Bayou Catholic December 2013 Issue by Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Bayou

Catholic

The magazine for the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Resplendent

Co-Cathedral windows sparkle for Christmas HOUMA, LA ~ DECEMBER 2013 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

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May the Spirit of this holiday season be with you throughout the coming year.

Merry Christmas

Experience Counts Over 40 Years Combined Experience

Office located in Houma

1022 Belanger Street • 985-223-3132 www.painspecialty.net Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

Event Solutions

Full Service Catering Food Beverages Flowers Cakes Professional Staff Decor Delivery

Kitchen

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Contents

On Our Cover The newly restored stained glass windows at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux sparkle just in time for Christmas.

Joy to the World Bishop Fabre’s Christmas Message

Cover Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier

Heavenly Recipes

Church Alive

Personalities

Vandebilt Christmas Project

Father Todd celebrates Golden Jubilee

Monica’s Polish Crepes

Our Churches

Christmas

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary

A collection of inspirational features

• Welcome

• Pope Speaks

38 • Reflections

• Anniversary couples 24

How to reach us: BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132 BY MAIL: P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395 BY FAX: (985) 850-3232 BY E-MAIL: bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

Bayou Catholic Vol. 34, No. 6

The Bayou Catholic is published monthly, for the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of HoumaThibodaux by the H-T Publishing Co., P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Subscription rate is $35 per year. The Bayou Catholic is a member of the Catholic Press Association, the National Newspaper Association and an associate member of the Louisiana Press Association. National and world-wide news service and photos by National Catholic News Service.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

• Seeing Clairely

• Overtime

Louis G. Aguirre editor and general manager Lawrence Chatagnier managing editor Glenn J. Landry, C.P.A. business manager Peggy Adams advertising manager Anna C. Givens advertising accounts executive Janet Marcel staff writer Pat Keese secretary and circulation Lisa Schobel Hebert graphic designer Janet B. Eschete accounts payable assistant Meridy Liner accounts receivable assistant

First Place Winner General Excellence

Where to find us Bayou Catholic magazine can be found at all Catholic churches in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and at the three Catholic high schools in Houma, Morgan City and Thibodaux. You may also visit the merchants listed in the Advertisers’ Index to pick up your copy. Those wishing to receive the magazine by mail can call Pat Keese at (985) 850-3132 or write to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Subscription price is $35 annually.

Index to Advertisers 12 Days of Christmas .........................61 Advanced Eye Institute ......................11 Awe’ Sha ............................................35 Bella Cosa ..........................................50 Cannata’s .............................................3 Catholic Foundation ...........................13 Cenac Marine Services, LLC .............63 Channel 10 .........................................41 Chauvin/Twin City Funeral Homes.......58 Chic Chateau .....................................49 Classic Business Products .................30 Collection for Philippines ....................31 Daigle Himel Daigle ...........................57 Diocesan Charities Christmas Collection ........................19 Diocesan Outreach Line ......................5 Diocesan Website ..............................29 Fabregas Music .................................54 Falgout Funeral Homes, LLC .............56 Family Vision Clinic ............................25 God’s Promises Books & Gifts ..........15 God’s Promises Books & Gifts ..........62 Haydel Spine & Pain Center ................2 Headache & Pain Center ....................47 Keeping Christ in Christmas ..............43 KEM Supply House, Inc. ....................60 Landry’s/Thibodaux/ Samart Funeral Homes ....................59 LeBlanc & Associates ........................39 Mpress ...............................................39 Re-Bath ..............................................27 Rod’s Superstore ...............................51 SEECA ................................................23 Seminarian Education Burses ...........37 Southland Dodge ...............................53 Southland Mall ...................................64 Spotlight .............................................25 St. George Catholic Church Baton Rouge ....................................42 St. Joseph Manor ...............................60 Synergy Bank .....................................52 Terminix ..............................................44 Terrebonne General Medical Center ..45 The Wishing Well ...............................55 Thibodaux Physical Therapy .............36

Diocesan Outreach Line

In response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is offering an Outreach Line (formerly known as the Child Protection Contact Line). The Outreach Line is an effort to continue the diocesan commitment to support healing for people who have been hurt or sexually abused recently or in the past by clergy, religious or other employees of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. A trained mental health professional responds to the line. Individuals are offered additional assistance if requested. The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line Telephone number is (985) 873-0026. For detailed reporting procedures see: www.htdiocese.org. Click on the Safe Environment tab, then on S.E. Forms and Links.

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

Con el fin de cumplir con las Políticas de Protección de Niños y Jóvenes de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Los Estados Unidos, la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux ofrece una Línea de Comunicación (antes Línea de Contacto para la Protección de los Niños). La Línea de Comunicación es parte del esfuerzo diocesano de comprometerse con el mejoramiento de aquéllos que han sido lastimados o abusados sexualmente recientemente o en el pasado por miembros del clero, religiosos u otros empleados de la Diócesis de HoumaThibodaux. El horario de la Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux es de 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m., de lunes a viernes. El encargado de esta línea es un profesional capacitado en salud mental. Se ofrece asistencia adicional al ser solicitada. Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux Número de teléfono (985) 873-0026. Vea el detallado procedimiento de informes en: www.htdiocese.org. Haga clic en Safe Environment y luego S.E. Forms and Links.

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän

Ñeå höôûng öùng Hieán chöông Baûo veä Treû em vaø Giôùi treû töø Hoäi ñoàng Giaùm muïc Hoa kyø, Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux ñang chuaån bò ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp (luùc tröôùc laø ñöôøng daây lieân laïc baûo veä treû em). Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp laø moät söï coá gaéng cuûa giaùo phaän nhaèm cam keát haøn gaén naâng ñôõ nhöõng ai ñaõ bò toån thöông hoaëc bò laïm duïng tính duïc hoaëc gaàn ñaây hoaëc trong quaù khöù bôûi giaùo só, tu só hoaëc caùc coâng nhaân vieân cuûa Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux. Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän hoaït ñoäng töø 8:30 saùng ñeán 4:30 chieàu, thöù hai ñeán thöù saùu. Moät nhaân vieân chuyeân nghieäp veà söùc khoûe taâm thaàn traû lôøi treân ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi. Nhöõng caù nhaân seõ ñöôïc trôï giuùp naâng ñôõ theâm neáu caàn. Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Soá ñieän thoaïi: (985) 873-0026. Caàn bieát theâm chi tieát veà caùch baùo caùo xin vaøo trang web cuûa ñòa phaän laø www.htdiocese.org. Baám vaøo muïc Safe Environment, sau ñoù tôùi muïc S.E. Forms vaø Links. www.bayoucatholic.com

Welcome

Editor’s Corner Louis G. Aguirre Editor & General Manager

Why, God?

The senseless murder of Deacon Connely Duplantis here in our own diocese and, farther away, the devastation that has brought so much pain and suffering to our brothers and sisters in the Philippines are difficult to comprehend. Deacon Duplantis was truly a man of God who devoted his whole life to helping and comforting others. One of the ministries he loved so much was that of visiting the prisoners. He brought God’s love to them and forgave them for their transgressions. Those of us who knew him are confident that even now he forgives his assassin. His wife, Yvonne, is one of the kindest women you will ever meet. She served as administrative secretary for Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux, Bishop Michael Jarrell and Bishop Sam G. Jacobs, and she did so with distinction. Connely and Yvonne had moved to the tiny little town of Gloster, MS, to live out the rest of their lives in peace and in service to others. Deacon Duplantis was serving as chaplain at Holy Family Mission there. Those of us who worked with Yvonne here at the Pastoral Center offer her and the entire Duplantis family our prayers, support and our sincerest sympathy. Not just our Filipino community, but all of us here continue to mourn the large loss of life in their country. Beyond death there are those who are alive, having to deal with so much suffering and unimaginable pain. Why do these things happen? Why, God? It is fitting to listen to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he brought up this subject recently. The pope told Rome’s Philippine community that in the midst of a disaster, it is natural and perfectly healthy to ask God why. Referring to the death and destruction Super Typhoon Haiyan caused in the central Philippines in early November, Pope Francis

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

In a 2009 photo, Deacon Connely Duplantis talks with former inmate Tyler Eschete about the Catholic faith.

said, “Why do these things happen? It can’t be explained. There are many things that we cannot understand.” The question of why there are natural disasters and other hurts is something he said he also asks. But, then, the pope said, he thinks of children who are just starting to understand that there are things they don’t understand. They start asking their parents, “Why? Why? Why?” Often enough, he said, “the child does not wait for an answer from his father or mother,” but just adds more questions. In effect, the child is seeking attention from his mother or father more than answers, the pope said. “He needs his parents’ eyes, their hearts, to be focused on him.” In times of trouble, the pope said, “never tire of asking ‘why’ like a child. That way, you will turn the gaze of our father to your people; you will attract the tenderness of our heavenly father.” This is the time to seek our Heavenly Father’s tenderness, his love, mercy and comfort. We may never know the answer to why these terrible things happen. More than 2,000 years ago his only son was senselessly killed because he loved the world so much. Perhaps the answer, then, is at the foot of the Cross.

Bishop’s Message

Merry Christmas

My dear friends in Christ: Merry Christmas!!!! May God’s choicest blessings be poured upon you and your family!! I pray that during these days of Christmas you will again experience the joy and promise that are found in God’s gift to us of Jesus Christ, the child born at Bethlehem. The season of Christmas invites us first to reflect upon and celebrate this great gift given by God, and then calls each of us every day to proclaim in word and service to all those around us our hope founded in Jesus Christ. Know of my prayers for you during these days of Christmas joy and into the New Year!!

Feliz Navidad

Queridos amigos míos en Cristo: ¡¡¡Feliz Navidad!!! ¡Qué Dios lo colme de grandes bendiciones a usted y a su familia! Pido que durante estos días de Navidad usted viva la felicidad y la promesa que nos ofrece Jesucristo, el don de Dios— el niño que ha nacido en Belén. La Navidad nos invita primeramente a reflexionar y regocijar este gran don de Dios y luego nos hace el llamado a cada uno de nosotros para que proclamemos cotidianamente en palabra y servicio nuestra esperanza, que basamos en Jesucristo, a nuestro prójimo. ¡¡Reciban mis oraciones durante estos días de felicidad navideña y que tengan un Feliz Año Nuevo!!

, Giang Sinh Chuc Mung ‘ ‘ ‘

Anh chò em thaân meán trong Ñöùc Kytoâ Chuùc Möøng Giaùng Sinh!!!! Nguyeän xin aân suûng ñaëc bieät cuûa Chuùa ñoå traøn ñaày treân anh chò em vaø gia ñình. Toâi caàu xin cho anh chò em trong muøa Giaùng Sinh naøy moät laàn nöõa caûm nhaän ñöôïc söï haân hoan vaø heïn öôùc maø chuùng ta chæ tìm thaáy trong aân suûng cuûa Thieân Chuùa qua Ñöùc Gieâsu Kytoâ, laø moät haøi ñaõ sinh ra nôi Beâlem. Trong muøa Giaùng Sinh tröôùc heát chuùng ta caàn suy tö vaø ca tuïng moùn quaø quyù giaù maø Chuùa ñaõ ban, vaø roài môøi goïi moãi ngöôøi haèng ngaøy tuyeân boá lôøi Chuùa vaø phuïc vuï nhöõng ngöôøi soáng chung quanh chuùng ta vôùi nieàm hy voïng maø chuùng ta chæ tìm thaáy trong Chuùa Gieâsu Kytoâ. Haõy bieát raèng toâi luoân caàu nguyeän cho anh chò em ñöôïc traøn ñaày nieàm vui Giaùng Sinh vaø trong naêm môùi nöõa.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre www.bayoucatholic.com

Comment The Pope Speaks

V 8

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis said he goes to confession every two weeks, knowing that God never tires of forgiving those who repent, but also knowing that having a priest say “I absolve you” reinforces belief in God’s mercy. Using the literal Italian translation of a Spanish saying, “It’s better to turn red once than yellow a thousand times,” Pope Francis said he knows some people are embarrassed to confess their sins to a priest, but it is the best path to spiritual healing and health. At his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square Nov. 20, Pope Francis reflected on the forgiveness of sins as one of the missions Jesus entrusted to his apostles and their successors. In a world often dominated by “individualism and subjectivism,” he said, many people -- including many Catholics -- say that God will forgive their sins and they have no need of the sacrament of confession and the ministry of a priest. “Certainly, God forgives every repentant sinner, but the Christian is bound to Christ and Christ is united to his church,” the pope said. “God, in his sovereign mercy, forgives everyone, but he wanted those who belong to Christ and his church to receive forgiveness through the community’s ministers.” “Priests, too, need confession,

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis greets a boy as he arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Nov. 20.

even bishops. We are all sinners. Even the pope goes to confession every two weeks because the pope, too, is a sinner,” he said. “My confessor hears what I say, offers me advice and forgives me. We all need this.” Through the presence and words of a priest, he said, penitents have “the certainty of forgiveness in the name of the church.” The church, he said, does not “own” the power to forgive sins, but is its servant and “rejoices every time it can offer this gift.” Pope Francis said the ministry of the confessor is “very delicate,” which is why the priest must recognize that he, too, is a sinner forgiven by God, the pope said. He must not “mistreat the faithful, but be meek, benevolent and merciful, knowing how to sow hope in the penitent’s heart and, especially, recognize that the brother or sister approaching the sacrament of reconciliation is seeking forgiveness just like the many people who approached Jesus seeking healing.”

