From the Editor

From the Editor

Success amid distress

What a difference a year makes! Last year at this time under the directive of Governor John Bel Edwards, the State of Louisiana was under a lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people who were able, worked from home. Schools were closed and virtual learning became a reality. Our churches were closed to worshippers and parish priests began utilizing social media as a way to keep in touch with their parishioners by livestreaming Masses.

The diocesan Communications Office went into high gear to find ways to connect with the Catholic faithful across the diocese by filming Masses celebrated by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre and utilizing Facebook and the diocesan website as a means of communication. The Bayou Catholic did not publish a printed magazine last April but relied heavily on Facebook and its website to keep people informed on what was happening in parishes and throughout the diocese in forms of relief efforts for those who could not work and had no income nor the ability to provide food for their families.

Throughout the pandemic, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux worked closely with Second Harvesters Food Bank to set up food distribution sites all across the diocese supplying much needed food items to thousands of families.

In mid-June, a task force comprised of Catholic school administrators, medical health professionals, parents, school board members, and diocesan leadership, began working on a “Return to School Plan.”

The result of the plan was the opening of all Catholic schools in the diocese in the month of August. This could not have happened without the foresight and planning of all who were involved. This is indeed one of the greatest success stories to come out of the diocesan response to the pandemic. The dedication of the task force, Office of Catholic Schools, Catholic school administrators, teachers and staff, along with the parents and students have made this a remarkable accomplishment. It is an outstanding achievement to this day that no Catholic school in the diocese has had to close since the beginning of this school year because of the pandemic.

While we are not out of the woods yet, there is hope that this deadly virus can be controlled. Vaccines are being administered at a record rate. The number of people being infected and dying from the virus is decreasing. However, now is not the time to become lackadaisical when it comes to this deadly virus. Until we have established herd immunity in this country, we should continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines for safety. These guidelines include wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding large gatherings. It is also wise to get vaccinated when it’s your turn.

Unlike last year, our churches will be open for Holy Week and Easter celebrations this year. In addition to the churches being open, the Holy Week celebrations will be livestreamed for viewing for those who may still not feel comfortable celebrating Mass with a large group of people.

We have much to be thankful for in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre and our diocesan leaders’ response to the pandemic helped the Catholic faithful during some of our darkest days. Let us not forgot the lives of the loved ones that we have lost due to COVID-19. For many families this time in history will be remembered as one of pain and sorrow. There are also many left with lingering effects from the virus who find it difficult to function on a daily basis. There is still much we don’t know about how this virus attacks the human body and its after effects.

May this Easter season, which for us as Christians is our season of hope and joy, be a source of renewed hope for the world as we continue in our daily struggles.

In the very beginning of John’s Gospel, the prologue reads, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jesus’ resurrection is the victory of light over darkness, the victory of life over death, the victory of mercy over sin.

Let us use this Easter season to seek the light to guide us out of the darkness we encounter while we journey through life on earth.

Remember, after reading Bayou Catholic, pass it on to a friend or relative who might not be attending Mass. It’s one of the great ways to do your part in spreading the Good News. BC

Lawrence

Lawrence Chatagnier Editor & General Manager