Bayou Catholic Magazine February 2023

Bayou Catholic

Pope Benedict XVI: A ‘ humble pope’

On Our Cover

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died Dec. 31, 2022, at the age of 95. Cardinal Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger was elected pope on April 19, 2005, and took the name Benedict XVI. Eight years later, on Feb. 11, 2013, the 85-year-old shocked the world with the announcement that he was resigning from the papacy, the first pope to do so in almost 600 years. See pages 20-21 for more about this ‘humble pope.’

Columns

8 Message from our Administrator

By Very Rev. Patrick J. (P.J.) Madden

12 Pope Speaks

Pope Francis I

13 Questions of Faith

By Father Wilmer

Todd

14 Readings Between the Lines By Father Glenn

LeCompte

32 Overtime

By Ed Daniels

In Every Issue

6 Editor’s EyeView

16 Scripture Readings

22 Heavenly Recipes

26 Youth in Action

30 Daily Prayer for Priests, Deacons, Religious and Seminarians

Guest Columns

18 Operation Rice Bowl

By Chamon Williams

28 Remembering Sister Thea Bowman

By Christine Streams

Catholics Schools Week

35 Discover Catholic schools

By Mark Williams, Ed.D.

38 Work or ministry?

By Gerrie Byrne

41 Ministry of presence

By Very Rev. Jay L. Baker

42 Catholic schools ruined my life ... By Very Rev.

Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L.

Bayou Catholic

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 Houma-Thibodaux by the H-T Publishing Co., P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Subscription rate is $35 per year.

The BayouCatholicis a member of the Catholic Media Association, the National Newspaper Association and an associate member of the Louisiana Press Association.

Janet Marcel acting editor and general manager

Lawrence Chatagnier editorial consultant

April LeBouef business manager

Tisha Rachal graphic designer

Becky Thibodeaux accounting specialist

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Where to find your Bayou Catholic Bayou Catholic magazine can be found at all Catholic churches and Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. To pick up a copy, you may also visit the merchants who advertise in our issue. Those wishing to receive the magazine by mail can call Janet Marcel 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.org

As most of you already know, Lawrence Chatagnier has announced that he will be retiring at the end of March this year. At that time, I will become Bayou Catholic’s third editor and general manager, so I would like to help our readers get to know me.

I am a native of Schriever and lifelong parishioner of St. Bridget Church in Schriever. I graduated from H.L. Bourgeois High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux.

My daughter, Kelsi Mason, has been teaching at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma since 2013. I have a 13 year old grandson Carter, who is an eighth grader at Vandebilt; and a 20 year old step granddaughter, Alayna.

I began working for the diocese in October 1998 as administrative assistant for the Catholic Schools Office, a position I held until June 2016. In 2000, I began working parttime as proofreader for Bayou Catholic newspaper, and in August 2005, my responsibilities for the publication were expanded to staff writer. Yes, those three jobs kept me quite busy! In June 2016, I began working full-time for Bayou Catholic and my responsibilities increased.

I was blessed to work for Sister Immaculata (Mac) Paisant, M.S.C., who served as diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools for 24 years. Her extraordinary leadership, passion and dedication for Catholic education and Catholic schools in the diocese was commendable. She always expected me

Continuing the legacy ...

to put forth my best effort and working for someone with such a strong work ethic made me determined to work hard and learn whatever I needed to do to support her and the Catholic schools.

After Sister Mac retired, Marian Fertitta was appointed superintendent. Marian always encouraged me, believed in me and allowed me to grow. She gave me the confidence to trust that whatever I set my mind to, I could accomplish.

During the time I worked for Bayou Catholic, I learned so much from the founding editor Louis Aguirre. Louis was so knowledgeable about everything having to do with the Catholic press and the inner workings of the diocese. If those of us who worked for him didn’t know something, we always knew without a doubt that Louis would have the answer.

During the past six and a half years, I have had the pleasure of working side by side with my outgoing editor Lawrence. Lawrence’s unassuming presence and calm demeanor stand in stark contrast to the fast paced environment of publishing a magazine, making it a joy to work with him. Like his predecessor, he has a keen understanding of the Catholic media, and his knowledge of the Catholic Church always amazes me.

I am thankful I had the opportunity to work for these outstanding people, each with their own unique talents and abilities, who supported me and taught me so much about my faith and serving the church. I enjoyed working with school personnel, priests and lay people in the church parishes as well as the staff here in the Pastoral Center during my 24 plus years in the diocese and I hope to continue cultivating these relationships as we work together in my new role.

I am excited and ready to take on the challenge of leading the Bayou Catholic magazine into the future to inform, educate and inspire the faithful of the diocese. BC

Janet Marcel Acting Editor & General Manager

our lady of guadalupe honored

Very Rev. Simon Peter Engurait was the main celebrant at the Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 12, at Christ the Redeemer Church in Thibodaux. Father Maurino Salas was the homilist. The celebration included adults and children dressed in colorful attire and an outdoor procession. The Mass was followed by a reception with food and music.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Message from our Administrator

Very Rev. Patrick J. (P. J.) Madden

You are the light of the world

My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, February begins with the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus by his parents, Mary and Joseph, in the Temple, to fulfill the custom of the Jewish people of that time. It is known as Candlemas Day from the tradition of blessing candles and taking them home to represent that, for us, Christ is the light of the world. His presentation also reminds us that Jesus was truly human in nature, without losing his divine nature as Son of God. He is greeted by two prayerful people who had spent their lifetime praying to live to see him! On being allowed to hold Jesus in is arms, Simeon (the other was Anna), uttered these memorable words: “Now Lord, you may let your servant go in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation and the glory of your people!” After that, St. Luke tells us Jesus returned to his home in Nazareth, with his family, and “grew in wisdom and grace” (Luke 2:24-40).

As we leave Christmas behind, and recall our excitement at his birth, the visits of the shepherds and wise men to Bethlehem, may I ask, did you visit him and bring him the gift of your faith in his redeeming love? Did you bring him to your home in a heart filled with hope, after Communion at your Christmas Mass? Is he now the hidden guest at every meal, and the silent party to every conversation, which ensures that, at all times, others will sense his presence in your home and heart? This is the gift Christ, Mary and Joseph want us to take from their humble Nazarene home to ours each year! Jesus wants to be part of every aspect of our daily existence, lighting up our lives and blessing all our joys and sorrows, songs and sufferings, inviting us to turn everything to a prayer of thanksgiving for his blessing.

This is what is meant by the term “the domestic church!” With Christ present, each daily action and thought becomes a prayer and every member of the family, like Jesus in Nazareth, “grows in wisdom and grace!” How different life looks from this perspective!

Christ: He is demanding, certainly, but he alone can help you to savor the full meaning of life and enjoy peace of heart. You, dear parents, prepare the way of the Lord before your children. Bring them up with love and set a good example by living the principles you teach. And you, teachers and leaders of society, deepen your commitment to promoting the complete development of the human person, fostering in the young a deep sense of justice and of solidarity with the less fortunate. May you be, one and all, a light to the nations!”

As we move through Mardi Gras to Lent and onward to Easter, we watch our children grow gracefully, spring breakthrough with nature surprising us with new growth, and birdsong lifting us up in praise of our creating, loving God! We truly are “the light of the world.” And the world never needed this light more than now!

Saint John Paul II explained all this in a homily in Ukraine (yes that war torn country), much better than I can so let me quote his wonderful words:

“You, dear young people, be brave and free! Do not let yourselves be taken in by the deceptive mirages of an easy happiness. Follow the way of

Now there is a recipe for living out our faith to the full! And, of course, we don’t have to do this alone. Our parishes are there to support us with our Sunday Mass and many other ways. In this year of Eucharistic Renewal, we also find support investing in Jesus through the Blessed Sacrament during the week, even for a few moments. Pope Francis has invited us to pray for his intentions for February, which are “that parishes, placing Communion at the center, may increasingly become communities of faith, unity and welcome toward those most in need.” The parish is the family of the domestic churches of your homes. Communion leads to union in Christ and each other, and lights up our society with Christ’s presence.

As I conclude this reflection, I must also add a very personal note about our editor of many years, my dear friend, Lawrence Chatagnier. As he retires, I want you to join me in prayers of thanksgiving for his heroic service as photographer, recorder of events in our lives for posterity, and working for this magazine for 30 years. From my heart, Lawrence, thank you, and enjoy your well-earned rest. You have been such a blessing to our diocese. BC

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Our parishes are there to support us with our Sunday Mass and many other ways. In this year of Eucharistic Renewal, we also find support investing in Jesus through the Blessed Sacrament during the week, even for a few moments.

‘Ustedes son la luz del mundo’

Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, febrero comienza con la fiesta de la Presentación de Jesús por sus padres, María y José, en el Templo, para cumplir con la costumbre del pueblo judío de aquel tiempo. Esta se conoce como el Día de la Candelaria por la tradición de bendecir velas y llevarlas a casa para representar que, para nosotros, Cristo es la luz del mundo. Su presentación también nos recuerda que Jesús era verdaderamente humano por naturaleza, sin perder su naturaleza divina de Hijo de Dios. Él fue saludado dos personas orantes que habían pasado toda su vida rezando para vivir y poder verle. Simeón (la otra era Ana), al poder tener a Jesús en sus brazos, pronunció estas memorables palabras: “Ahora, Señor, puedes dejar que tu siervo se vaya en paz, porque mis ojos han visto tu salvación y la gloria de tu pueblo”. Después de esto, San Lucas nos cuenta que Jesús regresó a su casa de Nazaret, con su familia, y “crecía en sabiduría y gracia” (Lucas 2, 24-40).

Mientras dejamos atrás la Navidad y recordamos nuestra alegría por su nacimiento, las visitas de los pastores y los magos a Belén, me permito preguntarte: ¿le visitaste y le llevaste el regalo de tu fe en su amor redentor?

¿Le trajiste a tu casa con el corazón lleno de esperanza, después de la Comunión en tu Misa de Navidad?

¿Es ahora el invitado oculto en cada comida, y la parte silenciosa en cada conversación, que asegura que, en todo momento, los demás sentirán su presencia en tu casa y en tu corazón?

Este es el regalo que Cristo, María y José quieren que nos llevemos cada año de su humilde hogar nazareno al nuestro. Jesús quiere formar parte de todos los aspectos de nuestra existencia cotidiana, iluminando nuestras vidas y bendiciendo todas nuestras alegrías y penas, canciones y sufrimientos, invitándonos a convertirlo todo en una oración de acción de gracias por su bendición.

Esto es lo que significa el término “Iglesia doméstica”. Con Cristo

presente, cada acción y pensamiento cotidianos se convierten en oración y cada miembro de la familia, como Jesús en Nazaret, “¡crece en sabiduría y gracia!” ¡Qué diferente se ve la vida desde esta perspectiva! A medida que nos movemos de Mardi Gras a la Cuaresma y de ahí a la Pascua, vemos a nuestros hijos crecer con gracia, la primavera irrumpir con la naturaleza sorprendiéndonos con nuevos brotes y el canto de los pájaros elevándonos en alabanza a nuestro Dios creador y amoroso. Somos verdaderamente “la luz del mundo”. ¡Y el mundo nunca ha necesitado esta luz tanto como ahora!

Sigan el camino de Cristo: Él es exigente, ciertamente, pero sólo Él puede ayudaros a saborear el sentido pleno de la vida y a gozar de la paz del corazón. Ustedes, queridos padres, preparen el camino del Señor ante sus hijos. Edúquenlos con amor y den buen ejemplo viviendo los principios que enseñan. Y ustedes, educadores y responsables de la sociedad, profundicen en su compromiso de promover el desarrollo integral de la persona humana, fomentando en los jóvenes un profundo sentido de la justicia y de la solidaridad con los más desfavorecidos. Que sean, todos y cada uno, una luz para las naciones.

Esta sí que es una receta para vivir plenamente nuestra fe. Y, por supuesto, no tenemos que hacerlo solos. Nuestras parroquias están ahí para ayudarnos con la Misa dominical y de muchas otras maneras. En este año de Renovación Eucarística, también encontramos apoyo invirtiendo tiempo con Jesús en el Santísimo Sacramento durante la semana, aunque sea por unos momentos. El Papa Francisco nos ha invitado a rezar por sus intenciones para febrero, que son “que las parroquias, pongan en el centro la Comunión, sean cada vez más comunidades de fe, unidad y acogida hacia los más necesitados.”

La parroquia es la familia de las iglesias domésticas de sus hogares. La Comunión conduce a la unión en Cristo y entre nosotros, e ilumina nuestra sociedad con la presencia de Cristo.

Al concluir esta reflexión, debo añadir también una nota muy personal sobre nuestro editor de muchos años, mi querido amigo, Lawrence Chatagnier.

San Juan Pablo II explicó todo esto en una homilía en Ucrania (sí, ese país desgarrado por la guerra), mucho mejor de lo que yo puedo hacerlo, así que permítanme citar sus maravillosas palabras:

“¡Ustedes, queridos jóvenes, sean valientes y libres! No se dejen embabucar por los engañosos espejismos de una felicidad fácil.

