Bayou Catholic Magazine July 2023

BUILT L AST

• Physicians – Recruited more than 100 physician specialists growing the medical staff to more than 250 physicians, with more than 350,000 patient visits to Thibodaux Regional physician clinics

• Services – Addition and enhancement of many services so you don’t have to travel out of town to receive quality care

• Facilities – Tripled the size of our facilities to include state-of-the-art Cancer Institute, Wellness Center, Sports Complex, 30-bed acuity adaptable Critical Care Unit and more

• Technology – Acquired the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technology available

You Deserve the Best Healthcare, So We Are Constantly Growing to Meet Your Needs

By Monique V. Albarado and Maegan Martin

BUILT L AST

AN ALTAR FOR OUR BISHOP

On Our Cover

The seminarians in the St. Joseph the Worker House of Formation worked together to build an altar for Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville’s home chapel. The process was filled with lots of personal growth, laughter, and prayer for everyone involved. To learn about their experience, read the cover story on pages 24-27.

Daily Prayer for Priests, Deacons, Walking with the People of God

Catholic Youth Leadership Award

Abbot Justin Brown stepping down

Donald and Theresa Dardar honored

Annual American Indian Liturgical

ARTWORK BY CONNOR MABILE

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.

Maegan Martin director of communications

Janet Marcel managing editor/content coordinator

Monique V. Albarado content coordinator

Tisha Rachal graphic designer

Connor Mabile senior graphic designer

Alaina Maiorana junior graphic designer

April LeBouef business manager

Becky Thibodeaux accounting specialist

Like us on Facebook or Find us on the web www.bayoucatholic.org

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

The month of July is here, and it is an exciting time for our diocese. Three men are being ordained to the priesthood this month for the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux.

The Rev. Mr. Davis Ahimbisibwe will be ordained to the priesthood July 2, at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Cathedral, Rushoroza parish, Kabale diocese in Uganda, Africa. The Rev. Mr. Joseph Lapeyrouse and the Rev. Mr. Matthew Prosperie will be ordained to the priesthood July 15, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux.

Father Ahimbisibwe will celebrate two Masses of Thanksgiving in HoumaThibodaux. The first on July 15, at 4 p.m. at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. The second on July 16, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bridget Church in Schriever.

Father Lapeyrouse will celebrate his first Mass of Thanksgiving at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Houma at 6 p.m. on July 15.

Father Prosperie will celebrate his first Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Ann Church in Bourg, on Sunday, July 16, at 10 a.m.

In Bishop Dorsonville’s Sent to Serve column this month, he reflects on the gift and mystery of priestly vocations. “At its very heart, a vocation is a mystery. It is not something that I or anyone can create or produce, but rather it is a work of God, only revealed to each person by the person of Jesus Christ,” says the bishop. “By God’s design, each of us, in a unique way, are called by the Father through the Son to a mission of salvation in the power of the Holy Spirit. All of us have a vocation, a special calling and purpose

All of us have a vocation'

written in our hearts by the Lord.”

Bishop Dorsonville goes on to say that “vocations do not come from thin air – they come from families. Every single one of us comes from a family, and it is there that God’s call begins.”

Parents, discuss your vocation to marriage and family life, and explain to your children that God calls some people to married life, some to the priesthood and some to the consecrated religious life—brothers or sisters living in community and consecrated singles living in society at large.

Encourage your children to be involved in the life of their church parish as altar servers, lectors, musicians, etc. And, most importantly, take your children to Mass on Sunday!

PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

Father, you call each one of us by name and ask us to follow you.

Bless your church by raising up dedicated and generous leaders from our families and friends who will serve your people as sisters, priests, brothers, deacons, and lay ministers.

Inspire us as we grow to know you, and open our hearts to hear your call.

We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

(https://www.usccb.org/prayers/ prayers-vocations)

Janet Marcel | Managing Editor

Rev. Mr. Matthew Prosperie

Father Davis Ahimbisibwe

Rev. Mr. Joseph Lapeyrouse

www.bayoucatholic.org

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

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

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line

Telephone number is (985) 873-0026 or (985) 850-3172

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

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

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

Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux Número de teléfono (985) 873-0026 o (985) 850-3172

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän

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

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Soá ñieän thoaïi: (985) 873-0026; (985) 850-3172

SENT TO SERVE CHOOSING TO ACCEPT THE MERCY OF GOD IN OUR LIVES

This month is an occasion of great joy for our diocese as we welcome three new priests – Deacons Matthew Prosperie and Joseph Lapeyrouse, whom I will ordain this month, as well as Deacon Davis Ahimbisibwe, who will be ordained in his home country of Uganda before returning here. As we celebrate their ordination and the gift of priestly vocations, it has sparked my own reflection on the gift and the mystery of this call. At its very heart, a vocation is a mystery. It is not something that I or anyone can create or produce, but rather it is a work of God, only revealed to each person by the person of Jesus Christ. By God’s design, each of us, in a unique way, are called by the Father through the Son to a mission of salvation in the power of the Holy Spirit. All of us have a vocation, a special calling and purpose written in our hearts by the Lord.

The vocation of a priest is a special gift to the church. Jesus, as you know, was both God and man. He is both the Second Person of the Holy Trinity present from all eternity, and He also chose to become man, born of the Virgin Mary, to suffer and die so that we might live forever with Him in heaven. Jesus could have chosen to offer us this salvation all on His own. Since He was God, He could have done this work in whatever way He wanted. However, He chose a very specific way to bring the gift of salvation to all of us. He chose twelve men by name and invited them to share His life. He made them His friends. He knew they weren’t perfect. He knew that some would betray Him, deny Him, abandon Him. Yet He still called them to participate with Him in the mission of salvation. He chose them to be His representatives in the world for all of time. It is through the priest, acting in the person of Jesus Christ, that the saving grace of the sacraments is offered to us every day.

None of those original Twelve were perfect. Yet their sin and imperfection were not too big or bad for the Lord to overcome. Rather, in a beautiful way, their reliance on His mercy in the moments of their weakness allowed His grace to enrich them even more. Reconciliation allowed them to grow closer to the Lord, as St. Paul says in his letter to the Romans, where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more (Romans 5:20). Both

Most Reverend Mario E. Dorsonville

Peter and Judas had the same offer of mercy opened to them. One of them was able to accept it, while one of them was not. When we choose to accept the mercy of God, we see our own vocation, the call He has placed on our hearts, as something that is really possible – not by our own efforts, but by His grace.

That offer of mercy and compassion, and the beauty of God’s call, is not something that is just in the past for Jesus and His apostles, but is rather something that continues to this very day, even in our own diocese. As we receive three new priests this month, and as many young men and women continue to discern the call that God has

Deacon Joseph, giving their sons to serve their own area, or families like that of Deacon Davis, who generously gave of their son to a missionary call to serve the people of the bayous, the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and the entire church are so blessed by the sacrifices these families make. I am so joyful to be able to welcome these men to the brotherhood of the presbyterate and to work with them to continue the work of Jesus here.

I ask you to please pray for our priests – both those who have so generously given their entire lives in many years of service, and those who are just beginning a lifetime of ministry – that we may all be united as instruments of God’s mercy to each person we encounter. Please also pray for the men in our diocese who may be hearing the call of Jesus to be His priest, that they have the courage and confidence to say “Yes!” Whenever we follow Jesus with our whole heart, we will never be disappointed.

May God bless all of you as we work together in this important mission of answering God’s call in our lives.

for them, we see Him continuing to work in the hearts of so many, inviting them to be His close friends as they give their lives to Him. Not one of us is exempt from that call. The call to holiness and friendship with God is a universal call that excludes no one. If you think you are too sinful, or not good enough, or will not be happy, have no fear! God calls you especially to be an instrument of His great mercy.

Vocations do not come from thin air – they come from families. Every single one of us comes from a family, and it is there that God’s call begins. It is beautiful to see families giving such a great gift to the church – their own children – to continue the work of Jesus Christ here in this diocese. Whether it is local families, like those of Deacon Matt and

‘

God calls you especially to be an instrument of His great mercy.

