Bayou Catholic Magazine June 2023

On Our Cover

Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville has chosen a 100-year-old French chalice to use during his service as shepherd of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The chalice once belonged to the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross, who served St. Francis de Sales parish in Houma for well over 100 years. Read more about the chalice on pages 34-35.

ARTWORK BY CONNOR MABILE

Bayou Catholic

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Priesthood Ordination Anniversary Mass celebrated at the Lumen Christi Retreat Center

Priests who are celebrating significant anniversaries this year were honored recently at a luncheon and special Mass celebrated by Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville at the Lumen Christi retreat Center in Schriever.

Those who were honored are as follows:

60 Years

Father Wilmer (Willie) Todd

Father Todd, a native of New Orleans, retired from active ministry in 2007 after almost 44 years of service. He was ordained to the priesthood on Dec. 21, 1963.

In addition to numerous committees, associations, organizations and offices that he has been affiliated with, Father Todd served as associate pastor of St. Joseph Church parish in Chauvin, and as pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas on the Nicholls State University campus in Thibodaux, Holy Cross Church parish in Morgan City, St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma, and St. Genevieve Church parish and St. Luke the Evangelist Church parish in Thibodaux.

50 Years

Father Domingo (Ding) Cruz

Father Cruz, a native of Hagonoy, Bulacan, Philippines, retired in 2017, after 44 years of active ministry in the priesthood. He was ordained to the priesthood on Dec. 1, 1973.

While in the diocese, he served as associate pastor of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral parish in Thibodaux, St. Louis Church parish in Bayou Blue, St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma, and Holy Savior Church parish in Lockport. He also served as chaplain for Chabert Medical Center and Terrebonne General Health

System, both in Houma. He served as pastor of St. Lawrence the Martyr Church parish in Kraemer and St. Bridget Church parish in Schriever.

40 Years

Father Thomas Kuriakose

Father Kuriakose, a native of Kerala, India, was ordained to the priesthood on Jan. 1, 1983.

He has served as associate pastor of Sacred Heart Church parish in Cut Off, as Chaplain of Terrebonne General Health System in Houma, as administrator of St. Charles Borromeo Church parish in Pointeaux-Chenes, and as pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Church parish in Point-aux-Chenes.

Father Kuriakose is currently serving as pastor of St. Lawrence the Martyr Church parish in Kraemer.

Father Ronila (Roni) Villamor

Father Villamor, a native of Mlang, Cotabato, Philippines, is currently on leave. He was ordained to the priesthood on Aug. 13, 1983.

While in the diocese he served as associate pastor of St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma, and as pastor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Golden Meadow and Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish in Larose.

25 Years

Father Gregory Fratt

Father Fratt, a native of Charlotte, NC, retired from active ministry in August 2022, after 25 years of service to the diocese. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 13, 1998.

He served the diocese as associate pastor of Sacred Heart Church parish in Cut Off, and as pastor of St. Andrew Church parish in Amelia, Sacred Heart Church parish in Morgan City, and Sacred Heart

Church parish in Cut Off.

Father Rholando (Rholly) Grecia

Father Grecia, a native of Lucena City, Philippines, was ordained to the priesthood on Sept. 8, 1998.

He has served as associate pastor of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma, Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish in Larose, Sacred Heart Church parish in Cut Off, as Chaplain of Terrebonne General Health System in Houma, and as pastor of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church parish in Houma.

Father Grecia is currently serving as associate pastor of St. Joseph CoCathedral parish in Thibodaux.

Father Peter Tai Le

Father Le, a native of Chu-Hai, Vietnam, was ordained to the priesthood on June 13, 1998.

He has served as Chaplain of Terrebonne General Health System in Houma, as associate pastor of St. Hilary of Poitiers Church parish in Mathews, St. Anthony in Gheens, Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish in Larose, St. Joseph Church parish in Chauvin, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral parish in Thibodaux, and as pastor of St. Mary’s Nativity Church parish in Raceland and Our Lady of the Isle Church parish in Grand Isle. He also served as a Chaplain for the U.S. Navy.

Father Le currently serves as pastor of St. Joseph Church parish in Galliano. BC

priesthood ordination anniversary mass

Priests of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux gathered at the Lumen Christi Retreat Center in Schriever recently to honor members of the diocesan presbyterate who were celebrating significant ordination anniversaries this year. Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville celebrated Mass, which was followed by lunch and fellowship. Priests who are being honored this year are Father Wilmer (Willie) Todd (60 years), Father Domingo (Ding) Cruz (50 years), Fathers Thomas Kuriakose and Ronila (Roni) Villamor (40 years), and Fathers Greg Fratt, Rholando (Rholly) Grecia and Peter Tai Le (25 years).

Photos by Maegan Martin

Moving is something that can usually be a very stressful event. Whether it is moving from one job to another to better provide for a family, moving houses after a wedding or after having a child, moving from one city to another one, or even moving from Washington, D.C., to Houma-Thibodaux! The process of organizing and packing and loading and unpacking and reorganizing takes time and patience – usually much more than we might expect at first, as I am sure many of you know. Over the course of these last couple of months, I am really feeling at home as I get myself settled into new places, new rhythms, and new roles here in this diocese. It has been a gift to meet so many people and to be received so warmly as I find my new home here.

In the house where I live now, there is a room for a small chapel. Ever since I first got here, I have longed for the day when that chapel would be complete and Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist would be present there. Ever since I was a small child, and especially as a priest and as a bishop, the Eucharist has been such an important gift to me that has sustained me in my faith. Just knowing that He was really present was a source of peace and perseverance for me because no matter where I found myself spiritually or physically, I could count on the truth that He was there. No matter where I lived – whether in Bogota or in Washington or in HoumaThibodaux – the one presence that never changed, that was always with me, even in my most difficult moments, was the presence of Jesus in the holy Eucharist.

Celebrating the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist

In this month of June, we celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. It is an opportunity for all of us, I think, to reflect and to give thanks for the gift of Jesus’ presence dwelling with us so closely. Just like I experienced the constancy of his presence no matter where I was, so he desires all of us to know that wherever we happen to find ourselves, whatever season of life we happen to be in, we can count on His presence with us without fail. Before he ascended to heaven, Jesus made a promise to his apostles: “Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). The Eucharist is perhaps the most powerful way that Jesus keeps this promise to each of us. At the Last Supper, he turned the bread and wine into his Body and Blood and told the apostles, “Do this in memory of me.” Since that day, every time we gather together at Mass, we are in that room with Jesus, and the bread and wine become his Body and Blood. It is from the Mass that the blessings of the Eucharist flow out.

Because we encounter the Eucharist so often, there is a danger that we can become so familiar with this gift that it loses its full sacred meaning. We can fall to the trap of just “going through the motions” of genuflecting or bowing when we enter and leave the church, kneeling at Mass when everyone else does, and receiving Him in holy Communion and continuing on with our Sunday. I’d like to invite all of us this month to renew our motivation and desire for why we do these things. When we are in the presence of the Eucharist in church and at Mass, we are standing before the face of Jesus

Christ, looking upon each of us with such great love. We come into the presence of the one who suffered so much for us and was willing to die for us. The Eucharist is not just a “thing” or an “it” but a “He,” a living person who is loving us at every moment and is giving everything for our salvation.

I’d like to invite you, during this month when we celebrate the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist, to spend some extra time in his presence. Whether it is at Mass, or praying before the tabernacle, or visiting an adoration chapel, the closer we draw to Jesus in the Eucharist, the more we will also see him in the other moments of our lives. It doesn’t require us to do anything extravagant. I have heard being in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament compared to being in the sun: Simply being in the sun impacts us as we feel its rays. In just the same way, being in the presence of the Son impacts us spiritually and changes our hearts to become more like His. In the Eucharist, Jesus shows us what true love means – to sacrifice for the sake of another. As we spend time with Him, we are moved to focus less on ourselves and more on loving the other because they are other.

May each of us deepen our love for Jesus and encounter him more faithfully, especially in the gift of the Eucharist. May God bless you and your families as we begin these summer months! BC

Sent

Most Rev. Mario E. Dorsonville

PHOTO BY LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER

Chúa Giêsu chính là món quà trong Thánh Thể

Thay đổi là một cái gì đó thường gây ra một sự kiện rất căng thẳng. Cho dù đó là thay đổi từ công việc cũ sang công việc mới để giúp cho gia đình khá hơn, dọn nhà sau đám cưới hoặc sau khi sinh con, dọn từ thành phố này sang thành phố khác, hoặc thậm chí dọn từ Washington, DC đến Houma-Thibodaux! Quá trình chuẩn bị và đóng gói, vận tải và khui thùng và sắp xếp lại cần có thời gian và sự kiên nhẫn - thường là nhiều hơn chúng ta có thể mong đợi từ lúc đầu, như tôi chắc chắn anh chị em đã rõ. Trong suốt vài tháng qua, tôi thực sự cảm nhận như đang ở nhà mình trong thời gian dọn tới nơi mới, nhịp điệu mới và vai trò mới ở trong giáo phận này. Thật là một món quà khi được gặp gỡ rất nhiều người và được đón nhận nồng nhiệt khi tôi tìm thấy ngôi nhà mới của mình ở đây.