Al jubilarse, quiero que se unan a mí en oraciones de acción de gracias por su heroico servicio como fotógrafo, registrador de acontecimientos de nuestras vidas para la posteridad, y por trabajar para esta revista durante 30 años. De corazón, Lawrence, gracias y disfruta de tu merecido descanso. Has sido una bendición para nuestra diócesis. BC

‘

‘ Nuestras parroquias están ahí para ayudarnos con la Misa dominical y de muchas otras maneras. En este año de Renovación Eucarística, también encontramos apoyo invirtiendo tiempo con Jesús en el Santísimo Sacramento durante la semana, aunque sea por unos momentos.

Binh luan bang loi

Anh chị em là ánh sáng của nhân loại

Anh chị em thân mến trong Chúa Kytô, tháng Hai khởi đầu Lễ Dâng Chúa Giêsu Trong Đền Thánh bởi cha mẹ Ngài, Maria và Giuse, để chu toàn bổn phận theo phong tục người Do Thái vào thời điểm đó. Thánh Lễ cũng được gọi là Lễ Nến, có nguồn gốc làm phép nến và đem về nhà để diễn đạt cho chúng ta thấy rằng Chúa Giêsu là ánh sáng cho thế gian. Dâng Ngài vào đền thờ cũng nhắc nhở chúng ta rằng Chúa Giêsu là người thật, nhưng không mất

đi thiên tính, là con Thiên Chúa. Ngài được chào thăm bởi hai người chăm chỉ cầu nguyện, mà hai người này dùng cả đời để cầu nguyện và mong gặp Ngài. Được bồng Chúa Giêsu trên tay ông

Simeon (người kia là bà Anna), nói lên những lời đáng ghi nhớ: “Lạy Chúa, bây giờ để cho tôi tớ Chúa đi bình an, vì mắt con đã nhận thấy ơn cứu độ và vinh quang của dân Người!” Sau đó, Thánh Sử Luca thêm Chúa Giêsu đã trở về nhà ở Nazarét, cùng gia đình, và lớn lên trong khôn ngoan và nhân đức” (Luca 2:24-40).

Giờ đây chúng ta để Mùa Giáng Sinh trong quá khứ, và gợi lại những giây phút rộn rã về ngày sinh nhật của Ngài, như sự thăm viếng của các mục đồng và những nhà khôn ngoan tới Bê lem, xin cho tôi hỏi, anh chị em có đem Chúa về nhà và dâng tặng cho Ngài món quà đức tin trong tình yêu cứu rỗi của Ngài không? Anh chị em có đem Ngài về nhà với tâm hồn tràn đầy niềm hy vọng, sau khi rước Mình Thánh Chúa sau Lễ Giáng Sinh không? Có phải bây giờ Ngài là người khách ẩn náu trong mỗi bữa ăn, và người thinh lặng trong

mỗi câu chuyện, mà đảm bảo rằng trong mọi tình thế, người khác sẽ cảm

nhận sự hiện diện của Ngài trong nhà và trong trái tim anh chị em? Đây là món quà mà Chúa Giêsu, Mẹ Maria và Thánh Giuse muốn chúng ta mang về từ gia đình khiêm nhường Nazarét cho chúng ta mỗi năm! Chúa Giêsu muốn là một phần trong mọi sự hiện hữu của chúng ta, thắp sáng lên cuộc sống của

chúng ta và ban ơn cho niềm vui và buồn bã, trong tiếng hát và đau khổ, mời gọi chúng ta hướng tất cả tới kinh nguyện tạ ơn cho những ân sủng Ngài.

Điều này có nghĩa là gì với danh xưng “Giáo hội tại gia.” Với sự hiện diện của Chúa Kytô, mỗi hành động và suy nghĩ trong ngày trở thành lời nguyện và mỗi phần tử trong gia đình, như Chúa Giêsu ở Nazarét, “lớn lên trong khôn ngoan và ân sủng!” Đời sống sẽ như thế nào với cái nhìn đó! Khi chúng ta đi qua

Các xứ đạo hiện diện bên cạnh để giúp đỡ chúng ta trong Thánh Lễ cuối tuần và nhiều cách thức khác nữa. Trong năm canh tân Thánh Thể này, chúng ta cũng được sự trợ giúp của Chúa Giêsu trong giờ chầu Thánh Thể trong tuần, hay chỉ trong giây lát.

ngày Lễ Ba Béo tới Mùa Vọng và hướng đến Phục Sinh, chúng ta nhìn con em lớn lên trong ơn thánh, mùa xuân đột phá với thiên nhiên làm chúng ta ngạc nhiên với sự đổi mới khác thường, và tiếng chim líu lo nâng tâm hồn chúng ta lên ca ngợi Chúa tình yêu và sáng tạo! Chúng ta thật là “ánh sáng cho thế gian.” Và thế giới cần ánh sáng này hơn bao giờ hết!

Thánh Gioan Phaolô Đệ Nhị dẫn giải trong bài giảng tại Ukraine (phải một quốc gia tang tóc vì chiến tranh), hay hơn mình có thể nên tôi xin dẫn chứng lời tốt đẹp của ngài:

“Các con, những bạn trẻ thân mến, hãy can đảm và yêu tự do. Không để cho mình bị chiếm đoạt do những ảo ảnh mờ ám hạnh phúc dễ tìm. Hãy đi theo con đường của Chúa Kytô: Ngài đòi hỏi, chắc chắn rồi, nhưng chỉ mình Ngài có thể giúp các con nếm đủ mùi

thơm đầy đủ ý nghĩa trong đời và cảm nhận trái tim an bình. Quý vị, các bậc làm cha mẹ, chuẩn bị hướng đi trước con mình. Nuôi nấng chúng trong tình yêu và làm gương bởi lối sống mà mình giáo dục. Và các giáo viên và các nhà lãnh đạo cộng đồng, đào sâu lòng kiên trì quảng bá đầy đủ bản năng phát triển nhân tính, rèn luyện cho giới trẻ cảm nhận sâu xa về công lý và tình nhân loại với người kém may mắn. Xin mọi người, từng người, là ánh sáng cho mọi dân tộc!”

Trong hiện tại chúng ta có công thức sống đức tin trọn vẹn! Và dĩ nhiên chúng ta không chỉ một mình sống cho tôn chỉ này. Các xứ đạo hiện diện bên cạnh để giúp đỡ chúng ta trong Thánh Lễ cuối tuần và nhiều cách thức khác nữa. Trong năm canh tân Thánh Thể này, chúng ta cũng được sự trợ giúp của Chúa Giêsu trong giờ chầu Thánh Thể trong tuần, hay chỉ trong giây lát. Đức Thánh Cha Phanxicô mời gọi chúng ta cầu nguyện theo ý chỉ ngài trong tháng hai như sau, “tất cả các xứ đạo, đặt Rước Mình Máu Thánh làm trung tâm, xin cho xứ đạo lớn lên trong đức tin, hợp nhất và hoan nghênh những ai cần giúp đỡ nhất.” Xứ đạo là gia đình của những cộng đồng Kytô tại gia. Rước Mình Máu Thánh đưa chúng ta đến Chúa Giêsu và người khác, và làm sáng lên cộng đồng nhân loại với sự hiện diện của Chúa Kytô.

Để kết thúc bài chia sẻ này, tôi cũng phải thêm một lời nói riêng nhắc về một chủ bút trong nhiều năm, bạn thân tình của tôi Lawrence Chatagnier. Giờ ông ấy về hưu, xin anh chị em cùng tôi dâng lời tạ ơn vì những công việc can đảm như nhiếp ảnh, ghi chép lại những sự kiện cho con cháu chúng ta, và làm việc cho tờ báo này trong 30 năm. Trong thâm tâm tôi, Lawrence, cảm ơn ông, và nghỉ ngơi xứng đáng với công mình nhé. Ông là sự chúc phúc cho giáo phận chúng ta. BC

Pope Francis: ‘We don’t have to be perfect to evangelize’

The Pope Speaks

By HANNAH BROCKHAUS (Vatican

At his weekly public audience, Francis reflected on Jesus’ calling of St. Matthew, then a tax collector, to follow him as one of his 12 apostles.

“Here is the message for us: We do not have to wait until we are perfect and have come a long way following Jesus to witness to him; no, our proclamation begins today, there where we live,” he said.

Speaking in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, Pope Francis emphasized that evangelization and proselytism are not the same.

“And it does not begin by trying to convince others, but by witnessing every day to the beauty of the love that has looked upon us and lifted us up,” he said.

Francis recalled a line from a homily given by Pope Benedict XVI at a meeting of Latin American and Caribbean bishops in Aparecida, Brazil, in 2007: “The church does not engage in proselytism. Instead, she grows by ‘attraction.’”

“Do not forget this,” Pope Francis added, calling Christians who proselytize “pagans dressed as Christians.”

The pope’s general audience message was the first in a new series

of catechesis, or teachings, on apostolic zeal.

“It is a vital dimension for the church,” he explained. “It can happen, however, that the apostolic ardor, the desire to reach others with the good news of the Gospel, diminishes.”

“When Christian life loses sight of the horizon of proclamation, it grows sick,” he continued, “it closes in on itself, becomes self-referential, it becomes atrophied. Without apostolic zeal, faith withers. Mission, on the other hand, is the oxygen of Christian life: It invigorates and purifies it.”

The pope said the way in which Jesus called St. Matthew to leave his former life behind is an example for Christians today.

He recalled that Matthew, as a tax collector for the Roman empire, would have been viewed by others as a “publican” and a traitor to the people.

“But in the eyes of Jesus, Matthew is a man, with both his miseries and his greatness,” he said.

Jesus, Francis emphasized, does not see someone as the “adjectives” which are used to describe him or her, but as a person.

“We can ask ourselves: How do we look upon others? How often do we see their faults and not their needs; how often do we label people by what they do or think,” he said. “Even as Christians we say to ourselves: Is he one of us or not? This is not the gaze of Jesus: He always looks at each person with mercy, actually, with predilection.”

“And Christians,” Pope Francis said, “are called to do as Christ did, looking like him, especially at the socalled ‘distant ones.’ Indeed, Matthew’s account of the call ends with Jesus saying, ‘I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’” BC

Pope Francis stops to pray before an image of Our Lady and the Child Jesus during his weekly general audience.

City CNA) We do not have to be perfect already to live in a way that gives witness to Christ and attracts others to him, Pope Francis said on Wednesday.

Questions of Faith

Dictation or inspiration?

I am participating in a Bible study class. Some others in the class believe that the stories in the Bible are meant to be taken literally. Is this true? How should I respond to them?

It is important that we make a distinction between dictation and inspiration. When an executive dictates a letter to a secretary, every word has to be taken down accurately. St. Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Notice Paul says “inspired” not “dictated.”

God has inspirited the human authors to write an important message for the people so they can grow in their faith. They have to decide what is the best type of literature to use to deliver this message. They can use stories, prophecies, songs, parables, historical narratives, poems, etc.

The grace of inspiration does not exempt the writers from personal effort, nor does it ensure the perfection of their work from a literary or artistic point of view. Without losing anything of their personal lives, their liberty, or even their spontaneity, the human authors become the interpreters of God. This is the most comprehensive notion of divine inspiration.

A problem we often have to deal with is the wording of Scripture. The biblical descriptions of our world use the language of a “three-story universe” to describe God’s message. This is the only

reality that the biblical authors knew. With our Copernican understanding of space and time, we know our dwellingplace is not a flat earth with four corners held up by pillars. God is not above the bright blue sky with his feet resting on the earth. The dead do not descend into Hades or hell in the lower parts of the earth. The earth is not the center of the universe.

We can appreciate the logic of the Hebrew cosmology. If a watery chaos threatens us from all sides, then we would need a solid sky to hold back these dangerous seas. If the sky is a solid dome, then it will need pillars to support it. If the earth is a flat disc floating on “the deep” then it would make sense for it to have some support to hold it in place. Talking about the universe as a three-storied reality is meaningless to modern society.

Another problem is that we insult God who created the cosmos and all of reality when we believe that the almighty is “dictating” a misunderstanding of our universe. What kind of God is that? Heaven is not up or hell down. God is all knowing and would not lead us astray.

Once we understand that heaven is not above the clouds, we have to ask ourselves, “Is heaven a place or is it a dimension of reality that we cannot see?” Heaven is basically being with God, and God is everywhere. Maybe our loved ones who have died are not far from us praying that we will overcome our sinfulness and join them.

In the Old Testament, God is

portrayed as a cosmic architect. Isaiah asks, “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span?” (40:12). God challenges Job with the famous question, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Who determined its measurements or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone” (38:4)?

The Genesis accounts of creation are primarily concerned with the meaning and purpose of God’s creative work and not with precise scientific details of how it was accomplished. We look to the science of genetics to answer the scientific question of when human life begins and to the Bible for revelational answers concerning the value and purpose of human life.