Đón nhận lòng thương xót của Thiên Chúa trong đời mình

Tháng này là Đại Hồng Ân cho Giáo

Phận khi chúng ta chào đón ba tân linh

mục – Phó tế Matthew Prosperie và

Joseph Lapeyrouse, hai thầy mà tôi sẽ

phong chức trong tháng này, cũng như

Phó tế Davis Ahimbisibwe, thầy sẽ

được thụ phong linh mục tại quê hương

Uganda trước khi trở lại đây. Khi cử

hành lễ phong chức cho họ và món quà

ơn gọi linh mục, nó đã khơi lại cho riêng tôi cảm nhận về món quà và mầu nhiệm

của ơn gọi này. Trọng tâm sâu nhất của ơn gọi là một mầu nhiệm. Mầu nhiệm không phải là một cái gì đó mà tôi hoặc bất cứ ai có thể tạo ra hoặc sản xuất, nhưng đó là bàn tay của Thiên Chúa, chỉ được mặc khải cho mỗi người qua chính Chúa Giêsu Kitô. Theo kế hoạch của Thiên Chúa, mỗi người chúng ta, theo một cách độc đáo, được Chúa Cha kêu gọi qua Chúa Con cộng tác trong sứ mệnh cứu độ trong quyền năng của Chúa Thánh Thần. Tất cả chúng ta đều có một ơn gọi, ơn gọi và mục đích đặc biệt được Chúa ghi khắc trong lòng mỗi người. Ơn gọi một linh mục là một món quà đặc biệt cho Giáo hội. Chúa Giê-su, như anh chị em biết, vừa là Thiên Chúa vừa là con người. Ngài vừa là Ngôi Hai của Chúa Ba Ngôi hiện hữu từ đời đời, vừa chọn trở thành con người, được sinh ra bởi Đức Trinh Nữ Maria, chịu đau khổ và chết để chúng ta có thể sống đời đời với Ngài trên thiên đàng. Chỉ mình Chúa Giê-su có thể ban sự cứu rỗi cho chúng ta. Vì Ngài là Thiên Chúa, Ngài có thể thực hiện công tác này theo bất cứ cách nào Ngài muốn. Tuy nhiên, Ngài đã chọn một cách rất riêng biệt để mang món quà cứu rỗi đến cho mọi người. Ngài đã chọn mười hai người đàn ông với tên gọi và mời họ chia sẻ cuộc sống với Ngài. Ngài gọi họ là tri kỷ của Ngài. Ngài biết họ bất toàn. Ngài biết rằng một số người sẽ phản bội Ngài, chối bỏ Ngài, bỏ rơi Ngài. Nhưng Ngài vẫn kêu gọi họ cộng tác vào sứ mệnh cứu rỗi. Ngài đã chọn họ làm đại diện của Ngài trên thế giới

trong mọi thời đại. Chính nhờ linh mục, hành động trong con người của Chúa Giêsu Kitô, mà ân sủng cứu độ của các bí tích được ban cho chúng ta mỗi ngày.

Không ai trong số mười hai Tông Đồ ban đầu đó là hoàn hảo. Tuy nhiên, tội lỗi và sự bất hoàn của họ không quá lớn hay quá xấu để Chúa khắc phục. Thay vào đó, một cách tuyệt vời, sự nương cậy của họ vào lòng thương xót của Ngài trong những lúc yếu đuối của họ đã cho phép ân sủng của Ngài làm cho cuộc sống của họ phong phú hơn. Sự hòa giải cho phép họ trở nên gần gũi hơn với Chúa, như Thánh Phaolô nói trong thư gửi tín hữu Rôma, nơi tội lỗi tràn đầy, ân sủng càng tràn ngập hơn nữa (Rm 5:20). Cả Phêrô và Giu-đa cùng được mời gọi lòng thương xót dành cho họ. Một trong hai đã có thể chấp nhận lòng thương xót, còn người kia thì không. Khi chúng ta chọn đón nhận lòng thương xót của Thiên Chúa, chúng ta nhận ra ơn gọi của chính mình, tiếng gọi mà Ngài đã đặt trong tâm hồn chúng ta, như một điều gì đó thực sự có thể - không phải do nỗ lực của mình, nhưng bởi ân sủng của Ngài.

Sự ban phát lòng thương xót và trắc ẩn, cùng chung đôi với lời mời gọi đẹp đẽ đến từ Thiên Chúa, không phải là cái gì đó chỉ tồn tại trong quá khứ dành cho Chúa Giêsu và các Tông Đồ, nhưng đúng hơn ơn gọi đó vẫn tiếp tục cho đến ngày nay, ngay chính trong Giáo Phận mình. Khi chúng ta tiếp nhận ba tân linh mục trong tháng này, và khi nhiều thanh niên nam nữ tiếp tục nhận ra ơn gọi mà Thiên Chúa dành cho họ, chúng ta thấy Ngài tiếp tục làm việc trong tâm hồn của rất nhiều người, mời gọi họ trở thành tri kỷ của Ngài khi họ dâng hiến cuộc sống của họ cho Ngài. Không một ai trong chúng ta được miễn trừ khỏi sự kêu gọi đó. Lời mời gọi nên thánh và tri kỷ với Thiên Chúa là một lời mời gọi phổ quát mà không ai bị loại ra ngoài. Nếu bạn nghĩ rằng bạn quá tội lỗi, hoặc không đủ tốt, hoặc sẽ không hạnh phúc, đừng sợ!

Thiên Chúa đặc biệt kêu gọi anh chị em trở thành khí cụ lòng thương xót vô bờ bến của Người.

Ơn gọi không đến từ hư không - nó đến từ mọi gia đình. Mỗi người chúng ta đều xuất thân từ một gia đình, và chính ở đó tiếng gọi của Thiên Chúa bắt đầu. Thật đẹp khi thấy các gia đình trao tặng một món quà tuyệt vời như vậy cho Giáo hội - con cái của họ - để tiếp tục công việc của Chúa Giêsu Kitô ở đây trong giáo phận này. Cho dù đó là các gia đình địa phương, như gia đình của hai Phó tế Matt và Joseph, hiến dâng hai con trai của họ phục vụ ngay tại địa phương, hoặc các gia đình như của Phó tế Davis, họ đã quảng đại cho con trai mình ơn gọi truyền giáo để phục vụ người dân vùng sông nước, tại Giáo phận HoumaThibodaux và toàn thể giáo hội đều được hưởng ân huệ mà các gia đình này hy sinh thực hiện. Tôi rất vui mừng vì có thể chào đón những người anh em này trong tình huynh đệ linh mục và làm việc với họ để tiếp tục sứ mạng của Chúa Giêsu tại địa phương này.

Tôi xin anh chị em hãy cầu nguyện cho các linh mục của mình – cho tất cả những linh mục đã quảng đại thánh hiến hết đời họ trong nhiều năm phục vụ, và những linh mục mới vừa khởi sự tác vụ thừa tác - để các ngài có thể được hiệp nhất như những khí cụ của lòng thương xót của Thiên Chúa đến từng người mà chúng ta gặp. Cũng xin hãy cầu nguyện cho những thanh thiếu niên trong giáo phận của chúng ta, những người có thể đang suy tư về ơn gọi để trở thành linh mục của Chúa Giêsu, để họ có can đảm và tự tin để xin “Vâng!” Bất cứ khi nào chúng ta theo Chúa Giêsu với cả tấm lòng, chúng ta sẽ không bao giờ thất vọng.