“If a priest can’t be like this, it would be better if he did not administer the sacrament until he changes,” Pope Francis said. “The faithful have the right to find in their priests a servant of God’s forgiveness.” At the end of his audience, Pope Francis asked Catholics to join him Nov. 21 in offering material support to and praying for cloistered nuns, who “dedicate themselves to God in prayer and silent work.” He also gave his public support to the United Nation’s International Year of Family Farming, which was to kick off Nov. 22. Pope Francis said the year should highlight the valuable contribution families make to the economy, rural development, respect for nature and concrete aid to those in need. Pope Francis said he hoped the celebration would help people recognize the value of “the innumerable contributions the family makes to the economic, social, cultural and moral growth of the whole human family.”

Pope: God never tires of forgiving those who repent Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle

How many times a day can one receive Communion?

Q A

participation in the Mass whereby the faithful, after the priest’s Communion, receive the Lord’s body from the same sacrifice is warmly recommended.” In each of the examples your question offers, you may certainly receive Communion at the second Mass. Some other frequent situations that allow the same are: a weekday Mass in the morning, with a funeral Mass or wedding Mass later in that day; or a Saturday morning wedding or funeral with a vigil Mass for Sunday celebrated on Saturday afternoon. I know of a man who takes a bus to several churches on the same day and adjusts his schedule to arrive in time to “pop in” and take holy Communion at each of those Masses. I believe that this man is doing what he thinks is helpful and admirable, but objectively he is violating the church’s guideline

Q. What are the church’s guidelines for someone receiving Communion more than once a day? Some examples are: attending Mass on a Saturday morning, a Saturday evening vigil Mass and Mass again on Sunday morning; also, attending a weekday Mass in the morning and then a healing Mass that same evening. A. Succinctly put, a Catholic can receive Communion twice a day, within the context of a Mass. Canon No. 917 of the church’s Code of Canon Law states: “A person who has received the most holy Eucharist may receive it again on the same day only during the celebration of the Eucharist in which the person participates.” The canon goes on to explain that a person who is in danger of death may receive the Eucharist as viaticum no matter how many times he or she has already received it on that same day. The rationale behind the rule is that the holy Communion is an integral part of the Mass, uniting the recipient to the sacrifice made by Jesus. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (No. 1388) puts it this way, referencing the words of the Second Vatican Council: “That more perfect form of

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre baptizes Timothy Ray Redden Jr., son of Tara Ordoyne and Timothy Redden Sr., at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux.

on two counts: first, by receiving Communion more than twice a day; and secondly, by simply “grabbing” the Eucharist on his “fly-by” and not participating in the Mass at which he receives. Actually, the Vatican had envisioned this fellow some years ago: A number of bishops had written to the Holy See and asked whether the word “again” in canon No. 917 meant that the Eucharist could be received only twice a day (except in danger of death) or whether someone could take

Communion even more often, so long as he or she participated in the Mass. The Pontifical Council for the Interpretation of Legislative Texts wrote back in 1984, with the approval of Pope John Paul II, and said essentially that twice is the limit. The council recognized what a special gift the Eucharist is and wanted people to maintain the proper respect for its uniqueness.

Wait for baptism?

Q A

Q. How should I respond to a young couple (raised Catholic) who do not plan to baptize their infant children? (They intend to wait until the children are old enough to decide on a religion for themselves.) (Baltimore, Md.) A. I would ask the couple whether they follow the same standard in other areas of child rearing. Since they’re not sure whether their son will grow up to like math, do they decline to teach him arithmetic when he is little? The role of parents is to determine what opportunities they have benefited from, what virtues and values have helped them, what moral framework can offer guidance through life -- and then to pass on the best of what they have learned to their children. What Catholic parents say by having their infants baptized is this: We believe (both from our faith and from our experience) that the sacraments and Catholic teaching offer a clear channel to God, and we want our kids to have that blessing. 2013 Catholic News Service

Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@gmail.com and 40 Hopewell St., Albany, N.Y. 12208 www.bayoucatholic.com

Reflections Readings Between The Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

Act now! Later may be too late!

W 10

We establish 401Ks, IRAs and other investments to prepare for our financial futures. Young people go to college or technical school to prepare for the future career of their dreams. Older people take up a college program to make a new future for themselves. Business staffs and planners set goals for the future which determine their daily work in the present. Even our Church parish is planning for the upcoming visitation of our bishop, again an event in the future. There is much that is futureoriented about our daily lives. One aspect of the season of Advent is to encourage us to become future-oriented in our faith-lives. Our anticipation of Christ’s consummation of his Kingdom is something for which we must constantly prepare. In Isaiah 2:1-5, the prophet looks forward to a spiritual goal of the people of Israel. He anticipates that in days to come, the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. He does not mean that the Temple would be built on a higher mountain. The Temple and the mountain on which it was built were a symbol of faith. If people do not make growth in faith a priority in their lives, then their relationship with God will be obscured by the things that in fact are given preference.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

In part, the spiritual immaturity that Isaiah addressed was a tendency to neglect the needs of the poor in society. The nation’s leaders did nothing about the problem, even though their religious laws, which served as the civil laws as well, were explicit about the obligation to help the needy in society. Despite the attempts by some in our society to abandon responsibility to the poor, the Scriptures clearly enjoin us to assume such responsibility. If you were traveling in downtown New Orleans and were intent on looking for the Superdome, you might pass by the tallest building in New Orleans, Shell Square, and not see it. If our hearts are preoccupied with things other than our relationship with God, then God is out of our thoughts and out of our hearts. Our society in general is so fixed on things other than faith, that faith-development gets attention in people’s lives only when they are in crisis. Perhaps we give lots of time and energy to other things in our lives, and not so much to our faith. Do sporting and recreational activities or excessive business concerns take priority over things such as prayer, worship, charitable service, and spiritual reading and study that would help us grow in our faith. Isaiah looks forward to a day when the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest one, the one that gets the greatest priority in people’s lives. Advent is a time to aim for making the Lord’s house, our relationship with God, the main priority in our lives. In Matthew 24:37-44, Jesus directs his followers to orient their

lives to a future event, his coming to establish fully his Kingdom. There is a sense of urgency in Jesus’ voice; we cannot wait; now is the time to prepare! We are given our lives to prepare for this event. On the one hand, we do not know when it will happen, on the other hand, we may die before we have the chance to spend ourselves in the necessary preparations. Jesus’ full establishment of his Kingdom is the event to which all history and world events are directed. The Kingdom will come in its fullness when way of love and justice that Jesus taught is fully realized, and when union with God and other people of faith is fulfilled. Everything we do to make the life of the coming Kingdom present in a small way in the world around us is to prepare for the coming of the Kingdom in its fullness. The future to which both Isaiah and Jesus look is a wonderful time, a time of the fulfillment of hopes and dreams. We must be a people of hope; each day of our lives, despite the tears, fears and sufferings we must look toward a future of hope. Advent is precisely the time to make serious changes in our lives so that our faith, our God and the hopeful future he promises can truly be given the first place in our lives. Maybe we can transfer some of the time we spend in shopping into prayer and worship, some of the excessive time we spend at work or in business into family time, some of the time we spend in recreation into a time of doing good for others. But we have to act now, because, as the Lord says, later may be too late!

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Saints Immaculate Conception 19th century December 9

CNS

The Catholic dogma that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was free from original sin from the moment of her conception and preserved from all sin throughout her earthly life was declared by Pope Pius IX in 1854. However, for centuries Catholics had believed in Mary’s exceptional holiness as a divine favor in anticipation of her role in salvation; by the eighth century, the Eastern church believed her holiness was flawless and immense, and this belief gradually spread throughout the Western church. The feast is fixed nine months before the feast marking Mary’s birthday on Sept. 8. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the patron of the United States and 10 other nations in South America, Africa, Asia and Europe.

Samthann died 739 December 18

CNS

An Irish abbess known for her wisdom, Samthann is thought to have become a nun in Donegal, after a nobleman to whom she was betrothed acceded to her wish to marry only God. She founded Clonbroney Abbey in Longford, where she chose to live a simple life. She would not accept large estates for the abbey, and its herd was limited to six cows. According to a biography, she advised a monk who inquired about the appropriate attitude for prayer that one could pray in every position: sitting, standing, kneeling or laying. Her name was included in the litany and canon of the Stowe Missal, and a number of miracles were attributed to her intercession.

Holy Family first century December 29

Crosiers

The Holy Family consists of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and this feast honors their life together, beginning in Bethlehem and then moving to Nazareth, Egypt and back to Nazareth. The church has chosen to commemorate their family life as a model for all Christian families. The feast recognizes the humility of Jesus, Mary’s virtue and Joseph’s steadfastness, along with the obedience of all three to God’s plan for them in salvation history. Traditionally celebrated in January, the feast has been celebrated since the Second Vatican Council on the first Sunday after Christmas. If there is no Sunday between Christmas and New Year’s Day, it is celebrated Dec. 30.

Saints

CNS

www.bayoucatholic.com

December love. Pastors from the United Kingdom, Canada and the USA have called this performance “mesmerizing,” “powerful” and “a profound experience.” Admission: a free-will offering. Father Morris memorized and staged the Gospel

january 2014

n Catholic Charities will host a training session for anyone interested in volunteering to prepare income tax returns free of charge for people making less than $50,000 per year. Training will be January 6-8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., in the computer lab on the second floor of Terrebonne Parish’s main library. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Jan. 7, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45-12:45 p.m. Father Michael Bergeron, speaker. n The Trinity, Thursday, Jan. 9, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Father Jules Brunet, speaker. n Junior High Faith Experience Adult Night of Praise, Friday, Jan. 10, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral Life Center, 7 p.m. n Marriage Prep, Saturday, Jan. 11, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. n Junior High Faith Experience, Saturday, Jan. 11, 9 a.m., Nicholls State University.

february n Free income tax preparation and E-filing, beginning Saturday, Feb. 1, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and continuing every Tuesday and Saturday until Tuesday, April 15, 2014. Note: The start date may be changed due to the recent government shutdown, forcing a possible delay in IRS operations. There may be a two week delay in the starting date. n Man of God Gathering, Tuesday, Feb. 4, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6 p.m. Meal is served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m. Free

of Mark when he broke his leg and was confined to bed. It took about four months to commit the 15,000 words to memory. Mark’s Gospel Live will be held at St. Genevieve Church Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. All are invited to attend.

