is something I think everyone wishes they could do sometimes. He could communicate with angels; he also had many battles with Satan. Padre could also distinguish between real apparitions of Jesus, Mary and the saints and the illusions created by the devil. The things I love most about him, and I pray for these gifts, are the ability to heal people and read souls. I pray to him daily for this grace.

Hobbies? Fishing and gardening to these as they occur in life though actual life experiences. I also can speak first hand that the call from God comes not when you are ready but when he is; that is why we must continue on our path in life and listen very carefully because like Samuel you never know when he will call and you just have to say, ‘Master, is that you calling?’”

He will celebrate his first Mass Sunday, June 3 at St. Ann Church in Bourg. BC

Church Life

Two men to be ordained transitional deacons May 26

Rev. Mr. Brett Lapeyrouse

Rev. Mr. Patrick Riviere

Story by Janet Marcel

attended the Institute of Priestly Formation’s summer spiritual program for seminarians in Omaha, NE. He was assigned to the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma for a general parish summer internship, and as a chaplain at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center in Thibodaux while in residence at Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux. He also attended a 30-day silent retreat at the Institute of Priestly Formation.

He says what he is most looking forward to after being ordained to the transitional diaconate is getting to know people at the parish and helping them deepen their encounter with the Lord. He is also eager to put everything he has learned into practice in a real way preaching, administering the sacraments, and in his daily interactions with people.

Their ordination to the priesthood is scheduled for June 2019. BC

The Rev. Mr. Brett Lapeyrouse and the Rev. Mr. Patrick Riviere will be ordained to the transitional diaconate Saturday, May 26, at 10 a.m., at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre will be the ordaining prelate.

The Rev. Mr. Brett Lapeyrouse is a 26 year old of native of Chauvin, LA, and a graduate of South Terrebonne High School in Bourg. He is the son of Deacon Gary and Michelle Lapeyrouse, and has one brother, Evan, and two sisters, Mandy and Mckenzy. He is currently attending Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

As part of his priestly formation, the Rev. Mr. Lapeyrouse was assigned to serve Annunziata Church parish in Houma, the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma, and St. Mary’s Nativity Church parish in Raceland, for a general parish summer internship. While assigned at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church parish in Houma, he worked in clinical pastoral immersion at Terrebonne General Medical Center in Houma. He was also a seminarian worker and participated in the Institute of Priestly Formation’s summer spiritual program for seminarians in Omaha, NE. He says what he is most looking forward to after being ordained to the transitional diaconate is being in parish ministry for five months, proclaiming the Gospel at Mass, giving homilies and blessing objects and people.

The Rev. Mr. Patrick Riviere is a 25 year old native of Thibodaux, LA, and a 2010 graduate of E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux. He is the son of Robert and Mary Riviere, and has one younger brother, Benjamin. He is currently attending Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

As part of his priestly formation, the Rev. Mr. Riviere May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 27

Advertisers Spotlight

Ann Thibodaux, (center) administrator of St. Joseph Manor and Cardinal Place; Natalie Barbera, marketing and social director; and Cherie Glorioso, assistant marketing director; chat with residents at the Manor.

St. Joseph Manor Cardinal Place and

Safe, secure, comfortable living Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier

St. Joseph Manor is a retirement community in Thibodaux that offers both independent and assisted living.

The Manor opened in May 1995 as a private, non-profit corporation licensed by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. Cardinal Place, a residential development to serve independent residents 55 years and older who desire maintenance free living in a safe, secure building, opened in February 2016. Both facilities are located on Cardinal Drive.

The idea for the Manor came about after (the late) Msgr.

Francis J. Amedee, who served as pastor of St. Joseph CoCathedral in Thibodaux for 29 years, visited his brother in an independent, assisted living facility in Baton Rouge in the late 1980s. Msgr. Amedee saw how his brother was 28 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

flourishing since he moved to the facility after the death of his spouse. When he returned to the diocese, Msgr. Amedee couldn’t stop thinking about building a facility of that type in this area.

Ann Thibodaux, administrator of St. Joseph Manor and Cardinal Place who is responsible for the total operation of the Manor, services, quality of life for residents, safety, and the physical plants, says that because of the success of the Manor, the board wanted to expand its services in the area and came up with the idea for a facility to serve independent residents 55 years and older. The board held its first meeting about the project in 2005, then Hurricane Katrina struck and building material prices went way up.

They brought up the idea again in 2008 and then Hurricane

a

Advertisers Spotlight

Gustav struck the area. They finally broke ground on the complex in November 2014.

Some of the base services for residents at St. Joseph Manor include: three meals a day in the dining room, 24 hour front desk monitoring, an emergency call system, smoke detectors and sprinkler systems, video surveillance, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, laundry facilities, a wellness center with exercise equipment, blood pressure and weight checks, and a barber/beauty shop.

Nurses are there 12 hours a day, and home health and hospice services are also available.

The Manor provides residents with many opportunities for social interaction such as movies, bingo, fitness classes and transportation to public facilities such as shopping areas, the post office, library and banks. The facility has a multipurpose room with a large screen television, a library and an on-site chapel. Mass is celebrated for the residents every day of the week by resident Msgr. Donald Ledet, a retired priest of the diocese. Confession is also offered to the residents. In addition, monthly Protestant services are celebrated there, and the Manor welcomes those of all faiths and religious denominations.

Natalie Barbera, marketing and social director for the past seven years, handles marketing outreach, admissions, inquiries, tours of the facility, and she is also in charge of

the social calendar for the residents and participates in activities with them, both in-house and away from the Manor.

Barbera says the residents sometimes look to them for faith guidance and she enjoys being able to attend daily Mass with them at the Manor.

There are currently 57 residents living at the Manor in 20 studio apartments, 32 one-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom apartments. Residents must 62 years or older and meet certain medical criteria. The Manor employs a staff of 40, 19 full-time and 21 part-time employees.

Cherie Glorioso, assistant marketing director since December 2017 who has a background in sales, does marketing outreach around the tri-parish area promoting both facilities. She also participates in the activities with the residents. Glorioso says she feels that God placed her there at a time when she was searching for something more meaningful to do with her life.

“This is not just a job for me; it’s a ministry and a blessing to be here. It’s kind of like having 57 grandparents.”

Mrs. Billie Duet, who has been living at the Manor for almost four years, says she enjoys everything about the place. “It’s a wonderful place for us to live. And, we’re fortunate to a have a priest who lives here, also.”