The question that we should ask is not whether the story is true, but what is the truth of the story? BC

Father Wilmer Todd

Reflections

Readings Between the Lines

Jesus’ words on ‘The Sermon on the Mount’ can be difficult to put into practice

If you read the New American Bible (the English translation of the Bible for the Catholic Church in the United States) you will see at the beginning of chapter 5 of Matthew’s Gospel the title, “The Sermon on the Mount,” a title given to a lengthy speech (Matthew 5:1-7:29) Jesus is depicted as delivering to his disciples and to the crowds. The Sermon on the Mount is the first of five sizeable discourses (see also Matthew 10:1-11:1; 13:1-53; 18:119:1; 24:1-26:1) Jesus speaks in the course of Matthew’s story. By collecting much of Jesus’ teaching material in these speeches, Matthew presents Jesus as the great teacher of Israel, in comparison to Luke who casts him as the most significant prophet of all. Yet Matthew’s Jesus also offers instruction for the crowds and his disciples in the midst of the narrative of Matthew’s story.

I focus in this article on the Sermon on the Mount because on the first three Sundays of this month the Gospel reading will be taken from it. The first passage from the Sermon was on Sunday, Jan. 29, when we heard Matthew’s introduction to the Sermon and Jesus’ teaching the Beatitudes (Matthew 1:1-12a). What is the aim of this speech?

Prior to Matthew chapter 5, Jesus embarks upon a mission of preaching and healing in Galilee, a mission which wins him the acclaim of a multitude. In addition, he calls four fishermen to leave their professions behind to follow him (4:18-22). Jesus is now in a position to offer the newly-called disciples and the crowds his teaching about the kingdom.

Jesus’ ascent of a mountain to teach is not only meant to enable the crowd to hear him. His delivering this speech upon a mountain has powerful symbolism and suggests something about how we should understand the

discourse. The mountain is reminiscent of the one Moses ascended to receive the Sinai Law. In the course of the Sermon, Jesus will present a deeper understanding of the Jewish Law in six “antitheses” (5:21-48), each in the following form: 1) “You have heard it was said ... ” 2) quote from the Law, 3) “But I say to you ... ” 4) Jesus’ deeper insight on the particular law. By daring to put his own insight on par with the original law, as J.P. Meier (The Vision of Matthew, p. 64) says, “Jesus stands where God stands ... a higher status could not be imagined.” Upon completion of Jesus’ speech, the crowd is astonished at the authority he assumes as he speaks (7:28-29). This suggests that when it comes to interpretation of the Law, Jesus does speak authoritatively. Nevertheless, Jesus states clearly that his intention is to fulfill rather than abolish the Law and the Prophets (5:17).

The key statement in the entire Sermon is “ ... unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (5:20). What is the nature of the scribes’ and Pharisees’ righteousness, and what more is Jesus

suggesting? The scribes and Pharisees Jesus has in mind here (not all of them) are focused on literal fulfillment of the Law, which in itself is not bad. One must, however, fulfill the heart of the law, not just its specific requirements. Later examples in Matthew’s story of the limited righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees are those in which the religious leaders confront Jesus or his disciples about engaging in prohibited Sabbath activities, such as plucking heads of grain and healing (12:1-8, 9-14). Jesus asserts that the actions that either he or his disciples take are necessary goods which supersede the Sabbath work laws.

In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus demonstrates what he means by “the greater righteousness” by means of the antitheses. The Jewish Law forbids killing, but refraining from killing one with whom we are in contention is not enough. We must address the underlying attitude which causes us to hold the person in contempt and strive for reconciliation with the person (5:21-26). On Feb. 12, we will not only hear the text of the first antithesis (on anger) but also those on adultery (5:27-30),

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Father Glenn LeCompte

divorce (5:31-33, except in the case of unlawful marriages) and on taking oaths (5:33-37).

In the readings for Feb. 20, the greater righteousness will entail refraining from retaliation (5:38-42), and instead responding with service toward those who wrong us. In another example superior uprightness involves doing good to and praying for enemies rather than harming them (5:43-48). Why is loving one’s enemies a greater form of righteousness? The answer is that such behavior imitates God, who loves and bestows blessings upon all

are truly children of the Father, which means that we imitate God’s goodness, for example, when we love our enemies.

In chapter 6, Jesus will expound the greater righteousness in the three pillars of Jewish piety: Almsgiving (6:1-4), prayer (6:5-15) and fasting (6:16-18). Jesus teaches his audience that sincerity should be at the heart of people’s intention when engaging in these practices. Almsgiving and fasting should be done quietly and unnoticeably. Prayer should consist of a simple and direct address of God rather than trying to win God’s favor by

them treat us (7:12). Jesus concludes the Sermon with two warnings. First, do not be deceived by those who distort the view of faith (“false prophets”) Jesus has presented to them (7:1520). Secondly, hearing his words is not sufficient; they must be put into practice (7:21-23). The call to live Jesus’ words will be heard several more times as Matthew’s story unfolds during this liturgical year. BC

Reflection Questions

v What are some examples you can

and a listing of Feast days and saints

Saintly Inspiration St. Josephine Bakhita February 8th

On Feb. 8, the church commemorates the life of St. Josephine Bakhita, a Canossian Sister who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Sudan.

Josephine Bakhita was born in 1869, in a small village in the Darfur region of Sudan. She was kidnapped while working in the fields with her family and subsequently sold into slavery. Her captors asked for her name but she was too terrified to remember so they named her “Bakhita,” which means “fortunate” in Arabic.

Retrospectively, Bakhita was very fortunate, but the first years of her life do not necessarily attest to it. She was tortured by her various owners who branded her, beat and cut her.

In her biography she notes one particularly terrifying moment when one of her masters cut her 114 times and poured salt in her wounds to ensure that the scars remained.

“I felt I was going to die any moment, especially when they rubbed me in with the salt,” Bakhita wrote.

She bore her suffering valiantly though she did not know Christ or the redemptive nature of suffering. She also had a certain awe for the world and its creator.

“Seeing the sun, the moon and the stars, I said to myself: ‘Who could be the master of these beautiful things?’ And I felt a great desire to see him, to know him and to pay him homage.”

Holy Father’s prayer intentions February

After being sold a total of five times, Bakhita was purchased by Callisto Legnani, the Italian consul in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan.

Two years later, he took Bakhita to Italy to work as a nanny for his colleague, Augusto Michieli.

He, in turn, sent Bakhita to accompany his daughter to a school in Venice run by the Canossian Sisters.

Bakhita felt called to learn more about the church, and was baptized with the name “Josephine Margaret.” In the meantime, Michieli wanted to take Josephine and his daughter back to Sudan, but Josephine refused to return.

The disagreement escalated and was taken to the Italian courts where it was ruled that Josephine could stay in Italy because she was a free woman.

Slavery was not recognized in Italy and it had also been illegal in Sudan since before Josephine had been born.

Josephine remained in Italy and decided to enter Canossians in 1893. She made her profession in 1896 and was sent to Northern Italy, where she dedicated her life to assisting her community and teaching others to love God.

She was known for her smile, gentleness and holiness.

For parishes. We pray that parishes, placing communion at the center, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome toward those most in need.

See www.apostleshipofprayer.org

She even went on record saying, “If I were to meet the slavetraders who kidnapped me and even those who tortured me, I would kneel and kiss their hands, for if that did not happen, I would not be a Christian and religious today.”

St. Josephine was beatified in 1992 and canonized shortly after on October 2000 by Saint John Paul II. She is the first person to be canonized from Sudan and is the patron saint of the country. BC

Operation Rice Bowl: Be a visible representation of Christ

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35).

When we participate in the Catholic Relief Services’(CRS) Rice Bowl Campaign during the Lenten season, we are a visible representation of the Matthew 25:35 Scripture. Catholic Relief Services’ Rice Bowl campaign is the Lenten program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Lent is a liturgical season to direct our focus on the three spiritual pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. During this 40-day journey of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending with Holy Week, we are encouraged to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection through sacrifice and spiritual reflection.

CRS Rice Bowl supplies the tools we need in one tiny cardboard box to pray, learn and make a difference. The CRS Rice Bowl website, https:// www.crsricebowl.org/, provides an opportunity to connect our prayers to concrete examples of Catholic social teaching exemplified through stories of families from Honduras, the Philippines, and Kenya who are overcoming hunger and the impacts of climate change. This year CRS will teach about the root causes of hunger and how families, with the support

of faith communities like ours, are ensuring they have nutritious food to thrive.

Our community will learn about our Gospel call to care for our home so we can respond to global issues such as hunger and malnutrition and push back on climate change.

This Lent when we make the conscious decision to bring our lunch to work or skip visiting our local coffee shop so that we can give those few dollars to CRS Rice Bowl, we are supporting poor and vulnerable countries with 75 percent of those

funds. In addition, the remaining 25 percent of the funds stay within the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux to assist with social ministries that serve those in need in local parishes.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux has participated in the CRS Rice bowl for decades. Please join us in continuing this beautiful spiritual tradition supporting the fight against hunger and climate change here at home and abroad.

(Chamon Williams is the executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.) BC

Guest Columnist

Chamon Williams

People attending Benedict XVI’s funeral recall their personal memories of a ‘humble pope’

By COURTNEY MARES

(Vatican City CNA) Catholics from Germany, France, Ghana, India, Australia, Uganda, and many more countries who attended the funeral Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on Jan. 5 have shared their favorite memories of the late pope and why some decided to join in the chants of “santo subito” at the end of the ceremony.

More than 50,000 people attended the funeral for the pope emeritus, who died at the age of 95 on Dec. 31, 2022.

Among those in the crowd for the funeral was Arthur Escamila, who got to know Benedict XVI personally during the 2008 World Youth Day in Australia.

“It was emotional seeing the coffin coming out of the basilica,” he told CNA.

Escamila, a numerary from Opus Dei, recalled how Benedict XVI rested for a few days in the Opus Dei center in Sydney where he was living at the time.

“I had the privilege of living together with him for three days in Sydney in 2008 just before World Youth Day. We spent three days together. I attended his Mass. I ate with him. I listened to music with him,” he said.

Benedict XVI was “very humble” and “approachable,” Escamila remembered. “From the beginning he learned my name. He addressed me by my first name and I was very impressed by that.”

“My father had recently died. He was interested in that and asked me questions about my father, my family. He wanted to know about his illness. So I was personally touched,” he said.

“So his death meant a lot because it was closing a chapter

where I knew the pope emeritus personally and had a connection with him that was personal.”

Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the archbishop of Bombay, also spoke about his personal memories of Benedict XVI.

The cardinal, who traveled from India for the funeral, told CNA that he found the funeral “very moving” and a “fitting farewell for the Holy Father Emeritus.”

“He was a great theologian, the greatest of the 20th

a

Vatican Media

Arthur Escamila meets Pope Benedict XVI during the pope’s trip to World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, July 15–20, 2008.

CourtneyMares/CNA

Tabea Schneider (far left) with a group of pilgrims who traveled 20 hours by bus from Cologne, Germany, to attend the funeral of Pope Benedict XVI on Jan. 5, 2023, in St, Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

century, I think. I personally ... whenever I read any article, any book, any homily of his I always got a new insight into theology or spirituality. His was a great contribution for the church,” Gracias said.

The Indian cardinal also expressed gratitude for the many ways that the former pope touched his life: “He created me cardinal. He appointed me archbishop of Bombay … and we met often. I was on the committee for the translation of liturgical texts and so we discussed much there.”

Father Albert Musinguzi from Uganda said that he felt “deep spiritual joy” at the funeral, especially because it was the first Mass he had ever concelebrated at the Vatican.

“Although we have lost a great man, we are not mourning. We are celebrating a spiritual giant, a great man, a gift to the church and to the entire world because Pope Benedict was a man not only for the church but for the entire world,” he said.

The priest from Uganda’s Archdiocese of Mbarara, currently studying in Rome, said that he believes that the late pope emeritus is a saint.

“Pope Benedict was a humble pope, but a great theologian. We have learned from his humility to approach God from the Word of God. But what I like most from his preaching is that God and science are not opposed to each other … And what touched me most recently in the life of Pope Benedict XVI were his last words,” Musinguzi said.

“As we know Pope Benedict was 95 years old, so for 71 years he has given homilies and innumerable essays. He has written 66 books, three encyclicals, four exhortations, and he has summarized all of them in four words, which were his last four words: ‘Jesus, I love you.’”

Tabea Schneider traveled 20 hours by bus from Cologne, Germany, with many other enthusiastic German pilgrims who spontaneously decided to come to Rome for the funeral. She said that she was very moved when Pope Francis touched the coffin of Benedict XVI.

“It was a very emotional moment,” she said.

A group of approximately 65 people from all across France traveled together to Rome for Benedict’s funeral.

The Famille Missionnaire de Notre-Dame, a men and women’s religious community, organized two buses.

