January 2014 - Bayou Catholic

Bayou

Catholic

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

s ’ r a e New Y

s n o i t u l eso

R

t s i w t with a

HOUMA, LA ~ JANUARY 2014 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

…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

Growing With You Since Our Beginning

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For 60 years , it’s been a robust and rewarding privilege to be a part of this community, not only through our constant commitment to the wellbeing of our patients, staff and extended families, but through the personal journeys we take together. At Terrebonne General Medical Center, our roots are strong and deep, and we, along with our medical staff, are proud of the work we do every day. We honor our past and look to celebrate our future.

TGMC.com

www.bayoucatholic.com

Contents

On Our Cover Father Michael Bergeron, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church parish in Thibodaux, visits with Margaret Jolley at Thibodaux Health Care Center. In his guest column this month, Father Bergeron offers 15 New Year’s Resolutions with a twist.

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Cover Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier

January A month of new beginnings

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Native Americans

Our Churches

honored at special Mass

Sacred Heart Church in Cut Off

22 Heavenly Recipes

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Willie Mae’s Stir Fry Chicken

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4

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Special Report

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• Welcome

• Pope Speaks

Honoring memory of President John F. Kennedy

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12

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• Reflections

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• Calendar

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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. 7

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 • January 2014

Catholic Schools Week highlights all 13 schools

• Seeing Clairely

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• Papal Exhortation

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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 Advanced Eye Institute .............................. 39 Cannata’s ................................................... 64 Catholic Foundation ..................................... 2 Catholic Schools of the diocese ................ 43 Catholic School Sponsors ......................... 63 Central Catholic High School .................... 51

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.

Channel 10 ................................................. 23 Collection for the Church in Latin America.. 27 Conference Office ...................................... 35 Diocesan Outreach Line .............................. 5 Diocesan Website ...................................... 25 E.D. White Catholic High School ........46 - 47 Haydel Spine & Pain Center ...................... 19 Headache & Pain Center ........................... 29 Holy Cross Elementary School .................. 54 Holy Rosary Catholic High School ............ 53 Holy Savior Catholic School ...................... 52 Houma Digestive Health Specialists .......... 39 Maria Immacolata Catholic School.............. 55 Mpress ....................................................... 38 Re-Bath ...................................................... 45 Rod’s Superstore ....................................... 36 SEECA ........................................................ 11

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.

Seminarian Education Burses ................... 17 South Louisiana Boat and RV Show .......... 15 Spotlight ..................................................... 40 St. Bernadette Catholic School ................. 56 St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School ...... 57 St. Genevieve Catholic School .................. 58 St. Gregory Catholic School ...................... 59 St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School .... 60 St. Joseph Manor/Cardinal Place .............. 37 St. Mary’s Nativity Elementary School ....... 61 Synergy Bank ............................................. 37 Terminix ...................................................... 24 Terrebonne General Medical Center ........... 3 Thibodaux Physical Therapy ..................... 38 Vandebilt Catholic High School ................ 49

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

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Welcome

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

Sobering statistics

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Amid the excitement of the football season, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas one sobering report was lost under the shuffle: The number of people in the United States who are below the poverty line is 46.5 million, or 15 percent of the population.

As the portrait at right attests, the majority of the poor are concentrated in the South, with Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama registering the largest percentage.

Just last month Pope Francis, anticipating the Dec. 12 feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, said “I ask all the people of the Americas to open wide their arms, like the virgin, with love and tenderness.” He asked us to open our arms to the poor, to immigrants, to the unborn and the aged just as Mary opens her arms to all.

Centuries ago St. Ambrose of Milan did much to raise the consciousness of poverty in our world. A gifted writer and a superb theologian, St. Ambrose knew how to reach the minds and hearts through incisive words: “How blessed is he who can extirpate avarice, the root of all evil! For avarice is wont to deaden man’s senses, and pervert his judgment, so that he counts godliness a source of gain, and money the reward of prudence. But great is the reward of piety, and the gain of sobriety to have enough to use. For what do superfluous riches profit in this world, when you find in them neither a succor in birth nor a defense in death? For without a covering are we born into the world, without provision we depart hence, and in the grave we have no inheritance.”

As we enter this new year of 2014, let us all take a look at what we have, what we need and what we can spare for the sake of others.

As Christians, we are called to live the works of mercy. Why? Because as Jesus taught us: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did it for me” (Matthew, Chapter 25).

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2014

Bayou Spirit

Guadalupe celebration

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Hundreds of Hispanic Catholics gathered at Sacred Heart Church in Morgan City for the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe diocesan celebration. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of the Mass; concelebrants included Father Gregory Fratt, pastor; and Father Isaias Galvez, diocesan director of Hispanic Ministry.

The celebration included singing by the choir and Mariachis. A reception followed.

Photos by Louis Aguirre www.bayoucatholic.com

Comment Comfort For My People

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Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

As you may know, in ancient Roman mythology Janus was the god of ‘new beginnings.’ In mythology, Janus is depicted as having two faces: one that faced backwards to the past; and one that faced forward to the future. It is easy to understand, therefore, why the month of January was named for Janus since the month occurs at the beginning of each new calendar year. The month of January is the ‘hinge’ between the old year that was and the New Year that will be. It can be said that the month of January looks to the past and to the future.

Because it falls at the beginning of each New Year, the month of January is indeed an opportunity to celebrate new beginnings, fresh starts and renewed opportunities. We all know in faith that there is no greater renewed opportunity that God has given to us than Jesus Christ, the Son of the living and true God. In the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, God the Father wonderfully renewed all creation in Jesus Christ, inviting us to live the new covenant of God’s love offered to us in Jesus Christ. Therefore, yesterday, today and forever it is to Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, that we run because we know that Jesus holds the past, the present and the future in his loving hands. As we have again embarked upon a New Year, at the very beginning of this year let us together entrust

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our journey through this calendar year to Jesus Christ, pledging to remain faithful to him every day of this New Year and always.

New beginnings have been a large part of my own life in these past few months. My new beginning as bishop here in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux continues. In my first few months as your bishop, I have enjoyed many new beginnings and new encounters as I continue to travel throughout the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux enjoying the landscape, learning the diocese, and meeting its wonderful, faith-filled people.

I truly enjoyed each one of the three recent deanery celebrations where I was able to celebrate Mass and then greet many of the parishioners present from the different parishes that make up each deanery in the diocese.

In addition to these deanery celebrations, it has been a true joy to attend different celebrations at parishes, and especially to celebrate the Eucharist in parishes and schools of the diocese. I look forward with great anticipation to

getting to each and every parish and school as soon as I am able in the very near future. At each celebration that I have attended thus far, I have always found a truly warm welcome, strong faith and great excitement about what the Lord has been doing here in the diocese. I am grateful to our good and gracious God for this new beginning in my life, and I look forward to a future filled with hope serving among you here in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

January is indeed a month of new beginnings. I pray during this month of January you will also find renewed hope and stronger trust and faith in God. In Jesus Christ, God the Father has bound himself to us in the past, present and future by a bond that cannot be broken. This is certainly a reason to have renewed faith and trust as we embark upon a New Year with fresh hope. I pray that these days of January are a time of renewed hope for you, and that you will know a New Year filled with joy and peace. Thank you for your faith!

January: A month of new beginnings

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2014

Comentario

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Enero: Un mes de nuevos comienzos

Cómo ustedes sabrán, Jano era el dios de «nuevos comienzos» en el antiguo imperio romano. En la mitología, Jano tiene dos caras: una que miraba hacia atrás en el pasado; y otra que miraba hacia adelante en el futuro. Es fácil comprenderlo y por eso, el mes de enero fue nombrado por Jano (que en español pasó del latín Ianuarius a Janeiro y Janero y de ahí derivó a enero) ya que el mes sucede al comienzo de cada nuevo calendario anual. El mes de enero es la «bisagra» entre el año viejo que ha pasado y el Año Nuevo que será. Es decir que el mes de enero mira hacia el pasado y el futuro.

El mes de enero, que sucede al comienzo de cada Año Nuevo, es en verdad una oportunidad para celebrar nuevos comienzos, inicios frescos y oportunidades renovadas. Sabemos que en la fe no hay oportunidad renovada más grande que la que Dios nos ha dado en Jesucristo, el Hijo del Dios verdadero y viviente. En el nacimiento de Jesucristo en Belén, Dios el Padre, renovó maravillosamente a toda la creación en Jesucristo, invitándonos a vivir en la nueva alianza del amor de Dios que se nos ha ofrecido en Jesucristo. Por tanto, ayer, hoy y por siempre es de Jesucristo, Hijo del Dios viviente, y vamos hacia Él porque es Jesús que sostiene el pasado, el presente y el futuro en sus manos amorosas. Ahora que nos hemos embarcado nuevamente en un Año Nuevo, al comienzo de este año, juntos pongamos nuestra confianza en Jesucristo al hacer nuestro viaje a través de este calendario anual prometiendo permanecer fieles a Él todos los días de este Año Nuevo y por siempre.