Bill Pitre, a resident at the Manor for seven years, says, “We’re all about the same age here; we all get along well.

a

Independent Living Community

You do the living ~

We do the rest.

Life is great ~

Get busy living.

Assisted Living Community May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 29

Advertisers Spotlight

And the food is good.”

A.J. Abadie, who has been a resident at the Manor for seven months, says he believes God sent him to the Manor after he had been living in a similar facility. Shortly after he arrived, the person serving as altar boy for the Masses broke his wrist, so he asked Msgr. Ledet if he wanted him to take over and the priest told him yes.

Mrs. Clarice Gauthreaux has been a resident at the Manor for four years. She says the best thing about living at the Manor is that “They cook the meals, put them in front of you, and they wash all the dishes.”

Thibodaux, who is a registered nurse and worked as a licensed nursing facility administrator before coming to the Manor, says, “Interacting with the residents is what I love about my job; it’s all about the residents and about the staff.

Every day is interesting and challenging and rewarding, and being with the residents is why I keep coming back. Before meeting with residents, their families and/or employees about something, I always ask for God’s wisdom so that I’m handling the situation in a Catholic, Christian way. I talk to God throughout the day. Everything I do is because of my faith.”

When treating the residents and employees of the facilities, Thibodaux says she is always thinking about how Jesus would handle a particular matter. She just tries to be kind,

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compassionate and Christ like, living the Gospel message in every situation.

Cardinal Place includes one and two-bedroom apartments, all with balconies or patios in a three-story building with elevators and covered parking, that come with fully equipped kitchens, stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, custom stain cabinets, nine-foot ceilings, walkin closets and vinyl wood floors. Residents can enjoy access to a community room that includes a fitness center, kitchen, gathering area with large screen TV and indoor and outdoor areas to entertain.

Cardinal Place is the first of its kind in the area.

Residents pay a one-time partially refundable membership fee up front, then a monthly service fee to pay for the upkeep and on-going maintenance of the property. Upon leaving the residence, members or their family in the case of a death, receive 85 percent of their membership fee back once the residence is reoccupied.

Members of the board of directors are Jerald Block, president; Bill Hochstetler, vice-president; Francis Thibodeaux, secretary/treasurer; Dr. Maria Cruse, Dr. Carroll Falcon and Marty Edlefsen.

For more information about St. Joseph Manor or Cardinal Place, call (985)446-9050 or visit www.stjosephmanor.org or KITCHEN www.cardinalplace.org. BC

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Commentary

May: A transitional time Thoughts for Millennials Ryan Abboud

As students, the month of May is both an extremely happy yet stressful time of the year. During this month, we see many students closing a chapter of their lives. Some of us will be moving up the ranks in college or high school, others will be preparing to commence their high school journey, and even some students will be closing their chapter of schooling as they graduate into the “real world.” Despite how far along we are in school, we still experience some of the same emotions or feelings during this time of year.

May tends to fill many of us with stress as we are slammed with countless “last minute” graded opportunities while the burden of final exams looms over our heads. However, we push through this time of year with knowledge that the “end is near!” We know that if we can just finish the semester strongly, we can ultimately kick our feet up and relax for a few months while we enjoy summertime. This period of time symbolizes an opportunity of change for

SINCE FAST st Intere Free cing Finan

us as students, but also as Catholics, the month of May has the potential to be a very transitional month and a time of great transformation for us.

For starters, the month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Now is a great time to look into building a personal and intimate relationship with Our Lady. The commitment to a relationship with the Blessed Virgin is so extremely significant to the furthering of our relationship with Christ. Not only can we can look to Mary for insight on how to love her son, but Mary also takes our intentions straight to the Lord and intercedes for us at the throne of grace.

We have the opportunity to encounter Our Lady through praying the rosary and by practicing prayer through her.

That being said, I definitely invite you to dust off those rosary beads and begin the journey to a relationship with Mary during this month of dedication to her. It can start with a simple prayer asking for the desire to be able to love like she does and for the help of her intercession to the Father. I promise that the bond created will be worth it!

Also, throughout the entire month of May, Pope Francis has issued an intention of evangelization for the laity.

Pope Francis is specifically praying (and inviting the universal Catholic Church to pray) for individuals like you and me to focus on our evangelical mission to share and spread the news

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of the Gospel. The Pope’s intentions this month also beautifully parallel the Scriptures that we’ll hear on Sundays throughout May. On the second Sunday of May (Seventh Sunday of Easter), in the Gospel, we hear Jesus praying about the commissioning of the apostles into the world to evangelize. Then on the following week, we have Pentecost Sunday where Jesus promises to send down the Holy Spirit to stay with the disciples to serve as a helper or “advocate.” These two specific weeks of Scripture readings strongly associate Jesus’ interactions with the disciples to his timeless promises with us. We are also commissioned to evangelize through the way we live just like Jesus sent forth the apostles. Also, Jesus’ promise to send down the Holy Spirit to help us along the journey of life and evangelization still holds true to this day. I invite you all to remember these promises throughout this stressful time of year. Best of luck through your final exams and may this month serve as a time of spiritual renewal through the Holy Father’s intentions and through the Blessed Virgin Mary.

(Ryan Abboud is a 2015 graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma and a junior at LSU in Baton Rouge.) BC

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Aging-In-Place Consultant

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Walk-in Tubs May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 31

Youth Alive

32 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

Youth Alive

Youth from across the diocese gathered at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma for the 37th annual youth rally. P.J. Anderson and Sarah Hart provided music during their keynote address for the event. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre and priests of the diocese celebrated the Palm Sunday closing Mass.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 33

Feature

Diocesan director of the Office of Youth Formation looks back after 17 years of service Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier Michael (Mike) DiSalvo left his position as diocesan director of the Office of Youth Formation last month to pursue a full-time career in counseling. During the past 17 years, the Houma native has impacted the lives of thousands of youth and adults through his passion and dedication for the young people to which he ministered.

In July 2001, DiSalvo was hired as associate director for the Office of Family and Youth Ministry, and was named director of the Office of Youth Ministry in August 2003.

He graduated from Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma and then began pursuing a degree in psychology from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. At the age of 34, DiSalvo went back to Nicholls and completed his bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in marketing. He also has a master’s of pastoral studies with a specialization in youth ministry which he obtained through the Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension (LIMEX) program.