After the funeral, the group prayed the Liturgy of the Hours outside St. Peter’s Square for the repose of the soul of Benedict XVI.

Sister Maksymiliana Domini, originally from Poland, told CNA the group arrived on Tuesday evening and will depart the night of the funeral.

“We love Pope Benedict,” she said, adding that they wanted to honor him and his legacy.

The Famille Missionnarie de Notre-Dame, she said, feels very close to Benedict because of their shared love for the Church’s liturgy and for an interpretation of the Second Vatican Council in the hermeneutic of continuity.

“We are 100 percent aligned with him spiritually,” Domini said.

Father Anthony Agnes Adu Mensah from Accra, Ghana, said that he enthusiastically joined in the chants of “santo spirito” at the end of the Mass.

“I feel in my heart that Pope Benedict is a saint,” the priest said. BC

CourtneyMares/CNA

Father Albert Musinguzi (second from right) with other priests and deacons at the funeral of Pope Benedict XVI on Jan. 5, 2023, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

AlanKoppschall/EWTN

Father Anthony Agnes Adu Mensah from Accra, Ghana, (left) with a seminarian from his diocese at the funeral of Pope Benedict XVI on Jan. 5, 2023, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

AlanKoppschall/EWTN

Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the archbishop of Bombay, speaks about his personal memories of Benedict XVI at the pope’s funeral on Jan. 5, 2023, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

PopPop’s Macaroni and Cheese

In this month’s Heavenly Recipes, Mark Williams, Ed.D., diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools, shares PopPop’s Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a dish he prepares for many different family occasions.

This recipe comes from his fiancé Kirsch Wilberg’s father, whom they affectionately refer to as PopPop. Mark and his fiancé met at a retreat in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, while they were both serving as principals there. Kirsch currently serves as principal of Holy Name of Jesus School in New Orleans.

“PopPop loved to cook for teacher professional development days, and whenever he made this, all the teachers and administrators would say that it was the best macaroni and cheese they ever ate. And one day, I told Kirsch, ‘I have to learn how to make this.’ So he taught me how to make it and I’ve been making it ever since.”

Mark grew up on the Westbank of New Orleans near the small town of Crown Point.

He says he first learned to cook from his parents and brother. “My dad, mom and brother are all extraordinary cooks. I was the worst cook. But I learned how to cook from just being around them. And when you live in south Louisiana … I grew up on the bayou … I learned how to boil seafood when I was 12 years old.”

Now, he says he cooks for himself as often as he can.

Mark has a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and a doctorate in education. He is a product of the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and has served in Catholic schools as a state certified teacher, football and track coach, department a

Story by Janet Marcel | Photos by Kirsch Wilberg

Mark Williams

PopPop’s Macaroni & Cheese

Ingredients:

1 stick of butter

24 oz. of penne pasta (regular, wheat, gluten-free – whichever is preferred)

32 oz. blended cheese

32 oz. sharp cheddar cheese

2 lbs. peeled shrimp

1 can evaporated milk

2 eggs

Baking Instructions:

Butter bottom and sides of a 15 X 11 pan. Boil pasta to desired tenderness, drain and wash. Mix evaporated milk with 2 eggs, then whisk vigorously. Layer 1/2 of cooked pasta on bottom of pan. Layer all mixed cheese over the first pasta layer. Layer shrimp over mixed cheese. Layer 1/2 of the cooked pasta over mixed cheese. Layer sharp cheddar cheese over second layer of cooked pasta. Pour evaporated milk and egg mixture evenly over surface. Place butter slices equally/ symmetrically over surface. Bake at 375 degrees for 35-45 minutes.

chair, dean, assistant principal, state certified principal, and associate superintendent. Mark enjoyed teaching and has taught a variety of subjects including ELA, social studies, world geography, western civilization, 20th century history, and most recently, 8th grade reading.

He says what he originally saw himself being was a head football coach in one of the Catholic high schools in New Orleans. “I was always very competitive. I loved to compete, and I think that’s what drew me to coaching. But I never got a chance to do that because I ended up becoming a principal.”

Mark says his experience as superintendent of the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux so far has been a good one. “We have a very good group of school leaders; that is the key. They are all dedicated to their schools and to their communities. What has been challenging … but is actually a gift from God … is that we are currently completing an international accreditation process, which is a self-study of eight different areas that have to be evaluated and we have to provide evidence of effectiveness in each of those areas. And, what’s exciting is that we are the first school district in the United States to go through this new type of accreditation process.” BC

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Youth in action

Alexander Duplantis

School: St. Genevieve Catholic School, Thibodaux

Grade: 7th

Church Parish: St. Genevieve, Thibodaux

Family Unit: Alicia, mother; Eric, father; Ashtyn, Isabella, siblings

Favorite Hobby: Martial arts, reading & fishing

Favorite Movie: Avatar: The Way of Water

Favorite TV Show: Cobra Kai

Favorite Genre of Music: Christian Rock

Are you grateful that your parents chose a Catholic education for you? Why?

I feel very blessed and grateful that my parents chose a Catholic education for me, which I have experienced since the age of five. In my opinion, this was the best thing my parents could have ever done for me.

I believe that my Catholic education has helped to strengthen my moral values and beliefs. I can attend weekly Mass, at school, with my classmates. The subject of religion is just as important as the other subjects and is part of my school day, which allows more time in the evenings for studying, extracurricular activities and other things. We are not only graded in major subjects, we are also evaluated in areas of Christian growth and work study skills, which show me areas where I can make improvements. Every day begins with a prayer, which puts me in a good frame of mind for the day. I also have the opportunity to volunteer during the school day, through my school job, which has taught me responsibility and a good work ethic. The Catholic school I attend also has a great program, the Buddy Program, which

pairs kindergartners with seventh graders. Now that I have experienced both roles, I can say that it is a valuable learning and teaching experience. The kindergartner has a role model to teach him or her all about the school and church experience. The seventh grader learns leadership and how to be a good Christian mentor. The teachers make learning interactive and fun for me. At my school, I have made friends who share the same values as me, both faith based and interest based. It also offers a high-value education that will prepare me for a bright future in the field of my choice. I am hopeful that my Catholic education will help me to become a role model to others and to be a good citizen overall. My future plans are to attend a Catholic high school, where I plan to participate in programs that will provide me with opportunities for service in my community and my church. I believe this will provide me with a solid academic and spiritual foundation, which will prepare me for what I believe will be a promising future. BC

Seminarian eDucation burSeS

Seminarian Spotlight

Ethan Henry

St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish, Thibodaux

n Where are you studying and in what year of your studies are you?

I am currently studying at the St. Joseph’s House of Formation. This is my first year of seminary, which is called the Propaedeutic Year. This is a part of seminary formation the church has just put into action, and its purpose is to give guys like me who have had no seminary formation a great foundation. This way, the transition to Notre Dame Major Seminary in New Orleans will be one I am ready for. As well, the Propaedeutic Year gives me the opportunity to get to know the community I will hopefully be serving.

n Who is your favorite saint & why?

My favorite saint is Saint Peter because he was able to come back from denying Christ to become the first pope. He shows that no matter what happens, we can always come back from a mistake.

n What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

The best advice I’ve ever gotten is to do what you love, because that is what you will do best and what will make you happy. That advice was given to me by my dad, and that is part of what led me to apply to seminary.

DiD you know?

Seminarian eDucation coS tS on average $45,000 a year for eight yearS

Seminarian enDowmentS can be nameD enDoweD funDS/burSeS

each year intereS t earneD from the enDowmentS are granteD to the DioceSe to cover annual coS tS of their eDucation.

catholic founDation of South louiSiana manageS Seminarian enDowmentS for the DioceSe

a ll complete D S eminarian e D ucation b ur S e S can be viewe D online at www . ht D ioce S e . org / vocation S

For more information contact the Catholic Foundation at 985-850-3116 or aponson@htdiocese.org

Remembering

Sister Thea Bowman, F.S.P.A., (Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration) who dedicated her life to spreading the joy of the Gospel and promoting cultural awareness and racial reconciliation, is one of six Black Catholics currently on the road to sainthood. She was also a founding faculty member of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies (IBCS) at Xavier University in New Orleans.

I had the privilege of being present in several of her lectures at the Institute while I was a participant in the Master of Theology Program in the 1980s.

I learned more about Black spirituality, Gospel music and how to interpret it from her.

When Sister Thea was with us it was a conference type gathering. She used Gospel music and Scripture when she spoke to us.

We were going through the process of education and formation. Both are very much needed in ministry. We were learning about evangelization and catechesis, all through music and word.

Sister Thea would have conversations with us regarding being Black and Catholic.

She would tell us to minister with your entire mind, body and soul; use all of the gifts that God gave you; be proud of who and what you are. To be Black and Catholic means to get in touch with the world church. That is to get in touch with each other, to pray and work together, to take care of each other … to do as Jesus did.

We would also engage in conversation with Sister Thea about Black leadership in the church. Education and formation are needed. Even with education and formation, many are not accepted at the table. Many have not

only the education and the formation, but they also have the experience, and are still not included in the decision making.

Attending IBCS, I saw and see the Catholic Church with new eyes. I see very little African American Catholic leadership. I don’t blame the church, for we as African American Catholics must step into leadership. We are servants of God, also. We must take our place and serve. We have gifts, God given gifts. You are never too old or too young to serve the Lord. We need to encourage our children in our parish school of religion programs, speak to parents about their children serving in the church, their sons becoming priests, their daughters becoming religious nuns, or young men becoming deacons.

One of the many things I learned from Sister Thea and the professors at IBCS is that there is no one program that fits all. Because of “who and whose we are,” our needs are different. We have different relationships with our creator and savior.

As Pope Francis says, “A shepherd should smell their sheep.” The only way that will happen is for us to go among those whom we are ministering. Socialize, listen to their stories, and find out what are their pastoral needs. Encourage those that we are serving to

come and join us in ministry. Ask them to pray and listen to/for God’s calling.

I highly recommend that those in leadership and those who serve in the Black Catholic community attend IBCS. Attend the program and live on campus. You will learn and experience life not only from your Catholic faith, but spiritually. The education will open your eyes not only to serving the Black community, but also to serving in diverse communities.

The Institute for Black Catholic Studies offers a Master of Theology program or a Continuing Education or Enrichment program.

Master of Theology Program

The theology program is taught from a Black Catholic perspective. It is set in the context of IBCS academic prayer, worship and community life. The degree program forms students for theologically and culturally competent service as ordained, religious or lay ecclesial ministers in the Black community or the church at large.

The Continuing Education and Enrichment program

This program provides lifelong learning and spiritual formation for clergy, pastoral leaders and others who minister with Black communities or serve in multicultural communities.

(Christine Streams is the diocesan liaison for Black Catholic Ministry.) BC

Christine Streams

Guest Columnist

Sister Thea Bowman

Sister Thea Bowman, F.S.P.A.

February Daily Prayer

for Priests, Deacons, Religious and Seminarians

Daily Prayer for Clergy and Religious

Lord Jesus, hear our prayer for the spiritual renewal of bishops, priests, deacons, brothers, sisters, lay ministers and seminarians of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. We praise You for giving their ministry to the Church. In these days, renew them with the gifts of Your Spirit.

You once opened the Holy Scriptures to Your disciples when You walked on this earth. Now renew Your ordained and chosen ones with the truth and power of Your Word.

In Eucharist you gave Your disciples renewed life and hope. Nourish Your consecrated ones with Your own Body and Blood. Help them to imitate in their lives the death and resurrection they celebrate around Your altar.

Give them enthusiasm for the Gospel, zeal for the salvation of all people, courage in leadership and humility in service.

Give them Your love for one another and for all their brothers and sisters in You. For You love them, Lord Jesus, and we love and pray for them in Your Holy Name, today especially for _______________________. Amen.

Rev. Brice Higginbotham

Rev. Stuart King Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, STL Rev. Michael Bergeron, retired

Msgr. Frederic Brunet, retired Deacon Douglas Authement, retired Rev. Domingo Cruz, retired Rev. Dean Danos, retired Rev. Wilfredo Decal, retired Rev. Scott Dugas, retired Rev. Roch Naquin, retired

Rev. Mr. Davis Ahimbisibwe

Rev. Ty Nguyen, retired Rev. Charles Perkins, retired

Rev. Caesar Silva, retired Rev. Wilmer Todd, retired Rev. Jerry Villarrubia Jr., retired

Deacon Daniel Bascle, retired

Very Rev. Patrick J. (P.J.) Madden

Very Rev. Jay L. Baker Rev. Paul Birdsall Rev. Rusty Bruce Rev. Toto Buenaflor Jr.

Deacon Gerald Belanger, retired Sister Mary John of the Cross Trang Luu, FMSR

Rev. Duc Bui Rev. Stephen Castille Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs

Overtime

Ed Daniels

The offseason conjecture regarding the New Orleans Saints has kicked off, in earnest.

Dennis Allen is returning, but after that, the laundry list of questions is extensive.

