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LENT Pope Francis: Never forget to smile, even when life is hard
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The Lord is Risen!
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Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
-- 40 Days Of Renewal --
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Life and Legacy Giving Thanks
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Two ordained to priesthood
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Bishop Shelton J. Fabre celebrates five years in Houma-Thibodaux
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Pope Francis:
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A new school year has begun
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‘Nothing can erase baptism, that is why it only happens once’
Golden Meadow Blessing of the Fleet
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Shrimp boats is a-comin’
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special collection
in all church parishes nov. 16-17 Thank you for your generosity.
Bayou Catholic
The collection will be held on November 9 and 10, 2019 Thank you for your generous support.
The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA Director of Vocations (202) 719-3600 Email: vocations@milarch.org • www.milarch.org/vocations
Contents
Features 38 Sing-a-Long group
By Lawrence Chatagnier
Columns 8 Comfort For My People
By Bishop Shelton J. Fabre
12
Pope Speaks
Pope Francis I
13
Questions of Faith
By Father Joshua Rodrigue
14
Readings Between the Lines
By Father Glenn LeCompte
49
Reading With Raymond
By Raymond Saadi
56
A Deacon’s Wife’s Confessions
By Angie Lefevre
62 Overtime
By Ed Daniels
In Every Issue 6 From the Editor 16 Scripture Readings 28 Heavenly Recipes 34 Youth In Action 41 Daily Prayer for Priests,
Deacons and Seminarians
57
Diocesan Events
Guest Columns 30 Vocations awareness
36
Catholic Campaign for Human Development
By Dr. Nicole Bourgeois, LMFT
58
Grateful to God
On Our Cover
LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC
Deacon James and Amy Brunet, parishioners of St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma, are celebrating 40 years of marriage this year. They were one of 219 couples honored this year at the annual diocesan wedding anniversary prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. 4 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
By Father John David Matherne
By Father Wilmer Todd
Announcements 42 Catholic Foundation Update 44 #iGiveCatholic giving day is
Tuesday, Dec. 3
51
Director of Hispanic Ministry named
Jose’ Lopez
Jose’ Cooks a:
MEXICAN MEAL 28
This month’s heavenly recipe, Red Chilaquiles, comes from ose’ Lopez, a native of Tabasco, Mexico, which is on the outhern coast of the country. It is a recipe that was handed own to Jose’ from his mother. He has been in the U.S. for the ast 11 years working as a drywall finisher while supporting is wife Maria and two daughters who are still in Mexico. “It not uncommon for Mexican men to work and live in the .S. while supporting a family back home in Mexico. I have iends who are also supporting their families the best that hey can while working here.” Jose’ gets most of his recipes from his mother who he says a great cook. He has an older sister who has a restaurant in is hometown. “I learned to cook when I was about 13 years d. My mom worked and I had to cook for my sisters.” Jose’ loves to barbecue meat over a low heat using wood nd charcoal. He also makes homemade tortilla chips for many of his Mexican recipes. “I cook for many of the Hispanic unctions which are held at the Pastoral Center. I find elaxation in cooking. I like to cook for people. I like to share hat I cook.” Jose’ calls South Louisiana his second home. He is a arishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Cut Off where he ooks for many parish functions and is part of the prayer and raise group that meets on Fridays. He says that his father as key in helping him form his Catholic faith. “I am proud nd honored to be a part of the growing Hispanic Community hat gathers at Sacred Heart Church. I thank those in the Cut ff community and especially Sacred Heart parishioners for eing so welcoming. I feel like I am a part of this community.” “I pray to God and thank him daily. I also pray to our lessed Mother Mary to protect our families while we are way from them. One day I would like my family to join me in he U.S., but right now that is not possible.” BC
34
Bayou Red Chilaquiles
Catholic
INGREDIENTS:
3 lbs. boneless chicken breasts 10 pieces of Roma tomatoes 6 pieces of Guajillo peppers 12 oz. chicken broth How to reach us: Half an onion BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132 3 to 4 cloves of garlic BY MAIL: P.O. Box 505 Pinch of cumin Schriever, LA 70395 Pinch of black pepper BY FAX: (985) 850-3232 Salt to taste BY E-MAIL: Olive oil bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org Fresh shredded cheese tortilla chips The Bayou Catholic is published monthly, for
33
the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux by the H-T Publishing Co., P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Cook the chicken breasts about 30 to 35 minutes. Subscription rate is $35 per year.
DIRECTIONS:
Add salt. Leave out to cool then shred. Place the Guajillo peppers in boiling water seeds. Thewithout Bayou Catholic is a Turn member of the Catholic Press Association, the National Newspaper off burner and let set for 10 minutes. Cut tomatoes in Association and an associate quarters and put into blender. Add the onion, garlic, member of the Louisiana Press Association. cumin, black pepper and more salt if needed. Blend well. Pour olive oil in pot; add the sauceLawrence from blender Chatagnier editor andAdd general when oil is hot. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes. themanager chicken broth and shredded chicken; cook for 10 more April LeBouef minutes. After cooking, let it set for 10 minutes. Serve business manager on top of tortilla chips and add fresh cheese on top if you like. Janet Marcel staff writer/administrative assistant
38
Lisa Schobel Hebert graphic designer
Meridy Liner
accounts receivable/payable assistant
Like us on Facebook or Find us on the web www.bayoucatholic.org
Where to find your Bayou Catholic
8 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
45
Brooks Lirette
advertising accounts executive
46
Bayou Catholic magazine can be found 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
November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 5
From the Editor
It’s November and our thoughts are on autumn with its cooler, shorter days, football, harvest time, and anything and everything pumpkin spice. It is also a month that we take the time to be especially thankful for all of God’s blessings upon us. Thanksgiving Day is a significant day in November when friends and family get together and give thanks for all that they enjoy in life. We have much to be thankful for in a country where as Americans we live out many freedoms daily. As Thanksgiving approaches at the end of this month we have the opportunity to thank God for our many blessings. Let us also be mindful in prayer for all those who will not have a happy Thanksgiving Day this year that God’s grace and mercy will touch their lives so they may find joy.
The staff of the Bayou Catholic magazine and all who contribute news, events, commentaries and noteworthy reflections are thankful for its loyal readership. We are also very grateful for the many businesses that advertise in the monthly publication and who support our efforts to inform, educate, inspire and sometimes challenge our readership. The magazine’s mission is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by informing, educating, guiding, inspiring, challenging and unifying the people of Houma-Thibodaux through print media. It is first and foremost designed to be an evangelization tool for the people of the diocese. Over the past few years the publication has had to rely more heavily on its advertising revenue rather than diocesan support, and since 2015, from a second collection in all of the church parishes. We are constantly trying to find ways to cut costs. Most recently we have renegotiated printing prices with our printing company. We are grateful to them for the new prices which save us money. We are also mindful of how many magazines we
6 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
print so that there are not too many left at the churches at the end of each month. We have been making every effort to be good stewards of the resources provided to us. The reduction of printing costs and a keen eye on how many magazines are printed have resulted in a reduction of costs; but we still need your help. This month there will be a second collection in all church parishes of the diocese on Nov. 16-17. Your contribution will help the Bayou Catholic continue to be the informative, award winning publication that the people of the diocese are accustomed to receiving. Your support of the second collection for the Bayou Catholic is greatly appreciated. Remember, after reading Bayou Catholic, pass it on to a friend or relative who might not be attending Mass. It’s one of the great ways to do your part in spreading the Good News!
Lawrence
Lawrence Chatagnier Editor & General Manager
Church Life
Filipino celebration
Filipinos from across the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux gathered at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux for a Filipino Mass celebrating the feast of St. Lawrence Ruiz and St. Peter Calungsod. Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs was the main celebrant of the Mass.
Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier
November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 7
Comment
The saints in heaven can be our mentors
Bishop Shelton J. Fabre
For Catholics, the month of November is marked by two major liturgical celebrations: The Solemnity of All Saints and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day). All Saints Day honors the many unknown saints who now share eternal life with God in heaven. All Souls Day, on the other hand, draws attention to all of the faithful departed who are on the journey to live eternally with God in heaven. Our prayers and good works ease their purgatory. The church lifts up the saints in order to educate and encourage us to follow their example. We by nature mimic the behavior of those around us, especially when it seems to be working. If you pay attention to children, they repeat what they see their parents doing or saying. In striving to do what we see others doing successfully, a mentor is a guide and example who embodies the thing we aspire to accomplish. As such, the saints in heaven can be mentors for us. Saints can guide us in holiness, prayer, and the moral life because they have already accomplished what we are striving to accomplish. We should rely on the saints as mentors and intentionally follow their faith example. When we follow the model of others unintentionally, we experience ourselves as being on a sort of ‘autopilot.’ We follow whatever we see others doing if it seems successful, or we follow a process because it has always been done that way. This is a survival technique, and this autopilot can leave us repeating actions even when they are no longer helpful. However, we do not have to stay on autopilot. We can
choose our own models. When we are intentional about what behaviors we choose and who we choose to follow, we have greater control over our lives. Adjusting this autopilot through a mentor is simple and effective. Pick someone who is doing the thing you want to do or has a characteristic that you want to have. Observe them. Then, do what they do. As you make
“
A mentor is a guide and example who embodies the thing we aspire to accomplish. As such, the saints in heaven can be mentors for us. Saints can guide us in holiness, prayer, and the moral life because they have already accomplished what we are striving to accomplish.
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Comfort For My People
decisions, ask yourself what would they do? What would they say? By this simple repetition, what starts off feeling awkward becomes easier. This is the way that habits form. Once we have internalized the behavior, we can perfect it. This process can be applied to nearly every aspect of the human experience: Practical skills, work skills, spiritual skills, and our search for holiness.
8 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
If we make this practice of mimicking the positive actions and attitudes of the saints our own, we will no longer be living on autopilot. We become free; free to become better versions of ourselves and to strive for excellence. A model provides a goal and direction which resolves the aimlessness that comes from being on autopilot. So often, we do not know what it would look like if we were succeeding at our goals. A model provides a realistic example of what our life could be like. Living as a Christian is always going to be hard. Excellence is always going to be hard. Having a model helps. If your model is a saint, you can develop a real friendship with that saint. As you learn about the saint, you can ask for their intercession and become closer to them. Choosing not to do this work, not to strive for excellence, not to follow a model, is only going to result in things remaining the same. Nobody is going to make us do this. If I am not satisfied with where I am in life, then I am the only one who can make a change happen. I must ask myself with total honesty and vulnerability, “Am I okay with where I am? Am I the best that I can be?” If I am not okay with where I am, a mentor can develop me and help me overcome whatever is holding me back. Following the example of a saint can assist me to see what I might be missing or taking for granted. At the very least, inviting in the example of saintly mentors can create community and combat the feelings of isolation that can arise when we feel stuck. During this month of November, pray for all who have died. Through our payers and good works may they know eternal life in heaven. Then, choose a saint as a mentor and a model. You will be hanging around in good company, and becoming more and more all that Jesus invites you to become. Please know that I also wish for you and your families all the joy, peace and blessings of these days of thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to all! BC
Comentario
Los santos en el cielo pueden ser nuestros mentores aquello que quieres hacer o tiene la característica que quisieras tener. Obsérvalos. Entonces, haz lo que hacen. Al tomar tus decisiones, pregúntate a ti mismo ¿qué harían ellos? ¿Qué dirían? Con esta simple repetición, lo que empieza con una sensación extraña, llega a ser más fácil. Esta es la manera que formamos los hábitos. Una vez que
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Un mentor es un guía y ejemplo quien personifica lo que aspiramos lograr. Tal como los santos en el cielo pueden ser mentores para nosotros. Los santos pueden guiarnos en la santidad, oración y vida moral porque ellos ya lograron lo que nosotros nos esforzamos por lograr.
“
Para los católicos, el mes de noviembre está marcado por dos celebraciones litúrgicas principales: La Solemnidad de Todos los Santos y la Conmemoración de todos los Fieles Difuntos (Día de los Difuntos). El día de Todos los Santos hace honor a santos desconocidos quienes ahora comparten la vida eterna con Dios en el cielo. El día de los Difuntos, por el otro lado, se refiere a todos los fieles difuntos quienes están en su camino a vivir eternamente con Dios en el cielo. Nuestras oraciones y buenas obras aligeran su purgatorio. La iglesia eleva a los santos con el fin de educarnos y animarnos a seguir su ejemplo. Nosotros por naturaleza imitamos el comportamiento de aquellos que nos rodean, especialmente cuando esto parece que está trabajando. Si le pones atención a los niños, ellos repiten lo que ven de sus padres están haciendo o diciendo. En esforzarnos por hacer exitosamente lo que vemos en otros, un mentor es un guía y ejemplo quien personifica lo que aspiramos lograr. Tal como los santos en el cielo pueden ser mentores para nosotros. Los santos pueden guiarnos en la santidad, oración y vida moral porque ellos ya lograron lo que nosotros nos esforzamos por lograr. Deberíamos confiar en los santos como mentores y seguir intencionalmente el ejemplo de su camino de fe. Cuando seguimos el modelo de otros involuntariamente, experimentamos sentir que estamos en “piloto automático”. Seguimos cualquier cosa que vemos parece ser exitosa, o seguimos un proceso porque siempre ha sido de esa manera. Esta es una técnica de sobrevivencia, y este piloto automático puede dejarnos repitiendo acciones aunque ya no sean útiles. Sin embargo, no tenemos que permanecer en piloto automático. Podemos elegir nuestros propios modelos. Cuando somos intencionales acerca de los comportamientos que elegimos y a quien elegimos seguir, tenemos un mayor control en nuestras vidas. Ajustar este piloto automático a través de un mentor es sencillo y efectivo. Elige alguien quien esté haciendo
internalizamos el comportamiento, podemos perfeccionarlo. Este proceso puede ser aplicado a casi cada aspecto de la experiencia humana: habilidades prácticas, habilidades laborales, habilidades espirituales, y nuestra búsqueda de la santidad. Si hacemos esta práctica de mímica
10 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
de acciones positivas y actitudes de los santos como propias, ya no estamos viviendo en piloto automático. Llegamos a ser libres; libres para llegar a ser la mejor versión de nosotros mismos y para alcanzar la excelencia. Un modelo provee un propósito y dirección lo cual resuelve la falta de rumbo que viene de estar en piloto automático. Así frecuentemente, no sabemos cómo sería si tuviéramos éxito en nuestra meta. Un modelo provee un ejemplo realista de lo que nuestra vida pudiera ser. Vivir como cristiano siempre será difícil. La excelencia siempre será difícil. Tener un modelo ayuda. Si tienes un santo como modelo, puedes desarrollar una amistad real con ese santo. Así como vas aprendiendo de los santos, puedes pedir su intercesión y llegar a estar más cerca de ellos. No elegir este trabajo, no esforzarse por la excelencia, no seguir un modelo, resultará únicamente que las cosas permanezcan iguales. Nadie nos hará hacer esto. Si no estoy satisfecho de dónde estoy en la vida, entonces soy el único que puede hacer que suceda el cambio. Me debo preguntar a mí mismo con total honestidad y vulnerabilidad, “¿me siento bien donde estoy? ¿Soy lo mejor que puedo ser?” Si no me siento bien en donde estoy, un mentor puede fomentarme y ayudarme a vencer cualquier cosa que nos detiene. Seguir el ejemplo de un santo puede ayudarme a ver lo que quizás esté faltando o doy por hecho. Al menos, acogiendo el ejemplo de mentores santos puede crear comunidad y combatir los sentimientos de soledad que surgen cuando nos sentimos atascados. Durante este mes de noviembre, oramos por todos los que han muerto. A través de nuestras oraciones y buenas obras puedan alcanzar de la vida eterna en el cielo. Entonces, elige un santo como mentor y modelo. Estarás rodeado de buena compañía y llegarás a ser más y más todo lo que Jesús te invita a ser. Haz de saber que te deseo a ti y a tu familia toda la felicidad, paz y bendiciones en estos días de acción de gracias. ¡Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias a todos! BC
Binh luan bang loi
Các Thánh trên trời có thể là những vị Cố vấn của chúng ta bạn muốn làm hoặc có một đặc điểm mà bạn muốn có. Hãy quan sát họ. Sau đó, hãy làm những gì họ làm. Khi bạn đưa ra quyết định, hãy tự hỏi họ sẽ làm gì? Họ sẽ nói gì? Bằng sự lặp lại đơn giản này, những gì bắt đầu cảm thấy khó khăn sẽ trở nên dễ dàng hơn. Đây là cách mà thói quen hình thành. Một khi chúng ta đã nội tâm hóa hành vi, chúng ta có thể hoàn thiện nó. Quá trình này có thể được áp dụng cho gần như mọi
“
Một người hướng dẫn và là mẫu gương thể hiện điều chúng ta khao vọng hoàn thành. Như vậy, các Thánh trên trời có thể là những vị thầy cho chúng ta. Các thánh có thể hướng dẫn chúng ta trong sự thánh thiện, cầu nguyện và đời sống đạo đức bởi vì họ đã hoàn thành những gì chúng ta đang phấn đấu để hoàn thành.