Trong toà giám mục mà tôi sống bây giờ có một phòng nhỏ cho nhà nguyện.

Kể từ lần đầu tiên dọn đến đây, tôi mong một ngày rất gần nhà nguyện đó sẽ hoàn thành và đặt Thánh Thể trong đó để Chúa luôn luôn ngự trị ở đấy. Kể từ khi tôi còn là một đứa trẻ, và đặc biệt là linh mục và là giám mục, Thánh Thể đã là một món quà quan trọng đối với tôi vì đã củng cố đức tin cho tôi. Chỉ cần biết rằng Ngài thực sự hiện diện là một nguồn bình an và kiên trì cho tôi bởi vì bất kể tôi thấy

mình ở đâu về mặt tâm linh hay thể xác, tôi có thể tin thật rằng Ngài đang ở đó.

Bất kể tôi sống ở đâu - dù ở Bogota hay Washington hay Houma-Thibodaux - sự hiện diện duy nhất không bao giờ thay đổi, luôn ở với tôi, ngay cả trong những thời điểm khó khăn nhất của tôi, là sự hiện diện của Chúa Giêsu trong Bí tích

Thánh Thể.

Trong tháng Sáu này, chúng ta cử hành

Thánh Lễ Corpus Christi – Lễ Trọng

Mình và Máu Thánh của Chúa Giêsu Kitô. Tôi nghĩ đây là một cơ hội cho tất cả chúng ta để suy ngẫm và tạ ơn sự hiện diện của Chúa Giêsu là món quà đang sống gần gũi chúng ta. Giống như tôi đã nhận ra sự hiện diện liên tục của Ngài bất kể tôi ở đâu, vì vậy Ngài mong muốn tất cả chúng ta biết rằng bất cứ nơi nào mình đang ở, trong hoàn cảnh nào mình đang sống, chúng ta có thể tin tưởng vào sự hiện diện của Ngài mà không cần lo chi. Trước khi lên trời, Chúa Giêsu đã hứa với các tông đồ: “Hãy nhớ, Ta ở với các con mọi ngày cho đến tận thế” (Mt 28:20). Bí tích Thánh Thể có lẽ là sức mạnh lớn nhất mà Chúa Giêsu giữ lời hứa này cho mỗi người chúng ta. Trong Bữa Tiệc Ly, Ngài đã biến bánh và rượu thành Mình và Máu của Người và nói với các tông đồ: “Hãy làm việc này mà nhớ đến Ta.” Kể từ ngày đó, mỗi khi chúng ta tụ họp với nhau trong Thánh Lễ, chúng ta ở trong căn phòng đó với Chúa Giêsu, và bánh và rượu trở thành Mình và Máu Người. Chính từ Thánh Lễ mà các ân sủng của Bí tích Thánh Thể tuôn trào.

Bởi vì chúng ta tham dự Thánh Thể quá thường xuyên, có một mối nguy hiểm là chúng ta có thể trở nên quá quen thuộc với món quà này đến nỗi nó mất đi trọn vẹn ý nghĩa linh thiêng của nó Chúng ta có thể rơi vào cạm bẫy như việc chỉ “làm theo thói quen” bái gối hoặc cúi đầu khi chúng ta ra vào nhà thờ, quỳ gối trong Thánh lễ khi mọi người khác làm, và lãnh nhận Mình và Máu Thánh và sống tiếp tục hết ngày Chúa nhật. Tôi kêu gọi tất cả anh chị em trong tháng này làm mới động lực với mong muốn của mình răng tại sao chúng ta làm những điều này. Khi chúng ta có mặt nơi Thánh Thể trong nhà thờ và trong Thánh

Lễ, chúng ta đang đứng trước mặt Chúa

Giêsu Kitô, Ngài nhìn đến mỗi người trong chúng ta với tình yêu bao la. Chúng ta đối mặt với Đấng đã hy sinh rất nhiều vì chúng ta và sẵn sàng chết vì chúng ta. Thánh Thể không chỉ là một “vật” hay một “nó” nhưng là chính là “Ngài”, một con người sống động đang yêu thương chúng ta trong mọi khoảnh khắc và hy sinh mọi sự để mang lại ơn cứu độ cho chúng ta.

Tôi muốn mời gọi anh chị em trong tháng này khi nào đến với Chúa Giêsu trong Thánh Thể hãy dành thêm thời gian cho Người. Cho dù đó là trong Thánh Lễ, hay cầu nguyện trước nhà tạm, hoặc viếng thăm một nhà nguyện đặt Mình Thánh luôn phiên, càng đến gần Chúa Giêsu hơn trong Thánh Thể thì chúng ta cũng sẽ càng thấy Người gần gũi với chúng ta hơn trong đời sống. Nó không đòi hỏi chúng ta phải làm bất cứ điều gì trên trời. Tôi đã nghe nói là có mặt nơi Thánh Thể như đang đứng dưới nắng mặt trời: Đơn giản là đứng dưới ánh mặt trời chúng ta cảm nhận được những tia sáng của nó. Cũng như vậy thôi, đặt mình vào trước mắt Con Đấng Tối Cao sẽ tác động đến tâm hồn và giúp chúng ta thay đổi tấm lòng giống Ngài hơn. Trong Thánh

Thể, Chúa Giêsu cho chúng ta thấy tình yêu đích thực có nghĩa là gì – hy sinh vì người khác. Khi dành thời gian cho Chúa, chúng ta được thúc đẩy chú tâm ít hơn vào bản thân và vào việc yêu thương người khác hơn vì họ là người khác. Chớ gì mỗi người chúng ta đào sâu tình yêu hơn cho Chúa Giêsu và siêng năng hơn đến với Ngài, đặc biệt trong ân sủng của Thánh lễ. Xin Chúa ban phép lành cho anh chị em và gia đình khi chúng ta bắt đầu những tháng hè này! BC

Celebrando el don de Jesús en la Eucaristía

Mudarse es algo que normalmente puede ser un acontecimiento muy estresante. Ya sea mudarse de un trabajo a otro para dar mejor sustento a la familia, mudarse de casa después de una boda o después de tener un hijo, mudarse de una ciudad a otra, ¡o incluso, mudarse de Washington, D.C., a Houma-Thibodaux! El proceso de organizar y empacar, cargar, desempaquetar y reorganizar lleva tiempo y paciencia - normalmente mucho más de lo que podríamos esperar al principio, como estoy seguro de que muchos de ustedes lo saben. En el transcurso de estos dos últimos meses, me estoy sintiendo verdaderamente como en casa, adaptándome a nuevos lugares, nuevos ritmos y nuevas funciones aquí en esta diócesis. Ha sido un regalo conocer a tanta gente y ser recibido tan calurosamente, encontrando mi nuevo hogar aquí.

En la casa donde vivo ahora, hay espacio para una pequeña capilla. Desde que llegué aquí he anhelado el día en que esa capilla estuviera completa, y la presencia de Jesús Eucaristía estuviera presente allí. Desde que era pequeño, y especialmente como sacerdote y como obispo, la Eucaristía ha sido para mí un don tan importante que me ha sostenido en la fe. El mero hecho de saber que Él estaba realmente presente era una fuente de paz y perseverancia para mí, porque no importaba dónde me encontrara espiritual o físicamente, podía contar con la verdad de que Él estaba allí. No importaba dónde viviera, ya fuera en Bogotá, en Washington o en HoumaThibodaux, la única presencia que nunca cambiaba, que siempre estaba conmigo, incluso en mis momentos más difíciles, era la presencia de Jesús en la

Sagrada Eucaristía.

En este mes de junio, celebramos la fiesta del Corpus Christi, la solemnidad del Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Jesucristo. Creo que es una oportunidad para que todos reflexionemos y demos gracias por el don de la presencia de Jesús que habita tan cerca de nosotros. Al igual que yo experimenté su constante presencia en cualquier lugar en el que me encontrara, Él desea que todos nosotros sepamos que dondequiera que estemos, en cualquier etapa de la vida en la que nos encontremos, podemos contar con su presencia sin falta. Antes de ascender al cielo, Jesús hizo una promesa a sus apóstoles: “He aquí que yo estoy con ustedes todos los días, hasta el fin del mundo” (Mt 28, 20). La Eucaristía es quizá la forma más poderosa en que Jesús cumple esta promesa a cada uno de nosotros. En la Última Cena, convirtió el pan y el vino en su Cuerpo y su Sangre y dijo a los apóstoles: “Haced esto en memoria mía”. Desde aquel día, cada vez que nos reunimos en Misa, estamos en aquella sala con Jesús, y el pan y el vino se convierten en su Cuerpo y su Sangre. De la Misa brotan las bendiciones de la Eucaristía.

A causa de encontrarnos con la Eucaristía frecuentemente, existe el peligro de que nos familiaricemos tanto con este don que pierda todo su significado sagrado. Podemos caer en la trampa de “seguir los movimientos” de hacer una genuflexión o una reverencia cuando entramos y salimos de la iglesia, arrodillarnos en la Misa cuando todo el mundo lo hace, y recibirle en la Sagrada Comunión y continuar con nuestro domingo. Me gustaría invitarnos a todos este mes a renovar

nuestra motivación y el deseo de el por qué hacemos estas cosas. Cuando estamos en presencia de la Eucaristía en la iglesia y en la Misa, estamos ante el rostro de Jesucristo, que nos mira a cada uno con un amor tan grande. Estamos en presencia de quien sufrió tanto por nosotros y estuvo dispuesto a morir por nosotros. La Eucaristía no es sólo una “cosa” o un “ello”, sino un “Él”, una persona viva que nos ama en todo momento y lo da todo por nuestra salvación.