Xin Chúa chúc lành cho tất cả anh chị em để cùng nhau chu toàn sứ mệnh quan trọng này là đáp lại tiếng gọi của Thiên Chúa trong cuộc sống. BC

Elegir aceptar la misericordia de Dios en nuestras vidas

Este mes es una ocasión de gran alegría para nuestra diócesis, ya que damos la bienvenida a tres nuevos sacerdotes: los diáconos Matthew Prosperie y Joseph Lapeyrouse, a quienes ordenaré en este mes, así como también al diácono Davis Ahimbisibwe, quien será ordenado en su país natal, Uganda, antes de regresar aquí. Al celebrar sus ordenaciones y el don de las vocaciones sacerdotales, ha suscitado mi propia reflexión sobre el don y el misterio de esta llamada. En el fondo, la vocación es un misterio. No es algo que yo o alguien pueda crear o producir, sino que es una obra de Dios, sólo revelada a cada persona por la persona de Jesucristo. Por designio de Dios, cada uno de nosotros, de manera única, somos llamados por el Padre a través del Hijo a una misión de salvación en el poder del Espíritu Santo. Todos nosotros tenemos una vocación, una llamada especial y un propósito escrito en nuestros corazones por el Señor.

La vocación de un sacerdote es un don especial para la Iglesia. Jesús, como ustedes saben, es al mismo tiempo Dios y hombre. Él es a la vez la Segunda Persona de la Santísima Trinidad presente desde toda la eternidad, y también eligió hacerse hombre, nacido de la Virgen María, para sufrir y morir para que pudiéramos vivir para siempre con Él en el cielo. Jesús pudo haber elegido ofrecernos esta salvación para todos por sí mismo. Como era Dios, podría haberlo hecho esta obra de la manera que hubiera querido. Sin embargo, Él eligió una manera muy específica para traer el don de la salvación para todos nosotros. Eligió a doce hombres por su nombre y los invitó a compartir su vida. Los hizo sus amigos. Él sabía que no eran perfectos. Sabía que algunos lo traicionarían, lo negarían, lo abandonarían. Aun así, los llamó a participar con Él en la misión de salvación. Los eligió para

que fueran sus representantes en el mundo todo el tiempo. Es a través del sacerdote, actuando en la persona de Jesucristo, que la gracia salvadora de los sacramentos se nos ofrece cada día. Ninguno de aquellos Doce originales era perfecto. Sin embargo, su pecado e imperfección no eran demasiado grandes o malos para superar al Señor. Más bien, de una hermosa manera, su confianza en su misericordia en los momentos de su debilidad permitió que su gracia los enriqueciera aún más. La reconciliación les permitió acercarse más al Señor, como dice San Pablo en su carta a los Romanos: donde abunda el pecado, sobreabunda la gracia (Romanos 5,20). Tanto a Pedro como a Judas se les abrió la misma oferta de misericordia. Uno de ellos pudo aceptarla, mientras que el otro no. Cuando elegimos aceptar la misericordia de Dios, vemos nuestra propia vocación, el llamado que Él ha puesto en nuestros corazones, como algo que es realmente posible, no por nuestros propios esfuerzos, sino por su gracia.

Esa oferta de misericordia y compasión, y la belleza del llamado de Dios, no es algo que pertenezca sólo al pasado de Jesús y sus apóstoles, sino que es algo que continúa hasta nuestros días, incluso en nuestra propia diócesis. Mientras recibimos a tres nuevos sacerdotes este mes, y mientras muchos hombres y mujeres jóvenes continúan discerniendo la llamada que Dios tiene para ellos, vemos que Él continúa trabajando en los corazones de tantos, invitándoles a ser sus amigos íntimos mientras le entregan sus vidas. Ninguno de nosotros está exento de esa llamada. La llamada a la santidad y a la amistad con Dios es una llamada universal que no excluye a nadie. Si piensas que eres demasiado pecador, o que no eres lo suficientemente bueno, o que no serás feliz, ¡no temas! Dios te llama especialmente para ser

instrumento de su gran misericordia. Las vocaciones no surgen de la nada, sino de las familias. Cada uno de nosotros proviene de una familia, y es ahí donde comienza la llamada de Dios. Es hermoso ver a las familias dar un regalo tan grande a la Iglesia - sus propios hijos - para continuar la obra de Jesucristo aquí en esta diócesis. Ya sea que se trate de familias locales, como las del Diácono Matt y el Diácono Joseph, que dan a sus hijos para servir a su propia área, o familias como la del Diácono Davis, quien generosamente dio a su hijo a un llamado misionero para servir a la gente de los bayous, la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux y toda la iglesia son tan bendecidas por los sacrificios que estas familias hacen. Estoy muy contento de poder dar la bienvenida a estos hombres a la hermandad del presbiterado y de trabajar con ellos para continuar la obra de Jesús aquí.

Les pido que recen por nuestros sacerdotes -tanto por los que tan generosamente han entregado su vida entera en muchos años de servicio, como por los que acaban de comenzar una vida de ministerio- para que todos podamos estar unidos como instrumentos de la misericordia de Dios para cada persona que encontremos. Por favor, recen también por los hombres de nuestra diócesis quienes pueden estar escuchando la llamada de Jesús a ser su sacerdote, para que tengan el valor y la confianza de decir “¡Sí!”. Siempre que sigamos a Jesús con todo nuestro corazón, nunca seremos decepcionados.

Que Dios los bendiga a todos mientras trabajamos juntos en esta importante misión de responder a la llamada de Dios en nuestras vidas. BC

Vatican supports Catholic research to improve families and marriages

The Pope Speaks

By HANNNAH BROCKHAUS

(Rome Newsroom CNA) Pope Francis has backed a project aimed at enhancing interdisciplinary research at Catholic universities in the sphere of family, marriage and childbearing.

“We cannot be indifferent to the future of the family as a community of life and love, a unique and indissoluble covenant between a man and a woman, a place where generations meet, a source of hope for society,” the pope said in a message of support released recently.

The project, called the Family Global Compact, was presented by members of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS) and the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life.

In a written message read at the presentation, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, prefect of the family dicastery, said: “The Family Global Compact entrusts Catholic universities with the task of developing more in-depth theological, philosophical, legal, sociological, and economic analyses of marriage and the family to sustain it and place it at the heart of systems of thought and contemporary action.”

The compact includes a 50-page document outlining specific challenges faced by families today, followed by suggested solutions and actions to take. Each challenge also includes guidelines for university research on that topic.

The document notes the challenges caused by low birth rates in many areas of the world and how the widespread practice and legalization of contraception, abortion and

sterilization “have transformed the meaning of procreation: From a natural inclination and gift of God to a project and result of a procreative will that tends to dominate life.”

The Vatican document encourages working to create “favorable conditions for getting married and having children at a young age” and to improve access to church-approved forms of medical care, such as Naprotechnology, for those struggling with infertility.

The document also discusses the promotion of marriage among young adults, childbearing and adoption, intergenerational dependence, domestic violence, education to faith and the common good, employment and poverty, among other subjects.

“This project,” the document says, “also challenges all the social actors to whom the Family Global Compact will be able to offer arguments and reflections based on rigorous empirical evidence, investigated and interpreted within an explicit anthropological perspective, relational and personalistic in nature, firmly inscribed in the social doctrine of the church.”

The Vatican representatives emphasized that the project is based on

the concrete realities of families today.

The president of PASS, Sister Helen Alford, O.P., said: “We see that, despite the sense of a crisis in the family, or even of the ‘death’ of the family, it remains a central goal and value in people’s lives.”

“We cannot resign ourselves,” Pope Francis said in his message, “to the decline of the family in the name of uncertainty, individualism, and consumerism, which envision a future of individuals who think only of themselves.”

“The family, it should be recalled, has a positive effect on everyone, since it is a generator of common good,” he continued. “Healthy family relationships represent a unique source of enrichment, not only for spouses and children but for the entire ecclesial and civil community.”

Gabriella Gambino, an undersecretary of the family and life dicastery, pointed to four steps, or goals, of the Family Global Compact, as explained by Pope Francis.

The first is to initiate “a process of dialogue and greater collaboration among university study and research centers dealing with family issues, in

order to make their activities more productive, particularly by creating or reviving networks of university institutes inspired by the social doctrine of the church,” the pope said.