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Đối với người Công giáo, tháng 11 được đánh dấu bằng hai lễ kỷ niệm phụng vụ lớn: Lễ trọng kính các Thánh Nam Nữ và Lễ tưởng niệm tất cả các tín hữu đã lìa trần (Lễ Các Đẳng Linh Hồn). Lễ Các Thánh tôn vinh nhiều vị thánh vô danh hiện đang chia sẻ cuộc sống vĩnh cửu với Thiên Chúa trên Thiên Đàng. Ngược lại, Lễ Các Đẳng Linh Hồn hướng đến tất cả tín hữu đã qua đời, những người đang trên cuộc hành trình sống vĩnh cửu với Thiên Chúa trên Thiên Đàng. Những lời cầu nguyện và việc làm tốt của chúng ta sẽ làm giảm bớt hình khổ của họ nơi Luyện Ngục. Hội thánh tôn phong các Thánh để giáo dục và khuyến khích chúng ta noi gương họ. Tự bản chất, chúng ta bắt chước hành vi của những người chung quanh, đặc biệt là khi nó dường như đang hoạt động. Nếu bạn chú ý đến trẻ em, chúng lặp lại những gì chúng thấy cha mẹ chúng nói hoặc làm. Trong nỗ lực để làm những gì chúng ta thấy người khác làm một cách thành công, một vị thầy là một người hướng dẫn và là mẫu gương thể hiện điều chúng ta khao vọng hoàn thành. Như vậy, các Thánh trên trời có thể là những vị thầy cho chúng ta. Các thánh có thể hướng dẫn chúng ta trong sự thánh thiện, cầu nguyện và đời sống đạo đức bởi vì họ đã hoàn thành những gì chúng ta đang phấn đấu để hoàn thành. Chúng ta nên dựa vào các vị Thánh như những người cố vấn và quyết tâm noi theo gương mẫu đức tin của họ. Khi chúng ta vô tình noi theo gương mẫu của những người khác, chúng ta cảm nghiệm bản thân như đang ở trong một kiểu “sống cách máy móc.” Chúng ta làm theo bất cứ điều gì chúng ta thấy người khác làm nếu nó có vẻ thành công, hoặc chúng ta làm theo một quy trình bởi vì nó luôn được thực hiện theo cách đó. Đây là một kỹ thuật sinh tồn và chế độ sống máy móc này có thể khiến chúng ta lặp đi lặp lại các hành động ngay cả khi chúng không còn hữu ích. Tuy nhiên, chúng ta không phải ở lại trong trạng thái sống máy móc. Chúng ta có thể chọn mẫu mực riêng của mình. Khi chúng ta có chủ ý về những hành vi chúng ta chọn lựa và những người chúng ta chọn theo, chúng ta có quyền kiểm soát lớn hơn đối với cuộc sống của mình. Điều chỉnh trạng thái sống máy móc này thông qua một người thầy rất đơn giản và hiệu quả. Hãy chọn ai đó đang làm việc
khía cạnh của trải nghiệm của con người: Kỹ năng thực hành, kỹ năng làm việc, kỹ năng tâm linh và tìm kiếm sự thánh thiện của chúng ta. Nếu chúng ta thực hành việc bắt chước các hành động và thái độ tích cực của các vị Thánh của mình, chúng ta sẽ không còn sống một cách máy móc nữa. Chúng ta sẽ trở nên tự do; tự do trở thành phiên bản tốt
hơn của bản thân và phấn đấu trở nên trọn lành. Một mẫu gương cung cấp mục đích và hướng giải quyết sự vô dụng xuất phát từ việc sống cách máy móc. Thông thường, chúng ta không biết mọi thứ sẽ như thế nào nếu chúng ta thành công với mục đích của mình. Một mẫu gương cung cấp một điển hình thực tế về cuộc sống của chúng ta có thể như thế nào. Sống như một tín hữu luôn luôn là khó khăn. Sự trọn lành luôn luôn là khó khăn. Hãy tìm một mẫu gương để trợ giúp. Nếu mẫu gương của bạn là một vị thánh, bạn có thể phát triển một tình bạn thực sự với vị thánh đó. Khi bạn tìm hiểu về một vị thánh, bạn có thể nài van sự can thiệp của họ và trở nên gần gũi hơn với họ. Việc chọn lựa không làm công việc này, không phấn đấu để nên trọn lành, không theo một mẫu gương, sẽ dẫn đến kết quả duy nhất trong mọi thứ là vẫn y như cũ. Không ai bắt chúng ta làm điều này. Nếu tôi không hài lòng với nơi tôi đang sống, thì tôi là người duy nhất có thể tạo ra sự thay đổi. Tôi phải tự hỏi mình với sự trung thực và dễ bị tổn thương, “Tôi có ổn định với nơi tôi đang ở không? Tôi có phải là người tốt nhất mà tôi có thể không? Nếu tôi không ổn định với nơi ở của mình, người cố vấn có thể khai sáng cho tôi và giúp tôi vượt qua bất cứ điều gì đang kiềm hãm tôi lại. Theo gương của một vị thánh có thể giúp tôi thấy những gì tôi có thể thiếu sót hoặc được cho là điều hiển nhiên. Ít ra, việc noi theo gương mẫu của những vị cố vấn thánh thiện có thể tạo ra tính cộng đồng và chống lại những cảm giác cô lập có thể nảy sinh khi chúng ta cảm thấy bế tắc. Trong tháng 11 này, hãy cầu nguyện cho tất cả những người đã chết. Qua những lời cầu nguyện và những việc làm tốt của chúng ta, họ có thể được hưởng sự sống đời đời trên Thiên Đàng. Đồng thời, hãy chọn một vị Thánh làm người thầy và làm một mẫu gương. Bạn sẽ chơi thân với người bạn tốt, và ngày càng trở nên nhiều hơn cả những gì Chúa Giêsu mong muốn bạn trở thành. Xin biết rằng tôi cũng mong muốn cho Anh Chị Em và gia đình có được mọi niềm vui, bình an và phúc lành của những ngày Lễ Tạ Ơn này. Chúc mừng Lễ Tạ Ơn đến tất cả mọi người! Dịch thuật do Lm. Francis Bui, SDD và Thầy Paul Vu, SDD. Tu Đoàn Tông Đồ Giáo Sĩ Nhà Chúa BC
November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 11
Comment
Pope puts virtue and family at center of World Food Day message
Vatican City, (CNA) Pope Francis voiced his concerns about the world’s approach to food, and called for a global attitude of virtue toward nutrition in his World Food Day message to the UN Food & Agriculture Organization on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The theme of this year’s World Food Day is “Our Actions Are Our Future. Healthy Diets for a #ZeroHunger World,” which Pope Francis said he hoped would serve as a reminder that throughout the world, people are not eating in a healthy manner. “It is a cruel, unjust and paradoxical reality that, today, there is food for everyone and yet not everyone has access to it, and that in some areas of the world food is wasted, discarded and consumed in excess, or destined for other purposes than nutrition,” the pope said in a message sent to the director general of the UNFAO, Qu Dongyu, on Oct. 16. Francis said that while steps have been taken to help solve the issues of malnutrition and hunger, the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has not yet been fully implemented worldwide. While 820 million people in the world suffer from hunger, nearly the same number of people are overweight – these he said were “victims of improper dietary habits.” “We are in fact witnessing how food is ceasing to be a means of subsistence and turning into an avenue of personal destruction.” The pope said he was concerned
“
We are in fact witnessing how food is ceasing to be a means of subsistence and turning into an avenue of personal destruction.
“
The Pope Speaks
that obesity is to be found not only in rich countries, but in poorer countries where people are imitating diets that come from other more developed areas, and damaging their health in the process. “Due to poor nutrition, pathologies not only from the imbalance caused by ‘excess,’ often resulting in diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other forms of degenerative diseases, but
Pope Francis
also by ‘deficiency,’ as documented by an increasing number of deaths from anorexia and bulimia,” said Francis. Anorexia and bulimia are eating disorders. To fight this, the pope called for a “conversion in our way of living and acting,” and said that improved nutrition is “an important starting point.” He said that the only way to fight these “nutritional disorders” is by creating a lifestyle that is “inspired by gratitude for the gifts we have received” along with “the adoption of a spirit of temperance, moderation, selfcontrol and solidarity.” By embracing these virtues, Francis said that people will become more concerned for one another, and
12 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
“grow in a fraternal solidarity that seeks the common good and avoids the individualism and egocentrism” that perpetuates societal ills. This will further lead to a healthier relationship with oneself, others and the environment. The pope said the family, particularly farming families, has a “primary role to play” in accomplishing this societal shift. The family, he said, teaches how to embrace the earth, without abusing it. Through the family, “we also discover the most effective means for spreading lifestyles respectful of our personal and collective good,” Francis added. He praised the “increasing interdependence of nations” as a way for people to put aside other interests and create a sense of trust and friendship, particularly related to food concerns. Citing his environmental encyclical letter Laudato Si, he said that there needs to be a promotion of institutions and initiatives that assist the poor with access to basic resources, and that the current system is failing the neediest. In his message, Francis criticized “the logic of the market” and the quest for profit, which he said resulted in food being “regulated to a mere commercial product subject to financial speculation,” instead of being seen as something with “cultural, social and indeed symbolic importance.” Instead of taking this view of food, Francis suggested shifting views so that care of the human person is more of a concern than a profit margin. This approach, he said, will result in more effective programs that will solve the issues of hunger and obesity. “When priority is given to the human person, humanitarian aid operations and development programs will surely have a greater impact and will yield the expected results,” said Pope Francis. “We must come to realize that what we are accumulating and wasting is the bread of the poor.” BC
Comment
Questions of Faith Father Joshua Rodrigue
Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost What is the difference? I teach CCD. The children do not understand the concept of the Holy Spirit as a person. They think of him or her as a Ghost since he or she is pure spirit. How can I convey the correct idea to them? What is the difference? Depending upon the time and tradition, some have heard the third person of the Trinity referred to as either the Holy Spirit or the Holy Ghost. While either can be used, the more common usage in Catholic theology and worship today is Holy Spirit. Perhaps understanding the origin and development of the terms can help to convey the correct idea. Looking at the original languages of the Scriptures gives us an understanding of how the terms have developed over time. The Hebrew word in the Old Testament for spirit is ruah, which also can mean breath or wind. It is first used in Genesis 1:2, “And the earth was without form or shape, with darkness over the abyss and a mighty wind (ruah Elohim or, literally, spirit or breath of God) sweeping over the waters.” Ruah is used more often in the Old Testament in reference to God (for example, spirit of God or spirit of the Lord) than of persons or animals or
the literal wind. The spirit of God is the power by which he gives life to man and all creatures. The use of ruah as spirit when not linked with God usually is in reference to the human spirit, meaning either the actual immaterial part of humans (the soul) or one’s mood, emotional state or general disposition. In both the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint) and the New Testament, the term pneuma (πνεῦμα) is used for spirit or breath as in the Hebrew. In the New Testament, the word is often used in connection with the Holy Spirit or the works of the Holy Spirit. In the Latin translation of the Scriptures (the Vulgate), Holy Spirit is the translation of Spiritus Sanctus. From the Latin we derive the French Saint-Esprit, the Spanish Espíritu Santo, and the Italian Spirito Santo. However, the German translation is der Heilige Geist, literally the Holy Ghost, and gives us a clue to the origin of its usage in English. Before the Protestant separation from the Catholic Church began in Germany by Martin Luther in 1517, the authorized translation of the Bible from the original Hebrew and Greek was predominantly the Latin Vulgate with few exceptions. With the aid of Gutenberg’s newly-invented printing press, Martin Luther published his translation of the Greek Bible into German in 1522 with Holy Spirit being translated as Holy Ghost in the New Testament. By the early 1520s, the theological views of Martin Luther were known in England. The chain of events that led to the creation of the English New Testament possibly began in 1522, the year William Tyndale, the leading Protestant scholar and reformer in England, acquired a copy of Martin Luther’s German Bible. Tyndale used Hebrew and Greek sources along with Luther’s German translation of the Latin Vulgate. Tyndale’s translation was highly influential, forming the basis of all later English translations (the Coverdale Bible, 1535; the Great Bible, 1539; the Geneva Bible, 1557; the Bishop’s Bible, 1568; and the King James Bible, 1611). Therefore, it would be reasonable to posit that the German Heilige Geist
would translate into Holy Ghost as opposed to Holy Spirit. The Protestants would have viewed translating the Latin Spiritus Sanctus as Holy Spirit as being connected with Catholic theology and worship and thus avoid rendering it that way. In keeping with Protestant theology and worship, the English Bibles and prayers consequently would favor Holy Ghost. Over the past 500 years, words did not always hold their meanings, and so ghost and spirit changed places over time. Today when we use the word ghost, we mean a phantom or appearance of a dead person or a poltergeist (literally a noisy ghost). Because of this linguistic change, Holy Spirit has once again replaced in English Holy Ghost in theology and prayers because hearing it may in today’s culture conjure an image of the third person of the Trinity as a sort of Casper the Friendly Ghost or a ghost from Disney’s Haunted Mansion. Perhaps using the original Hebrew understanding of spirit as breath can help us understand the person of the Holy Spirit. “When the Father sends his Word, he always sends his Breath” (CCC 689). Jesus is the “Word” of God and the Holy Spirit is the “Breath.” The image makes God the Father the “Speaker”; the “Word” that he pronounces is God the Son, and the “Breath” he uses to speak his “Word” is God the Holy Spirit. The analogy comes from our experience of speaking, where spoken words cannot exist without breath and no breath can exist without a speaker. Additionally, a word requires a speaker and a speaker needs breath to give voice to a word. When we apply this experience to God analogously, we can say that in God the Speaker, the Word, and the Breath are all united yet distinct. BC
Readers are encouraged to send their questions to our local Bayou Catholic columnists by email to bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org.