Me gustaría invitarlos a que, durante este mes en el que celebramos el don de Jesús en la Eucaristía, dediquen algo más de tiempo para estar en su presencia. Ya sea en la Misa, o rezando ante el Sagrario, o visitando una capilla de adoración, cuanto más nos acerquemos a Jesús en la Eucaristía, más lo veremos también en los demás momentos de nuestra vida. No requiere que hagamos nada extravagante. He oído comparar estar en presencia del Santísimo Sacramento con estar en el sol: El simple hecho de estar en el sol nos impacta al sentir sus rayos. De la misma manera, estar en presencia del Hijo nos impacta espiritualmente y cambia nuestros corazones para que se parezcan más al Suyo. En la Eucaristía, Jesús nos muestra lo que significa el verdadero amor: sacrificarse por el bien del otro. Cuando pasamos tiempo con Él, nos sentimos movidos a centrarnos menos en nosotros mismos y más en amar al otro porque es otro.

Que cada uno de nosotros profundice en su amor a Jesús y se encuentre con Él más fielmente, especialmente en el don de la Eucaristía. Que Dios los bendiga a ustedes y a sus familias al comenzar estos meses de verano. BC

Pope Francis welcomes program to spiritually adopt struggling teen

The Pope Speaks

By HANNNAH BROCKHAUS

(Rome Newsroom, CNA) Pope Francis has given his blessing to a program started in Poland to spiritually adopt struggling teenagers and pray for them by name.

Kryzysztof Gawrysiak and his wife, Aneta, spent more than two hours with Pope Francis at his Vatican residence in May.

During the visit, they were able to introduce their new online initiative, pray4teens.org, which they started after learning more about the rates of depression — and suicide attempts — among adolescents around the world.

“We strongly believe (the prayers are) helping,” Aneta Gawrysiak told CNA.

“We’ve got a lot of examples, a lot of testimony that prayer is very powerful.”

Kryzysztof Gawrysiak said Pope Francis blessed their prayer initiative and said he would speak about it at World Youth Day 2023, which will be in Lisbon, Portugal, Aug. 1–6.

Pray4teens.org is currently in four languages: Polish, English, Italian and Ukrainian.

On the homepage for each language, there is a button to click if you are a teenager who wants prayers and another button to click if you are a person who wants to pray for a teen.

According to the initiative’s founders, it is an ecumenical project, because each person is encouraged to pray for his or her spiritually adopted teen in whatever way he or she feels called to.

And while the project is completely anonymous, those praying are also encouraged to pray for someone by name.

The rate of known suicide attempts among youth is so high worldwide, Gawrysiak said, that if you decide to pray for “Jose,” the chances are very strong there is a young “Jose” somewhere in need of those prayers.

Gawrysiak said he felt called to start the spiritual adoption initiative after experiencing the loss of a friend’s 16-year-old son to suicide.

That was “the spark that ignited everything,” the entrepreneur said.

The husband and wife started to read about suicide rates among the young and their eyes were opened. “It’s an unbelievable situation in Poland and in the whole world,” Gawrysiak said. “(It) is very dreadful and we have to think about what to do.”

The couple was inspired by the idea of the spiritual adoption of an unborn

baby, a popular initiative within the pro-life movement where someone commits to pray for an unknown unborn baby to be saved from abortion.

Gawrysiak said the team behind the prayer website considers spiritual adoption to be just the first step in helping depressed and suicidal teens.

He explained that they are also consulting with trained psychologists as they consider other ways to help, to ensure any further initiatives will be a positive development for vulnerable teenagers and never something that could make the situation worse.

Gawrysiak said the meeting with Pope Francis in May was “just unbelievable.”

“I got the impression that he was very moved learning different statistics regarding the (suicide) attempts among teens worldwide,” he said.

“The meeting will give us more power to pray even more and help teens to stop the culture of death.” BC

PHOTOBYDANIELIBAÑEZ/CNA

Kryzysztof Gawrysiak and his wife, Aneta, (at center) spent more than two hours with Pope Francis at his Vatican residence on May 4, 2023, to discuss their new online initiative, pray4teens.org, which they started after learning more about the rates of depression — and suicide attempts — among adolescents around the world.

Questions of Faith

The one true church

“A friend of mine who is thinking about becoming Catholic asked me why Catholics believe that the Catholic Church is the one true church, founded 2,000 years ago by Jesus Christ himself. What should I tell her?”

We need to answer a basic question first, “Did Jesus found a church?” He did as we read in Matthew’s Gospel, “I call you Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). What was the structure of the church that Jesus founded? Jesus told Peter, “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19). In the act of Jesus giving the keys to the kingdom of heaven to Peter, he is giving him authority in the church.

All the apostles were disciples of Jesus. At one point in his ministry, Jesus chose 12 of his disciples and called them “apostles” (which means “one who is sent”) (Matthew 10:14). The number 12 is significant. The nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, was composed of 12 tribes. Each tribe had a “patriarch,” one of the 12 sons of Jacob, the grandson of Abraham. In choosing 12 apostles, Jesus is founding a new Israel, a new people of God.

After the Resurrection, Jesus confronts Peter for his three-timedenial that he even knew Jesus. On the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus asks him three times, “Peter, do you love me?” When Peter responds, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you,” Jesus says, “Feed my lambs” (John 21:15-17). Peter is given the ministry of tending

Jesus’ flock, which is his church.

In the Acts of the Apostles, we find Peter and the other apostles exercise authority over the church. After Jesus commissioned the Apostles to continue his work, someone had to be chosen to take Judas’ place. Peter led the nomination and election process that chose Matthias to replace Judas (Acts 1:15-26). When a major question needed to be addressed by the church, the apostles convened to deal with the situation, and Peter led the proceedings (Acts 15:1-12).

The apostles needed to pass on their authority to others, and they did. The clearest examples of this are Timothy and Titus, whom the apostle Paul ordained. We call these successors to the apostles, bishops.

We know that the Catholic Church is the one true church because the Catholic Church’s teachings have remained unchanged since the very beginning. Everything the church believes was believed by the early church (and we have testimony to this fact both from Scripture and from the writings of Christians who came shortly after the apostolic period).

The Catholic Church remained the only Christian Church until the EastWest Schism of 1054 that caused medieval Christianity to split and to become two separate branches. The greatest division came during the

Reformation from 1517-1648, led by Martin Luther and Henry VIII.

The Catholic Church gave us the Bible. The first official list of books contained in the Bible was proclaimed at the Council of Hippo in 393 and then again in Carthage in 397 and 419. The Council of Trent in 1556 was the first time the church infallibly defined these books as “inspired” because some Reformers questioned the validity of some books.

Other indications that the church is the one true church: Jesus gave the Apostles the power to “forgive sins” (John 20:23). Peter taught that “baptism now saves you” (1 Peter 3:21). Anointing the sick with oil was shown in James 5:14-15. Laying on of hands was seen in Acts 8:17 and 2 Timothy 1:6. Marriage in the Lord is found in 1 Corinthians 7:39. Jesus often stated that the disciples should participate in the breaking of bread (Eucharist) by stating, “Those who eat my flesh have eternal life.”

To sum up, the church is the congregation of all baptized persons united in the same true faith, the same sacrifice, and the same sacraments under the authority of the sovereign pontiff and the bishops in communion with him. This is why we are the true church. BC

Father Wilmer Todd

Readings Between the Lines

On Sunday June 18, we will return to Ordinary Time and our sequential Sunday Gospel readings from Matthew, the Gospel designated for the current Sunday cycle. We will resume reading Matthew’s Gospel at the prelude to and beginning of Jesus’ “Mission Discourse” (Matthew 10:5-42), which is one of five lengthy speeches Matthew’s Jesus delivers. The evangelist collects Jesus’ teaching into these discourses in order to present Jesus as the teacher of Israel. Whereas in Jesus’ first discourse (The Sermon on the Mount, 5:1-7:27) he teaches the crowd and disciples how to understand the spirit of the Jewish Law, the Mission Discourse consists of instructions for undertaking an evangelization mission.

Jesus begins his public ministry at Matthew 4:17, and almost immediately he attracts a large number of people as he preaches and performs mighty deeds of healing in Galilee (4:23). As the story unfolds the crowds continue to grow, and while Jesus desires to minister to their needs he recognizes that the demands of the people are greater than he alone can satisfy (9:36). Therefore, he instructs his disciples to ask God to send more laborers to address the peoples’ needs (9:37-38). In 10:1, he summons the Twelve, gives them authority to heal and to preach, that is, most of the same activities Jesus has undertaken. Whether they communicate by means of words or mighty deeds, the content of the message they are to proclaim is the imminence of the kingdom of heaven (10:7), which will be made present when Jesus arrives in the people’s vicinity. Jesus does not allow the disciples to “teach” here. On the one hand, there is much more they will have to learn as the Gospel story unfolds. On the other hand, they will only be ready to impart Jesus’ teaching after they have witnessed his death and resurrection

Reflections

Share Jesus' message, but be ready for challenges!

and are commissioned by the risen Lord to disseminate it (28:16-20).