From who’s calling the plays, to what draft picks the Saints will receive in compensation if Sean Payton, as expected, returns to the NFL as a head coach.

What about soon to be free agent Marcus Davenport, a player head coach Dennis Allen clearly covets, but the Saints may not be able to afford?

Can the Saints still have an impactful draft, if they don’t have a first round pick?

All good questions.

But, in the offseason, Dennis Allen has to answer this question, or all the other questions don’t really matter, and he likely won’t be around to answer those questions next year.

Who is the quarterback?

There’s no sugar coating it. The Saints can lament their inability to

The Saints have to get

close out games, but it boils down to one thing. Do they have the quarterback to close them out?

The numbers don’t lie.

In Drew Brees’ final season, the Saints averaged 30.1 points per game.

In 2021, that number was 22 points a game. A year later, 19.4 points a game. When you are averaging 19.4 points a game, it is hard to win games, much less close them out.

The Saints used to be one of the most exciting teams in the NFL. But, two years after the departure of Brees, New Orleans scored 20 points or less in 9 of 17 regular season games.

The free agent crop of signal callers isn’t stellar.

It could include San Francisco’s Jimmy Garappolo, but even if it does, he will be asking for a king’s ransom. The draft could yield the Saints a surprise stellar passer in rounds two or three, but that is highly unlikely.

And, if the Saints do land a young quarterback with promise, his gestation, could be lengthy and

difficult.

As the regular season ended, Cincinnati quarterback and ex LSU Tiger Joe Burrow was asked about the Bengals “Super Bowl window.”

“It is open my whole career,” said Burrow.

Burrow wasn’t bragging, he was being factual.

For 15 seasons, the Saints had a first ballot Hall of Famer at quarterback.

The expectation then was, how far can the Saints go in the playoffs?

Not anymore.

The top six quarterbacks in passing yards all qualified for the players.

All six were top 10 picks in the NFL draft.

The Saints would have had the 10th pick, based on 2022’s results, but it was traded to Philadelphia.

Dennis Allen said the Saints will turn over every stone in their quarterback evaluation.

They have to get it right. If not, 2023 could like a lot like 2022.BC

Dear friends and colleagues, Peace be with you. With great joy and honor, I write to you in celebration of the exceptional gift of Catholic education in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. We are reminded that the traditions of educational excellence in Catholic schools can be traced back over many centuries throughout the world. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to continue the pursuit of truth and justice while educating our students using the Gospels as our guide. For centuries, Catholic schools have provided a beacon of light in education, upholding the integrity of our academic programs year after year and decade after decade. We continue to pursue excellence in education, and we personally invite you to discover Catholic education in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. We are committed to making Catholic education available to all families who aspire to possess one.

Our schools are making a difference. How do we know, you may ask? We have studied and measured our structure, process, performance and outcomes over the last six months as part of an international accreditation process. We would like to share some of the findings that have emerged. We are certain that you will be pleased.

Student performance in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux exceeds the averages of local, state and national measures. For example, the mean composite ACT score of the high school students in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is 23. This score exceeds local, state and national ACT averages. Each subject measured by ACT shows student performance in our high schools, which exceeds the averages of local, state and national comparisons. All of our high school students graduate, and 86 percent of our graduates receive TOPS

Discover Catholic schools in Houma-Thibodaux

scholarships providing access to free tuition at public colleges in the state of Louisiana.

Our younger students are impressive as well. Eighty-seven percent of our students in grades three through seven have mastered or exceeded grade level mastery in English. Excellence in Mathematics is evident as well with 63 percent of our students having mastered or exceeded grade level mastery. Additionally, less than five percent of our students are in need of support in mathematics, which is well below the national average.

Our schools use the ACRE assessment to measure knowledge of the faith, liturgical life, moral formation, prayer, communal life, and missionary spirit. We are pleased to report that findings indicate that our students perform well; also, assessing the religious knowledge of our students identifies areas of need allowing our teachers to focus on specific areas of formation to effectively drive classroom instruction. We yearn for our students to be real life models of the Gospels

right here in our communities.

Our self-study provided us the opportunity to survey all of our internal stakeholders and construct a detailed analysis. We surveyed our students, parents, teachers and administrators and found that overwhelmingly, our stakeholders love their school. Surveys revealed that families view our schools as welcoming and safe. Further analysis revealed that our stakeholders believe that our Catholic schools immerse students in a highexpectations learning environment. Student performance supports that revelation.

We have spent months measuring the learning environments in our classrooms. We used an instrument called ELEOT, which was developed by Cognia, our international accrediting organization. Our schools scored a 3.21 overall, compared to the national average of 2.75. Using the ELEOT, we conducted observations in 376 elementary classrooms and 379 in high school classrooms. The large sample size provides

From the Superintendent Mark Williams, Ed.D.

Catholic Schools Office staff from left are Andrea Boudreaux, administrative assistant; Dr. Mark Williams, superintendent; and Gerrie Byrne, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

compelling evidence of equitable learning, high expectations, supportive learning, active learning, progress monitoring, and well-managed learning environments. We could not be more pleased with our teachers! The integrity of our academic environment is a compelling reason to select a Catholic school to educate your child. Our diocesan administrator, Very Rev. Patrick J. (P.J.) Madden often tells us that he expects us to work diligently in building strong character in the young people entrusted to our care. The Salesians of Don Bosco, under whose direction I served as a principal, demonstrated to me how schools are to instill character in students and help to call them to holiness. The Salesians taught me that the best way to guide students to be extraordinary is to teach them to do ordinary things exceptionally well. By doing the ordinary, everyday things extraordinarily well, we can teach our students to be modern day Saints. Doing the ordinary things extraordinarily well was the theme of our new teacher orientation when the school year began in August. As educators, we strive to model this theme in order that our students can learn from our actions. We make every attempt to teach the following five points every day:

1. Be cheerful and kind.

2. Perform one’s duties well.

3. Keep Jesus close in the Eucharist.

4. Ask Mary to be our mother, helper and intercessor.

5. Choose to serve rather than be served.

To be effective, Catholic schools must form strong citizens who are prepared to engage and transform their world. In the Catholic schools of our diocese, we are working tirelessly to provide the structure, pathways, and avenues to form our young people into extraordinary citizens and exemplary disciples.

In summation, Pope Francis speaks of how life provides constant choices for young people. We are called to form our young people in partnership with parents, teaching through words and actions. Together, a school-parent partnership can construct a firm foundation, teaching our children to make conscious, intentional choices based on Gospel values and moral foundations. With missionary zeal, Catholic schools are intentional in providing a strong spiritual, moral and ethical foundation, providing its students the tools to make sound judgment. We compare our work in forming the hearts and minds of our students to the laws of gravity. Gravity cannot be seen, but it is always working. We are very intentional in our

practice of forming our students, and it is our sincere hope that the moral foundations instilled in our students are pervasive and without weakness. The school community is a very important aspect of Catholic education.

Education is an act of justice which we believe emanates from the Eucharist. We often refer to the teachings of Father Andre’ Coindre, founder of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Father Coindre’s writings influence us to create the institutions necessary to rescue our young people from ignorance, teach them a love of the faith, and show them how to make a happy life. These words, over a century old, still hold true today.

If you are curious about what we do and want to learn more about Catholic education, we would love to meet you. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, student or educator, we would love to hear from you. We welcome everyone who aspires to seek excellence in education and who desires to form the best version of themselves. Call your local Catholic school and ask for a tour. We will be more than happy to show you around. On behalf of our pastors, principals and educators, come discover Catholic schools! BC

Educators share what they love about Catholic schools

6th-7th grade teacher

St. Genevieve Catholic School, Thibodaux

As an educator at St. Genevieve, I can attest to the fact that St. Genevieve is a special place. Strong academic standards coupled with the latest technology help provide a strong education. Although what makes St. Genevieve so unique are the Catholic foundations, which foster a relationship with God that will last a lifetime.

MELISSA DUET

6th-8th grade ELA teacher

St. Mary’s Nativity School Raceland

Being part of a Catholic school has been integral to my upbringing. As a Catholic school student and now a teacher, my faith formation inspires my professional and personal lives.

St. Bernadette Catholic School, Houma

As a former Panda, Vandebilt alum, and now teacher at St. Bernadette, Catholic education has been and continues to be a big part of my life! I feel very blessed by the academic and Christian foundation Catholic school provided for me. I am so excited to share Catholic education with my daughter as I become a SBS parent next year!

LINA SOLAR, Algebra I and II teacher

Junior high English teacher

Central Catholic School, Morgan City

Over the past 20 years, I have viewed Central Catholic as my “home away from home.” We are a small, closeknit school, and I consider the Central Catholic community as my family. I treasure the relationships I have formed with not only my students, but the faculty and staff I have worked with throughout the years.

I have attended and taught in public and Catholic schools. For me, teaching at a Catholic school means I get to share my Catholic faith every day with my students and my colleagues. What I love most about teaching at a Catholic school is that we focus on our students academically and spiritually.

BETSY ARCENEAUX

KRISTEN MILLER

Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma

PEYTON OCKER Pre-K teacher

Catholic education has been integral to my life for decades. I cherish my years as a student in Catholic schools, am a proud parent of the academic and spiritual development of my children as graduates of Catholic schools, and am blessed to have served students, teachers, administrators, and families of Catholic schools in various capacities. Holding such an appreciation for the value of Catholic education, I reflect upon individual words: work … ministry

Education in the United States is held in such esteem that it is considered one of the strongest aspects of our way of life. Its value is so important that all students are provided the opportunity to attend school. It is the belief of our American society that through education, individuals, and therefore society, can prosper. From our founding fathers to current politicians, the

Work or ministry?

importance of education is vital to the future success of a society. We’ve all heard the saying, “the children are our future.” It is through the development and formation of students that we see the creation of new technologies and ideas to solve problems and make the world a better place. Public schools in the United States are made available to all students to receive a quality education to thereby enrich the entire society and its future.

While evidence certainly supports the importance of education to which we can all agree, the mission of Catholic schools goes a step further. Catholic schools exist to provide not only academic excellence, but a foundation in faith. Students are educated in academic disciplines and religious studies with an integration of the Gospel message into all aspects of the school community. The mission of Catholic schools is to educate the whole child to go forth in Christian service to others. Students are guided to use knowledge to make faith-filled decisions that positively impact the church and the world around them

through the integration of Catholic values into all aspects of academic life. Catholic school students are guided and formed to use their knowledge in service as Jesus did.

“Work needs to be a reflection of your social values. You are how you work!” (Leigh Steinberg). Does my work reflect what I value? In reflecting on my experiences in Catholic education, I have thoughtfully considered my values regarding education in general, and Catholic school education specifically. Catholic schools have been part of my life since I was in kindergarten. I have experienced Catholic education through the years as a student, parent, teacher and administrator. While academic standards have been revised over the years, the mission of Catholic schools to bring students to a stronger relationship with Christ and to understand the role of faith in their life and the world around them has remained steadfast. As I reflect on this fundamental mission of Catholic schools, how has my experience in Catholic education evolved? Do the values that I learned as a Catholic

Guest Columnist

Gerrie Byrne

school student guide my practices today as a Catholic school administrator?

A cursory review of the importance of education and the mission of Catholic education was the beginning of reflection on my ministry as an educator in the Catholic school environment. Are my Catholic values evident in my work? For as long as I can remember, I have valued knowledge and the pursuit of knowledge. School was always a place of enlightenment for me, a place that allowed me to gain a better understanding of the world around me. I loved acquiring new information and skills, working with others, and challenging myself to broaden my thoughts and ideas. These passions were developed in a Catholic school environment that allowed me to grow in faith and a greater understanding of how knowledge and skills can be used for the greater good of others. Catholic schools helped form me with a focus on the development of the whole person— mind, body, spirit. Furthermore, all skills and standards were presented with respect for individuals as being made in the image and likeness of God. Have these values transferred to my ministry in Catholic education?

The acquisition of knowledge and skills develops the mind. However, when learning occurs in a faith-filled environment, it also encompasses the heart. With knowledge, we are better able to understand the world around us. With faith, we are able to use our knowledge about the world around us to act in service toward others. True

understanding that involves the head and the heart leads to compassion and respect for others. The more we know about science, math, the arts, and our faith, the better able we are to identify the physical, emotional and mental needs of others and are called to action. Catholic schools offer a foundation of understanding of not only academic disciplines but also the heart of people. The skills and standards taught in the various academic disciplines in our Catholic schools continually remind us that we are called to act with respect and love for all people. Knowledge is an important core value; however, it is not complete if not rooted in faith.

When we develop our intellect regarding the world around us in conjunction with a heart of respect for others, we are able to work collaboratively to accomplish a goal. Collaboration allows individuals to utilize God-given gifts to assist others while simultaneously growing in wisdom and understanding by learning from the insight of others. Catholic schools strive to help students identify their gifts, as well as respect the talents of others. While we are all made in the image and likeness of God, we were all provided with different gifts and talents. We are called, as people, to use our gifts in collaboration with others for the greater good of all. In all walks of life, we are tasked with working respectfully with others.