November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 13
Reflections
Offering thanks to God is not only important, it is necessary Readings Between the Lines Father Glenn LeCompte
Thanksgiving Day is approaching. In 1789, President George Washington, acting on the recommendation of Congress, declared November 26th of that year a national day of thanksgiving to “almighty God” for his care and protection of the people prior to the Revolutionary War, the manifestation of his mercy, his providential guidance, especially regarding the establishment of government, for tranquility, unity and plenty experienced after the War, for civil liberties, for “the means of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge,” and for divinely granted favors in general. This proclamation was instrumental to the establishment of our national observance of a day of thanksgiving to be offered to, yes, “almighty God!” In Luke 17:11-19, Jesus heals 10 lepers. This is one of the Gospel readings suggested for a Mass of Thanksgiving, which may be offered on or near Thanksgiving Day. Of the 10 lepers in Luke 17:11-19, one has apparently learned well the need to express thanks, inasmuch as he returns to Jesus to thank him. In desperation the 10 lepers ask that Jesus show them mercy, implying that they want to be healed (17:13). Although he has not yet healed them he tells them to go and show themselves to the priests (17:14). According to Leviticus 14:1-32, the priest is to examine lepers to declare whether they are still infected or have been healed. If healed, they are able to participate with the priest in a purification ritual,
Thank
God!
which includes a sacrificial offering to God. Thus, Jesus tells the 10 lepers to follow the usual procedure, whereupon they proceed to do so, even though they have not yet been healed. They are healed, however, on their way to see the priests. The grateful leper’s action indicates his belief that God works through Jesus. Both God (17:15) and Jesus (17:16) are objects of his praise. He prostrates before Jesus as an act of homage (17:16). Jesus interprets his actions as gestures of thanksgiving. In the Old Testament, thanks is given to God (Psalm 118).
14 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
In other words, the thankful leper substitutes acts of gratitude toward Jesus for the purification ritual and sacrifice. The grateful leper experiences a second healing, which is more important than the first. He comes to faith in Jesus, and his faith leads him to salvation. Additionally, this leper is an unlikely hero for the story, because he is a Samaritan. The cultural identity of the thankful leper has two implications: 1) Jesus offers salvation to all, 2) the importance of the practice of thanking God, through Jesus Christ, is brought into sharper focus.
a
Reflections
As a character in Luke’s story, the thankful leper undergoes a change from being one who is ostracized by society to being one who finds salvation, that is, life in God through Christ. The drastic change which the thankful leper experiences has overwhelmingly positive results for him. Like the grateful leper, all who are led to salvation through faith recognize the need to thank God for his presence and action in their lives, a presence and action most clearly manifest in Jesus’ ministry. The thankful leper and President Washington both teach us an important lesson for our faith. Offering thanks to God is not only important, it is necessary. At the beginning of his proclamation, Washington states that it is “the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.”
This statement provides the motive for his declaration of a day dedicated to thanking almighty God. The offering of thanksgiving to God has many implications for our lives. First, offering thanks to God for the blessings of our lives constitutes a recognition that God is the source of those favors. Many in our society who have let themselves be overtaken with an agnostic, or even atheistic, materialism tend to attribute the goodness they experience in life to their own efforts or even to chance. Our nation, however, still observes Thanksgiving as a day to make a fitting response to God for all he has done for us. Secondly, offering thanks keeps us in a spiritual communion with God. Thirdly, thanking God helps us to look to the future with hope, even in the midst of life’s challenges and tragedies, because we believe that the God who has blessed us up to this point will, out of love,
continue to do so. As we gather to feast and visit with family this Thanksgiving Day, let us not forget the most important reason for which we gather–to offer thanks to God. BC
Reflection Questions v For what do you need to thank God in your life? v Could you be thankful to God even if you received no favors or are experiencing difficulty? v What can we do to emphasize to our whole society that expressing gratitude to God on Thanksgiving Day is something beneficial for us all?
thankful I am thankful for being able to serve our community and customers for the past 20 years and grateful to work with such an amazing team. — Jerry Ledet President & CEO
CELEBRATING 1999-2019
November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 15
Scripture Readings and a listing of Feast days and saints
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1 November
2 The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Soul’s Day) Wisdom 3:1-9 Romans 5:5-11 John 6:37-40
3
4
Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Wisdom 11:22— 12:2 2 Thessalonians 1:11—2:2 Luke 19:1-10
Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, bishop Romans 11:29-36 Luke 14:12-14
10
11
Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 2 Maccabees 7:12, 9-14 2 Thessalonians 2:16—3:5
Memorial of St. Martin of Tours, bishop Wisdom 1:1-7 Luke 17:1-6
5 Weekday Romans 12:5-16b Luke 14:15-24
12 Memorial of Saint Josaphat, bishop and martyr Wisdom 2:23—3:9 Luke 17:7-10
17
18
19
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Malachi 3:19-20a 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 Luke 21:5-19
Weekday 1 Maccabees 1:1015, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63 Luke 18:35-43
Weekday 2 Maccabees 6:1831 Luke 19:1-10
24
25
26
Weekday Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20 King of the Universe Luke 21:1-4 2 Samuel 5:1-3 Colossians 1:12-20 Luke 23:35-43
Weekday Daniel 2:31-45 Luke 21:5-11
16 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
6 Weekday Romans 13:8-10 Luke 14:25-33
13 Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin Wisdom 6:1-11 Luke 17:11-19
20 Weekday 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31 Luke 19:11-28
27 Weekday Daniel 5:1-6, 1314, 16-17, 23-28 Luke 21:12-19
7 Weekday Romans 14:7-12 Luke 15:1-10
14 Weekday Wisdom 7:22b— 8:1 Luke 17:20-25
8 Weekday Romans 15:14-21 Luke 16:1-8
15 Wisdom 13:1-9 Luke 17:26-37
21
22
Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1 Maccabees 2:1529 Luke 19:41-44
Memorial of Saint Cecilia, virgin and martyr 1 Maccabees 4:3637, 52-59 Luke 19:45-48
28
29
Weekday Daniel 6:12-28 Luke 21:20-28
Weekday Daniel 7:2-14 Luke 21:29-33
9 Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 1 Corinthians 3:9c11, 16-17 John 2:13-22 16 Weekday Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9 Luke 18:1-8
23 Weekday 1 Maccabees 6:1-13 Luke 20:27-40
30
November
Holy Father’s prayer intentions
Universal
Life is great ~
Get busy living.
Communication and Reconciliation. That a spirit of dialogue, encounter and reconciliation emerges in the Near East, where diverse religious communities share their lives together.
See www.apostleshipofprayer.org
THE CLINIC YOU TRUST
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Independent Living Community
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For More Information Contact: Natalie Barbera natalieb@stjosephmanor.org
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS Dr. William H. Kinnard, M.D. Dr. Christopher E. Cenac, Jr., M.D. Dr. Brett E. Casey, M.D. Dr. H. Lawrence Haydel, II, M.D. Dr. Geoffery P. Stone, M.D. Dr. Sina Pourtaheri, M.D.
985-868-1540 PHYSICAL THERAPY Steven Mistretta, DPT • Abby Plitt, DPT Bridget Beninato, PTA • Ryan Winters, PTA Kyle Guidry, DPT Five locations: Houma, Thibodaux, Morgan City, Galliano & Raceland
www.Gulfcoastorthopedics.com • www.GCOphysicaltherapy.com November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 17
Life and Legacy
By MARY FARROW (CNA) - In the 2017 Disney-Pixar movie Coco, the main character, Miguel, accidentally passes over into the land of the dead on Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) while trying to reconcile his love of music with his family’s ban on it. There, he learns that the dead can only visit their loved ones on that holiday if they can prove there is a photo of them on their family’s “ofrenda,” an altar with photos of loved ones, colorful decorations, and the favorite foods, drinks and mementos of the deceased. “We’ve put their photos on the ofrenda so their spirits can cross over. That is very important! If we don’t put them up, they can’t come!” Miguel’s abuelita explains. While in the land of the dead, Miguel bumps into his own deceased family members, and learns his true family history. Though Miguel’s experience is fictional, it is not uncommon for grieving loved ones to experience what psychologists call “After Death Communication,” in which the bereaved believe that they see, hear the voices of, or even smell their dead loved ones. These experiences, sometimes called “bereavement hallucinations,” can be healing and comforting for those who grieve, multiple studies have found. But Catholics should proceed with caution when “communicating” with the dead, two Catholic psychologists told CNA, and they should ground their communications in prayer. Dana Nygaard is a Catholic and a licensed professional counselor who speaks to grief groups and counsels clients through loss. Nygaard told CNA that because many Catholics misunderstand what happens to souls after death, she urges caution when talking about what it means to talk to dead loved ones. “If they’re speaking to a loved one, how are they doing that? Is it through saying, ‘Hey grandma, I think you’re up there in heaven with God. I really hope you pray and look over me.’ Okay, well that sounds fine,” she said. “Or ... are they going to a psychic or a medium? Is this necromancy? How were they doing this? I think that’s an important question,” Nygaard said. According to the Catechism of the
‘Remember Me’ Should Catholics talk to their dead loved ones?
Catholic Church, “all forms of divination are to be rejected” which includes the “conjuring up the dead.” However, the church encourages Catholics to pray for the dead as one of the spiritual works of mercy. “From the beginning, the church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God. The church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead,” the Catechism states. “Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.” “Prayer, prayer, prayer,” Nygaard said, noting that because Catholics do not know the state of the souls of their loved ones when they die, it is important to pray for them after their death, as prayers can help the souls in purgatory get to heaven faster. The Liturgy of the Hours, a set of prayers said periodically throughout the day by priests, religious and some
18 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
lay Catholics, includes a special Office of the Dead, a set of prayers said specifically for those who have died. Nygaard told CNA that she often encourages Catholics who are grieving a loss to ask for the intercessory prayers of saints already canonized by the church, which means that they are assured to be with God in heaven. “Maybe it was that my greatgrandmother was really close to St. Anne. I’m going to ask St. Anne, ‘Would you please look after my sweet great grandmother? I pray she’s there with you in heaven.’ I’ve known people also to pray, ‘God, I’m asking you, do I need to keep praying for my father?’” she said. Nygaard said that those she counsels through grief will sometimes, after a period of prayer, feel a deep sense of peace that their loved one is in heaven. Dr. Chris Stravitsch is a licensed professional counselor, and marriage and family therapist, as well as the president and founder of Rejoice Counseling Apostolate, a group of Catholic counselors. Stravitsch told CNA that in addition to prayer,
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“Completing the Gift of Life” November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 19
Life and Legacy
he counsels his clients to prepare for their first year of grief, which can often be the most difficult. “There are a lot of ‘firsts’ to pass through: The first Christmas without him or her; their first birthday without them present; the first wedding anniversary alone, etc. I counsel people to prepare for these occasions in advance because we know it will be painful and difficult,” he said. He said he tells his clients to plan in advance how and with whom they will spend these difficult days, and how they will remember their loved ones at those times. “It’s helpful to surround yourself with other loved ones who understand your loss, while also setting aside a little time to be alone in prayer and reminiscing,” he said. “These are meaningful days to attend Mass, so that you can cling to Christ and receive his consolation. Visiting the gravesite or a place where you have a special memory can also be meaningful,
whether that is done alone or with the support of others,” he said. “Furthermore, be sure to tell stories and talk about your deceased loved ones,” he added. “We need to continue coming together at various times to remember them in a spirit of love and prayer. This is a balm for the brokenhearted.” Stravitsch said it is important for Catholics to remember that death and grief are painful things to experience, and that Jesus himself wept at the death of his friend Lazarus. “(Jesus) wants to be with us and share our grief,” he said. This means Catholics should be sensitive toward those who are grieving, and avoid wellintentioned but unhelpful comments such as: “It was God’s will”; “It was their time to go”; “They’re in a better place now”; or “There’s a reason for everything”; Stravitsch said. “Simply saying, ‘I’m sorry,’ giving a warm embrace, sharing a tear, and remaining at their side as long as
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needed can be far more consoling,” he said. Checking back in after the funeral has passed, and continuing to talk about the deceased with those who are grieving are other ways Catholics can show compassion, he said. Both Nygaard and Stravitsch said that they have found that clients are usually deeply comforted by the church’s teaching on the communion of saints and the promise of everlasting life for all souls who are united with God. “In the Catholic Church, we have the mystical body of Christ. And we know that the souls in heaven are surrounding the altar during communion,” she said. “What I have found is that normally brings a great sense of peace,” to the bereaved, she said. “It’s not just me sitting there when I go up for communion ... we’re mystically connected and we can ask for the intercession of the saints,” which means any soul that is in heaven with God.
