Bayou Catholic January 2016

INSIDE

Catholic Schools Week

Bayou

Catholic

Answering God’s Call Rev. Stephen Lefort ordained to priesthood HOUMA, LA ~ JANUARY 2016 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

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AIM Palliative Home Health

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Contents

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30

FEATURES

32 St. Francis de Sales

By Janet Marcel

36 Annual Bishop’s Appeal

By Janet Marcel

COLUMNS

8

Comfort For My People

By Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

14 Pope Speaks

By Pope Francis I

15 Question Corner

By Father Kenneth Doyle

16 Readings Between The Lines

By Father Glenn LeCompte

20 Seeing Clairely

By Claire Joller

21 Reading with Raymond

By Raymond Saadi

47 Overtime

By Ed Daniels

IN EVERY ISSUE

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Professional A/C, ing and Electrical Contractors

Venture Boulevard uma, LA 70360

85) 876-6187

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32 Bayou

6 Editor’s Corner 18 Scripture Readings 28 Young Voices 30 Heavenly Recipes 46 Diocesan Events GUEST COLUMNS

FLIP THIS ISSUE!

ou Catholic Bay

Catholic

22 Jubilee Year

By Very Rev. Mark Toups

24 Corporal Works of Mercy

w.cmchouma.com

By Father Michael Bergeron

26 Spiritual Works of Mercy

2 Highway 182 uma, LA 70364

85) 872-2413

By Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue

ww.cenac.com

42 Building a “culture of life”

By Father Joseph Tregre

e visit our website: w.macbuild.com

Promises Books & Gifts ouma ~ 876-1283

Religious Supply House lliano ~ 632-3040

Precious Word & Gifts bodaux ~ 449-0618

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Catholic Schools Week 2016 January 31 - February 6 LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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85) 879-3010

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85) 876-4200

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~ JANUARY 2016

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COMPLIMENTA

39 Pastoral appointments given 39 Lenten Mission Sacred Heart, Morgan City

40 Food for the Journey Deacon Vic Bonnaffee speaks

On Our Cover Newly ordained priest Father Stephen Lefort prays over the children before they leave for the children’s liturgy at Sacred Heart Church in Cut Off. Father Lefort celebrated his first Mass at Sacred Heart the day after his ordination to the priesthood. For photos of Father Lefort’s ordination see page 7.

Cover Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier

Where to find your Bayou Catholic Bayou Catholic magazine can be found at all Catholic churches in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, at the three Catholic high schools in Houma, Morgan City and Thibodaux, as well as the 10 elementary schools throughout the diocese. 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. For the online edition, go to www.bayoucatholic.com

Bayou Catholic Vol. 36, No. 7 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 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.

Louis G. Aguirre

Index to Advertisers

editor and general manager

Lawrence Chatagnier managing editor

AIM Palliative Home Health .................... 3

Knights of Columbus Insurance Dan Cabirac .................................... 44

Glenn J. Landry, C.P.A.

Bishop’s Appeal 2016............................. 2

Maria Immacolata Catholic School ....... 65

advertising manager

Cardinal Place ..................................... 49

Ordoyne Funeral Home, LLC ................. 46

Catholic Schools of the Diocese .......... 53

Re-Bath .............................................. 38

Catholic Schools Supporters ............... 50

Rod’s Superstore ................................ 17

Central Catholic High School ............... 61

Seminarian Education Burses .............. 29

Channel 10 ......................................... 31

Spotlight .............................................. 43

Collection for Church in Latin America .. 35

St. Bernadette Catholic School ............ 66

Diocesan Outreach Line ...................... 41

St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School.... 67

E.D. White Catholic School .............56-57

St. Genevieve Catholic School ............. 68

God’s Promises Books & Gifts ............ 40

St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School .. 71

Haydel Spine Pain & Wellness ............. 23

St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School.. 70

Headache & Pain Center ...................... 47

St. Joseph Manor ................................ 43

Holy Cross Elementary School ............ 64

St. Mary’s Nativity Catholic School ...... 69

Holy Rosary Catholic School ............... 63

Synergy Bank ...................................... 48

Holy Savior Catholic School ................ 62

Terminix .............................................. 49

Houma Digestive Health Specialists ..... 33

Vandebilt Catholic High School .......58-59

Advanced Eye Institute ........................ 37

business manager

Peggy Adams

Anna C. Givens

advertising accounts executive

Janet Marcel staff writer

Pat Keese

secretary and circulation

Lisa Schobel Hebert graphic designer

Meridy Liner

accounts receivable/payable assistant

Awards

CPA First Place General Excellence 2013 - 2014 LPA First Place General Excellence 2015 www.bayoucatholic.com

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Welcome

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

Jesus is free

The new year is here and with it comes new hope. As Christians we place our hope in Jesus Christ, who nourishes us and points us in the right direction. He leads us to salvation. During 2016, in particular, Catholics are called to immerse themselves in the Jubilee Year. This Holy Year of Mercy encourages us to be more Christ-like, to follow in the steps of he who was merciful toward all, even as he faced death. Pope Francis, during a recent talk, tells us that Jesus is free and that salvation cannot be bought. “Be careful! Beware of someone who is sly or sneaky who tells you that you need to pay,” Francis warned. “Salvation cannot be paid for, salvation cannot be bought.

Jesus is the door and Jesus is free of charge.” The pope’s warning comes after Rome’s financial police seized fake parchments – worth an estimated 70,000 euros – that were sold at a souvenir shop Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

near the Vatican. The parchments were being sold off as apostolic blessings that commemorate marriages, baptisms and Holy Year pilgrimages.

During his address, the pope also expressed his hope that the Holy Year celebrations in dioceses across the globe would serve as “a visible sign of universal communion” and of God’s love and mercy to the world. Noting that the start of the Holy Year coincides with the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council, the pope said that the council highlighted this “mystery of communion” among the churches worldwide. The Holy Door is a symbol of Jesus Christ, he said, and pilgrims who pass through it in Rome and in churches around the world make a visible sign of trust in him “who did not come to judge but to save.” “It is a sign of a true conversion of the heart,” Francis said. “When we pass through that door, it is good to remember that we should also open wide the doors of our heart.” Once again, as we enter 2016 with new hope, let us not just say Happy New Year … let’s proclaim it Happy New Holy Year of Mercy! On a last note, I want to take the opportunity to thank all of those who so generously gave toward the Bayou Catholic collection this past November. While the proceeds still continue to come in, it is heart-warming to me and the entire staff of our magazine to see how many people have contributed and how many have included notes telling us how much they enjoy their diocesan publication.

Church Life

Answering God’s Call 7 St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux was filled with wellwishers for the priesthood ordination of Stephen Lefort. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the ordaining prelate. Concelebrants of the Mass were Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs, Abbot Justin Brown and priests of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier www.bayoucatholic.com

Comment Comfort For My People Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

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In December 2015, we joyfully began the Holy Year of Mercy. In my article last month, challenged

by Pope Francis to do so, I asked that we pray about and recommit ourselves to accomplishing the Corporal Works of Mercy and the Spiritual Works of Mercy. In this article, I would like to reflect on another aspect of the Jubilee Year of Mercy that will help us to grow in faith and mercy, and this is the Plenary Indulgence that the Holy Father has proclaimed can be obtained during this Year of Mercy.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church in number 1471 states the following about an indulgence: “An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints.”

In a further explanation of an indulgence, the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults states on page 244: “Every sin has consequences. It disrupts our communion with God and

the church, weakens our ability to resist temptation and hurts others. The necessity of healing these consequences, once the sin itself has been forgiven, is called temporal punishment. Prayer, fasting, almsgiving and other works of charity can take away entirely or diminish this temporal punishment. Because of the fullness of redemption obtained for us by Christ, the church attaches to certain prayers and actions an indulgence or pardon, that is, the full or partial remission of temporal punishment due to sin. Christ, acting through the church, brings about the healing of the consequences of sin when an individual uses such a prayer or engages in such an action.”

Therefore, receiving an indulgence reduces (a partial indulgence) or eliminates (a plenary indulgence) the temporal punishment that is a consequence of our sin.

In keeping with the instructions the Pope gives regarding the Plenary Indulgence that can be received during this Holy Year of Mercy, to receive the indulgence the faithful in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux will need to: 1. With a desire for true conversion of heart, make a Pilgrimage to the Holy Door at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma or to the Holy Door at St. Joseph CoCathedral in Thibodaux; 2. At the church after going through the Holy Door, receive the sacrament of reconciliation and then attend the celebration of the Eucharist and reflect on God’s Mercy; and 3. Make a Profession of Faith (read the Nicene Creed), and offer prayers (traditionally an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be) for the intentions of

the Holy Father.

The Pope has further indicated that those who are homebound or ill and truly cannot travel to a holy door may obtain the indulgence by living their sickness and suffering with joyful hope in the Lord. They would then receive Communion or attend Holy Mass and community prayer, even if Mass attendance or community prayer is prayed through the various communication means such as television. The Pope has also remembered those who are incarcerated in prison. The Pope states that those incarcerated in prisons can obtain the indulgence by becoming conscious of the injustice they worked and sincerely wishing to re-enter society and make their honest contribution to it. Then in the chapels of the prisons, they undertake requirements number 2 and 3 above. Each time they cross the threshold of their cell will signify for them their passage through the Holy Door, which will transform their hearts and lead them to true freedom.

Through the Plenary Indulgence, we can come to know the Father’s mercy and then show this same mercy to others. I pray that many will utilize this opportunity to know the Father’s mercy by obtaining the Plenary Indulgence during this Year of Mercy.

Until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which occurs this year on Jan. 10, we continue in the season of Christmas. I hope these final days of the Christmas season are filled with joy and peace for you! We have also embarked upon a New Year! God’s blessings to you and your family in this Year of Mercy and throughout this New Year 2016!!! Merry Christmas, “Mercy” Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Obtaining Plenary Indulgence during Holy Year of Mercy

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

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CNS PHOTO

Pope Francis opens the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica to inaugurate the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

El Papa Francisco abre la Puerta Santa de la Basílica de San Pedro para la inauguración del Jubileo del Año de la Misericordia. Đức Giáo Hoàng Phanxicô mở Cửa Năm Thánh của Vương Cung Thánh Đường Thánh Phêrô để khánh thành Năm Thánh Lòng Thương Xót.

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Comentario

Recibiendo La Indulgencia Plenaria durante el Año Santo de la Misericordia

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En diciembre del 2015, iniciamos con dicha el Año Santo de la Misericordia. En mi publicación anterior, e inspirado por el Papa Francisco, pedí a todos que oremos y que nos comprometamos de nuevo para lograr las Obras Corporales de la Misericordia y las Obras Espirituales de la Misericordia.

En esta publicación, quiero reflexionar sobre otro aspecto del Jubileo del Año Santo de la Misericordia que nos ayudará a mejorar nuestra fe y sentido de misericordia y esta es la Indulgencia Plenaria que el Santo Padre ha proclamado para que la recibamos durante este Año de la Misericordia.

El Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica número 1471 declara lo siguiente sobre la indulgencia: «La indulgencia es la remisión ante Dios de la pena temporal por los pecados, ya perdonados, en cuanto a la culpa, que un fiel dispuesto y cumpliendo determinadas condiciones consigue por mediación de la Iglesia, la cual, como administradora de la redención, distribuye y aplica con autoridad el tesoro de las satisfacciones de Cristo y de los santos.»

En otra explicación de la indulgencia, el Catecismo Católico para Adultos de los Estados Unidos declara en la página 244: «Todo pecado tiene consecuencias.

Interrumpe nuestra comunión con Dios y la Iglesia, debilita nuestra capacidad de resistir la tentación y causa daño a los demás.

La necesidad de sanar estas consecuencias, después de que se haya perdonado el pecado, es una pena temporal. La oración, el ayuno, la limosna y otras

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

obras de caridad pueden exonerar completamente o disminuir la pena temporal. Por la plenitud de la redención que Cristo nos ha otorgado, la Iglesia añade a algunas oraciones y actos una indulgencia o exoneración, es decir, la remisión total o parcial de la pena temporal causado por el pecado.» Cristo, actuando a través de la Iglesia nos permite que sanemos las consecuencias del pecado cuando la persona usa dicha oración o se somete a dicho acto.» Por tanto, al recibir una indulgencia se reduce (indulgencia parcial) o se elimina (indulgencia plenaria) la pena temporal que se origina de nuestros pecados.

Siguiendo las indicaciones que el papa nos ha dado sobre la Indulgencia Plenaria que se obtiene durante el Año Santo de la Misericordia, los feligreses de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux necesitan hacer lo siguiente para recibir la indulgencia: 1.

Con el deseo de convertirse verdaderamente y de corazón, hacer un peregrinaje a la Puerta Santa de la Catedral St. Francis de Sales en Houma o a la Puerta Santa de la Co-Catedral St. Joseph en Thibodaux; 2.

Después de haber entrado por la Puerta Santa, deberán recibir el Sacramento de Reconciliación y luego asistir a la celebración de la Eucaristía y reflexionar sobre la Misericordia de Dios; y 3.

Recitar la Profesión de Fe (leer el Credo Niceno) y orar (la tradición es el Padre Nuestro, el Ave María y el Gloria) por las intenciones del Santo Padre.

El papa ha también indicado que aquéllos que están recluidos en sus hogares o enfermos y no pueden viajar a la Puerta Santa podrán obtener la indulgencia viviendo su

enfermedad y sufriéndola con feliz esperanza en el Señor. Entonces podrán recibir la Comunión o asistir a Santa Misa y a comunidades de oración, aun a través de Misas y oraciones transmitidas por medios de comunicación como la televisión.

El papa también recuerda a los que se encuentran encarcelados.

El papa ha declarado que los que se encuentran en cárceles pueden obtener la indulgencia concientizándose de la injusticia que obraron y deseando con sinceridad la reintegración a la sociedad con la intención de realizar su honesta contribución a ella. Luego en las capillas de las prisiones ellos podrán llevar a cabo los requisitos número dos y tres ya explicados. Cada vez que atraviesen la entrada de su celda será para ellos la entrada a través de la Puerta Santa que transformará sus corazones y los guiará a la libertad verdadera.

A través de la Indulgencia Plenaria, podemos llegar a conocer la misericordia del Padre y luego demostrar esta misma misericordia a los demás. Ruego para que muchos de nosotros podamos aprovechar esta oportunidad de obtener la Indulgencia Plenaria durante este Año de Misericordia y así conocer la misericordia del Padre.

Continuaremos la temporada de la navidad hasta la Festividad del Bautismo del Señor, que se llevará a cabo este año el diez de enero. ¡Ruego que estos últimos días de navidad los colme a todos ustedes de felicidad y paz! ¡También ha llegado el Año Nuevo! ¡¡Feliz Navidad, Navidad de «Misericordia» y Feliz Año Nuevo!!

Traducido por Julio Contreras, feligrés de la iglesia católica Annunziatta en Houma

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LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre opens the Holy Doors of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma.

El Obispo Shelton J. Fabre abre la Puerta Santa de la Catedral San Francis de Sales en la ciudad de Houma. Đức Giám mục Shelton J. Fabre mở Cửa Năm Thánh của Nhà thờ Chính Toà Thánh Phanxiô de Salê tại Houma.

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Binh luan bang loi

Việc Lãnh Nhận Ơn Toàn Xá trong Năm Thánh Lòng Thương Xót

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Trong tháng 12 năm 2015, chúng ta đã hân hoan khởi đầu Năm Thánh Lòng Thương Xót. Bài viết của tôi trong tháng vừa qua, đã được yêu cầu bởi Đức Thánh Cha Phanxicô thực hiện lòng thương xót, tôi đã mời gọi chúng ta hãy cầu nguyện và tái cam kết cho việc thực hiện Các Mối Thương Người. Trong bài viết này, tôi muốn suy niệm về một khía cạnh khác của Năm Thánh Lòng Thương Xót hầu sẽ giúp chúng ta tăng trưởng trong đức tin và lòng thương xót, đó là Ơn Toàn Xá mà Đức Thánh Cha đã công bố có thể lãnh nhận trong Năm Thánh Lòng Thương Xót này.

Sách Giáo Lý Công Giáo số 1471 nói về ân xá như sau: “Ân xá là tha những hình phạt tạm do tội gây nên, dù tội đã được tha. Muốn hưởng nhờ ân xá, người Kitô hữu phải hội đủ điều kiện và thi hành những điều Hội Thánh qui định. Với tư cách là trung gian phân phát ơn cứu chuộc, Hội Thánh dùng quyền để ban phát và áp dụng kho tàng công phúc của Ðức Kitô và các thánh.”

Trong lời giải thích thêm về ân xá, sách Giáo Lý Công Giáo Hoa Kỳ cho người lớn trang 244 nói rằng: “Mọi tội lỗi đều có hậu quả. Nó phá vỡ sự hiệp thông với Thiên Chúa và Hội Thánh, làm suy yếu khả năng của chúng ta chống lại sự cám dỗ và làm tổn thương tới người khác. Sự cần thiết của việc chữa lành những hậu quả này, khi tội lỗi tự nó đã được tha thứ rồi, được gọi là hình phạt tạm. Cầu nguyện, ăn chay, bố thí và các việc bác ái khác có thể xóa bỏ hoàn toàn hoặc giảm bớt hình phạt tạm này. Bởi vì sự viên mãn của ơn cứu chuộc mà Đức Kitô đã đem lại cho chúng ta, Giáo Hội chỉ định đọc một số kinh nguyện và hành động để lãnh nhận ân xá hay sự tha thứ,

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

nghĩa là, sự tha thứ hoàn toàn hoặc một phần của hình phạt tạm do tội lỗi. Đức Kitô, hoạt động qua Giáo hội, mang lại sự chữa lành của những hậu quả của tội lỗi khi một cá nhân dùng lời cầu nguyện như thế hoặc tham gia vào một hành động như thế.” Vì vậy, việc nhận được ân xá làm giảm bớt một phần (ơn tiểu xá) hoặc xóa bỏ hết (ơn toàn xá) các hình phạt tạm là hậu quả của tội lỗi chúng ta.