Nuevos comienzos ha sido gran parte de mi vida propia en estos últimos meses. Mi nuevo comienzo en el obispado de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux

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LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

continúa. En mis primeros meses de obispo, he gozado los nuevos comienzos y nuevos encuentros en mi senda por la Diócesis de HoumaThibodaux disfrutando el paisaje, aprendiendo sobre la diócesis y encontrando a su pueblo fiel y maravilloso. He verdaderamente disfrutado cada una de las tres celebraciones parroquianas en las que pude celebrar Misa y saludar a muchos feligreses presentes de tantas iglesias que forman cada parroquia en la diócesis. Además de estas celebraciones ha sido un verdadero gozo presentarme a las celebraciones diversas en las parroquias y especialmente al celebrar la Eucaristía en las parroquias y escuelas de la diócesis. Espero felizmente y con mucha anticipación llegar a cada parroquia y escuela en cuanto pueda en el futuro cercano. En cada celebración que he podido ir hasta ahora, siempre he encontrado una bienvenida calurosa, una fe fuerte y mucha emoción por los logros

de Dios en nuestra diócesis. Le agradezco muchísimo a nuestro Dios bueno y lleno de gracia por este nuevo comienzo en mi vida y espero un futuro lleno de esperanza sirviendo entre ustedes en la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux.

Enero es en verdad un mes de nuevos comienzos. Ruego durante este mes de enero para que ustedes también encuentren una esperanza renovada y una confianza y fe más fuerte en Dios. En Jesucristo, Dios el Padre se ha enlazado con nosotros en el pasado, presente y futuro con cadenas inquebrantables. Ello es en verdad una razón que tenemos para renovar nuestra fe y nuestra confianza al embarcar el Año Nuevo con esperanza fresca. Ruego que estos días de enero sean un tiempo de esperanza renovada para ustedes y que ustedes conozcan un Año Nuevo lleno de alegría y paz. ¡Gracias por su fe!

Traducido por Julio Contreras, feligrés de la Iglesia Annunziata en Houma www.bayoucatholic.com

Binh luan bang loi

Thaùng Gieâng: Nhöõng khôûi söï môùi trong thaùng

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Nhö anh chò em coù theå ñaõ bieát Thaàn Janus trong coå tích thaàn thoaïi La Maõ laø thaàn ‘khôûi söï môùi.’ Thaàn thoaïi keå laïi raèng Thaàn Janus ñöôïc moâ taû laø coù hai boä maët: moät laø nhìn veà quaù khöù, coøn maët kia höôùng veà töông lai. Ñieàu naøy cuõng deã hieåu taïi sao thaùng gieâng laïi ñöôïc cuùng hieán cho Thaàn Janus vì thaùng moät laø thaùng ñaàu trong naêm. Thaùng moät nhö laø ‘baûn leà’ caùnh cöûa giöõa naêm cuõ vaø naêm môùi, naêm cuõ ñoùng laïi vaø naêm môùi môû ra. Ñieàu ñoù cuõng coù theå noùi leân raèng thaùng moät cuøng nhìn veà quaù khöù cuõng nhö höôùng veà töông lai.

Vì noù rôi vaøo ñaàu naêm neân thaùng gieâng thaät tình cho chuùng ta cô hoäi khôûi ñaàu nhieàu thöù môùi, khôûi söï môùi vaø laøm cho nhöõng cô hoäi ñaõ cuõ trôû thaønh môùi. Anh chò em ñeàu nhaän ra raèng trong ñöùc tin khoâng gì quyù hôn laø moät laàn nöõa nhaän ra nhöõng gì Thieân Chuùa ñaõ ban cho chuùng ta qua Chuùa Gieâsu, laø Con Thieân Chuùa haèng soáng vaø duy nhaát.

Trong söï giaùng sinh cuûa Chuùa Gieâsu Kitoâ nôi Beâ lem Chuùa Cha moät laàn nöõa raát nhieäm maàu ñoåi môùi moïi loaøi ñaõ ñöôïc döïng neân, cuøng môøi goïi chuùng ta soáng giao öôùc tình yeâu cuûa Thieân Chuùa maø Ngaøi ñaõ ban qua Chuùa Gieâsu Kitoâ. Bôûi theá, hoâm qua, hoâm nay vaø maõi maõi vì Chuùa Gieâsu, Con Thieân Chuùa haèng soáng, ta tieáp tuïc haønh trình vì bieát raèng chæ coù Chuùa Gieâsu laø Ngöôøi ñaõ naém troïn trong loøng baøn tay tình yeâu Ngaøi nhöõng quaù khöù, hieän taïi vaø töông lai. Böôùc vaøo naêm môùi, ngay ñaàu naêm nay chuùng ta cuøng phoù thaùc haønh trình nieân lòch naøy cho Chuùa Gieâsu Kitoâ, theà höùa seõ thuyû chung vôùi Ngaøi töøng ngaøy trong caû naêm vaø maõi maõi.

Nhöõng khôûi söï môùi ñang laø nhöõng böôùc ñi cuûa toâi trong maáy thaùng vöøa qua. Böôùc ñi môùi ñoù

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2014

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

chính laø giöõ chöùc giaùm muïc chính toaø Houma-Thibodaux. Laø giaùm muïc cuûa anh chò em maáy thaùng vöøa qua toâi raát vui möøng vôùi nhöõng coâng vieäc môùi vaø gaëp nhieàu thöû thaùch môùi qua nhieàu laàn thaêm vieáng giaùo phaän nhö thöôûng thöùc thaéng caûnh trong mieàn, hoïc hoûi theâm veà giaùo phaän vaø gaëp gôõ anh chò em, laø nhöõng ngöôøi ñang soáng nieàm tin Kytoâ soát saéng. Toâi thaät söï sung söôùng gaëp gôõ anh chò em qua ba laàn daâng Thaùnh Leã ôû moãi haït, maø toâi ñaõ coù dòp gaët anh chò em ñeán töø caùc giaùo xöù hieän dieän trong caùc Thaùnh Leã ñoù. Ngoaøi ba laàn cöû haønh Thaùnh Leã ñoù toâi cuõng ñöôïc traøn ñaày nieàm vui tham gia sinh hoaït trong caùc giaùo xöù khaùc, ñaëc bieät laø caùc Thaùnh Leã trong moät soá giaùo xöù vaø tröôøng hoïc. Toâi khao khaùt gaëp gôõ anh chò em ôû töøng giaùo xöù vaø tröôøng hoïc vaøo nhöõng ngaøy gaàn nhaát maø lòch trình cuûa toâi cho pheùp. Qua nhöõng Thaùnh Leã vaø sinh hoaït maø toâi ñaõ tham döï toâi nhaän thaáy raèng anh chò em raát nieàm nôû, coù ñöùc tin maïnh vaø haêng haùi veà nhöõng thaønh quaû maø Chuùa ñang thöïc

hieän trong giaùo phaän naøy. Toâi caûm nhaän söï toát laønh vaø ôn thaùnh Chuùa qua nhöõng coâng vieäc môùi naøy, vaø nhaém veà töông lai vôùi nhieàu hy voïng ñeå phuïc vuï anh chò em trong Giaùo Phaän Houma-Thibodaux.

Thaùng gieâng thaät laø moät thaùng môû ñaàu. Toâi nguyeän xin trong thaùng naøy anh chò em seõ cuøng tìm laïi nieàm hy voïng, söï tín thaùc maïnh hôn vaø ñöùc tin beàn bæ trong Chuùa. Trong Ñöùc Kytoâ Chuùa Cha ñaõ cöu mang ta trong quaù khöù, hieän taïi vaø seõ cöu mang ta trong töông lai baèng giao öôùc khoâng theå bò caét ñöùt. Ñaây chính laø lyù do ñeå chuùng ta haâm noùng laïi ñöùc tin vaø nieàm tín thaùc nhö chuùng ta böôùc vaøo naêm môùi vôùi nieàm hy voïng môùi.

Toâi nguyeän xin trong thaùng moät naøy laø nhöõng ngaøy traøn ñaày hy voïng ñeán vôùi anh chò em, vaø anh chò em seõ nhaän ra raèng Naêm Môùi ñöôïc vui töôi vaø bình an. Ña taï anh chò vì ñöùc tin cuûa mình.

Dòch thuaät: Linh Muïc Pheâroâ Leâ Taøi, Chaùnh sôû nhaø thôø Our Lady of the Isle.

Comment The Pope Speaks

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In his first annual message for the World Day of Peace, Pope Francis writes that peace and social justice are impossible without a spirit of fraternity based on recognition that all men and women are children of God -- a relationship fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The nearly 5,000-word message, entitled “Fraternity, the Foundation and Pathway to Peace,” was released by the Vatican Dec. 12 in preparation for the World Day of Peace Jan. 1.

“Without fraternity it is impossible to build a just society and a solid and lasting peace,” the pope writes. “At the same time, it appears clear that contemporary ethical systems remain incapable of producing authentic bonds of fraternity, since a fraternity devoid of reference to a common Father as its ultimate foundation is unable to endure. True brotherhood among peoples presupposes and demands a transcendent Fatherhood.”