Knowledge and collaboration, when combined with an environment rooted in faith, allow students to explore

new ideas. Individuals become better equipped to make decisions that positively impact communities. We learn that with an increase in knowledge and opportunity, we have a greater responsibility to help others. Catholic schools epitomize this mission through the incorporation of service into the academic environment. Furthermore, extracurricular activities such as retreats, spiritual activities, athletic events, academic competitions, and performing arts activities demonstrate the many positive outcomes that occur when students gather as a community sharing knowledge and talents to fully realize the importance of faith in daily life activities.

My experiences as a student, parent, educator and administrator in Catholic schools have indeed supported and expounded upon the idea from Leigh Steinberg. Work that is a reflection of social values becomes more than a job, it becomes a ministry, a work of heart. The ministry of those in Catholic education is guided by a faithbased foundation in the acquisition of knowledge to help form students to understand the world. An educational focus on academic excellence rooted in our Catholic faith is indeed a mission that is dear to me as we serve the students, faculties, administrators and families in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux.

(Gerrie Byrne is the diocesan associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction.) BC

What students are saying about Catholic schools

LILY AMEDEE

Senior

E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux

E.D. White has been my second home for the past five years because of the caring faculty, meaningful experiences through cocurricular organizations, and the prominence of the Catholic faith in every aspect of school life.

COOPER BREAUX

5th grade

St. Gregory Catholic School, Houma

St. Gregory feels like a safe place with a ton of friends. I get to know about God and Jesus. All the teachers are really nice and very helpful. I really like being an altar server for Mass.

REESE MILLER

4th grade

St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School

Thibodaux

I love Catholic school because we get talk about Jesus. We can go to Mass during the week. I also love St. Joseph because we get a chance to serve others as altar servers at school Mass.

EMMALYN SCHEXNAYDRE

7th grade

Holy Rosary Catholic School, Larose

I think being a third generation Holy Rosary student is a blessing. I value our daily religion classes and enjoy being able to share my talents and love of the Lord each week as a member of the school choir. What I love most about attending Holy Rosary is the opportunity to spend time helping and engaging the Pre-K and Kindergarten students through our Big-Little Buddy program.

KEMON SMITH

3rd grade

St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School, Houma

I like meeting new friends. The teachers help me when I don’t know something. We go to Mass to pray and sing. I like to learn new things about the Gospel.

MASON WISDOM

5th grade

Central Catholic School Morgan City

Central Catholic is the best! The teachers only want the best for us and care so much about us.

My ministry of presence in a Catholic school

and walk!” Once the good monsignor had moved on to the next classroom, Sister would admonish me for not stepping forward. But I stood my ground in protest that he didn’t call me by name. Pre-teens can be bratty like that.

called for by the Council, I see my role as the pastor of a Catholic school as a ministry of presence.

On the morning of the last day of classes before Christmas vacation, two characters greeted our students as they arrived at school: A jolly old man in red and a redeemed former grouch. Several parents rolled down their windows as they passed my usual spot on the sidewalk along Grinage Street in the car drop-off line. Laughing, they told me that their children took the guy in green for me … until they spied me dressed in black. Mind you, this was not because “heart was two sizes too small.” On the contrary, the kids thought my heart was big enough to do that for them!

I couldn’t help but think back 50 years when the pastor here at St. Francis came into my classroom on the third floor to hand out our report cards. He pulled the teacher’s chair out from behind her desk and sat in it in front of the whole class. There he opened our reports, reviewed our grades, and called us forward one-byone with comments like “All A’s, well done!” or “perhaps you should study more.” But what I remember most was that he would mis-read my name on my report card and call me someone else. So, I would stay seated. (Mind you, he wasn’t calling me forward by memory – he was reading my name in print!) I also vividly recall “Sister Danita” standing behind him – her modified veil flared out and standing on edge – mean-mugging me as she literally willed me “Rise, pick up your (report)

At present, I am actually 10 years older than the monsignor was when he called me by another name! From this distance in time, I hope I have matured and mellowed. Today, I would probably step forward –maybe even mis-pronounce his name – and make a joke of it! Admit-tedly, the pastor was surely doing his

Alongside the Grinch, my typical day begins with getting the older students out of the car in the drop-off line. Really, it’s the best part of the day. I call it the “I love you” line with parents encouraging their children as they begin a new day and their children responding with waves and kisses and professions of love! Next, I lead the school in prayer over the intercom, tell them what’s for lunch, and announce birthdays.

Last year as I led a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the teachers had their students follow me “á la ‘Where’s Waldo” as I followed in the footsteps of Jesus. Upon my return, it was amazing how many of them told me which place they enjoyed learning about the most. One morning as I was walking down the hall back to the rectory, a 45” first grader sidled up alongside me, looked up at his 6’1” pastor, and said: “You were in the Dead Sea!” He was filled with wonder! Fifty-six years ago, I’m certain I had no idea there was a Dead Sea or that folks floated in it covered in mud.

best – following the Second Vatican Council – to address the “Church in the Modern World” … a world vastly different from the one for which he had been ordained.

Yes, as pastor I certainly celebrate the Eucharist – the source and summit of our Catholic faith –with the students (as well as other sacraments). I meet with our administrators daily, consult on building projects and finances, and attend school board meetings. But having cut my teeth on the reforms

Last fall at our first fullblown Halloween Bazaar since the pandemic, a parishioner from a former parish was spending the day with her grandchildren who were students here at St. Francis. She remarked disappointedly to her daughter: “I can’t believe I don’t see Father Jay around here today.” No sooner had she said that and rounded the corner than another student hit the bullseye, plunging me deep into the frosty waters of the dunk tank! Other students cheered as – yet again – I renewed my baptismal commitment to this ministry of presence as the pastor of a Catholic school. And my heart grew three sizes. BC

Guest

Columnist

Very Rev. Jay L. Baker

Father Jay Baker (on the left, in black), pastor of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School.

Catholic schools ruined my life ...

wielding yardsticks and wooden rods with more adeptness than a samurai warrior with his sword and sisters twirling rosaries at their hips with the agility of a cowboy swinging a lasso over his head concerned me about what my first encounters with the religious teachers would be like.

When I was studying theology and the topic came up of where we went to school before entering seminary, I always began by saying that I went to St. Charles Elementary and then E.D. White Catholic High. Usually the response was, “So you’ve been in Catholic school all your life.” When I said that St. Charles was a public school, my classmates from outside of Louisiana looked puzzled. They couldn’t understand why our public schools would be named after Catholic saints until the “parish” versus “county” explanation with the connection to the Catholic Church was given.

When it came to education, I had the best of both worlds. St. Charles Elementary in the St. Charles Community, which derived its name from St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, was as close to a Catholic school that a public school could get. I would see my classmates and teachers at school during the week and then most of them were at church on the weekend. Because of this, our faith played an implicit role in our life and interactions at school, but the Catholic faith was not a direct part of our curriculum and so left something missing from the school, from the classroom.

When I began eighth grade at E.D. White Catholic High, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I knew there were the Brothers of the Sacred Heart and Sisters of Mount Carmel teaching there along with lay teachers. I had seen movies and television shows about Catholic schools and the religious who ran them; I had heard stories from my dad and aunts and uncles who had gone to Thibodaux College, Mount Carmel, and E.D. White. Images of brothers

With the transition to Catholic school, uniforms would be the standard daily wardrobe. For us boys in those days, we had a bit more variety in our choice of class attire than the girls, who had only the white blouse and maroon and grey plaid skirt. At least we boys didn’t have to worry about making sure our skirts were the right length (touching the floor when kneeling), just the right length of our hair (not touching the collar).

Would I choose to wear the white, navy or maroon polo shirt with grey slacks for regular days? What tie—clipon or regular—to wear with the white oxford shirt for Mass days? Maroon penny loafers or Bass lace-up brown suede shoes? In the end, it would be the navy polo, grey slacks and Bass shoes. Don’t forget that doggone belt, though. So many guys would get uniform violations that added up to detention because of that insignificant belt. And not to be forgotten, P.E. had its own uniform—the cotton E.D. White Cardinal t-shirt and maroon polyester gym shorts with white socks and tennis shoes. Those doggone white socks, I forgot those every now and then, but toilet paper wrapped tightly around the ankles looked from a distance like white socks to coach as he gave a cursory glance over his menagerie of teenage boys.

Putting on a uniformed garment was only a slight transition compared to the internal transition that occurred. The difference that came from within Catholic school helped me to discover that the something I thought was missing from my public school experience was actually a someone who was missing—Jesus Christ. While I unconsciously allowed my actions to flow from my faith while at St. Charles, I was conscious of my faith motivating my words and actions at my new school.

Although I did begin wearing glasses

in high school, the new lenses through which all aspects of school life were seen were not from an external pair. The presence and teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith were now the lenses with which I began to view my daily school experiences, my family, my friends, the world around me, and life in general. My public school education may have given me an intellectual and social framework, but my Catholic school education allowed me to place that framework on a solid spiritual foundation and begin to build my life according to the Lord’s will.

When I began driving, I would start my day with daily Mass offered before school in the chapel. This Mass always gave me a sense of peace in preparing for the day, no matter what difficulties came up later. Looking forward to the monthly school Mass wasn’t necessarily motivated by pious reasons. Class periods were shorter, and it was like winning the lottery when it was both school Mass and a pep rally!

For a student in a Catholic school, it is difficult not to allow faith to affect his or her daily life. Even if we want to rebel and follow our own will and convince ourselves God doesn’t exist, we have to wrestle with our conscience because we constantly come face to face with the Lord throughout the day. We began and ended the day in prayer, and each class (not just religion class) also began with prayer. A crucifix, the sign of Christ’s love, his death upon the cross, was hanging in each classroom. Unless we totally shut ourselves off from the grace of God and ignored his presence, how could one not recognize the Lord’s love for us and his desire to enter into an intimate friendship with us.

Religion class could be seen as just another class for the intellect where I needed to learn things so that I’d make a good grade. For me, religion class wasn’t just about information, but formation; it wasn’t just about a work of the mind, but a matter of the heart. Because the brothers, sisters and lay teachers at E.D. White provided a place of daily encounter with the living Lord, I was able to grow in friendship with him.

Guest Columnist

Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L.

This changed the way I prayed. It was no longer the memorized prayer of my childhood but became a conversation throughout the day with my best friend. When my grandfather died from cancer, I could go to the chapel, speak honestly from the heart, be angry with the Lord, and sense his comforting presence. I could express my heart’s gratitude for helping me though a calculus test when I didn’t know what on earth I was doing nor cared about what the volume of a washer was. I could enjoy my friendships with my classmates and know that the Lord was the one bringing us together to challenge each other to be the men and women he was calling us to be. And, I could argue with the Lord about why I should go to Loyola for law school instead of accepting his invitation to consider the priesthood.

It was during my time at E.D. White where Brothers of the Sacred Heart showed me fidelity and joy to God’s call; Sisters of Mount Carmel modeled compassion and love for a life dedicated to the Lord; lay teachers taught me more than the subject matter they presented; a cross country coach instilled in me the virtues of perseverance, determination, and fortitude in moments of adversity; a guidance counselor was not surprised when I told her I thought I wanted to be a priest; the senior retreat allowed me to be at peace with the decision to say “yes” to the Lord and go to the seminary; and classmates were and, even to this day, are supportive of me taking an uncommon path by becoming a Catholic priest.

I am truly grateful for what my Catholic high school education and experience have provided for me. This Catholic education and formation along with what I received in the seminary have allowed me to provide the spiritual care to my parishioners over the 20 years of priesthood and now to the seminarians I am helping to form for the priesthood so that future generations

may come to know the Lord’s love and care for them. The seeds were planted in high school; the fruit is being harvested. Looking to the future, I have two desires for Catholic education in our diocese. They are not so much for the Catholic schools themselves, but for those desiring to give a Catholic education to their children. First, I would like to see reduced tuition for

children to receive a Catholic school education would be able to do so. If only we could reach a point where all families regularly attending and supporting their Catholic church parish would be allowed to send their children to a Catholic school without incurring a burdensome tuition. If this hope would be fulfilled, then the first hoped for desire above would not even be an issue.

I have been grateful to my parents who sacrificed much to send my brother and I to E.D. White. I am also grateful to my brother and sister-in-law who sacrifice much to send two of their children to E.D. White and their younger two to St. Genevieve so that they, too, can receive the education and formation the church has to offer them.

I sometimes wonder whether or not I would have become a priest if I had not gone to a Catholic school. I occasionally joke that Catholic school ruined my life … for the better. I wanted a wife and children, and a career in law and politics so that I could work for the good of others and be happy with that. Instead, God knew what would truly fulfill me in this life so that I could ultimately be with him in eternal life.

those students whose parents teach in Catholic schools or work for church parishes or the diocese. It has pained me over the years to see those, who could be making a larger salary in the public school system or the public sector, sacrifice so much to teach and work for the church they love and still not be able to afford the tuition to send their children to Catholic school. Some Catholic schools do offer this for their teachers, but I would want to see this expanded.