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Life and Legacy
In his Letter to the Hebrews, St. Paul recalls those already in heaven, and says that the faithful are surrounded “by so great a cloud of witnesses.” “When the Lord comes in glory, and all his angels with him, death will be no more and all things will be subject to him. But at the present time some of his disciples are pilgrims on earth. Others have died and are being purified, while still others are in glory, contemplating ‘in full light, God himself triune and one, exactly as he is.’ All of us, however, in varying degrees and in different ways share in the same charity toward God and our neighbors, and we all sing the one hymn of glory to our God. All, indeed, who are of Christ and who have his Spirit form one church and in Christ cleave together,’” the Catechism states. These teachings are a “great consolation for the bereaved,” Stravitsch said. “Not only is there the hope of being reunited with our loved ones after death, but there is the reality of remaining mysteriously connected with them even today. Whether we are interceding for them as we pray for the repose of their soul or we are asking for their prayers, there is a sense that we are within reach of one another,” he added. “The bonds of true love are not destroyed in death but are made ever stronger. The church recognizes this in a unique way when we celebrate All Souls Day and we call to mind our deceased loved ones. We are united in Christ.” BC
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www.landrysfuneralhome.com November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 21
Life and Legacy
You’ve got questions (about death)? The church has answers By MARY FARROW London, England, (CNA) In the 14th century, approximately one third of the population of Europe - or anywhere from 75 million to 200 million people - was wiped out due to what became known as the Black Death. Characterized by and named for the black, bulbous sores that oozed pus and blood, the affliction typically killed its victims within two to seven days. The Black Death, also known as the Black Plague, understandably shook the faith of the people of Europe at the time. It was shortly after its reign of terror that an anonymous Dominican friar wrote Ars moriendi, or The Art of Dying, a six-chapter work explaining the church’s perspective on a good death. It included catechesis on why death was not to be feared, how the soul could prepare itself for death, and proper prayers for the individual and loved ones to say at the
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Life and Legacy
time of death. A shorter version translated the book into 11 woodcuts illustrating the work. Now, more than 600 years later, The Art of Dying got a facelift, thanks to the Catholic Church in England and Wales. The teachings have been translated onto a website, complete with animations, video interviews with experts and priests, and explanations of various aspects of preparing well for death as a Catholic. The new resource was debuted last year, one day before All Souls’ feast day, where the church remembers and prays for the dead. “Most people have an instinctive fear of death, but many also have a conviction that something lies beyond, that death does not have the last word,” the website explains. “The Catholic faith is rooted in the belief that God made us to enjoy eternal life with him.” The Art of Dying website is split into
five categories - What is dying well?, Talking about death, Facing death personally, Losing a loved one, and Caring for the dying. It also explains the various means of spiritual support available through the church for a dying person, including the anointing of the sick, and final reception of the sacraments of confession and Communion. It also addresses the big questions people often have at the end of their lives the meaning of life, suffering, and the goodness of God. “Sometimes people wonder, when confronted by tragedy or suffering, why God lets it happen. When we are tempted to echo those words, we need to remember that God is now and forever at the heart of any human suffering,” Fr. Peter Harries, the Catholic chaplain at University College London Hospital, told The Art of Dying (website). “The Christ who was cruelly tortured and crucified on Calvary suffers
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November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 23
Life and Legacy
still whenever there is pain, suffering or death, among those he now identifies with. If we ask ‘where was God in all this?’, the answer has to be ‘There, wherever there are human beings.’” But The Art of Dying is not just for Catholics, the creators of the website explain in their ‘About’ section. “There is a shared interest in discussing how we can make death more peaceful and meaningful. It is likely that you will share the church’s concern that sometimes, particularly in hospital, dying patients are subjected to unnecessary medical interventions that prolong suffering,” they said. “You will probably agree with the church that they should be kept as comfortable as possible and given appropriate pain relief. You will probably want to know more about what you can do to achieve a good death for you and your loved ones.” In an age where physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia, both of which the Catholic Church strongly opposes, have become increasingly popular, the updated Art of Dying (website) could serve as a valuable resource for Catholics and people everywhere who are looking for answers to their questions about how to die a good death. “After centuries of ministering to the dying, the Catholic Church has a fund of experience to share in what was traditionally called the art of dying well,” the website explains. This article was originally published on CNA Nov. 2, 2016. BC
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24 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
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Life and Legacy
Support through the grieving process
Grief has been defined as a natural and necessary reaction to a significant change or loss in our lives. These key words in that definition however, natural and necessary, pose a significant challenge to people in our culture. Natural and necessary People sometimes have the mistaken impression that feelings associated with grief are unnatural. This is not true. We all experience minute episodes of grief (change) in our daily lives that come and go with little notice. These situations may seem relatively insignificant, like finding your first gray hair. Rarely do we identify the feelings associated with these situations until we encounter or accumulate more significant losses (changes). Ways of dealing with grief Grief is a complex process that could take weeks, months or in some cases, years to complete. Each loss produces
a new chapter in the grieving process and as time passes, we gain a deeper understanding of the depth of each loss. For example, if my spouse dies in the winter time, I will sadly remember the quiet moments we spent in front of the fireplace. After a few months, I begin to adjust to my new world. In the spring however, a new loss arrives when I realize that the garden is yet another reflection of their absence. Each person needs their own special way to deal with grief and we offer the following suggestions: n Sharing - caring family members and trusted friends can be very helpful by listening to us tell our story. n Support Groups - an opportunity to meet other people who are also struggling after the death of a loved one. n Professional Counselors - Grief counselors are specially trained people who can help you through this difficult time.
n Referrals - Family Service counselors at The Catholic Cemeteries can help you find the professional help you need. Grief is Healthy In some cultures, people wear black clothing for one full year after the death of a family member, as a symbol of grief that lets the world know of their loss. In western culture, we have thrown away most of the ‘old world’ signs of bereavement. Rather than shedding tears, angrily shouting at God, and experiencing distractedness or forgetfulness, as signs that we have experienced a significant loss, we tend to isolate from friends and hide our sorrow. Avoiding the grief does not make the feelings go away or bring the dead back to life. The only way to get beyond the grief and resume some of the healthy activities in our lives, is to realize that we never get over it but can learn to go through it. BC
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26 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
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Heavenly Recipes
Jose’ Lopez
Jose’ Cooks a:
MEXICAN MEAL Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier
This month’s heavenly recipe, Red Chilaquiles, comes from Jose’ Lopez, a native of Tabasco, Mexico, which is on the southern coast of the country. It is a recipe that was handed down to Jose’ from his mother. He has been in the U.S. for the past 11 years working as a drywall finisher while supporting his wife Maria and two daughters who are still in Mexico. “It is not uncommon for Mexican men to work and live in the U.S. while supporting a family back home in Mexico. I have friends who are also supporting their families the best that they can while working here.” Jose’ gets most of his recipes from his mother who he says is a great cook. He has an older sister who has a restaurant in his hometown. “I learned to cook when I was about 13 years old. My mom worked and I had to cook for my sisters.” Jose’ loves to barbecue meat over a low heat using wood and charcoal. He also makes homemade tortilla chips for many of his Mexican recipes. “I cook for many of the Hispanic functions which are held at the Pastoral Center. I find relaxation in cooking. I like to cook for people. I like to share what I cook.” Jose’ calls South Louisiana his second home. He is a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Cut Off where he cooks for many parish functions and is part of the prayer and praise group that meets on Fridays. He says that his father was key in helping him form his Catholic faith. “I am proud and honored to be a part of the growing Hispanic Community that gathers at Sacred Heart Church. I thank those in the Cut Off community and especially Sacred Heart parishioners for being so welcoming. I feel like I am a part of this community.” “I pray to God and thank him daily. I also pray to our Blessed Mother Mary to protect our families while we are away from them. One day I would like my family to join me in the U.S., but right now that is not possible.” BC 28 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
Red Chilaquiles INGREDIENTS: 3 lbs. boneless chicken breasts 10 pieces of Roma tomatoes 6 pieces of Guajillo peppers 12 oz. chicken broth Half an onion 3 to 4 cloves of garlic Pinch of cumin Pinch of black pepper Salt to taste Olive oil Fresh shredded cheese Tortilla chips
DIRECTIONS: Cook the chicken breasts about 30 to 35 minutes. Add salt. Leave out to cool then shred. Place the Guajillo peppers in boiling water without seeds. Turn off burner and let set for 10 minutes. Cut tomatoes in quarters and put into blender. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, black pepper and more salt if needed. Blend well. Pour olive oil in pot; add the sauce from blender when oil is hot. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Add the chicken broth and shredded chicken; cook for 10 more minutes. After cooking, let it set for 10 minutes. Serve on top of tortilla chips and add fresh cheese on top if you like.
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November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 29
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Vocations Awareness Week Nov. 3-9 Let us all do our part in building a culture of vocations Guest Columnist Father John David (J.D.) Matherne
They dropped their nets and followed Him. The risk of following Jesus was great for the first disciples. The questions that could have paralyzed them were numerous. The concerns for their well-being were legitimate. They overcame these because they were able to hear an invitation from Jesus and say “yes” to that call. One of the most famous characterizations of the Christian’s relationship with God comes from St. Augustine’s Confessions when he says that our faith is “Ever Ancient, Ever New.” This can also be applied to the call of the followers of Christ, especially those called like the first disciples to be his priests and to serve in religious life. Risks. Questions. Concerns. Fears. All of these are very real experiences for young people today. Today’s culture has greatly influenced young men and women who are discerning the call of God to live out their call to discipleship in a radical way. Many of the “-isms” of today have had adverse effects on young people’s interior life and ability to discern well. Our world has come to subtly embrace a skepticism that has come to define members of younger generations as enlightened if they reject the existence of God and foolish if they say God exists. The influences of modern emotionalism have been felt in that there is a thirst for experience over prolonged tested relationship. So often when I am walking with someone who is discerning a vocation, I continue to go back to a simple mantra “consistency over intensity.” In all
things, consistency is more effective than intensity. Think of someone who wants to get into running. What is more effective for their training: run for two and a half hours one day or run for 30 minutes for five consecutive days? The five consecutive days will do a lot more for them in reaching their running goals. In a similar way, our relationship with God is more than a one-time intense experience, but the emotionalism of today has our youth often times looking for the next big thing and quickly disposing of the momentary consolation. There is also a sneaking trend amongst younger generations of relativism that has been accepted. Younger people are willing to ignore error when it is promoted by someone else as to avoid conflict or offense. It is a popular place to hear phrases like “your truth” or “your best self” which sound great but promote a relativistic vision of the world. All of these “-isms” have a daily influence on our youth and are felt in a particular way by those discerning a call to a religious vocation. So, what is the antidote to such an “-ism” drunk culture? The situation is not entirely different than that of the earliest followers of Christ. In the sight of these and many other “-isms” today, the one called to follow Christ radically into the priesthood or religious life is faced with risks, questions, concerns and fears. Our Catholic faith holds the antidotes of the modern world in its tradition. Remember, our faith is “Ever Ancient, Ever New.” When we promote the faith in its truth with charity, we offer the antidote to a culture of skepticism. When we remain consistent in our practice of the faith, where our worship on Sunday influences our life on Monday to Saturday, we reveal that God influences the entirety of my life and not just an hour once a week. When we hold fast to the consistency of the doctrine, spirituality and morality that the church has championed for centuries, we offer a cure to the relativistic nature of the culture.
30 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
In vocations circles, there has been talk for a long time about building a culture of vocations, and I have often asked myself “What does that look like?” A culture of vocations very simply looks like a culture of Catholicism. Today, vocations are flourishing where the faith is proclaimed in all of its truth with love. It makes sense that our younger generations are looking for something firm upon which to build their life. Vocations flourish when our worship sweeps us up into a relationship with God and serves as a bridge between me and my Lord instead of as a barrier. This especially speaks to our young people as they look for something consistent in a world where everything seems to be quickly out of date or boring. Vocations flourish when we hold fast to the truth that I am made in the image and likeness of God and that God continually wants to make me into a better version of myself according to the truth, not “my truth.” The proclamation of the Gospel offers a standard by which to live. If we want to build a culture of vocations for our future generations, then we must first build a culture of Catholicism. When God calls, men and women will answer, and this culture will give them a chance to hear him. During the week of Nov. 3-9, the entire diocese will be participating in National Vocations Awareness Week. Our students in CCD and Catholic schools will be taught about vocations in the church. Our priests will be able to preach on the themes of vocations. I encourage us all to take time this week and throughout the month to offer a prayer for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life in our diocese. Let us all do our part in building a culture of vocations and supporting our young people who leave their nets. (Father John David (J.D.) Matherne is the diocesan director of the Office of Vocations.) BC
T H E
D I O C E S E
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HOUMA D THIBODAUX
2019-2020 SEMINARIANS
DEACON RUSTY BRUCE
DEACON DANIEL DUPLANTIS
STEPHEN CASTILLE
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4th Theology, Notre Dame Seminary Sacred Heart, Cut Off
4th Theology, Notre Dame Seminary St. Louis, Bayou Blue
2nd Theology, Notre Dame Seminary St. Bernadette, Houma
2nd Theology, Notre Dame Seminary Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow
NICK LECOMPTE
DAVIS AHIMBISIBWE
JOSEPH LAPEYROUSE
MATTHEW PROSPERIE
Pastoral Year Annunziata, Houma
1st Theology, Notre Dame Seminary St. Bridget, Schriever
1st Theology, North American College St. Francis de Sales, Houma
1st Theology, North American College St. Ann, Bourg
RYAN THIBODAUX
NATHAN RACHAL
WAYNE ROMERO
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Freshman, St. Joseph Seminary College St. Genevieve, Thibodaux
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Church Alive
Red Mass
The annual Red Mass honoring all judges, lawyers and those in the legal profession was celebrated recently at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of the Mass.
Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier
32 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
Church Alive
Blue Mass
The annual Blue Mass honoring community protectors, firefighters, law enforcement, military personnel and first responders was celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of the Mass.
Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier
November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 33
Youth
in action
Dominick Clement
School: South Terrebonne High School Grade: 12th Church parish: Annunziata, Houma Describe your family unit: Mother: Julie; Father: Jeremy; Older brother: Alex; Younger brother: Robby Favorite Hobby: Piano Favorite Movie: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Favorite T.V. Show: Adventure Time Favorite Genre of Music: Alternative
What role do you think teens play in the Catholic Church today and in the future? Teens in the Catholic Church play a huge role in shaping the way that the church functions in the future. They will play a large part in making the Catholic Church more accessible to those with an online presence, as they are always on a device of some sort, and can use that device to spread the Word of God. We as teens get an amazing opportunity to share the love of Christ
everywhere we go. Teens today also have a wider outreach than they ever have had in the past, with not only a digital presence but also with word of mouth. Many teens today find themselves active in the faith and even converting older generations. Christ is present in the lives and hearts of teens more now than he has been in the past
34 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
generations. Teens are an eager and educated people who spread God’s teachings and ways in everything they do when given the chance. All we need is an outlet and time. God finds his way to be shown when we let him, just as teens find a way to spread him when we give them a chance. BC
Seminarian Education Burses What is a seminarian burse/endowment fund? A seminarian burse/endowment 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 HoumaThibodaux. How does someone establish a seminarian burse/endowment fund? Very simply, a burse/endowment fund may be established and
named for anyone you choose, be it family, friend, bishop, priest, deacon, religious, etc. Who do I contact to contribute to or establish a fund? To contribute to or establish a burse/endowment fund, send funds to the Pastoral Center, Attn: Catholic Foundation, 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 and CFSL Named Endowment Funds
September 2019 Burse Contributions
Note: Numbers stipulate the amount of completed burses.*
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 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 (2) Endowment Fund - $119,136.90 James J Buquet Jr. Julius & Marie Pauline St. Amant Elie & Dot Klingman Bishop Sam Jacobs Endowment-$32,840.43 Giardina Family Foundation Sem. Endowment-$4,337.62
James J. Buquet, Jr. Family Sem. Endowment-$27,979.95 Diocesan Seminarian Endowment-$3,502,699.11 Mary and Al Danos Foundation Sem. Endowment-$38,621.30 Msgr. Amedee Sem. Endowment-$314,838.43 The Peltier Foundation-$14,482.97 Leo & Ethel Hebert Jane and John Dean Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski Leon “Ponoke” and Marlene Champagne Sem. Endowment-$2,225.00 Society of St. Joseph-$100 Father Patrick Riviere Sem. Endowment-$27,018.24 Parker Conrad Sem. Education-$15.000.00 Father Brett Lapeyrouse Sem. Education-$3,000.00
Rev. Gerard Hayes ......................................$100.00
Open Burses with Balance as of September 30, 2019 Donald Peltier Sr. No. 4 .........................................$13,000.00 Joseph Strada Memorial .......................................$12,642.63 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit No. 2 .............................$11,560.00 Claude & Lucy Mahler Family ..............................$11,100.00 Joseph Waitz Sr. .......................................................$11,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................................$10,900.00 Harvey Peltier No. 31 .............................................$10,486.91 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 Msgr. William Koninkx ............................................. $7,900.00 Catholic Daughters .................................................... $7,080.00 Rev. Victor Toth .......................................................... $7,000.00 Msgr. Francis Amedee ............................................. $6,850.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ..................................................... $6,686.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ....................... $6,598.00 Rev. Peter Nies ............................................................ $6,000.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ..................................................... $6,000.00 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
Anawin Community .................................................. $4,200.00 Harry Booker No. 2 ................................................... $4,138.00 Msgr. James Songy.................................................... $4,075.00 Kelly Curole Frazier .................................................... $3,610.96 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande .................................. $3,500.00 J. R. Occhipinti ............................................................. $3,400.00 Preston & Gladys Webre ........................................ $3,400.00 Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs .......................................... $3,060.00 St. Jude ........................................................................... $3,000.00 Diocesan Knights of Columbus No. 2 ............... $2,894.62 Warren J. Harang Jr. No. 2 ..................................... $2,800.00 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton .......................................... $2,600.00 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 Jacob Marcello ............................................................ $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 Deacon Robert Dusse’ .............................................. $1,450.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................................... $1,300.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield ............................................ $1,200.00
Rev. Joseph Tu Tran No. 2 ...................................... $1,094.00 Msgr. John G. Keller .................................................. $1,050.00 Rev. Clemens Schneider .......................................... $1,000.00 Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux No. 4 .................... $1,000.00 Edna W. DiSalvo ......................................................... $1,000.00 Bernice Harang ........................................................... $1,000.00 Dean Joseph Chiasson ............................................. $1,000.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ................................................$900.00 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 Paul & Laura Duet ........................................................ $550.00 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata ....................................$500.00 Robert Walsh ...................................................................$500.00 Anne Veron Aguirre ...................................................... $380.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz ....................................................$300.00 Richard Peltier No. 2 .....................................................$300.00 Claude Bergeron ............................................................$250.00 Rev. Michael Finnegan .................................................$200.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin ..........................................$150.00 Deacon Pedro Pujals..................................................... $100.00 Rev. Warren Chassaniol ...............................................$100.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier ......................................................$50.00 Deacon Nick Messina ......................................................$50.00 Grant J. Louviere ................................................................$50.00
Overall Seminarian Burses Total: $1,758,443.02 ~ CFSL Seminarian Endowments Total: $3,973,674.69 November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 35
Special
Catholic Campaign for Human Development Working on the Margins Guest Columnist Dr. Nicole M. Bourgeois, LMFT
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is a program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The mission of CCHD is to break the cycle of poverty by empowering people with low income to make decisions about their situation and take action against the barriers that keep them in poverty. CCHD awards grants to non-profit organizations who are working to help people get out of poverty. CCHD is focused on giving people a hand up and not just a hand out. In addition to providing resources to the organizations working in the margins, CCHD also aims to educate
the church about the unjust systems and structures that perpetuate the cycle of poverty. CCHD also provides a concrete way for people to contribute to the fight for justice and against poverty through the annual collection. This collection will be held in parishes throughout the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux the weekend of Nov. 23-24, 2019. The principles of Catholic Social Teaching remind us that we are all one human family. Those principles call each of us to pursue justice and peace throughout our world. Poverty is both a result of the lack of justice and a barrier to the peace that we are called to work toward. While CCHD has received some negative press on social media, the USCCB has maintained their support of this program. The support of the Bishops validates the mission to provide the poor with a way to escape the cycle of poverty through the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. For more information about the campaign and the criteria for grants,
please go to usccb.org/cchd. Only through education and action will the Catholic Church be able to help our brothers and sisters who are trapped in the cycle of poverty. As part of our baptismal call, we must educate ourselves about the struggles that our brothers and sisters face and take action to help lift them out of the poverty that can be maintained for many generations and perpetuated by systemic barriers. Ways to help: n Learn about the struggles of the people who live in poverty in your community and around the world. n Act by helping your brothers and sisters who are in need. n Connect by supporting the CCHD collection. n Pray for those who benefit from the collection and those who are trying to alleviate poverty. (Dr. Nicole M. Bourgeois, LMFT, is the executive director for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux.) BC
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36 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
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Special
Sing-a-Long group provides encouragement, entertainment to nursing home and assisted living residents in Thibodaux Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier “When You’re Smiling,” “Somewhere My Love” and “Blueberry Hill,” are just a few songs from yesteryear, that bring joy to the elderly when sung by the Sing-a-Long group at area nursing homes and assisted living communities in Thibodaux. The Sing-a-Long group which has over 30 members, began in the mid 1980s and was organized by Mary Ann Hoffman. The group entertains the residents every Tuesday. “The Sing-a-Long group has its roots from the Thibodaux Music Club,” says Julie Prado, the leader of the group who plays the piano. “We have members who travel as far away as Napoleonville to perform. We sing every Tuesday. The only time we miss a Tuesday is if it falls on Christmas.” Prado, who is no stranger to music, was a band director 38 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
in both Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish public schools as well as Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. She was married to Raul Prado who was also a well known band director in the Houma-Thibodaux area and is deceased a little over a year. The group is made up of mostly retired people and many who were former educators. “Anyone is welcome. We do not have auditions. If you come and say I can’t sing, that’s fine. Our singers don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nursing facilities. They harmonize very well and have an ear for music,” says Prado. Most of the selections the group sings are from the 30s, 40s and 50s. “We don’t sing anything the residents don’t know. It seems that every place we go people have
a
Special
their favorites. At St. Joseph Manor they love ‘Unchained Melody.’ ” Prado views what the group does as much more than singing to the residents of the homes. “I view what we do as a ministry. We provide encouragement and entertainment to the sick and lonely people at the nursing homes. You can’t imagine the joy I feel when I see someone toe tapping to the music in a wheel chair.” One of the facilities that the group performs at is Audubon Health and Rehab. The activities coordinator Desiree Coleman says, “the Sing-a-Long group has been coming to Audubon Health and Rehab for a long time now. They volunteer at our facility every month on the first Tuesday. Our residents really enjoy the time spent with them. The music stimulates the residents and brings back memories. Most residents sing and dance to the music. They also enjoy seeing the different outfits they wear for the holidays. We here at Audubon Health and Rehab appreciate the time spent with our residents and look forward to many more years to come.” One of the group’s members, Eddie Hebert, a retired nurse, is known for wearing different hats while singing. He’ll wear a special hat with crawfish on it while singing “Jambalaya.” He is also known to break out a Spanish hat with ball fringes with a pair of maracas while singing to the residents. Hebert has been a member of the group for a few years now. He says, “It is very satisfying to see the
Retired nurse Eddie Hebert entertains residents at St. Joseph Manor in Thibodaux.
A St. Joseph Manor resident enjoying the Sing-a-Long group
smiles on the residents’ faces. I try to do a number of things to encourage exercise with the residents. I try to get them to clap to the music, sing and sometimes wave flags. We try to bring an hour of joy and happiness. I have dealt with people who are ill all my life. I know how to stimulate them and promote exercise and happiness. The group is made up of many wonderful people who volunteer their time to bring joy and happiness to the residents.” Prado says that they always begin their performance with “When You’re Smiling,” then they sing a hymn, either “How Great Thou Are,” or “Amazing Grace.” We end the hour long presentation with “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You.” We also incorporate some French songs such as “J’ai Passe’,” “Allons Danser Colinda,” and a crowd favorite “Lache Pas La Patate.” Many of the residents at all of the facilities love service songs or patriotic songs. “Around the Fourth of July and Memorial Day we pass out a page of service songs which includes “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful,” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” When we pass out American flags for the residents they wave them joyfully while singing, says Prado.” “Music plays a valuable role in improving a resident’s quality of life. The Sing-a-Long group has been coming to St. Joseph Manor ever since we opened in 1995, says Ann Thibodaux, administrator of St. Joseph Manor in Thibodaux. “Our residents fill the main dining room on the fourth Tuesday of every month anxiously awaiting the group’s arrival. Our residents look forward not only to this group coming to play music and sing but enjoy being able
a
November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 39
Special
to sing along with them to songs of old that they can relate to. Song books are provided for the residents. This group not only shares their gift of music but shares their love with our residents on every visit. If the day they are scheduled to be at the Manor falls near a holiday, some will come dressed in holiday attire. “The group enjoys entertaining our residents with music, song and also dance. The Sing-a-Long group is an extremely dedicated group of individuals that share their time and talent with three local nursing facilities and our assisted living community in Thibodaux. The Sing-a-Long group is truly a blessing to St. Joseph Manor and I am most grateful for their ministry to our residents.” One of Prado’s concerns is that although the group has been together for over 30 years, and members come and go, the group is made up of retired people. “I don’t know what the future holds for the group. I hope in years to come that new people become interested in joining the group and that it carries on for many years to come.” BC
Julie Prado, leader of the Sing-a-Long group, plays the piano.
The Sing-a-Long group entertaining the residents of Audubon Health and Rehab in Thibodaux 40 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
November Daily Prayer for Priests, Deacons and Seminarians
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1 November
2
Bishop Shelton Fabre
Very Rev. Jay Baker
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Rev. Paul Birdsall
Rev. Toto Buenaflor Jr.
Rev. Duc Bui
Rev. Joseph Chacko
Rev. Cody Chatagnier
Rev. Carl Collins
Rev. Van Constant
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Rev. Robert-Joel Cruz
Very Rev. Vicente DeLa Cruz, V.F.
Rev. Dean Danos
Rev. Sovi Devasia
Seminarian Matthew Prosperie
Msgr. Cletus Egbi
Very Rev. Simon Peter Engurait, V.G.
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Deacon Dennis Dupre
Rev. Gregory Fratt
Very Rev. Alex Gaudet
Seminarian Nathan Rachal
Rev. Rholando Grecia
Rev. Brice Higginbotham
Rev. Rajasekar Karumelnathan
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Deacon Randall Jennings
Rev. Noas Kerketta, I.M.S.
Rev. Thomas Kuriakose
Rev. Baby Kuruvilla
Rev. Brett Lapeyrouse
Rev. Alex Lazarra
Deacon Gary Lapeyrouse
Daily Prayer for Clergy and Religious Lord Jesus, hear our prayer for the spiritual renewal of bishops, priests, deacons, brothers, sisters, lay ministers and seminarians of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. We praise You for giving their ministry to the Church. In these days, renew them with the gifts of Your Spirit. You once opened the Holy Scriptures to Your disciples when You walked on this earth. Now renew Your ordained and chosen ones with the truth and power of Your Word. In Eucharist you gave Your disciples renewed life and hope. Nourish Your consecrated ones with Your own Body and Blood. Help them to imitate in their lives the death and resurrection they celebrate around Your altar. Give them enthusiasm for the Gospel, zeal for the salvation of all people, courage in leadership and humility in service. Give them Your love for one another and for all their brothers and sisters in You. For You love them, Lord Jesus, and we love and pray for them in Your Holy Name, today especially for _______________________. Amen.
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November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 41
Announcement
The benefits of giving stock: A tax-smart way to make an impact Save More with a Gift of Stock
Catholic Foundation Update Thomas J. Meyer, APMA, CFP
Making a gift of appreciated stock through the Catholic Foundation to support your church parish or Catholic school is an investment with real benefits. Aside from the potential tax advantages of making a generous future gift, you also gain the satisfaction of knowing that you are leaving a lasting impact on a cause close to your heart. Many of our parishioners do not realize that they can donate appreciated stock to the Catholic Foundation directly benefiting their parish or school and their future goals. By design, investment portfolios fluctuate throughout the years. If you opt to sell investments that are worth more than what you originally paid for them, you must pay capital gains tax. Consider donating stock through the Catholic Foundation instead. The chart below shows how the way you make
Fair market value of gift Cost basis Long-term capital gain Long-term capital gains tax ($8,000 x 15%)
Give $10,000 cash through the Catholic Foundation $10,000 N/A N/A N/A
Sell $10,000 Give $10,000 in appreciated in appreciated stock and give stock directly through the cash through Catholic the Catholic Foundation Foundation $10,000 $10,000 $2,000 $2,000 $8,000 $8,000
Income tax savings ($10,000 x 24%) Total tax savings
$2,400
($1,200) due to IRS $2,400
$2,400
$1,200
$3,600
Net cost of gift
$7,600
$8,800
$6,400
your donation can effect your total tax savings when you itemize. (Thomas J. Meyer, APMA, CFP is a member of the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana’s advisory council and a private wealth / business financial advisor with the Meyer Financial Group – Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Thibodaux.)