The second and third goals, he added, are to create “greater synergy of content and goals between Christian communities and Catholic universities” and to promote “the culture of family and life in society, so that helpful public policy resolutions and objectives can emerge.”

And finally, Francis said, the compact hopes to harmonize and advance proposals resulting from the research “so that service to the family can be

enhanced and sustained in spiritual, pastoral, cultural, legal, political, economic and social terms.”

Pierpaolo Donati, a sociologist and member of PASS, said in the past “once upon a time if you will,” young people were educated in a healthy family life by the family, but now, this has largely been lost.

“The core of the problem is a relationship culture that is lacking,” he said.

“Studies have revealed a crisis in family relationships,” Pope Francis said, “fueled by both contingent and structural problems, which, in the absence of adequate means of support

from society, make it more difficult to create a serene family life.”

“This is one reason why many young people are choosing unstable and informal types of emotional relationships over marriage,” he explained. “At the same time, surveys make it clear that the family continues to be the primary source of social life and point to the existence of good practices that deserve to be shared and promoted globally.”

“Families themselves can and should be witnesses and leaders in this process.” BC

QUESTIONS OF FAITH

In this month’s issue of Bayou Catholic magazine, we’re reading a lot about the beauty of the call to priesthood, and the call to service that it entails. Our priests lay down their lives in service to the church and its people. Acknowledging their care for our souls and their fervor for the sacraments we, the people of God whom they serve, of course want to give back to them. But beyond the occasional gumbo or casserole, how can we truly and consistently care for our priests as they care for us?

As a consecrated virgin, one of the ways in which I identified my call to this vocation was in the deep desire I felt to pray for the protection of our diocesan clergy. In living out this aspect of my vocation, I’ve put together regular habits of prayer, fasting and almsgiving that anyone can do in order to pick up this charitable work.

WITH REGARDS TO PRAYER:

Pray for vocations and pray for your priests regularly. As someone who has promised to pray the Liturgy of the Hours daily, I offer up one hour for the bishops whom I serve; one hour for all of the clergy and seminarians that I know, particularly those in my diocese; and one hour for special intentions, which are often intentions given to me

How can we truly and consistently care for our priests as they care for us

JENNIFER ELY, M.A.T.S.

by priests, or for those priests struggling with illness. One of my favorite prayers that I say after morning prayer is one credited to Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus.

WITH REGARDS TO FASTING AND PENANCE:

Try offering up your fasting (by which we mean fasting from food, traditionally practiced on Wednesdays and/or Fridays) and your abstinence from meat on Fridays for priests and make little penances for them daily as well. Leave the sweetener out of your coffee one day; do an extra rep or two in your workout on another; turn off the radio on your way to work on another (you can pair this penance with adding prayer time, like the rosary, while you drive). Think of the priest, deacon or seminarian

that you want to offer it for in particular: Maybe it’s your pastor or deacon, maybe it’s the newest seminarians to the diocese. Offer up your fasting and penance to the Lord as a gift for your sanctification and theirs.

WITH REGARDS TO ALMSGIVING:

Consider donating particularly to those ministries that help to form priests, like your diocesan Vocations Office; the Institute for Priestly Formation; Saint Joseph Seminary College and Notre Dame Seminary. Another option is to donate to projects like the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, which supports not only our seminarians but also our retired priests as well, many of whom still continue to serve in a variety of ways.

If we want to support our priests, if we want them to grow in holiness, and if we want new men to answer the call to the priesthood, we as the people of God must take up the charge of prayer, fasting and almsgiving on their behalf. They are our fathers, brothers and sons; they will always need our support and our love, in whatever way we can offer it. And the beauty of our offerings is that as we give them to God on behalf of the priesthood, we ourselves are also made holier, and capable of greater and greater acts of love for them and for the world.

(Jennifer Ely, M.A.T.S., is a consecrated virgin in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, currently working for the Archdiocese of New Orleans’ Vocations Office. She is beginning classes for her license/ doctorate in sacred theology.)

ST. THÉRÈSE’S PRAYER FOR PRIESTS:

O Jesus, I pray for your faithful and fervent priests; for your unfaithful and tepid priests; for your priests laboring at home or abroad in distant mission fields; for your tempted priests; for your lonely and desolate priests; for your young priests; for your dying priests; for the souls of your priests in purgatory.

But above all, I recommend to you the priests dearest to me: The priest who baptized me; the priests who absolved me from my sins; the priests whose Masses I attended and who gave me your body and blood in holy Communion; the priests who taught and instructed me; all the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way (especially … ).

O Jesus, keep them all close to your heart, and bless them abundantly in time and in eternity. Amen.

READINGS THE LINES BETWEEN

As I pointed out in last month’s article, during June some of our Gospel readings came from the Mission Discourse, the second of five lengthy speeches Jesus delivers in Matthew’s Gospel. Beginning on July 16, we have readings from Jesus’ Discourse in Parables (13:3-52) the third of the five discourses.

One of the parables which we will read from the Parable Discourse is that of “The Weeds and the Wheat” (Matthew 13:24-30, July 23). Found only in Matthew, this parable brings out some of the unique features of Matthew’s presentation of Jesus.

As is the case with the other parables in the Parable Discourse, Jesus compares

the kingdom of heaven to the situation described in the parable. As he does in the parable of “The Sower” (13:38) Jesus uses an agricultural image, which would be familiar to his audience, to convey a truth about the kingdom of heaven.

As the action in the parable begins, a householder (see 13:27), that is, a farm-estate owner, sows “good” seed in his field. While people are sleeping, however, the householder’s enemy sows weeds among the wheat. The antagonist of the parable is presented as an “enemy,” that is, one who acts contrary to the planter’s purpose. This weed is darnel (Greek, zizania), a plant which looks very much like the wheat as it grows. By the time the darnel can be distinguished from the wheat the two plants’ roots are so entwined that to try to separate them while they are growing could prove to be dangerous to the wheat (J.P. Meier, Matthew, p. 147). The point of sowing the weeds, of course, is to threaten the produce of the wheat crop. The planter and his slaves do not become aware of the enemy’s wicked deed until both the wheat and weeds sprout together. The slaves are puzzled that weeds are appearing with the wheat if, as they presume, the planter sowed good seed. The householder knows he sowed good seed and so the only explanation is that an enemy, unbeknown to him and his slaves, sabotaged the crop. In 13:28, the slaves ask a critical question which leads to the central point to be made in the parable: Should the slaves uproot the weeds and gather them? The householder replies negatively, for to do so might

FATHER GLENN LECOMPTE

The Parable of “The Weeds and the Wheat”

likewise uproot the wheat before it is ripe and destroy the whole crop (13:29). The better solution, the householder decides, is to let the two grow together until harvest time, have the harvesters separate the weeds and wheat, bundle the weeds for burning and gather the wheat into the householder’s barn (13:30).

The parable is introduced in 13:24 as a comparison for the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom is like the entirety of the story. The kingdom is not a society which consists of only ethically pure people. Until the final judgment (the harvest depicted in the parable) the growing kingdom is a mix of good and evil. The parable serves as a warning to church members not to try to label members as good and evil and separate the two. Not only would doing so potentially cause harm to the church, but it usurps God’s role as end-time judge. The implication is that evil will not overcome the good in the church as it progresses toward the full establishment of the kingdom.

Matthew selects this parable, which appears in none of the other canonical Gospels, probably because it addresses a particular issue in the community for which Matthew writes. The members of Matthew’s community might well have been confused as to how to deal with the phenomenon of wickedness or unfaithfulness among the community’s members, and this parable provides wise advice as to how to address the issue. The message communicated by the “Weeds and Wheat” parable may seem to be in conflict with Matthew 18:15-18, wherein a

three-step process, which can result in excommunication, is instituted for dealing with personal injury which becomes scandalous to the church. Matthew 18:15-18, however, depicts a reconciliation process, an attempt to restore wholeness in the injured relationship and within the church. The excommunication of an unrepentant church member is simply the declaration of that member’s decision to distance him- or herself from the community.