Secondly, I hope that one day all Catholic parents who would like their

During his visit to the United Kingdom in 2010, Pope Benedict XVI addressed the students and faculty of St. Mary’s University College and declared, “A good school provides a rounded education for the whole person. And a good Catholic school, over and above this, should help all its students to become saints.”

May our Catholic schools truly embrace their Catholic identity and be evangelists of the Catholic faith. May Catholic school teachers, striving to live out their own faith in Jesus Christ, challenge their students to become men and women of faith who bring the Lord’s light and hope into a darkened world today in order to become the saints of tomorrow.

(Very Rev. Joshua J. Rodrigue, S.T.L., is currently serving as rector and president of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.) BC

Catholic school leaders reflect on their ministry

PETE BOUDREAUX principal (Grades 6-12) Central Catholic School Morgan City

Catholic school principals play a part in helping students grow in all areas of their lives; mentally, physically and most importantly, spiritually. I cannot think of a greater responsibility or greater joy than helping young men and women develop a better spiritual foundation with our Lord and savior. After graduating, students may never solve quadratic equations, analyze writings of Shakespeare or balance chemical equations, but at some moment in their lives they will turn to God in times of need or to thank him for the many blessings they have received. Helping prepare students for that moment is what I enjoy the most.

As educators, we focus on developing the whole child. During my time in the public school, I followed this philosophy to the best of my ability, but nevertheless, something was missing: Christ. At a Catholic school, we are able to pray together, worship at Mass together, and celebrate the sacraments together. As a result, the students develop into young adults, who are not only academically strong but are also faithful, service-oriented and compassionate.

Throughout my life, my faith has offered me support in tough times and is so important to me. My favorite part about being a principal at a Catholic school is that I can share my faith with others. Working in an environment focused on Christ allows everyone to grow in their faith, as we are all surrounded by his disciples. Through him, anything we set our minds to, we are able to accomplish.

MICHELLE CHIASSON principal E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux

I am immensely proud to be the principal of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School. Living my faith daily, with the SFCS students, faculty and families, is a true gift for which I am grateful. Sharing in the growth of each student – spiritually, academically, physically and socially is a blessing – why would I want to be anywhere else? I most enjoy watching the students form life connections. I hope these connections will help each succeed throughout life and will help each build a solid foundation for his/her relationship with Christ. Working with our amazing faculty to recognize, honor and celebrate God’s gifts, with which each student is blessed, compels me to face each day with excitement and hope. To me, being a principal is not my job but my ministry. Daily, I consider it a blessing to be a part of this amazing Catholic school community.

I am so humbled and blessed to serve as the principal of E.D. White Catholic High School. My greatest joy is seeing God’s work in every aspect of school life. God reveals himself in the successes, challenges, and even failures of the entire school community. We do not claim to be a perfect school; rather, we claim to be people of God striving for holiness and a closer relationship with the Lord each and every day. How fortunate am I to be a part of something so life-giving and rewarding.

As the daughter and granddaughter of teachers, I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. However, I did not grow up wanting to be a principal! This leadership role came at an unexpected time for me, but I realize it was God’s time. Recognizing the impact that former principals had on my life, I answered the call to one of the greatest challenges and blessings of my life. The administrative team, faculty and staff motivate me to continue in this role by their undying love for our school family.

KELLI CAZAYOUX principal St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School, Houma

JAMI CHADWICK principal St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School Thibodaux

Catholic Schools Week

JEREMY GUELDNER president Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma

The thing that I enjoy most about working in Catholic education is that our work is centered around our faith. We don’t just teach students about math and science, we also accompany them on their faith journey. Through weekly Mass, retreats, service opportunities, campus ministry, and other opportunities our students get to experience God on a daily basis all while receiving the finest education possible. It is hard for me to imagine working anywhere other than a Catholic school.

Through the guidance and mentorship of the Salesian sisters, with whom I was privileged to work for many years, I was inspired to become a Catholic school principal to serve young people. After spending many years as a Catholic school administrator in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, I am in my first year as principal of St. Mary’s Nativity School. It has been a blessing and a joy to become part of this spiritual and welcoming community on the bayou!

ELISE LEBOEUF, Ed.D. principal St. Bernadette Catholic School, Houma

If I had to choose one phrase to describe my role as an administrator-minister in a Catholic school, it would be “servant leader.” The primary purpose of an administratorminister is to serve those around her – those on her team and in her community –in a way that brings out the best in them. Every Catholic school administrator walks in the footsteps of the greatest teacher and servant leader, Jesus Christ. The most powerful leader in human history did not use force or wield a sword. He literally took to his knees to wash the feet of those he hoped would follow him. He led by serving, and that is the foundation of my role in this ministry.

CATHY LONG principal Holy Rosary Catholic School, Larose

The inspiration for my decision to become a principal of a Catholic school is to be able to provide both academic and religious leadership. Strong leadership is an integral part of the vision for all Catholic schools. In order to provide an effective environment, I needed to develop a distinct and strong Catholic culture. Commitment, purpose and strong management were the skills I used to develop the values of the school culture. In order to maintain a positive and productive school culture, I needed to be aware of the primary reasons that parents should send their children to a Catholic school. I determined those reasons to be: Academic excellence, emphasis on Catholic values, healthy social relationships, and a supportive safe environment both in the classroom and on the campus.

The ministry of Catholic education should foster an environment for students to portray through words, good deed, and actions in the hopes of working to continue to build a better world for all. I am a firm believer that if we use the many gifts that God affords us, together we will form missionary disciples of Christ.

As a Catholic school principal, I enjoy watching students grow academically and socially. In a Catholic school, we have an added bonus and responsibility, which is to help guide students as they form their spiritual life. I enjoy the challenge of striving for academic excellence, while creating a culture of faith. Every day we pray together, learn more about God and the Catholic faith and share God’s love with others. All of that while promoting academic excellence! What a gift!

It is a great feeling to help spread the faith in ways that cannot be measured. My love of Catholic education runs deep and I hope to inspire that same love in others, especially God’s beautiful children.

It is so special to be able to display love for God for all to see as we grow academically. It is important not to just “talk the talk,” but “walk the walk.” Children need to see us at Mass, strive for academic excellence, take part in helping others, and act in Christian ways. Each and every day, as we pray together, it is such an overwhelming feeling to hear our students in prayer. It is something that touches my heart every time. It is so beautiful!

DR. CINDY MARTIN principal St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School, Houma

LINDY HENRY principal St. Mary’s Nativity School, Raceland

GINNY MEDINA-HAMILTON principal Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma

The biggest blessing that comes with being a Catholic school principal is the evergrowing relationship with the students and their families. This relationship is rooted in prayer and stems from God’s love for each of his children.

I am in awe by the work of God in our youth. The ability to acknowledge that God is the one working through our students is what inspires me to continue the work of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart at Vandebilt.

TIM ROBICHAUX president

E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux

I am filled with gratitude when I think about how fortunate I am to be a part of a Catholic school. E.D. White is filled with the Holy Spirit allowing many opportunities to practice my faith through daily Mass, adoration and retreats. What I enjoy most about being a president is working with the wonderful students, parents, faculty, staff and supporters to help make our community and the world a better place.

TALBOT principal (Grades PreK3-5) Central Catholic School Morgan City

Being a Catholic school principal is very rewarding. I enjoy observing the students’ love for God, learning, and one another. When I hear our students applying the virtues and values of our Catholic faith, I’m moved by their kindness, compassion and sincerity.

I aspired to become a Catholic school principal after watching the spiritual and academic formation of my two children in Catholic school during their early learning years. The love they expressed and shared for their school inspired me to instill that in others. I wanted to lead a school community in which faith, learning and family are priorities.

CHERYL THIBODAUX principal St. Genevieve Catholic School, Thibodaux

Serving as an administrator in a Catholic School is an honor. I have the privilege of walking with students to develop spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally on a daily basis. I enjoy being afforded the opportunity to watch students grow in their faith while getting a quality education that allows them to be who God created them to be in a safe environment.

St. Genevieve Catholic School’s philosophy of educating the whole child inspired me to become a principal in a Catholic School during the beginning of my teaching career. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of our students and ensure that students had the opportunity to learn and grow in their faith to be productive members of society.

AMANDA

Holy Rosary Catholic School

Developing students to their fullest potential

Holy Rosary Catholic School in Larose’s mission and philosophy is to provide spiritual, academic, and social development for its students in a safe, Catholic environment so that they will become witnesses of Christ’s presence in the world. Today, under the leadership of Principal Cathy Long, and through the collective efforts of clergy, parents and community, a dedicated teaching staff provides a quality curriculum with opportunities for students to develop to their fullest potential as members of the student body and as members of the Body of Christ.

Holy Rosary’s quality education combines our Catholic faith and teachings with academic excellence. Our students attend daily religion classes, weekly Masses, and monthly adoration to foster growth in faith and wisdom. Our students not only attend weekly Mass, but they also lead the Mass in the Liturgy of the Word, through altar serving, and singing in the choir. Additionally, Holy Rosary students minister to the less fortunate numerous times throughout the school year. In the past, our students have collected funds and bought Christmas presents for an entire family, sent monetary donations and library books to those affected by natural disasters and hosted safe, fun functions for the community, most recently, Trunk-or-Treat. Just this year, our middle schoolers hand wrote Scripture on the items we donated to the victims of Hurricane Ian, as to uplift and help those in need. Our choir visited The Broadway assisted living facility during Advent to sing and gift small treats. Every year, despite the challenges of COVID-19 and Hurricane Ida, our students and faculty have found a way to continue our long tradition of the Passion Play and Nativity performances. As a school, we annually partake in the Missionary Childhood Association and various holiday food drives. Just this week, we joined together as a school and a community to pray the rosary for Pope Benedict XVI.

The combination of a caring administration and faculty working along with supportive parents has proven to be a formula for success at Holy Rosary both in the faith and academic formation of our students. Through the collaborative efforts of staff, parents and all stakeholders, Holy Rosary Catholic School joins Catholic schools across our nation in celebrating and promoting faith, excellence, and service found within our Catholic school education. BC

St. Mary’s Nativity School

Where faith, excellence and service meet

St. Mary’s Nativity School in Raceland has been a beloved educational choice in Raceland since 1963. The school is a tightly knit community of students, staff, parents and grandparents. St. Mary’s roots run deep with many students being the second or third generation of their families to attend our school. While our traditions sustain us, St. Mary’s was enriched and blessed this year with the integration of students and staff from Holy Savior Catholic School. The addition of these new members of our school family has enriched our tradition of providing an environment where students are loved and respected by their peers as well as their teachers.

From the moment a student arrives at St. Mary’s, faith is emphasized. Each morning our day begins with prayer and a remembrance of those who have asked for our spiritual help. Daily prayer and weekly Mass attendance instill in students their ability to embrace their faith and their ability to reach out to those in need through their prayers. Each month, students participate in mixed grade level Faith Family gatherings which emphasize the Colossian virtues of kindness, compassion, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, unity, love, thankfulness and forgiveness. Our annual Christmas program was re-established this year with all of our students joyfully re-enacting the Nativity through word and song.

St. Mary’s students excel in subject-matter knowledge as proven by their success in high school and by standardized test scores. The curriculum is marked by current content and fresh approaches to methodology. There is emphasis on principles rather than fact and learning through problem solving. Technology is used in classroom instruction at all grade levels and all students have access to iPads or Chromebooks. Students’ educational experiences are enhanced by participation in school field trips, such as to the USDA sugarcane research facility and Thibodaux Playhouse performances.

A St. Mary’s student knows that he/she is a disciple of Christ by following his example of service to others. Students delight in service to each other. Middle school students pair with their younger school brothers and sisters for reading activities, special recesses, and a special outdoor trick-ortreat at Halloween. Students also participate in other service opportunities for the larger faith community. Due to our experiences with recovery from Hurricane Ida, students empathized and supported our brothers and sisters in faith who experienced the devastation of Hurricane Ian. This year St. Mary’s students provided spiritual and monetary support to St. John Neumann High School in Naples, FL.

St. Mary’s Nativity School is truly the place where faith, excellence and service come together! BC

St. Mary’s Nativity School St. Mary’s Nativity School

Faith. Excellence. Service.

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

St. Genevieve Catholic School

Instilling a culture of belonging and believing

St. Genevieve Catholic School strives to create an atmosphere that promotes a community of faith and knowledge. 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. This is evident in the long-standing traditions such as the Advent wreath lightings and projects, table and race people teachings, three-way conferences, weekly Lenten Way of the Crosses, observing funeral processions by kneeling, and the buddy program.