DiSalvo worked for his father for 16 years doing outside sales in his family’s office supply business. He began his journey of ministering to young people in 1994 when Father Caesar Silva, then pastor of Maria Immacolata Church parish in Houma, recruited him as the parish youth minister, a position he and his wife Lisa took on jointly as volunteers for six years. During that time he met his mentors Madeline Cheramie and Brother Dominick Pujia, F.M.S., (both former directors of the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry) who taught him a lot about ministering to the youth.

Under the guidance of Brother Dominick, DiSalvo organized and developed the diocesan confirmation retreat program where he trained a group of about 20-25 young people to lead theses retreats with the intention of having them go back and train others in their parish to form parish teams. At this time, he says most parishes are able to hold the retreats themselves.

When Brother Dominick turned the Office of Youth Ministry over to him in 2003, DiSalvo saw an opportunity to become more involved with the schools. “I made it a point to intentionally connect with the schools because I felt that 34 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

Michael DiSalvo follows dream to be a counselor

it was in the schools where students were missing that spiritual component. I began doing more school retreats, mostly at the high school level, but began to work with elementary age students, also,” he says.

DiSalvo instituted Junior High Faith Experience for 5th8th graders, which he says has now become larger than youth rally. The church parishes are really embracing that ministry, he adds, which is one of the reasons why it has become so popular.

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As part of his ministry, he also began to focus more on adults … forming relationships and building community among them. He offered training classes for them in order to make sure they had what they needed to reach the youth to whom they ministered.

He says he also noticed that the youth rally had lost some of its spirituality. “There was a lot of celebration to it and it had lost some of its feel for Holy Week. The night ended with a dance after the celebration of the liturgy which made it feel too much like a party, so I worked to bring the focus back on Holy Week.”

Over the last 10 years, says DiSalvo, Christian Leadership Institute (CLI) has been a stepping stone for many of the young leaders in the diocese. It has helped to train a lot of young people. “Many of the seminarians and new priests in the diocese today are a product of youth ministry and it is very humbling to have been even a small part of their faith development.”

DiSalvo says what he has enjoyed most and will miss most about working in youth ministry is the personal contact with the people. “Just to have the opportunity to be involved in people’s lives, whether it was the young people or the adults, and to walk with them on their journey during the good times and the bad times has been a blessing. You can’t do youth ministry without making yourself vulnerable.”

When asked what his most memorable moment was while working in youth ministry for the diocese, DiSalvo immediately replied, “Does last Saturday (the day of his last youth rally as director of the Office of Youth Formation) count?” He says what was going through his head that day was just overwhelming gratitude and thanksgiving. “I am so grateful that I was chosen to do this for all of these years … to be in a place where I could use the gifts and talents God gave me. I really made it a point to be present at that event. I wanted the kids to see the joy and peace I was feeling.”

DiSalvo says he will now be fulfilling a dream he’s had since the 10th grade to be a counselor. He recently earned his master’s degree in counseling from Nicholls and completed an internship at Psychological Health Care of South Louisiana in Thibodaux to fulfill the hours needed for his counseling license, which he earned in March 2017.

“Working in youth ministry has helped me to grow so much and it has definitely prepared me for this next step in my life. My gift is one-on-one; God gave me that gift.

That’s where counseling comes in to play.”

DiSalvo hopes to be able to continue working with the church parishes and schools doing retreats for the students, and also spend more time with his wife of 28 years and his son Seth, 26.

“One of the most profound things I’ve experienced in youth ministry is when you see a kid ‘get it’; like when they’re praying and you know they’re not just saying words … they’ve made that connection and realize Christ is real and they want to serve him and have a relationship with him. I am so humbled that God has used me as a vessel to guide teens to Christ all of these years.” BC

Mike DiSalvo has always been the person who has helped people come out of their comfort zone but he did so in a loving, comforting way. He would “voluntold” people for things that they would never volunteer for because he knew they were capable of doing it with a little push, and by doing so he has shown many people their true worth. He always pushed you to go beyond your comfort zone but not beyond your capabilities. This was done with not only the youth but also the adults who ministered to them, with him. He has been a true blessing to me and my son, which has trickled down to the rest of the family, which is the same with many in the diocese. Mike will truly be missed by us all but I know he will succeed in whatever he endeavors.

Ramona Portero, confirmation coordinator St. Bernadette Church parish, Houma

I was fortunate enough to have had Mr. Mike DiSalvo as the youth director during my four years here at Central Catholic. From the start of my first retreat, Mr. Mike made me feel welcomed and at home. This welcoming spirit would go on to reach beyond just school retreats and eventually expand to retreats all over the diocese. I now know Mr. Mike as “Uncle Mike” because he has become more like family to me. The excitement Mr. Mike brings to retreats and to the faith in general is contagious. This man has truly set the bar as someone for us all to admire and appreciate.

Cade Minton, senior Central Catholic High School, Morgan City

The retirement of Mike DiSalvo as director of the Office of Youth Ministry ends a beautiful chapter in the history of our diocese.

In a ministry that is typically short lived because of the intense pace of the work, Mike has been a model of perseverance and faithfulness and had been a witness to other ministers in the field. I believe what has driven Mike for so long is his deep faith in Christ and his unquestioned love for young people. I first met Mike in his early days of youth ministry when I was a sophomore in high school. Mike was a guy not much older than us who we could relate to. He didn’t pretend to have all the answers but he was interested in pursuing them with us. He was always there when any of us needed him and we knew that he loved us and cared for us. I join many others who can say that my relationship with Christ would look very different if Mike DiSalvo had not been a part of my journey.

Father Andre Melancon, pastor St. Bernadette Church parish, Houma

I wouldn’t be as firmly planted, unable to be uprooted in my faith had it not been for the work, energy and witness of Mike DiSalvo.

He was a grace and blessing from God on my life at the most vulnerable time of my life as a teen.

Maddy Thibodeaux Former parishioner of St. Eloi Church parish in Theriot

May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 35

Feature

Long time Catholic educator retires after 45 years Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier Gary Phillips, who has been teaching American history, AP government and photography at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma for 18 years, is retiring at the end of this school year after serving the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Catholic education for the past 45 years.

Phillips is also the social studies department chairperson and Varsity Quiz Bowl moderator at the school.

Phillips was born in Memphis, TN, the oldest of eight children. His father worked in the oilfield and the family moved around a lot. They moved here in 1964 and Phillips graduated from South Terrebonne High School in Bourg. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and social studies from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux and began teaching at Legion Park Middle School. Phillips returned to NSU and earned two master’s degrees, one in education and one in guidance and counseling. He began his career in Catholic education in 1973 when he started teaching English at E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux. Phillips spent 27 years at E.D. White, including six years as principal.