Nhằm tuân giữ cùng với các hướng dẫn của Đức Thánh Cha đưa ra về việc lãnh nhận Ơn Toàn Xá trong Năm Thánh Lòng Thương Xót, các tín hữu trong Giáo Phận Houma-Thibodaux sẽ cần phải làm những điều sau đây để lãnh nhận Ơn Toàn Xá: 1. Có lòng ao ước hoán cải tâm hồn thực sự, và đi hành hương đến Cửa Thánh tại Nhà thờ Chính tòa thánh Francis de Sales ở Houma, hoặc Cửa Thánh tại Nhà thờ Đồng Chính tòa thánh Joseph ở Thibodaux; 2. Sau khi đi qua Cửa Thánh của nhà thờ, lãnh nhận bí tích hòa giải, sau đó tham dự Thánh Lễ và suy niệm về lòng thương xót của Thiên Chúa; và 3. Tuyên xưng đức tin (đọc kinh Tin Kính Ni-xê), và đọc các kinh sau đây (theo truyền thống một kinh Lạy Cha, kinh Kính Mừng và kinh Sáng Danh) cầu nguyện theo ý chỉ của Đức Thánh Cha. Đức Thánh Cha đã chỉ thị thêm rằng những người già nua hay đau yếu và thực sự không thể đi đến Cửa Thánh, vẫn có thể lãnh nhận Ơn Toàn Xá bằng việc chấp nhận bệnh tật và đau khổ của mình với niềm hy vọng hoan lạc trong Chúa. Sau đó, họ có thể rước Mình Thánh Chúa hoặc tham dự Thánh Lễ và cầu nguyện cộng đồng, ngay cả việc tham dự Thánh Lễ hoặc cầu nguyện cộng đồng qua những phương tiện truyền thông khác như trên truyền

hình. Đức Thánh Cha cũng nhớ đến những người đang bị giam cầm trong tù. Ngài nói rằng những người bị giam giữ trong các trại tù có thể lãnh nhận Ơn Toàn Xá bằng việc ý thức về sự bất công mà họ đã gây ra và thành tâm muốn trở về xã hội và thực hiện sự đóng góp thành thật của họ cho xã hội.

Sau đó, trong các nhà nguyện của các trại tù, họ thực hiện các yêu cầu số 2 và 3 ở trên. Mỗi lần họ đi qua ngưỡng cửa phòng giam của họ sẽ báo hiệu cho họ là họ bước ngang qua Cửa Thánh, hầu sẽ biến đổi tâm hồn họ và dẫn họ đến sự tự do đích thực.

Qua Ơn Toàn Xá, chúng ta có thể biết được lòng thương xót của Chúa Cha và sau đó bày tỏ cùng lòng thương xót này đến với người khác. Tôi cầu nguyện cho nhiều người sẽ tận dụng cơ hội này để biết lòng thương xót của Chúa Cha bằng cách lãnh nhận Ơn Toàn Xá trong Năm Lòng Thương Xót này.

Cho đến Lễ Chúa Giêsu chịu Phép Rửa, năm nay vào ngày 10 tháng 1, chúng ta vẫn còn tiếp tục ở trong mùa Giáng sinh. Tôi cầu chúc cho Anh Chị Em những ngày cuối cùng này của mùa Giáng sinh luôn tràn đầy niềm vui và bình an! Chúng tôi cũng hòa nhịp trong Năm Mới! Xin ơn lành của Thiên Chúa đến với Anh Chị Em và gia đình trong Năm Lòng Thương Xót và trong suốt năm mới 2016 này!!! Chúc Mừng Giáng Sinh, Giáng Sinh “Lòng Thương Xót” và Năm Mới Vui Vẻ!!!

Dịch thuật do Lm. Francis Bui, SDD và Thầy Paul Vu, SDD. Tu Đoàn Tông Đồ Giáo Sĩ Nhà Chúa

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LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre opens the Holy Doors of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux.

El Obispo Shelton J. Fabre abre la Puerta Santa de la Co-Catedral St. Joseph en la ciudad de Thibodaux. Đức Giám mục Shelton J. Fabre mở Cửa Năm Thánh của Nhà thờ Đồng Chính Toà Thánh Giuse tại Thibodaux.

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Comment The Pope Speaks

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis called for abolishing the death penalty worldwide, lifting the burden of debt on poor nations, global aid policies that respect life and revamped laws that welcome and integrate migrants.

He urged individuals, communities and nations to not let indifference, information overload or pessimism discourage them from concrete efforts “to improve the world around us, beginning with our families, neighbors and places of employment.”

Building peace, he said, is not accomplished by words alone, but through the grace of God, a conversion of heart, an attitude of compassion and the courage to act against despair.

The pope’s multifaceted plea came in his message for World Peace Day, Jan. 1. The message, which was delivered to world leaders by Vatican ambassadors, was released at the Vatican Dec. 15.

The message, titled “Overcome Indifference and Win Peace,” contained a three-fold appeal to the world’s leaders.

He asked that countries: “refrain from drawing other peoples into conflicts of wars,” which not only destroy a nation’s infrastructure and cultural heritage, but also their “moral and spiritual integrity”; forgive or make less burdensome international debt of poorer nations; and “adopt policies of cooperation which, instead of bowing before the dictatorship of certain ideologies, will respect the values of the local populations” and not harm the “fundamental and inalienable right to life of the unborn.”

Also part of building peace in the world, he said, is addressing the urgent problem of improving the living

CNS photo/Tolga Bozoglu, EPA

Members of the Turkish Coast Guard near Izmir, Turkey register Syrian migrants after capturing a boat carrying them Dec. 10 as they attempted to reach the Greek island of Chios.

conditions of prisoners, especially those still awaiting trial. Since rehabilitation should be the aim of penal sanctions, effective alternatives to incarceration should be considered as well as the abolition of the death penalty. The pope asked government authorities to consider “the possibility of an amnesty” or pardon.

The pope called on national governments to review their current laws on immigration and find ways they could “reflect a readiness to welcome migrants and to facilitate their integration” as well as respect the rights and responsibilities of all parties concerned.

All nations’ leaders should also take concrete measures in alleviating the problem of a lack of housing, land and employment, the pope wrote, as well as stop discrimination against women in the workplace, which included unfair wages and precarious or dangerous working conditions. He said he hoped those who are ill could be guaranteed access to medical treatment, necessary medications and home care.

The pope’s message focused on the dangers of cynicism and indifference against God, neighbor and creation.

“Disregard and the denial of God,” he said, “have produced untold cruelty and violence.” And the exploitation of natural

resources and mistreatment of animals have an effect “on the way we treat other people.”

“With the present Jubilee of Mercy, I want to invite the church to pray and work so that every Christian will have a humble and compassionate heart” and that all people will learn “to forgive and to give,” he said in his message.

God is never indifferent to the world, he said. He not only sees, hears and knows, he “comes down and delivers” real healing and eternal teachings.

The credibility of the church and its members rests on their willingness to live and act with the same tireless mercy God has for the world, the pope said.

“We, too, then are called to make compassion, love, mercy and solidarity a true way of life, a rule of conduct in our relationships with one another,” he said.

Since these attitudes of compassion and solidarity are often handed down from person to person, the pope emphasized the importance of families and teachers in showing what love, respect, dialogue, generosity, charity and faith mean.

He also reminded the media and communicators of their responsibility to “serve the truth and not particular interests.” They don’t just inform people, he said, but also form and influence their audience.

In Peace Day message, pope addresses death penalty, debt and migrants Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle

Christian response to ISIS

Q A

necessary competence and power, governments cannot be denied the right of lawful self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed.”

A parishioner happened to ask me, after the Paris bombings, how he could ever “forgive ISIS.” I told him that he didn’t have to, because forgiveness (in my mind) presumes remorse on the part of the perpetrator and a pledge of changed behavior, both of which are notably lacking in the ISIS terrorists. I said that we should pray for those benighted individuals and leave judgment of them to God -- while also remembering, of course, to pray especially for their victims.

Q. What is the Christian response to ISIS? (Harrisonburg, Virginia) A. The Christian response to ISIS is to deplore their violence and to seek the most effective means to stop it.

In March 2015, in what was seen as an unusually blunt endorsement of military action, the Vatican’s representative to the United Nations in Geneva called for a coordinated international force to stop the “so-called Islamic State.”

Archbishop Silvano Tomasi said that any anti-ISIS coalition should include the Muslim states of the Middle East and unfold under the sponsorship of the United Nations.

Archbishop Tomasi noted that everything possible ought to be done first to achieve a political settlement without violence, “but if that not possible, then the use of force will be necessary.”

Following the ISIS bombings in Paris in November 2015 (which Pope Francis deplored as “intolerable” and said “using God’s name to justify this path is blasphemy”), Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin backed the possibility of global military action against ISIS militants. He referenced the Catechism of the Catholic Church (No. 2308), which states that “as long as the danger of war persists and there is no international authority with the

Charity and responsibility

Q

Q. I am the mother of three adopted children, ages 5 to 15.

We live in a small house with no extra space. A year ago, we came to my mother-in-law’s rescue when she was having some problems and offered her temporary shelter until she could get back on her feet.

Now, though, she is still

with us and depends on us to do everything for her. She just sleeps, eats (she weighs over 300 pounds) and talks on her cellphone; she interferes in the life of the family and refuses to help with any chores of the house. I am on disability myself, our family life is unhealthy and the children are suffering from her presence in our midst.

My question is this: Would it be uncharitable for me to tell her to go live on her own and to leave this house before I go crazy? (City of origin withheld)

A

A. Your first obligation is to your husband and to your children. If, as you say, your mother-in-law’s presence is seriously impacting your family’s health and happiness, she needs to leave. And you need, very quickly, to have an honest conversation with your husband as to how to accomplish this in as kind a manner as possible (keeping in mind that there is, of course, no perfect way.)

Can you help to guide your mother-in-law into an alternate living arrangement? (Perhaps 15 a local parish priest or Catholic social services agency could advise you on some suitable alternatives that would address her physical and psychological concerns.) Far from prohibiting this course of action, charity in fact demands that you take this courageous step -- for the greater good of your entire family.

2015 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

Year of Mercy: Good news for the poor and captives

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Recently, a movie entitled The 33 dramatized the traumatic experience of 33 Chilean miners trapped in a collapsed gold mine for 69 days. Holed up in the cavernous “refuge” built into the mountain in case of emergency, the miners feared they would simply be left for dead or to die in a geologically created tomb. The first hope of their rescue came when they heard a large drill boring into the tons of rock above them. However, that attempt at drilling and several others after it failed to penetrate the cavern to create an escape chute. Finally one did, almost miraculously, and the captives informed those on the surface that they had been found. Food, water, fresh clothing and medical supplies were sent down to them until the workers above were able to send a carrier down to lift one man at a time to the surface: all 33 were saved! The trapped miners were captives to Mother Nature until they received some assurance that those on the surface were working to free them from their captivity.

Release from captivity is one of the aspects of the mission on which Jesus announces he is about to embark in Luke 4:18.

While Jesus does not envision himself freeing trapped miners, the efforts of the rescuers in The 33 would certainly reflect his teaching that we must help

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

others in need. The captives Jesus seeks to release as he announces his prophetic mission in Luke’s Gospel are those who are shackled either spiritually or socially, or in both ways at once.

In Luke 4:16-21, Jesus sets the program for his public ministry by reading a quote from Isaiah 61:12 in his hometown synagogue at Nazareth. The prophecy Jesus quotes, in its original life-setting, declares God’s release of the Jewish exiles from their sociopolitical captivity in Babylon.

Jesus applies the principle of the release from captivity to the people of his own day. In the “Benedictus” (Luke 1:68-79), John the Baptist’s father, Zechariah, declares that his son will prepare the Lord’s way by enlightening people about the availability of forgiveness of sin.

Whether it be a character such as the sinful woman in Luke 7:36-50 or a couple of tax collectors, Levi (5:27-32) and Zacchaeus (19:1-10), Jesus releases people from their imprisonment in sin.

Tax collectors and sinners, however, were also social prisoners, because the “upright” of first century Jewish society ostracized them, whom they considered public, perpetual sinners. But Jesus professes that all people are in need of conversion, and all who avail themselves of the opportunity to repent should be given that chance. Jesus offers liberation to lepers, who are deemed social outcasts (Luke 7:22; 17:12-19), not only because people fear that they could contract the disease, but because they are considered unclean. In an age when there was

no understanding of the physical causes of diseases, “leprosy” (which probably included skin disorders in addition to Hansen’s Disease) was associated with a state of spiritual uncleanness that existed until, if possible, the disease was healed and they subsequently engaged in a purification ritual. Jesus released such people from their social imprisonment.

He had also come to proclaim good news to the poor, who were not often recipients of good news.

Poverty in Jesus’ day ranged from the situation of people forced to beg to those for whom, even if they had trades, survival was a day-to-day matter. What good news was there for the poor? On the one hand, it was the good news that in God’s Kingdom they would experience a reversal of circumstances and would enjoy satisfaction (Luke 1:53; 6:20; 16:19-31). But there could be good news for them also in the current age, through Jesus’ teaching that material possessions were to be shared, especially with those who lacked the necessities of life (Luke 12:33; 14:13, 21; 18:22).

In Luke’s sequel, Acts (2:44-45), this teaching makes an effective difference for the poor when the post-resurrection community of Jesus’ followers is depicted as regularly selling their property and possessions and dividing them among all, according to each one’s need.

In the course of Luke’s narrative, Jesus’ inaugural promise to make his mission one of mercy proves to be anything but empty words. Good news is indeed proclaimed to the poor, freedom to captives

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and release to prisoners. And through Jesus’ message God’s favor upon his people would become known. But why is Luke depicting Jesus as a harbinger of good news, a liberator and a healer? Partly it is because he wants his implied reader to understand and believe that what Jesus proclaims in his inaugural address at Nazareth is offered to the one who reads or hears the story as well.

As risen and exalted Lord, Jesus continues to bring good news and freedom to captives. This dynamic is depicted in the story of the two disciples journeying to Emmaus after Jesus’ crucifixion (Luke 24:13-32). In what sense are the two travelers captives? They are bound by a state of despair that has overshadowed them because of Jesus’ death, and because they may have been afraid the authorities would come for them as well.

Their poverty does not necessarily have to do with material things (although these disciples may have been poor) but with lack of wisdom and insight. The risen Lord, whom they do not recognize, informs

them that the Messianic hopes they had for Jesus of Nazareth had not been shattered with his death.

Rather, the Messiah had to suffer so as to enter into his glory (24:26).

In this way, the risen Lord both proclaimed liberty to captives and good news to the poor!

Luke 4:16-21, which will be read this month on the third Sunday in Ordinary Time, and is cited by Pope Francis in the papal Bull (The Face of Mercy) inaugurating the Holy Year of Mercy, “will bring to the fore the richness of Jesus’

n Reflectio

mission echoed in the words of the prophet: to bring a word and gesture of consolation to the poor, to proclaim liberty to those bound by new forms of slavery in modern society, to restore sight to those who can see no more because they are caught up in themselves, to restore dignity to all those from whom it has been robbed” during this Holy Year of Mercy. As we begin this new year, let us join our hearts and voices to those of Jesus and declare that we will make this year a jubilee of mercy!

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Question

d you od rescue G s a h ” y it release of “captiv God will hat kind g w in m y o a r r F p n re you e past? A ow? from in th aptivity n c of d in during some k the poor ” to you from s w e n g “good n you brin n How ca ercy? w? How Year of M o you kno d this Holy s” r e n o cial pris ind of “so om? n What k find freed m e th lp e can you h 17

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January

Saints

Holy Father’s prayer intentions

Theodosius the Cenobiarch Image © The Crosiers

423 - 529 feast - January 11

Born in Cappadocia and inspired by Abraham, Theodosius went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem. After leading a church community near Bethlehem, he moved to a mountain cave, which he and his numerous disciples soon outgrew. So he built a large monastery with infirmaries for the sick, aged and mentally ill; churches for four different national groups; and a rule that included manual labor.

It became a model in Palestine. Theodosius was appointed abbot general of all cenobia, or monastic communities, and battled the Monophysite heresy. He endured an imperial banishment, and when he died at 105 was buried in his mountain cave, which by tradition had been the Magi’s lodging.

Saints

Francis de Sales Image © Public Domain

Universal Interreligious Dialogue. That sincere dialogue among men and women of different faiths may produce the fruits of peace and justice.

1567 - 1622 feast - January 24

Born in the Duchy of Savoy (now France), Francis studied at Annecy, Paris and Padua, and was ordained in 1593. He spent four years reconverting Catholics who had become Calvinists, writing many tracts to explain basic tenets of the faith. In 1602 he became bishop of Geneva, which he reorganized and reformed. He also famously preached in Paris and wrote two devotional books that are still widely read. A 20-year friendship with St. Jane Frances de Chantal led to their founding the Order of the Visitation. Canonized in 1665 and declared a doctor of the church in 1877, Francis is the patron saint of journalists, authors and the deaf.

Saints

Conversion of Paul the Apostle first century January 25

Evangelization Christian Unity. That by means of dialogue and fraternal charity and with the grace of the Holy Spirit, Christians may overcome divisions.