(The information in this publication is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.) BC
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Announcement
The Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana makes third annual distribution to ministries Bishop Shelton J. Fabre and the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana Board of Directors recently made distributions from established endowments within the Foundation. The Catholic Foundation is a Catholic community foundation established to promote philanthropy, empower priests and inspire our community. Each year through the support of many gracious donors, endowments for our church parishes, schools and diocesan ministries continues to grow. These endowments have been invested and managed by the Catholic Foundation with the intent to make an annual distribution to each beneficiary ensuring consistent annual support of their mission. Members of the Board elected to make distributions of $112,128 to the diocese for seminarian education,
$44,457 to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and $1,061 to Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Chackbay, based on their collective endowments. “Since its restructuring just two and a half years ago, the Catholic Foundation has grown in support of the diocese, seminarian education, Catholic Charities, church parishes and schools. We are proud to be able to make these generous distributions this year in an effort to support the great work of our diocese and Catholic Charities. Every gift through our foundation makes an impact in the lives of others, building upon our faith for the good people in our community,” says Charlotte Bollinger, board chairman. “Through the mercy of God and the generosity of many people, the
Catholic Foundation has grown in an outstanding way in order to support our diocese and our many ministries. Each year the financial gifts we receive from endowments with the Catholic Foundation fund the education of several of our seminarians, support the operations of some church parishes, and fund the impactful work of Catholic Charities, such as our food banks and assistance to families who need help. I am grateful for the wonderful work of the Catholic Foundation, and pray for the Foundation’s continued success,” says Bishop Fabre. For more information about the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana and how your gifts can support your parish, school or favorite ministry, please contact our office at (985) 850-3116 or e-mail aponson@htdiocese.org. BC
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Announcement
#iGiveCatholic giving day is Tuesday, Dec. 3 By JANET MARCEL The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana (CFSL) have joined forces with 39 other dioceses and archdioceses in the United States to host its fourth annual #iGiveCatholic giving day on #GivingTuesday, December 3. #iGiveCatholic is a 24-hour online giving challenge that celebrates the work of Catholic schools, ministries, church parishes and other charitable organizations affiliated with the participating dioceses and also helps to celebrate all those who give throughout the diocese. Throughout the giving day, from midnight on Dec. 3 until the stroke of midnight on Dec. 4, Catholics can go to iGiveCatholic.org/Houma-Thibodaux and click on a specific ministry listed there to make a donation with their credit card. “We are excited to host our fourth annual #iGiveCatholic campaign to bring our Catholic community together
as one in support of our local church parishes, schools and ministries,” says Amy Ponson, executive director of the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer multiple incentive prizes to encourage our ministries to promote their individual projects and raise funds for these projects to advance the mission of the Catholic Church.” Last year, approximately 70 ministries within the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux participated in the online giving day and together were able to raise just over $375,000 locally. This year, the diocese has set a goal to raise $150,000. Some of the projects made possible by money raised through last year’s #iGiveCatholic campaign are a new adoration chapel at St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish on the Nicholls State University campus in Thibodaux, a new fence for St. Bernadette Church parish and school, a new roof for St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in Kraemer, and new
Chromebooks for St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School in Houma, to name a few. #iGiveCatholic is held each year in conjunction with #GivingTuesday, which is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday; #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-ofyear giving. At this time, the CFSL is actively raising money for prizes to give to participating organizations within this diocese as an extra incentive to participate. To learn about the local sponsors, go to https:// www.catholicfoundationsl.org/. Advanced Day Giving starts Nov. 18 and continues through Dec. 2. For more information about #iGiveCatholic, go to iGiveCatholic.org/ Houma-Thibodaux, email cfsl@htdiocese. org or call (985) 850-3116. BC
December 3, 2019
* S AV E T H E DAT E * Advanced day giving is November 18 through December 2. To donate, visit iGiveCatholic.org and search for: Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux For more information about how you can get involved with #iGiveCatholic, contact us at 985.850.3122 or catholicfoundationsl.org 44 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
Special
The Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana hosted its second annual dinner recently at the Nicholls State University Ballroom in Thibodaux where 350 people gathered for the event. The Matthew 25 Catholic Award was presented to Greg Hamer Sr. The Seminarian Champion Award was presented to Clara Brady. The Faith in Action Award was presented to Greg Terrebonne Sr. and accepted by his family. The Foundation was able to raise over $40,000 through the event which will benefit the seminarian endowment and the Catholic Charities endowment.
Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier
November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 45
Special
Bayou Lafourche Eucharistic Procession A Bayou Lafourche Eucharistic Procession was held recently beginning at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Golden Meadow and ending at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. The procession began by boat down Bayou Lafourche to Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Larose then continued by fire truck to St. Joseph Cemetery in Thibodaux where those participating processed on foot to the Co-Cathedral for Benediction.
Photos by Anne Marie Naquin
46 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
Special
November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 47
Announcement
Pro-Life Mass
Knights of Columbus Houma Council 1317 held its annual Pro-Life Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma Sunday, Oct. 6. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. The Council presented Lainey Elizabeth Prosperie, daughter of Michael and Lauren Prosperie, as their Pro-Life child to open the Pro-Life and Right to Life season and celebration. The Houma Council’s Culture of Life Chair Couple David and Mary Daigle facilitated the event. Members of the Judge A.J. Caillouet Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus were also present and provided an honor guard for the celebration.
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The Mosquito By Dr. Timothy C. Winegard Dutton $28
By James Patterson Little, Brown $28
Courting Mr. Lincoln By Louis Bayard Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill $27.95 Open this book and you will soon be transported to Springfield, IL, and a grand ballroom. It is 1840 and Miss Mary Todd has just been introduced to Abraham Lincoln, a shy, lanky lawyer, by his very handsome and charming roommate, Joshua Speed, who is his complete opposite. But over time, Mary will find other attributes of Mr. Lincoln attractive enough to warrant her using her wiles to yank him out of his bachelorhood. Yet Lincoln enjoys life with his friend Speed who tutors him how to dance, dress, and navigate the polite society of Springfield and with whom he shares his bed (not unusual at that time for single men not able to afford separate lodgings.) If people talked it was of no consequence to Mary. Although fiction, there’s enough accurate history to please the most dedicated historians while simultaneously painting a picture of the Mary Todd we never knew. BC
Every visitor should know what to expect when invited to the Inn on the rocky shoreline of Gloucester. But no one has any fear since it is owned and occupied by former police detective Bill Robinson. As long as the 12 occupants pay their rent both Robinson and Sheriff Clayton Spears, who also lives there, have no interest in their affairs. Ah, but when Michael Cline and his gang of killers and thieves arrive, there’s no checking out while still breathing. Luckily, help arrives when army veteran Nick Jones and groundskeeper Effie Johnson join Robinson and the sheriff to thwart the gangsters at every turn. BC
I’m enjoying writing this outside on the deck where the weather’s nice and cool and OUCH, something just bit me. No way it’s a mosquito, the season’s over. Or, is it? Oh, why didn’t Noah refuse them passage on his ark? Could the Lord have planned to use them to remind us of our humanity and mortality? How have they survived all these eons and odds? The answer is here in Dr. Winegard’s thoroughly researched book on this insect, which has killed an estimated 52 billion, nearly half of all human beings who have ever lived, by spreading malaria, yellow fever, West Nile and more. Last year nearly 830,000 people were slaughtered by mosquitos, more than by humans, snakes, and other assassins. Science is at work in a study called CRISPR with hopes of eliminating the pest altogether. Wish them luck. BC
Everyone’s A Critic The Ultimate Cartoon Book and
The Ultimate Cartoon Book of Book Cartoons By The World’s Greatest Cartoonists Bob Eckstein, Editor Princeton Architectural Press $19.95 each Two very funny collections of cartoons from the dog who really did eat the kid’s homework, to books damaged when balanced in one hand with an iPhone in the other and a book on the lap. Bound to make you laugh. BC
November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 49
Announcement
St. Vincent de Paul TriParish Community Pharmacy has new location By JANET MARCEL The St. Vincent de Paul TriParish Community Pharmacy has been operating at its new location on 201 Canal St. in downtown Houma, one block off of Main Street between Barataria Avenue and Canal Street, since early this year. The pharmacy, which opened Sept. 25, 2001, serves residents of Lafourche, Terrebonne and St. Mary parishes who do not qualify for Medicaid, prescription insurance or veteran’s benefits and who are on limited incomes. Interviews are conducted at the pharmacy to qualify for service and eligibility is determined on an individual basis. The St. Vincent de Paul Store of Houma paid the startup expenses for the pharmacy and continued to subsidize its expenses through February of this year. The pharmacy has been fortunate to receive grants to cover its operating expenses, so that contributions can be used to purchase medicines that are not donated. Approximately $13,000 – $14,000 a month is spent to purchase medicine that is not donated by nursing homes, physician’s samples or individuals. As of August 2019, with the help of an all-volunteer staff of pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and screeners, the pharmacy has filled 177,668 free prescriptions at a retail value of $14,397,134.62. “Without the St. Vincent Pharmacy, we couldn’t take our medicine daily. We would probably go without. We wouldn’t be able to pay for all of the medicine we take. We appreciate everything they do for us and everybody else,” says one of the pharmacy’s clients. The pharmacy is open every Tuesday and Thursday, from 9 until 11 a.m., except for holidays. For more information, call (985) 872-2253 during pharmacy hours. BC
LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER PHOTOS/BAYOU CATHOLIC
The upper photo shows the pharmacy’s new location at 201 Canal St. in Houma. Jan Cooke, a volunteer pharmacist, sorts through medications at the new location.
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985.580.1200 • Serving Houma, Thibodaux, New Iberia and Lafayette 50 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
Announcement
Sister Midory Wu, M.C.S.H.
Director of Hispanic Ministry named Sister Midory Wu, M.C.S.H., has been appointed diocesan director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry, effective immediately. She replaces Sister Eufemia Santiago, M.C.S.H., who served in that capacity since August 2018. Sister Eufemia left the diocese to assume an administrative role in her religious community. Sister Midory is a native of La Paz, Baja California Sur in Mexico. She has been a member of the Missionary Catechists of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, a Mexican community of women religious with a United States province in Victoria, TX, for the past 24 years. Before coming to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, she served her religious community as a provincial superior for three years. Sister Midory has worked with Hispanic Ministry and religious formation in different dioceses of the United States including Metuchen, New Jersey; Fort Worth, Galveston-Houston and Victoria in Texas. She has also been in mission in Mexico and Bolivia. As diocesan director of Hispanic Ministry, Sister Midory will be collaborating with Bishop Shelton J. Fabre in his efforts to respond to the pastoral needs of the Hispanic community in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux, making disciples of Jesus, forming leaders, and walking with them in their journey of faith. BC November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 51
Church Life
Annual Life Chain Hundreds of people participated in the annual Life Chain that was held on Respect Life Sunday. People lined the median of Tunnel Blvd. in Houma, North Canal Blvd. in Thibodaux, Hwy. 1 in Lockport, and in the front yard of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Larose praying silently and holding signs in protest of abortion. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre participated in the Lockport Life Chain.
Photos by Michele Beary, Ramona Portero and Libby Perrilloux
52 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
Church Life
LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC
Bishop Shelton J. Fabre presided over the annual wedding anniversary celebration recently at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma, which honored 219 couples. Anniversary couples with the bishop are Perry and Wendy Dufrene, St. Bernadette, Houma, 25 years; Deacon James and Amy Brunet, St. Bernadette, 40 years; Eiffel and Susie Levron, Holy Family, Grand Caillou, 50 years; James and Margaret Labit, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux, 60 years; and Hernan and Raetta Roger, St. Joseph Co-Catheral, 65 years.