It was divine providence that I ended up at E.D. White, says Phillips. “I was working on my master’s degree in education and I had a teaching assistantship at Nicholls.

One of the Sisters of Mount Carmel told me about a job opening at E.D. White that I would have never known about had it not been for that conversation. So I went to talk to Brother Paul Montero, S.C., and he offered me a job that became life-changing for me. I’ve been able to be the teacher I wanted to be. It is just a wonderful teaching environment in a Catholic school.”

Phillips says two of his teachers influenced him to become an educator – his junior high school basketball coach and his English teacher at South Terrebonne. “One day, coach just stood up in front of our team and prayed, and I thought, I would like to be like that. And on the first day of my senior year, Mr. Pere walked into our class and told us, ‘Within these four walls, I’m God,’ and we believed it! He was so selfassured and knowledgeable, and I wanted to be like him.”

Brother Linus Meyers, S.C., who taught at E.D. White, was a great influence on him, also. The Brothers of the Sacred Heart taught him the art of teaching, says Phillips.

“They just had a firm, consistent, loving approach to the kids. They taught me that we’re here to work for the kids and help them achieve success. The best teacher education 36 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

experience I ever had was sitting at the dinner table with the brothers while they talked about their day … what had worked, what hadn’t worked, etc. It was a learning experience just being around them.”

Phillips says that if he hadn’t become an educator, he probably would have joined the military and he often regrets that he didn’t. He comes from a long line of military men.

His grandfather was a Marine in World War I, his father was in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War, and his brother was in the Army during the Vietnam War. Phillips has always been interested in history and remembers being fascinated when his father, who was only 17 when he enlisted in the Navy, would tell him stories about his experiences.

Phillips says that what he has enjoyed most about teaching are the students. “The classroom is almost magical when you have that special moment when the kids really connect with you. I think it’s one of the greatest feelings in life.”

For him, the time involved was the most challenging aspect of being an educator. “We’re always working – it’s the out of class time that is so demanding and time-consuming.

I always tell the students, I love you, but I don’t love grading your papers.”

In 1975, Brother Paul asked him to be the dean of students at E.D. White. And when it looked like the brothers would be leaving the school because of their dwindling numbers, he felt like maybe he had something more to offer so he went back to get certified as a principal and converted to Catholicism. Of his time spent as an administrator, he says it is an all-consuming job. He really missed the students when he wasn’t teaching and always felt as though he would teach again.

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Phillips has a vast military memorabilia collection, is a board member and volunteer tour guide at the Regional Military Museum on Barrow Street in Houma; he is an reenactor – he dresses up in uniform as part of a living history crew on the USS Alabama; is a member of a 1790s Spanish artillery crew; recently joined the Sons of the American Legion and is looking forward to getting involved with them; and he has three grandsons that he loves playing with.

Phillips has been a parishioner of St. Bernadette Catholic Church for 40 years. His two daughters attended St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School and later graduated from Catholic high schools. Angie Phillips Ponson graduated from Vandebilt in 1990 and Allyson Phillips from E.D. White in 1994.

Traveling with his family and just having the flexibility to do what he wants when he wants to do it is what Phillips says he is most looking forward to after he retires. When you teach, you live by the bell, he says. He would also like to visit the elementary schools dressed up in uniform with select artifacts from his military collection and make presentations to the students.

Phillips says he is so grateful and feels truly blessed by his experiences at E.D. White and Vandebilt during the last 45 years. BC

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May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 37

Announcement

Bishop Fabre announces pastoral appointments

Rev. Jay Baker

Rev. Cody Chatagnier

Very Rev. Alex Gaudet

Rev. John David Matherne

In order to provide pastoral care for the people of God of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre has announced the following pastoral appointments, effective immediately.

The Rev. Jay Baker, who has been serving as diocesan chancellor since March 2017, is no longer serving the diocese in this capacity. Father Baker will continue to serve as rector of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma and as vicar for clergy. Father Baker, a native of Houma, LA, was ordained to the priesthood June 13, 1992.

The Rev. Cody Chatagnier, who has been serving as associate pastor of St. Hilary of Poitiers Church parish in Mathews and St. Mary’s Nativity Church parish in Raceland since January 2018, has been appointed administrator of St. Ann Church parish in Bourg. Father Chatagnier, a native of Chauvin, LA, was ordained to the priesthood May 28, 2016.

The Very Rev. Alex Gaudet, who has been serving as administrator of St. Ann Church parish in Bourg since July 2017, has been appointed diocesan chancellor and executive secretary for the Office of the Bishop, for a term of two years.

Father Gaudet, a native of Thibodaux, LA, was ordained to the priesthood May 30, 2015.

The Rev. John David Matherne, who has been serving as associate pastor of Sacred Heart Church parish in Cut Off since July 2017, has been appointed coordinator of seminarian recruitment under the Office of Vocations, and bishop’s liaison for youth formation, for a term of three years.

From now until June 30, Father Matherne will continue to serve as associate pastor of Sacred Heart Church parish and part-time in diocesan ministry. Beginning July 1, he will transition full-time into diocesan ministry. Father Matherne, a native of Raceland, LA, was ordained to the priesthood June 3, 2017. BC 38 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

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Announcement

One-stop giving: The convenience and simplicity of donor advised funds Catholic Foundation Update Amy Ponson

Financial and charitable goals are a reflection of one’s commitment to support the future of their loved ones, the charitable organizations they value, such the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana (CFSL), and the greater community. But sometimes it can be difficult to keep track of the organizations one wishes to support and the documents required to receive benefits from charitable gifts. A convenient and easy way to organize one’s charitable intentions is to create a donor advised fund with the CFSL. Consider it onestop giving.

How it works n Open a donor advised fund by a written agreement at the CFSL. In order to open a donor advised fund, a minimum gift of $10,000 is required; any additional contributions may be less. n Contributions to a fund can be made at any time and are invested by the CFSL, which provides regular accounting records to the donor. n Donors make the recommendations that various amounts be distributed to any charitable organizations of their choice, such as the CFSL, any non-profit or any diocesan ministry. n Gifts to a donor advised fund qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction at the time a contribution is made.

Benefits n Convenience – Setting up a donor advised fund qualifies the donor for a federal income tax charitable deduction when a gift is made to the fund—without immediately having to choose which charities to support. n Simplicity – A number of charitable organizations can be supported without having to retain records for a number of separate contributions. n Family philanthropy – Families can build a tradition of giving and teach their children the values of philanthropy by involving them in the decisions about which contributions to recommend.