See www.apostleshipofprayer.org

Crosiers

When the Jewish Pharisee Saul set out from Jerusalem to Damascus, his aim was to persecute the fledgling Christian community. The dramatic story of St. Paul’s miraculous conversion is told several times in the Acts of the Apostles and New Testament letters. Paul became the Apostle to the Gentiles and carried Christ’s message around the Roman Empire. He shares a feast with St. Peter on June 29. The January feast was known as the “translation” in the martyrology of St. Jerome; it may originally have commemorated the moving of Paul’s relics. Now, it appropriately closes the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Paul is the patron saint of Greece, Malta and the Cursillo movement.

Saints

CNS

© 2014 Catholic News Service

www.bayoucatholic.com

19

Entertainment

Seeing Clairely Claire Joller

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Try to remember the kind of September . . . the song goes.

When you were new to college and went to the town’s undisputed dance spot almost every Friday night, with practically every other young adult from three civil parishes. Where the dance floor became a contest for moving space among the crush of couples swaying to the rhythms of early 1960s music suited for slow dancing and falling in love.

Try to remember when life was so tender. That dreams were kept beside your pillow. . . .

When your life opened up before you with possibilities you had never imagined plausible.

When you explored the thought of different careers for which you suddenly seemed suited, or maybe graduate school, and who knew what after that? When you also explored in your mind the “fit” of different young men in your future, and you felt confident that someone perfect was just waiting to meet you.

That love was an ember about to billow . . . Try to remember. . . .

And that exact young man came into your life during that freshman year, from far away, as your mother always said would happen. And you would see him in class and that dance spot. But he never danced, never moved you around the floor rhythmically, in perfect sync to the beat of the day’s tender songs.

Deep in December, it’s nice to remember … The fire of September that made us mellow.

Each time I hear singer Josh Groban’s beautiful version of Try to Remember from The Fantasticks, I close my eyes and recall one particular night at that place. This particular

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

When life was tender Dance at Bougival by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1883

arrangement appropriates the slow-song timing and rhythm of those played on the Friday nights long long ago. So it’s easy to remember another young man, one of the best dancers there, asking me to join him on an uncharacteristic night when hardly anyone else was on the floor. I told myself that he could be in trouble, since I’ve never been the most lithe of dancers.

But this boy guided me through commanding steps, swayings, and gentle twirls that made me feel at one with the music for the first time in my life. I felt light and capable in his sure hands, our feet moving in lovely synchronization. The whole time I imagined I was in the hands of that other young man, who even today avoids dance floors.

Deep in December, our hearts should remember … And follow.

So when I play that beautiful

version of Try to Remember from the Stages CD, I close my eyes and imagine myself dancing around that long-gone floor with the best dancer by whom I’ve ever been led. Young and full of happy expectations. And it always makes me smile.

My husband has seen that smile when we’ve been in the car and heard that music together. Often he has replayed it because he knows I like it so much. But at first I didn’t tell him why, and felt a little guilty.

So after a while I told him why those words, and that music, was special to me. And I told him that I felt I was being a bit unfaithful to him! He laughed when I told him that, and said he was happy I had had that special dance.

And then I remembered, yet again, why I first became interested in this particular non-dancer.

Book Reviews

Reading with Raymond Raymond Saadi

Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life The Witches

By Stacy Schiff Little, Brown $32 Schiff upends the many misconceptions about the Salem Witch trials of 1692; that the trials went on for years; all witches were women; and, those convicted, were burned at the stake. Wrong, on all counts. Only 19 people, including a minister, were victims, and they were hanged, not burned, all within the space of just nine months.

The Witch-hunts began with the strange behavior of a Salem minister’s niece, “writhing and roaring” which soon had neighbors versus neighbors, friends accusing friends and hordes of innocents arrested.

Schiff devoted four years in the research for this very readable and accessible book that dispels many myths long accepted as facts.

By Harold S. Kushner Knopf $23.95 Kushner, whose previous bestseller was, Why Bad Things Happen To Good People, now shares what he’s learned in his half century as a congregational rabbi that have shaped his senses of religion and morality. Just scanning three of the nine chapter headings deliver insights that are intriguing and inspirational; “God Does Not Send the Problem; God Sends Us the Strength to Deal with the Problem”; “Forgiveness is a Favor You Do Yourself”; and, “To Feel Better About Yourself, Find Someone to Help.” Rabbi Kushner expands on these themes with his lively and ecumenical reflections that bridge all religious borders.

The Dakota

By Andrew Alpern Princeton Architectural Press $55 The iconic Dakota is considered by those in the know to be the finest apartment building in New York if not the nation. Occupied by some of the most famous and/ or wealthiest personages from its conception and construction, it housed residents Lauren Bacall, Jason Robards, Boris Karloff and 21 John Lennon (who unfortunately was murdered at his doorsteps). A six page full color spread is devoted to Rudolph Nureyev’s fantastical apartment. Built by Edward Clark from the design by architect Henry J. Hardenberg, it’s described in the book through archival photographs of the construction and interiors as well as floor plans of typical apartments on each floor. It was the first truly luxury apartment house in New York and over 130 years it remains so, not just in the city, but in the world.

Between You & Me

By Mary Norris Norton $24.95 Oh, if only I had had this book in seventh grade when I had such a tough time with “i before e except after c.”

I knew the rule, just couldn’t always apply it correctly.

(Thanks to Sister Conleth, I’ll never forget it.) Another grammatical challenge I faced, and still do, is the use of commas, the when and why the “Comma Queen” explains simply and humorously. Readers will enjoy the book, not just for the manual, but the memoir of her 35 years at New Yorker magazine. Her fondest hope, she writes, is whether or not you buy the book; you will have learned to say “between you and me” (not I). www.bayoucatholic.com

Jubilee Q & A

YEAR OF MERCY

Jubilee Year

2015 2016

By VERY REV. MARK TOUPS What is a jubilee year?

The practice of a jubilee year has ancient roots in the Jewish tradition and evidence for it can be found in the Old Testament (for example, see Leviticus 25). The jubilee year was called every 50 years and was a time for forgiveness. It stood as a reminder of God’s providence and mercy. The dedication of a year for this emphasis provided the community with a time to come back into right relationship with one another and with God. As the practice of the jubilee year was 22 adopted into the Catholic Church, these themes of mercy, forgiveness and solidarity continued.

How is this Jubilee different from other Jubilee years?

The Jubilee of Mercy that Pope Francis has called, from Dec. 8, 2015 – Nov. 20, 2016, is an Extraordinary Jubilee. This designation as an “Extraordinary Jubilee” sets it apart from the ordinary cycle of jubilees, or holy years, which are called every 25 years in the Catholic Church. By calling for a holy year outside of the normal cycle, a particular event or theme is emphasized. For example, Pope Francis called this particular Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy to direct our attention and actions “on mercy so that we may become a more effective sign of the Father’s actions in our lives . . . a time when the witness of believers might grow stronger and more effective” (Misericordiae Vultus, no. 3).

Why a Jubilee of Mercy now?

Pope Francis himself addressed this question in his homily . . . for First Vespers for Divine Mercy Sunday: “Here, then, is the reason for the Jubilee: because this is the Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

‘This is the time for Mercy’

time for mercy. It is the favourable time to heal wounds, a time not to be weary of meeting all those who are waiting to see and to touch with their hands the signs of the closeness of God, a time to offer everyone, everyone, the way of forgiveness and reconciliation. May the Mother of God open our eyes, so that we may comprehend the task to which we have been called; and may she obtain for us the grace to experience this Jubilee of Mercy as faithful and fruitful witnesses of Christ.”

What is the Jubilee of Mercy?

In the Bull of Indiction, Misericordiae Vultus, Pope Francis declared that the Jubilee of Mercy will begin on Dec. 8, 2015, (the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary) and conclude on Nov. 20, 2016, (the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe). Dec. 8, 2015, also marks the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council, a Council that sought to bring the love of God to the modern world.

Similarly, the Holy Father strongly desires this Jubilee celebration of

mercy to be lived out in the daily lives of the faithful, and all who turn to God for compassionate love and mercy.

How do we live out the Jubilee of Mercy in our daily lives?

In Misericordiae Vultus, Pope Francis emphasizes the need for the church and all her members to live out the loving mercy that God has for us. Our response to God’s loving mercy toward us is to act in that same way to all those we meet. The Holy Father reminds us that “Mercy is the very foundation of the church’s life. All of her pastoral activity should be caught up in the tenderness she makes present to believers; nothing in her preaching and in her witness to the world can be lacking in mercy. The church’s very credibility is seen in how she shows merciful and compassionate love” (Misericordiae Vultus, no.

10). As members of the Body and Christ, our lives should reflect this witness of mercy to those we meet on a daily basis. In the coming months, different aspects of how you can live out the Jubilee Year of Mercy in your daily life through the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy will be presented in Bayou Catholic.

What are the Holy Doors?

One of the central components of the Jubilee of Mercy is that the Holy Doors throughout the world will be opened during this Jubilee year. When they are opened at the beginning of the year, “the Holy Door will become a Door of Mercy through which anyone who enters will experience the love of God who consoles, pardons and instils hope” (Misericordiae Vultus, no.

3). Since each diocese will have the opportunity to open a Door of Mercy in their diocese, all members of the faithful will have opportunity to make a pilgrimage to their local Holy Door during

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the Jubilee. This pilgrimage is to be a journey of walking closer with God and discovering “moment(s) of grace and spiritual renewal” (Misericordiae Vultus, no. 3). These doors are symbols of God’s mercy, open to welcome everyone into the compassion of God’s love that Christ proclaimed.

How does a person obtain the Plenary Indulgence?

In his letter regarding the Plenary Indulgence, Pope Francis has written: “To experience and obtain the Indulgence, the faithful are called to make a brief pilgrimage to the Holy Door, open in every Cathedral or in the churches designated by the diocesan bishop, and in the four Papal Basilicas in Rome, as a sign of the deep desire for true conversion. Likewise, I dispose that the Indulgence may be obtained in the Shrines in which the Door of Mercy is open and in the churches which traditionally are identified as Jubilee Churches.

It is important that this moment be linked, first and foremost, to the sacrament of reconciliation and to the celebration of the holy Eucharist

with a reflection on mercy. It will be necessary to accompany these celebrations with the profession of faith and with prayer for me and for the intentions that I bear in my heart for the good of the church and of the entire world.” One can obtain the indulgence at any point from now until the end of the Holy Year of Mercy in November 2016.

Therefore, in order to obtain the Plenary Indulgence, the faithful will need to: 1. With a desire for true conversion of heart, make a Pilgrimage to a Holy Door, such as the one at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma and at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux; 2. At the church after going through the Holy Door, they would need to receive the sacrament of reconciliation and then attend the celebration of the Eucharist and reflect on God’s Mercy; 3. They would need to make a Profession of Faith (read the Nicene Creed), and offer prayers (traditionally an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be) for the intentions of the Holy Father.

The Pope has further indicated that those who are homebound or ill and truly cannot travel to a Holy Door may obtain the indulgence by living their sickness and suffering with joyful hope in the Lord. They would then receive holy Communion or attend Holy Mass and community prayer, even if Mass attendance or community prayer is prayed through the various communication means such as television. The Pope has also remembered those who are incarcerated in prison. The Pope states that those incarcerated in prisons can obtain the indulgence by becoming conscious of the injustice they worked and sincerely wishing to re-enter society and make their honest contribution to it. Then in the chapels of the prisons, they undertake requirements number 2 and 3 above. Each time they cross the threshold of their cell will signify for them their passage through the Holy Door, which will transform their hearts and lead them to true freedom.

(Very Rev. Mark Toups is the diocesan chancellor.)

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Corporal Works

2016 YEAR OF MERCY 2015

By Rev. Michael Bergeron The following is the first article in a seven-part series on the Corporal Works of Mercy.

In a Penitential Celebration at St. Peter’s Basilica on March 13, 2015, Pope Francis announced a Jubilee Year of Mercy to mark the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council in 1965. In a communique from the Holy See, it stated, “This is of great significance, for it impels the church to continue the work begun at Vatican II. “The official and solemn announcement was made 24 on Sunday, April 12, 2015. The Jubilee of Mercy began on Dec. 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and will conclude on Nov. 20, 2016, the Solemnity of Christ the King.

Mercy has been a major theme which is close to Pope Francis’ heart.

His episcopal motto is Miserando atque eligendo (“by having mercy, by choosing him”), which refers to the merciful gaze of Christ toward St. Matthew in choosing him to be one of his disciples.

Some words translate well into English and other words do not.

Our typical understanding of the word “mercy” can be misleading.

When people think of mercy, they think of a person in power taking it easy on a potential victim.

For instance, a teacher might show “mercy” to the students by not giving a difficult test, or the stronger LSU football team might “have mercy” when playing against a high school football team. But that is not the concept of mercy in the Bible. Mercy has a broader and richer meaning.

A simple definition from the dictionary is a good place to start.

Mercy is a disposition to be kind Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Good Samaritan Food Bank volunteers Eugene Billiot and Warren Ortego distribute a cart of food at the food bank in Houma.

Feed the hungry and forgiving. So, in the Penitential rite when we say, “Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy ...” we are really saying “Lord be kind and forgiving, Christ be kind and forgiving.” While mercy is founded

in compassion, it is different from compassion or sympathy in that it puts this feeling into practice with a readiness to assist. Mercy, therefore, is the ready willingness to help anyone in need.

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In the church, mercy is put into action with the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy and the Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy.

The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy are: 1) Feed the hungry, 2) Give drink to the thirsty, 3) Clothe the naked, 4) Harbor the harborless (welcome the stranger/ shelter the homeless), 5) Visit the sick, 6) Ransom the captive (visit the imprisoned), and 7) Bury the dead. The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy are: 1) Instruct the ignorant, 2) Counsel the doubtful, 3) Admonish the sinner, 4) Bear wrongs patiently, 5) Forgive offenses willingly, 6) Comfort the afflicted, 7) Pray for the living and the dead.

Beginning with the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy, we need more definitions. The word “corporal” derives from a Latin word for “body.” The seven encompass practical deeds aimed at relieving bodily distress. In religious terms, the word “work” is simply a good action – something you do. St. John Paul II reminds us in his encyclical, Rich in Mercy: “Jesus Christ taught that we not only receive and experience the mercy of God, but that we are also called to practice mercy toward others.” In recent times, the corporal works of mercy have been extended from simply actions pertaining to individuals, to working for social structures that affect whole communities and nations.

The first six works are derived from the biblical parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46). “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25:35-36).

Since numbers were symbolically important to the early Christians and Jews (seven being “total and perfect,” six being “imperfect”), a seventh was added. As deprivation of burial was viewed with horror by early Christians and Jews, “Bury the dead,” based on Tobit 1:17-19 was later added. Failure to comply with these works of mercy results in the supreme penalty of eternal damnation (Matthew 25:46).

Unlike the Seven Deadly Sins

which we confess as acts of commission, the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy could be used to confess sins of omission. When Scriptures speak of seeking and receiving God’s “mercy,” they mean to speak of how God’s love is sought and experienced by his people from the vantage point of their concrete needs. Like God’s mercy, our works of mercy are simply love’s concrete response to those in need around us. Accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior includes rejecting everything incompatible with his

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LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

There is more than enough food to feed the world

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reign of compassion and merciful love. He established his kingdom on earth. It is in process and we are to build it up. The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy are a good way to start.

1) Feed the hungry One of the most ignorant things I hear people say trying to give evidence of why they do not believe in God is: “If there was a God, why does he let people die of starvation.”

God is not letting people die of starvation, we are. There is more than enough food to feed the whole world. We even pay people not to grow food or to slaughter their dairy cows because they are producing too much milk. Hunger is a symptom of poverty and inequality and not of food scarcity.

The world produces enough food to feed each person between 3,000 to 3,500 calories a day with the capacity of producing much more.

The problem is distribution and greed. It is noteworthy that most of the world’s bounty is in the hands of Christian nations.

Almost one billion of the world’s population is undernourished.

Starvation estimates state that every three seconds one person dies of starvation. But every one second one person dies either directly or indirectly of hunger, 4,000 every hour, 100,000 each day, 36 million each year. One child dies every five seconds.

Hunger manifests itself indirectly in other ways besides starvation. It can be vitamin and mineral deficiencies which stunt growth, weaken bodies, interfere 25 with one’s intellectual capacity, cause blindness, infections and so forth.

To avoid this first “sin of omission,” learn about world hunger. Donate to organizations fighting world hunger. Make monetary or food donations to the local food bank. Share your meals with those who may be forgotten, or live alone, or cannot afford to buy their own food. Carry some small bills, loose change, or coupon books to hand out to those who are poor.

Never waste food. When you take more than your fair share, someone else does not have enough.

God intended the earth and everything in it for the sake of all human beings ... thus created goods should flow fairly to all.

All other rights, whatever they may be, are subordinated to this principle (Popularum Pregressio 22 and Gaudium et Spes 69).

In the February issue of Bayou Catholic, the second Corporal Work of Mercy, Give drink to the thirsty, will be highlighted.

(Father Michael Bergeron is pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church parish in Thibodaux.) www.bayoucatholic.com

Spiritual Works

2016 YEAR OF MERCY 2015

By VERY REV. JOSHUA RODRIGUE The following is the first article in a seven-part series on the Spiritual Works of Mercy.

The Pantheon is an ancient Roman temple built between 118 and 128 A.D. and once was dedicated to all the gods. However, now it is a Catholic Church dedicated to the Blessed Mother and the martyrs. On the façade is inscribed the following Latin: M·A GRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FEC IT. The story is told that a seminarian studying in Rome was 26 giving his parents a tour of the city and brought them to the Pantheon.

When his parents asked about the meaning of the inscription, he responded, “Well, the building and the Latin are so old, no one really knows.” At the same moment he made this comment, Father Reginald Foster, the Latin professor at the Gregorian University who also translates various church documents into Latin for the Vatican congregations, overheard him and promptly instructed, “It says, ‘Marcus Agrippa Lucii filius consul tertium fecit,’ which means, ‘Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, made this building when consul for the third time’.” At which he added in a whisper to the seminarian, “Don’t inflict your ignorance upon others.”