The church, especially regarding relations among its members, is a prime concern of Matthew’s Gospel. Chapter 18 (the fourth of the five discourses) deals exclusively with relations among church members. Matthew depicts the church as a renewed people of God

consisting

of those who believe in Jesus as its foundation stone (21:43). The “Weeds and Wheat” parable speaks to a particular issue within this community of believers. Yet the “Weeds and Wheat” parable provides wisdom for the church in every age. We might tend to think of the weeds and the wheat in the parable as referring to “bad people” and “good people” respectively. D.J. Harrington, S.J. (The Gospel of Matthew, p. 208) may give us a good way of referring to the point of the “Weeds and The Wheat” parable (along with the parable of the “Dragnet” (Matthew 13:47-50), which

makes the same point) when he says that the problem in the two parables is the same: “how to deal with the mixed response accorded to the Gospel.”

Sometimes church members are scandalized by unjust or evil acts occurring within the church. Scandal can be so disturbing to individuals that they abandon one church community for another or disassociate themselves from religious communities altogether. The reality of the church is that it consists of human beings who, for the most part, may be dedicated to living lives of faith but are nonetheless sinners in need of repentance. The fact that sin is committed by individuals within the church, though, does not mean that the church is a sinful institution. For Matthew it is the people of God renewed and restored by Jesus Christ by means of his death and resurrection, and as such is

capable of bearing the spiritual fruit God desires of it (21:43). Still, Matthew acknowledges, by means of parables such as “The Weeds and the Wheat” and the “Dragnet,” that sin can exist among its members. God will sort between those who

‘

are repentant and unrepentant at the final judgment. In the meantime, the church can still progress toward the full establishment of God’s kingdom.

Evil will not overcome the good in the Church. ’

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

What possible difficulties might arise by attempting to label and separate “good” and “bad” in the church?

What are some constructive ways to deal with sin and scandal in the Christian community?

How would you, in a spirit of Christian charity, address a person who has lost hope in or become critical of the Christian community because of sin?

July Scripture Readings

and a listing of Feast days and saints

HEAVENLY RECIPES

Robin makes Seafood Cornbread Dressing

STORY BY JANET MARCEL

This month’s Heavenly Recipe, Seafood Cornbread Dressing, comes from Robin Lapeyrouse, mother of the Rev. Mr. Joseph Lapeyrouse who is scheduled to be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux this month.

“My dad got this recipe years and years ago; he modified and adjusted it, so it really became his recipe,” says Robin. “Since he passed away, the recipe is even more special to us now. I usually make it for Halloween. It’s everybody’s favorite.”

Robin says she does most of the cooking at home and it is something she enjoys when she has the time. Her husband also cooks sometimes, but he really likes to grill.

She learned to cook from her mother, whom she says is a fabulous cook and baker. “I’ll never be as good as her. I bake a little, but my mother is the dessert maker.”

Robin retired last year from the Terrebonne Parish public school system, where she worked as a speech therapist.

Some of her hobbies are reading, binge watching some of her favorite T.V. shows, spending time with family and friends, and going to events at Tulane and Tulane football games with her husband. She is also a member of the Mardi Gras Krewe of Hyacinthians.

The Chauvin native moved to Houma after she got married. She and her husband Chris have been married 36 years this month. They are parishioners of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. Other than her son Joseph, who is 26, they also have a daughter Emma Dufrene, who is 29. Emma and her husband John are expecting their first child – Robin and Chris’ first grandchild –in September.

Robin says she first noticed Joseph might be thinking about becoming a priest during his first semester of college. “I could tell he wasn’t happy … that something wasn’t going right, but he said everything with school was fine. Then in the middle of the semester, he made up his mind to enter the seminary and discern if he was being called to the priesthood. Joseph was always quiet and introverted so him wanting to become a priest was surprising to me, but it was typical for Joseph to make decisions on his own like that, so that part wasn’t surprising.”

Joseph was studying engineering and he told them he knew that wasn’t what he was supposed to be doing with his life.

Robin says any fears or reservations she may have had about his decision to become a priest, Joseph quickly put to rest. “I asked him if he would be able to do things like give homilies and marry people since he was so introverted, and he said he ‘wasn’t worried about knowing what to say because God would give him the words.’”

INGREDIENTS:

3 boxes Jiffy Cornbread, baked and crumbled

1 small bunch of parsley, chopped

2 large yellow onions

2 bunches green onions

DIRECTIONS:

1-1/2 cans chicken broth

1 lb. crabmeat (claw meat)

3 lbs. small shrimp

1/2 stick of butter

Tony Chachere’s Creole

Seasoning

Sauté green onions and yellow onions in butter until tender; add crabmeat, shrimp, parsley and some Tony Chachere’s seasoning. Cook for 10 minutes on medium heat.

Mix chicken broth, cornbread, crab and shrimp – mixture should be very soft to allow for loss of moisture during baking. Pour into buttered baking dish. Sprinkle Tony Chachere’s seasoning over top. Bake at 300 degrees in a buttered 9 X 13 inch baking dish (or two smaller baking dishes) for 1 hour until done.

If preparing in advance, bake for 45 minutes, cool, then refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator to warm a little then finish baking until center is hot. This recipe may also be split into two smaller pans for sharing or serving at separate meals.

The only other “fear” she and her husband had was that they didn’t know how to help him because they didn’t know how a person becomes a priest. “That’s a scary thing for a parent when you don’t know how to help your child get to where they want to be. When he entered St. Joseph Seminary, Robin says they told her and Chris, “Our job is to make men into good priests. Give him to us and we will do that.”

“The person we watched him evolve into is who he is supposed to be. He’s so different from the person he started out as before

he went to the seminary. He’s grown so much in knowledge and in his faith. We’re just so proud of him. He is so certain that he is doing what he is supposed to do, and he is where God wants him to be. He completely gave himself to this journey and dedicated his whole life to it,” says his mother. “It was a long, hard journey but it is what they (seminarians) need and it’s all worth it in the end. And, as parents we are on that journey with them, also; and we have to learn to kind of give them up and just support them and love them.”

BLESSINGS OF THE PRIESTHOOD:

Serving the People of God

Priesthood comes with many joys, and those joys become blessings for the people whom our priests are called to serve. This year we rejoice with three priests who mark particular milestones in their lives of service to God’s people. Father Wilmer Todd celebrates 60 years of priesthood; Father Thomas Kuriakose celebrates 40; and Father Rholando (Rholly) Grecia celebrates 25.

Father Todd is 84 years old and still actively exercises his priesthood in service as chaplain to St. Joseph Manor in Thibodaux. What does he love about being a priest? Celebrating the Church’s Liturgies—especially the Sacraments— and helping others to understand religion as a relationship. “I love the liturgy. I try to get the congregation involved in the greatest mystery in the world, the Pascal Mystery of Jesus’ death and resurrection,” says Father Todd, who strives to make liturgy both dynamic and meaningful so that people can apply the Gospel to their everyday lives. Priests have the opportunity to change people’s lives and, in doing so, change the world for the better.

“It is very rewarding for someone to come up to me after Mass and ask for a copy of my homily because it touched them in a very special way.” When reflecting on his love for the Sacraments of

Baptism, Marriage, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick, Father Todd speaks of the great privilege he experiences walking with people through the high and low points of their lives. Father Todd strives to teach others that “Christianity does not mean knowing about Christ; it means knowing Christ.” He says he learned from a professor in one of his sabbaticals that “religion was all about relationships – the relationship of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the relationship we have with our God, our relationship with each other, and our relationship with our world.”