For more information about setting up a donor advised fund, please contact me at (985) 850-3116 or by email at aponson@htdiocese.org (The information in this article is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. © The Stelter Company) BC

Holy Rosary Catholic School 12925 E Main St • Larose, LA 70373

Principal Position Available Who May Apply: A Catholic who is in full communion in the Church Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience; Comprehensive benefits package included How to Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume’, application form, and transcripts to hr@htdiocese.org, or mail to Human Resource Director, P. O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395.

Application may be obtained from www.htdiocese.org/catholic-schools or by calling (985)850-3114.

Applications Due: May 20, 2018, or until position is filled

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Minimum Qualifications: • Master’s degree in Administration or master’s degree with Administration/Educational Leadership Certification • Have a current Louisiana Teacher’s Certificate • Have a minimum of 5 years teaching experience and 3 years of administrative experience • Excellent spiritual, educational, managerial, and communication skills The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees by reason of race, color, religion,* sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. *The Diocese, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to require “practicing Catholic” to be a qualification for a position.

May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 39

Announcements

Three to retire in Catholic schools with over 20 years of service

Marianite jubilees

Five Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross were recognized at a Mass celebrated by Abbot Justin Brown, O.S.B., of St. Joseph Abbey in St. Benedict, at St. Rita Church in New Orleans.

Sisters Christine Perrier and Cheryl Porte are celebrating their 50th jubilee. Sister Immaculata Paisant, former diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools for 24 years; Sister Mary Fatima Robichaux (in absentia) who served at St. Lawrence parish in Chacahoula, Holy Cross parish in Morgan City and St. Patrick in Gibson; and Sister Rose Mary Wessel, are celebrating their 70th jubilee.

Donna Burke

Gary Phillips

Rebecca Pitts

Story by Janet Marcel Three educators in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux are retiring at the end of the 2017-18 school year with 96 combined years of service in Catholic education.

Donna Burke, development director at Holy Cross Elementary School in Morgan City, will retire with 23 years of service to the school.

Gary Phillips, who currently teaches American history, AP government and photography at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma, will retire with 18 years of service to the school. Phillips also spent 27 years at E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux where he taught English and American history, as well as holding several other titles including six years as principal.

Rebecca Pitts, math teacher at E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux, will retire with 28 years of service to the school. Pitts taught all levels of math, including being the first teacher to teach AP Calculus.

She also served as math department chair, senior class moderator, junior class moderator, pep squad moderator and graduation coordinator. BC

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40 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

Announcements

Catholic Foundation seminar May 17 The Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana is sponsoring a planned giving seminar entitled “Why your parish needs planned giving,” for diocesan priests and parish staff on Thursday, May 17 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever. The presenter will be Josephine Everly, COO and director of gift planning for the Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Lunch will be provided. RSVP online at catholicfoundationsl.org or to aponson@htdiocese.org. BC

Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans event June 30 The Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans (CCRNO) will sponsor a Day of Refreshment for Women Saturday, June 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Matthew the Apostle Church parish in River Ridge. The theme is “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight.” Women’s retreat team members Patti Mansfield and Kim Lukinovich will speak at this event. There will be testimonies by women of the region along with prayer and praise. The newest team member, Janice Charbonnet, will be introduced.

Cost is $30, which includes lunch.

Teaching, small groups, prayer ministry and music by Mercy Beaucoup will be featured. Register online at www.ccrno.org by Wednesday, June 20, Noon, to order lunch. On-site registrations are accepted but no lunch is guaranteed. For more information, call CCRNO at (504) 828-1368 or visit www.ccrno.org. BC

Outreach Line In response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is offering an Outreach Line (formerly known as the Child Protection Contact Line). The Outreach Line is an effort to continue the diocesan commitment to support healing for people who have been hurt or sexually abused recently or in the past by clergy, religious or other employees of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. A trained mental health professional responds to the line. Individuals are offered additional assistance if requested.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line Telephone number is (985) 873-0026 or (985) 850-3172

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

Con el fin de cumplir con las Políticas de Protección de Niños y Jóvenes de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Los Estados Unidos, la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux ofrece una Línea de Comunicación (antes Línea de Contacto para la Protección de los Niños). La Línea de Comunicación es parte del esfuerzo diocesano de comprometerse con el mejoramiento de aquéllos que han sido lastimados o abusados sexualmente recientemente o en el pasado por miembros del clero, religiosos u otros empleados de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux.

El horario de la Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux es de 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m., de lunes a viernes. El encargado de esta línea es un profesional capacitado en salud mental. Se ofrece asistencia adicional al ser solicitada.

Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux Número de teléfono (985) 873-0026 o (985) 850-3172

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Ñeå höôûng öùng Hieán chöông Baûo veä Treû em vaø Giôùi treû töø Hoäi ñoàng Giaùm muïc Hoa kyø, Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux ñang chuaån bò ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp (luùc tröôùc laø ñöôøng daây lieân laïc baûo veä treû em). Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp laø moät söï coá gaéng cuûa giaùo phaän nhaèm cam keát haøn gaén naâng ñôõ nhöõng ai ñaõ bò toån thöông hoaëc bò laïm duïng tính duïc hoaëc gaàn ñaây hoaëc trong quaù khöù bôûi giaùo só, tu só hoaëc caùc coâng nhaân vieân cuûa Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux. Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän hoaït ñoäng töø 8:30 saùng ñeán 4:30 chieàu, thöù hai ñeán thöù saùu. Moät nhaân vieân chuyeân nghieäp veà söùc khoûe taâm thaàn traû lôøi treân ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi. Nhöõng caù nhaân seõ ñöôïc trôï giuùp naâng ñôõ theâm neáu caàn.

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Soá ñieän thoaïi: (985) 873-0026; (985) 850-3172

May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 41

Sports

Overtime Ed Daniels

Plaisance has no regrets coaching women’s hoops at Nicholls

She left a team that she thought was poised to win a national championship, for a team that had never had a winning season.

“I love Loyola University,” said former women’s head basketball coach DoBee Plaisance.

“I had no intention of leaving.”

But, 10 years later, Plaisance does not regret interviewing to coach women’s hoops at Nicholls.

At least she doesn’t regret it now.

“I am not wasting their time, or my time,” said Plaisance when she was asked to interview.

“I am not taking this job.”