Curiously Jesus instructs the Twelve not to go into pagan territory but to proceed, rather, to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (10:5-6). Ironically, however, at the end of the Gospel Jesus will send the Eleven (the Twelve minus Judas) to evangelize “the Gentiles or Nations” (28:19). These two conflicting perspectives of the audience of the mission may be explained by the identity of Jesus before and after his resurrection. During his earthly public ministry Jesus’ mission is to the people of Israel, and so he directs his disciples to that same audience. After his resurrection, the risen Lord declares, “all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth” (28:18). Wielding universal authority, the risen Jesus is in a position to extend the mission to “the nations” (nonJewish people). Matthew’s community probably consists mostly of Jews, but with an influx of Gentiles.

Nothing of the Twelve’s mission is to be associated with money. They are not to receive payment (10:8, as itinerant philosophers in the ancient world might have), nor or they to have money in their possession (10:9). The Gospel is a free gift to them, and they are to pass it on freely. They are

to carry no food sack, spare clothes, sandals or walking stick for defense (10:10). Leaving behind the food sack as well as the money harmonizes with Jesus’ command that the disciples are to accept hospitality shown them in the villages they enter (10:11). Hospitality shown the disciples on the mission reflects a receptivity on the part of those to whom the Gospel is offered.

However, Jesus warns them of another reaction, one he himself has already encountered, opposition! The disciples are to wish peace to those whose homes they enter, but they are to be warned that their greeting of peace may be rejected. They are not to retaliate against such people, but are to engage in a symbolic act (shaking the dust from their feet) of the fate they are sealing for themselves. To reject the disciples is to reject Jesus, the Son of Man, who at his second coming will assume the role of end-time judge (Matthew 25:31-46). Those who reject Jesus, even through his disciples, will be in a worse position on the day of judgment than the Old Testament cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1-29), iconic images of people who experience divine judgment (Matthew 10:15).

In 10:16-33, Jesus’ speech dives deeper into the theme of the

a

Father Glenn LeCompte

persecution his disciples would face. Even though the Twelve may have faced persecution in their mission, the intensity with which Jesus describes persecution here (being arrested and handed over to public officials for trial, 10:17-18) reflects more the situation of the community for whom Matthew is writing. The disciples’ response to persecution encountered during their mission is to trust that the Spirit will give them the words they need amid persecution, to avoid succumbing to fear (10:19-20), and to know of their great worth in God’s sight (10:29-31). Not only will disciples face turmoil from the public, but Jesus asserts there will be conflict even in families over him (10:3436).

Jesus speaks of the dedication disciples who undertake a mission in his name must have (10:37-39). Even as he predicts conflict in families will ensue, true disciples must be willing to let go of family ties for the sake of their service

of Jesus, should it come to that. Worthy followers of Jesus must be ready to face suffering for him. To do so is to find life in him.

If Jesus spoke earlier of divine judgment for those who reject either him or his representatives, in 10:40-42, he speaks of the benefits given to those who accept them. As J.P. Meier (Matthew, p. 115) says, “To offer hospitality and an obedient ear to the earthly envoys of Jesus is to receive the earthly envoy of the Father, and ultimately the Father himself.”

The admonitions Jesus gives his disciples in Matthew’s story reach beyond it to Matthew’s intended readers, and even further to any would-be disciple of Jesus or potential recipient of his message. As in the case of those first disciples, we are charged with continuing Jesus’ mission of preaching and healing in our day. Yet, for us as for our forebears, that mission will be fraught with challenges.

We need steadfast faith in Jesus and a willingness to maintain faith in the midst of hardships to carry it out. Jesus assures us that if we acknowledge him before others he will acknowledge us before the heavenly Father (10:32). BC

Reflection Questions

v How do you share the message of Jesus with others?

v Have you experienced conflict in sharing Jesus’ message? How have you dealt with the conflict?

v How have you experienced receptivity to your sharing of Jesus’ message? In what ways might you have been surprised by receptivity on the part of others?

Singers needed for diocesan choir

The Office of Worship for the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux wishes to invite all those with recent choral experience to be a part of our diocesan choir. The diocesan choir sings at major diocesan liturgies and events throughout the diocese as needed. The general expectation is that the members of the diocesan choir will continue to minister in their local church parishes while also ministering at special events as assigned by the diocesan Office of Worship.

Rehearsals

Summer rehearsals in preparation for the July 15 priesthood ordination will be held on June 6, 13, 20, 27 and July 6, 11 from 6-8 p.m. at St. Hilary Catholic Church in Mathews and on July 13 (dress rehearsal) at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux from 6-8 p.m.

Register

If you intend to join the choir, please contact Wendy Romero in the diocesan Office of Worship at wromero@htdiocese.org. Please include your name, parish, a brief overview of any recent choir involvement, and the part you are most comfortable singing (SATB). BC

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Saintly Inspiration St. Marcellin Champagnat June 6

“All to Jesus through Mary, and all to Mary for Jesus” - St. Marcellin Champagnat.

Marcellin Champagnat was born on May 20, 1789, the year of the French Revolution, and died on June 6, 1840. He was a priest of the Society of Mary and the founder of the Little Brothers of Mary, a congregation of brothers devoted to the education of the young.

He was the ninth child of a very pious Catholic family and developed a very deep devotion to Mary as a young boy, which he learned from an aunt who was a religious He also had a great capacity for work, which he learned from his father.

Champagnat left school at the age of seven, and when, at the age of 14, he discovered through the help of a priest his own vocation to the priesthood, he had to begin to study again almost from scratch.

Aware of his limitations, and against the advice of those around him, he entered the minor seminary and struggled to learn the fundaments of schooling. However, never losing sight of the will of God for him, he struggled through these difficult years with his eyes fixed on the horizon of God’s call.

Holy Father’s prayer intentions June

In the major seminary he became friends with the future Curé of Ars, Jean-Marie Vianney. He was ordained with his companions on July 22, 1816, the feast of St. Mary Magdalen.

One of his desires was to found a congregation devoted to the name of Mary in order to re-evangelize French society in the wake of the French Revolution. He saw his main task as the Christian education of the young, and this inclination was quickened and solidified upon encountering a dying young boy who had nearly no knowledge of the faith.

He founded the Little Brothers of Mary on Jan. 2, 1817, when two young men decided to join him in his mission. He set about at once, in addition to his parish ministry, to educate uncultured young boys and turn them into ardent apostles of Jesus Christ, all the while living in abject poverty and trusting totally in the will of God, and the solicitous protection of the Virgin Mary, to whom he gave all, for the sake of the Lord Jesus.

Marcellin Champagnat died at the age of 51, his health having been worn out by his immense workload and an illness.

For the abolition of torture. We pray that the international community may commit in a concrete way to ensuring the abolition of torture and guarantee support to victims and their families.

At his canonization in 1999 by Pope John Paul II, the Holy Father said of him, “St Marcellin proclaimed the Gospel with a burning heart. He was sensitive to the spiritual and educational needs of his time, especially to religious ignorance and the situations of neglect experienced in a particular way by the young.” BC

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

June Scripture Readings

and a listing of Feast days and saints

Memorial of St. Justin, martyr Sirach 42:15-25

Weekday Sirach 44:1, 9-13 Mark 11:11-26

Memorial of St. Charles Lwanga and companions, martyrs Sirach 51:12cd-20 Mark 11:27-33

5:43-48

Memorial of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, religious

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

6:1-6, 16-18

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Memorial of St. Irenaeus, bishop and

Weekday 2 Corinthians 11:111

6:7-15

2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30

6:19-23

Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist Jeremiah 1:4-10

1 Peter 1:8-12 Luke 1:5-17

Jessica makes an affordable' dessert

This month’s Heavenly Recipe, Old Time Cracker Pudding, comes from Kraemer native Jessica Chiasson, payroll specialist for the diocesan Office of Finance and Accounting. This recipe was handed down to Jessica by her great aunt, “Tante Camelia,” but it originated with Jessica’s great, great grandmother.

One of the reasons this recipe has stood the test of time, explains Jessica, is because it is so delicious and moist. “And, a long time ago, the ingredients to make this recipe were very cheap, so people could afford to make it. It is also very easy to make. We always have it for special occasions, holidays and birthdays,” she says.

Jessica does all the cooking at home, but what she really enjoys is baking, which she learned from her mother. At Christmas time, she makes tea cookies and rolls with different types of fillings like caramel and strawberry.

May 16 was Jessica’s one year anniversary of working for the diocese. She says she just happened to find out about the job opening through an ad on Facebook.

When asked what she enjoys most about working for the diocese, she says the Pastoral Center has such a friendly atmosphere and she loves working with all the different people. “Since I started working here, I’ve learned a lot about what working for the diocese entails.”

Before being employed by the diocese, Jessica worked for a nursing home business for 13 years. Jessica keeps busy with her many hobbies.

Story by Janet Marcel | Photos by Maegan Martin

Jessica Chiasson a

Heavenly Recipes

Old Time Cracker Pudding

Ingredients

2 cans evaporated milk

2 cans water

1/2 block Country Crock butter

1 can Ancel coconut

1 box unsalted crackers

1 tbsp. vanilla

Sugar

6 large eggs, separated

Directions

Put egg yellows in a bowl with 3 tbsp. sugar and stir with fork.