The pope adds that, “in a particular way, human fraternity is regenerated in and by Jesus Christ through his death and resurrection. The cross is the definitive foundational locus of that fraternity which human beings are not capable of generating themselves.”

Pope Francis surveys contemporary attacks on human dignity -- including war, economic exploitation, crime, environmental pollution and violations of religious freedom -he says require awareness and

practice of humanity’s brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ.

He decries a widespread “poverty of relationships as a result of the lack of solid family and community relationships,” and writes that “fraternity is generally first learned in the family, thanks above all to the responsible and complementary roles of each of its members, particularly the father and the mother.”

With regard to economic justice, the pope calls for “effective policies” to reduce income inequality and guarantee “access to capital and

CNS PHOTO/TIME INC., HANDOUT VIA REUTERS

The cover of Time magazine’s Person of the Year issue, featuring Pope Francis, is pictured in this Dec. 11 handout photo.

services, educational resources, healthcare and technology so that every person has the opportunity to express and realize his or her life project and can develop fully as a person.”

He also calls on ordinary Christians to embrace a “sober and essential lifestyle” and share their wealth, calling such practice of “detachment” a “form of promoting fraternity -- and thus defeating poverty -- which must be the basis of all the others.”

He repeats his own calls and those of previous popes for the

“nonproliferation of arms and for the disarmament of all parties, beginning with nuclear and chemical weapons,” and appeals directly to “all those who sow violence and death by force of arms” to see every enemy instead as “your brother or sister, and hold back your hand!”

“Human beings can experience conversion,” the pope writes. “I wish this to be a message of hope and confidence for all, even for those who have committed brutal crimes, for God does not wish the death of the sinner, but that he converts and lives.”

Pope Francis denounces organized crime for its role in the drug trade, environmental damage, “illicit money trafficking and financial speculation,” prostitution, human trafficking, slavery and the exploitation of migrants.

Criminal organizations of all sizes “gravely offend God, they hurt others and they harm creation, all the more so when they have religious overtones,” the pope writes.

He deplores the “inhumane conditions in so many prisons, where those in custody are often reduced to a subhuman status in violation of their human dignity and stunted in their hope and desire for rehabilitation.”

Calling for responsible and equitable use of natural resources, Pope Francis focuses on agriculture.

“It is well known that present (food) production is sufficient, and yet millions of persons continue to suffer and die from hunger, and this is a real scandal,” he writes.

Underscoring the critique of globalization that has become a major theme of his teaching as pope, he observes that the “ever-increasing number of interconnections and communications in today’s world makes us powerfully aware of the unity and common destiny of the nations.”

But this unity, he writes, is “still frequently denied and ignored in a world marked by a ‘globalization of indifference’ which makes us slowly inured to the suffering of others and closed in on ourselves.”

Peace is impossible without fraternity based on Christ

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2014

A

Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle

Fulton Sheen a saint?

Q

Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Q. About 10 years ago, I read an article in our Catholic newspaper about the possibility of Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s becoming a saint. Since then, though, I have heard nothing further. Could you tell me where that process stands now? (I think it would be great if it happened.

I remember, as a child, watching his show on television. I wish there could be reruns. (Severn, Md.)

as “Most Outstanding Television Personality.” He also served for many years as the national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, spreading the message of the Gospel through missionary efforts across the globe.

Father Robert Barron, creator of the current awardwinning television documentary “Catholicism,” has called Sheen “the patron saint of media and evangelization.”

A. In June 2012, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen was declared “venerable” by the Vatican. This means that he is considered to have been of “heroic virtue” and is worthy of imitation. The next step on the road to sainthood is beatification, which requires one miracle through that person’s intercession.

The Vatican is currently reviewing an Illinois case from 2010 where an infant boy, apparently stillborn, was revived after not breathing for more than an hour when his mother prayed to Fulton Sheen.

The media-savvy Sheen won the hearts of many Americans with his television show, “Life Is Worth Living.” It ran from 1952 to 1957 and, at its peak, had 10 million weekly viewers. With only a blackboard and a statue as props, Sheen spoke with drama and humor of the values that should guide faith-filled living.

In 1952, he received an Emmy

Catholics at a gay wedding?

A

Q

Q. My sister-in-law is gay, and she and her partner have been together for 23 years. They are planning on getting married soon and, sometime later, having a reception. Although we love them both, we do not believe in gay marriage. My husband thinks that, given our moral position, we should not attend.

I am torn: I worry that by not going, the hurt feelings may damage family relationships for a long time. In the eyes of the Catholic Church, would it be wrong for us to attend?

(Greenville, S.C.)

A. The situation you present is, unfortunately, not uncommon today. Many faithful Catholics are wrestling with the decision that confronts you, and reasonable minds may differ as to the best solution.

The challenge of Christians always is to follow the scriptural mandates, even when to do so might be countercultural. Clearly the teaching of the church is that homosexual “marriage” is morally unacceptable.

Referencing several Biblical passages, the Catechism of the Catholic Church concludes, in No. 2357, that homosexual acts are “intrinsically disordered” and “contrary to the natural law.”

When faced with whether to attend a gay wedding, one is called to give public witness to one’s beliefs.

In May 2013, Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence, R.I., advised his diocese as follows: “Catholics should examine their consciences very carefully before deciding whether or not to endorse samesex relationships or attend same-sex ceremonies, realizing 13 that to do so might harm their relationship with God and cause significant scandal to others.”

Notice that the bishop’s caution does not qualify as an absolute prohibition, but it would seem to me that one’s presence at such a wedding ceremony might well be viewed by others in attendance as an endorsement.

Here, I think, is what you might do: You and your husband might explain to his sister -- in the most kind and gentle way possible -that, as much as you love her, your deeply held religious beliefs make you uncomfortable with attending the ceremony.

Your absence, notable as it will be, will give witness to others of your moral stance. But since the “reception” will be held sometime later, your presence instead at that event might serve to preserve family harmony and a continuing relationship with those involved.

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

Love for God and love for neighbors

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“The Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon [Philippines] was not spared by the strong quake, its belfry reduced to a rubble and its facade suffering major cracks,” reported Bishop Leonardo Medroso after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake destroyed several historic churches in his diocese in October 2013. One of the oldest churches in the Philippines, the Baclayon Church was built in 1717 and declared a National Historic Treasure in 1994, according to asianewsnet.net.

Since then people in that region of the Philippines have lamented the destruction of historic landmarks, the many deaths which occurred and the loss of places where faith was lived and celebrated.

Whenever a tragedy of this magnitude happens, people feel a need to reflect on it in some way.

Matthew composed his Gospel in the shadow of an event that was equally devastating for the people of his day: the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman Army in 70 A.D. Matthew 22:7, in what is probably a modification of a parable about guests who decline invitations to a royal wedding feast (22:1-14), reflects that ominous event. When the invited guests refuse the king’s invitation, mistreat and even kill his slaves who summon them to the banquet, he sends his troops to “destroy those murderers and burn their city.” By means of this detail, Matthew reflects

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2014

theologically that the destruction of Jerusalem represented God’s judgment upon a nation that did not accept the Messiah sent to it.

Jerusalem’s demise was a major influence upon Matthew’s writing, though not the only one.

While Matthew’s primary image of Jesus is that he is at once Son of God and Son of Man; Jesus, in part, manifests himself as such through his teaching. Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ role as teacher of Israel by collecting his teaching into five great discourses in the Gospel. Jesus shows himself to be a master of both haggadah (non-legal teaching, such as when he utters parables) and halakah (interpretation of the religious law), especially in Matthew 21:2322:46.

After the demise of the Temple interpretation of the Torah became a more passionate enterprise, because with the Temple and its sacrificial system gone, Torah became the most important element of Jewish identity. This fact accounts for the raised level of polemics between Matthew’s Jesus and certain Jewish religious leaders. Jesus differs from his opponents in matters of legal interpretation because they do not share his perspective that such interpretation is founded upon what he declares are the two greatest commandments: love for God with every ounce of one’s being and love for one’s neighbor as oneself (22:37-40).

Jesus’ emphasis on love of neighbor fits well within the context of Matthew’s much-developed theology of the church (ecclesiology).

Matthew gives greater emphasis to ecclesiology than his fellow canonical evangelists (Mark, Luke and John). For Matthew’s Jesus the church is a new people, who will replace the traditional people

ons

sti n Que o i t c e efl

of Israel as God’s Chosen People, because, unlike its predecessor, it will bear fruit (21:43).

Rich with Matthew’s ecclesiology, chapter 18 focuses on maintaining unity among church members, especially through reconciliation when strife exists in the church’s ranks.

In addition to chapter 18, parables such as The Weeds and the Wheat (13:24-30), the Net (13:47-50) and the Improperly Clad Wedding Guest (22:11-13) acknowledge that members within the church may behave contrary to their status as church members. These parables teach that rather than having the community try to separate bad from good, and consequently damage the church community, God will rectify the problem at the judgment.