Father Thomas, who is currently pastor of St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in Kraemer, says his 40 years “went by like a flash.” He finds joy in his gratitude for the parishes of Sacred Heart Church in Cut Off, and St. Charles Borromeo Church in Pointe-aux Chenes where he has served in the past, and of course St. Lawrence Church and St. James Mission in Choctaw where he now serves as pastor. “I have experienced God’s blessing from the people of these parishes,” Fr. Thomas says. He also owes gratitude to the bishops of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux with whom he has been privileged to work: Bishop (Emeritus) Sam Jacobs, Bishop Shelton Fabre, and Bishop Mario Dorsonville.

Story by Monique Albarado

He considers Father Robert Rogers, with whom he served in Cut Off, as a mentor who was a tremendous help to him. Father Thomas cites visiting the sick and shut-ins of the communities as his greatest joy because he can sense their appreciation when they express that he is the only one who comes to visit them. He has gratitude for what the elderly have contributed to the culture of our area. “They are the best part of our history,” he says, reflecting on the fact that not as many of these elders are around anymore. Another great joy of his priesthood has been honoring his late mother who was active in encouraging him to become a priest. He recalls memories of his mother hosting 8 to 10 people in her home for dinner regularly. Her example of service to others was instrumental in his vocation. He says that she is the only person he never witnessed getting angry. Father Thomas remembers she was the “happiest person” when he was ordained to the priesthood.

Father Rholly, who has served in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for a total of 15 years, explains his joy in priesthood as an acronym: J for Jesus in the Holy Eucharist; O for obedience to the will of God and the church; and Y for yes to service. The most important for him is the Holy Eucharist. “On September 10, 1998, I celebrated my first Mass, and the joy of celebrating the Holy Eucharist is the fulfillment of my priesthood.” The theme of his celebration of 25 years of priesthood is based on Psalm 89:1: “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever.” Father Rholly says that he always sings the consecration because of the meaning of this Psalm to his priesthood. With obedience, he seeks the will of God and the ability to do it. “It is a grace I pray for every day as a priest. The joy of knowing those times that I was able to do and obey God’s will is a blessing for my priesthood.” Father Rholly’s “yes” to serving the people of God has especially been experienced as he has visitied sick and the homebound during his 25 years of priestly ministry.

In conclusion, Fr. Todd shares his gratitude for all that he’s experienced during his priestly ministry. “Many things have changed in the church since Archbishop Cody ordained me in 1963. We were still celebrating the Mass in Latin. Many people did not understand what was going on…some people used the Mass as a time to meditate. Many people did not go to Communion. Thank God things have changed. People can now use their Baptismal Priesthood to offer with the ordained priest the sacrifice of Jesus to the Father. What a privilege!”

Father Wilmer Todd

Father Thomas Kuriakose

Father Rholando Grecia

BUILT TO L AST

AN ALTAR FOR OUR BISHOP

STORY BY MONIQUE ALBARADO AND MAEGAN MARTIN

As Bishop Mario Dorsonville arrived at his new home in the diocese, Father Mitch Semar, and three of the diocese’s seminarians, Chad Cheramie, Ethan Henry and Wayne Romero Jr., helped in the moving process. They got to know their new shepherd in a particular way during those first few days. In the midst of the move, Bishop Dorsonville mentioned to Father Mitch, diocesan director of the Office of Vocations, that he was in search of an altar for his home chapel. The seminarians said that Father Mitch turned to them, gave them an eager look, and offered to build the altar and tabernacle without hesitation.

The seminarians in the St. Joseph the Worker Seminarian House of Formation have a bit of carpentry experience, as they assisted with the building of furniture for their own formation room. Even with their previous experience, Wayne said he was surprised that Bishop Dorsonville accepted their offer to build the altar, seeing as this is the altar that bishops of our diocese would use to say Mass in their home for years to come. “He trusts us a lot,” Wayne says, “and we trust him.”

Thomas Aquinas Church in Thibodaux and a skilled carpenter by trade, learning how to use the tools necessary to complete such a task. “I think when we put the first pocket screw in one of the legs, it hit me. I could celebrate Mass on this altar,” says Chad. He continued to say that working on the altar and the tabernacle for the chapel increased in each of them a desire for the liturgy and a desire for the Mass that wasn’t missing, but was definitely rekindled throughout the process.

The building process involved lots of personal growth, laughter and prayer. “Carpentry is such virtuous work,” Chad says as he reflects on the process. The seminarians grew in patience, humility, perseverance, and working together as a team. “You learn not to lash out at each other, but how to allow others to express what they’re feeling. You can’t repress everything. You have to talk,” Ethan shares, “we know a lot more than we did, but we know we have a lot more to learn.”

For as many learning moments the seminarians shared, there were just as many laughs and memories made. At one point Wayne accidentally drilled a hole in an unwanted place with a stripped rotary tool. A saw blade was bent when a

rogue block of wood got hung up as Chad was using it, sending pieces of wood flying all over the room. Ethan’s curiosity ended with him too close to the wrong end of a planer resulting in a face full of sawdust. But in all the mishaps and mistakes

It meant even more to know that this is the bishop who will eventually ordain these men if, God willing, they are called to the priesthood.

When the altar and tabernacle were completed, Bishop Dorsonville invited the seminarians, Father Mitch, Wiley and his wife, and Mark Bourgeois (who stained the altar) and his wife to the Mass where the altar was consecrated in his home chapel. Bishop Dorsonville says that the seminarians did not even consider saying no to learning how to build the altar and tabernacle. “We are educating these men to be priests, but

BUILDERS OF OUR CHURCH’

also how to be builders of our Church. Our bishops will continue to pray on this altar especially for good and holy men who might answer the call from the Lord Jesus Christ to the priesthood,” he says.

Each seminarian signed the inside of the altar, leaving behind a legacy of this time discerning God’s will for their lives. This beautiful altar and tabernacle now resides in the bishop’s residence and will continue to be a source of prayer for years

WALKING WITH THE PEOPLE OF GOD

It is through the ministry of the Word by teaching and preaching that I hope to present Christ Jesus as the fulfillment of all desires, hopes, aspirations, and the answer to the most fundamental questions of modern man. The Word of God destroys the web of ignorance that covers our society and moves individuals and communities from darkness into the wonderful light of Christ. I follow the words of St. Paul, “Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the Word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). If I am to enliven the lives of the faithful in all their dynamic dimensions, ministry of the Word (in the many forms it will take) will have a prominent place in my priestly ministry. Indeed, I can say, “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16).

FAMILY MINISTRY

When God became man, he entered into and belonged to a family, the family of Nazareth. To renew the entire human race, Christ’s salvific mission began and developed within the context of the family. What Christ did then, he still does today. He still desires to enter into and be present in every family with all its joys and sorrows, lights and  shadows. In light of the centrality of the family, the Second Vatican Council recovered the concept of the family as the domestic church, and this will have a great bearing on my priestly ministry. If indeed the church is to be ever more relevant to the world today, she must with a greater energy renew the family, and as such enable the Gospel to affect every baptized person since the family is the most fundamental community of the baptized. What we celebrate in our parish churches and cathedrals as mysteries must become lived out realities in the family. It is principally in the family that the rubber of the Gospel hits the road of daily life. Yet, it is without saying that most families today face tremendous challenges, most of which we know. Many have to walk alone into the darkness and confusion caused by the prevalent cultural trends, most have no spiritual life, and the virtues and the moral life are never taught.

Since the ministerial priesthood is at the service of the common priesthood, entering into the family will become for me a way in which I place my priesthood at the service of the baptized in the wider context of married and family life. As a priest, I want to demonstrate my availability to enter into every household, to listen to the members, to accompany them while allowing their joys and sorrows to affect my priestly ministry. What shape this ministry will concretely take, I do not fully know. But for certain, I hope that family visitations will be an essential element in my ministry. By doing

The first time that I can recall thinking of the priesthood was when I was maybe in about the second or third grade. I attended elementary school at St. Francis de Sales in Houma, and I can recall one day after a school Mass thinking of being a priest. This would be the only time I would think of the priesthood until I graduated from Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma in 2015. As I was considering what path to take in life during my senior year at Vandebilt, I was originally planning on pursuing a degree in electrical engineering, yet during this time, my faith was starting to truly grow. I would occasionally attend daily Mass during that school year, and I began to go to confession on a more regular basis. Concurrent with the initial growth in my own spiritual life, I began to read Scripture more on my own and try to pray as best as I could as a high school student.