Today in a world of political correctness, the word ignorant seems to be one of those words to avoid using in order not to offend someone. Some may see its usage akin to telling people they are morons, imbeciles or idiots.

However, the definition of ignorant simply means “lacking knowledge or comprehension of a thing specified; unaware, uninformed.” We live in Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

Ignorance is NOT bliss

a world today where many people lack knowledge or are uninformed about the Catholic faith and about Jesus Christ himself. To instruct the ignorant is therefore seen as an important spiritual work of mercy, not an insult.

Even before the time of Christ, the prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah and Jeremiah, saw instructing the ignorant as a key part of their mission. The prophets revealed God’s will to the people. However, often that

information was not well received.

While the Gentiles did not have the privilege of the knowledge of the people of Israel in following the true God, the people of Israel’s actions were worse when they willed and deliberately chose to be ignorant of God’s teachings because knowledge meant changing their behavior. So, the people of Israel preferred remaining obstinate in their ignorance at times over the truth.

When Jesus enters into

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his ministry, instructing the ignorant is a key component.

He informs humanity with the revelation and knowledge of the love of the Father for each person.

One of the earliest mandates from the Lord enjoined to the apostles is continuing this instruction.

Before he ascends to the Father, Jesus commands his disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Teaching others about the Lord and his lessons and love is essential in continuing Christ’s mission of forgiveness and mercy.

Mercy is the virtue influencing one’s will to have compassion for and to alleviate a person’s suffering.

While the corporeal works of mercy focus upon relieving the physical suffering of our brothers and sisters, the spiritual works of mercy give us an opportunity to touch their very hearts by relieving their spiritual suffering.

A person can suffer from ignorance in three ways: intellectually, morally and spiritually. Intellectual ignorance is when a person does not know certain information or facts. Moral ignorance is when a person is lacking knowledge of virtues, values or attitudes to aid in seeking the good always and avoiding evil. Spiritual ignorance is when a person fails to know the Christian message and Christ himself.

While the corporal works of mercy are generally enjoined upon all the faithful, in particular cases, a person will not be obligated or even competent to perform four of the seven spiritual works of mercy, namely: instructing the ignorant, counseling the doubtful, admonishing sinners, and comforting the afflicted.

These works may require a greater knowledge of the intricacies of church teachings or an extraordinary amount of tact.

The other three spiritual works— bearing wrongs patiently, forgiving all offences willingly, and praying for the living and the dead—are considered to be an obligation of all faithful to practice unconditionally.

We must remember that Jesus

gave first his apostles the mandate to teach the ignorant. Bishops therefore are the chief teachers of the faith. By virtue of their ordination, priests cooperate with the bishop in giving instruction and are likewise aided by deacons and lay catechists. This mission must not be taken lightly since the salvation of souls is at risk. In attempting to instruct the ignorant when we ourselves lack the knowledge or competency, we can cause more spiritual harm than good and misguide others away from Christ and the faith. Jesus says, “Can a blind person lead a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39).

As followers of Christ, each of us is challenged to learn more about the faith to express better why we believe what we believe. We are

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Giving the ignorant the fire of faith, hope and charity

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reminded by the apostle, “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope” (1 Peter 3:15).

Before instructing others, how can we alleviate our own ignorance?

First, regular reading of Scripture is essential to knowing Christ and his message. St. Jerome explains, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”

Second, knowledge of the church’s doctrine stemming from Scripture is important. Perhaps make it a point in this Year of Mercy to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church since it contains the church’s understanding of the faith on various topics. Also, enroll in a parish or diocesan faith formation program or class to continue your own religious education as an adult. Read books from Catholic

theologians and spiritual masters.

Many churches have books and CD’s available for purchase in the gathering areas. With technology today, perhaps download a study program or Catholic apps.

Many already participate in ways of instructing the ignorant. Parents enroll their children in Catholic schools or religious education classes. How often do we look to invite others to come to church with us to allow the liturgy to be a teacher of the faith? While we may feel like we are not equipped to teach the faith, the best teachers are those who teach by example.

St. Francis of Assisi directed, “Let all the brothers, however, preach by their deeds.” Sharing our livedout faith is a way of instructing and learning.

When we do instruct the ignorant, how it is done is also important.

St. Peter advises, “But do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear” (1 Peter 3:16). Loving compassion and patient perseverance are essential.

Each person has his or her own journey into the faith, and the Lord is very patient with us. He brings 27 people into our lives to teach us and asks us in turn to teach others about his great, merciful love for us.

The world would frequently try to convince us that ignorance is bliss.

But to be ignorant of Christ and our faith would mean not knowing God’s unconditional love for us, his enduring mercy and forgiveness, and our redemption and salvation.

Is this lack of knowledge blissful?

Faith and understanding work together to give us true bliss. As St. Anselm of Canterbury instructs, “Faith seeks understanding. I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand.”

In this Year of Mercy, may our hearts and minds be enlightened

by Jesus Christ, the eternal Truth, and may we in turn enkindle in those who lack understanding, the ignorant, the fire of faith, hope and charity.

In the February issue of Bayou Catholic, the second Spiritual Work of Mercy, Counsel the doubtful, will be highlighted.

(Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue is pastor of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma.) www.bayoucatholic.com

Young Voices I feel as if my faith is what drives me to serve others. I show my faith by the way I treat others as Christ would. I find myself, when helping others that aren’t as fortunate, saying a prayer to thank God for what I have and how fortunate I truly am. I find a great joy in helping others by my service and shining the light God gave me to show.

Cara Bascle, 16 years old Annunziata Church parish Vandebilt Catholic High School

How do you demonstrate your faith through service to others?

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.” Many people interpret this verse to mean that you must do as Jesus did in the sense of actually dying for others. This is not the true meaning of this verse. Laying down your life for others means putting them first and making their needs more important than your own. The verse is about being selfless and sacrificial in your actions toward others rather than selfish. For example, I demonstrate my faith through the services I do in my church parish.

Whenever they need help, I’m always ready to volunteer. I also demonstrate my faith by teaching CCD classes to the 4th graders in my parish. I love attending retreats, meeting new people and learning new ways to become a leader so I can share my faith with others.

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Mallory Dardar, 16 years old St. Genevieve Church parish E.D. White Catholic High School

My faith is a big part of my everyday life, and I always strive to show others how much it really means to me. I participate in the choir and read at Mass on Sunday. I also take part in different community and church service projects. I’m on our school’s campus ministry team, and I am in the church’s youth group. I try to be a reflection of Jesus though my actions and my attitude.

Caroline Nini, 16 years old Holy Cross Church parish Central Catholic High School

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

I like to show my faith in service to others by altar serving. I have been an altar server with my two brothers since I was in third grade. I enjoy altar serving at St. Francis Cathedral and at Vandebilt.

I especially enjoy altar serving when certain tasks are added to the service, such as at the Holy Thursday and Easter Vigil Mass. I find altar serving a great way to help others because by making the job of the priest and deacons easier, they can better concentrate on other parts of the Mass and the people worshipping. Also, I find it helps me to get closer with God, because I am serving him. Altar serving has enabled me get to know the bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians and lay people of my church parish by being more involved with my church. Altar serving has allowed me to learn more about the Mass and why certain things happen within the Mass. This is why I find altar serving a great way to serve others in my church parish and school, as well as being a very rewarding part of my life. For all these reasons, I find altar serving a great way to serve others.

Corey Hebert, 15 years old Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales parish Vandebilt Catholic High School

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, deacon, religious, etc.

When is a seminarian burse complete?

A seminarian burse fund is complete once it reaches $15,000.

If you choose to continue to contribute, a new burse will be created for you.

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

To contribute 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)* - Mr. Eledier Broussard - Rev. Adrian J. Caillouet - Rev. James Louis Caillouet - Bishop L. Abel Caillouet - Judge/Mrs L. P. Caillouet - Msgr. Lucien J. Caillouet - Abdon J. & Ada B. Callais - Harold & Gloria Callais Family - Paul A. Callais - Peter W. Callais - Vincent & Fannie Cannata - Minor Sr. & Lou Ella Cheramie - Maude & Edith Daspit - Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis family (3)* - Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis - C. Remie Duplantis

- Marie Elise Duplantis - Warren J. Harang, Jr. - Msgr. Raphael C. Labit - Msgr. Francis J. Legendre - Rev. Charles Menard - Dr. & Mrs. M.V. Marmande & Fly - Donald Peltier, Sr. (3)* - Harvey Peltier (30)* - Richard Peltier - The Peltier Foundation (4) - Orleans & Louella Pitre - Msgr. Joseph Wester - Robert R. Wright, Jr. - Rev. Kermit Trahan - St. Bernadette Men’s Club - Diocesan K of C - Leighton Delahaye - Mrs. Shirley Conrad - Endowment Fund - $119,136.90

November 2015 Burse Contributions Preston & Gladys Webre ................................... $350.00 Edna W. DiSalvo ............................................... $100.00

Matthew Prosperie is a Freshman at Saint Joseph Seminary College. He is from St Ann Church in Bourg, LA and attended Vandebilt High School.

Open Burses with Balance as of 11/30/15 Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis ........... $13,000.00 Donald Peltier, Sr. #4 ............................ $13,000.00 Joseph Strada Memorial ...................... $12,642.63 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit #2 .................. $11,080.00 Harvey Peltier #31 .............................. $10,486.91 Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis #2 .......... $10,000.00 C. Remie Duplantis #2 ........................ $10,000.00 Marie Elise Duplantis #2 ..................... $10,000.00 Maude & Edith Daspit #2 .................... $10,000.00 Msgr. George A. Landry ...................... $10,000.00 Elie & Dot Klingman .............................. $8,920.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................. $8,400.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..................................... $7,000.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $6,165.00 Rev. Peter Nies ..................................... $5,900.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ........................... $5,400.00 Msgr. Francis Amedee ........................... $5,150.00 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 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ..................... $5,000.00 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ..................... $4,839.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ................................ $4,786.00 Catholic Daughters ................................ $4,705.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ................................ $4,400.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .............................. $4,350.00

Rev. Henry Naquin ................................. $4,281.00 Harry Booker #2 .................................... $4,138.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ............................... $3,610.96 J. R. Occhipinti ...................................... $3,400.00 Anawin Community ............................... $3,100.00 Msgr. James Songy ............................... $3,075.00 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 Willie & Emelda St. Pierre ...................... $2,000.00 St. Joseph Society ................................. $2,000.00 Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 ......................... $2,000.00 Rev. H. C. Paul Daigle ........................... $1,900.00 James J. Buquet, Jr. ............................... $1,650.00 Alfrances P. Martin ................................. $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 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande .................... $1,500.00 Preston & Gladys Webre ........................ $1,500.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ ........................... $1,450.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield .......................... $1,200.00 Deacon Connely Duplantis ..................... $1,125.00 Rev. John Gallen .................................... $1,100.00

Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................. $1,100.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ...................... $1,050.00 Rev. Clemens Schneider ....................... $1,000.00 Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux #4 ........... $1,000.00 Msgr. John G. Keller .............................. $1,000.00 Jacob Marcello ....................................... $1,000.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ............................. $800.00 Ruby Pierce .............................................. $800.00 Deacon Roland Dufrene ........................... $750.00 Juliette & Eugene Wallace ......................... $700.00 Ronnie Haydel .......................................... $685.00 Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ................... $660.00 Judge Louis & Shirley R. Watkins .............. $600.00 Deacon Raymond LeBouef ...................... $550.00 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata .................... $500.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz ................................ $300.00 Richard Peltier #2 ..................................... $300.00 Anne Veron Aguirre ................................... $280.00 Claude Bergeron ...................................... $250.00 Bernice Harang ......................................... $200.00 Edna W. DiSalvo ....................................... $200.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin .......................... $150.00 Deacon Pedro Pujals ................................ $100.00 Joseph Waitz, Sr. ...................................... $100.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier .............................. $ 50.00 Deacon Nick Messina .............................. $ 50.00 Rev. Warren Chassaniol ........................... $ 50.00

Overall Seminarian Burse Totals: $1,539,701.02 www.bayoucatholic.com

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Heavenly Recipes

Tricia’s

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h s i f raw e l o r asse

Story and Photos

by Lawrence Chatagnier This month’s heavenly recipe, crawfish casserole, comes from Holy Savior Elementary School principal Tricia Thibodaux. It’s a recipe that was handed down from her mother. “I can remember eating this casserole when I was a 30 teenager,” says Tricia.

Her mother’s casserole was so good that it impressed her future husband when they were dating.

“When I brought my husband-tobe home for supper at my parent’s house my mom served her crawfish casserole. When he tasted it he said if you can cook as good as your mom we will get along really great.

Tricia’s parents owned Robbies Po-Boys restaurant in Schriever where she grew up. “Both of my parents enjoyed cooking. My father was good at fixing breakfast concoctions while my mom was the one to cook more traditional foods like stews, soups and gumbos. Of course we loved the po-boys that were made at the restaurant. It was a treat when we would get them.”

Tricia says that like most families today it’s a challenge to juggle work and family life. “I enjoy cooking when I have the time. My husband and I spend a lot of time with our children. It’s sometimes difficult to juggle work and family but we manage to always have time for our children.”

Her introduction into leadership roles came early in life. “I was in the Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

first confirmation class at Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux. Father Patrick O’Brien took me under his wing and I became involved with the youth group and taught CCD there when I was a young girl,” she says.

After graduating from college Tricia taught at Labadieville Middle School for six months, after that school she began teaching at Holy Savior. “I was a teacher here at Holy Savior for 20 years. The faculty and staff at Holy Savior are my extended family. I spend a lot of time here at school,” she says.

For the past three years she has been principal at the school that she fell in love with over 20 years ago. “I enjoy the challenges that this position brings. I love being a principal. I like reading to the kids and spending time with them in aftercare. You have to be authoritative but warm. You must be open with parents and willing to listen to the teachers and parents. I have an open door policy here at the school. I feel that I am receptive to different ideas and allow everyone to have a voice. I feel that we have a very positive dynamic in the school.”

As principal of a Catholic school she knows the value of a Catholic education and fostering Catholic

values among the students. “As we begin the Year of Mercy, I am excited about the many opportunities that our Holy Savior school family will have to grow as Catholics. We are planning visits to the elderly, collecting and donating supplies to the needy, and praying for those struggling in these difficult economic times.”

Crawfish Casserole 1/2 cup margarine 1 lb. crawfish tails (peeled) 1 tsp. creole seasoning 1 cup chopped celery 1/3 cup chopped bell pepper 1-1/2 cups chopped onions 3 cloves garlic (chopped) 1/2 cup green onion tops (chopped) 2 cups cooked rice 3 slices of bread (wet, wring, and tear apart) 1 can cream of mushroom soup Bread crumbs Melt margarine in a large pot. Add crawfish and creole seasoning. Sauté for 5 minutes. Remove crawfish from pot and add celery, bell peppers, onions, garlic, green onion tops, and sauté for 10 minutes. Add crawfish, rice, bread and mushroom soup. Place in a 9 X 13 casserole dish. Cover with bread crumbs and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Serves 6.

e n Tu To...

In

Quality Family Programming for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux ~ Channel 10* on Comcast of Houma and CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS of Terrebonne Parish ~ Channel 10* on CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS in Thibodaux ~ Channel 10* on VISION COMMUNICATIONS of South and Central Lafourche ~ Channel 10* AT&T U-Verse *Channel 10 is provided by and in cooperation with HTV of Houma. ~ Channel 71, ALLEN’S TV CABLE of Morgan City

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6:30 9:00 9:30 8:30

SUNDAY

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Closer Walk Comfort For My People

MONDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Focus Spotlight

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Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Live with Passion Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

WEDNESDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

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6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M. 11:00 P.M.

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Closer Walk Live With Passion Comfort For My People

THURSDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Focus Spotlight Spotlight

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Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Live With Passion Comfort For My People

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

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

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Bayou Patrons

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Francis de Sales was born on Aug. 21, 1567, into the noble Sales family of the Duchy of Savoy (now France). His father wanted him, the first of his six sons, to attend the best schools in preparation for a career as a magistrate. He was educated at the Universities of Paris and Padua. In 1592, Sales received his doctorate in law and theology.

His father initially refused to accept that Francis had chosen the priesthood rather than fulfill his expectations with a political-military career. Claude de Granier, then Bishop of Geneva, intervened and after signing over to his younger brother his rights of family succession, Francis de Sales was ordained a Catholic priest Dec. 18, 1593. On Dec. 8, 1602, he was consecrated Bishop of Geneva.

During his years as bishop, he acquired a reputation as a spellbinding preacher. His motto was, “He who preaches with love, preaches effectively.” He was a missionary in the Chablais region and co-founded the Visitation of Holy Mary order with Jeanne Frances de Chantal. He is also known for his writings on the topic of spiritual direction and spiritual formation, particularly the Introduction to the Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God. Although he has no documentation to prove his theory, the Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, pastor of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, says he thinks Pere’ Charles Menard had influence in having the parish named for St. Francis de Sales. “Father Menard was from Lyon and the people there had a great love for the saint since he died there and they wanted to keep his remains there. Eventually St. Francis’ remains were brought to Annecy, but his heart was kept in Lyon. Out of devotion to him, I would presume Father Menard would name a church serving a number of French-speaking people after St. Francis de Sales.”

Father Rodrigue says he’s had a special devotion to the patron saints of his home parish and the parishes he has served in. “I especially have a fondness for St. Francis de Sales because I was able to visit his tomb at the Basilica of the Visitation in Annecy when I was a seminarian. Knowing he is the patron of our diocese, I asked for his intercession to see me through to ordination. Now as pastor of our cathedral dedicated to him, I continue to ask for his intercession to be able to accomplish the work entrusted to me by the Lord,” he adds.