Matthew 16:13-20 is a key ecclesiological passage in Matthew.

In passing on the “keys” to Peter, Jesus leaves with the church the authority to “bind and loose,” that is to decide upon matters that will arise in the future.

In Matthew the identity of both the church and Jesus himself are intimately intertwined. As “God with us,” Jesus is ever-present to his church. The two key passages which demonstrate Jesus’ presence with the church are 1:23 and 28:20.

In the former, Jesus’ conception by the Holy Spirit and his subsequent birth are a fulfillment Isaiah 7:14, the famous “Emmanuel” (Godwith-us) passage. In the latter, Matthew’s Jesus vows to remain with his disciples “until the end of the age”; he does not ascend to the Father as in Luke and John!

These are but a few of the more important general characteristics of Matthew’s Gospel which, hopefully, will help us better understand the first evangelist’s message as we read from Matthew during this liturgical year.

tion institu n a s a R church ay? see the u o y it ” tod u o r d f l w a o nH spiritu in the bears “ iation l h i c wn c i n h o w rec your o r n o i f e d r is the cese an tion? t need ur dio ncilia o o c n e i r , s n Wha i rch ate th sal chu facilit e w ve univer n a effecti ow c n H a ? s h a s pari nction day? urch fu h c e ians to t h s t i r n h a c C th for n How the fai of r e teach

Saints 16TH ANNUAL SOUTHERN LOUISIANA

Raymond of Peñafort 1175-1275 January 7

Crosiers

Born in Catalonia, Spain, he was already an accomplished academic and preacher when he joined the Dominicans in 1222.

Called to Rome as papal confessor in 1230, he collected conciliar and papal degrees in a standard work used by canon lawyers for nearly 700 years. Returning to Spain in 1236, he devoted himself to converting Muslims and Jews, establishing schools to teach Arabic and Hebrew, and launching the Inquisition in Catalonia. He was Dominican master general for two years.

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Saints

Anthony Mary Pucci 1819-1892 January 12

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Christened Eustacchio by his peasant family, this Italian wanted to enter religious life, a move opposed by his father, the sacristan of the local church. But in 1837 he was able to join the Servite Fathers in Florence, taking the name Antony Mary. After his 1843 ordination, he was sent to a new seaside parish in Viareggio; four years later he was made pastor, at age 28, and would remain there for the rest of his life, ministering to parishioners and seeing them through two bad epidemics. The entire town mourned his passing. He was canonized in 1962.

Saints

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Blessed Laura Vicuna 1895-1908 January 22

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After her father’s sudden death, Laura’s family left Chile for Argentina, where her mother became the mistress of a wealthy landowner. He initially paid the fees for Laura and her sister to attend a school run by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.

However, he stopped when Laura rebuffed his sexual advances, and she and her sister worked to pay the fees themselves. She had tried to join the order in 1902 but was rejected because of her mother’s lifestyle. Her death, shortly before her 13th birthday, was caused by stress and a severe beating by the mother’s lover.

Saints

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february

n C.E.N.T.S. will be offering the Small Business Course beginning in February through Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. This free course is designed to help people who are interested in starting a small business. It will be held one evening a week for nine weeks.

A different business topic will be discussed each week. Anyone who is interested in participating may call Brooks Lirette at 8760490 to schedule an orientation appointment. 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, at the Terrebonne Parish Main

march

n Women of God Conference, Friday and Saturday, March 14-15, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Online registration: www.htconferences. org or by phone, (985)850-3171.

Pre-registration is $60 per person.

Doors open at 5 p.m. on Friday; events begin at 7 p.m. Women over 18 years of age are invited.

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’s 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.

Library. 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. Meal is served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m. Free 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, Wednesdays, Feb. 5, 19 and 26, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Very Rev. Josh Rodrigue, S.T.L., speaker.

n Matrimony and Holy Orders, Thursday, Feb. 13, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Very Rev. 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.

n Man of God Conference, Saturday, March 28-29, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Online registration: www. htconferences.org or by phone, (985)850-3171. Pre-registration is $60 per person. Doors open at 5 p.m. on Friday; events begin at 7 p.m. n The Commandments 1-3,

Thursday, March 20, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Father Michael Bergeron, speaker. n Christology, Wednesdays, March 19 and 26, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15p.m. Very Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L., speaker.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2014

DIOCESAN

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.

EVENTS

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

November 2013 Burse Contributions Donald Peltier, Sr. #4 ...................................... $1,000.00 Deacon Robert Dusse ........................................ $500.00 Joseph “Jay” Feritta ........................................... $100.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ............................................. $100.00 Rev. Henry Naquin .............................................. $30.00 17

Open Burses with Balance as of 11/30/13 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 Donald Peltier, Sr. #4 .............................. $9,000.00 Elie & Dot Klingman .............................. $8,320.00 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 ................................ $4,736.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ........................... $4,500.00 Rev. Henry Naquin ................................. $4,221.00 Harry Booker #2 .................................... $4,138.00

Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .............................. $3,700.00 Catholic Daughters ................................ $3,680.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ............................... $3,610.96 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 Deacon Robert Dusse’ ........................... $1,450.00 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 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: $1,430,258.39 www.bayoucatholic.com

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Guest Columnist Father Michael Bergeron I will become an unconditional giver.

This week, health clubs and 18 fitness centers around the country will see their largest increases in membership for the year. But within four or five weeks, this increase in membership will not be noticed within the health clubs themselves.

It is an intriguing phenomenon: health club memberships will be up but attendance, in a few weeks, will remain fairly unchanged.

Our annual festival of New Year’s resolutions is an interesting one. Most of us actually go through some effort to reflect on our life, and we even plot out various strategies to make changes in our life that could prove to be beneficial. However, despite the efforts and intentions, most of us often fail in one thing that makes the difference between success and failure in keeping our resolutions.

We fail in our commitment. We buy our membership, but we fail to work out.

Let’s face it, most of our resolutions are good for us, whether they are to lose weight, quit smoking, fix up the house or make better grades. But we fail to look deeper at these resolutions to the problems and discomforts of our life. Therefore, our resolutions Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2014

fail. Quite simply, it is difficult to muster commitment for just sweeping dust under the rug.

We can find the commitment necessary to keep our resolutions, but it will involve moving beyond the external, cosmetic changes in our life and lifestyle. We must begin by examining that which defines who we are and make a resolution to improve this.

Here are a few deeper resolutions to consider: I will become an unconditional giver.

I will not just give to others, but will give unconditionally. How many times have I walked pass someone begging on the street and did not give a cent because “he’s just going to buy some booze?” Or how many times have I insisted he settle for a hamburger instead of a handout. It is none of my business what that person does with my donation; I receive the same graces for opening my heart. Once the money leaves my hands, I receive the blessings. Therefore, I will not attempt to control the end result of my generosity.

I will not kill anyone.

Oh, yes, I’d never physically kill, but my words and actions

sometimes kill the aliveness in others. My gossip kills reputations and my clever put-downs kill the joy in others. When I rupture the serenity in others, I rupture their serenity with the Holy Spirit that dwells within them. When I ignore others it diminishes the value in that person. It wounds their selfesteem. When someone speaks to me, I will stop and give my complete attention. My actions will build up the kingdom, not tear it down.

I will ask for forgiveness.

Sometimes we hurt others intentionally. But most of the time we hurt others unintentionally.

When I hurt someone unintentionally, it doesn’t make me any less responsible to heal the wounds of my perpetration. If I realize I’ve been ignoring someone, I will make a special effort to correct that. If I make a callous comment, I will apologize. Mistakes will happen, but they can be corrected.

I will observe and respond.

I will start being more observant of the needs around me. Instead of thinking “why doesn’t the old lady next door cut her grass,” I should be observing that perhaps she is under the weather or just plain tired, and it would not be that

a

great of a sacrifice for me to cut her grass. If someone at work or at school is quiet or not acting normal, I will not make comments about things I know nothing about. There are people who are carrying crosses that I cannot fathom. There are children being abused by parents, couples torn apart by adultery, families who do not have enough food to eat or money to pay their bills. I will become more observant of the people around me and I will do what I can to help them carry their cross.

I will be compassionate.

Sympathy and empathy have different meanings and different results. When we journey with another person and they enter into their pain, our own pain comes up.

We then enter into their story and their pain from our own story and our own pain. It becomes an equal relationship: a relationship of empathy and not one of sympathy or pity. It is empathy when we are in touch with our story and are not afraid to enter into it. It is sympathy or pity when we refuse to be in touch with our own experience, when

we are afraid to suffer, when we refuse to look within ourselves. It may be too frightening or painful to explore our own story. People want empathy and not sympathy. They want “compassion.” Compassion comes from the Latin words: pati = to suffer and com = with. Simply put, it means to “suffer with” another person. It means to have a sense of their plight, to recreate it, to feel it, and to respond. Anything else is meaningless.

I will take care of the temple.

The Holy Spirit dwells within me. My body is a temple. Just as I wouldn’t want the church building to be run down or looking terrible, I should take care of my temple.