What really first encouraged me to take my own faith more seriously around that time in my life was reading Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. To sum up the impact of this book for me, it helped me reflect on the question of who Jesus really is, and that he does truly desire to be in a relationship with us.

THE JOURNEY OF DISCERNMENT

Not long after reading this apologetical book, I learned how to talk with others about the faith. This included topics on the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist from the perspective of Scripture, the relationship of Scripture and Tradition, and performing works in connection with faith. During this time of seeing a much more serious and intellectual side of Christianity, I was led to take the Sacraments, faith and prayer, much more seriously. Ultimately, this comes to the decision of my future.

From this time onward, the idea of the priesthood kept coming back to my mind. I was not originally sure what to do with this thought of maybe trying to become a priest. At the end of my senior year of high school, I attended a “Come and See” weekend discernment retreat in which the idea of becoming a priest was becoming clearer.

during this year of college that the idea of entering the seminary only became stronger over time as I was beginning to realize that I needed to at least try seminary.

Before long I was applying to seminary, and in the fall of 2016, I was a sophomore at St. Joseph Seminary College (St. Ben’s). After three years at St. Ben’s, I was asked to study theology at the North American College in Rome, where I moved in the fall of 2019. While transitioning to Rome, my prayer shifted, and I was no longer discerning the vocation to the priesthood so to speak but more intentionally preparing for the priesthood itself at that stage in my formation. At that point, I was firm in my own resolve and commitment to becoming a priest for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux if it be the Will of God and His Church. At this point as a transitional deacon, I am

UNMOVABLE ROCK

BY REV. MR. MATTHEW PROSPERIE REFLECTION

ON THE PRIESTHOOD

that the needle has not already been crushed. And so, what do we find there, holding up this mountain? And why is it so small? The wind of false doctrine could not blow down the mountain, but the sea has been battering its shores all around. The waves have eroded the foundation; yet the mountain stands. It stands upon a slender rock, needle thin, diamond strong, the rock of faith—the faith of mothers and fathers, and their children; the faith held like the beads of a rosary, passed from finger to finger, and its words, lisped from lips nearly too young to speak, halting and unsure of the words, but somehow the surer of their meaning; the faith still sung in eloquence of voice and music, in lungs which have not tired, which have not wearied, because they sing something as strange as the world could hope for: A redeemed relationship with God, who is their rock, their peter, their priest.

“the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” But the fact that it will not fall does not mean we can be complacent. For many see the church, like Christ on the cross, and say: “There is no future for them; let us tear down this mountain.” Our faith knows something different, but it must say what it knows! And so those of us who are tasked with proclaiming the faith, which is all of us, since we are all a priestly people (although we exercise that priesthood in different ways in the church and in the world), ought to be concerned with building up the soil at the base of this mountain, lest people be kept from God.

So how do we do that? We must understand that the Church is not a magical floating mountain, which exists apart from human cooperation; that unmovable rock is Peter, a person, the martyr, who died testifying to Jesus, and upon whom Christ said he would build his Church. Yet Peter’s faith cannot simply be proclaimed; it must be lived.

yet the mountain stands.

‘ ’

St. Peter fervently set to work shoring up the base of the mountain, that base which is the individual Christians who are the meeting point between the mountain (Christ and his Church) and the world. Letters written by 1st and 2nd Peter are great examples of this. So, I will conclude with his inspired words from 1 Peter 2:4-6, which tell all Christians to imitate Christ by offering themselves as Christ did, as priests: “Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it says in Scripture: ‘... whoever believes in (this stone) shall not be put to shame.’” Thus will the faith of the young and old continue in its song, and that song will be heard, and grow, while the waves will grow quiet, for even they obey the Word of God, and listen to his song.

SAINT ANNE NOVENA

The St. Anne Association’s annual Novena in honor of Saint Anne will begin July 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Calvary Grotto Shrine in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Thibodaux with a Mass, followed by prayers and meditation. Each day thereafter prayer and meditation will begin at 6:30 p.m. On the 10th day, which is the feast day of Saints Anne and Joachim (July 26), a closing Mass is celebrated at 6:30 p.m. at the shrine.

Saint Anne is the patron saint of mothers, grandmothers, women who desire pregnancy, women in labor and women who want husbands, to name a few. Countless miracles have been reported in the past which members attribute to the intervention of Saint Anne, including women who have found husbands and couples who conceived children.

All are invited to attend. For more information, contact Joanie Lirette (985) 637-6906 or Connie Richard (985) 447-6559.

July 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.

Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville

Rev. Fernando Anaya Rev. Patrick (P.J.) Madden Rev. John David (J.D.) Matherne

Very Rev. André Melancon, V.F. Deacon Bertrand Rabalais, retired Very Rev. John Nambusseril, V.F. Rev. Jean-Marie Nsambu

Rev. Joseph Pilola Rev. Patrick Riviere Rev. James Rome Rev. Mitchel Semar Seminarian Chad Cheramie Rev. Carlos Talavera

Rev. Joseph Liem Van Than, C.R.M.

Rev. James Thien Van Nguyen, C.R.M.

Rev. Mark Toups Rev. Mike Tran Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs

Rev. Joseph Tregre Rev. Joe Varghese Rev. Billy Velasco

Rev. Shenan Boquet Deacon Malcolm Andry Very Rev. Jay L. Baker Rev. Paul Birdsall Rev. Rusty Bruce Rev. Toto Buenaflor Jr.

Sister Effata Maria Teresa, M.T.

Rev. Duc Bui Rev. Stephen Castille

Saintly Inspiration St. Kateri Tekakwitha July 14

On July 14, the church celebrates the feast day of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American to be canonized. Known as the “Lily of the Mohawks,” Kateri lived a life of holiness and virtue, despite obstacles and opposition within her tribe.

Kateri was born in Auriesville, New York, in 1656 to a Christian Algonquin woman and a pagan Mohawk chief. When she was a child, a smallpox epidemic attacked her tribe and both her parents died. She was left with permanent scars on her face and impaired eyesight. Her uncle, who had now become chief of the tribe, adopted her and her aunts began planning her marriage while she was still very young.

When three Jesuit fathers were visiting the tribe in 1667 and staying in the tent of her uncle, they spoke to her of Christ, and though she did not ask to be baptized, she believed in Jesus with an incredible intensity. She also realized that she was called into an intimate union with God as a consecrated virgin.

Holy Father’s prayer intentions July

Kateri had to struggle to maintain her faith amidst the opposition of her tribe who ridiculed her for it and ostracized her for refusing the marriage that had been planned for her. When she was 18, Father Jacques de Lamberville returned to the Mohawk village, and she asked to be baptized.

The life of the Mohawk village had become violent, and debauchery was commonplace. Realizing that this was proving too dangerous to her life and her call to perpetual virginity, Kateri escaped to the town of Caughnawaga in Quebec, near Montreal, where she grew in holiness and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

Kateri lived out the last years of her short life here, practicing austere penance and constant prayer. She was said to have reached the highest levels of mystical union with God, and many miracles were attributed to her while she was still alive.

She died on April 17, 1680, at the age of 24. Witnesses reported that within minutes of her death, the scars from smallpox completely vanished and her face shone with radiant beauty.

For a eucharistic life. We pray that Catholics may place the celebration of the Eucharist at the heart of their lives, transforming human relationships in a very deep way and opening to the encounter with God and all their brothers and sisters.