Mix egg whites with 4-5 tbsp. sugar until fluffy and mixture stands up (use fork or blender).

Cook the first six ingredients with the egg yellows in a deep square pan at 350 degrees until the mixture starts to thicken, then add egg whites on top and bake until golden.

She sews and does several different types of arts and crafts. She enjoys working with flowers, putting together floral arrangements, and making wreaths. After being in an office all day, Jessica loves to spend time outside, and says she loves cutting the grass. She also loves traveling – especially going on cruises. She has been to Alaska three times, Florida, all over the Caribbean, and to the Virgin Islands. On her bucket list of cruises to go on are England, Nova Scotia and Italy, which she says is a two-week cruise.

Jessica and her husband Scott have been married for 25 years. They live in Lockport and are parishioners of Holy Savior in Lockport. The couple has two adult daughters, Margo who is the oldest, and Colleen. Margo will graduate from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux this December; and Colleen graduated from Mississippi College last month. BC

Youth in action

Noah Folse

School: St. Bernadette Catholic

School, Houma

Grade: 7th

Church parish: St. Bernadette, Houma

Describe your family unit: Jessica, mother; Ron, father; Ali, sister; Luke, brother

Favorite Hobby: Playing video games, football, playing guitar

Favorite Movie: Star Wars: A

Phantom Menace

Favorite T.V. Show: The Last Dance (Chicago Bulls)

Favorite Genre of Music: Heavy metal

If you could talk to God in person, what are two questions you would ask him? Why?

Talking to God and only asking him two questions is almost impossible. He has so many mysteries, which would require many more questions than two. If I did only have two though, one of them would have to be why he always forgives everyone, no matter what they did. Every person makes mistakes, and many of those mistakes are ones we believe we should not be forgiven for. However, God always forgives us and gives us millions of opportunities to make up for what we have done, even if we don’t deserve those chances. For us, it can be hard to forgive others all the time, and sometimes we are unsure why we should forgive them. Jesus is never hesitant to forgive anyone though, and he blesses us with chances over and over again. The second question I would ask God would be when is Jesus coming down for the second coming. We all know that Jesus will come down once again to divide the people onto his

right and left sides. The people on his right will go to heaven, and the others will spend eternal life down below. God has warned us about this so that we can take action and go to heaven, but he never told us when. This could all happen in 30 years, 7,000 years or even tomorrow. I would ask him when it was happening so that I could make sure everything I did would help me get into heaven. Then, I could also warn others of the time, especially those I would want to see again in heaven. Although I have many more questions I would ask God, these two would be some of the first I would ask. The Lord has many mysteries, and asking him these questions would help me become closer to our Lord, but I would not find out everything. Some of the Lord’s mysteries are meant to remain mysteries. These questions, however, would give me insight on how I could improve my faith. BC

June 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. Carl Collins Rev. Van Constant

Rev. Robert-Joel Cruz

Very Rev. Vicente DeLa Cruz, V.F. Deacon Jesse LeCompte, retired

Rev. Daniel Duplantis

Msgr. Cletus Egbi Very Rev. Simon Peter Engurait Rev. Antonio Farrugia

Friar Nathaniel Maria Gadalia

Seminarian Scott Beslin Rev. Alex Gaudet Rev. Rholando

Rev. Francis

Rev. Noas Kerketta

Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs

Rev. Thomas Kuriakose Deacon Linwood Liner, retired

Rev. Baby Kuruvilla Rev. Brett Lapeyrouse Sister Maria Eugenia Leon, M.C.S.H.

Rev. Alex Lazarra

Rev. Peter Tai Le Rev. Glenn LeCompte

Very Rev. Eric Leyble, J.V.

Rev. Joey Lirette Deacon Glenn Porche, retired

Rev. Clyde Mahler

ADMINISTRATORS & MINISTRIES

Rev. Rusty Paul Bruce, who has been serving as administrator of Hilary of Poitiers Church parish in Mathews and St. Anthony Mission Chapel in Gheens since June 2022, is being reappointed as administrator, effective July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Father Bruce, a native of Cut Off, was ordained to the priesthood on June 6, 2020. In addition to serving as administrator of St. Hilary of Poitiers Church parish and St. Anthony Mission Chapel in Gheens, he has been appointed diocesan director of the Office of Worship, effective July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.

Rev. Antonio Maria Farrugia, who has been serving as administrator of Holy Family Church parish in Dulac since June 2019; and St. Eloi Church parish in Theriot since June 2022, is being reappointed as administrator of both parishes, effective July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Father Farrugia, a native of Adelaide, South Australia, was ordained to the priesthood Dec. 6, 2014.

Rev. Patrick Riviere, who has been a priest in residence of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Chackbay since August 2022, is being appointed as administrator for this parish, effective July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Father Riviere, a native of Thibodaux, was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 2019.

Rev. Paul Birdsall, who has been serving as administrator of  Annunziata Church parish in Houma since July 1, 2021, is being reappointed as administrator, effective July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Father Birdsall, a native of Cut Off, LA, was ordained to the priesthood June 2, 2018.

Rev. James Rome, who has been serving as parochial vicar of St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma since June 2022, is being appointed as administrator of Holy Savior Church parish in Lockport, effective July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Father Rome, a native of Golden Meadow, was ordained to the priesthood June 4, 2022.

Rev. Alex Gaudet, who has been serving as pastor of Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux since May 2020, has been appointed as staff member in the diocesan Office of Worship, effective July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. He will remain as pastor of Christ the Redeemer.

PAROCHIAL VICARS

Rev. Mr. Matthew Prosperie, who will be ordained to the priesthood July 15, 2023, has been appointed parochial vicar at St. Hilary of Poitiers Church parish in Mathews, effective July 14, 2023, to June 30, 2024. He is a native of Bourg.

Rev. Mr. Joseph Lapeyrouse, who will be ordained to the priesthood July 15, 2023, has been appointed parochial vicar at St. Bernadette Soubirous Church parish in Houma, effective July 24, 2023, to September 8, 2023. He is a native of Houma.

Rev. Mr. Davis Ahimbisibwe, who will be ordained to the priesthood on June 24, 2023, has been appointed parochial vicar at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma, effective July 17, 2023, to June 30, 2024. He is a native of Kabale, Uganda.

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS IN ADDITION

Rev. Daniel Duplantis, who has been serving as parochial vicar at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma since January 2021, has been released from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for active military service with the U.S. Airforce, effective July 15, 2023, for a period of five years, until 2028. Father Duplantis, a native of Bayou Blue, was ordained to the priesthood on June 6, 2020.

Rev. Stephen Castille, who has been serving as secretary to the Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux since June 2022, will remain in that capacity. He will now be in residence at St. Bridget Church parish in Schriever, effective July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Father Castille, a native of Church Point, was ordained to the priesthood June 4, 2022.

Rev. Jean-Marie Nsambu, who has been serving as pastor of Holy Savior Church parish in Lockport since July 2020, has been assigned to Special Studies in Hispanic Ministry and training for Pastoral Ministry, effective June 30, 2023, followed by an Immersion Experience in Central America in 2024. Father Nsambu, a native of Uganda, Africa, was ordained June 3, 2017.

Rev. Michael Bergeron, retired priest of the diocese, has been appointed as sacramental minister of St. Lawrence Church parish in Chacahoula. Father Bergeron, a native of Houma, was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 1996.

Rev. Rajasekar (Raja) Karumelnathan, who has been serving as pastor of St. Lawrence Church parish in Chacahoula since June 2022, has left the diocese in accordance with his work agreement. Father Karumelnathan, a native of India, was ordained to the priesthood April 27, 2009.

Rev. Glenn LeCompte, who has served as diocesan director of the Office of Worship for approximately 30 years, will remain as priest in residence at St. Charles Borromeo Church parish in the St. Charles Community, effective July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. The diocese thanks Father LeCompte for his many years of faithful service in various capacities. Father LeCompte, a native of Houma, was ordained to the priesthood on May 24, 1986.

Father Domingo (Ding) Cruz celebrates 50 years of priesthood

“A gift given by God,” is how Father Domingo (Ding) Cruz describes his 50 years of priesthood.

Growing up in the Philippines, he was influenced by his great uncle, whom he called “Lolo” which means grandfather. He was a priest and provided him a home and afforded him the opportunity to finish high school since his parents did not have the means to do so.

As a fifth grader, Father Cruz went to live and work at the rectory with his great uncle and nine boys, most of them his cousins. Three of Father Cruz’s first cousins would also go on to become priests.

While living at the rectory, Father Cruz was responsible for many assignments, “ringing the bell, being a sacristan, serving as altar boy, gardening, cleaning the church, and taking care of the pigs, pigeons and chickens.”

Even at a young age, he was no stranger to work. He recalls working various jobs at the age of six or seven. “I was living with the owners of a fishpond and selling (snacks of various kinds). I also sold comic books, newspapers and magazines.” In addition, he was a go-

fer and a job he refers to as “conductor,” making calls for local transportation in the area where he lived.

Father Cruz finished high school at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary High School and graduated from San Carlos Seminary in the Philippines. He was ordained a priest on Dec. 1, 1973.