Francis de Sales died on Dec. 28, 1622, and his feast day is Jan. 24. He was beatified in 1661

by Pope Alexander VII, who canonized him four years later. Pope Pius IX declared him a doctor of the church in 1877.

In 1923, Pope Pius XI proclaimed him a patron of writers and journalists. Francis developed a sign language in order to teach a deaf man about God; because of this he is also the patron saint of the deaf.

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

St . Fancis Patron saint of writers, journalists and the deaf

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The photo on the opposite page shows a statue of St. Francis de Sales that is located on the façade over the main doors of the cathedral.

The Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales is centrally located in downtown Houma. A statue of St. Francis is also located near the Blessed Mother’s Altar. The cathedral has a first class relic of St. Francis de Sales with St. Jeanne de Chantal that is always on the side altar for veneration.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Church Life

!

Viva Guadalupe!

The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12 drew large crowds throughout the diocese, particularly at the diocesan celebration, which this year was held at Sacred Heart Church in Cut Off. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the

principal celebrant in Cut Off, which included a mariachi band, children and adults dressed in colorful outfits and an outdoor procession. The celebration concluded with food, music and performances at the Cut Off Youth Center.

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Photos by Louis G. Aguirre Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

The collection will be taken at all Masses January 23 and 24, 2016 Please Give Generously

Together in the Work of the Lord Annual Bishop’s Appeal underway Story by Janet Marcel “Together in the Work of the Lord,” the theme for the 2016 Annual Bishop’s Appeal, is based on the Scripture passage “For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:9). In 2014, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre chose this theme for his first appeal as fourth bishop of Houma-Thibodaux. He explained then that the emphasis should be on how we as a diocese, “will need to work together to make all that we do a success.”

According to Jeremy Becker, diocesan director of the Office of Stewardship and Development, research has shown that the more consistent an appeal of this type is, the more successful it is, which is one of the reasons the theme has stayed the same over the last few years.

Introduction Weekend for the 2016 Annual Bishop’s Appeal is January 9-10. The following weekend, parishioners will receive a letter from Bishop Fabre along with a brochure explaining the Appeal.

“In this Jubilee Holy Year of Mercy, we are all challenged to be ‘Merciful like the Father’ and through our actions of being touched by his compassion we can be compassionate toward 36 others. There are countless manners in which we can all be merciful. One simple way of showing mercy is through your support of the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, as the appeal provides an occasion for us to show mercy to those who need it,” says Bishop Fabre.

The funds received from the 2016 Annual Bishop’s Appeal will once again be used primarily in the five areas of retired priests, youth ministry, family ministries, religious education, and for less fortunate parishes. The diocesan goal is $900,000.

Together, with the help of the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, the diocese can … n Support its retired priests and acknowledge their hard work and dedication through their lifetime of service to the church; n Impact its youth by helping the Office of Youth Ministry guide them to make Christian choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values and vision of the church through events such as the annual youth rally and Junior High Faith Experience; and by training its youth ministers; n Strengthen marriages and family life through the Office of Family Ministries’ programs such as marriage prep, marriage enrichment and counseling services which range from bereavement to family separations; n Provide opportunities for everyone in the diocese to continue to learn more about their faith through the Office of Religious Education’s parish CCD and confirmation programs, Adult Faith Formation classes, and Food for the Journey; n Lend a hand to less fortunate parishes by helping with such things as improving buildings, maintenance of facilities, clerical assistance and catechetical instruction.

Again this year, church parishes of the diocese will have an opportunity to receive additional monetary benefits as a direct result of their participation in the appeal.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

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“If the diocese reaches its overall goal of $900,000 in funds paid, then all parishes that go over their goal in funds paid will be eligible to receive a percentage of the amount they have gone over their goal. The funds that are reimbursed to the parishes will be unrestricted and the parish leadership will be able to decide how best to use the funds. I view this not only as an incentive for more parishioners to participate in assisting the diocese to reach its goal, but also an incentive for their parish to be a direct beneficiary of gifts made by its parishioners,” says the bishop.

As of the end of December, the 2015 Annual Bishop’s Appeal has received $900,000 in commitments, the highest of any Appeal in the history of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, reports Becker.

Those who wish to contribute to the 2016 ABA can choose to make a one-time gift or use the pledge system in which they can make eight monthly contributions. Donations can also be made on-line by visiting www.htstewardship.org. A video which includes the bishop’s message and how the funds will be used is available to view on the diocesan website.

For more information about the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, contact the Office of Stewardship and Development at (985) 850-3155.

LOUIS G. AGUIRRE/BAYOU CATHOLIC

A beautifully-framed image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was presented to Bishop Shelton J. Fabre during the diocesan Guadalupe Mass and celebration held Dec. 12 at Sacred Heart Church in Cut Off. Presenting the image to the bishop on behalf of the Hispanic community of Cut Off are, from left, Louis Reyes and his parents Griselda Camacho and Cervando Reyes.

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Special Events

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Prompt Succor celebrating 100 years In the spring of 2016, Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the parish. The theme for its Centennial Anniversary is “Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church: A century of believing, praying and caring people in Golden Meadow, Louisiana.”

The 100 days leading up to the celebration weekend began Jan. 8, the Feast Day of Our Lady

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of Prompt Succor. Throughout these 100 days, the parish will be celebrating the following groups: liturgical ministers, social ministers, employees, pastoral council members, finance council members, building and grounds committee members, veterans and service professionals, youth organizations, altar servers, Children of Mary, Bible Camp, retreat teams, CCD teachers, DREs, CREs, CCD secretaries and

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helpers, and schoolteachers.

In conjunction with the parish’s centennial celebration, it is also celebrating the 100th annual Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday, April 16. Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish holds the distinction of hosting the longest consecutively held Blessing of the Fleet in America.

The anniversary Mass and celebration will take place Sunday, April 17.

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Sacred Heart, Morgan City, Lenten mission Feb. 15-16

Rev. Stephen Lefort

Pastoral appointments given Bishop Shelton J. Fabre has made the following pastoral appointments: The Rev. Stephen P. Lefort, who was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux on Nov. 28, 2015, has been appointed associate pastor of Holy Cross Church parish in Morgan City, effective immediately.

Father Lefort is a native of Houma.

The Rev. Joseph P. Varughese, who has been serving as associate pastor of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral parish in Thibodaux since July 2015, has been appointed associate pastor of Sacred Heart Church parish in Cut Off, effective immediately. Father Varughese is a native of Kerala, India. He was ordained April 11, 1994.

Rev. Joseph Varughese

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A Lenten mission will be presented by John Angotti at Sacred Heart Church in Morgan City, Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 15 and 16, at 7 p.m. each day.

John Angotti is a full time music missionary. He travels throughout many parts of the world providing inspirational music and witness to all ages through concerts, workshops, retreats, missions, conferences and liturgies. John is originally from Clarksburg, WV, and now resides in Memphis, TN, with his wife and two children.

He is a graduate of West Virginia University and the U.S. Military School of Music, where he was a member of the U.S. Navy Band as lead vocalist. John received his master’s degree in pastoral studies from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 2013. John’s music expresses hope and love for those longing for a deeper relationship with God. “My passion is to not only provide

music for worship, but music that sings of the true witness of my experience of Christ in my life, that leads me to the table in faith.

I have found that people relate through both music and testimony.

All of us have a cross, even though we may try to hide it. But there is no hiding place from God, who is with us all the time,” says Angotti (www.jspalich.com).

A love offering will be collected during the performance.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Special Events

Food for the Journey will feature Deacon Vic Bonnaffee III on Feb. 2

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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 Feb. 2 is Deacon Vic Bonnaffee III. Deacon Bonnaffee received a bachelor of arts in history, English and education from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA, and a master of education in administration and supervision from Loyola University in New Orleans. He was ordained to the permanent diaconate in June 2000 for the Diocese of Lake Charles.

He has been a teacher, coach and principal in Catholic schools throughout Louisiana.

Deacon Bonnaffee also served as

Deacon Vic Bonnaffee III

regional superintendent for the Archdiocese of New Orleans and as superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux and the Diocese of Tyler, TX, and has been serving as

principal of Central Catholic High School in Morgan City for the past 10 years. He has been a presenter for several Adult Faith Formation classes in the diocese on the topics of the Commandments, the sacraments and the Beatitudes.

Those who plan to attend the Feb. 2nd event should RSVP with their name, phone number and church parish by Thursday, Jan. 28. 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 $17 and includes meal, drink and tip. Only cash or checks will be accepted.

All are invited to come “eat and be fed.”

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Diocesan Outreach Line

Jeremy T. Becker

Becker named diocesan director of Grants Office

Jeremy T. Becker, who has been serving as diocesan director of Stewardship and Development for the past six years, has also been appointed diocesan director of Grants. He replaces Louis G. Aguirre, who has been serving in that capacity for the past 30 years.

Annulment fees waived In the spirit of the law that Pope Francis promulgated on Sept. 8, 2015, entitled Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus, “Pertaining to Cases Regarding the Nullity of Marriage are Reformed,” and in the observance of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy (Iubileo Miserecordiae 20152016), Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, of Houma-Thibodaux, declared that effective Dec. 8, 2015, the date of the implementation of the abovementioned law, “There will be NO FEES involved, required or expected in the presentation of Petitions for a Declaration of Invalidity of Marriage (annulments) in the Tribunal of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.”

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

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

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

For detailed reporting procedures see: www.htdiocese.org.

Click on the Safe Environment tab, then on S.E. Forms and Links.

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

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

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

Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux Número de teléfono (985) 873-0026.

Vea el detallado procedimiento de informes en: www.htdiocese.org.

Haga clic en Safe Environment y luego S.E. Forms and Links.

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

Caàn bieát theâm chi tieát veà caùch baùo caùo xin vaøo trang web cuûa ñòa phaän laø www.htdiocese.org.

Baám vaøo muïc Safe Environment, sau ñoù tôùi muïc S.E. Forms vaø Links.

www.bayoucatholic.com

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Special

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Building a ‘culture of life’ Diocese involved in local, state, national initiatives Guest Columnist Father Joseph Tregre

M

Many of you watched in horror this summer as secretly recorded videos showing Planned Parenthood’s grisly business of abortion and callous sale of unborn baby body parts were made public. But are you aware that Planned Parenthood has targeted Louisiana, the most pro-life state in the nation, for expansion?

Even now, Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast is building a 7,000-square-foot clinic on Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans, the sixth and largest

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

abortion center in the state. The organization believes the area is underserved – and needs about 3,000 more abortions each year.

Let us not lose hope in the face of such news. We must not give in to the culture of death, even as it threatens to encroach on our community. Scripture tells us that where sin abounds, grace is more abundant (Romans 5:20). Indeed, a story of hope has sprouted right next door to Planned Parenthood, a testament to the Lord’s abundant grace and providence in the face of despair.

Since 2001, Woman’s New Life Center has operated a professional counseling clinic and medical clinic in New Orleans next door to one of the busiest abortion clinics in the state. In 2011 the ministry expanded to Baton Rouge – and again the Lord provided a place to house Woman’s New Life Center adjacent to the abortion clinic there.

There is something about being directly next door to these abortion clinics that profoundly affects the

women walking in. Large signs that overlook the parking lots of the abortion clinics read: Trust in Your Abilities; There is another choice; Choose with Hope. These words, often coupled with people praying outside of the clinics, invite women in crisis to pause and think.

Inside, professional counselors and medical services provide a quiet space for more consideration and more reflection. Her dignity is affirmed; she feels empowered.

This ministry of presence and hope, evident outside and inside, has proven effective in helping women to choose life.

In this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis, we do well to keep in mind the need of mercy for the innocence in the womb. Considering the gravity of abortion, Mother Theresa, a champion of love and mercy, says, “But I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child – a direct killing of the innocent child – murder by the mother herself. And if we

a

accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another? ...

So the mother who is thinking of abortion, should be helped to love – that is, to give until it hurts her plans, or her free time, to respect the life of her child. … Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching the people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want.

That is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion.”

In a day and age with so many concerns and civil unrest, the least we can do is uphold the “culture of life” over the “culture of death” for the right and dignity of human life from a natural conception to a natural death. If we teach the respect of life from the womb to the tomb, then we promote true peace in our lands and nations.

Until recently, Woman’s New Life Center was forced to watch Planned Parenthood’s expansion in New Orleans from a distance.

Then, the Lord intervened in two important ways.

Four siblings wanted their deceased father’s property adjacent

to Planned Parenthood’s site to be used for something meaningful.

Planned Parenthood had approached them early on, but the property owners didn’t agree with its mission. Through several divine connections, the siblings were introduced to Woman’s New Life Center. They quickly realized that

‘

The greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion

,

this was what their father would have wanted.

In a matter of days, a donor through the Catholic Foundation came forward with a generous donation toward the purchase of the property. When Gayle and Tom Benson learned about the project,

they immediately gave the rest of the money needed to move forward with the purchase.

During the same time frame, a project that the Woman’s New Life Center had been working on for years was coming to fruition.

The Woman’s New Life Center leadership had been praying for a medical doctor to join the staff in order to increase the services provided. The mission was clear: provide authentic healthcare to women of all ages, affirming their dignity and building a culture of life one woman at a time!

Dr. Susan Caldwell, who resides in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, answered that call. After a generous grant from The Catholic Foundation, Woman’s New Life Center launched Hope Woman’s Clinic, a full-service women’s health clinic.

This new opportunity – to provide authentic care for people in need, evangelize about the true beauty of womanhood and compete with other women’s health clinics like Planned Parenthood – is rooted in the very essence of the Woman’s New Life Center mission.

a

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Special

Culture of life

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As we continue to build a “culture of life” right here in our own Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, we also have a couple of important initiatives. In addition to our annual “Stand-For Life” campaigns, the diocese has a growing tradition of pilgrimage by our young people to Washington, D.C., for the annual March for Life.

This year’s theme is “Pro-Life and Pro-Woman Go Hand-In-Hand.”

Last year, over 800,000 Christian faithful stood before our nation’s capital to witness to life and the overturn of the 1973 decision of Roe vs. Wade and Doe vs. Bolton which legalized abortion throughout the nation and invalidated pro-life state laws throughout the Union.

Once again, a number of our young people are headed through our Catholic schools and local par-

ishes to stand for life. Those not joining the March for Life in Washington, D.C., are also taking the opportunity to witness to life at our state’s own capital in Baton Rouge.

Buses from our diocese will be

transporting youth to Baton Rouge for the Louisiana Life March, “Life is Priceless.”

(Father Joseph Tregre is pastor of St. Joseph Church parish in Galliano.)

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Woman’s New Life Center staff doctor, from Thibodaux, is ‘a godsend’

By Peter Finney Jr. Clarion Herald

It’s long been a dream of Angie Thomas, chief executive officer of the Woman’s New Life Center in Metairie, to offer expanded medical services to women.

Beginning in the fall, that dream will become a reality as Dr. Susan Caldwell, a specialist in internal medicine and pediatrics, will begin her position as director of the newly established Hope Woman’s Clinic.

“Our goal is to reach women with practical medical services so that we can become their health care provider,” Thomas said.

The new clinic believes it can fill the needs of two distinct groups.

Because it is located across the parking lot from the largest abortion clinic in Louisiana, abortion-minded women frequently walk into the center either for counseling or for free ultrasounds.

That free care is handled by a highly trained staff of counselors.

The other group that Thomas believes will make use of the new clinic are Catholic women who want to live out their faith by using natural methods of family planning.

“Our goal for the clinic is to be self-sustaining through an insurance and Medicaid model,” Thomas said. “We will be serving the poor – that’s a huge part of what we’re doing. And then because Dr. Caldwell is a pediatrician and internal medicine specialist, she will be able to uniquely provide care to adolescents – and this care is going to respect their purity. We can’t wait for parents to know that this is an option for their daughter’s first gynecological visit.”

Reaching a diverse audience One of the beauties of this strategy of attracting both groups, Thomas said, is that women who simply want a pro-life doctor “can actually support the work we are doing to help abortion-vulnerable women just by going to the doctor.”

Caldwell, 43, has served for the

last several years in the Ochsner medical system. She said she became familiar with the Creighton model of fertility planning when she and her husband were struggling to conceive. They now have three children.

Caldwell said when she decided on her own to stop prescribing contraceptives, she believes some in her physicians’ group may have questioned her decision.

Angie Thomas, left, CEO of the Woman’s New Life Center, discusses the center’s new women’s medical clinic with Dr. Susan Caldwell, a specialist in internal medicine and pediatrics.

“But I really didn’t feel any pressure,” Caldwell said. “I felt a little pressure from patients, and some patients were a little confused. But once I told them why I stopped prescribing contraceptives, they understood that my heart was that of a doctor who cared for the well being of my patients. Many agreed with me and stopped taking the pill and started to use NaPro Technology. It wasn’t as bad as I had feared.”

Caldwell said her practice will allow her to help women get to the root cause of their medical issues, whether it is menopause or difficult menstrual periods.

“This is great because there will be a place for women to go, first of all, to be listened to so that we can find the underlying cause of their symptoms,” Caldwell said. “In traditional medicine, many times women are being treated with a

Band-aid approach, where they are given a short-term fix without a real cure. We will give them real treatment that leads to healing rather than a temporary treatment that just appears to be working, while underneath the disease is not being treated and the woman is not being healed.”

Open three days a week Caldwell will commute from her home in Thibodaux three days a week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Office hours will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The clinic is an expensive startup, but the seed money was provided by an anonymous grant through the Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Thomas believes that within four years, the clinic can sustain itself through regular office visits.