DIOCESAN

n Experience the entire Gospel of St. Mark in two hours of storytelling by priest and actor, Father Joseph Morris. This is not a reading or talk but a dynamic proclamation of an ancient story about God’s healing

n Woman of God Gathering, Tuesday, Jan. 14, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Meal served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m. Free event; all women over 18 years of age are invited. n Parishes in South Lafourche deanery: Parish Pastoral Council meeting, Wednesday, Jan. 15, St. Joseph, Galliano, parish hall. Meal served at 6 p.m.; meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. n Baptism and Confirmation, Thursday, Jan. 16, 6-8:15 p.m., diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Very Rev. Robert Rogers, speaker. n Martin Luther King Mass, Sunday, Jan. 19, St. Lucy, Houma, 8:15 a.m. n Martin Luther King Mass, Sunday, Jan. 19, St. Luke, Thibodaux, 10:45 a.m. n Parishes in Terrebonne deanery: Parish Pastoral Council

meeting, Wednesday, Jan. 22, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma, parish hall. Meal served at 6 p.m.; meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. n Christology, Wednesday, Jan. 22, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 pm. Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L., speaker. n Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Thursday, Jan. 23, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Very Rev. Robert Rogers, speaker. n TEC 71, Jan. 24-26, Souby Retreat Building, beginning at 5:30 p.m. n Liturgy Committee Workshop, Saturday, Jan. 25, St. Joseph, Galliano, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. n Parishes in Upper Lafourche deanery: Parish Pastoral Council meeting, Wednesday, Jan. 29, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Meal is served at 6 p.m.; meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

event; all men over 18 years of age are invited. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Feb. 4, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Father Mark Toups, speaker. n Christology, Tuesdays, Feb. 5, 19, and 26, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Very Rev. Josh Rodrigue, speaker n Matrimony and Holy Orders, Thursday, Feb. 13, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Father Robert Rogers, speaker.

n Adore, Wednesday, Feb. 19, Houma Municipal Auditorium, 7 p.m. n The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Church, Thursday, Feb. 20, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Father Jules Brunet, speaker. n TEC 72, February 21-23, Souby Retreat Building, beginning at 5 p.m. n Freedom, Law and the Beatitudes, Thursday, Feb. 27, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Father Wilmer Todd, speaker.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

EVENTS

…will Support Local Parish Needs

…will create An Endowment Fund for Seminarian Support

…will create An Endowment Fund for Catholic Charities

www.catholicfoundationsl.org (985) 850-3116

Scripture Readings

and a listing of Feast days and saints

Monday

Tuesday

2 December 3

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Memorial of Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the church Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 Matthew 9:35— 10:1, 5a, 6-8

Second Sunday of Advent Isaiah 11:1-10 Romans 15:4-9 Matthew 3:1-12

Solemnity of the Advent Weekday Immaculate Isaiah 40:1-11 Conception of the Matthew 18:12-14 Blessed Virgin Mary Genesis 3:9-15, 20 Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12 Luke 1:26-38

Advent Weekday Isaiah 40:25-31 Matthew 11:28-30

Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe Zechariah 2:14-17 Luke 1:26-38

Memorial of Lucy, virgin and martyr Isaiah 48:17-19 Matthew 11:16-19

Memorial of John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the church Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

Third Sunday of Advent Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11

Advent Weekday Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a Matthew 21:23-27

Advent Weekday Genesis 49:2, 8-10 Matthew 1:1-17

Advent Weekday Jeremiah 23:5-8 Matthew 1:18-25

Advent Weekday Jugs 13:2-7, 2425a Luke 1:5-25

Advent Weekday Isaiah 7:10-14 Luke 1:26-38

Advent Weekday Songs 2:8-14 Luke 1:39-45

Fourth Sunday of Advent Isaiah 7:10-14 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-24

Advent Weekday Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 Luke 1:57-66

Advent Weekday 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Luke 1:67-79

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord Isaiah 52:7-10 Hebrews 1:1-6 John 1:1-18

Feast of Stephen, first martyr Acts 6:8-10; 7:5459 Matthew 10:17-22

Feast of John, Apostle and Evangelist 1 John 1:1-1-4 John 20:1a, 2-8

Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs 1 John 1:5—2:2 Matthew 2:13-18

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 Colossians 3:12-21 Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

1 Jan. 2014 2

Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas 1 John 2:12-17 Luke 2:36-40

Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas 1 John 2:18-21 John 1:1-18

Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord; Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Numbers 6:22-27 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:16-21

Memorial of Basil Christmas Weekday the Great 1 John 2:29—3:6 and Gegory John 1:29-34 Nazianzen, bishops and doctors of the church 1 John 2:22-28 John 1:19-28

Memorial of Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious 1 John 3:7-10 John 1:35-42

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Isaiah 60:1-6 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12

Christmas Weekday 1 John 3:22— 4:6 Matthew 4:1217, 23-25

Christmas Weekday Christmas Weekday Christmas Weekday Christmas Weekday 1 John 4:11-18 1 John 4:19—5:4 1 John 5:5-13 1 John 4:7-10 Luke 5:12-16 Luke 4:14-22a Mark 6:34-44 Mark 6:45-52

May the Love and Peace from His Holy Spirit live inside the hearts of you and your loved ones this Christmas season and always. Serving the Diocese since 1991

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Young Voices

What does Christmas To me Christmas means to be thankful and to be kind. At first I thought it was about the presents but it’s really about family. Christmas is about going to church. I’m happy on Christmas because I get to go to church with my family and friends and meet their families. The best thing is not the presents, it’s Jesus’ birthday! And that’s all that matters. Brenan O’Brien, third grade Sacred Heart Church parish CCD, Morgan City

Christmas is a time where we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is also a time that we spend with family and friends. The Christmas holiday is the most important holiday. Kaia Chiasson, seventh grade Christ the Redeemer Church parish CCD, Thibodaux

Christmas is an extraordinary time of year. For me, Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to spend time with family. I think we should focus on helping others instead of ourselves during the Christmas season, especially people who don’t have a home or enough to eat. Madelin Arabie, fifth grade Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish CCD, Golden Meadow

Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, spend time with family and give gifts to show people how special they are to us. We celebrate Jesus’ birthday by putting up Christmas trees, sparkling lights and Nativity scenes. This time of year makes people feel happy and want to be kind to their neighbors. It is a time when we visit family members that we normally don’t see very often. We also give to people who do not have as much as we do. Malcolm J. Washington, fourth grade St. Lucy Church parish CCD, Houma

Christmas is a time we should be thankful for Mary taking the challenge of being the mother of God’s son. We should not be concentrating on the gifts people give us, but on the ultimate gift, Jesus. During Christmas we should gather together as Catholics grateful for that one true gift. Tristan Foret, seventh grade St. Mary’s Nativity Elementary School, Raceland Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

mean to you? Christmas means the birth of Jesus and how he is a special gift from God. Christmas is not about receiving gifts, but being with my family and celebrating Christmas Mass together. Reese Naquin, fourth grade Holy Savior Elementary School, Lockport

Christmas to me is a time to relax and have fun with family. It’s a time to be full of joy and happiness and to be thankful for the many gifts we receive from Jesus throughout the year. Jackson Moreaux, third grade St. Bernadette Elementary School, Houma

The way I thought about what Christmas means has developed over the years. When I was little, all that would come to my mind was toys. But as I got older, I realized Christmas was more than what is given to me; it is really about the birth of our Savior. It is also a time to spend with the people you love and enjoy your family. Now at Christmas, I think of the times I spend with my family, Jesus and why he came to us, and maybe still a little bit about the presents I will be getting. Noah Broussard, sixth grade St. Ann Church parish CCD, Bourg

Christmas isn’t just about getting presents; it’s about spending time with family, too. To me, Christmas feels like love and care is all around. During Christmas is when I feel connected and closer to God. This is when we thank God for sending Jesus so we could follow him. Sarah Dupre, fifth grade Maria Immacolata Elementary School, Houma

To me, Christmas doesn’t just mean Santa Claus and presents, it means much more. Christmas means celebrating Jesus’s birth and going to Christmas Mass. Christmas means spending time with family and carrying out old traditions as well as making new ones. Christmas means donating to charity so everyone can have a wonderful Christmas! Claire Martinez, sixth grade St. Genevieve Elementary School, Thibodaux www.bayoucatholic.com

Bayou Spirit

Diocese honors Black Catholics Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of a Mass for Black Catholics recently at St. Lucy Church in Houma. The Mass was celebrated in conjunction with the feast of St. Martin de Porres. In his homily, the bishop said that Jesus has tied love of God very closely to love of neighbor; and like St. Martin de Porres people should know us by our love and willingness to serve others.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Bayou Catholic â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA â&#x20AC;˘ December 2013

â&#x20AC;&#x153;For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.â&#x20AC;? - Isaiah 9:6 Come celebrate the joy of the Lord.

In the Spirit of this Holy Season ... please remember the Diocesan Charities Christmas Collection on December 25. Thank You and God Bless www.bayoucatholic.com

Special

Restored St. Joseph Co-Cathedral windows

SPARKLE just in time for Christmas

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Stained glass has been used in Catholic churches since ancient times to illustrate, supplement and portray in tangible form the teachings of the Catholic Church, according to the Stained Glass Association of America which was formed in 1903. The stained glass windows at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, which depict various episodes in the life of Christ as well as illustrating the seven sacraments, were put in place 90 years ago, in 1923, when the church was being built. Very Rev. Jay L. Baker, V.G., rector of the CoCathedral, says that when the restoration of the co20 cathedral took place in 2005, he was made aware that these beautiful stained glass windows needed to be restored, as well. H.J. Roger, building committee chairman for St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, explains that during the 2005 restoration of the co-cathedral when there was scaffolding up to the ceiling, workers from Conrad Schmidt Studios of New Bern, WI, noticed that the stained glass windows along the top of the church were in pretty bad shape. Roger talked to Father Baker and Bishop Sam G. Jacobs about the matter and even though there was no additional money in the budget at the time, it was decided to repair the top windows while the scaffolding was in place. The lead was coming apart on those windows and it was determined that all the stained glass windows would need to be restored eventually before it became a hazardous situation, as the deteriorating lead could cause the glass to come apart and possibly fall on someone. “In November 2012, workers from Conrad Schmidt Studios removed one of the 10 large windows along the side aisle to perform a sample restoration, which enabled the craftsmen to determine how long the entire project would take,” says Father Baker. In the middle of January 2013, all of the remaining windows were removed and transported to Wisconsin in a special truck. There, skilled craftsmen took each individual pane of glass apart, cleaned and restored it, then replaced the badly deteriorated lead and redid all the putty. The stained glass was then pieced back together and transported from Wisconsin to the cocathedral where it was put into its place, describes Roger. Additionally, new safety glass was installed to Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

Workers from Conrad Schmidt Studios install a panel of stained glass at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux.

protect the windows. Unlike the old Plexiglas which yellowed over time and offered some protection from the elements, the new safety glass offers protection in hurricane strength winds … stopping a 2x4 at 150 mph wind speeds, adds Father Baker. “It wasn’t easy to keep the church clean while the windows were being restored, but members of Jacob’s Ladder were very helpful in doing just that,” Roger says. “And the personnel from Conrad Schmidt Studios were very cooperative; they would work with us for funerals so that they would not be in the church during that time. While they were working they kept the pews covered with plastic to protect them.” The cost of the project, which took eight months to complete, was approximately $700,000, and it will probably not need to be done again for another 100 years or so, says Roger. “While it was unsettling to have all the stained glass gone and to have so much sunlight flooding the interior of the church, this essential restoration work will allow future generations to be as inspired by these magnificent windows as our own generation has been,” says Father Baker.

Deacon Pedro Pujals

Deacon Pedro Pujals dies

The windows of the co-cathedral were taken apart, cleaned, restored, then pieced back together and transported from Wisconsin to the co-cathedral where they were put back into place.

Mall Ministry open

Deacon Pedro Pujals, who had been serving at St. Joseph CoCathedral in Thibodaux for many years, died Nov. 13, at the age of 89, in Thibodaux. He is survived by his wife, Graciela, and an extensive and loving family. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is sponsoring a ministry of Catholic presence at Southland Mall in Houma for the fourth year. The main focus of the ministry is to bring the presence of the Catholic Church ministering in the name of Christ to the people, especially during the Christmas season. Leland Neil, a volunteer from St. Joseph Church parish in Chauvin, hands out literature to Karen Babin and Jo Ann Ledet.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Heavenly Recipes

Monica’s

PolishCrepes Story and Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier

This month’s heavenly recipe comes from Monica Hoffman, a native of Detroit, MI, and the secretary at St. Andrew Church parish in Amelia. Monica’s recipe is Naleśniki or Polish Crepes. This recipe has been in her family for four generations. “We used to eat these crepes on Christmas morning in our family. My grandmother taught me how to make them. I would watch her as she would quietly watch the batter in the skillet knowing just when to flip it on the other side. I would ask her, ‘how do you know when to flip them?’ She would say, 22 ‘when they look right.’ Then she said, ‘say a Hail Mary and when you’re finished, it is ready to flip.’ To this day I still say a Hail Mary when I make the crepes.” The main focus of her family during Christmas was to attend Midnight Mass. “Christmas was always cold in Detroit. My older brothers and sisters who attended Catholic school would always have a part in the choir or the procession for the Midnight Mass. Because we had a large family with six children, I didn’t attend Catholic school until I was in the ninth grade.” She has worked at St. Andrew for the past nine months. “It is wonderful here. It doesn’t feel like a job; it is a ministry here. I enjoy working for Father Joseph (Chacko). We do a lot for the community here at St. Andrew. I find working here and working with the parishioners very rewarding,” she says. Monica was in the restaurant business for 30 years and says that she enjoys cooking. “Every once in a while I will bring food from home to Father Joseph. I was hired here during Lent. Father and I would eat fish sandwiches from the fast

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

Monica Hoffman serves Father Joseph Chacko her special Polish Crepes.

food restaurants every day. One day I told him this is killing me. We shouldn’t be eating this every day. I began cooking red fish, catfish and perch for him and he really enjoyed it. I enjoy sharing what I cook at home for him.” Monica has lived in South Louisiana for the past 32 years. When her husband passed away her siblings asked if she was returning home to Detroit. She replied, “I am at home. I love it here. Feel free to come by and visit any time.”