It was in March 1990 that Father Cruz came to the United States as part of an exchange program. The late Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux incardinated him into the diocese at his request. He remembers Bishop Boudreaux as a kind man.

His first assignment in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux was as associate pastor of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. He also served as associate pastor at St. Louis in Bayou Blue, St. Bernadette in Houma and became chaplain for Chabert Medical Center and Terrebonne General Medical Center, both in Houma, while helping at St. Gregory Barbarigo Church in Houma.

He then served as associate pastor at Holy Savior in Lockport before becoming pastor of St. Lawrence the

Martyr in Kraemer from 1995-2005. He served as pastor of St. Bridget in Schriever from 2005-2016 and then went on to begin his retirement at Our Lady of the Rosary in Larose where he resides today.

Being a pastor has been a highlight of his priesthood, he says.

Father Cruz retired at age 71 in 2017. He stays busy “substituting” for priests in Larose and other church parishes when needed.

Reflecting on the changes he’s encountered over the years as priest, he first points out technology.

“It isn’t the end. It is an instrument to use and that has become our responsibility to use it in the right way.”

Father Cruz is open to using technology and seeks help when he doesn’t understand something. “If you stop (using technology), you will lose it,” he says.

When reflecting on the changes in the world today, he says, “We should dwell more on the young,” he says because they are “not just the future; they are the now.” BC

Story by Monique V. Albarado ~ Photo by Maegan Martin

Three men to be ordained priests for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Story by Monique V. Albarado

Three men are set to be ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux this year. The Rev. Mr. Davis Ahimbisibwe will be ordained to the priesthood June 24, at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Cathedral, Rushoroza Parish, Kabale diocese, Uganda. 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.

Rev. Mr. Davis Ahimbisibwe

Birthdate: November 1, 1989

Home parish: St. Bridget Parish, Schriever

Seminary: Notre Dame Seminary (New Orleans)

Favorite field of study? An integrated approach … I usually draw from sacred Scripture, spiritual and moral theologies. Favorite saint? St. Faustina. She became my favorite for two reasons: First, in her life, she exemplified a life lived with a radical love for God, and it is that which I wanted. Second, because of her message of divine mercy, in which she taught me how to trust God, and this increased my capacity to love him because a person loves to the extent that he trusts, and because I grew in love, I then sought to do God’s will not as something imposed on me, but that which leads to fulfillment.

Hobbies? Reading autobiographies and walking in nature for relaxation

Rev. Mr. Davis Ahimbisibwe is a 33-year-old native of the Kabale, Uganda. He is the son of Rwamahe John Keith and Ayebazibwe Fulgensia and has three sisters.

Rev. Mr. Ahimbisibwe graduated from St. Paul’s Seminary in Kabale in 2006 and Uganda Martyrs Secondary School Namugongo in 2008. He earned a bachelor’s in medicine and surgery (MBchB) from Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda in 2014. He worked for three years as a general practitioner before joining the seminary.

Rev. Mr. Ahimbisibwe entered Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans in 2017. There, he earned a bachelor’s of philosophy in 2019 and a master’s of divinity in 2023.

Since becoming a transitional deacon last June, Rev. Mr. Ahimbisibwe has been involved in youth faith formation, homebound ministry and hospital ministry at St. Joseph CoCathedral parish in Thibodaux from July to October 2022. He preached and proclaimed the Gospel and assisted at Mass and celebrated baptisms at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, visited homes and performed house blessings, assisted students at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in their religious education; brought holy Communion to the sick and homebound, and visited the sick and brought holy Communion to patients at Thibodaux Regional Medical

Center in Thibodaux.

When asked what he is most looking forward to about becoming a priest, Rev. Mr. Ahimbisibwe says, “Generally, to me, my vocation is just a falling in love with the person of Jesus Christ. I hope that everything I do as a priest may bring people into an encounter and a falling in love with the person of Christ. This is because it’s only an encounter with the love of Christ that can truly transform a person.”

He says that he is “excited about his priestly ministry in the celebration of all the sacraments and ministry to the Word, but three areas stand out.”

Those areas are ministry of the Word, teaching and preaching; family ministry; and sacramental ministry, especially the Eucharist.

“St. Paul tells us in Romans 10:17 that, ‘Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.’ Ministry of the word is dear to me because through it, the seed of faith is sown and nurtured. I am always captivated by the words of St. Paul: ‘Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel’ (1 Corinthians 9:16).”

“Of the ministries that are dear to my heart are marriage and family life. As the basic community of the baptized, what is celebrated in the church in mystery must become a lived reality within the family. Since it is Christ’s desire to be

at the heart of each and every family, in my priestly ministry, I hope to walk with families and married persons so that they can live out their calling.

Celebrating the sacraments is the way by which we encounter Christ par excellence. The sacraments offer us an opportunity to enter so deeply into the mystery of Christ so that we can become divinized. As a priest, I look forward to drawing many people to this fount of grace, especially the Eucharist in which the transformative love of God is extremely expressed.”

He will celebrate his first Mass of Thanksgiving at Nyakijumba, Rushoroza Parish, Kabale, on June 25, at 10 a.m. He will also celebrate two Masses of Thanksgiving in Houma-Thibodaux. The first will be on July 15, at 4 p.m. at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. The second will be on July 16, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bridget Church in Schriever.

University. This is the first of three years of the program that he plans to complete for the Diocese of Houma- Thibodaux as a priest in June 2025.

“Since I was ordained a deacon in Rome, I have not had the opportunity for ministry in the diocese. In Rome, I have been involved with ministries at the seminary and with helping in ministry with American college students enrolled in study abroad programs with colleges such as Ave Maria University.

“Engaging in ministry with these college students doing their time in Rome has provided me with the opportunity to help foster the faith in the students and with others as well as provide an opportunity to learn the church’s teachings at a deeper level in Rome.”

“I am most looking forward to walking with people in their faith and being able to teach the Gospel. While this will happen in the celebration of the sacraments, I am looking forward to those opportunities in which I can teach the faith and spread the Lord’s mercy in other daily encounters as well.

“There are moments every day when the Lord is trying to teach us something and let us know of his concern for us. I look forward to hopefully being able to be a messenger of the Lord in these moments and have him work through me to reach others.

“I am grateful for the support that I have received over the last seven years as a seminarian from people that I have met across the diocese.”

He 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.

Rev. Mr. Joseph C. Lapeyrouse

Birthdate: October 9, 1996

Rev. Mr. Joseph C. Lapeyrouse, of Houma, is the 26-year-old son of Chris and Robin Lapeyrouse. He has one older sister, Emma Dufrene.

Rev. Mr. Lapeyrouse is a 2015 graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma. He attended St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College, which is commonly referred to as St. Ben’s, from fall 2016 through the spring of 2019, when he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy and the liberal arts.

Since the fall of 2019 through this current spring semester of 2023, Rev. Mr. Lapeyrouse is completing his priestly formation at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy. From the fall of 2019 through the spring of 2022, he studied theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome where he completed a baccalaureate in sacred theology (STB) magna cum laude.

In his current and last year of formal formation at the Pontifical North American College, he is studying for a licentiate in Canon Law (JCL) at the Pontifical Gregorian

Home parish: Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma Seminary: St. Joseph Seminary College (St. Benedict); Pontifical North American College with studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University (Rome, Italy)

Favorite field of study? Either history or patristics (the study of the early church fathers and their theology)

Favorite saint? St. George, my confirmation saint

Hobbies? I love playing guitar in my spare time. Music has been a passion of mine since I was a teenager.

Rev. Mr. Matthew Prosperie of Bourg is the 26-year-old son of Nick and Peggy Prosperie and has five siblings.

Like the Rev. Mr. Lapeyrouse, he is a 2015 graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High in Houma. For four years he attended St. Joseph Seminary College and received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and the liberal arts. For the last four years he lived at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, while studying for three years at the Pontifical Gregorian University to complete his bachelor’s degree in sacred theology. He then attended the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, also in Rome, for a yet-incomplete licentiate in dogmatic theology.

Since his transitional deacon ordination, Rev. Mr. Prosperie has been involved in the following ministries: Sacrament of baptism; parish confirmation lessons; planning and carrying out the parish confirmation retreat; and weekend and weekday homilies in various places.

He is most looking forward to “sharing the faith in an enthusiastic way with all those I come across! That might be in the sacraments, on the streets, or wherever I happen to be.”

“Being so far away from the home that I know to study in Rome the past four years has been both a great gift and sacrifice.” He says it’s enriched him in a lot of ways, but he is looking forward to returning home.

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

Rev. Mr. Matthew Prosperie

Birthdate: February 16, 1997

Home parish: St. Ann, Bourg

Seminary: St. Joseph Seminary College (St. Benedict); Pontifical North American College (Rome, Italy)

Favorite field of study? Soteriology, the study of how God saves us (Soter is Greek for “savior.”) I like it because it shows that how God saves us is a lot like how he created us. Salvation is almost like a new creation, like we’re being made anew. Just as God spoke the world into being as we read in Genesis, so too he saved us by the “Word becoming flesh, and dwelling among us,” as we read in the Gospel of John.

Favorite saint? St. John Bosco, because he was an excellent educator. He didn’t just teach information; most of all, he formed hearts.