Devotion to Kateri began immediately after her death and her body, enshrined in Caughnawaga, is visited by many pilgrims each year. She was beatified by Saint Pope John Paul II in 1980, and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 21, 2012. BC

Catholic Youth Leadership Award

The Knights of Columbus Houma Council 1317 recently presented its 2023 Catholic Youth Leadership Award to Ross Abboud, 2023 graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma. Presenting the award is Jay Luke, KC Houma Council 1317 Catholic Leadership Award chairman. BC

Pope Francis: Treat others with dignity and respect

By HANNAH BROCKHAUS (Rome Newsroom CNA)

Pope Francis said in a message recently that others should be treated with dignity and respect, not as objects to exploit or throw away.

The pope’s speech was read aloud by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica and president of the Fratelli Tutti Foundation, at a livestreamed event on human fraternity, sponsored by the Foundation, held in St. Peter’s Square last month.

“In the encyclical Fratelli tutti,” the pope said, “I wrote: ‘Fraternity necessarily calls for something greater, which in turn enhances freedom and equality,’ since the one who sees the other as a brother or sister sees in him or her a face, not a number.”

“The other is always ‘someone’ who has dignity and merits respect, and not ‘something’ to be used, exploited, or thrown away,” he added.

“United with Pope Francis, we want to reaffirm that ‘authentic reconciliation does not flee from conflict, but is achieved in conflict, resolving it through dialogue and open, honest, and patient negotiation’ (Fratelli Tutti, 244). All this within the context of the human rights framework,” the declaration says.

“In our world torn apart by violence and war, tweaks and adjustments are not enough,” Pope Francis said in his message. “Only a great spiritual and social covenant born from the heart and centered on fraternity can restore the sacredness and inviolability of human dignity as the core of relationships.”

“This does not require theories on fraternity but concrete gestures and shared decisions that make it a culture of peace,” he continued. “The question to ask ourselves is not what society and the world can give me, but what can I give to my brothers and sisters.”

“Let us think of some concrete gesture of fraternity that we can make: Reconciling with family members, friends and neighbors, praying for those who hurt us, recognizing and helping those in need, speaking words of peace at school, university or in society, ‘anointing’ with closeness those who feel alone,” he said. BC

Abbot Justin Brown stepping down at Saint Joseph Abbey

Abbot Justin Brown, O.S.B., the fifth abbot of Saint Joseph Abbey and a native of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announced recently that he is stepping down from that position after nearly 22 years of service. Following is his official statement:

“For nearly 22 years I have had the honor and privilege of serving as Abbot of Saint Joseph Abbey. When I was elected on Nov. 23, 2001, as all abbots of the Swiss-American Benedictine Congregation, I was elected for an indefinite term. It is therefore incumbent upon the abbot to discern the length of his term.

“After much prayer and reflection, and in consultation with the monastic community, I believe that for the good of the abbey and me personally, now is the time for new leadership in the monastery.

“The Abbot President and Council of the Swiss-American Benedictine Congregation have accepted my resignation from the office of Abbot of Saint Joseph Abbey effective July 14, 2023. On that day, the solemnly professed monks of the abbey will elect our next abbot.

“I am grateful for the years I have served as abbot, years both challenging and rewarding, but above all, I am humbled by the trust my confreres have placed in me and grateful for God’s grace and blessings, which continue to sustain me and my brother monks in our monastic vocation in service to the church.

“I look forward to new opportunities of service here at the abbey and seminary college. Please pray for our community as we prepare to elect our next abbot.” BC

Donald and Theresa Dardar honored

Donald and Theresa Dardar were recently presented the Coastal Stewardship Award from the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL). This award recognizes those who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the coast and have made significant contributions to the preservation and restoration of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands.

Donald and Theresa Dardar are leaders in the Pointeau-Chien Indian Tribe, an Indigenous tribal community in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the Dardars were involved in distributing essential supplies, coordinating clean up and relief efforts, rebuilding homes and other structures and advocating for their community. For more than 15 years, they have collaborated with Louisiana Sea Grant to research and promote coastal resilience and sustainability. They have also partnered with CRCL to protect their culturally significant mounds through the Oyster Shell Recycling Program. BC

Abbot Justin Brown O.S.B.

Donald Dardar

Annual American Indian Liturgical Celebration July 14

The 28th annual American Indian liturgical celebration for the feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the “Lily of the Mohawks,” will be celebrated Friday, July 14, at 6:30 p.m., at the KC Home in Grand Caillou. The Kateri Chaplet and excerpts of Kateri’s life will begin at 6 p.m.

Kateri is the first American Indian in the United States to be canonized. She was canonized in Rome by Pope Benedict XVI, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012.

The celebration is sponsored by the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Holy Family Church parish, and the Saint Kateri Circle of Dulac. BC

PHOTO BY LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER

New guide to aims to inspire Catholics to rediscover novenas

By FRANCESCA POLLIO FENTON

(Denver, CO, CNA) A new book from Ascension is inspiring Catholics to experience the power of novenas with a pocket guide to dive deeper into this traditional form of prayer.

“Pocket Guide to Novenas” by Annie and JohnPaul Deddens offers readers a look into where these nine-day prayers came from, how to pray them, and what to expect when praying them.

The new pocket guide includes 20 novenas, 14 of which are newly written, an introduction to each novena, sacred art, inspirational stories from Catholics who have had their prayers answered through a novena, and a schedule for when to pray these particular novenas throughout the year.

First-time authors and married couple Annie and John-Paul Deddens spoke with CNA about their personal experiences seeing the power of novenas at work in their marriage and daily lives. A novena even played a part in bringing the two together.

Annie explained that the novena to St. Anne –the name given to the Virgin Mary’s mother in the Catholic tradition – was the first novena she ever prayed. She heard several women say they met their fiancés after praying for St. Anne’s intercession for a spouse. This moved Annie to find a novena to the saint. She began to pray it every morning at a local chapel.

“While I left that chapel every morning, I remember noticing a guy praying in one of the last pews in the back, and I thought to myself, “I’d like to meet someone like him, who is also starting his day in prayer,” she recalled.

“Very shortly after finishing the St. Anne Novena, I met John-Paul, and it turned out that he was the guy I had been seeing all along in the very back of the chapel while praying the novena,” she added. “So we attribute St. Anne’s intercession to us meeting one another.”

Now, they hope to encourage Catholics around the world to spend more time in prayer through their “Pocket Guide to Novenas.”

“Helping people pray novenas has been the heart of our ministry … for many years,” Annie said. “We wrote the (the book) to further help people pray novenas and hopefully grow closer to the Lord through each prayer. We love novenas and we hope they will become a beloved devotion for others in their prayer lives.”

John-Paul added that he hopes their book “will bring people closer to Christ, leading them in conversation and relationship with the Lord.” BC

'We have much to celebrate'

By TINA DENNELLY (CNA Newsroom) Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, VA, chairman of the

USCCB Committee

on Pro-Life

Activities, released a statement on the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s June 24, 2022, decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade.

“We have much to celebrate,” Burbidge wrote. “By the grace of God, the nearly 50-year reign of national abortion on demand has been put to an end. Roe v. Wade — a seemingly insurmountable blight on our nation — is no more!”

Amid the time for celebration, however, “we are reminded that this is not the end, but the beginning of a critical new phase in our efforts

to protect human life,” Burbidge said in the statement. “Despite this momentous legal victory, sobering and varied challenges lie ahead of us.”

Burbidge pointed out that in the last year, several states have passed legislation to protect unborn life while other states enacted “extreme abortion policies that leave children vulnerable to abortion, even until the moment of birth.”

“In this shifting political landscape, we persist confidently in our efforts to defend life,” he continued. “The work that lies ahead continues to be not just changing laws but also helping to change hearts, with steadfast faith in the power of God to do so.”

Burbidge called for “radical solidarity” with women facing unexpected or challenging pregnancies

as well as compassion for those who suffer due to their participation in abortion. He also called for prayer.

“May all people of faith and good will work together to proclaim that human life is a precious gift from God; that each person who receives this gift has responsibilities toward God, self and others; and that society, through its laws and social institutions, must protect and nurture human life at every stage of its existence,” he concluded. BC

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.