Naleśniki (Polish Crepes)

2 cups of flour 5 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 3 cups milk 1/2 cup of sugar 1/2 tsp. salt Blend dry ingredients together. Beat eggs separately; add milk and vanilla. Mix liquid ingredients to flour mixture. Blend until all lumps disappear. Heat lightly oiled skillet on medium heat. Pour batter by ladleful and swirl until bottom of pan is covered. Flip crepe when top is fully cooked and edges lift easily from sides. Makes approximately 20 crepes. Filling 24 oz. container of Cottage Cheese 1 egg beaten 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (or to taste) Blend all ingredients together and fill crepe with two tablespoons as desired. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Topping 8 oz. container of sour cream 1/2 cup of sugar Mix together until sugar is dissolved. Place on top of warm crepes.

Special

Anniversaries

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs presided over the annual wedding anniversary celebration recently at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma which honored 251 couples and was sponsored by the diocesan Office of Family Ministries. Wedding anniversary couples shown with the bishop from left

are Robert and Angela Charpentier, 25 years, St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black; Tommy and Beth Gros, 40 years, St. John the Evangelist, Thibodaux; Janet and James Tabor, 50 years, St. Francis de Sales; and Gloria and Edgar Hicks, 60 years, Holy Savior, Lockport.

Diocese honors 251 couples

The annual diocesan wedding anniversary celebration which is sponsored by the Office of Family Ministries was held recently at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. Bishop Sam G. Jacobs presided over the prayer service where 251 couples celebrating 25, 40, 50, 60 or more years of marriage were honored. 25th Anniversary Celebrants Annunziata, Houma: Barry and Stephanie Scott Carrere; Maria Immacolata, Houma: Stephen Sr. and Karen Bergeron Geist, Edmond and Janet Lajaunie Kirby, Raymond and Rochelle Ledet Miller; Our Lady of Prompt

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

Succor, Chackbay: Kelly and Angela Chiasson Cortez, Kynan and Carol Hymel Webre; Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose: Tate and Lisa Hebert Danos; Sacred Heart, Montegut: Kevin and Roxane Leone Belanger; St. Ann, Bourg: Wayne and Patsy Derrington Eschete, Marco and Jeanne Eschete Gernon, Timothy and Paula Guedry White; St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black: Robert and Angela Poche’ Charpentier; St. Bernadette Soubirous, Houma: William and Gina Doiron Lirette, Michael and Laura Domangue Patrick; Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma: Ricky and Celeste

Hebert Graham; St. Genevieve, Thibodaux: Shannon and Christie Marceaux Montgomery, Michael and Denise Clement Williamson; St. Gregory, Houma: Scott and Paula Lochbaum Galtier; St. Hilary, Mathews: Barry and Alice Guillot Ledet, Ricky and Stephanie Stephens Lee; St. Joseph CoCathedral, Thibodaux: Michael and Dionne Dupont Hebert, Allen and Suzanne Delaune Troxclair; St. Louis, Bayou Blue: Randall and Andrea Caronia Poincot; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Timothy and April Schech Foret, Leo and Kay Boudreaux Uzee; St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux: Mark

and Carolyn Ranatza Azenhoffer, Bruce and Tammy Barrilleaux Benoit, Buddy and Theresa Gascon Larose, Lance and Stacy Caillouet LeJeune, Tully and Anna Delatte Morvant, Nestor and Dalsy Navarro; 40th Anniversary Celebrants Annunziata, Houma: James and Susan Stogner Kraus, William C. and Elaine Price Padgett; Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux: Kenneth and Jane Breaux Bourgeois, Majesta and JoAnne Larose Price, Michael and Karen Benoit Rivere; Holy Cross, Morgan City: Ronald and Donna Chauvin Bucci; Holy Family, Grand Caillou: Michael and Suzette Authement Dehart, James and Karen Samanie Trosclair, Peter and Kathy Duthu Verdin; Holy Savior, Lockport: Michael and Eve Parr Adams, Renee’ and Barbara Reed Claudet, Lloyd and Patsy Legendre Comeaux; Maria Immacolata, Houma: Sidney J. and Vilma P. Sissac; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow: Nicolas and Cleta Fortier Plaisance; Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma: Thomas

and Angela Redmond Guidry; Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose: Tommy and Suzanne LaFleur Robichaux; Sacred Heart, Cut Off: Philip and Susan Hebert Bychurch, Michael and Linda LeBouef Callais, Kirk and Charleen Bruce Hebert, Glenn and Joy Callais Rousse, James and Jackie Barrios Thibodaux; St. Ann, Bourg: Lynn and Monica Neal Pellegrin; St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black: Kevin and Melanie Webre Crochet, Charles and Belva Louviere Dusenbery, Maurice and Charlette Domangue Poche’; St. Bernadette Soubirous, Houma: James and Catherine LeBoeuf Arcement, Barry and Susan Landry Buquet; St. Bridget, Schriever: Leroy and Emily Bougeois Benoit; St. Charles Borromeo, Pointeaux-Chenes: Al and Mildred Dardar Naquin; St. Eloi, Theriot: Steven and Teddi Theriot Sparks; Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma: Leroy and Judy Bernard Levron, Ernest and Linda Amedee Perry, Carl and Deborah Michel Soudelier; St. Genevieve, Thibodaux: Michael and Daisy Cheramie Guidroz, George and

Diocesan Programs This Month

“Spotlight on the Diocese” Host: Louis Aguirre With Guests: Mrs. Shawn Lapeyrouse Conference Director

Mrs. Catherine Klingman

Director, Office of Family Ministries

Peggy Hebert Oncale; St. Hilary, Mathews: Raymond and Linda Champagne Richard; St. John the Evangelist, Thibodaux: Harold and Sheryle Benoit Chauvin, Tommy and Beth Diedrich Gros, Thomas and Christine Baye McGehee; St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux: Steven and Brenda Thibodaux Arceneaux, Earl and Ann Soignet Thibodaux; St. Joseph, Chauvin: Royce and Gardline Martin Belanger; St. Joseph, Galliano: Scott and Lorey Curole Autin, Ray and Brenda Guidry Bernard, Michael and Martha Dufrene Collins; St. Lawrence the Martyr, Kraemer: Gary and Leeann Tregre Cortez, Louis and Debra Morvant Lassere, Bradley and Miranda Farace Sanchez; St. Lawrence, Chacahoula: Stephen and Claire Porche Bourgeois; St. Louis, Bayou Blue: Ray and Darlene Voisin Lovell; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Dickie and Victoria Stevens Babin, Clarence and Debra Bourgeois Fields, Reed and Brenda Bourgeois Folse, Kenneth and Elaine Bourgeois Foret; St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux:

May the joy of this Christmas stay in your heart throughout the New Year.

Merry Christmas

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Anniversaries

Craig and Mary Jo Kerne Kees, Michael and Caroline Williams Sobert; 50th Anniversary Celebrants Annunziata, Houma: Errol and Margaret Breaux Cunningham, Richard and Fay Kelpsch Duplantis; Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux: Darrel and Barbara Chiasson Daigle, Thomas Sr. and Betty Chiasson Harrison, Preston and Jeanell Daigle LeJeune; Holy Family, Grand Caillou: James and Margie LeCompte Duplantis; Holy Savior, Lockport: Lionel and Rosalyn Becnel Arcement, Daniel and Dolores Hebert Legendre; Maria Immacolata, Houma: Kenneth and Iris Duet Bergeron, Barry and Mona Barrilleaux Williams, Kenny and Kate Simon Wood; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay: Daniel Jr. and Patricia Perque Folse, Ernest and Mary Ann Adams LaRose, Clifton 26 and Merline Clement Molaison, Jean and Elizabeth Marcombe Morvant, Murphy and Rose Mary Morvant Morvant, Douglas and Isabelle Granier Oubre, Chester and Betty Legendre Usey, Edward Charles Jr. and Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Benoit; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow: Reynold and Judy Danos Adams, Raymont and Lydia Dardar Serigny, Jay and Willie Vegas Cheramie, Larry and Mary Martin St. Germain; Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma: Whiley and Esther Brunet Landry; Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose: Ronald and Geraldine Orgeron Chiasson, Rudy and Shirley Cavalier Ougel, Ted and Jane Callahan Savoie, Roland and Daria Amedee Thomassie; Sacred Heart, Cut Off: Nolan and Judy Dantin Bourgeois, Donald and Harriet Guidry Cheramie, Ronald and Sandra Duet Cheramie, Hilton Jr. and Shari Angeron David, Walter Jr. and Dolores Boudreaux Guidry, Marco and Carolyn Brunson Picciola, Clarence and Rosita Smith Triche; Sacred Heart, Montegut: Lloyd and Rosalie Guillot Blanchard, Russell Jr. and Margaret Ann Hornsby Hebert,

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

Norman Jr. and Louise Martin Price, Louis Jr. and Barbara Klingman Prosperie; St. Ann, Bourg: Richard and Sharon Fletcher Bascle, Steven and Nellie Jaubert Bergeron, Thomas and Carolyn Gilmore Boquet; St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black: Frank and Juanita Bergeron Lajaunie; St. Bernadette Soubirous, Houma: Michael and Marion Lemery Boquet, R. Lawrence and Norma Tipper Vuillemont; St. Charles Borromeo, Pointe-auxChenes: Larry and Julia Rodrigue Dupre; St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Community: Russell and Anne Knobloch Dufrene, Robert and Esther Chenier Ledet; St.

Eloi, Theriot: Emelton and Geralyn Champagne Molaison; Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma: John and Anna Maronge Baldone, Ray and Brenda Authement Lapeyrouse, Philip Rodney and Martha Gail Winders LeCompte Jr., James and Janet Lapeyrouse Tabor, Prosper and Beverly Porche Toups; St. Genevieve, Thibodaux: Richard and Dilly Ledet Portier; St. Hilary, Mathews: Percy and Linda Rae Boudoin Lee, Gary and Mercedes Vedros Naquin; St. John the Evangelist, Thibodaux: Edward and Rita Adams Martin; St. Joseph, Galliano: Reynolds Sr. and Sylvia Griffin Curole, Johnny

and Mary Lee Guidry Lasseigne, Glyn and Linda Fontenot Moore, Jamie and Pauline Borne Vizier; St. Lawrence the Martyr, Kraemer: Leo and Lois Larousse Cortez, Jessie and Myra Mahler Dempster; St. Lawrence, Chacahoula: Milton and Elaine Gagneaux Pennison; St. Louis, Bayou Blue: Larry and Ruby Levron Daigle, Steve and Shirley Foret Rogers; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Teddy and Mary Babin Baudoin, Russell and Eve Babin Pierce; 60th Anniversary Celebrants Annunziata, Houma: James (J.D.) and Lois Domangue Bonvillain; Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux: Herbert and Lois Gros Ledet; Holy Cross, Morgan City: Andrew and Marian Breaux Jones, Lawrence and Ruby Daigle Vining; Holy Savior, Lockport: Edgar and Gloria Gravois Hicks; Maria Immacolata, Houma: Hartwell and Myrtle Babin Aucoin; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay: Emmett and Joyce Diana Chiasson Trosclair; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow: Roy and Sally Curole Champagne; St. Ann, Bourg: Leward and Margaret Bascle Boquet, Claude and Ezoline Robichaux Bourg; St. Bernadette Soubirous, Houma: Melvin and Juanita Labat Blanchard, L.J. and Bonnie Folse Folse, Ray and Connie Foret LeCompte; St. Charles Borromeo, Pointeaux-Chenes: Willie and Erlaine Rodrigue Dugas; Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma: Charles and Amy Bonvillain Bonvillain; St. Hilary, Mathews: Leroy and Marie Gean Dufrene Chiasson, Lovell and Mary Ann Plaisance Saucier; St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux: Roland and Frances Blanchard Bourgeois, Guy and Clarice Hensgens Gauthreaux; St. Joseph, Galliano: Gerald and Shirley Landry Guidry, Ivy and Nancy Griffin Lasseigne; St. Lawrence the Martyr, Kraemer: Percy and Vim Larousse Cortez; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Calvin and Doris Babin Breaux, Donald and Patricia Grimes Kliebert, Jerry and Mae Ruth LeBlanc Knight, Benjamin and Gertrude Champagne Matherne, William and Faye Elder McBroom;