Hobbies? Photography, hiking, studying church art and architecture, running, writing

Mother Teresa Women’s Giving Circle grants $130,000 to seven local nonprofits

The Mother Teresa Women’s Giving Circle has made its five-year mark, with each year growing in impact and in members. This year, members granted out $130,000 to seven local nonprofits focusing on impacting women, children and families. This was a historical distribution thanks to our 191 members.

The Mother Teresa Women’s Giving Circle continues to engage women from across our diocese to grow in their faith together and make a difference locally, leading with prayer and allowing the Lord to guide their grateful generosity. In April of this year, members gathered and listened intently to presentations from 11 nonprofits. Immediately following they participated in a voting process selecting six nonprofits to receive grant funding.

Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville along with the members of the Mother Teresa Women’s Giving Circle came together at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever recently to make presentations of $130,000 in grants to these local nonprofits, all with the direct intent of making a difference in the lives of women, children and families within the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux:

• Children’s Water Safety ($10,000 for swimming lessons, CPR training

and life jackets)

($5,000 to continue much-needed training for nurses, directors and managers)

• Casa of the 16th JDC, Inc. ($10,000 to expand the program, recruit volunteers, and to help cover salary of recruiter/training coordinator)

• Bayou Land Families Helping Families ($10,000 to purchase furniture and to provide a hybrid approach to workshops)

• Bayou Youth Equity Foundation/ Mom’s Pantry ($20,000 to add two additional Title 1 schools to the existing program to help feed chronically undernourished children)

• Hi-5 ($25,000 to increase the capacity to serve more children by adding portable buildings)

• St. Vincent de Paul Tri-Parish Pharmacy ($25,000 to help continue to fund operations so they can continue to provide free prescriptions for those in need)

• Second Harvest Food Bank Bayou Region ($30,000 to help provide food to women, children and families with a Mobile Pantry Program)

“It has been a truly humbling experience to watch the members of the Mother Teresa Women’s Giving Circle to live out Mother Teresa’s mission to help women, children and families,”

says Amy Ponson, executive director of the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana. “Over the course of five years, despite continued challenges we face daily, the Catholic women within our diocese have led with their prayers, their hearts and their vision to make our community a better place. Our vision was to build a community of Catholic women where every gift, no matter how large or small, would make an impact locally. We are honored to have been able to grant out $130,000 this year and hope to continue to grow our support throughout our local community.”

For more information about the Mother Teresa Women’s Giving Circle, please visit https://www. catholicfoundationsl.org/womensgiving-circle/. If interested in joining, please contact Amy Ponson at (985) 850-3116, or aponson@htdiocese.org.

Mother Teresa Women’s Giving Circle Steering Committee members include: Bonnie Brady Babin, Wanda Birdsall, Andree Casey, Pat Caillouet, Ginny Corte, Rene Danos David, Charlotte Bollinger, Emelie Cheramie, Mary Duplantis, Susan David, Brenda Riviere, Kelly Thibodaux, Lillie Romano, Clarisse Waguespack, Renee Gautreaux and Amy

Ponson. BC

PHOTO BY MAEGAN MARTIN

Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville to use 100-year-old chalice with ties to the Marianites of Holy Cross

Story by Monique V. Albarado

A 100-year-old French chalice which once belonged to the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross, who served St. Francis de Sales parish in Houma for well over 100 years, has become the chalice Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville has selected to use during the extent of his service as shepherd of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

The Very Rev. Jay L. Baker, J.C.L., diocesan chancellor and rector of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, and Father Rusty Bruce, administrator of St. Hilary of Poitiers in Mathews and the Community of St. Anthony in Gheens, provide details of the chalice’s background.

Father Bruce notes, “The chalice was one of this kind which was mass produced over a 30-year window between 1900 and the 1930s.”

Very Rev. Baker explains, “It came from New Orleans with the Marianites of Holy Cross when the sisters started St. Francis Academy – the first Catholic school in Terrebonne Parish – in 1870. The chalice was kept in their chapel and used for the Masses celebrated there. When the school and convent moved to their current location (in 1952), the chalice was brought here (St. Francis de Sales rectory).”

As the number of Marianites decreased, the sisters returned to their motherhouse in New Orleans. Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., former diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools, left in 2011 bringing an end to the 141year continuous presence of the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross in this area.

Since that time Sister Carmelita Centanni, M.S.C.,

a

PHOTO BY LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER

Ph.D., a Marianite, was named victims assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. She was appointed to that role in 2014.

“While planning for his installation, Bishop (Dorsonville) asked me if I had a chalice he could use,” Very Rev. Baker explains. “I told him yes. Bishop had given the chalice his parents gave him at his ordination to the priesthood to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

“He agreed to use of the chalices under the condition that once he left us, the chalice would stay in the Cathedral. I sent him pictures and descriptions of several we had at the Cathedral. When he saw the one from the Marianites’ chapel, he said: ‘This is the one I should hold in my hands, the one for the people to see.’”

This chalice was sent to be re-plated just five days ahead of the bishop’s installation Mass in March at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales.

“This is a very, very, very short window of time to get this done,” notes Father Bruce, who was involved in the process of restoration.

Father Bruce indicates there is no one locally who restores sacred vessels, so he contacted Mitchell’s Plating from Sugarland, TX, which he says has done good work for him. The family business has been known for restoring other sacred vessels used in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

He says he overnighted the chalice on Friday; Mitchell’s received it on Saturday; and it was stripped and gold plated. Also, a jeweler had to match one of the gems in the chalice as it was missing. The chalice was returned the following Tuesday, a day before the installation.

The paten – the flat, gold plate which holds the bread at the Eucharist – is not original to the chalice, informs Father Bruce.

“The chalice will be used anytime Bishop Dorsonville leads a diocesan Mass at one of our cathedrals in Houma and Thibodaux and at other special events,” says Father Bruce.

Upon his death or reassignment, the chalice will revert to the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales according to the agreement Bishop Dorsonville has made with the diocese.

Since the installation planning committee had originally offered to buy Bishop Dorsonville a chalice to be a gift from the diocese, and this different arrangement resulted, the diocese presented him another gift.

Very Rev. Baker explains, “Considering his tenure as the director of Catholic Charities in Washington, D.C., and understanding that the care of the poor and underprivileged was dear to bishop’s heart, the diocese made a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Tri-Parish Community Pharmacy on the occasion of his installation.” BC

PHOTO BY MAEGAN MARTIN

Survey of new priests: Most pray rosary, go to eucharistic adoration, parents stayed married

By KEVIN JONES

(Denver, CO, CNA)

More than 450 men are set to be ordained priests this year, and the survey of their ordination class shows that the overwhelming majority of priests-to-be were raised Catholic in intact families and individually showed habits of frequent church service and regular prayer life.

“On this day, let us thank God for continuing to call men and women to serve him and his church as priests, religious and consecrated persons,” Bishop Earl Boyea of Lansing, MI, said recently. “We pray that all families, teachers and priests will continue their essential work of instilling the faith and love of Jesus in our children.”

Bishop Boyea chairs the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations. The committee recently released the “Ordination Class of 2023 Study” from the Georgetown University-based Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA).

CARA sought survey responses from the 458 seminarians to be ordained this year. It received 334 responses, a response rate of 73 percent. Responses came from ordinands at 116 U.S. dioceses and 24 different religious institutions.

Catholic upbringing in stable families

The seminarians to be ordained, also known as ordinands, are overwhelmingly “cradle Catholics.”

• About 93 percent of ordinands were baptized Catholic as infants.

• Another 96 percent were raised by their biological parents.

• About 92 percent were raised by a married couple living together.

• For 84 percent of ordinands, both parents were Catholic.

• One in three respondents had a relative who is a priest or religious.

Bishop Boyea especially noted the importance of the family life of the prospective priests.

“Surveys of recently professed men and women religious and men ordained to the priesthood show that families and encouragement from the parish priests alongside Catholic schools provide optimal environments for a vocational call to grow,” he said. Involved in parish life

More than 63 percent of survey respondents said their parish priest had been an encouraging influence on their vocation, followed by a fellow parishioner, a friend, their mother, father, teacher or catechist.

Church ministry is another common habit for prospective priests:

• About 72 percent of prospective priests have been altar servers, while about half served as lectors and 40 percent served as extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist.

• Another 33 percent served as catechists, while slightly smaller percentages served in youth or campus ministry.

• About 23 percent had been cantors or members of the music ministry. Devotional life marked by regular prayer

The survey also shows commonalities in devotional life.

• Among respondents, 73 percent regularly took part in eucharistic adoration.

• Another 66 percent regularly prayed the rosary.

• And, 45 percent were in prayer or Bible groups.

• Lectio divina was a regular practice for 33 percent of respondents, who also reported participation in college or high school retreats.

• More than half of ordinands had

participated in their parish youth group and another 27 percent had been participants in Catholic campus ministry.

Educational background of ordination class

The survey found that less than half of new priests attended Catholic schools:

• About 43 percent of respondents had attended a Catholic elementary school (K–8).

• As many as 34 percent attended a Catholic high school.

• About 11 percent were homeschooled at some point in their childhood.

• Another 35 percent of respondents attended a Catholic college.

• About one in four ordinands — 26 percent — reported educational debt upon entering seminary. Of those with debt, the median amount owed was $21,000.

• Around 42 percent of ordinands had a college degree before entering seminary, while about 16 percent had a graduate degree.