At Loyola, Plaisance had the nucleus returning of a team that had reached the Elite 8 in the NAIA national tournament.

She was hired by then director of athletics Rob Bernardi with a long term view.

And, a decade later the Colonels won the Southland Conference tournament championship and played in the NCAA women’s tournament for the first time.

When she accepted the job, she got the same advice from many of her colleagues.

“They thought it was a dead end,” said Plaisance.

Plaisance said she knew little of the bayou, and even less about Nicholls State University.

She said one of the school’s selling points was its outstanding academics.

“They call it Harvard on the bayou for a reason,” said Plaisance.

A chance to get a quality education and buy into the head coach’s vision of the program was all she could sell.

Before she arrived, the Colonels had never won 15 games in a season, nor had they had three consecutive seasons of double digit victories.

In her first season, she won two games. Her conviction in what she was doing did not waver.

“It is always about God’s plan. I am going to be the best version of me wherever I need to be.”

The sacrifices were many for the coach, and her family.

Plaisance said she had to move into the community.

That meant her daughter, Theresa, who would later score 1,293 career points at LSU, would have to leave Ursuline Academy.

Theresa transferred to Vandebilt Catholic.

Plaisance, a 2010 McDonald’s All-American, led Vandebilt to the school’s first ever state championship in girls’ basketball.

So, 10 years after she accepted a job, at a place her many friends in the coaching business said she could never be successful, the confetti was streaming down.

42 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

The Colonels had reached the NCAA tournament.

“At that moment, I finally understood the term March Madness,” said Plaisance.

The Colonels, who won the automatic bid as the four seed in the Southland Conference tournament, still have a lot of work to do.

Plaisance said her team’s goals for next season are already in place.

“We want to win the conference regular season championship and the tournament championship,” said Pleasance.

“We want to be the Loyola-Chicago of women’s college basketball.” BC

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Bayou

Catholic

Graduation Contents

E.D. White Catholic

Central Catholic

Vandebilt Catholic

46

50

52

Nicholls State

Grand Isle

South Lafourche

54

56

56

Thibodaux High

South Terrebonne

Morgan City

57

57

57

Ellender High

56

H.L. Bourgeois

58 44 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

Central Lafourche

58

Terrebonne High

58

Best Wishes for a successful future.

Bayou

Catholic

May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 45

Graduation

E.D. White commencement is May 18 E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux will hold its graduation ceremony Friday, May 18 at 6:45 p.m. at the Warren J. Harang Jr. Municipal Auditorium in Thibodaux.

The Class of 2018 chose “Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts,” as its class motto. Class colors are rose gold and gray; class flower is the rose; and the class song is You’re Gonna Miss This by Trace Adkins. Senior class officers are Paris Grace Perrodin, president; Adeline Sternfels, vice president.

Potential graduates are Ashtin Adams, Hannah Adams, Noah Adams, Gracie Agosta, Austun Albares, Annie Alexander, Natalie Angelette, Ceysia Antolin, Ashley Arcement, Austin Aucoin, Chanz Ayo, Luke Babin, Tyler Barrois, Alexis Becnel, Joshua Becnel, Hailey Bergeron, Olivia Bergeron, Reed Boudreaux, Andre Bourgeois, Race Bourgeois, Charles Brady, James Brady II, Madison Breaux, Matthew Caldwell, Philip Caldwell, Dominique Callais, Cade Candies, Sonny Charpentier, Connor Cheramie, Norah John Cheramie, Caleb Chiasson, Emma Chiasson, Evan Chiasson, Lane Chiasson, Mason Clark, Elliott Clay,

Grace Anne Clement, Allison Cortez, Camryn Crosby, Joseph Cruse, Alexander Cutrone, Madison Daigle, Trey Daigle, Mallory Dardar, Katelyn Davis, Grant DeGravelle, Lexi DeLatte, Edie Delaune, Collin DeSandro, Dillon Dickerson, Margaux Diebold, Hudson Domangue,

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May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 47

Graduation

Jackson Donner, Stephen Duplechain Jr., Austin Dupre, Caroline DuRocher, Ayden Duvernay, Camille Ellis, Grace Falgoust, Nicole Falgoust, Aaron Favaloro, Cameron Folse, Collin Folse, Emily Gaudet, Jordana Gaudet, Jeremy Gautreaux, Hudson Gravois, Layne Gravois, Matthew Griffin, Hannah Gros, Kenneth Gros, Jacob Hagen, Calista Hebert, Caroline Hebert, Leo Hebert IV, Carter Heintze, Whitney Hicks, Jayce Himel, Matthew Holland, Madelyn Hopkins, Catherine Hubbell, Sarah Hubbell, Julianne Hull, Connor Kliebert, Madison Konur, Adele Labat, Claire Labat, Benjamin Lajaunie, William Lanier, Megan Laurie, Olivia Lawless, Brennan LeBlanc, Amanda Ledet, Rachel Lefort, James Leonard, Mary Lo, Lucy Lyons, Allie Massey, Karlie Matherne, Malorie Matherne, Blake Melancon, Cameron Melancon, Blaize Mims, Austin Montero, Payton Morvant, Caroline Naquin, Ethan Naquin, Nicole Nezzio, Marianna Nguyen, Victoria Oliphant, Jamie Oubre, Katherine Pate, William Peltier, Claire Percle, Parish Grace Perrodin, Alec Plaisance, Caleb Plaisance, Randi Plaisance, Paxton Prestenbach, Teresa Price, Hailey Richard, Nicholas Robichaux, Seth Robichaux, Taylor Robichaux, Zachary Robichaux, Donald Robichaux III, Kristen Rodrigue, Marlo Rodrigue, Morgan Rodrigue, Spencer Rome, Rebecca Ruester,

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Morrigan Sampey, Ian Sanders, Elizabeth Schouest, Caroline Scorsone, Jordan Servat, Mary Kathryn Sevin, Nikolas Shanklin, Christian Shutts, Harlee Smith, Isabel Soignet, Cameron Steib, Sydney Stein, Adeline Sternfels, Eli Sternfels, Ashlyn Sutton, Hunter Tabor, Rhett Tanner, Gabriel Theiss, Brady Theriot, Corrion Thomas, Collin Toups, Kelby Toups, Noelle Toups, Tommy Tran, Alexander Tregre, Jacob Trosclair, Dexter Troxclair, Hannah Verret, Addison Welborn, Emma Westbrook, A’kilah Williams, Tristan Wong.