An added benefit of having 45 Caldwell on site would be if an abortion-minded woman comes to the Woman’s New Life Center and has symptoms such as high blood pressure or other medical issues, Thomas said.

The Hope Woman’s Clinic also will have a special outreach to teenagers and college students.

“But that will not limit her scope,” Thomas said. “She is able to work with women of all ages. This is women’s health. We’ve always recognized that having a doctor on staff would provide so much more for women. This really is a huge new chapter for us.”

Caldwell said she likes the flexibility of being able to spend more time with each patient to explain fertility or other healthrelated issues.

“We want to empower women with the ability to make clear and informed decisions about their sexual choices,” Caldwell said.

“When they know more about their body, they’re better able to make healthier decisions.”

To make an appointment with the Hope Woman’s Clinic, call (504) 496-0214. www.bayoucatholic.com

EVENTS

DIOCESAN

jANUARY

n Steubenville on the Bayou registration opens Jan. 15. n Adult Faith Formation: The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Church, Thursday, Jan. 28, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Speaker, Rev. Jules Brunet. n C.E.N.T.S. will be offering the Small Business Course beginning in January through Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. This course is free and 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 (985) 876-0490 to schedule an orientation appointment.

n Adult Faith Formation: Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Thursday, Jan. 7, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Speaker, Rev. Robert Rogers. n Junior High Faith Experience, Saturday, Jan. 9, E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux.

Doors open at 9 a.m. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Jan. 12, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Speaker, Rev. Glenn LeCompte. n Adore, Wednesday, Jan. 13, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 7 p.m. Speaker, Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs. n Adult Faith Formation: Matrimony and Holy Orders, Thursday, Jan. 14, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Rev. Robert Rogers.

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February n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Feb. 2, Quality Inn Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Speaker, Deacon Vic Bonnaffee. n Catholic Charities will offer free income tax preparation of federal and state income tax returns every Tuesday beginning Feb. 2, until April 12 at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library, Houma, second floor, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., for families making

march

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, March 1, Quality Inn Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Speaker, Rev. P.J. Madden. n Man of God Conference,

$55,000 or less. n Women of God Conference, Friday-Saturday, Feb. 1920, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, beginning at 5 p.m. Friday and ending at 6 p.m.

Saturday. n Teens Encounter Christ 76 retreat, Friday through Sunday, Feb. 19-21, Lumen Christi Retreat Center’s Souby Building, beginning at 5 p.m. Friday.

Friday-Saturday, March 4-5, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, beginning at 5 p.m. Friday and ending at 6 p.m.

Saturday.

www.bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

Catholic Charities will offer free income tax preparation of federal and state income tax returns every Tuesday beginning Feb. 2, until April 12 at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library, Houma, second floor, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., for families making $55,000 or less.

In south Louisiana, the name Ordoyne has been synonymous with trustworthy and experienced funeral service for over 60 years.

Our family has been serving this area for three generations, beginning with the late, Leroy Ordoyne.

We are proud to continue that tradition with the opening of our new funeral home.

We are centrally located at the corner of St. Patrick St. and Glenwild Dr., serving Thibodaux and all surrounding parishes.

-Mark C. Ordoyne and Victoria Ordoyne Thomas 1489 Saint Patrick Street ~ Thibodaux, LA 70301

985-448-0753

www.ordoynefunerals.com ~ ordoynefuneralhome@gmail.com Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

Sports

Overtime

W

Ed Daniels

Well, it was fun while it lasted.

But, the party is over.

On Dec. 6, 2015, the Carolina Panthers came to the Superdome and blew out the final candles on the best decade of Saints football, ever.

The Saints gave a sellout effort against the unbeaten Panthers, only to be undone, again, by a pass defense that will likely go down as the worst in NFL history.

Cam Newton threw five touchdown passes and wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. dropped two more.

There’s no doubt the better team won.

The Panthers have a talented roster that is anchored by a host of home grown talent.

Carolina has drafted well in the first round (quarterback Cam Newton 2011, linebacker Luke Kuechly 2012), and in the fifth (defensive backs Josh Norman 2012 and Ben Benwikere 2014).

The Panthers won their third consecutive NFC South title.

And, it is no surprise. They have the best players.

For most of 10 years, the Saints were one of the premier organizations in the NFL. They had a rare triple in the NFL. Same coach, same quarterback, same general manager.

And, early in the Payton/Brees era, a young and talented roster allowed the club to be selective with their free agents.

In 2009, Darren Sharper delivered the greatest season by a Saints defensive back in club history with nine interceptions, three returned for touchdowns.

And, he came at a cheap price.

As the roster aged, Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis got more ambitious as they attempted to make another

January “Call us scenarios First” emerging for Saints Super Bowl run with Drew Brees as their quarterback.

In 2011, the Saints traded first and second round picks to jump back into the first round and select running back Mark Ingram.

The Saints traded a third round choice to move up in the first round of the 2014 draft and select wide receiver Brandin Cooks.

And, they spent $28 million in guaranteed money on free agent safety Jairus Byrd.

Throw in two forfeited second round picks in the bounty penalties, and salary cap issues, and what you have is a team that is playing out the string.

There are several scenarios that could happen in January.

Payton could move on, Payton and Brees could both move on, and Payton and Brees could both stay.

My guess is the third option is the least likely.

But, whatever happens, the Saints need to go back to operating at a core philosophy.

That is, hire the best talent evaluators possible, and win with draft picks.

Use veteran free agency for what it is, a supplement to fix holes in your current roster.

And, then pray you can somehow get a franchise quarterback.

The Panthers, and the Bucs (Jameis Winston), got one with the first pick.

The Seahawks (Russell Wilson, round three), and Patriots (Tom Brady, round six), got one later.

Four years ago, the Saints scored 40, 62, 49, 45, 45 and 45 points at home.

The answer to the question, “Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints?” was very different.

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

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Sports

E.D. White boys win The E.D. White Catholic High School boys and girls swim teams each won Division III state titles at the 2015 Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s championship state meet at the SPAR Aquatic Center in Sulphur. This is the first time in the school’s history that they bring home a double championship. Members of the boys’ swim team are: Sonny Charpentier, Max Cowen, Alex Cutrone, Jay Danos, Grant DeGravelle, Hudson Gravois, Leo Hebert, Jason Hubbell, John Pugh, Nicolas Rathle, Gabriel Robichaux, Andrew Soignet, Connor Talbot.

Christina Lasserre is the swim team coach and Brent Labat is the assistant coach.

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

E.D. White girls win The E.D. White Catholic High School boys and girls swim teams each won Division III state titles at the 2015 Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s championship state meet at the SPAR Aquatic Center in Sulphur. This is the first time in the school’s history that they bring home a double championship. Member of the girls’ swim team are: Isabel Boudreaux, Emma Bourgeois, Grace Anne Clement, Caroline Constant, Ella Gisclair, Jane Glover, Camille Guidry, Molly Hansen, Caroline Hebert, Adelyne Labat, Claire Labat, Amanda Ledet, Lindsey Lucas, Isabella Norris, Madeline Perk, Morgan Perk, Ali Poimbeouf, Emily Rodriguez, Harlee Smith, Isabel Soignet, Taylor St. Pierre, Noelle Toups, Khloe Trosclair, Emily Wolfe. Christina Lasserre is the swim team coach and Brent Labat is the assistant coach.

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Bayou

Catholic

Catholic Schools Week 2016 January 31 - February 6 LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Catholic Schools Week

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Catholic School Administrators

Marissa Bagala

St. Mary’s Nativity

Deacon Vic Bonnaffee Central Catholic

President, Vandebilt

David Boudreaux

Scott Bouzigard

Prissy Davis

Tonia Guidry

Chris Knobloch

Tim Robichaux

Gerard Rodrigue Jr.

Amanda Talbot

Yvonne Weimer

Major funding for this Catholic Schools Week special section provided by the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Holy Rosary

52

Michelle Chiasson E.D. White

Lydia Landry St Bernadette

Brenda Tanner St. Francis

Maria Immacolata

President, E.D. White

Tricia Thibodaux

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

Holy Savior

St. Gregory

St. Joseph

Vandebilt

St. Genevieve

Holy Cross

Registration: February 29 - March 4, 2016 Holy Cross Elementary 2100 Cedar St. Morgan City, LA 70380 Grades PK3-6 Amanda Talbot, Principal Phyllis Jensen, Secretary 384-1933 • Fax 384-3270 holycrosselm@htdiocese.org www.holycrosselementary.com Holy Rosary Elementary P.O. Box 40 Larose, LA 70373 Grades PK-8 Scott Bouzigard, Principal Angie Loupe, Secretary 693-3342 • Fax 693-3348 holyroselm@htdiocese.org www.holyrosary.org St. Gregory Elementary 441 Sixth St. Houma, LA 70364 Grades PS-7 Tonia Guidry, Principal Jennifer Torres, Admin. Asst.

876-2038 • Fax 879-2789 stgregelm@htdiocese.org www.stgregorycatholic.org Maria Immacolata Elementary 324 Estate Dr. Houma, LA 70364 Grades PK-7 Prissy Davis, Principal Donna Hill, Secretary 876-1631 • Fax 876-1608 mariaimmacoelm@htdiocese.org www.micsbluejays.org St. Bernadette Elementary 309 Funderburk Ave. Houma, LA 70364 Grades PK-7 Lydia Landry, Principal Susan Chauvin, Secretary 872-3854 • Fax 872-5780 stbernelm@htdiocese.org www.saintbernadettepandas.org

St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School 300 Verret St. Houma, LA 70360 Grades PS-7 Brenda Tanner, Principal Kim Landry, Secretary 868-6646 • Fax 851-5896 stfranciselm@htdiocese.org www.stfrancishouma.org St. Genevieve Elementary 807 Barbier Ave. Thibodaux, LA 70301 Grades PK-7 Chris Knobloch, Principal Stacie Trosclair, Secretary 447-9291 • Fax 447-9883 stgenelm@htdiocese.org www.stgenevieveschool.us Holy Savior Elementary 201 Church St. Lockport, LA 70374 Grades PK-8 Tricia Thibodaux, Principal Terri Vedros, Secretary 532-2536 • Fax 532-2269 holysavelm@htdiocese.org https://plusportals.com/holysavior St. Joseph Elementary 501 Cardinal Dr. Thibodaux, LA 70301 Grades PK-7 Gerard Rodrigue Jr., Principal Ann Ledoux, Secretary 446-1346 • Fax 449-0760 stjoeelm@htdiocese.org www.stjosephcesthibodaux.org St. Mary’s Nativity Elementary 3492 Nies Street Raceland, LA 70394 Grades PK3-8 Marissa Bagala, Principal Judy Watts, Secretary 537-7544 • Fax 537-4020 stmarelm@htdiocese.org

Central Catholic High School 2100 Cedar St. Morgan City, LA 70380 Grades 7-12 Vic Bonnaffee, Principal Sandy Daigle, Secretary 385-5372 • Fax 385-3444 centcathi@htdiocese.org www.cchseagles.com Vandebilt Catholic High School 209 S. Hollywood Rd. Houma, LA 70360 Grades 8-12 Yvonne Weimer, Principal Shirley Cunningham, Secretary David Boudreaux, President 876-2551 • Fax 868-9774 vandebilthi@htdiocese.org www.vandebiltcatholic.org E.D. White Catholic High School 555 Cardinal Dr. Thibodaux, LA 70301 Grades 8-12 Michelle Chiasson, Principal Cathy Hebert, Secretary Tim Robichaux, President 446-8486 • Fax 448-1275 edwhitehi@htdiocese.org www.edwhite.org Catholic Schools Office Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Marian Fertitta Superintendent of Schools mfertitta@htdiocese.org Suzanne Troxclair Curriculum Specialist Janet Marcel Administrative Assistant 850-3114 • Fax 850-3214

Our Catholic schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex or national origin.

Catholic Schools Week

What makes Catholic schools unique A Message from the Superintendent

I 54

In my tenure as superintendent of Catholic schools I have written many articles about our schools.

Articles that discussed the history of Catholic education in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and the schools, the accomplishments of our students in their faith, their knowledge and academic successes, and their service in the communities. I would now like to share with you “what makes our Catholic schools unique.” The uniqueness of Catholic schools can be summed up in one word – relationships.

Scripture clearly states that Christianity is about relationships. Jesus’ teaching captures this in his mandate to “Love God above all else; Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:28-31).

Catholic Church documents indicate the importance of relationships in Catholic schools. In 1962 and reiterated in 1998b, the bishops at Vatican II wrote “Between pupils of different backgrounds the Catholic school promotes friendly relations and fosters a spirit of mutual understanding.”

Relationships are at the heart of what it means to be a Catholic school. Each human being is called to be in a loving relationship with self, God and others and is encouraged to see the interconnectedness of all creation (The Charism of 21st Century Catholic Schools: Building a Culture of Relationships; Cook

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

and Simond, S.J.).

In order to develop relationships with others, each person must first develop a relationship with one’s self. Catholic schools provide an environment of security and opportunity where students feel safe to discover their unique individuality. Though each is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27), each possesses different needs, talents and gifts. The Catholic school strives to draw out these gifts and help students learn how to place their gifts in service to God and their neighbor.

Developing a relationship with God is a priority in Catholic education. A main goal is to help students become fully alive in their mind, heart, body and spirit. It helps students to see themselves as gifts to be shared with others (Congregation of Catholic Education [CCE], 1977; Wicks, 2003). As students continue to develop their self-understanding, teachers help them to grow in their knowledge and experience of God. Religious formation is essential to the identity of Catholic schools.

Catholic schools work to “transform a person of virtue into a person of Christ” (CCE, 1977, n. 47). At the same time, Catholic educators must help students to learn about other religions (USCCB, 1972; Vatican Council II, 1965/1996b; Weber, 2010). Being able to reach out and embrace other people different from the self is an important skill for relationship building.

(Vatican Council II, 1965/1996b, The Charism of 21st-Century Catholic Schools: Building a Culture of Relationships; Cook and Simond, S.J.).

As students and teachers strive to develop a culture of relationships within the Catholic school, they must also look outside the school campus. In both the local community and the larger world community there are countless opportunities for developing relation-

ships with other people. Through service opportunities, the integration of current events in the curriculum, and opportunities to learn about world cultures and religions, Catholic educators can prepare students to become citizens of the world (CCE, 1977, 1988, 1998).

Graduating young people who will serve God and make a difference in the world is a main purpose of Catholic education (CCE, 1998; USCCB, 1972; Vatican Council II, 1965/1996b).

In addition to helping students grow in their awareness of the world beyond the school, Catholic educators must also integrate environmental consciousness within school curricula and programs (Benedict XVI, 2009; Simonds, 2009a). God created human beings in his image and likeness and put them on earth “to cultivate and care for it” (Genesis 2:15). In Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, the U.S. bishops (USCCB, 1993) noted that we are called to care for all of God’s creation.

Noting the annotations in this article one can clearly see that the Vatican, popes, bishops and teachings of the church all point to building relationships as the center of Catholic school education. Our administrators, teachers and staff work diligently to help students develop relationships first with self, others in the school, the home, community, larger community and most importantly a personal relationship with Christ.

We invite you to visit our schools during the celebration of Catholic Schools Week – Jan. 31 through Feb. 6 – to see the building of relationships for yourselves. You will be amazed and inspired by the relationships amongst our students, administrators, teachers, staff and the community.

Faithfully in Christ, Marian Fertitta

Guest Columnist Suzanne Delaune Troxclair

Learning never stops in education

I

I can remember a time in my teen years, probably around eighth or ninth grade, when I began to look forward to the day that I would be finished with school. It wasn’t that I disliked learning – in fact, I very much enjoyed my high school and college years – but I guess I wanted to reach the “light at the end of the tunnel.” Indeed, there was a definite sense of satisfaction in college graduation.

However, as I embraced my ministry of teaching, I quickly thirsted for more. I began to quench that thirst for learning by participating in professional learning activities and ultimately entering and completing graduate school.

Through my time in graduate school, I had the opportunity of learning from exemplary educators, all of whom gave me much upon which to reflect. One opinion shared with me by a teaching guru was simply stated.

His message was that the day you cease learning is the day it is time to retire! He may have been so inspired by Henry Ford, who once eloquently stated, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” In all fields, and especially education, perhaps no truer words have been spoken!

In the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux Catholic schools,

the desire to “stay young” is quite evident among our teachers and administrators. Throughout the school year and summer months, these dedicated people are drinking from the educational “fountain of youth” as they voluntarily participate in various professional development offerings. Designed to improve student achievement, teachers work diligently in a wide array of instructional activities.

During the school year and summer months, professional learning opportunities abound, and teachers from the diocese are eager to take advantage of them to improve their classroom instruction.

Attending workshops lasting anywhere from one day to a week or more, teachers choose from a plethora of offerings. Common professional learning topics include new instructional strategies, including better ways to engage all learners, ways to intervene when students are struggling or even better methods to identify possible future learning challenges for students.

For some teachers in the diocese, the summer provides them with excellent opportunities to build upon their educational credentials.

Some attend graduate school to deepen their understanding of the content they teach and others aspiring to serve as school leaders earn certification in areas such as educational leadership or professional school counseling.

Many continue with such classes throughout the school year.

Teacher certification for Advanced Placement courses – rigorous high school courses taken by many students that afford them possible college credit – is also offered during the summer.

As teaching such courses requires additional certification above that of college preparatory or honors classes, the summer provides an excellent opportunity for the level of instruction necessary to do so.

Other professional learning opportunities provide college-level instruction for longer periods of time throughout the year. For example, through a collaborative effort with neighboring school districts, several sixth through eighth grade teachers participate in

the Math and Science Partnership, a program designed to deepen teachers’ understanding of math and science so that they will improve in those areas of instruction. The summer component consists of two weeks of rigorous instruction, during which teachers engage in hands-on learning while effective instructional techniques are modeled.