61st Anniversary Celebrants Annunziata, Houma: Levis Jr. and Billie Fae Stevens Pellegrin; Holy Family, Grand Caillou: James and Beverly Authement Trosclair; Maria Immacolata, Houma: Darwin and Geraldine Terrebonne Lafont, Milton and Betty Duplantis White; Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma: Dan and Robbie Guedry LeBlanc, Burleigh and Molly Moore Ruiz; Sacred Heart, Cut Off: Raymond and Betty Lefort Melancon; St. Bridget, Schriever: Paul and Marilyn Talbot Thibodaux; St. Eloi, Theriot: Patrick and Thelma Brunet Duplantis; St. Gregory, Houma: Wade and Leah LeCompte Use’; St. Joseph, Galliano: Ervin and Aline Adams Bruce; St. Lawrence the Martyr, Kraemer: Callen and Ella Simon Dempster; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Leonard and Alice Robichaux Borne; 62nd Anniversary Celebrants Maria Immacolata, Houma: Adolph and Philetta Gautreaux Geist; Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma: Reynold and Lucille LeBlanc Pitre; St. Gregory, Houma: Donald and Louella LeBoeuf Guidry; St. John the Evangelist, Thibodaux: Sterling and Inez Bourg Aysen; St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux: Herbert and Rose Lee Brown Toups; St. Joseph, Galliano: Eeris and Velma Collins Bouzigard; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Dudley and Betty Foret Adams, Gus Sr. and Bernice Matherne Falgout, Pierre and Dolores Breaux Foret, Harison and Jeannette Gervais Matherne; 63rd Anniversary Celebrants Holy Savior, Lockport: Calvin and Anna Rose Marie Guidroz Allemand; Our Lady of Prompt

SINCE FAST

Succor, Golden Meadow: Jerry and Ramona Plaisance Williams; St. Bernadette Soubirous, Houma: Albert and Gilda Kliebert Lasseigne; St. Hilary, Mathews: Thomas and Rita St. Romain Robichaux; St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux: Pedro Pablo and Graziella Maria Muñiz Pujals; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Joseph and Marie Leblanc Champagne, Bolton and Cerita Foret LeBlanc; 64th Anniversary Celebrants Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow: Ellis and Iona Collins Lefort; Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose: Richard and Jenny Defelice Rodrigue; Sacred Heart, Cut Off: Roman and Mabel Autin Guidry; St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black: Richard and Laurel Watkins Breaux; St. Hilary, Mathews: Hubert and Loyce St. Pierre Gaudet; St. Joseph, Galliano: Elphege and Vina Mae Hebert Brunet, Eumes Jr. and Julia Sanamo Griffin, 65th Anniversary Celebrants Holy Savior, Lockport: Raymond and Marion Adams Birdsall, Hubert and Dorothy Boudreaux Gautreaux; Maria Immacolata, Houma: Billy and Jane Boudreaux Bundy; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay: Charles and Elisie Legendre Landry; St. Ann, Bourg: Curtis and Cele Fanguy Fabre; St. Bernadette Soubirous, Houma: George Sr. and Yvonne Smith Fournier; St. Gregory, Houma: Melvin and Betty Carlos Ababie, Larry and Alice Domangue Donaldson; St. Joseph CoCathedral, Thibodaux: Roland and Billie Babin Soignet; St. Joseph, Galliano: James and Irma Cheramie Cheramie, Arsen Jr. and Doree Dufrene Lasseigne; St. Lawrence

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the Martyr, Kraemer: Eugene and Carrie Dempster Loupe; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Ivy and Shirley Waguespack Foret; 66th Anniversary Celebrants Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay: Warren and Enola Robinson Percle; Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma: Evans (Vince) and Miriam Bonvillain Hebert, Albert and Velma Guidry Trahan; St. Ann, Bourg: Selwyn and Mabel Nini Gilmore; Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma: Frank and Claire Olivier Porretto; St. Hilary, Mathews: Albert and Lorita Detillier Loupe; St. Joseph, Galliano: Nolan and Octavia Rousse Lasseigne; St. Louis, Bayou Blue: Murphy and Marie Levron Melancon; 67th Anniversary Celebrants Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow: Albert and Mary Williams Cheramie, Ernest and Lovinia Gisclair Eymard; Sacred Heart, Cut Off: Weston and Doris Richoux Smith; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Philip and Delta Sampey Monier, Camille and Aline Borne St. Pierre; 68th Anniversary Celebrants 27 Holy Family, Grand Caillou: Everst Jr. and Mary Crochet Voisin; Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow: Irwin and Neva Cheramie Callais; 69th Anniversary Celebrants Holy Family, Grand Caillou: Irvin and Drussella Eschete Duplantis; St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland: Abraham and Flossie Foret Martin; 70th Anniversary Celebrants St. Hilary, Mathews: Guy and Ouida Folse Folse; St. Joseph, Galliano: Gilbert and Irene Plaisance Griffin.

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Church Alive

Vandebilt Christmas Project Bringing Christ’s love to the needy

The mission of Vandebilt Catholic High School affirms that the school is committed to spiritual formation and academic excellence in an environment rooted in Catholic values and in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Vandebilt stresses a personal spiritual approach to the education of the whole student through diverse academic, athletic and co-curricular programs. This philosophy is what makes a Vandebilt education unique from other alternatives in this geographical area. In light of these beliefs, Vandebilt students and faculty have annually dedicated their efforts during November and December to helping the underprivileged in the local community for more than 28 half a century. The senior class spearheads an annual Christmas Project, leading underclassmen by example to serve in Christ’s name. Students are able to put into practice what a Catholic education has taught them about serving others. Through this project, Vandebilt students come to realize that there are people in need, not only in other parts of the world but also right here in their own community. Our students seek to touch the hearts of the members of “adopted families” so that those less fortunate can feel the love of Christ, especially at this time of year. Vandebilt’s Christmas Project this year will benefit the children of Acadian Elementary School. The principles of Catholic social teaching remind everyone that it is not enough to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but that they must also become his hands and feet. Scripture calls us all to be a light to the world, and this Christmas project is a simple way for students to experience this firsthand. Vandebilt students and faculty will “adopt” students so that each elementary child will receive new Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

clothes and toys during the project delivery. Teachers and student leaders are focusing on the spiritual partnership that Vandebilt aims to form with Acadian Elementary School. At the beginning of each Christmas Project meeting, the Vandebilt family prays by name for the students at Acadian Elementary School. They realize that it is a wonderful blessing to be allowed to share their material gifts with those in need, and an even greater blessing to share their spiritual gifts. Fundraising dollars for the Christmas Project are contributed by Vandebilt students and their families and by Vandebilt faculty and staff. In November and December, one day a week is designated as a “spirit day” at Vandebilt. Students and faculty alike are allowed to wear jeans, tennis shoes, and Vandebilt T-shirts at the cost of $1 per item. All money raised from the “spirit days” goes to the Christmas Project fund. Vandebilt students will use those donations to purchase

toys and clothing for the Acadian Elementary children; those gifts will be delivered by the senior class on Friday, Dec. 6, at 8:30 a.m. The choice to work together to help the underprivileged in the world is quite an easy one to make. The Bible repeatedly instructs the faithful to use their gifts and talents to serve others, giving glory to God. By practicing stewardship, the call to evangelize is being answered. Because Vandebilt is a Catholic school, it instills in its students a respect for Catholic social teachings. One standard of Catholic social teaching is the idea of human solidarity, showing friendship and charity toward others to demonstrate unity as children of God. Because each person has a responsibility to work toward creating a society that treats everyone generously and justly, Vandebilt Catholic High School endeavors to teach its students that each person can contribute to the achievement of a just society so that together everyone can live more fully their destiny as the Body of Christ.

…will Support Local Parish Needs

…will create An Endowment Fund for Seminarian Support

…will create An Endowment Fund for Catholic Charities

V Online Safe Environment Training Still can Access: Diocesan Calendar Specific office information extensive Catholic Charities information Bishop’s articles & videos

V Videos from Food for the Journey programs available V Conference registrations available

www.catholicfoundationsl.org (985) 850-3116

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Latest Videos

V Online links to Catholic News Service and Vatican YouTube for national and international news

Spiritual resources Online contributions (ABA, Disaster Relief) Updated parish information with times for Mass and other liturgical services and parish personnel

Bayou

Catholic

Past Ordinations Daily Scripture Other Resources

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

w w w. h t d i o c e s e . o r g www.bayoucatholic.com

Church Life

Bishop seated at Co-Cathedral Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was seated at the cathedra at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux recently during a Sunday Mass. After Mass the bishop greeted members of the congregation.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Morgan City 985-384-0809 Houma 985-872-1142 Broussard 337-839-9009 Toll Free 1-800-738-2200 Fax 985-385-4816 Email demo@classicbusiness.com Bayou Catholic â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA â&#x20AC;˘ December 2013

Bishop Shelton Fabre has announced that the special emergency collection for the recovery efforts in the Philippines and surrounding areas impacted by Typhoon Haiyan are still being accepted. Please lend your prayerful support in response to this tragedy. Funds for this emergency collection should be forwarded to: Disaster Collection Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux P.O. Box 505 Schriever, Louisiana 70395

Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Please make a notation on your check or money order â&#x20AC;&#x153;proceeds for disaster collection.â&#x20AC;?

www.bayoucatholic.com

Our Churches

Our Lady of the

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Most Holy Rosary Always looking to renew itself Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church parish in Houma was established by Archbishop Rummel of New Orleans on Sept. 8, 1948, an answer to the many prayers of the people on the east side of the city. The first pastor was Father Anthony J. Wegmann, a diocesan priest for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The church building, which began as an Army surplus chapel in Gulfport, MS, was transported by barge to its current location. However, along the way the chapel collided with a bridge leaving a gaping hole in the structure. After arriving in Houma, the building was repaired and enlarged to accommodate 364 people, and on Feb. 20, 1949, the first Mass was celebrated there. The exterior of the church features broad white columns and a brick faรงade. The white painted steeple serves as a reminder of the Army chapel which is the foundation of the church. Inside, the wooden rafters are prominently displayed against a white ceiling. The altar is framed by a round archway. Located directly above the altar is a mural, painted by artist Joseph Kadich in 1951, of St. Dominic receiving the rosary from the Blessed Mother. In February 1954, the School Sisters of Notre Dame arrived in the parish to staff the new school when it opened in the fall. When the Sisters announced that they were terminating their services at the end of the 1970-71 school year, efforts to continue the operation of the school with a lay principal and staff were unsuccessful due to financial limitations. The Redemptorists began serving the parish in 1963. After 23 years of service, the Redemptorists left Holy Rosary and were replaced by the Franciscan Friars from the Province of St. John the Baptist in Cincinnati, OH, who remained in the diocese for the next 20 years. Due to the dwindling number of priests in their order, in 2006 the Franciscans left the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Since that time the parish has been staffed by diocesan priests.

Our Churches

Staff

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary staff members are front row from left, Jude Duplantis, maintenance; Angela Naquin, administrative assistant; Willie Mae Darby, housekeeper; Laurie Ashley, coordinator of religious education; and Anita Granier, cemetery director/ bookkeeper. Back row from left, Father Jerry Villarrubia Jr., retired priest in residence; Father Charles Perkins, pastor; and Deacon Malcolm Andry. Not pictured is Deacon John Mattingly. Bayou Catholic â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA â&#x20AC;˘ December 2013

Holy Rosary Father Charles Perkins, pastor since July 2012, says there are just over 1,000 families currently in the parish, which is made up of mostly older couples. “This is the second oldest parish in Houma (with the exception of St. Lucy which was established in 1947, closed in 1967 and was re-established in 1986),” notes Father Perkins. “At one time the closest Catholic church in the area was St. Francis de Sales. Some of the older parishioners still remember walking there with the hope that the bridge would be closed; because if it was open they knew they probably wouldn’t make it to Mass on time.” Father Perkins says that even though Our Lady of the Rosary is an older parish there are still many people involved in the different ministries. “Our religious education class enrollment is low and we do not have many new or young families moving into the area because there is not a lot of growth in this part of town,” says the pastor. Some of the organizations and ministries in the parish include an Altar Society, an emergency relief committee which was established to respond to the needs of people in the community, H-Team, money counters, sick and homebound visitors, rosary leaders, RCIA and adult education, Marriage Prep and “Come, Lord Jesus!” groups. In addition, a bereavement ministry is being planned for the near future. The parish also has stewardship, evangelization, liturgy, finance and pastoral councils. Father Perkins explains that they are trying to reach out to the youth, young adults and the elderly of the parish. “The parish used to have a very active youth group and we are trying to get it going again, but most students are so busy with school work and extracurricular activities they have little time for other things. There also needs to be a renewed interest among the young adults in the parish; they need to really step up and take the initiative. If we can get the young adults involved then their children will more likely become involved, too. They have to

Winter has a style

be the role models for their children,” says Father Perkins, adding that they are trying to move forward and use the experience of the older, wiser members of the parish to help them reach and educate others so that the faith will be shared and lived by all in the 35 parish. Father Perkins says so many people in the area have fond memories of the parish, but because they have no more family there, they have moved to the other side of town where there is more development. He says he would like to have some sort of ‘homecoming’ to bring the people back; maybe a reunion where they could share their memories of the time they lived in the parish. “We all have so much on our plates these days,” says the pastor, “but our faith has to be what is holding up that plate, not one of the items on it. We need to build up our relationship with Jesus and make it strong. Part of that is participating in the celebration of the Eucharist each week, but Jesus should be someone we talk to and show our gratitude to every day.”