Wedding Anniversaries Diocese honors 219 couples
The annual diocesan wedding celebration which is sponsored by the Office of Worship was held recently at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre presided over the prayer service where 219 couples celebrating 25, 40, 50, 60 or more years of marriage were honored. 25th Anniversary Celebrants: Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma: Jeff and Celeste Giglio Collins; Community of St. Anthony, Gheens: Damian and Angela Vedros Babin; Holy Family, Grand Caillou: Kimble and Felicia Parfait Pierre; Maria
Immacolata, Houma: Jerry and Sally Guidry Duplantis, Hank and Cristal Lapeyrouse Mergey; Sacred Heart, Cut Off: Harris and Carolyn Griffen Chabert; Sacred Heart, Morgan City: John and Loretta Acosta Landry; St. Bernadette, Houma: Perry and Wendy Louviere Dufrene; St. Bridget Schriever: Kipeland and Stacy Cavalier Campbell; St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Community: Cory and Amy Fabre Adams; St. Genevieve, Thibodaux: Donald and Necole Lopez Barrios, John IV and Lucy Sternfels Dupont, Keith and
Melinda Rodrigue LeBlanc; St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews: Christopher and Starrellen Collins Remont, Quincy and Therese Gassen Voisin; St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux: Jason and Lori Zeringue Folse, Peter and Beth Bouterie Folse; St. Lawrence the Martyr, Kraemer: Elicio and Mary Acero Nicholas; St. Louis, Bayou Blue: Clyde and Denise Charpentier Duplantis; St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux: Curtis and Tonia Chiasson Chauvin; 40th Anniversary Celebrants: Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales,
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November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 53
Church Life
Houma: Huey and Lisa Garrett LeBoeuf, J. Louis III and Rosemarie Hertwig Watkins; Holy Cross, Morgan City: John and Tessie Simoneaux Dubois; Holy Family, Grand Caillou: Bruce and Cynthia Verdin Gregoire; Holy Savior, Lockport: Bobby and Tina Boudreaux Aucoin, Terry and Janel Adams Chiasson; Maria Immacolata, Houma: Jamie and Susan Martin Theriot; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay: Farrell and Ramona (Mona) Boudreaux Cortez, Ronald and Miriam Clement Guillot; Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma: Deacon John and Kathy Verret Mattingly, Dalton and Wanda Fitch Moore; Sacred Heart, Cut Off: Don and Deborah Remont David, Ernie and Melanie Gisclair Gremillion, Wallace and Lettie Guidry Griffin, Wade and Sandra Bonvillain Guidry; St. Ann, Bourg: Jesse and Paula Boquet Neil, Russell and Christine Authement Rodrigue; St. Bernadette, Houma: Barry and Vicki Bergeron Breaux, Deacon James Jr. and Amy Fanguy Brunet, Van and Alfredia Joshua Johnson, Marvin and Donna Martin Redmond; St. Bridget Schriever: Gus and Edith Bell Theriot; St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Community: Calvin and Martha Anne LeBlanc Lagarde, Michael and Meryl Devillier Trahan; St. Genevieve, Thibodaux: Bruce and Karen Denoux LeBouef; St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews: Faron and Jane Satterlee Charpentier; St. Joseph, Galliano: Scott and Carla Cheramie Bouzigard, Roddy and Tammy Gisclair Gisclair; St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux: Mark and Denise Thibodaux Boudreaux, Jimmie and Lisa Bright Robinson; St. Lawrence the Martyr, Kraemer: Del and Paulette Cortez Harris, Evan and Rose Kraemer Lasserre; St. Louis, Bayou Blue: Eddie and Susan Chaisson Ellender, Sidney and Rebecca Torres Hutchinson, Paul and Pamela Breaux Moore; St. Luke the Evangelist, Thibodaux: Ronald and Marlise Johnson Freeman; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Chris and Shelly Champagne Lagarde, James and Sandra Grabert Manning, Brant and Vanda Breaux Templet;
50th Anniversary Celebrants: Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma: Julio and Judith (Candy) Skowronski Archila, Gary and Sharon Schober Chatagnier, James and Mary Anne Duplantis Goodwin; Annunziata, Houma: Ralph and Hope Donaldson Brunet, Wayne and Kathleen Morvant Haddad, Andrew Jr. and Carolyn Hebert Hebert; Holy Family, Grand Caillou: Eiffel and Susie Morehead Levron; Holy Savior, Lockport: Jeffrey and Betty Garlington LeBlanc, Anthony and Priscilla Chauvin Loupe, Doyle and Peggy Drott Rogers, Kirby and Sandra Lee Trosclair Sampey, Weldon and Lou Ann Loupe Triche; Maria Immacolata, Houma: Dr. Howard and Janice Delery Neumann; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow: Harold and Louise Ordoyne Adams; Sacred Heart, Cut Off: Jimmy Jr. and Louella Matherne Doucet, Gerald and Barbara Vice Oglesby, Donnie and Peggy Bouffanie Williams; Sacred Heart, Morgan City: Donald and Lana Arceneaux Domino, Burnie III and Diana Washington Williams; St. Ann, Bourg: Stephen and Catherine Prosperie Hornsby; St. Bernadette, Houma: Wayne and Amy Mire Benoit, Merle and Patricia Theriot Kraemer, Richard and Helen Pellegrin Mills, Barry and Rosemary Pellegrin Songy; St. Bridget, Schriever: Claude and Camellia Babin Hebert; St. Charles Borromeo, Pointe-aux-Chenes: Richard and Elvira Levron Dupre; St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Community: Lester and Mona Guillot Adams; St. Genevieve, Thibodaux: John and Jacqueline Thibodaux Guidry, Jerry and Melinda Francois Monier, Richard and Vickie LeBlanc Naquin, Philip and Rosalie LeBlanc Shaw; St. Gregory, Houma: Arnold and Marie Breaux Dinger; St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews: Richard and Dianna Robichaux Duet, Glenn and Anne Norwood Landry, Wallace and Linda Vedros Landry, Weldon and Beverly LeBlanc Lovell, Errol and Patricia Ledet Pitre; St. Joseph, Chauvin: Delbert and Angela Lapeyrouse Dugas, Autrey and Gloria Blanchard Thibodeaux; St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux: Glenn and Nancy Orcino Diedrich, Ron and Pat Doiron Delaune, Byron
54 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
and Kathleen Bergeron Ledet, Donald and Janus Gaubert Mire, Jimmy and Polly Richard Rodrigue, Charles and Mary Nezzio Smith; St. Louis, Bayou Blue: Eddie and Sharon Vice Bergeron, Thomas and Susan Blanchard Fournier, Herman and Aljean Detillier Thibodeaux; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Ronald and Linda Chaisson Danos, Gary and Cynthia Autin Eliser, Howard Jr. and Patricia Folse Folse, Cecil and Kathyleen Robichaux Hanson, Lee and Linda Chiasson Morvant, Robert and Audrey Bourgeois Sevin; 60th Anniversary Celebrants: Annunziata, Houma: Richard and Mary LeBoeuf Naquin, T.J. and Barbara Songy Nelson; Holy Savior, Lockport: Richard and Dolores Bourgeois Hebert, Valcour and Joan Pizzolato Rodrigue; Maria Immacolata, Houma: Errol Sr. and Fay Doiron Bourgeois, Frank and Carolyn Bergeron Casper, Gary and Virgie Hungerford Pierce; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay: Ernest and Mary Ledet Perque; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow: Irby Roy and Jeanette Eserman, Easton and Mildred Cheramie Pitre; Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose: Bennett and Mary Robichaux Arceneaux; Sacred Heart, Montegut: Ronald and Clara Scott Bourg; St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black: Aubon (A.P.) and Jane Guidry Hebert; St. Bernadette, Houma: Russell and Juanita Boudreaux Hebert, Arthur and Shirley Ellender Kimball, Forest and Irma Rhodes Marchand, Anthony and Irene Billiot Naquin, Allen and Nelwyn Jackson Robichaux; St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Community: Leroy and Betty Ann Barrilleaux Andras; St. Genevieve, Thibodaux: Lawrence and Vernie Mae Matherne Torres; St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews: Chester and Ena Foret Boudreaux; St. John the Evangelist, Thibodaux: Autry and Betty Adams Allemand, Carroll and Ruth Waguespack Dantin, Vance and Ruby Duet Moreaux; St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux: Carl and Audrey Thibodaux Berthelot, James and Margaret Hebert Labit, Richard and Shirley Boudreaux LeBlanc; St. Lawrence, Chacahoula:
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Church Life
Julien and Sandra Tauzin Boudreaux; St. Louis, Bayou Blue: Raymond and Anna Triche Himel; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Steve and Myrtle Naquin Bourgeois, Eldon and Mary Landry Breaux, Stanley and Meryl Cunningham Foret; 61st Anniversary Celebrants: Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux: Malcolm and Joyce Orgeron Duet; Sacred Heart, Cut Off: Clinton and Joanne Pierce Belanger; St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black: Riley and Marie Voclain Gros; St. Joseph, Galliano: Raleigh and Jane Cheramie Cheramie; St. Louis, Bayou Blue: Evance Jr. and Earline Hebert Adams; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Leroy and Rhea Terrebonne Foret, Cleveland and Joan Baudoin Foret, Deacon Dicky and Joyce Foret Uzeé, Herbert and Ethel Hebert Guidry, Ferrel and Geraldine Rumore Falgout; 62nd Anniversary Celebrants: Annunziata, Houma: Chester and Joanne Aycock Morrison; Holy Family, Grand Caillou: Euland and Georgiana Marin Lapeyrouse; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay: Joseph and Nellie Gautreaux Clement; St. Joseph, Galliano: Claude and Deanna Dantin Blanchard, Jervis and Carolyn Beraud Eymard; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Carroll and Gale Sampey Foret, Charles and Beverly Robichaux Mallett, Milton and June LeCompte Robichaux; 63rd Anniversary Celebrants: Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma: Essie and Marceline Landry Cavalier; Ronald and Margaret Broussard Freeman, Holy Family, Grand Caillou: David and Fay Hood Harrison; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay: Albert (Al) and Betty Landry Boudreaux, Roy and Mary Legendre Boudreaux; St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black: Ernest and Audrey Schexneyder Miller; St. Bernadette Soubirous, Houma: James and Shirley Sevin Bergeron, Allen (A.J.) and June Babin Collins; St. Bridget, Schriever: Andrew and Claire Gros Babin; St. Gregory, Houma: Rodney and Shirley Robichaux Bollinger; St. Joseph, Chauvin: Odis Sr. and Janice Duplantis LeCompte, Magnal Sr. and Mildred Gilfour Martin; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Arthur and Vera Richard Cortez, Martin and Gwen Barbier St. Romain; 64th Anniversary Celebrants: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma: Cecil and Evella Boudreaux Champagne; Sacred Heart, Cut Off: Irvin and Dora Chabert Curole; St. Genevieve, Thibodaux: Louis III and Shirley LeRay Adams; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Arlen and Lillie Blanchard Badeau, Warren and Joyce Babin Dufrene, Ricardo and Marion Babin Labat, Rudolph and Rose Guidry Robichaux; 65th Anniversary Celebrants: Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma: Norman and Geraldine Duplantis Voisin; Sacred Heart, Cut Off: Henry and Janet Galjour Dantin; Sacred Heart, Montegut: Lionel and Theresa Hutchinson Pitre; Sacred Heart, Morgan City: Otis and Betty Lee Lovell Rulf; St. Ann, Bourg: Delvin and Sidney Levron; St. Gregory, Houma: Norris and Joyce Bergeron Boquet; St. John the Evangelist, Thibodaux: Eugene and Ruby Naquin Blanchard; St. Joseph, Chauvin: Melvin Sr. and
Norma Jane Stevens Duplantis, Eugene and Yvonne LeBoeuf Soudelier; St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux: Hernan and Raetta Boudreaux Roger; St. Lawrence the Martyr, Kraemer: Richard and Laura Granier Gravois; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Eroy and Rosalie Robichaux Benoit, Virgy and Mary Bonvillian Estay, Clifford and Doris Arcement Lagarde; 66th Anniversary Celebrants: Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay: Emmett and Joyce Chiasson Trosclair; St. Bernadette, Houma: L.J. and Bonnie Folse Folse; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Leonard and Alice Robichaux Borne; Donald and Patricia Grimes Kliebert, Benjamin and Gertrude Champagne Matherne; 67th Anniversary Celebrants: St. Gregory, Houma: Carlton M. and Rita Trahan Falgout, Wade and Leah Lecompte Use’; St. Joseph, Galliano: Kearn and Lolita Guidry Chouest; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Larry and Daisy Pierce Galjour; 68th Anniversary Celebrants: St. John the Evangelist, Thibodaux: Sterling and Inez Bourg Aysen; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Dudley and Betty Foret Adams, Harrison and Jeannette Gervais Matherne; 69th Anniversary Celebrants: St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Bolton and Cerita Foret LeBlanc; 70th Anniversary Celebrants: Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose: Richard and Jenny Defelice Rodrigue; St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black: Richard and Laurel Watkins Breaux; 71st Anniversary Celebrants: St. Joseph, Galliano: Arsen and Doree Dufrene Lasseigne, James and Irma Cheramie Cheramie; 73rd Anniversary Celebrants: Sacred Heart, Cut Off: Weston and Doris Richoux Smith; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Camille and Aline Borne St. Pierre; 74th Anniversary Celebrants: Holy Family, Grand Caillou: Evest Jr. and Mary Crochet Voisin; 77th Anniversary Celebrants: St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Community: Joseph Jr. and Erline Ledet Toups. BC
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November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 55
Commentary
Forgiveness A deacon’s wife’s confessions Angie Lefevre
I know what it’s like to hold a grudge. I didn’t even know that I was holding one because it was against someone that I rarely saw. It’s easy to forget when you aren’t confronted with it every day. Just after graduating high school, but before I was married (that was a pretty short window – I was married at 19!), I briefly dated a coworker. Here is the soap opera/confession part: After going out a few times, I found out that he was engaged to another person! Now, my grudge was not against him, it was no big loss for me; he was not going to be my future husband. Especially because he was a lying, deceiving young man! So my life went on … I met and married James. But here comes the bad part – a few years later, I received a phone call from the woman whose fiancé I dated! She was not very nice on the phone. This made me very upset, especially when I found out who told her about me. My friend from high school knew the story and told this poor woman that I was dating her man while she was planning a wedding! I could not understand why my friend shared this story. … I was very upset with her for a long time. In fact, I felt anger toward this person for many years. But I lived in New Orleans, so it was not a daily thought of mine. Somehow this grudge went on for a few years. Whenever I thought about that unpleasant phone call, or told this soap opera story to someone, I would have angry thoughts about my friend. Now I wish I could tell you how I overcame my grudge, but I
really don’t know. I think with time and a very happy marriage, it became inconsequential. So years later, when I saw this friend, my heart felt free! I realized that somewhere along the way, I had forgiven her, and it felt really good. Unfortunately, I don’t have an easy path to forgiveness. But I think, if you at least realize that you have internal anger, you can work on resolving it. I know two brothers who live in different states. They had a fight a few years ago. One brother is holding on to his anger, he refuses to resolve this disagreement. The angry brother has missed the birth of his nephew, his brother’s marriage, and he has not even met his new sister-in-law! It is very sad that we can let anger ruin our lives. I worry that when he is older, he will regret the choices he made. Forgiving others for their trespasses against us … We pray this all the time. But do we really follow through on that promise we make in the Our Father? Consider for a moment the amount of forgiveness that God gives to us. Is there a limit on how many times we can go to confession? No. Is God’s love for us infinite? Yes. Does he see the person we are instead of the sin that we commit? Yes. So when we pray the Our Father – we are saying that we will forgive others that much! That is a huge amount, sometimes difficult to deliver. So I ask that we all take a moment to examine our relationships. Is there anyone out there that needs our forgiveness? It’s not easy to do, but God forgives us all our trespasses! And, let me tell you, forgiveness is a really great feeling, while anger is a terrible feeling. Holding on to anger is only hurting yourself. It’s hard to be close to God when your heart is full of anger. So, do me a favor, the next time you pray the Our Father, slow it down and listen to the words. After all, it is a prayer that was given to us by Jesus himself, so it must be good!!! BC
56 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
STAY IN TOUCH INSIDE Marriage
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Do this in remembrance of me MARCH 2018 ~ VOL. 38 NO. 9 ~ COMPLIMENTARY
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November
n St. Martin de Porres Mass for AfricanAmerican Catholics, Thursday, Nov. 7, St. Lucy Church, Houma, 6:30 p.m.; celebrated by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. n Hispanic community Mass of Thanksgiving, Nov. 21, 7 p.m., diocesan Pastoral Center, Schriever. n American Indian Mass of Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 22, St. Charles Borromeo Church, Pointe-aux-Chenes, 6:30 p.m.; celebrated by Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs. n Hispanic Ministry Tu, Yo y Cristo Retreat for couples, Nov. 23-24, diocesan Pastoral Center, Schriever.