Cigarettes, drugs and alcohol only damage the temple. But eating properly, exercising, seeing a doctor regularly, getting that breast or prostate exam will make my temple strong and beautiful. And while I do it for myself, I also do it for God – that the Holy Spirit may indwell in a healthy environment and that I may be around longer to praise God’s name.

a

I will take care of the temple.

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I will try to be more “unnatural.”

The natural world says only the strong survive. It’s a you OR me world. One animal kills another animal to survive. One person climbs up the corporate ladder at the expense of another. One sports team wins and another loses. It’s “Survivor” and “Apprentice.” Nice guys finish last. People stomp on each other for Black Friday deals and Mardi Gras trinkets. The message from the media is “what’s in it for ME.” Someone wins, someone loses. It’s natural. But the Gospels want us to do something unnatural. Jesus’ message is that it is a you AND me world. In order to win, I must help everyone else around me win. I resolve to take others along with me on my journey and not to get ahead at the expense of another person.

I will take care of God’s creatures.

If I own a dog, cat or any other animal, I should treat it like God’s creature, not my possession. Dogs do not deserve to die of heart worms and cats do not deserve to die of feline leukemia. I can prevent that.

Millions of pets are put to death each year because people are too lazy to have their pets spayed or neutered. I will not be one of them. I will not chain them in the back yard to sleep through freezing nights or mosquito-infested summers. And if I see someone neglecting or abusing an animal, I will step forward and do something about it.

I will be a good steward of God’s gifts.

Whenever someone has more than they need, it only figures that someone else does not have enough.

God has given me so many gifts and I will not dishonor God by abusing them. When I eat in restaurants, especially buffets, I will not take more than I need or can eat and Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2014

I will not kill anyone with gossip.

waste food. I will thank God that I don’t live somewhere that I have to worry about my next meal. When I leave a room, I will turn the lights out. I know there are places that have no electricity. When I shave, I will not just leave the hot water running, because I know there are places that have no water. I will appreciate what I have and use it wisely. I will have an “attitude of gratitude.”

I will choose to be positive instead of negative. I will choose joy.

Our world talks so much about happiness, and yet seems to experience it so seldom. But joy is written all through the New Testament. It is a basic part of the Christian faith from beginning to end. At the birth of Jesus, the angels sang for joy. Throughout his public ministry, our Lord sounded a note of gladness. More than once he urged his disciples to be of good cheer. In his three-part parable about the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son, he said there is “joy in heaven over one repentant sinner.” At the last supper he said, “I tell you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”

All of the truly joyful people in this world are those who make a conscious and recurring choice.

They choose to be positive instead of negative. They choose to be

happy instead of sad. They choose hope instead of despair. These same choices belong to me. Joy is something that I can simply decide to make characteristic of my life.

It will never force its way into my heart; I must open the door and invite it in. I can choose to see rainbows instead of thunderclouds.

I can choose to see the good in people instead of their faults. I will choose joy.

I will become more sensitive to others.

I have become desensitized by television and the Internet. When did pictures of starving people and horrible disasters cease to move my heart? There is more than enough food to feed the entire world and it is in the hands of Christian nations. If governments will not do anything, I can. Every little thing can help. There are organizations and people helping here and in every corner of the earth. And I am presented with opportunities to do something. I must picture myself as Jesus. What would Jesus say about this? What would Jesus do?

And I will respond accordingly.

I will spread the Good News and heal the sick.

Jesus sent his disciples out to spread the Good News and to heal the sick. As a disciple of Christ, I have that commission as well. I can tell people what God has done for me and I can bring healing to others.

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Healing in the New Testament has a vastly broader meaning than we have put upon the word today.

Memories can be healed, as well as dreams, disappointments, broken relationships, anger, resentment, the guilt of a lifetime, fear of pain, rejection and judgment, or toxic shame. Many of these things even take place in the process we call death – so death and healing are not opposites. Sometimes, our bodies are healed. Sometimes it is our soul. I will bring to others the Good News of God’s love and the healing and wholeness he desires us to have.

I will visit shut-ins and people in nursing homes and hospitals.

I know people who are in hospitals, nursing homes and shut-in their own homes. We all do. They are our family and our friends. Often they feel forgotten, lonely and hopeless.

It doesn’t matter that I may feel uncomfortable around the sick, I will make an effort to visit them on a regular basis and never cease to let them know that I love them and they have made a difference in my life. I will be sure they are not neglected physically, mentally or emotionally. My presence will testify to the difference their life has made in the world.

I will be grateful for the shepherds and the angels.

Who are the shepherds in our life who have come to us and remarked on our importance to the world – those who have affirmed us or have challenged us? Shepherds can bring us good news or bad news, but they are there in our lives to give us an opportunity to begin anew. For parents, the shepherds are those other adults who brag on our children. Sometimes it takes another adult to tell us who our children are and to see their gifts.

Sometimes the shepherd is the school principal who calls with not so pleasant news. When a principal calls, however, he or she calls not to scold a parent but to be a voice pointing out a need that the parent can fill. The principal is not our enemy although many parents do act that way. Neither are the teachers, bus drivers, employers or physicians. Do I listen to the shepherds in my life?

Who are the angels who have come

to herald the presence of God in our life? Who are those who helped us in Hurricane Katrina, Rita, Gustav or Ike, or who pointed out to us what some of the blessings in our life – blessings that we, ourselves, may have well overlooked? Who are those who remind us that even in our difficult moments that God is with us – journeying with us, upholding us, carrying us? Do I listen to the angels in my life?

I will be grateful for those shepherds and angels and treat them like the blessings that they are.

I will have Christ in my life.

Life without Christ is no life at all. It is a pulse without purpose, a heart without happiness, existence without eternity; life without living.

With Christ, we have a purpose to live for, a power to live by, and a person to live with. Jesus not only saves us from our sins, he also saves us for a new life of purpose and power in the presence of God. He gives us unending JOY. Perhaps Saint Francis of Assisi said it best: “Let us leave sadness to the devils and his angels. As for us Christians, what can we be but rejoicing and glad.”

God so loved the world that he came for us. Christ has called us to be his disciples and he has left us with certain tasks and responsibilities. We’re called to share his love with a lost and

I will take care of God’s creatures.

hurting world. We’re called to be faithful stewards of his resources.

We’re called to be instruments of peace.

Our New Year’s resolutions also must involve knowing where we want to go in our relationship with the Lord. We each have to ask, “What does this relationship mean for my future? What do I want it to mean? Does the presence of Christ in my life affect me in the core of my being?”

Who you wish to be is who you really are. If you are sincerely trying to reform your life radically, in the Gospel sense, if you are willing to let God’s grace into your life, you will not be able to contain it. You will have no choice but to demonstrate in your every word and deed that you have caught a glimpse of the incredible vision of the love which is God! But if you turn your back on Jesus’ command, if you tell yourself that there is no reason to change, that you are just about perfect in every way, that you have no need for repentance, then you are the one who needs it most.

When making our New Year’s 21 resolutions, have we seen where we have been and where we want to go with the Lord? If we truly want to improve our life, we must resolve to improve our most important relationship, the one that is with the God who made us.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

www.bayoucatholic.com

Heavenly Recipes

Willie Mae’s

r y F r i cke n t S hi c

Story and Photo

by Lawrence Chatagnier

This month’s heavenly recipe comes from Willie Mae Darby, the housekeeper at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church parish in Houma. Willie Mae’s recipe is her take on stir fry chicken. She came up with this recipe about five years ago. It is a variation of a recipe she learned while working at a Chinese restaurant.

Willie Mae has been cooking at Holy Rosary for the past 22 years.

“I have seen many priests come and go here at Holy Rosary. I began cooking here when the Franciscan 22 priests were in the parish,” she says.

Like many good cooks she learned to cook from her mother. “I would sit and watch my mom cook and I wanted to help her when I was a child. She was the food manager at Terrebonne High School. She also worked for the priests at St. Francis de Sales Church parish in Houma. I would go with her there.

I always wanted to be around her.

She had a head for cooking. Even when she messed up it was good.”

One of her favorite memories as a child was selling her mother’s sweet potato pies. “My mom’s favorite dessert was sweet potato pie. My sister and I would sell them for her; in no time they were gone,” she says.

Willie Mae loves to cook. She also enjoys experimenting with recipes and trying different foods. “My favorite thing to cook is spaghetti and meatballs. Father Joe Rayes, a Franciscan priest who was here for a number of years, used to say, ‘I like Willie Mae; but I really, really like her spaghetti.”’

Before working at Holy Rosary Willie Mae was an assistant teacher at TARC. “I stopped working there Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2014

after I had breast cancer. Then I began working here. After I started here I had no desire to work anywhere else. The priests that I have worked for have been great to me. I have never had a cross word with any of them.