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Father Comellas dies

Father Wilfredo T. Comellas, who had been serving in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for the past three years, died Nov. 10, after a long illness. Father Comellas, a native of Havana, Cuba, was ordained in June 28, 2003. He served as chaplain of the Most Blessed Sacrament Faith Community in Gibson and celebrated the traditional Latin Rite Mass for the Dominican Nuns of the Monastery of the Heart of Jesus in Lockport. Beginning in September 2011 he also taught religion at Holy Savior School in Lockport. A traditional Latin Requiem Mass was celebrated at Holy Savior Church in Lockport with interment was at Holy Savior Cemetery.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Merry Christmas and

Happy New Year!

Craig Hebert, PT Craig Pate, PT

104 East Bayou Rd. (Hwy 308) ~ Thibodaux, LA 70301 ~ (985) 446-3736

www.thibodauxpt.com

Bayou Catholic â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA â&#x20AC;˘ December 2013

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Seminarian Education Burses

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

How does someone establish a seminarian burse fund? Very simply, a burse may be established and named for anyone you choose, be it family, friend, bishop, priest, religious, etc.

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

Who do I contact to contribute to or establish a burse fund? To contribute or establish a burse, send funds to Pastoral Center, Attn: Seminarian Burse, P. O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395 or call Jeremy Becker, Director of Stewardship and Development, at 985-850-3155 for more information.

Completed Burses of $15,000 each

Note: those wtih a number stipulates the number of completed burses* - Anonymous - Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Bienvenu - Harry Booker - Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux (3)* - 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 & Fly - Donald Peltier, Sr. (3)* - Harvey Peltier (30)* - Richard Peltier - The Peltier Foundation (2) - Orleans & Louella Pitre - Msgr. Joseph Wester - Robert R. Wright, Jr. - Rev. Kermit Trahan - St. Bernadette Men’s Club - Diocesan K of C - Endowment Fund - $119,136.90

October 2013 Burse Contributions St. Bernadette Men’s Club .............................. $3,000.00 Donald Peltier, Sr. #4 ...................................... $1,000.00 Jacob Marcello .................................................. $500.00 Mrs. Ayers A. Champagne ................................. $100.00

Open Burses with Balance as of 10/31/13 Mr. Eledier Broussard ................. $13,200.00 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit #2 .................. $10,840.00 Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis ........... $10,800.00 Harvey Peltier #31 .............................. $10,486.91 Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis #2 .......... $10,000.00 C. Remie Duplantis #2 ........................ $10,000.00 Marie Elise Duplantis #2 ..................... $10,000.00 Maude & Edith Daspit #2 .................... $10,000.00 Msgr. George A. Landry ...................... $10,000.00 Elie & Dot Klingman .............................. $8,320.00 Donald Peltier, Sr. #4 .............................. $8,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................. $7,500.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..................................... $7,000.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $5,935.00 Rev. Peter Nies ..................................... $5,810.00 Mr. & Mrs. Love W. Pellegrin ................. $5,000.00 Anonymous #2 ...................................... $5,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Fmly.#4..... $5,000.00 Rev. William M. Fleming ........................ $5,000.00 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ..................... $4,839.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ................................ $4,636.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ........................... $4,500.00 Rev. Henry Naquin ................................. $4,191.00 Harry Booker #2 .................................... $4,138.00

Catholic Daughters ................................ $3,680.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ............................... $3,610.96 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .............................. $3,600.00 J. R. Occhipinti ...................................... $3,400.00 Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ........................ $3,060.00 St. Jude ................................................. $3,000.00 Diocesan K of C #2 ............................... $2,894.62 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ........................ $2,600.00 Anawin Community ............................... $2,300.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ................................ $2,200.00 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ..................... $2,100.00 Msgr. James Songy ............................... $2,075.00 Willie & Emelda St. Pierre ...................... $2,000.00 Rev. H. C. Paul Daigle ........................... $1,900.00 James J. Buquet, Jr. ............................... $1,650.00 Msgr. Francis J. Legendre #2 ................ $1,645.00 Rev. Robert J. Sevigny .......................... $1,600.00 Msgr. Emile J. Fossier ........................... $1,545.00 Dr. William Barlette, Sr........................... $1,525.00 Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski ................ $1,525.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield .......................... $1,200.00 Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 ......................... $1,200.00 Rev. Clemens Schneider ....................... $1,000.00 St. Joseph Italian Society ...................... $1,000.00

Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux #4 ........... $1,000.00 Msgr. John G. Keller .............................. $1,000.00 Mrs. Shirley Conrad ............................... $1,000.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ ............................. $950.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................... $850.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ............................. $800.00 Deacon Roland Dufrene ........................... $750.00 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande ...................... $700.00 Juliette & Eugene Wallace ......................... $700.00 Jacob Marcello .......................................... $700.00 Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ................... $660.00 Deacon Raymond LeBouef ...................... $550.00 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata .................... $500.00 Ronnie Haydel .......................................... $485.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz ................................ $300.00 Richard Peltier #2 ..................................... $300.00 Claude Bergeron ...................................... $250.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin .......................... $150.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ........................ $ 50.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier .............................. $ 50.00 Deacon Nick Messina .............................. $ 50.00 Rev. Warren Chassaniol ........................... $ 50.00

Overall Seminarian Burse Totals: $1,428,528.39 www.bayoucatholic.com

Personalities

Father Wilmer Todd

Fifty Years

of joy and hard work

Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier New Orleans native Father Wilmer L. Todd, who was ordained to the priesthood Dec. 21, 1963, at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, will reach his 50th anniversary of priesthood this month. Father Todd retired from active ministry in June 2007 after almost 44 years of service to the people in Southeast Louisiana, but hasn’t slowed down much since that time. He still celebrates Masses almost every weekend in church parishes throughout the diocese on an as needed basis, gives presentations to various civic groups, writes weekly articles for four different newspapers, and serves as chaplain for Journey Hospice. He also established the Father Willie Todd Foundation to benefit church parishes in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. As chaplain for Journey Hospice, Father Todd Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

works roughly 15 hours a week visiting about 10 patients and doing public relations type activities such as singing at nursing homes. He ministers to the patients as well as to the caregivers. “I have a new appreciation for caregivers, because today more than ever people are living longer, so it can be a long struggle. Basically I counsel patients, give encouragement to caregivers, and just listen to them. Sometimes just the presence of having a priest there to pray with them, console and comfort patients, and deal with the family is helpful. I don’t have any time constraints now. I’m more present; I can be there for them 100 percent.” The Father Willie Todd Foundation helps parishes to do things they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. “I was interested in getting parishes to start something new and I didn’t want the fact that they didn’t have the money to be a deterrent. I started charging the newspapers for my articles and I put the money I make from that, as well as any stipends I get, toward the foundation. To date, the foundation has secured $250,000. Last year, we gave out close to $10,000 to

13 parishes. There are five people on the foundation’s board of directors, including myself, who meet once a year to evaluate the applications,” says Father Todd. Since his retirement, Father Todd says he has become much more in touch with nature. He is interested in how things grow and feels when you’re close to nature you’re close to God – “the author of nature.” Over the years he has experimented with growing sugar cane and cotton, and currently has avocado, pineapple, orange, tangelo and grapefruit trees, just to name a few. One of the things Father Todd enjoys most about being retired is that he can just be a priest and not have to worry about the administrative things that have to do with operating a parish. He has always enjoyed celebrating the liturgy, counseling people and collaborating in ministry, which is why he is looking forward to working with the new bishop. He says one of the reasons he decided to become a part of the newly formed Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux rather than stay in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, was that he liked the fatherly image of (the late) Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux. “I always looked at the archdiocese as so big and more impersonal and I felt like I could make a bigger impact or more of a difference here.” He says his first experience in this area was as a deacon in 1963 at St. Francis de Sales Church parish in Houma. His first assignment after he was ordained was as associate pastor at St. Joseph Church parish in Chauvin. When the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux was established in 1977 he was serving as pastor of

St. Thomas Aquinas on the Nicholls State University campus in Thibodaux. “Things have changed a lot over the last 50 years,” says Father Todd. “I started off celebrating Mass in Latin. Vatican II was going on and things were gradually starting to change. Those were exciting times and I enjoyed being there and seeing how things unfolded. I think we’re very blessed right now because we have a new pope and a new bishop. It’s tempting for me to say I’m almost willing to come out of retirement … so that I can be more a part of what’s happening.” One of the areas where Father Todd feels he made a valuable contribution is Catholic school education. He has been involved in education in some way all of his priestly life – as a teacher, guidance counselor, and even as a temporary principal. He earned a master’s of education and obtained his teaching certificate, which he feels helped him to promote Catholic education in three elementary schools in the diocese: Holy Cross in Morgan City, St. Bernadette in Houma and St. Genevieve in Thibodaux. Some of his hobbies are fishing, music – he plays with the Houma-Terrebonne Community Band, fixing things, woodworking and restoring furniture. One of the ways Father Todd would like to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood is to celebrate Mass at each of the six church parishes where he served – St. Joseph in Chauvin, St. Thomas Aquinas, Holy Cross in Morgan City, St. Bernadette in Houma, and St. Genevieve and St. Luke in Thibodaux.

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Special

d l i h C y c St. Lu r e t n e C t n e m p o l e Dev k c w a e r t n has Pepsico employee volunteers from the Schriever location participated in a United Way Day of Service at St. Lucy Child Development Center recently. They painted a trike track for the St. Lucy children, ages 2-4 years old. This track is a way to make play time more interesting for the children and to encourage them to build motor skills and get outdoors by riding their tricycles around the new trike track. Staff members standing from left are Karen Washington, toddlers teacher; Nikita Scott, substitute teacher; Malesia Lavine, lil tikes teacher; Barbara Brown, Pre-K I teacher; Danielle Davis, center director; Lucinda Rideaux, substitute teacher; Marguerite Chatman, cook; Courtney Virgin, Pre-K II teacher; and Sherrel Butler, Pre-K III teacher. Not pictured is Joseph Harris, janitor.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

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Events

Food for the Journey, Jan. 7

Rev. Michael Bergeron

The diocesan Office of Religious Education sponsors a monthly lunchtime speaker series on the first Tuesday of the month at the Quality Hotel on Hollywood Road in Houma across from Vandebilt Catholic High School.

The speaker for January 7 is Houma native Father Michael Bergeron. Father Bergeron, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church parish in Thibodaux, was ordained to the priesthood June 8, 1996. Those who plan to attend the Jan. 7th event should RSVP with their name, phone number and church parish by Thursday, Jan. 2nd. To RSVP, email FoodForTheJourney@ htdiocese.org or call (985) 8503178. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. The program begins at Noon with the speaker’s presentation from 12:10-12:45 p.m. Cost is $13 and includes meal, drink and tip. Only cash or checks will be accepted. All are invited to come “eat and be fed.”

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass Dec. 8 A Spanish Mass will be celebrated for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m., at Sacred Heart Church parish in Morgan City. A procession will precede the Mass at 2:30 p.m. A Mariachi Band and traditional Mexican dancing will be featured at a reception following the Mass.

Position Available

Director of Music Ministry & Liturgy St. George Catholic Church, in Baton Rouge, seeks a full-time Director of Music & Liturgy. Position available Spring 2014.

Rev. Joseph Chacko

Correction

Father Joseph Chacko’s photo was inadvertently omitted from the November Commemorative Issue. He is pastor of St. Andrew Church parish in Amelia. Bayou Catholic regrets this error and thanks Father Chacko for his understanding in this matter.

Requirements: a practicing Catholic, an understanding of Catholic liturgy and music documents, a degree in Music, and 3 to 5 years of experience with both traditional and contemporary music. Essentials: proficiency in piano or organ, other instruments a plus; communication and organizational skills; ability to collaborate with a large pastoral staff and a Liturgy Commission. Duties: coordinate music and liturgy for 5 weekend Masses, Holy Days, funerals, weddings and sacramental rites; recruit, develop, rehearse and direct children and adult choirs, ensembles, cantors and instrumentalists. Apply By: December 15, 2013 to Carol Sharp at carols@st-george.org 7808 St. George Drive  Baton Rouge, LA 70809  (225) 293-2212  www.st-george.org

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

Keeping Christ in Christmas 43

Visit the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux at Southland Mall this December.