This program continues for teachers throughout the school year, as they attend follow-up days and the annual mathematics and science conference, as well.

Diocesan teachers are even sharing their knowledge with fellow educators by presenting during the joint conference. How wonderful it is for our teachers to use their learning experiences to help others!

The Catholic Schools Office provides ongoing professional development throughout the school year and summer as well in areas such as student engagement, formative assessment, effective lesson planning and test construction.

Additionally, teachers are led in activities such 55 as curriculum mapping, a process in which teachers “map” yearly instruction, ensuring all students engage in the content necessary to master the skills at each grade level.

These curriculum maps created by teachers are then monitored at the school level throughout the year and adjusted as needed to ensure appropriate pacing of instruction.

Yes, the teachers and administrators of the Diocese of Houma- Thibodaux understand the importance of professional development and how it directly impacts student achievement. With a strong commitment to educating the students of the diocese, our educators and administrators are working diligently to grow professionally so that our students can reap the benefits of superior instruction. Indeed, they are “staying young” in their ministries of helping students grow into faithfilled, lifelong learners.

(Suzanne D. Troxclair is the curriculum specialist for the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.) www.bayoucatholic.com

Catholic Schools Week

E. D. White Catholic - Com E. D. White Catholic High School

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Edward Douglas White Catholic High School’s legacy can be traced back to 1855 when Father Charles Menard, assisted by the Sisters of Mount Carmel, opened Mount Carmel Academy for girls. In 1861, St. Joseph Parish acquired the all-boys Thibodaux College and later contacted the Brothers of the Sacred Heart to run the school. The two schools merged 50 years ago. For 160 years, E. D. White Catholic and its predecessor schools have been building communities of faith, knowledge, and service by offering a holistic education, rooted in Christian values, structured through friendly discipline, nurtured by personal attention and dedicated to academic excellence.

How We Build Community: • Daily Mass offered in the school’s chapel • Active campus ministry program • Weekly adoration of the Blessed Sacrament • ACT scores consistently above the state and national averages • Renowned music program • Outstanding athletic program with 40 state championships • Over 20 clubs and organizations • Students contribute over 14,000 hours of community service annually • 85% of graduates qualify for the TOPS program • An academic enhancement program for students with dyslexia and other learning differences

“The E. D. White family excels in every aspect of Faith, Knowledge, and Service from the students, to the teachers, and even the Alumni. Through our faith in Jesus Christ and his Church we are a beacon of light and hope shining bright in all that we do spiritually. Through our late nights studying and last minute cramming, we come to better understand the world around us and teach others to enhance the world we live in. Finally, our most important aspect witnessed through all that we do is the giving of ourselves to the wider community. When anyone is in need, you can count on the E. D. White family to be there to help and bring comfort.” Joseph Schonacher ‘16

2016-2017 Registration: F

E. D. White Catholic High School is open to all students and

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

mmunity of Faith, Knowledge and Service “The students and faculty at E. D. White are a church that prays together. Many people in our school family undergo suffering, but the faith-life here has helped us to grow and pray for them all the more. Every student in our school has been given the knowledge to go out into the world and spread our faith as well as the tools to be successful. Lastly, E. D. White’s service network is incredible. We tend to the less fortunate in the community and in our world through our organizations and service projects.” - Shelby Ellis ‘16

“We as mentors are very proud that at E. D. White Catholic, we are able to minister to every need of the student’s life; mind, body, and spirit.” - Brother Patrick McGinity, S.C.

57

“A student of E. D. White is held to a high standard and challenged by the teachers and administrators to be a witness of faith, scholar in the classroom, and servant in the community. These men and women lead by example and hold themselves to these same expectations; however, the adults are not the only ones inspiring students. Classmates also serve as excellent role models for their peers. It is difficult to ignore their message when you notice the student-led meditation in the prayer garden at lunch, the energy and excitement a student brings to class as he engages in a discussion, or the devotion a student displays as she sacrifices many hours of her time for a good cause. These students are the most influential in building the community of faith, knowledge and service at E. D. White, and they are responsible for inspiring others to do the same through their example. ” - Taylor Foret ‘16

February 29-March 11, 2016

d does not discriminate on the basis of race or national origin.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Catholic Schools Week

A Community of

The mission of Vandebilt Catholic High School is to provide students with a holistic education that is rooted in religious values, structured through friendly discipline, nurtured by personal attention, and committed to academic excellence.

58

The Vandebilt Catholic community was created by the Marianites of Holy Cross in 1870 and is continued by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.

Guided by the charism of these religious communities, Vandebilt Catholic fosters intellectual growth while challenging students to actualize individual potential.

Vandebilt Catholic High School cultivates a family atmosphere in which administrators, teachers, students, and parents work together harmoniously to promote love of neighbor, love of God, and good citizenship.

PLACEMENT TEST: January 23, 2016 Vandebilt Catholi c High School  209 South Hollywood Road Vandebilt Catholic High School admits students of any religion or ethnic origin.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

Faith, Knowledge, & Service Weekly Adoration, Reconciliation, and praying the rosary Daily Mass and Liturgy of the Hours Seasonal religious rituals observed Hourly classroom prayer Campus Ministry Pro-Life Club Men of Christ Sisters in Christ

40 National Merit Scholars 13 LSU Golden Achievement Awards College-preparatory curriculum High ACT scores

59

One-to-One iPad Program Resource and special-needs classes Louisiana Core 4 and TOPS requirements

20,000 community service hours per year 150 hours of faith education per student Annual Christmas and Lenten Projects Daily religious instruction Required service hours Annual class retreats Diverse academic, athletic, and co-curricular programs

REGISTRATION: February 1-26, 2016 Houma, LA 70360 ď – (985) 876- 2551 ď – www.vandebiltcatholic.org Vandebilt Catholic High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or national origin.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Catholic Schools Week

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Central Catholic High School Unique, faith-centered community Catholic schools are unique, faith-centered communities that integrate critical thinking, creativity and spiritual formation in ways that encourage intellectual growth and nurture a relationship with God. They create a supportive and challenging climate, which affirms the dignity of all persons within the school community. In keeping with the mission of Catholic schools across the country, Central Catholic High School in Morgan City strives to educate students in a loving, Christian environment that respects the diversity of individuals.

Central Catholic provides an excellent educational curriculum by utilizing technology to enhance academic activities and encourage creativity and problem-solving. UtiBayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

lizing a one-to-one iPad program, students embrace digital learning through a curriculum that does more than provide basic knowledge; it also inspires students to become lifelong learners. Through student-centered activities that embrace 21st century learning strategies and digital technologies, students are encouraged to explore, collaborate and create.

While academics are superior at Central Catholic, the true success of the school lies in its focus on spiritual formation. Central Catholic affirms the importance of prayer and a faith-filled community. Students learn to incorporate moral values into their daily lives, especially through retreats, school Masses, service projects and eucharistic adoration. The school

strives to create an environment where God is constantly present among faculty, students, parents and other stakeholder in the classroom, in the halls, in meetings, and on the fields and courts. Additionally, Central Catholic seeks to spread the Christian message into the community by participating in community service projects such as the senior reach out program and sponsoring events such as the living rosary in Lawrence Park.

Proverbs 22:6 states, “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Central Catholic, in striving to create communities of faith, knowledge and service, educates students to be lifelong learners who value God’s creation in thought, word and action.

Central Catholic High School 2100 Cedar Street, Unit 1 Morgan City, LA 70380 985-385-5372

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facebook.com/

Eagle Pride!

Registration

Re-Registration is February 14 through February 26, 2016 New Students February 28 through March 11, 2016 For information call (985) 385-5372 Central Catholic High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origins.

Tuition Assistance Available

www.cchseagles.com

www.bayoucatholic.com

Catholic Schools Week

Holy Savior Catholic School

Building God’s kingdom as a community of faith, knowledge and service Holy Savior Catholic School in Lockport has been providing generations of families in the Central Lafourche area the finest in Catholic education since 1879. PreK-2 through eighth grade students from Lockport and the surrounding areas are provided a compassionate and nurturing environment where all 62 students are encouraged to develop their talents, skills and abilities. The school’s mission teaches the students to live the principles of Catholic tradition which is deeply-rooted in the Gospel of Jesus. This allows students to learn to serve God and others, to strive for academic excellence and to become life-long learners.

Holy Savior’s faith formation and Catholic identity are lived out daily by the faculty, staff and students in order to prepare them for a positive spiritual life. Our students attend daily religion lessons, weekly Masses and monthly rosaries.

While our faculty and staff are committed to offering opportunities for students to succeed academically, we also work together to ensure that each child’s spiritual, social, physical and academic needs are met. Our teachers use various teaching strategies and integrate technology using interactive Promethean Boards and Chrome Books to develop a student’s critical thinking skills. Besides the major subjects, Holy Savior offers music, choir, computer, library and physical education classes. We offer our students a variety of clubs, such as 4-H, Caritas, Student Council and Beta. Students who enjoy sports can join the school’s cross country, soccer and basketball teams or the cheerleading squad.

The importance of service and charity are stressed at Holy Savior. Our students are encouraged to live out the Gospel values Jesus taught and make a positive impact to those in our community. Various service activities take place throughout the year, such as collecting toiletries for The Haven and supplies for the PACT Place. Through our numerous service projects, our students grow to understand the importance of building God’s kingdom.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

Holy Savior strives to create students who excel academically, are prepared to enter high school, and are eager to make a lasting difference in the world around them. Our students are leading the way in faith, knowledge and service.

HOLY SAVIOR CATHOLIC SCHOOL 201 Church Street ~ Lockport, Louisiana 70374 Phone: (985) 532-2536 ~ Fax: (985)532-2269 http://plusportals.com/holysavior

Established in 1879

State Approved Curriculum ~ Grades K-8 State Certified Teachers ~ Grades K-8 Full and Part-Time Structured State Approved Pre-K Program for two, three and four year olds Strong Family Orientation Daily Religious Instruction & Weekly School Masses AdvancED Accredited Academically Oriented Kindergarten Band, Choir & Computer Program Weekly Library Class Instruction with Certified Librarian Academic Enhancement, DIBELS Program & Tutoring Before & After School Care Program Reasonable Tuition Rates Gym Facilities, Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Cheerleading, Cross Country Caritas, 4-H, Beta & Student Council Clubs Parent/Teacher Activities Committee For more information or to request a tour of our facility, please contact Tricia Thibodaux, Principal ~ tthibodaux@htdiocese.org Terri Vedros, Bookkeeper ~ tvedros@htdiocese.org Holy Savior does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national or ethnic origin

Excellence in Academics + a God-Loving CATHOLIC Environment = Success

Holy Rosary Catholic School

A community of faith, knowledge and service

HRCS. Together the school family prepares students who are ready and willing to make a difference in the community and world and to succeed in their future endeavors through their faith, knowledge and service experiences at Holy Rosary Catholic School.

Holy Rosary Catholic School

In teaching the Gospel message of Christ, Holy Rosary Catholic School (HRCS) in Larose recognizes students’ talents and abilities and strives to develop their highest potential. HRCS offers quality academics in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment to students three years old through the eighth grade.

In 1963, Holy Rosary Catholic School began offering Catholic education to the South Lafourche community under the leadership of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. Current administration holds fast to the traditions of Catholic education while ensuring high standards to meet today’s challenges. The religious and secular curriculum is periodically evaluated and enhanced to enrich faith experiences and improve students’ learning skills.

Enrichment programs are selective and include those that instill community service, academic and social development, but most importantly our Catholic faith.

Programs include: DARE, social studies fair, geography bee, Math-A-Thon, an award-winning 4-H club, Beta club, Big Buddies, Altar Servers’ Club, Apostles of the Month, school choir, Book It!, Reading Counts, Literary Rally, Passion Play, Nativity Play, Hawks club, cross country track team, volleyball team, basketball teams, cheering squad, and various art projects and contests.

Holy Rosary recognizes Christ as the heart of its mission. Traditions of an active and exemplary religious program are professed through weekly liturgies, monthly adoration, daily instruction in the Catholic faith, service clubs, and service projects for families, faculty and students. The school expands its prayer experiences in the new school chapel and Jesus Prayer Garden. Through its mission work, HRCS is recognized as an instrumental contributor and supporter of Veterans, the Holy Childhood Association, Knights of Columbus and St Vincent DePaul Society, to name a few.

All HRCS teachers are certified and qualified for their role as dedicated instructors. The majority are certified catechists. The combination of instruction in the Catholic faith, dedicated and experienced educators, the teaching of values, academic excellence, a safe and caring environment and the support of parents for Catholic education is the proven formula for success at

OFFERING TRADITIONS OF CHRIST-CENTERED, CHALLENGING ACADEMICS SINCE 1963

COME GROW WITH US www.holyrosary.org 985-693-3342 12925 E 4th St • Larose, LA 70373 HRCS adheres to the non-discriminatory policy set by the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux www.bayoucatholic.com

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Catholic Schools Week

Holy Cross Elementary School Bucket brigade is in full swing

The bucket brigade is in full swing at Holy Cross Elementary School in Morgan City! On a daily basis, students, faculty, and staff are filling specially decorated buckets with notes, cards, candy, balloons, rosaries and lights. Each week at school Mass, Father Clyde Mahler showcases the schools’ 2015 theme, “Jesus helps us fill buckets with love, faith and academics!” Children “Shine their light” and “Do what 64 is right” as they fill their buckets with good deeds such as showing kindness to others, listening quietly to a teacher, lending a helping hand, etc. Buckets in the office hold special prayer intentions for the people of our school and our community, and silent prayer is held each day for these intentions.

The shining faith of students and staff has been put into action as a light for the community to see at a Living Rosary held annually at Lawrence Park attended by hundreds of local citizens who join us in prayer. In thanksgiving for their service, Holy Cross Elementary has held a prayer ceremony for our local law enforcement community. Attendees were presented with sweets and snacks and a large “Flat (Pope) Francis” card signed by students and staff.

New enhancements in the areas of math, reading and technology have been put into action at Holy Cross this year. A new math curriculum in grades Pre-K through sixth, MY MATH, provides a variety of resources that allows each child to learn in the way that is best for them. ALEKS math software, grades three through six, uses adaptive learning to reach every child at their level of learning. Lexia, grades Pre-K through sixth, addresses learning skills and predicts reading success.

TYPE FOR LEARNING, an interactive keyboarding course, is opening the world of computers to students.

Service to others fills buckets and is put into action to enrich the lives of the people who are touched by the generosity of Holy Cross students and their families.

Money is collected for cancer patients through Caps for Kids, and for critically ill children through Trick or Treating for St. Jude’s; donated food items fill an entire room for Thanksgiving baskets for the needy; nursing Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

home residents are treated to clothing and personal items, and children’s stockings are filled with toys and clothes at Christmas.

Holy Cross Elementary students are housed in a community of faith, knowledge and service in a school where this faith, knowledge and service is put into action.

HOLY CROSS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

2100 CEDAR STREET, UNIT 2 MORGAN CITY, LA 70380 985-384-1933 www.holycrosselementary.com Holy Cross Elementary admits students of any race, creed, sex, or national origin.

Maria Immacolata Catholic School ‘Fifty Years of Growing in Christ’ Maria Immacolata Catholic School (MICS) in Houma opened in September 1965 with kindergarten, first and second grades initially staffed by three Benedictine sisters and two lay teachers. After 1965, a grade a year was added at the school until a seventh grade was established. Today, MICS educates 203 students from preschool age through seventh grade. Every classroom teacher has a degree, several with a master’s degree, and all are certified in their subject areas. MICS has continued to focus on the academic, faith development and service activities throughout these 50 school years.

At MICS, each day begins and ends with prayer. A religious virtue is concentrated on each month, and a student is selected from each class who best represents that virtue. The virtues include: good manners, cooperation, respect, citizenship, caring, perseverance, responsibility, fairness, honesty and integrity. Every Wednesday morning, students, faculty and community members gather to celebrate the Eucharist together.

Classes have an opportunity to host a school Mass each week. In honor of Our Lady, our statue of the Blessed Mother goes home with a family each week after Mass for them to pray for our school, community and nation.

Our teachers continuously strive to prepare our students to be college and career ready in order to become our future leaders. This year, the school has a new Academic Support teacher and program, specifically set up to help those students having difficulty with their subjects. As we progress with this program, we hope to also incorporate the beginnings of an inclusion program for special needs children at our school.

All faculty, students, parents, grandparents and friends of Maria Immacolata are also part of the spirit of the school when it comes to faith and service. Everyone is encouraged to participate in service activities that are held monthly throughout the school year, including: Change for Change (Missionaries of the Poor), Animal Rescue Shelters, Coats for Kids, Toys for Tots, local food bank drive and a blanket drive. Many of these projects are sponsored by our 4-H club. Our Beta Club also sponsored “Geaux Pink Day” for Breast Cancer Awareness. Our biggest service to the community is our Live Nativity, an annual December drive-through event depicting the scenes of the birth of Jesus.

Maria Immacolata Catholic School in Houma has as its mission to continuously strive for “academic excellence within a Christian setting.” This mission

statement reminds us daily the importance of our Catholic identity while we strive for excellence in all of our students.

Maria Immacolata Catholic School 324 Estate Drive, Houma • 985.876.1631

Come Join Our MICS Family!

PreK3 - 7th grade Open House: February 2 New Student Registration: March 1 Academic Excellence Within a Christian Setting

Maria Immacolata Catholic School is open to all students and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, nationality or ethnicity. www.bayoucatholic.com

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Catholic Schools Week

St. Bernadette Catholic School Instilling lifelong commitment to learning, values and community St. Bernadette Catholic School in Houma remains faithful to its mission of being a Christ centered faith community which fosters spiritual growth and academic excellence. We strive to instill in our students a lifelong commitment to learning, to Christian values and to community service. The theme for the National Catholics Schools Week 2016 is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.” All three aspects of this year’s theme have been and will continue to be the foundation of the school’s teachings.