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11/30/17 5:17•PM May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic 49

Graduation

Central Catholic commencement is May 19 Central Catholic High School in Morgan City will hold its graduation ceremony Saturday, May 19 at 1 p.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morgan City. The Class of 2018 chose “Wise people change; fools remain the same,” as its class motto. Class colors are gray and yellow; class flower is the blue hydrangea; and the class song is Five More Minutes

by Scotty McCreery. Senior class officers are Cooper LeBlanc, president; Taylor Picou, vice president; Cade Minton, secretary; Wrenn Patterson, treasurer.

Potential graduates are Braxton Alcina, Trynitie August, Jackson Autrey, Beau Bordelon, Alyssa Burton, Cy Colgin, Graham Copeland, Tori Estay, Madelyn Gros, Matthew Guarisco, Macy Johnson, David Laubach, Cooper LeBlanc, Tyler Longman, Cameron McDaniel, Cade Minton, Thomas Mire, Kaleigh Navarro, Tyler O’con, Wrenn Patterson, Taylor Picou, Sara Price, Kelly Russo, Bayli Scully, Christopher Singleton, Dominic Skipper, Isaiah Skipper, Sarah Thomas, Ethan Whittington, Quincee Wiggins, Alaysia Williams. BC

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Congratulations to all 2018 Graduates For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you... plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 We have gifts for the following occasions: Graduation • Anniversaries • Baptism Confirmation • First Communion Dance Recitals • Mother’s Day • Father’s Day Weddings • Plus Other Seasonal Items

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50 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

GOD IS GOOD Central Catholic High School Class of 2018 CCHS proudly salutes our Class of 2018.

You carry on a tradition of over 125 years of Catholic education in the Morgan City area, and we wish you continued success for a lifetime of accomplishments and contributions.

Central Catholic High School 2100 Cedar Street Unit 1 Morgan City, LA 70380 985-385-5372 ~ Fax: 985-385-3444 www.cchseagles.com May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 51

Graduation

Vandebilt commencement is May 19 Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma will hold its graduation ceremony Saturday, May 19 at 9 a.m. at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. The Class of 2018 chose “We’re here for a good time, not for a long time,” as its class motto. Class colors are lavender and white; class flower is the sunflower; and the class song is I’ll Always Remember You

by Miley Cyrus. Senior class officers are Abigail Cazayoux, president; Alaina Maiorana, vice president; Reagan Chauvin, secretary.

Potential graduates are Morgan Alston, Ryder Alston, Calvin Amacker Jr., Landon Amedee, Landon Andre’, Reece Antill, Sophie Babin, Isabelle Barnes, Ally Barrios, Brayden Barthelemy, Camryn Beebe, Colby Bergeron, Leigh Bergeron, Sarah Besson, Rebecca Beyer, Megan Blanchard, Natalie Bolduc, Stephen Bonnecarrere Jr., Grace Borne, Alexander Boudloche, André Boudreaux Jr., Parker Boudreaux, Joe Boudreaux III, Emie Bourg, Sophia Bouzigard, Carmen Brand, Michael Braud, Alyssa Breaux, Austin Breaux, Connor Breaux, Steven Breaux, Mallory Bruno, Andrea Buquet, Austin Burns, Charley Cancienne, Dalton Cancienne, Sarah Castell, Daralyn Cavaness, Abigail Cazayoux, Benjamin Cazayoux, Jacob Chaisson, Rob Charpentier, Bethany Chauvin, Reagan Chauvin, Daniel Chavez, Candace Clause, Clay Collins, Hannah Comeaux, Marie Crochet, Sarah Curtis, Brock Daigle, Danny Dang, Katie Davis, Denee Dhuet, Jake Duet, Madalynn Duplantis, Madelyn Duplantis, Noah Dupre, Noah Ellender, Clinton Erny, Taylor Eues, Gabrielle Evans, Catherine Fairchild, Zachary Falgout, Michael Folse, Steven Fontaine, Alexandria Galiano, Allison Galinsky, Christian Gary, Emily Gauthreaux, Kirkland Grace, Anna Lynn Haydel, Brooke Haydel, Richard Haydel III, Ashley Hebert, Brady Hebert, Ethan Henry, Gabe Hohensee, Carra Hymel, Maddison Jarveaux, Brittany Kinnard, Katelyn Klingman, Brandon Knight, Clay Knight, Mason Landry, Peyton Landry, Joshua Leary, Alexis LeBlanc, Erica LeBoeuf, Michael LeCompte,

Lauren Leonard, Madison Liner, Lorin Lirette, Alaina Maiorana, Megan Martin, Bailey Matherne, John McCain, Matthew McRae, Dyami Mitch, Tyler Mixon, Philip Morvant, Megan Moss, Molly Myers, Corinne Page, Madison Parfait, Claire Parish, James Payne, Madeleine Pennison, Alaina Pitre, Alexa Pitre, Alex Ponson, Joshua Porche, Alex Positerry, Breanna Prosperie, Kyle Rabalais, Juliet Rau, Wesam Reemawi, Sydney Remont, Morgan Rhymes, Sophia Robichaux, Madelyn Rodrigue, Brennan Rogers, Matthew Rotolo, Noelle Rudolf, Jake Ryan, Jacob Sanders, Alex Schexnayder, Claire Schwab, Amelia Scott, Braden Scott, Rachel Smart, Maria Smith, Jacques Soileau, Richard St. Martin, Rae Stark, Sophia Stathes, Kole Stoltz, Dylan Talbot, John Theriot, Micaela Theriot, Zeik Theriot, Connor Thibodeaux, Molly Thompson, Rebecca Thompson, Hannah Trahan, Harley Trahan, Dustin Trosclair, Kyle Trosclair, Olivia Trosclair, Nicholas Vice, Morgan Vizier, Phillip Watkins, Alexandra Welch, Chandler Whitney, Hunter Whitney, Kader Wilson, Brock Wunstell, Ashton Zeringue.

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52 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

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Congratulations, graduates!

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- Colossians 2:6-7

209 S. Hollywood Rd.

l

Houma, LA 70360

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985-876-2551 l www.vandebiltcatholic.org May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 53

Graduation

Nicholls spring commencement is May 19 Nicholls State University in Thibodaux will hold its spring commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 19, in John L. Guidry Stadium.

In the event of bad weather, commencement will be moved to Stopher Gymnasium and split into three ceremonies: the College of Arts and Sciences at 9 a.m., the College of Education and College of Business Administration at Noon, and the College of Nursing and Allied Health at 3 p.m.