Free resources such as Bibles, brochures and meditational CDs and DVDs are available. You may also request prayers and/or ask for assistance and information. We are located next to Visionworks at the main entrance of the mall. Register for our weekly drawings.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Events

Junior High Faith Experience Jan. 11 at Nicholls State University Story by Janet Marcel The diocesan Office of Youth Ministry’s sixth annual Junior High Faith Experience will take place Jan. 11, 2014, from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at the Nicholls State University Cotillion Ballroom in Thibodaux. The theme for the event, which is open to all youth in grades six through eight, is “Jesus is the Key.” Mike Patin will be the keynote speaker. “The first Junior High Faith Experience was a response to an overwhelming number of requests from the church parishes for more events geared toward students at this age level. The excitement of our young people to enrich their faith in the diocese continues to grow as is evidenced by the number of sixth through eighth graders that attend this annual event,” says Michael DiSalvo, diocesan director of the Office of Youth Ministry. Patin, a native of Lafayette, LA, has led retreats, parish missions, leadership institutes and in-services 44 for audiences as diverse as clergy, school faculties, businesses, athletic teams and hospital staffs in diocesan, regional, national and international settings. He has also been the keynote speaker at diocesan youth rallies in the past and has conducted various workshops for the Office of Youth Ministry over the years. Patin became involved in youth ministry during college when he was invited to be a member of a retreat team and has been working full time as a speaker and consultant since 2003. He has a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University of the South, a certificate in youth ministry studies from the Center for Ministry Development, and a certificate of advanced studies in pastoral life and administration from Loyola University.

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Mike Patin

He is a trained facilitator for Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Notre Dame Graduate School of Theology in New Orleans, as well as the National Center for Catholic Youth Sports. He has been a trainer for the Center for Ministry Development’s YouthLeader program and has served on the board of directors of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. The final deadline date for participants to register for this event with their church parish or school is Dec. 13. The registration fee is $40 per person, which includes a meal, t-shirt and bus transportation. There will be no registration at the door. For more information, contact the Office of Youth Ministry at (985) 850-3151.

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Entertainment

Seeing Clairely Claire Joller

A 46

As the Christmas season approached, several weeks ago I searched for the text of a short story I was introduced to during my freshman year in college. “A Christmas Memory” by a young Truman Capote is the story in which an old woman, seven-year-old Buddy, a country town, and 30 fruitcakes figure prominently. Rereading the story unexpectedly prompted four precious memories of my own. The opening paragraphs took me back to my first-semester college English composition classroom dominated by a tall, dark-haired gentleman propped against his teacher’s desk. It was our last class before Christmas break, and the professor wanted this small group to hear together Capote’s beautiful language as an example of fine writing and poignant thought. His baritone voice mesmerized me even in the opening lines, “Imagine a morning in late November. A coming of winter morning … .” About mid-story, I forced my eyes to drift left and right. Every student was in rapt attention, eyes locked on Dr. Quertermous’s face as his voice was here explosive, there almost reverential, evocative of the author’s quirky characters and the setting’s rural atmosphere. That year I remember becoming more observant of the people in my world, and of the setting that surrounded my life. This Christmas I am thankful once more for the brilliant, kind, generous teacher who I was later able to know as a friend. The 31 fruitcakes the main characters baked for their “friends” in this story prompted me to think of my mother’s

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

A Christmas memory

Christmas Fruitcake Cookies. After a whole childhood and young adulthood of eating my mom’s delicious pecan and banana and coconut cakes on special occasions, we were surprised in her later years when she instead began to bake hearty fruitcake cookies to serve as treats for family Christmas gettogethers. Reviews were mixed, at least silently so. A few of us genuinely liked them. Regardless, as wonderful a cook as she had always been, none of her children would have told her that anything she baked was less than wonderful. Especially when she took such great care to begin collecting the preserved fruits, nuts, and spices as early as possible before the actual baking, to be sure the store would not run out. Especially when she would proudly announce she had made her first batch of the year. We knew we were in for many more batches. So we ate those cookies and smiled while we did so. She was Mama, and it was one of her Christmas gifts to us, after all. The rural setting of Capote’s short story reminded me this time of an interview I conducted one early December with an elderly woman,

the dowager of a plantation home that had once been quite grand. The country house was surrounded by oaks, and wore its age on fading walls and loose porch balusters. But the prim woman inside treated me with refined mannerliness rarely experienced in everyday encounters. And when I was leaving, she insisted on giving me a basket of pecans and oranges that grew behind her house in aged trees. This small gesture that was a carryover from days when visitors never left without a token of the hostess’ graciousness remains one of my favorite seasonal memories. Capote wrote that the sun was “orange as hot-weather moons” and “burnished the silvered winter woods” as Buddy and the old lady trekked through thickets to cut a Christmas tree. One year when our daughter was young, another plantation allowed locals to chop down their own trees from the few that planters had cultivated. Although the woods we walked were not silvered ones, that year and that tree remain one of our many fond Christmas memories. (For comments or inquiries about this column, Claire Joller can be contacted by email at clairely1@ comcast.net).

Sports

Overtime Ed Daniels

Turnaround in

Saints defense, close to historic

He’s had more than a few good quips since he arrived as the Saints new defensive coordinator. One of the best was uttered by Rob Ryan on the Friday before the Dallas Cowboys played the Saints in the Superdome. The Cowboys, of course, were the team that fired Ryan after last season. “If I worried about every team that fired me I would have a grudge every week,” said Ryan. “This is a huge game for both teams. That is what it is. People change teams. Thank God it is not like hockey coaches where they change them every period.” Two nights later, Ryan’s defense had his back. The Saints held Dallas to nine first downs and 193 yards of offense. The turnaround in the

Saints defense has not only been outstanding, it is closing in on historic. According to Tommy Cooper, who works on the Saints stat crew for home games, the Saints are closing in on something that has not been accomplished in the NFL since 1971. Cooper says that no NFL team has allowed 100 yards less per game than the previous season. After 10 games, the Saints were allowing 305 yards per game. Last season, the Saints allowed 440 yards per game. The previous best improvement was by the 1998 Oakland Raiders, who allowed 97.9 yards per game less than the previous season. At the end of last season, the Saints defense was in shambles. In a 44-38 loss at the Superdome, Carolina running back D’Angelo Williams rushed 21 times for 210 yards. If you close your eyes, you can still see Williams running unabated up the west sideline on a 65 yard touchdown run. The Panthers had 273 rushing yards, and 530 yards of offense. Carolina averaged 7.2 yards per play. Fast forward the clock to a Sunday evening in that same Superdome. The San Francisco 49ers managed only 12 first downs and 196 yards of total offense. San Francisco’s longest pass play was 17 yards. The 49ers longest run was 24 yards by Frank Gore. Even with that run, it took Gore 13 carries to reach 48 yards. In the fourth quarter, San Francisco had a grand total of 23 yards. A favorite line of Ryan’s is this: “We are just trying to be a little part of our success, here.” This is a new side of Ryan. After years toiling in NFL outposts like Cleveland, Oakland and Dallas (yes, Dallas), Rob Ryan has landed in his best football locale since he left the New England Patriots. He’s appreciates it. And, Ryan has been part of a huge turnaround. One that is six games from being downright historic.

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Christmas

Advent

Perfect time to prepare for Christmas Story by Janet Marcel During the season of Advent, which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas (Dec. 1, 2013), Catholics everywhere are called to reflect on the second coming of Christ and prepare for the celebration of Christmas, or the commemoration of the first coming of Christ. 48 “Advent gives us an opportunity to delve more deeply into the Christmas mystery, whose significance is so massive that without this preparation period we could not fully understand it,” explains Father Glenn LeCompte, spiritual director for Lumen Christi Retreat Center, and diocesan director of the Offices of Worship and Continuing Education of the Clergy. According to Father LeCompte, the season of Advent as we know it today developed over the centuries from a number of different spiritual preparations for the celebration of Christmas. In fourth century Spain, the laity was obligated to fast two days a week and attend Mass on a daily basis from Dec. l7 until Jan. 6, a time period that coincided with the cultural celebration, Saturnalia, which is defined as “a time of unrestrained merrymaking.” This obligation was an attempt to refocus the people’s attention away from the secular celebration and toward Christmas. In fifth century Gaul the spiritual preparation period before Christmas took on a penitential character, similar to Lent. Violet colored vestments were used and the Gloria and Alleluia were omitted from the liturgy. In the late sixth century, Pope Gregory the Great witnessed to a Roman liturgical tradition of four Sunday Masses and three Ember day Masses. Ember days are the days at the beginning of the seasons that were ordered by the church as days of fast and abstinence. In the seventh century the “O Antiphons,” which articulate seven different Messianic titles: Wisdom, Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2013

Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Radiant Dawn, King of All Nations, and Emmanuel, were composed for the octave preceding Christmas to enable people to reflect upon the significance of Christmas. These antiphons form the lyrics for the popular Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” The influence of Rome’s four week preparation spread to the wider church by the eighth and ninth centuries. The 12th century marked the beginning of the practice of observing four weeks of Advent, and the Alleluia was added back to the Mass. There are no fasting or abstinence regulations during Advent today, says Father LeCompte, but there are some liturgical regulations that are meant to capture the anticipatory spirit of the season. One is that the Gloria is omitted from the Mass to create a sense that something is missing or that we’re anticipating something. Another is that Christmas carols are not sung at Mass during Advent, basically because these carols articulate our faith in Christmas itself. Songs during Advent should reflect its anticipatory aspect, says the priest. The Advent wreath, which is used in church parishes throughout the world, is one of the most widely recognized symbols of Advent. One of the most important aspects of the wreath, says Father LeCompte, are the candles. The fact that the candles are lit, and that they are lit progressively, points to one of the central aspects of what Christmas is – a feast of light. “No one really knows what day Jesus was born, but the choice for the day of Christmas coincides with the cultural celebration of “Sol Invictus,” (invincible sun), which is basically just the winter solstice,” explains Father LeCompte. “This is an ancient celebration whereby people in a pagan society recognized that the sun god brought the earth back to life again and that this process began from the solstice.” Father LeCompte says that Christmas is a feast of light because Jesus is the light of the world who comes to dispel the darkness of sin, so by placing Christmas on this particular day, it helped the

CNS PHOTO

people understand the significance of Jesus’ birth. There are four candles on the Advent wreath which are lit on each of the four Sundays in Advent. The three violet candles are a remnant of the penitential aspect of the season. Today they remind us that it is a solemn season of preparation. The rose candle reflects the aspect of the anticipatory joy of the season, or that the end of Advent and the birth of our Lord, a time for great rejoicing, is almost here. The wreath is made with a circle of evergreens. The circle is a symbol of eternity and a reminder that God has no beginning and no end, and the evergreen is a symbol of eternal life. “During the season of Advent, we as Catholics should all be doing something to spiritually prepare ourselves to celebrate Christmas,” says Father LeCompte. The priest suggests spending some time studying the daily Scripture readings, focusing prayer on the meaning of Christmas and reflecting on the two comings of Christ – what it means that the Son of God became a human being for our salvation and how we should be preparing ourselves for when he comes again. He adds that another good practice during this season is for people to increase their charitable giving, which signifies our concern for others and our gratitude to God for the blessings he has given each of us. “In the midst of the despair that we may face in our lives, Advent teaches us that there is always a reason to maintain a sense of hope,” says Father LeCompte.

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Christmas

A Christmas story: Where are the ox and the donkey? By FATHER STANLEY J. KONIECZNY Catholic News Service

“Where are the ox and the donkey?” Father Jonathan, the recently ordained associate pastor, asked the question as he surveyed the array of shepherds and kings, sheep and camels all made of plaster that filled the sacristy of St. Stephen the Martyr Church the day before Christmas Eve. “What’s that, Father?” replied Margaret, the sacristan who has had total control of this manger scene for over 20 years now. “I asked about the ox and the donkey,” the usually mild-mannered priest repeated with an obvious effort at patience.

Margaret said, “Well, Father, we really don’t need those two since we have a whole flock of lambs, and that one shepherd has a dog at his side. “Besides, that donkey and ox are all chipped up, and they’re too heavy for me to lift them down off that top shelf.” “They cannot be that battered,” Father Jonathan said. “I will get them out of the cabinet.” As he lifted the crumbling figurines off the shelf, Father Jonathan had to admit to himself that this might not be a great idea. The ox had one intact horn with a rusty wire support standing starkly where a horn once had been. “See, they look terrible,” Margaret noted, almost triumphantly. “I don’t care,” Father Jonathan quipped. He then ordered, “They must be at the crib. Put the ox beneath a low-hanging Christmas tree branch to hide that missing horn.” Realizing that he had been harsh, the young associate apologized, and said, “It is so very important to have those two in the creche because they symbolize so much. Let’s take a break, and we can talk about it.” With a reassuring smile to Margaret,

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Father Jonathan began: “They may seem like two more animals, but they speak volumes. The ox and the donkey fulfill the Old Testament. In ancient times, so many people turned to false gods such as idols in the form of oxen and other cattle. Ancient kings would ride on donkeys. “Today, the ox and ass at the manger show me that the long-awaited King of Kings, the true God, is present in the crib in Bethlehem.” Father Jonathan told Margaret more about how the Jewish people would sacrifice oxen as a peace offering. But in the manger scene, the ox warms the Prince of Peace with his very breath. Years later, Jesus would ride a donkey into Jerusalem in triumph on Palm Sunday. “These two animals witnessed the miracle of Christmas and anticipate the other miracles of Christ,” Father Jonathan reflected. “And in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus justifies a healing on the Sabbath by reminding his critics that Mosaic law even permitted people to care for their livestock on the day of rest, specifically the ox and the donkey!” Pausing, Father Jonathan said, “In a way, perhaps the ox and donkey symbolize us best of all.” “I know; I’m slow and stubborn,” Margaret chuckled. “No,” Father Jonathan said. “The donkey, which probably carried Mary to Bethlehem, reminds us that we are a pilgrim people journeying to God, while the ox reminds us that we have work to do along the way. And don’t forget that line from the prophet Isaiah (1:3) that captures our Christmas hope: “The ox knows his

master, the donkey his owner’s manger.” After their discussion, Margaret got up to go back to work. “You go ahead,” Father Jonathan told her. “I’ll make sure these two behemoths get in the crib after I dust them off and try to do something with that missing horn!” (Father Konieczny is the pastor of two rural parishes in the Diocese of Belleville, Ill.)