St. Bernadette School’s Catholic identity is evident, 66 as we are deeply committed to the spiritual formation of the students with religion classes being part of our daily schedule. As a community of faith, the students consistently attend weekly school liturgies, adoration and penance services. Annual events based on the manifestation of the faith of our students include the Live Nativity, the Blessing of the Animals, the Seder Meal and the celebration of the Guardian Angel.

As a community of knowledge we continue to strive for academic excellence resulting in lifelong learning. Our curriculum is balanced and includes the core subjects, religion, a foreign language (Spanish), a library program, physical education and music education.

It is a curriculum which fosters critical thinking, inquisitiveness, and understanding with technology integrated in all content areas. St. Bernadette School has a Beta Club and participates in the Literary Rally, the Duke University Talent Program, the geography bee and the social studies fair.

At St. Bernadette School our number one priority is the spiritual development of the child. We are committed to providing an opportunity to experience religion as a way of life and living our faith in our everyday activities. The students are challenged to engage in service projects for the needy of the community as well as foreign mission projects.

St. Bernadette Catholic School continues to build on the foundations laid by the Dominican sisters over 50 years ago. Individual achievement and responsibility acquired through a sound Catholic education prepares our students with everything needed for their future.

Not only do we prepare the students academically and spiritually, we aim to prepare them for life!

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

WE WERE MADE TO THRIVE!

Open House for New Families

Thursday, February 4, 2016 Anytime between 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Registration for New Families begins Monday, February 29, 2016

St. Bernadette CatholiC SChool

985-872-3854 309 Funderburk Avenue • Houma, LA 70364 www.saintbernadettepandas.org St. Bernadette School does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex or religion

St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School Learning and living the faith

The St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School theme for the 2015-2016 school session is Show Our Love through Service. The focus of this year’s theme is to instill in students the vital link between learning their faith and living it through action and prayer.

Faith formation at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School in Houma goes beyond student participation in daily religion classes to weekly class sponsored celebratory liturgies, outdoor “living” rosaries, May crowning and more. Several whole-school projects to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters give students opportunities to put their faith into action. They collect coats, blankets and sweaters for the Kiwanis Club and canned goods for the Terrebonne Food Bank and The Haven. Students and staff enthusiastically participate in the local heart run and cancer walk events.

Students bring books to create a large “book tree” in the school library before Christmas and then donate the books to children served by Terrebonne’s Children Advocacy Center. They recycle aluminum pull tabs with the proceeds going to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. The “connection through action” continues with the Caritas Club whose members participate in Pro-Life and Court Appointed Special Advocates activities while 4-H members focus on stewardship of the earth through their school beautification projects.

In addition, the students of St. Francis make cards and pray for Cathedral prayer shawl recipients and diocesan seminarians. They partner with the local Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center to raise funds and make cards of encouragement and hope for those challenged with serious illness. They support the Marianites of Holy Cross at the Mary, Gate of Heaven Orphanage in Haiti.

This school year, each grade level has chosen its own service project. First graders have adopted “Happy Gowns for Joyful Hearts.” They donate fabric supplies to the ladies who provide creative and cheerful hospital attire to chronically ill children. Second graders make cards and contribute needed items to local nursing homes. Third graders are working with the Blue Star group to support our troops who are overseas by sending much appreciated snacks, cards and sundries.

Fourth and fifth graders have adopted a Catholic school in India to provide much needed school supplies.

Sixth graders are gifting police and firefighters with goodie bags of water flavor enhancers and other special items. Seventh graders are working with the Barataria-

Terrebonne National Estuary Program with drainage markers. In addition, they are providing various items to children in residence at MacDonell Children’s Home.

A special “Wall of Service” at the school’s inside entrance recognizes, with pictures and newspaper articles, those individual students who are going beyond their school service projects. These students are raising funds and goods on their own to donate to various entities. Their initiative is an inspiration to their classmates!

St. Francis is proud to continue the mission begun

by Marianites of Holy Cross and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart to educate children in their Catholic faith, their academic studies and their membership in the broader civil community … and, more importantly, how these three areas are inter-connected both now and in their future adult lives!

St. FranciS de SaleS cathedral School a tradition oF excellence

oPen hoUSe FOR PARENTS OF NEW STUDENTS FOR 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2016 9:00 A.M. PRE-SCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN AGE STUDENTS (TOUR WILL BE INCLUDED)

10:30 A.M. PARENTS OF 1 -7 GRADE STUDENTS ST

TH

(TOUR WILL BE INCLUDED)

Open House will provide an opportunity for parents to tour the school and learn about the academic and extracurricular programs offered.

300 VERRET STREET V HOUMA, LA 70360 V PHONE 868-6646 V FAx 851-5896

www.stfrancishouma.org St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School is open to all students and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national, or ethnic origin.

www.bayoucatholic.com

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Catholic Schools Week

St. Genevieve Catholic School Christ is the center St. Genevieve Catholic School in Thibodaux strives to create an atmosphere that promotes a community of faith, knowledge and service. Our primary mission is the teaching of the Catholic faith. We offer a quality Catholic education for families in our area. We seek to know Christ in our daily school experiences and honor him in each individual. Our students are nurtured in all developmental areas – spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally.

Christ is the center of our school as evidenced by the deep spirituality that is developed here. The traditions that promote our faith and nurture our children are easily recognized when you walk through our doors. Our students know that they are loved and share that love as they greet visitors in a warm and 68 caring way.

So many of the traditions at St. Genevieve Catholic School enrich our faith, including Advent Wreath Lightings, the Epiphany Mass, and student responsibility for the ministries at our weekly school Masses. “Children of Mary” are very active on the campus, leading a decade of the rosary every first Friday of the month and during the praying of the rosary during the month of October. Our students attend adoration twice a year during the school day, and are encouraged to attend evening youth adoration monthly.

The faculty works diligently to prepare our students for weekly Mass, always striving to help them attain a deeper understanding of Scripture. Our faith is woven into the entire school day and in all areas of academic instruction. We are particularly proud that our day begins with faculty prayer and special intentions. We are often asked to pray for students and graduates long after they have left our school and for others in our community who know us as “prayer warriors.” We are a family and take care of one another, in times of need and in times of celebration.

At St. Genevieve School we strive to keep abreast of current teaching strategies by providing opportunities for professional development for our faculty. As a learning community, we set high standards for our students and ourselves. We know that we are held to a higher degree of responsibility and accountability, and accept the challenge. Our teachers are given many opportunities for professional growth though workshop and seminar attendance.

Important to our mission is to instill in our students Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

a sense of service to others. They first learn to take care of one another. Our seventh graders are “big buddies” to our kindergarten students. Students “pair off” at other grade levels, giving older students an opportunity to mentor and model good behavior for younger students.

Through our student job program, students are given responsibility for the operation of their school. We have recess secretaries, teacher aides, P.E. helpers, a maintenance team, computer and library helpers, a sign team and flag bearers. We know that when students are included in the daily operation of their school, they have a sense of pride and ownership. They know that they are stakeholders.

Our student service organization, “Patriots,” participate in several projects yearly to help raise funds for nonprofit organizations such as Hope for Animals, Crossroads Pregnancy Center and the Missionary Childhood Association. We have been recognized at a diocesan level as the top contributors to the Missionary Childhood Association for the past seven years. Our Patriots also visit and make holiday cards for the elderly and send cards to men and women in the military.

We believe in ourselves and in our community. We want to be all that we can be. We are thankful for and grateful to all those who will help us on our journey, most especially, our Lord.

ST. GENEVIEVE CATHOLIC SCHOOL 2016-2017 Registration February 29 - March 4 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM “My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there.” - Charles F. Kettering Ponder a moment that quote from an elementary student’s point of view. How seriously we must take our role in their future! We are here to touch that future, dramatically. We hope that you see our school as an investment in the future.

807 Barbier Avenue • Thibodaux, LA

(985) 447-9291 stgenevieveschool.us

St. Genevieve School invites and encourages members of all races, nationalities, and faiths that support our values and traditions to apply.

St. Mary’s Nativity School

Knowledge grows with faith and service St. Mary’s Nativity School in Raceland continues to demonstrate its faith through service. Every class has a different yearly service project. For example, our eighth grade students are remodeling an apartment for Chez Hope, a facility which serves victims of domestic violence. Faculty and students participate in Prayer Circles with parents and grandparents, and at the opening of school the faculty handed out bottles of holy water to parents as children were dropped off for school. Students from different grades also meet in “families” to bring Scripture to everyday life. But all of these service projects and faith activities do not interfere with our students’ pursuit of knowledge.

This year the students are making active use of iPads received through a grant. A portable iPad cart makes it possible for various classes to avail of this technology.

Classes are using apps to promote learning by taking practice quizzes as reviews, researching and becoming interactive learners. As an example, fourth grade is doing research, using Quizlet, and matching biblical quotes. History becomes interactive by “visiting” sites through Google Earth.

Because so much of their future will depend on our students being able to master computer skills and keyboarding, St. Mary’s started a basic lesson beginning with the PreK-4 students. The lessons become more comprehensive through fourth grade as students prepare for testing. Older students study writing on the computer.

Classes are using the computer lab for prescriptive evaluations through ALEKS, a site designed to both remediate weaknesses and enrich more advanced studies, all in mathematics. Standardized testing is now also being done on the computer. This Aspire/ACT test will give parents and teachers more individualized knowledge concerning their students’ growth.

Teachers also must renew their store of knowledge, and St. Mary’s takes advantage of multiple kinds of professional development. Several teachers received updates on the use of technology in the classroom through LACUE; others went to a summer workshop to further training and to receive St. Mary’s certification in VBRD (Value-Based Restorative Discipline). All teachers attended two workshops, one emphasizing how to use a more interactive environment with student groups and one workshop on writing skills.

We are growing kinder through service, stronger through faith, and wiser through knowledge.

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St. Mary’s Nativity School “Believe in Christ, Succeed with Christ and Achieve with Christ”

985-537-7544

2016 - 2017 In-House Registration February 15-19, 2016

St. Mary’s School is open to all students and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or ethnic origin.

New Student Registration February 29 March 4, 2016 3492 Nies Street • Raceland, Louisiana 70394

www.bayoucatholic.com

Catholic Schools Week

St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School Where students live life as Jesus would

As we celebrate the culmination of the 2015-2016 theme of Catholic Schools Week, “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service,” St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School (SJCES) in Thibodaux reflects on how they have lived out their mission: Communities of Faith As a school family, we profess our faith openly and invite others in our community to join us in worship, respect and prayer. Each morning a student led prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance echoes the halls of our buildings and can be heard by all passing near our school. A decade of the rosary is recited on Mondays over the intercom led by students in third through 70 seventh grades. Faculty members gather outside in the meditation garden for morning prayer and reflection, for wherever two or more are gathered in prayer, Our Lord is in our midst. On Friday mornings, we gather under one roof to sing and worship at our weekly liturgy to thank God for all of the blessings.

We are reminded that our school is a part of a larger faith community as we celebrate school sponsored liturgies at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral. The praying of the rosary in conjunction with Right to Life Sunday is yet another means for neighboring parishes to sing and pray together along the streets of Thibodaux reminding others of the importance of life from conception to natural death. Each child who attends SJCES becomes a member of the school family as well as a church parish member and community member. SJCES exists to educate the youth of the area spiritually and morally.

Communities of Knowledge Faculty members embrace the latest instructional strategies and integration of technology to ensure students are prepared young adults acclimated to the demands and rigor set for them globally.

Students learn to work together in small groups and communicate by expressing themselves verbally and in writing. Opinions, views and ideas are molded to help each child make sound decisions based on fact and truth. Academic excellence is a strength we continue to nurture. Community members as well as parents are invited to share their knowledge and wisdom with students as an outreach program.

Communities of Service Pro-social behavior and positive outcomes of interactions are being recognized and promoted at Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2016

a school level through our BEE-attitude and Pawsi-tive Prints recognition programs. Random acts of kindness and service to others is acknowledged and the recipients are pictured along the hallway on a paw print to recognize our jaguars for their kindness and compassion. Many school clubs such as 4-H, Builders Club and Student Council sponsor activities to promote service and giving to others whether it be 4-H caring crosses or Student Council Thanksgiving food and toiletry drives. The Builders Club members volunteer at community functions such as Bayou Country Children’s Museum’s Night at the Boo-seum, art classes make cards for patients at TRMC, religion classes participate in the Giving Tree project at the cocathedral, and monetary collections are taken for the missions in third world countries.

Local public, private and diocesan schools exercise good sportsmanship and healthy competition as our soccer, cross country, basketball, volleyball, and swim teams demonstrate team building while physically engaging in competitive sports activities with other students their age. This is another example of how our school lives out our mission. We promote social interaction in a safe, Catholic, Christ-centered environment.

St. Joseph Catholic Elementary family members continue to strive to live our lives as Jesus would, embracing each other and extending ourselves to those in need spiritually and physically.

OPEN HOUSE FOR NEW FAMILIES FEBRUARY 16th - 6:00 P.M.

Class visitation Wednesday, February 24th - 9:00 - 10:00 A.M.

Catholic Education Rooted in Faith

Continuing the Tradition of Providing a Quality Catholic Education since 1855

A Values-Oriented Curriculum Fostering Individual Growth Spiritually, Morally, Academically & Socially • Nationally Accredited by AdvancED • Committed to Academic Rigor and Technology Integration • Dedicated, caring, certified Faculty & Staff • State of the Art Library, Computer Lab & Promethean Classrooms • A.C.T./Aspire Assessment Program • Full-Day Pre-K for Four-Year-Olds • Daily Prayer & Weekly School Liturgies • Student Clubs, Sports Teams, Music/Band/Art Programs • Attention to Special Academic Needs • Optional Before & After School Care

St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School 501 Cardinal Drive • Thibodaux, LA 70301 (985) 446-1346 • FAX (985) 449-0760 stjoeelm@htdiocese.org • www.stjosephcesthibodaux.org St. Joseph C.E.S. does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, national, or ethnic origin and is open to students who share our values and traditions.

offered in early childhood classrooms. These provide an environment that nurtures a sense of order and selfdiscipline. They are given the freedom within the scope of daily lessons to develop physically, intellectually, and spiritually.

St. Gregory raises the bar each year in an effort to be better than the previous one. The principal and teachers were trained in high student engagement activities. Research shows that the more students are actively and meaningfully engaged in the classroom, the more they learn and the more fun they have doing it. At St. Gregory we focus on teaching for mastery.

Our goal is to ensure that each year students make progress and graduate from high school prepared to succeed in college and the modern work force.

The faculty and staff of St. Gregory Barbarigo believe that all students can learn. It is our responsibility to teach them in the way that they learn best. An extension of our ministry is provided through a Runners Club, a Royal Prayer Ministers Club, Yearbook Club and a Music Ministry. Our 4-H and BETA Clubs have won numerous awards at local and state levels for its many service projects throughout the school year and consistently over the past several years. At St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School, each child is seen as a gift and accepted whole-heartedly because children are truly gifts from God. You will find the following words on our entrance wall: “Be it known to all who enter here, that Christ is the reason for this school, the unseen but ever present teacher in its classes, the model of its faculty, the inspiration of its students.”

St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School Each child is seen as gift from God

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Building God’s Kingdom, One Child At A Time!

St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School

http://www.stgregorycatholic.org

New Student Registration!

February 29 March 9 Principal: Tonia Guidry Address: 441 Sixth Street Houma, LA 70364 Phone: (985) 876-2038 St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or national origin.

Before and Afterschool care

Speech Therapy

Accelerated Reader

iPad Technology for student use, Smart Boards in every classroom Vandebilt Elementary Band in grades 5th – 7th

Weekly Masses and daily religious instruction

Remediation and Enrichment through Moby Max Pro

Live Nativity and Passion Plays

Award winning BETA and 4-H Clubs Royal Ministers of Christ Club Cross Runners Club

Pre-K through 7th grade Positive, Nurturing, Family Environment

St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School in Houma is an educational ministry that strives to ensure through faith, knowledge and service, the Catholic Christian formation and academic success of all its students in a nurturing and caring environment. The Sisters of Notre Dame founded St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School in 1963. As a Catholic school, St. Gregory promotes the development of happy, responsible children who realize how God fits into everyday life. Children grow through classroom experiences, liturgical planning, participation in prayer and worship, and service to others. Students are given opportunities to express creatively their growing relationship to God. St. Gregory School recognizes the importance of the family unit.

Through the children, we reach out to families with the purpose of strengthening their faith and drawing them into the life of St. Gregory School. By fostering the development of good self-images and self-discipline, St. Gregory School reaches out to every aspect of growth: academic, spiritual, physical and social.

Our school follows ACT Aspire College Readiness Standards, which are aligned with the Common Core Curriculum. The ACT Aspire Standardized Test is given on-line to students in grades 3rd through 7th in math, reading, English, and science. Methodologies are employed in a safe, family oriented learning environment to meet the varied learning styles of students and to challenge them to reach their individual potential.

Instruction is not only differentiated, but literary strategies and high student engagement activities are utilized frequently throughout instruction.

Our technology program includes a computer lab, weekly computer classes, Smart Boards, document cameras, and multimedia projectors in all classrooms, a library with an electronic card catalog system, an portable cart of iPads, a web-based Accelerated Reader program, a web based Moby Max Pro program, and a web-based ALEKS Math program. We are in the process of researching the use of Kindle Fires in the classroom to better use the many web-based programs available.

Traditional pre-kindergarten and kindergarten are

www.bayoucatholic.com