At St. Genevieve Catholic School we strive for excellence. 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. To ensure the integrity of academics, our teachers are given many opportunities for professional growth through workshops/seminars, and they adhere to state and national standards, which will enhance instruction. Our students are afforded the opportunity to share their excellence by participating in school events such as Face the Facts, the spelling bee, sidewalk art, and essay contests, as well as having access to twenty-first century learning opportunities to enhance the educational experience through new classroom interactive boards, technology integration, and a media center.

Important to our mission is to instill a culture of family –belonging and believing. Our students know that they are loved and share that love as they welcome each other and visitors in a warm and caring way. Students are encouraged to develop a voice and become problem solvers. The students have access to a full-time counselor to assist in fostering their emotional growth.

We truly believe that when the family, school and church are working together, we have an unbeatable combination. We want to be all that we can be and are thankful to all those who will help us on our journey, most especially, our Lord. BC

St.

St. Bernadette Catholic School

Providing students an opportunity to experience living the faith

From Jan. 29 to Feb. 4, St. Bernadette Catholic School will celebrate Catholic Schools Week. We will be joining Catholic schools across the nation in celebration with Mass, Open House, and student activities that focus on the rich traditions and incredible values of Catholic education.

The theme this year is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” We aspire to achieve success in all three areas as stated in our mission statement, “St. Bernadette Catholic School is a Christ-centered faith community that fosters spiritual growth and academic excellence. We instill in our students a lifelong commitment to Christian values, discipleship, learning, and community service.”

Faith. It is our goal as a Catholic school to provide a faithbased education, in which students build and deepen their relationship with Christ. Here at St. Bernadette Catholic School we start every day in prayer and end every day in prayer. More importantly than providing the education of faith, we provide students with the opportunity to experience living the faith. Faith strengthens us during trials and fuels what we do going forth.

Excellence. It is important to strive for excellence, not perfection. When we strive for excellence, we learn from our mistakes and have more opportunities for growth. We are proud to say that in 2022 on the ACT Aspire standardized assessment, our percent of students who scored exceeding or ready was higher in all subject areas than the national and diocesan percentiles. Although academic excellence is an important aspect of who we are as a school, we also want our students to strive for excellence in life through their morals and values.

Service. There are many benefits of service such as connecting to others and raising social awareness. Many school-wide service opportunities are available to all students. Our upper grade students complete community service hours each nine weeks, providing students with the opportunity to truly make a difference. It not only allows the students to help those in need, but it allows them to support the very community that often supports them with school activities. We want them to learn that they can make a difference in changing the world.

In conclusion, we are confident that St. Bernadette students are faith-filled community servants and lifelong learners who are open to intellectual challenges. BC

St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School

Students: Exemplary models of excellence through faith and service

The 152nd year of education, spiritual formation and development driven by faith and community continues at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School in Houma. Students from Pre-K 3 through 7th grade and the Gift program are the purpose and the reason. St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School pushes for individuals of all abilities to be proud of their unique gifts and talents from God. A strong academic curriculum rooted in the Catholic faith as well as a continually growing list of extracurricular activities allow our students opportunities to shine through different avenues forefronted by their faith, excellence and service.

The opportunities for the St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School family to live out their faith are endless. Morning and afternoon prayer bookend the prayers that begin each class hour. Through religion classes, our faith is discussed on a daily basis. Full school Masses are held weekly in the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, and weekly individual class Masses are held in the renovated St. Francis Chapel. One exciting revamp at St. Francis designed to teach community and offer supplemental faith-filled experiences is Campus Ministry. Through meetings, Bible studies, as well as weekend retreats, Campus Ministry has grown into a place where all students can express their faith. The art club and boys soccer are just two of the new additions to the list of extracurricular activities. Each organization creates community for our students while allowing them a platform to live for others. A commitment to service is a vital pillar to each group, organization and team at St. Francis.

Academically, students are challenged daily through engaging lessons, differentiated learning and collaborative work. Auxiliary courses including creative writing, library, life skills, music and movement, physical education and technology are used to enhance the academic and social emotional base of each student. Through professional development as well as continuing education, the SFCS faculty remains committed to constant improvement. The ACT Aspire Summative Assessment is a tool used to measure student progress toward both college and career readiness. Last year’s testing of the SFCS 3rd through 7th grade students revealed scores showing these students were 22 percent higher than the national average in the academic areas of English, math, reading and science.

The daily goal at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School is to create a comfortable environment where administration, faculty and staff serve each student as they build the foundation of academics and Catholic faith. Success of St. Francis is measured through the confidence that each graduating student, continuing their Catholic education, will do so academically prepared, while being an exemplary model of excellence through faith and service. BC

St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School

Building God’s kingdom one child at a time

St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School in Houma’s core curriculum is designed to help students make the most of their academic talents in the service of others and for the greater glory of God. Our curriculum provides the foundation for all students to succeed in academics, grow in their faith, and explore their interests. Our school provides an environment for students to feel safe, accepted and encouraged.

The curriculum follows the Louisiana State standards and, at the same time, we work with our students to promote a global perspective allowing students to stretch their imaginations and think beyond their borders. We feel it is so important to foster a passion for learning and finding a comfort zone for students to challenge themselves to explore the unknown. We focus to form a community of artists, scientists, innovators, explorers, mathematicians, readers and independent learners. Our classes provide both large and small-group instruction, intervention groups, and collaborative workspaces for diversified learning and instruction.

Instilling the love of reading is a top priority at St. Gregory. Our teachers and library manager aim to make your child a lifelong reader. We provide students with choices in what they read through self-selection from our library and couple this with class novel studies. Students have their own personal chrome books for daily access to the Google Classroom and learning. Students access computer-based programs such as Moby Max, IXL, Brain Pop, Friendzy and Accelerated Reading. Students are progress-monitored each grading period to determine progress and guide individualized instruction. Science and math teachers promote STEM activities and students may take part in Challenge Island.

We strive to form our students into honest, committed, respectable leaders by teaching the value of empathy, community service, and social engagement. Throughout the school year, students have opportunities to serve others through projects coordinated with the church as well as local community charities. Our royal ministers of Christ club and active 4-H members are leaders in school ministries. Students learn to care for each other, take part in numerous community service activities, and be who God wants us to be each and every day.

Our school staff prepares students to magnify the Lord in their lives as disciples committed to bringing into the world a living and active faith. The habits we form from childhood make no small difference, but rather they make all the difference (Aristotle). We work to build God’s kingdom one child at a time! BC

We are a unique school, together as one, Morgan City, La.

PRE-K3-12TH!

The mission of Central Catholic is fostering a Christ-centered atmosphere focusing on faith formation, academic excellence, and service development.

-Technology 1:1

-Cognia Accredited

-College Prep Curriculum

-Honors Program

-Dual Enrollment Offerings

-District & State Rally Champions

-Weekly Mass

-Retreats for 4th-12th

-Living Rosary

-Virtue Programs

-Adoration

-Reconciliation

-Campus Ministry

-Living Rosary

-Eucharistic Procession

-Advent Wreath Blessing

FOLLOW US: @CENTRALCATHOLIC1

CENTRAL CATHOLIC

Houma-Thibodaux

-ACT Above Local & State Averages

Vandebilt Catholic is Proud of our

55

National Merit Scholars

2 Semifinalist and 2 Commended from the Class of 2022

Faith.Family. Vandebilt Catholic High School

For over 150 years Vandebilt Catholic has served this area while providing students with a holistic education that is rooted in religious values, structured through friendly discipline, nurtured by personal attention, and committed to academic excellence.

Vandebilt Catholic is accredited by Cognia. The curriculum exceeds the Louisiana Core 4 requirements and includes something for every student: standard, honors, advanced placement (AP), dual enrollment, and skills/practical classes. Typically, two thirds to three fourths of the senior class qualifies for TOPS, and ninety-eight percent of each senior class attends a four-year college or university upon graduation. Other available academic resources include the Resource (SOAR) Program and the Academic Excellence Program, both tailored to meet the individual academic needs of students.

In 2021, Vandebilt Catholic published the Terrier Blueprint, as a collaborative vision and strategic plan for the next 5+ years. Some of the plans for the campus include a new student union, as well as a Digital Media Center and new Physics, Chemistry and Biology lab spaces. Families will also have access to a brand new Counseling Center and Student Resource (SOAR) Center. The recent modern updates to our classrooms and hallways also create a more conducive learning environment and a great sense of pride for our students and teachers.

Vandebilt Catholic is proud to provide a Catholic, Christian, value-based education for young men and women rooted in the Charisms of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.

Vandebilt Catholic Honors Students averaged a on their composite ACT scores over the past three years.

30

Vandebilt Catholic

Holy Rosary Catholic School

12925 East Main Larose, LA 70373

Grades Pre-K2-8

Cathy Long, principal

Kelly Mize, Secretary 693-3342 holyroselm@htdiocese.org

www.holyrosary.org

Current Students: February 3-17

New Students: February 27- March 10

St. Mary’s Nativity School

3492 Nies St. Raceland, LA 70394

Grades Pre-K3-8

Linda Henry, Principal

Kristie Lagarde, Secretary 537-7544 * Fax 537-4020 stmarelm@htdiocese.org

www.stmarysnativityschool.org

Current Students: February 3-17

New Students: February 27- March 10

St. Genevieve Catholic School

807 Barbier Ave. Thibodaux, LA 70301

Grades PK-7

Cheryl Thibodaux, Principal Stacie Trosclair, Secretary 447-9291 * Fax 447-9883

stgenelm@htdiocese.org

www.stgenevieveshool.org

Current Students: February 6-10

New Students: February 28- March 6

St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School

501 Cardinal Dr. Thibodaux, LA 70301

Grades PK-7

Jami Chadwick, Principal

Rita Carrier, Secretary 446-1346 * Fax 449-0760

stjoeelm@htdiocese.org

www.stjosephcesthibodaux.org

Current Students: February 3-17

New Students: February 27- March 10

2023 Current and New Student Registration Dates

St. Bernadette Catholic School

309 Funderburk Ave. Houma, LA 70364

Grades Pre-K3-7

Dr. Elise LeBoeuf, Principal Susan Chauvin, Secretary 872-3854 * Fax 872-5780 stbernelm@htdiocese.org www.saintbernadettepandas.org

Current Students: February 6-10

New Students: February 27-March 3

St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School

300 Verret St. Houma, LA 70360

Grades Pre-K3-7

Kelli Cazayoux, Principal Kim Landry, Secretary 868-6646 * Fax 851-5896 stfrancis@htdiocese.org

www.sfcshouma.org

Registration Email: sfcsregistration@ sfcshouma.org

Current Students: February 3-17

New Students: February 27-March 3

St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School

441 Sixth St. Houma, LA 70364

Grades PS-7

Dr. Cindy Martin, NBCT, Principal Ashley Landry, Administrative Asst. 876-2038 * Fax 879-2789 stgregoryschool@htdiocese.org www.stgregorycatholic.org

Current Students: February 6-17

New Students: Begins February 27

Central Catholic School Junior High/High School

2100 Cedar St. Morgan City, LA 70380

Grades 6-12

Pete Boudreaux, Principal Sandy Daigle, Secretary 385-5372 * Fax 385-3444 centcathi@htdiocese.org www.eaglesccs.org

Current Students: February 6-10

New Students: Begins February 13

Elementary School

2100 Cedar St. Morgan City, LA 70380

Grades Pre-K3-5

Amanda Talbot, Principal Phyllis Jensen, Secretary 384-1933 * Fax 384-3270 cceoffice@htdiocese.org www.eaglesccs.org

Current Students: February 6-16

New Students: Begins February 13

E.D. White Catholic High School 555 Cardinal Dr. Thibodaux, LA 70301

Grades 8-12

Michelle Chiasson, Principal Tim Robichaux, President Melissa Escher, Secretary 448-8486 * Fax 448-1275 edwhitehi@htdiocese.org www.edwhite.org

Current and New Students: February 13-March 3

Vandebilt Catholic High School 209 South Hollywood Rd. Houma, LA 70360

Grades 8-12

Ginny Medina-Hamilton, Principal Jeremy Gueldner, President Katie Blanchard, Secretary 876-2551 * Fax 868-9774 vandebilthi@htdiocese.org www.vandebiltcatholic.org registration@vchsterriers.org

Current and New Students: Begins February 6

Early Bird Registration ends February 17 Catholic Schools Office Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Dr. Mark Williams Superintendent of Schools mwilliams@htdiocese.org

Gerrie Byrne

Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction gbyrne@htdiocese.org

Andrea’ Boudreaux Administrative Assistant andrea.boudreaux@htdiocese.org 850-3114 * 850-3214

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

GENERAL HEALTH SYSTEM

For over 65 years, Terrebonne General Health System has evolved our care to better serve the patients we call neighbors. Through an advanced array of medical and technological resources, we offer incomparable specialized care with a proactive and preventative focus.

We’ve received prestigious awards and accreditations from many of the nation’s most prominent healthcare entities, but that isn’t why we strive for excellence every day. This is a true calling for all the physicians, nurses, and staff who make up our proud family.