Some of the past priests still keep in touch and will send cards throughout the year,” says Willie Mae. She says she has peace of mind while she is working in the kitchen at the church parish. “I am the last of some of the original hires here at Holy Rosary. I have seen many of my co-workers come and go. Some have retired and some have died. Hopefully I will work here until my legs can’t hold me up any more. I have no immediate plans for leaving. I will stay until someone says it’s time to go. I have been in this kitchen for 22 years. The floors have been changed and everything in the kitchen has been replaced but me,” she says.

Willie Mae’s longevity could be attributed to her steadfast spirit and determination. With that on her side she will no doubt outlast a few more appliances in the kitchen.

Willie Mae’s Stir Fry Chicken 3 chicken breasts sliced 1 onion diced 1 bell pepper diced Soy sauce Stir fry sauce Olive oil flour 1 box whole grain angel hair pasta

Mix a tablespoon of olive oil with bell peppers, onions and chicken breast.

Cook uncovered for 10 minutes. Add two tablespoons of soy sauce and two tablespoons of stir fry sauce with one tablespoon of all purpose flour and one half cup of water to mixture. Cook for an additional 10 minutes. Boil the pasta in three quarts of water to desired consistency.

Serve the stir fry chicken over the angel hair pasta.

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SUNDAY

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M.

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Closer Walk

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M.

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Focus

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

MONDAY

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TUESDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Real Food Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

WEDNESDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M.

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M.

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M.

Closer Walk Live With Passion

THURSDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Living Scripture

FRIDAY

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Live With Passion

SATURDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary The Choices We Face

Programs produced by the Diocesan Office of TV Communications. We reserve the right to make program changes. www.bayoucatholic.com

Church Life

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Diocese honors Native Americans

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A Mass honoring Native Americans was celebrated recently at St. Charles Borromeo Church parish in Pointe-aux-Chenes. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of the Mass which was concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs and priests of the diocese.

Father Gallen dies at 72 Rev. John A. Gallen, former pastor of Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux, died Dec. 15, following a lengthy illness. Father Gallen, a native of Ireland, returned there to retire in May 2013. He was ordained a priest June 8, 1969. A memorial ceremony will take place Saturday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. at Christ the Redeemer.

Bishop Fabre will celebrate Mass at 11 a.m.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2014

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Scripture Readings Monday

Tuesday

6 January 7

Wednesday

8

Thursday

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and a listing of Feast days and saints Friday

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Saturday

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Sunday

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Christmas Weekday Feast of the Baptism of the Lord 1 John 5:14-21 Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 John 3:22-30 Acts 10:34-38 Matthew 3:13-17

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14

15

16

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18

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Weekday 1 Samuel 1:1-8 Mark 1:14-20

Weekday 1 Samuel 1:9-20 Mark 1:21-28

Weekday 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20 Mark 1:29-39

Weekday 1 Samuel 4:1-11 Mark 1:40-45

Memorial of Anthony, abbot 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22a Mark 2:1-12

Weekday 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a Mark 2:13-17

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 John 1:29-34

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21

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Memorial of Agnes, Weekday 1 Samuel 15:16-23 virgin and martyr Mark 2:18-22 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Mark 2:23-28

Weekday 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51 Mark 3:1-6

Weekday 1 Samuel 18:6-9, 19:1-7 Mark 3:7-12

Memorial of Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the church 1 Samuel 24:3-21 Mark 3:13-19

Feast of the Conversion of Paul, apostle Acts 22:3-16 Mark 16:15-18

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 8:23-9:3 1 Corinthians 1:1013, 17 Matthew 4:12-23

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1February 2

Weekday Memorial of Weekday 2 Samuel 7:4-17 2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10 Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of Mark 4:1-20 Mark 3:22-30 the church 2 Samuel 6:12b-15, 17-19 Mark 3:31-35

Weekday 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29 Mark 4:21-25

Memorial of John Bosco, priest 2 Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17 Mark 4:26-34

Weekday 2 Samuel 12:1-7a, 10-17 Mark 4:35-41

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Malachi 3:1-4 Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40

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Weekday 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13 Mark 5:1-20

Weekday 2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14b 24-25a, 30—19:3 Mark 5:21-43

Memorial of Agatha, virgin and martyr 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17 Mark 6:1-6

Memorial of Paul Miki and companions, martyrs 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12 Mark 6:7-13

Weekday Sirach 47:2-11 Mark 6:14-29

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The collection will be held January 25 and 26, 2014 Thank you for your generosity

Special Report

The 50th: Honoring the Memory of President John F. Kennedy Guest Columnist

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Father Glenn LeCompte

Anniversaries have a way of transcending time. When we celebrate or commemorate them we might feel connected to the original event, indeed it may seem that somehow we are placed in the presence of that past event. In my lifetime I have participated in the observance of many anniversaries, but none has so powerfully connected me with the original event than the commemoration in which I participated in Dallas, Texas, on Nov. 22, 2013. This day, of course, was the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The city of Dallas honored the man who was gunned down as he rode in a motorcade that was making its way through Dealey Plaza in that city.

It’s cold & drizzly in Dealey Plaza as I look up at the building from which Lee Harvey Oswald supposedly fired the fatal shots.

On the street below, I envision the presidential limousine rolling by and the wounding of JFK. Nearby, I can see the “Grassy Knoll,” from which many theorize conspirators participated in the slaying. I feel eerily present to that moment in 1963 that changed the course of history. Perhaps that is partly because, even though I was only five years old, in my mind’s eye I can see myself at home, sitting on a couch next to my grandmother, when the shocking announcement came over the

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2014

television that the president had been shot. Over and over again I paged through a copy of the book, The Torch Is Passed, a moving pictorial of President Kennedy’s funeral. His assassination made an impact upon me at a very young age, and I have been intrigued by it my entire life. The impression Kennedy’s death had upon me in my childhood, and my admiration for him that began then and has grown since are the main reasons I felt I needed to be in Dealey Plaza for the commemorative event on Nov. 22, 2013.

I was fortunate to be one of 5,000

CNS PHOTO

Bishop Kevin J. Farrell delivers the invocation Nov. 22 during ceremonies in memory of President Kennedy.

people, and only one of 2,500 people from outside of the Dallas area to receive a ticket to this historic event. The program began with the haunting music of bagpipes and drums off in the distance and gradually approaching Dealey Plaza. The singing of the National Anthem followed. After Bishop Kevin J. Farrell of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas delivered the Invocation, Dallas’ mayor, Michael S. Rawlings, offered the first presentation of the afternoon. Both the bishop and the mayor addressed the pain the people of the Dallas area felt at the fact that such a horrid event

happened in their city streets. Both also acknowledged the nation’s trauma at the loss of its elected leader. The mayor captured the optimism of John F. Kennedy, and then mentioned that ironically the five decades after Kennedy’s death were filled with other tragedies.

Rawlings spoke honorably of Kennedy as an idealist whose vision never blinded him to the realities of life. The mayor also told the people that “each of us will meet our oncoming challenges head-on with courage, honoring, but not living in the past,” words that convey a sense of hope.

With perfect timing, the mayor ended his comments and called for a moment of silence just before 12:30 p.m., the fateful time that Kennedy was mortally wounded.

That silence was so powerful; it was at that moment that I felt that the original event and the commemoration merged across the decades. As I prayed for President Kennedy, I felt the dark power of the tragedy that happened 50 years earlier. Yet I was thankful for the sense of encouragement and hope he gave us during his short administration.

Some of the profound and now immortal words of John F. Kennedy were quoted by author and historian David McCullough.

In particular, he mentioned how Kennedy admonished that “This country cannot afford to be materially rich and spiritually poor.” Kennedy was speaking here not necessarily of faith but of humanitarianism. Nevertheless, McCullough presented the prophetic vision of Kennedy, who anticipated that we as a people “will be remembered not for our victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contributions to the human spirit.”

Reflecting Kennedy’s call for the advancement of the humanities, the United States Naval Academy Men’s Glee Club sprinkled the commemorative event

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“Call us First” CNS PHOTO/MIKE STONE, REUTERS

The Dallas Metro Police Pipes and Drum Corps enters Dealey Plaza Nov. 22 during “The 50th: Honoring the Memory of President John F. Kennedy,” a ceremony marking the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas Nov. 22, 1963.

with lovely renditions of “America the Beautiful,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “The Navy Hymn (Eternal Father, Strong to Save).” I was particularly struck by the conclusion of the “Navy Hymn,” when the Glee Club sang a final “Amen” which seemed to float off into eternity, even as our president did on that fatal day 50 years ago.

Before the final musical selection by the Glee Club, Pastor Emeritus Zan W. Holmes Jr. of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church of Dallas offered a closing prayer.

Five thousand people stood in cold temperatures and light rain, many for two to three hours, clad in heavy coats, rain gear or clear rain ponchos given out by the event staff. Observing the crowd, I saw people of various ages; those who remembered well Kennedy’s assassination and those who were born much later than that tragedy.

A woman who stood in front of me in the crowd was attending the event with her daughter, who was not old enough to remember the killing of JFK. The mother told me she recalled clearly that she was a first grader who was at school when the news was given to her.