December
n #iGiveCatholic giving day, Tuesday, December 3. n A Mass honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe will be celebrated by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, Thursday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m., at Sacred Heart Church in Cut Off.
January 2020
n A Mass honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sunday, Jan. 19 at 8:15 a.m., St. Lucy Church, Houma, will be celebrated by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. n A Mass honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sunday, Jan. 19 at 10:30 a.m., St. Luke the Evangelist Church, Thibodaux, will be celebrated by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. n Catholic Schools Week, with its theme “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed,” will be celebrated Sunday, Jan. 26 to Saturday, Feb. 1.
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November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 57
Giving Thanks
Guest Columnist Father Wilmer Todd
Thanksgiving is my favorite time of the year. It’s a time when family and friends get together to share what’s happening in everyone’s life and to give thanks for all of our God given blessings. St. Paul tells us, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). As we grow in our Christian faith, our whole personality changes to become ever more Christlike. St. Paul talks about putting on the mind of Christ. We exchange our old ways of thinking with
the emphasis on “what’s in it for me” and we try to live the way Jesus lived. The Savior said, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). This change of attitude is usually gradual and progressive but the realization of God’s love for us can hit us all at once. An important part of these changes that needs to take place in our lives is a growing sense of what it means to be grateful. We were not born with a thankful disposition. We developed it when a person gave us a gift or favor and our parents said, “What do you say?” In the Gospel Jesus cured the 10 lepers; nine were ungrateful. Jesus was always grateful and taught his followers the virtue of gratitude. Being thankful is not only good for our spiritual lives, it is also good for our physical and mental health. Gregg Easterbrook in an article entitled, Rx for Life: Gratitude, cites recent academic studies that show that gratitude affects our total well-being in the following ways.
58 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
1) People who describe themselves as feeling grateful have higher vitality and more optimism, suffer less stress, and experience fewer episodes of clinical depression than the population as a whole. 2) Grateful people are less materialistic than the population as a whole and they suffer less anxiety about status or the accumulation of possessions. Because of this, they are more likely to describe themselves as happy or satisfied with life. 3) In an experiment with college students, those who kept a weekly record of things they felt grateful for, achieved better physical health, were more optimistic, exercised more regularly, and described themselves as happier than a control group of students who did not keep journals. 4) Grateful people are more spiritually aware and more likely to appreciate the interconnectedness of all life, no matter what religion they profess.
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Giving Thanks
Gratitude research suggests that thankfulness has a tremendous positive value in helping people cope with daily problems, especially stress, and to achieve a positive sense of self. Grateful people do not have a Pollyanna view of the world. People who scored high on various indicators of gratefulness also reported strong awareness of the bad aspects in their own lives and in society. They achieved the ability to balance life’s disappointments with a spirit of thankfulness for the good they experienced. Grateful people are not necessarily those whom the world has showered with gifts. People of modest financial means or those who have suffered personal tragedies may see themselves as grateful, while the well-to-do and good-looking may exhibit little gratitude. When we thank Almighty God, we are expressing the joy that comes from
knowing that God walks with us in life. Life is precious. We should celebrate Thanksgiving, not just on the fourth Thursday of November, but every day of the year. The following Thanksgiving Prayer can be used at a Thanksgiving meal or anytime. God of all blessings and source of all life, we thank you for the gift of life: for the breath that sustains us, for the food of this earth that nurtures our lives, for the love of family and friends that makes life worth living. We thank you for the mystery of creation: for the beauty that the eye can see, for the joyful music that the ear can hear, for the unknown that draws us beyond the definitions of ourselves. We thank you for our communities, for our families who nurture us, for friends who love us.
We thank you for your gifts this day: for the people you send into our lives to love and be loved, for another opportunity to work for justice and peace, for the experience of your presence and grace, and for your promise to be with us, to be our God, and to give us salvation. We also are mindful of those today who are without food, family or home. Help us to respond to their needs. We remember all whom we love who are not now present with us today: those who have gone before us, or relatives and friends who could not be with us today, and those to be born whom we will love. We ask you, Loving God, to bless our table and all the food of this feast that we share. We are grateful to all who prepared this meal. For these and all our blessings, we give you thanks, eternal, loving God, through Christ, our Lord. Amen. BC
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November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 59
Announcements
Vatican promotes ‘smart rosary,’ selling for $109 By COURTNEY MARES Vatican City, (CNA) The Vatican promoted the launch of a ‘smart rosary’ bracelet Tuesday compatible with an iOS and Android app, which costs over $100. “In a world of indifference and in the face of so many injustices, poverty, elementary rights denied, praying for peace in the world means reconciling ourselves in our daily relationships, with the poorest, with the stranger, with different cultures, and spiritual and religious traditions, but also with our land, our forests, our rivers and oceans,” Father Frédéric Fornos, S.J., said in a press release sent by the Holy See Press Office Oct. 14. “The rosary is a beautiful spiritual tradition for contemplating the Gospel with Mary, it is a simple and humble prayer,” he said. The “eRosary” bracelet is activated by making the sign of the cross,
and is synced to an app, “Click to Pray eRosary” that tracks the user’s progress and contains visual aids and audio reflections on the mysteries of the rosary. The bluetooth and water-resistant digital rosary is currently available for pre-order sale on Amazon.it for 99 euros, roughly $109. It is sold by “Click to Pray” – an initiative of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network. Taiwan-based tech company GadgTek Inc (GTI) developed the “smart rosary” for the initiative. Pope Francis launched the “Click to Pray” smartphone app in an Angelus address in January 2019, encouraging young people to download the app to pray the “Rosary of Peace.” Among the “exclusive images and personalized content about the praying of the rosary” contained in the app is a “themed” rosary option. Themes will include Laudato Si, migrants and
refugees, vocations and young people. “Aimed at the peripheral frontiers of the digital world where the young people dwell, the Click to Pray eRosary serves as a technology-based pedagogy to teach the young how to pray the rosary, how to pray it for peace, how to contemplate the Gospel,” the Click to Pray press release said. BC
Excellence in Religious Education The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Assemblies of the diocese recently presented a check in the amount of $3,100 to Bishop Shelton J. Fabre for the Excellence in Religious Education fund. The Fourth Degree Knights have been making a contribution to this fund since 1989. Representatives who presented the check to Bishop Fabre are Kell Luke, LA District chairman of Excellence in Religious Education and Judge A.J. Caillouet Assembly, Houma; Ken Bourgeois, E.D. White Assembly, Thibodaux; Mark Bascle, Judge A.J. Caillouet Assembly, Houma; Jerome Benoit, E.D. White Assembly, Thibodaux; Anthony Verdin, Father Kermit Trahan Assembly, Raceland; Leland Neil, Father Patrick V. Curran Assembly, Chauvin; and Mike Callais, St. Pius X Assembly, Cut Off. Also pictured are Jon J. Toups, chief operating and financial officer for the diocese, and Very Rev. Alex Gaudet, diocesan chancellor. 60 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC
Nation
‘Life Empowers’: March for Life unveils 2020 theme By MATT HADRO Washington D.C. (CNA) The 2020 March for Life will honor the centennial of women’s suffrage in the United States, promoting a pro-life message of “empowerment” of women and taking aim at the false equation of abortion with independence. “Our hope and prayer for this year’s theme,” said Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life, at a Tuesday event on Capitol Hill unveiling the March’s 2020 theme, “is that it will be a healing remedy for the wounding and deceptive messages about women coming from the abortion industry and beyond.” The theme of the upcoming March is “Life Empowers: Pro-Life is ProWoman.” Mancini announced the theme during a panel event Oct. 15 with prolife and feminist leaders on Capitol Hill. The year 2020 marks the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which extended the right to vote in the United States to include women. Underscoring the link between the significance of the anniversary and the theme of “empowerment,” Mancini told CNA that “we primarily chose it because of the centennial.” The March for Life is an annual prolife gathering in Washington, D.C., with participants traveling from all over the country. The March has been held every January since 1974, the year after the Supreme Court found a legal right to abortion in all 50 states in its Roe v. Wade decision. Joining Mancini on a panel at Tuesday’s event were Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation of Virginia, Gloria Purvis, a radio host and chairperson of Black Catholics United for Life, and Serrin Foster, president of Feminists for Life. Abortion is currently “being promoted as essential to women’s freedom, to women’s empowerment, and to women’s progress,” Mancini said on Tuesday, citing the National Abortion Rights Action League’s (NARAL) #ShoutYourAbortion campaign that
encouraged post-abortive women to publicly share the details of their abortion so as to normalize it. Campaigns like NARAL’s aim to turn motherhood—something essential to being a woman—into something “to be ashamed of,” Mancini said. Instead, she said, motherhood is something that is “miraculous” and a “gift.” “Our theme aims to change hearts and minds, to make abortion unthinkable in our culture,” she said on Tuesday. The upcoming March will also be held in a presidential election year, a fact not lost on those planning the national prolife event. “We need to speak about confusing messages on women,” Mancini told CNA of the organization’s planned message for 2020. “Right now, as we know, none of the Democratic candidates are with us on this issue, and even more, they’re wildly out of touch with mainstream America on this issue.” “To listen to their many, many, many debates, you come away with a very different understanding about what it means to be pro-woman,” she told CNA. Speaking Tuesday, Serrin Foster said that “Feminism is a philosophy that embraces the rights of all human beings without exception,” noting that Susan B. Anthony, the feminist most identified with helping secure women’s suffrage in the U.S., was opposed to abortion.
“Those who see no moral problem with the taking of human life see abortion as the great equalizer,” said Victoria Cobb. Abortion is the fruit of a mentality that sees a woman’s body and the inherent goodness of motherhood as an “enemy,” Gloria Purvis said. Furthermore, it is used as a distraction rather than a solution to the problems of workplace discrimination and poverty, she said. The language of abortion rights makes a proposal to women akin to “in order to be equal to men in the workplace, you need this abortion,” Purvis said, which is a “deflection” from the need to “help them thrive and flourish in the workplace.” “We have to make the greatest sacrifice just to be at the table,” Purvis said of women who have abortions because they feel they cannot afford to not work. “That is not being prowoman.” Abortion is also used to “deflect from real solutions to poverty,” Purvis said. “Killing the poor is not a solution to poverty.” While the abortion rights movement is advocating for a woman’s choice without working “to help their struggling neighbor,” those in the pro-life movement must look at their neighbor and ask “what is their need and how can I help them?” Purvis said. BC
November 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 61
Sports
Overtime Ed Daniels
Robert Valdez has St. James Wildcats looking like a Superdome team He was happy as the head coach at Scotlandville High School. His team had won 10 games, and lost 42-41 to Mandeville in a regional round 5A playoff classic. Then, Robert Valdez’s youngest daughter, Raina, now 16, spoke up. “She said, Daddy you should apply for the job at St. James,” said her father in a phone conversation last week. “I want to be a student at St. James.” And, so she is. The Valdez family is happy and so is the extended family of St. James High School football. The Wildcats are once again looking like a Superdome team. Their head coach took a circuitous route to get there. He won 60 games at West St. John, and led the Rams to the 1A championship game in 2011. He thought he was going to be the head coach at East St. John. “I applied, thinking I was the man for the job,” said Valdez. The job went to someone else. Now, Valdez is back on the river, in his 13th season as a head coach. And, rooted in Vacherie. “I once had Larry Dauterive (former head coach at East St. John) tell me he moved 18 times,” said Valdez. “I didn’t want to do that.” A graduate of O. Perry Walker, the steady Valdez learned from an impressive coaching tree. It began with Al Ott at Karr Junior High. “He instilled passion,” said Valdez. Then on to O. Perry Walker where the former offensive lineman learned from two accomplished head coaches, Byron Jones and Larry Favre. As an assistant coach at West St. John, Valdez said he learned much from head coach Laury Dupont, who led the Rams to three state championships in seven years. “Coach Dupont did a great job of planning. He was so calm, so under control.” 62 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2019
“Nothing seemed to get too big for him.” “He showed me how to handle a school in a small community, where football is so important,” said Valdez. “He was there for everybody.” At Southern University, he was moved from tackle to center, and flourished. He was a member of the 1993 black college football national champions, under head coach Pete Richardson. “Coach Richardson was meticulous in his preparation and organization,” said Valdez. Valdez said every practice, every pre game walk through was thoroughly planned. And, on game day? “Coach had a laser like focus.” “He gave us the same speech every week. Win this game for your school, your family, and your community.” “He was all business.” At St. James, Robert Valdez is preaching many of the same things. “Understand work ethic.” “At your core belief, believe in the process.” “We are one.” And, something for his 2019 future opponents to ponder. “We have yet to play our best game.” BC
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux 1220 Aycock St. • Houma, LA 70360
Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Position Available The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is currently seeking a part-time
FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT POSITION SUMMARY: The Administrative Assistant shall assist the Program Director with resource development, stipend management, promotional activities, and coordination with community resources. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include the Following: • Handle clerical duties including answering telephone, filing, light bookkeeping, keeping all FGP files up to date, all correspondence current and computer data work. • Work with the Advisory Council to plan and produce the annual recognition event for the FGP. • Facilitate communication of the FGP at volunteer stations. • Maintain public relations and awareness of the program. • Assist the Program Director with program activities including in-service training, volunteer stations visits, and other activites. • Assist the Program Director with assignments, including assisting volunteer station staff to develop Volunteer Assignment Plans (VAP) and volunteer activities. • Work with the Supervisors of the stations on a regular basis in a cooperative effort to assure Foster Grandparents serve as effectively as possible in their stations. • Perform any other duties and assignments as assigned by the Program Director. Education and/or Experience: High school or equivalent. Prior secretarial experience preferred. Other Skills Required: • Competent in Microsoft Word and Excel software and web-based applications with good computer skills and social media platforms • Good organizational skills • Thorough knowledge of English grammar and spelling Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid Driver’s License, Safe Environment Certificate upon employment. Physical Demands/Working Conditions: This position requires standing, walking, bending and ability to climb stairs to the staff office and during site visits. The employee may be required to lift and/or move items up to 20 pounds. Other Requirements: Must pass a fingerprint based state and FBI criminal history check prior to employment. This position requires 14-21 hours per week; Flexible schedule during normal business hours. Salary is commensurate with experience and education. For consideration, please submit a cover letter, including salary requirements, and a resume to hr@htdiocese.org. Applications are now being accepted until position is filled. See the Diocesan website for a more in-depth job announcement. 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 of any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
742 Highway 182 • Houma, LA 70364 (985) 872-2413 www.cenac.com