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Christmas

Parenting for Mary and us: Part of the faith journey into how she was able to parent in line with God’s will. Luke tells us that at two critical parenting moments, Mary “kept all these things … in her heart.” One time was when the shepherds announced that Jesus would be the Messiah, and another time was when Jesus wandered away from his family at age 12 and was found teaching in the Jerusalem temple (2:19, 51). Any mother can relate to Mary’s maternal struggle to figure out a child’s behavior, and most would not take such experiences so calmly. In a very ordinary, human way, Mary’s wise response of keeping these life events made the Incarnation possible. Perhaps this is where Mary’s birthing of Jesus into the world and our minor role can meet. In the midst of busy days, we can learn to ponder and be still when we face improbable or disturbing circumstances instead of reacting with anxiety or anger or defensiveness. Parenting for Mary and for us is part of the faith journey. In pondering all these things, i.e., reflecting deeply, Mary created openness to the Holy Spirit

By MARY JO PEDERSEN Catholic News Service

For many, Mary, the mother of Jesus, seemed to be inaccessible to many women: without sin, perfect in every way, saying “yes” to God’s will. How could most mothers relate to that image? Honor Mary, yes. Pray through her powerful intercession, certainly. Look up to her with admiration, of course. But imitate her in the daily hectic pace of mothering? Is it possible? Reflections on Mary in the Christmas season can help us to understand how Mary’s response to parenthood and the will of God was both extraordinary and ordinary. Mary had the privilege of bringing Christ into the world, and every parent who births or adopts a child also has the privilege of birthing a new “image” of Christ in their children as they clean up, cook, carpool and instruct their kids. Though there is no historical record of Mary’s mothering, the Scriptures give us profound insights

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in her heart. Instead of immediately reacting, she teaches us to ponder the anxieties and challenges of daily life. No parent will find this posture of pondering easy. Most of us want to quickly control the situation surrounding our lives and our children, and it is wise for us to do that to some extent for their safety. At the same time, however, taking time to be still and reflect openly with God about our children, our future and daily worries is a pre-requisite to doing what Mary did so well: allowing God to be birthed into our lives. Mary was both a mother and a disciple of Jesus. We too are both parents and disciples. Today, as in firstcentury Palestine, God’s will is mysteriously unfolding in our lives. Jesus reveals himself to us gradually, in very ordinary and sometimes disturbing circumstances: the diagnosis of an illness, a job loss or the unexpected news of trouble in the family. Nothing that happens to us is outside of the love of God, and we always have the opportunity of allowing divine wisdom to guide and comfort us. Mary’s example shows us that. Maybe that is why we call her the Queen of Peace, and perhaps keeping things in our heart and pondering them is a way to bring peace into our lives and into the world. (Pedersen, a veteran coordinator of marriage and family spirituality programs, lives in Omaha, Neb. She is the author of “For Better, for Worse, for God: Exploring the Holy Mystery of Marriage,” Loyola Press.)

www.bayoucatholic.com

Christmas

Christmas The perfect time to act like God By FATHER W. THOMAS FAUCHER Catholic News Service

One of the games we humans play is called “If.” A great song from the musical “Fiddler on the Roof” was called “If I Were a Rich Man.” We think of what we would do if we won the lottery or could be president or pope or queen for a day. The ultimate version of “If” would be this: If I were God, what would I do? How would I display my awesome power, my infinite knowledge and dominion over the universe? As we celebrate Christmas, we see the reality of God playing “If” when we reverse the equation, imagining 54 God asking himself: “If I were human, what would I do, how would I act, what would I say?” Scripture says: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (Jn 1:1, 14). The fact that God chose to become a human being holds many wonderful mysteries. These have fed theologians for 2,000 years, causing them to ponder just what it means that God was a human being -- and a human being was God! Among these mysteries is the reality that Jesus was not a power player. He did not smite his enemies. He did not destroy cities. He did not rule. But at the same time, he showed his supremacy over evil, his dominion over sin, his triumph over Satan

and his total power over death. And he did all of this without using the awesomeness of his divinity; he used the depth of his divinity. Jesus showed us that evil, sin, Satan and death are not defeated by force, power or might, but by concern, kindness and love. If I were God, my temptation would be to confront the powers of evil on their own terms, following a motto of “Fight fire with fire.” And I would fail, because the source of evil’s strength rests precisely on the idea that might, force and strength are what really matter. What Jesus did to show his mastery over evil, sin, Satan and death was never to even enter into the fight. He just went around them, isolated them, and

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showed them to be the hollow, worthless manikins that they are. When confronted with “For I was hungry and you gave me food” (Mt 25:35), Satan has nothing to say. When met with “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34), sin has no room. When evil meets “Love your enemies” (Mt 5:44), evil evaporates. And when Jesus rose from the tomb “just as he said” he would (Mt 28:6), death is destroyed. The most divine thing Jesus ever did was to kneel down in front of the apostles at the Last Supper and wash their feet. This was the ultimate act of God being God by loving and serving his fellow man. This humble act also teaches us that our role in life is not to try to placate God, to be ruled by God or to be afraid of God. Our role in life is to act like God. We are to go out and play “If” all of the time in imitation of God. We are to see the hungry and feed them, see the imprisoned and visit them, see the person without a coat and give him one, and see the woman at the well in our day and time and give her living water. We are to find those who need help, confidence and love and tell them by our actions that they are our brothers and sisters and, as such, are loved. As we celebrate Christmas it is the perfect time for us to act like God, showing the ultimate divinity of Jesus Christ being lived out in the world today. (Father Faucher is pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Boise, Idaho.)

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Christmas

God ’s presence this Christmas, ever faithful, ever small This Christmas, let us speak of the ways the Word, manifest centuries ago in the birth of a baby -- Jesus -- is reverberating in our 21st-century families. I’ve been thinking about two situations that say to me that God is indeed with us, ever faithful, often small. When I called friends who had recently become grandparents for the second time, they told me that they were waiting for an invitation to visit their new granddaughter 200 miles away. The newborn’s parents and her 6-year-old sister typically visited the grandparents at the New Year. Christmas gifts were exchanged then and Christmas cookies enjoyed. But now the grandparents didn’t know if the usual family ritual would take place. As they related their feelings of eagerness and anxiety, I felt like their waiting was akin to the silence from which the Word emerges. The grandparents, who fear the new mother may be experiencing some depression, are offering their waiting as a prayer for their daughter-in-law’s healing. And recently

By DOLORES R. LECKEY Catholic News Service

About 40 years ago, there was a popular book titled “Small Is Beautiful.” Its premise is particularly suited to Christmas. At its heart, Christmas is about a baby being born to parents living under marginalized circumstances in a militarily occupied country that was surrounded by poverty and uncertainty. Yet the first accounts of this birth are framed in words of joy and hope for what is to come. According to the Gospel of John, “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (1:14). The Word, which comes out of the great silence, is what the late theologian/philosopher Raimon Panikkar called a “divine dimension” of reality. Jesuit spirituality often speaks of “the Word” as reverberating within the human person, who then gives shape and energy to the Word in the contemporary context, making it come alive in new ways.

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they told me that the situation seems improved. The second situation revolves around a man, in his 70s, who lives alone in a small house on the Hudson River. Every day, just before sunset, he goes to the nearby bridge under which scores of homeless cats live. He feeds them, checks them for disease and takes them to the vet if necessary; he cares gently for newborn kittens and is sometimes successful in finding homes for them. These little acts of kindness are undertaken at his own expense. People in the mid-Hudson area refer to him as St. Francis because he demonstrates the relationship of human life to all of life and reverences that connection. The man told me that when he retired from his pharmacy profession eight years ago, his desire was to travel, experiencing the beauty of America. But he had already committed himself to caring for the cats. “I’ve let go of that dream,” he said, “and I don’t regret it.” On Christmas Day, he’ll join his adult children and grandchildren for dinner, but not until the smallest of God’s world are fed and comforted. (Leckey is a senior fellow at Woodstock Theological Center, Georgetown University.)

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Christmas

Remembering the majesty of Jesus when recalling his humble birth By FATHER DALE LAUNDERVILLE, OSB Catholic News Service

At Christmas, we sing carols, watch holiday pageants, light candles and exchange gifts. This is only a sampling of the activities we reenact each year in order to bring to life the story of the birth of Jesus as it has been told through the generations. The expectation that God would return and deliver his people in a dramatic way had lived on in the generations between the Jewish people’s return from exile in the late-500s B.C. and the time of Christ. Those in exile around 540 B.C. were not hopeful about their situation. The prophet who speaks in Isaiah 40-55 tries to stir their imaginations and expand their hearts so that they might see that the Lord was about to come and lead them back to Zion. What is startling about the messenger whose feet are on the mountains is that he brings a message of shalom: peace in the fullest sense, a promise of wholeness in which conflict, disease and illness are to be overcome. This message of salvation is one that makes the exiles, the people of Jerusalem, and even the very stones of Jerusalem break forth in song (Is 52:9). The reversal of the fortunes of Jerusalem will become a spectacle for all the nations to see. Those who returned from exile realized that the full effects of this restoration would

not be realized in their lifetime. It was a promise for the future. The message of the prophets was repeated from generation to generation. This message helped to keep the Jewish people attentive to the God who had been blessing and sustaining them. But the Letter to the Hebrews states that “in these last days, (God) spoke to us by a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe” (1:2). No longer is the message that God wants to speak to us communicated by a messenger. Rather, the “Word” that God speaks to us “became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (Jn 1:14). The Word that has become flesh exceeds our human dimensions. This Word is far too much for our feeble human language to communicate; this Word is of a completely different order of being than that of humans. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1). Yet this eternal Word that had no beginning unites with human flesh so that we might come to share in God’s life. The shalom announced in the prophecy of Isaiah goes far beyond a utopian scene of earthly wholeness; the shalom communicated by the Word made flesh offers to humans the possibility of becoming sharers in

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Christmas

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the divine life as children of God! Just as the exiles in 500 B.C. were hesitant to embrace the prophetic message of a restored Zion, so also the people of Jesus’ time were slow to accept his message about the nearness of God’s kingdom. So the prologue to John’s Gospel states: “He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him” (1:10). Within the Jewish tradition, God was transcendent. He communicated with his people through mediators. The time-honored Torah and the oracles of the prophets were revered and studied at length in order to be attentive to God. But the claim that God himself would become human was a radical statement that was paradoxical to the extreme for a Jewish audience. Even the disciples of Jesus who came to know and love him had great difficulty understanding the full reality of Jesus’ authority and charisma. When he appeared to be defeated by earthly powers, they fled. “God coming among us to become one like us so that we might become like God” is a statement made by Irenaeus (second century) and by Athanasius (fourth century). This proclamation about the salvation given to us through Christ’s incarnation was celebrated within the early Christian communities from generation to generation. They debated and fought to come to the right understanding of this mystery of the Word made flesh. For Christians, the coming of Christ as one like us is the defining moment of human history. For human life, it changes the whole game. Now we are invited to share in the life of God as God’s children. This gift is the newness that brings an unspeakable joy to those who believe. Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh (Jn 1:14), is the source of all new beginnings. The humble beginnings of Jesus Christ as a vulnerable infant show us how important it is for us to recognize that our life is a gift. (Benedictine Father Launderville is a Scripture scholar at St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minn.)

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Christmas

Did you know? Perhaps the best known Christmas carol is Silent Night, written in 1818 by Austrian priest Father Joseph Mohr. He was told the day before Christmas that the church organ was broken and would not be repaired in time for Christmas Day. Saddened, he sat down to write three stanzas that could be sung by the choir to guitar music. “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht” was heard for the first time at that Midnight Mass in St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria. The congregation listened as the voices of Father Mohr and the choir director, Franz Xaver Gruber, rang through the church to the accompaniment of Father Mohr’s guitar. Today, Silent Night, Holy Night is sung in more than 180 languages by millions of people. LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

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