I asked her daughter if she came with her mother only to accompany her or if she was really interested in JFK. The daughter told me she applied for the tickets for both herself and her mother, and said her interest in JFK came about through her reading of books about the Kennedy family.

John F. Kennedy was our nation’s first and only Catholic president.

What I admire him for most was not given significant attention.

John F. Kennedy was a president who embraced the value of peace.

Speaking before the United Nations in 1965, Pope Paul VI used Kennedy’s words as he urged the delegates to let peace, not war, now shape the future of humanity.

“Mankind must put an end to war or war will put an end to mankind,” the pope quoted Kennedy as saying. And in his 1995 encyclical, Evangelium Vitae, Blessed Pope John Paul II said, “Among the signs of hope we should also count the spread, at many levels of public opinion, of a new sensitivity ever more opposed to war as an instrument for the resolution of conflicts between peoples, and increasingly oriented to finding effective but ‘non-violent’ means to counter the armed aggressor.”

By choosing diplomacy over nuclear warfare, Kennedy was scorned by some, but in the end he probably saved millions of lives.

He taught us that before we resort to armed conflict we can try to negotiate and talk things through.

This is what Blessed Popes John XXIII, Paul VI and John Paul II strongly advocated in the midst of the political and military tensions of their days. Long before any of these figures from our own time spoke of peace Jesus left us with a somber warning: “All who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).

Mimi Wilson, OT, PA-C Jimmy N. Ponder, Jr., MD Adolfo Cuadra, MD

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Seeing Clairely

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2014

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e g n a h C Change

n Cha

Change

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Change

Change

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With a flip of the calendar page, we anticipate newness each year.

Flip over to January, and the entire year lies before us, pristine as a new baby blanket.

We expect so much from the New Year, no matter how many Past Years lie scuffed and bruised in the dust behind us. It’s a fresh beginning, we tell ourselves. This is the year I’ll become my best self.

I’m not going to say that your and my New Year intentions are a waste of time, even considering the colossal failures I, for one, have experienced. The Ghosts of Resolutions Past rear their mocking heads every December 31 to taunt me with the memory of extra pounds never shed, faraway friends not written to, and target virtues rarely practiced.

I don’t know about you, but I find that I’m essentially the same person as years end and become new ones. I don’t think we should bemoan this reality. By all means, we should work at ridding ourselves of faults we would like to be without. However, sameness of personal flaws is often balanced by all the same good attitudes and tendencies that are part of our Life Experience baggage, as well.

A desirable goal, as I see it, is to develop the wisdom to anticipate the need for change in our life world, to be accepting of change when it is necessary, to be willing to shift focus, and then to do the best we can while taking, perhaps, a brand new direction in an important aspect of our lives.

The final column by political observer and language maven William Safire in 2005 gave concrete applications about retraining and fresh stimulation.

Change

Claire Joller

Change

e g n a h C

Change

He said, “Athletes and dancers deal with the need to retrain in their 30s, workers in their 40s, managers in their 50s, politicians in their 60s, academics and media biggies in their 70s.”

“We can quit a job, but we quit fresh involvement at our mental peril,” he wrote.

This subject was chosen for his final column because he was not retiring, after writing more than 3,000 columns, fiction and nonfiction books. The New York Times Op-Ed conservative was instead moving on, at a rather advanced age, to chair a foundation dealing with neuroscience.

That’s major retraining, in my view—an extraordinary example of change. Safire also continued to write his Sunday language column (“Don’t use so as a conjunction!”) until the month of his death in 2009.

His is a perfect example of confronting the need for changing one’s circumstances if desired, but also to persevere in playing to one’s strengths as he did in writing his Sunday language column even when he was dying of pancreatic cancer.

Both young and old can benefit from Safire’s admonition about the need to retrain and move on not only when it becomes necessary, but also when we just strongly desire a shift of focus.

No matter how many calendar pages we flip to new Januarys in our lifetime, there remain both Sameness and Big Change. While working on the undesirable aspects of the former, we can always make the most of the latter.

(For comments or inquiries about this column, Claire Joller can be contacted by e-mail at clairely1@ comcast.net).

Food for the Journey set Feb. 4 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 February 4 is Houma native Father Mark Toups.

Father Toups, who was ordained to the priesthood May 26, 2001, currently serves as diocesan director of Seminarians and administrator of Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux. As a faculty member of the Institute of Priestly Formation, he teaches Pastoral Theology at Notre Dame Seminary’s Graduate School of Theology.

Since being ordained, he has served as associate pastor of Our

Lady of the Rosary Church parish in Larose, as pastor of St. Lucy Church parish in Houma and St. Luke Church parish in Thibodaux, and as diocesan director of the Office of Vocations.

Those who plan to attend the Feb. 4th event should RSVP with their name, phone number and church parish by Thursday, Jan. 30th. 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.”

Trivia contest Jan. 11 The Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Circles of Holy Family and St. Charles Borromeo Church parishes are sponsoring a trivia contest Jan. 11, entitled “Unmask the Past,” at the Evergreen Cajun Center, 4694 West Main Street in Houma. Doors open at 6 p.m.; trivia contest begins at 7 p.m.

Trivia Master is Brother Ignatius Brown, F.C.S. Cost to participate is $20 per person; must be 18 years old or older to attend. There will be prizes for first and second place teams. Teams consist of 6-8 people per table. Community tables are available for individuals and walkins. There will be a table decorating contest as well as an individual costume contest with prizes for winners.

Proceeds will benefit the 2015 Tekakwitha Conference to be held in Louisiana.

Rev. Mark Toups

Shirley Watkins dies at 85

Shirley Watkins, who volunteered at the Pastoral Center in Schriever for many years, died Dec. 6, 2013.

In addition to her work at the Pastoral Center she volunteered for many local charities. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales parish in Houma.

Genocide survivor to speak March 7-8 Immaculée Ilibagiza, whose miraculous story of survival during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide has inspired and encouraged hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world, will bring her message of faith and forgiveness to St. Genevieve Church, 815 Barbier Ave. in Thibodaux on Friday and Saturday, March 7-8.

In the years since the genocide, Ilibagiza has written the New York Times best-selling book Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Genocide, and has been telling her story in venues around the world. She is regarded as one

of the world’s leading speakers on peace, faith and forgiveness. She will share her personal story of survival through the prayer of the rosary.

Her presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, resume Saturday at 9 a.m. and close with the 4 p.m.

Mass. Catechists working toward continuing education will earn four hours credit for attending.

Tickets are $57 for an individual and $97 for two people. For more information about the retreat, contact Renee Helmer at 1(337) 278-9257. www.bayoucatholic.com

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Our Churches

Sacred Heart in C Sacred Heart Church parish in Cut Off was established in 1923 with Father Francis Weiss as its first pastor. It began as a mission in 1899 after many survivors of the devastating 1893 hurricane in Cheniere Caminada began moving northward to the village of Cote Blanche, which is now Cut Off. Sacred Heart parish’s current church, dedicated by Archbishop Rummel in December 1951, is a modern adaptation of the Romanesque style of architecture with brick, stone trim and a burnt clay tile roof. It follows the traditional Roman Basilica style and features a marble altar and marbleized columns.

Father Wilfredo Decal, pastor since June 2009, says there are currently 1,600 families in the parish with a good mix of old and young. There are some retired parishioners, but a lot of younger couples with children. All of the parishioners are an inviting community of people, notes the pastor.

The parish has an active youth ministry that does a lot for the community. Its activities promote service and reaching out to the needy. The pastor says the ministry leaders make it a point for the youth to work for what they want to do, so he allows them to have some fundraisers to raise money to participate in activities and events.

One unique aspect of the parish, says Father Decal, is that it is the center for Hispanic ministry in the South Lafourche area. The parish has one of the largest groups of Hispanics in the diocese who attend the Spanish Mass that is celebrated there every Sunday. The Hispanics are a big part of the community and the parish supports their activities and promotes their celebrations.

“One thing I noticed is the people here are very responsive and generous, especially in giving to natural disasters on the local, national and international level. One recent example is that the parish collected $11,000 – the biggest collection in its history – for the bishop’s special collection for Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The people also donated a large amount of nonperishable items to send there. Parishioners are generous with their time and talents, too. When they see a need;

a

Emphasizing social ministries

Cut Off

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Our Churches

Sacred Heart they respond. That’s all part of good stewardship,” says Father Decal.

The pastor says he has a very good and dedicated staff that sees their work as a ministry. “Most of them have been here for a long time which makes my work a lot easier. The parishioners always know we are available for them anytime.”

Another area Father Decal stresses in his parish is continuous communication with the parishioners, through weekly bulletins and also utilizing Facebook.

He feels as though it is very important for the people to know what’s going on in their parish.

Wherever Father Decal has served, he has always emphasized outreach to the needy and social justice issues. The reasons are varied, he says. “First of all, it must be my training. I was trained by the Jesuits, whose motto is ‘Men for Others,’” says the priest of his strong feelings toward helping others. “Secondly, in the Philippines we have witnessed a big gap between the rich and the poor. The church there has a lot of relevance and we see the church reaching out to the 34 majority who are poor. Thirdly, I guess it is also my personality. You can’t just receive the sacraments; helping others is what we are all about. We do it because it’s part of our faith; what we do to help people must be connected to our faith.”