Tickets will be required only if the ceremonies are relocated to the gym.

New Orleans chef and Nicholls alum Michael Gulotta will deliver the keynote speech during the 102nd commencement ceremony.

“This is an amazing feeling and such a tremendous compliment to receive from my alma mater,” Gulotta said.

“You never think about this when you’re in school because you’re so busy trying to figure out what you’re doing with your life. Nicholls prepared me for the road that I have traveled and it’s an incredible honor to come back.”

Since graduating from the Chef John Folse Culinary

n o C

Institute at Nicholls in 2003, Gulotta has worked under a bevy of internationally recognized chefs including John Folse, John Besh, Pete Vasquez, Marco Ballo and Karl Josef Fuchs.

He is the owner of two popular New Orleans establishments, MoPho and Maypop, and appeared on Food Network’s Iron Chef Gauntlet last year.

In 2016 alone, Gulotta was named New Orleans Magazine’s Chef of the Year, Food & Wine’s Best New Chef, received a Star Chefs Rising Stars Award and was a finalist for a James Beard Award. Also, MoPho was named Bon Appetit’s Best New Restaurant. BC

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May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 55

Graduation

Grand Isle graduation May 23 Grand Isle School in Grand Isle will hold its graduation ceremony Wednesday, May 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the school’s gym. The Class of 2018 chose “A new day will dawn for those who stand strong, and the forest will echo with laughter,” as its class motto. Class colors are maroon, silver and white; class flower is the sunflower; and the class song is Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey. Senior class officers are Natalie LaFont, president; Joel Bradberry, vice president. BC

South Lafourche graduation May 22 South Lafourche High School in Galliano will hold its graduation ceremony Tuesday, May 22 at 7 p.m. at the SLHS Auditorium. The Class of 2018 chose “Together we have experienced life, separately we will pursue our dreams, and forever our memories will remain,” as its class motto. Class colors are silver and blue; class flower is the white rose; and the class song is I’ll Always Remember You by Miley Cyrus. Senior class officers are Hollyn Guidroz, president; Emily Gros and Jonathan Vega, vice presidents; Elizabeth Curole, secretary; Carlie Guidry, treasurer; Brooke Dufrene, reporter; and Beau Callais, Madison Cheramie, Angelle Danos, Cassie Faulk, Hannah Gisclair, Jacob Griffin, Tanner Jalbert, Angelle Legendre, My-Thuy Nguyen, representatives. BC

Ellender High graduation May 17 Allen J. Ellender Memorial High School in Houma will hold its graduation ceremony Tuesday, May 17 at 7 p.m. at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. The Class of 2018 chose “Cherish yesterday, live for today and reach for tomorrow,” as its class motto. Class colors are red, white and blue; class flower is the red rose; the class song is See You Again

by Charlie Puth. Senior class officers are Lessie Williams, president; Keion Lyons, vice president; Thomas Bobbitt, secretary; Kelsey Verdin, treasurer; Lauren Louviere, class representative. BC

56 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

Graduation

Thibodaux High graduation May 24 Thibodaux High School will hold its graduation ceremony Thursday, May 24 at 6 p.m. at the Warren J. Harang Jr. Municipal Auditorium in Thibodaux. The Class of 2018 chose “Simplicity is beautiful,” as its class motto. Class colors are white and purple; class flower is the magnolia; and the class song is I Lived by One Republic. Senior class officers are Lauren Rhodes, president; Amari Clark, vice president; Ali Ponson, secretary; Abbie Bonvillian, Amy Holton, Hannah Robinson, spirit coordinators; Hailey Alcorn, Laila Andras, Abbie Arceneaux, Jaiden Brown, Rachel Carter, Taylor Chiasson, Lindsey Clement, Brandon Cone, Sierra Cortez, Allie Ordoyne, Melinie Rodrigue, Maegan Terrel, Makena Terrel, Naomi Winston, executive board. BC

South Terrebonne graduation May 22 South Terrebonne High School in Bourg will hold its graduation ceremony Tuesday, May 22 at 7 p.m. at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. The Class of 2018 chose “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” as its class motto. Class colors are green and black; class flower is the white rose; and the class song is Don’t You Forget About Me

by Simple Minds. Senior class officers are Lainey Naquin, president; Garrett Frazier, vice president; Bryce Billiot, secretary; Lauren Robichaux, treasurer. BC

Morgan City High graduation May 11 Morgan City High School in Morgan City will hold it graduation ceremony Friday, May 11 at 6 p.m. at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium. The Class of 2018 chose “Our lives are before us, our pasts are behind us, but our memories are forever,” as its class motto. Class colors are rose gold and pearl; class flower is the white rose; and the class song is I Lived by OneRepublic. Senior class officers are Tayla Weary, president; A’Mari Martin, vice president; Kelsey Crochet, secretary. BC

May 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 57

Graduation

H.L. Bourgeois graduation May 21 H.L. Bourgeois High School in Gray will hold its graduation ceremony Monday, May 21 at 7 p.m. at the HoumaTerrebonne Civic Center. The Class of 2018 chose “Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know,” as its class motto. Class colors are royal, white and silver; class flower is the white rose; and the class song is When We Were Young by Adele. Senior class officers are Erin Rogers, president; Alayna Barker, vice president; Noah Hebert, secretary; Alexis Trahan, treasurer. BC

Central Lafourche graduation May 23 Central Lafourche High School in Raceland will hold its graduation ceremony Wednesday, May 23 at 7 p.m. at the Warren J. Harang Jr. Municipal Auditorium in Thibodaux.

The Class of 2018 chose “Truth will prevail,” as its class motto. Class colors are green and gold; class flower is the talisman rose; the class song had not been selected as of press time. Senior class officers are Cameron Richard, president; Gabrielle Hodson, vice president; Erin Baudoin, secretary; Sarah Thibodeaux, treasurer; Jade Luna, reporter; Lacey Hebert, parliamentarian. BC

Terrebonne High graduation May 23 Terrebonne High School in Houma will hold its graduation ceremony Wednesday, May 23 at 7 p.m. at the HoumaTerrebonne Civic Center. The Class of 2018 chose “Go forth with your hope high and ambitions higher, with your head in the clouds and eyes in the stars,” as its class motto. Class colors are crimson and gold; class flower is the black baccara rose; and the class song is See You Again by Wiz Khalifa.

Senior class officers are Emily Dinger, president; Annie Reaves, vice president; Estelle Verdin, secretary; Cameron Carter, treasurer. BC

58 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2018

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