From the Editor

From the Editor

Goodbye 2020; hello 2021

Let’s all do our part to make 2021 a better year!

Goodbye 2020; hello 2021. What a year 2020 was. It was a year filled with violence, despair, tragedies and social unrest. There was the killing of George Floyd which sparked both peaceful and violent protests in the streets of America. We were in the grips of a global pandemic for most of the year which claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people globally. Wildfires in the western states and hurricanes in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico states claimed lives and displaced thousands of people across the country. Add to the mix a national election that helped fuel a polarized nation and you have a recipe for a widening gap between political parties and their supporters.

Fortunately a vaccine has been developed which will hopefully save lives and begin to bring things back to some sense of normalcy in everyone’s lives. The vaccine will only work though if people choose to take it and continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the medical professionals until it can be controlled.

Perhaps Pope Francis has an answer for us concerning the growing divisions among people in the world today. His latest encyclical Fratelli tutti encourages everyone to promote fraternity through dialogue and renew society by putting love for others ahead of our personal interests.

It’s okay for people to disagree on issues. It’s always healthy to talk about our different opinions, likes, dislikes and points of view on national and international topics. We have the right to gather peacefully and make a stand for what we believe.

The problem comes in when we begin attacking people for what they believe or don’t believe. We should separate the issue from the individual. We are all created equal no matter what color our skin, nation we come from or our gender. We are created in the image and likeness of God.

In his encyclical the pope says, “It is also necessary to form a covenant between all members of society, rich and poor, which obliges everyone to give up some things for the common good.” Above all, he said we need to rediscover kindness.

Let’s use this new year as a spring board for a new start. I’m sure we can all think of someone who we could be a little kinder to. We all have lost friends who might not think the same way we do about things. How many more times will we avoid the opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with old friends, relatives or co-workers that we have lost touch with because of differences of opinions? Let’s make 2021 the year that we take that leap of faith and try to be better people.

Now for those who have racism, hatred or evil in their hearts, let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide them to the truth and the light which is Jesus Christ. Let us be inclusive in our daily prayers for the conversion of hearts and souls of those who are hardened by the evils of racism, injustice, hatred and all forms of social exclusion.

Remembering that we are led by the Holy Spirit and given gifts from the Spirit, we can make a difference in the world today. It is up to each one of us, led by the Spirit, to bring hope and love to a world that needs it desperately.

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

Sexual Abuse Claims in The Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans Bankruptcy

Regardless of how old you are today or when the sexual abuse occurred, you need to file your claim so that it is received by 5 p.m. (Central Time) on March 1, 2021.

The Archdiocese of New Orleans has declared bankruptcy. If you were sexually abused in connection with the Archdiocese, including schools, orphanages, parishes, or an affiliated ministry, you could receive compensation but you need to file a claim so it is received by March 1, 2021. Please read this notice carefully as it may impact your rights against the Archdiocese and Non-Debtor Catholic Entities and provides information about the case, In re: The Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans (Bankr. E.D. La.). This notice is a short summary. For more detail, including lists of names of clergy that have been identified in connection with sexual abuse claims, go to www.NOLAchurchclaims.com or call 1-877-476-4389.

Who Should File a Sexual Abuse Claim? Anyone who was sexually abused, on or before May 1, 2020, and believes the Archdiocese may be responsible

for the sexual abuse must file a claim. This includes sexual abuse in connection with any entity or activity associated with the Archdiocese, including schools, orphanages, parishes, or an affiliated ministry. Sexual Abuse Claims include, but are not limited to: sexual misconduct, touching, inappropriate contact, or sexual comments about a person or other behaviors that led to abuse, and regardless of whether you thought the behavior was sexual abuse or not.

When and How Should I File a Sexual Abuse Claim?

You should file a claim using the Sexual Abuse Survivor Proof of Claim so that it is received by March 1, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. (Central Time). If you do not file a timely Sexual Abuse Claim, you may lose rights against the Archdiocese and against Non-Debtor Catholic Entities, including any right to compensation. A list of Non-Debtor Catholic Entities is available at the website or by calling the toll-free number listed below. Only the Archdiocese is in bankruptcy. If you have a sexual abuse claim against any entity on that list, you may have a claim against the Archdiocese. Your information will be kept private. You can download and file a claim at the website or call the toll-free number listed below for help on how to file a claim by mail.

ACT NOW Before Time Runs Out:

WWW.

File a Sexual Abuse Survivor Proof of Claim.

Have questions? Call or visit the website for more information.

Your information will be kept private.

If your claim is approved, you may receive compensation from the bankruptcy.