Father Decal says the parish’s many organizations and ministries are divided in three categories based on Christ as King, (which is Service); Priest (which is Liturgy) and Prophet (which is Education).

In the area of service/social ministry the parish has the Sacred Heart Assistance and Referral Program (SHARP), which the pastor says has many dedicated volunteers that help the needy; a bereavement group, Jesse Tree, disaster response, Knights of Columbus, ministry to Hispanics, homebound ministry, Catholic Daughters of America, a cemetery committee and a finance committee.

In the area of Liturgy/Worship the parish has a deacon, acolytes, lectors, commentators, extraordinary ministers of Communion, music ministry with choirs and song leaders, children’s liturgy, ministry of hospitality, altar servers, an annual St. Joseph Altar, Masses for anniversary couples and for the bereaved, liturgical decorations, a rosary group, Ladies Altar Society and a Holy Name Society.

In the area of Religious Formation/Education, the parish offers CCD, confirmation preparation, pre-baptismal preparation, pre-marital preparation, RCIA/RCIC, Bible study groups which are needed for continuing study to strengthen faith, Journey to Christ, FOCCUS couples, Fraternus/Fidelis, Cursillo, pastoral council and youth ministry.

“From what we learn from our faith and celebrate in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, there must be an outflow to reach out and to serve. That’s another reason I emphasize the social ministries,” says Father Decal.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2014

Staff

Sacred Heart staff members, front row from left, are Joe Crosby, sacristan; Mary Foret, administrative assistant; Gregory Curole, maintenance; Pam Cheramie, housekeeper; Carmen Duet, secretary/receptionist; Reba Adams, cook; and Barbara Plaisance, DRE. Back row from left, are Deacon Sam Burregi, Father Rholando Grecia, associate pastor; Father Wilfredo Decal, pastor; Mary Chiasson, maintenance; Ashley Archer, youth minister; Harry Danos, sacristan; and Gene Toups, music minister/cantor.

35

www.bayoucatholic.com

Exhortation: Pope lays out vision for an evangelical church

36

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In his first extensive piece of writing as pope, Pope Francis lays out a vision of the Catholic Church dedicated to evangelization in a positive key, with a focus on society’s poorest and most vulnerable, including the aged and unborn.

“Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), released by the Vatican Nov. 26, is an apostolic exhortation, one of the most authoritative categories of papal document. (Pope Francis’ first encyclical, “Lumen Fidei,” published in July, was mostly the work of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.) The pope wrote the new document in response to the October 2012 Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization, but declined to work from a draft provided by synod officials.

Pope Francis’ voice is unmistakable in the 50,000word document’s relatively relaxed style -- he writes that an “evangelizer must never look like someone who has just come back from a funeral!” -- and its emphasis on some of his signature themes, including the dangers of economic globalization and “spiritual worldliness.”

The church’s message “has to concentrate on the essentials, on what is most beautiful, most grand, most

appealing and at the same time most necessary,” he writes. “In this basic core, what shines forth is the beauty of the saving love of God made manifest in Jesus Christ who died and rose from the dead.”

Inspired by Jesus’ poverty and concern for the dispossessed during his earthly ministry, Pope Francis calls for a “church which is poor and for the poor.”

The poor “have much to teach us,” he writes. “We are called to find Christ in them, to lend our voices to their causes, but also to be their friends, to listen to them, to speak for them and to embrace the mysterious wisdom which God wishes to share with us through them.”

Charity is more than mere handouts, “it means working to eliminate the structural causes of poverty and to promote the integral development of the poor,” the pope writes. “This means education, access to health care, and above all employment, for it is through free creative, participatory and mutually supportive labor that human beings express and enhance the dignity of their lives.”

Yet he adds that the “worst discrimination which the poor suffer is the lack of spiritual care. ... They need God and we must not fail to offer them his

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friendship, his blessing, his word, the celebration of the sacraments and a journey of growth and maturity in the faith.”

Pope Francis reiterates his earlier criticisms of “ideologies that defend the absolute autonomy of the marketplace and financial speculation,” which he blames for the current financial crisis and attributes to an “idolatry of money.”

He emphasizes that the church’s concern for the vulnerable extends to “unborn children, the most defenseless and innocent among us,” whose defense is “closely linked to the defense of each and every other human right.”

The pope writes that evangelization entails peacemaking, among other ways through ecumenical and interreligious dialogue. He “humbly” calls on Muslim majority countries to grant religious freedom to Christians, and enjoins Catholics to “avoid hateful generalizations” based on “disconcerting episodes of violent fundamentalism,” since “authentic Islam and the proper reading of the Quran are opposed to every form of violence.”

Pope Francis characteristically directs some of his strongest criticism at his fellow clergy, among other reasons, for what he describes as largely inadequate preaching.

Pope Francis reaffirms church teaching that only men can be priests, but notes that their “sacramental power” must not be “too closely identified with power in general,” nor “understood as domination”; and he allows for the “possible role of women in decision-making in different areas of the church’s life.”

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LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Mass celebrates Deacon Duplantis’ life

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated for Deacon Connely Duplantis at Annunziata Church parish in Houma. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of the Mass which was concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs, Bishop Michael Jarrell of Lafayette and priests of the diocese.

38

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Bishop speaks at Food for the Journey Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the speaker at a recent Food for the Journey at the Quality Hotel in Houma. The diocesan Office of Religious Education sponsors the monthly lunchtime speaker series the first Tuesday of the month.

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Sports

Overtime Ed Daniels

Talent abounds in Louisiana

I 40

I’ve always wondered why Louisiana college football hasn’t been better.

For a state of about four million, Louisiana has always put a disproportionate amount of players into the National Football League.

But, on the college level, the state for some reason seemed to struggle.

Through the years, LSU, McNeese and Grambling State University won with some sort of consistency.

But, now it seems that the rest of Louisiana is catching up with its reputation as a football state.

When Ron Roberts, the football coach at Southeastern Louisiana, talks of winning a national championship, you can’t help but bend your ear.

Southeastern reached the Football Championship Subdivision quarterfinals before losing a heartbreaker to New Hampshire.

Transfer quarterback Bryan Bennett, the Southland Conference Player of the year, led his team to the league title.

Southeastern reeled off 10 wins in a row.

Southern University has rebounded from the false start of the Stump Mitchell era to win the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship.

Head coach Dawson Odums is an impressive figure.

Odums also had one of the best quips of the season.

At the press conference before the Bayou Classic, Odums, who was promoted from interim head coach, was asked the biggest difference between this year and last?

“I have a contract,” said Odums.

Odums conducts himself like a leader, and his players have clearly responded to his call for renewed discipline.

UL-Lafayette reached a third consecutive New Orleans Bowl under head coach Mark Hudspeth.

With the success of the football program as a catalyst, the school announced a $115 million master plan that includes an expansion of Cajun Field.

Tulane’s New Orleans Bowl bid was the first bowl bid for the school since 2002.

Head coach Curtis Johnson guided the team to seven wins, infusing the roster with key additions, including graduate student and defensive tackle Chris Davenport of LSU and junior college

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2014

quarterback Nick Montana.

Johnson, who coached wide receivers for the New Orleans Saints from 2006 through 2011, has provided the program with a different philosophy.

Johnson unabashedly puts his best athletes on defense.

And, as the spread offense overtook college football, Johnson has stayed true to a more conventional prostyle offense.

This year’s crop of high school football seniors in Louisiana may be the best ever.

St. Aug running back Leonard Fournette is rated the number one running back in the class of 2014.

Karr’s Speedy Noil is rated the number one athlete in the class of 2014.

And, John Curtis wide receiver Malachi Dupre is rated as the nation’s number one wide receiver prospect.

But, for every star, Louisiana has a host of talented players who fly under radar.

St. Aug wide receiver Stanley Morgan and quarterback Toi Jackson were short on hype, but long on production.

Same for East Jefferson quarterback Eugene Wells, who led his school to its first ever football championship.

East Jeff’s Ronald Green is a lightning fast runner.

And, some college recruiters are now discovering just how talented a linebacker is John Curtis’ Kenny Young.

For years I have wondered how can Louisiana have so many good high school football players, and not have the corresponding success in state college football?

This season, it is a question that thankfully does not have to be asked.

Diocesan Programs This Month

“Spotlight on the Diocese” Host: Louis Aguirre With Guest: Rev. Glenn LeCompte Director, Office of Worship

HTV/VISION COMMUNICATIONS, CHARTER COMM. & COMCAST CHANNEL 10 ALLEN’S TV CABLE MORGAN CITY CHANNEL 71 (Digital Channel 30.1-UHF & Channel 7.1-VHF) Mondays - 9:30 a.m.

Thursdays - 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 p.m.

Saturdays - 9:30 p.m.

If you are not receiving these programs in your area, please contact your local cable provider.