• Another 18 percent had some college or went to trade school, and 24 percent had a high school degree or less.

• About four percent served in the U.S. armed forces, while 12 percent were from career military families.

How old are they and where are they from?

• Diocesan ordinands’ median age is 30, while ordinands for religious institutes are slightly older, with a median age of 34.

• The youngest respondent was 25 years old and the oldest was 67.

• The Midwest and the South now lead in seminarian formation, as seminaries in these two regions each formed 31 percent of the priests-to-be.

• Another 17 percent of ordinands were formed in the Northeast, 13 percent in the West, and seven percent abroad.

• Hispanics or Latinos make up 16 percent of the 2023 ordination class. Their share has averaged about 15 percent since 2006. Ordinands of Asian/

Pacific descent make up 10 percent, while Blacks or African Americans make up six percent. Whites make up 64 percent of priests-to-be.

• About 75 percent of ordinands are American-born, but the 2023 class represents 28 countries of origin in total. A few countries predominate.

About five percent of ordinands were born in Mexico, while smaller percentages were born in Vietnam, Nigeria and Colombia.

The survey was released this year ahead of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. BC

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre receives honorary doctorate from Notre Dame Seminary

During the commencement exercises at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans recently, Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of Louisville, KY, received the honorary Doctorate of Letters in gratitude for his ministry in the State of Louisiana and his support of Notre Dame Seminary.

Archbishop Fabre was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Baton Rouge in 1989. On Dec. 13, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans. He was ordained in New Orleans by Archbishop Alfred Hughes on Feb. 28, 2007. On Sept. 23, 2013, Pope Francis appointed him as the Fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and he was installed at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma Oct. 30, 2013. On Feb. 8, 2022, Pope Francis appointed him the Tenth Bishop and Fifth Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Louisville. He was installed as archbishop on March 30, 2022.

Archbishop Fabre recently served as the chair of the United

States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism and led the writing of the U.S. Bishops’ most recent pastoral letter on racism, Open Wide Our Hearts-The Enduring Call to Love, which was published in 2018. He serves as a bishop-consultor on the USCCB Committee of Domestic Justice and Human Development and as a member of the USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage and Family Life. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Catholic Relief Services, on the Board of Trustees of the National Black Catholic Congress, and on the Board of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States.

During his time as auxiliary bishop of New Orleans and bishop of Houma-Thibodaux, Archbishop Fabre was a faithful supporter of Notre Dame Seminary, serving on the Board of Trustees and entrusting his seminarians to the formation program there. BC

PHOTOS BY CAROLINE THRIFFILEY

Catholic schools earn accreditation through 2029

Shortly after being appointed diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools in July 2022, Dr. Mark Williams met with school leaders to offer his proposal to accomplish the task of accreditation. After hearing the proposal, school leaders agreed to accept it and the accreditation review process began.

Cazayoux, principal of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School, Houma;

• Leadership of Learning - Michelle Chiasson, principal of E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux;

• Engagement of Learning - Ann Robichaux, science teacher at Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma;

Every September, Catholic schools in the State of Louisiana must complete an application requesting approval from the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to operate in the following academic year. To receive approval from BESE, Catholic/non-public schools must be accredited.

Accreditation is a rigorous process of self-study, analysis, interpretation and self-reporting, which takes place every five or six years. The Catholic schools of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux are accredited by Cognia, an international organization that accredits educational institutions ranging from early learning centers to colleges and universities around the globe.

Dr. Williams and school leaders then learned that the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux would be the first school district in the country to engage in the new process. Dr. Williams, in collaboration with school leaders, formed eight committees tasked with performing each analysis and writing a report. Mrs. Gerrie Byrne created shared drives containing each data point that the committees would analyze.

The committee chairpersons were as follows:

• Student Performance - Dr. Elise LeBoeuf, principal of St. Bernadette Catholic School, Houma;

• Stakeholder Feedback - Cheryl Thibodaux, principal of St. Genevieve Catholic School, Thibodaux;

• The Learning EnvironmentJennifer Russell, curriculum specialist at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School, Thibodaux;

• Culture of Learning - Kelli

• Growth of Learning - Linda Henry, principal of St. Mary’s Nativity School, Raceland;

• Executive Summary - Dr. Mark Williams.

After submitting a nearly onehundred-page report to Cognia, complete with over one-hundred pieces of evidence, the Cognia officials visited the school leader meeting in late January 2023 and held a focus group at St. Genevieve School composed of all principals and presidents of the Catholic schools in the diocese. Once complete, the reports were then officially submitted to Cognia Feb. 1, 2023.

On April 1, Dr. Williams received the final report from Cognia, granting accreditation to the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for six more years, until 2029. The diocese received a score of 314, which is well above average. BC

Dr. Mark Williams honored as distinguished alumni

The Archdiocese of New Orleans recently hosted its annual ‘Distinguished Alumni Ceremony,’ where Immaculate Conception School in Marrero presented its award to Class of 1981 alum, Dr. Mark Williams, diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools.

Beyond his years at Immaculate Conception School, Dr. Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of New Orleans, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans, and a doctor of education in executive leadership in 2019, also from Holy Cross College.

Dr. Williams served as associate superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans for approximately two years before being named superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in July 2022. BC

Pictured at the ceremony from left are, Dr. RaeNell Houston, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of New Orleans; Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of New Orleans, Dr. Mark Williams, and Kim DiMarco, principal of Immaculate Conception School.

Overtime

Ed Daniels

Sean Payton betting he can overcome 60 years of NFL history

Jacksonville are trying to do the same thing.

And, history says the task is daunting.

Rams.

Andy Reid coached Philadelphia to the Super Bowl and has won it twice with Kansas City.

While catching up on some reading, a reporter came across a quote from former Saints head coach Sean Payton, who now of course, plies his trade for the Denver Broncos.

Payton, who is fanatical about not discussing injuries, said the following when asked about Denver running back Javonte Williams, who is attempting a comeback from major knee surgery.

Payton acknowledged that Williams is doing well, then added this nugget.

“We’re pretty tight lipped relative to information going out.”

I had to giggle.

In May, the September Sean Payton was bubbling near the surface. His offenses may be somewhat complex, but Payton isn’t.

In his year off from football, he decided that he missed the game and wanted to return.

And, as a student of Super Bowl history, Sean Payton knows that no NFL coach has won a Super Bowl with two different organizations.

Currently in the NFL, two Super Bowl winning coaches, Mike McCarthy in Green Bay, and Doug Pedersen in

Vince Lombardi, who won five NFL titles in Green Bay, and the first two Super Bowls, may have done it in Washington.

But, he died of colon cancer, before his second season with the Redskins began.

Hank Stram won the first Super Bowl played at Tulane Stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs, but his return with the Saints, was brief and unsuccessful.

Jimmy Johnson won Super Bowls in his last two years in Dallas, but his return to Miami, was able to produce only one 10-win season in four.

Mike Shanahan won two Super Bowls in Denver, but won only 24 games in four seasons with the Redskins.

Mike Ditka won a Super Bowl in Chicago, but only 15 games in three seasons with the Saints.

George Seifert won two Super Bowl titles as the head coach of the 49ers, but in Carolina he won 16 games in three seasons.

Four coaches have been a head coach in the Super Bowl with different organizations.

Philadelphia’s Dick Vermeil coached the Eagles to the Super Bowl at the Superdome in 1981, and won the big game 19 years later with the St. Louis

Bill Parcells won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants and got the Patriots to the big game. But in New England, with the New York Jets, and Dallas, he was never able to get back to the top of the mountain.

And, Mike Holmgren won a Super Bowl in Green Bay, appeared in another, and nine years later reached the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.

Payton has an owner with deep pockets, and he’s coaching in a great football city, one of the best in America.

But, he is also in the same division with the best quarterback in the game, 28 year old Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs, and one of the best young quarterbacks in the game, 25 year old Justin Herbert.

He will see those two four times a season.

But, Payton, confident as ever, is betting that he can overcome almost 60 years of history.

And, there’s no questioning his capabilities or his pedigree.

And, if he wins a Super Bowl in Denver, he’s on the Mount Rushmore of NFL coaches.

Which is exactly where he wants to be. BC

Graduation 2023

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

Central Catholic School in Morgan City’s Class of 2023 chose “Stop whining” (Karen Solar) as its class motto. Class color is light blue, symbolizing health, healing, tranquility and understanding; class flower is the white orchid and class song is Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus.

Class officers are Hannah Domingue, president; Presley Bruni, vice president; Sarah David, secretary; and Rhett Thomas, treasurer.

The 2023 graduates are Tate Aucoin, Olivia Babin, Da’Mondrick Blackburn, Jolie Boudreaux, Mary Brinkley, Elijha Brown, Presley Bruni, Dominic Case, Andrew Cavalier, Sarah David, Hannah Domingue, Isabella Duval, Chloe Estay, Robert Hunter, Bri’Yannah Johnson, Ja’cori Johnson, Madison Landry, Mayson Landry, Emily Lipari, Ben Miller, Jillian Morell, Gary Nicar III, Caleb O’con, John Ramirez, Ty Ribardi, Channing Rivere, Sofia Saleme, Brady Shannon, Vernon Singleton Jr., Hailey Skiles, Natalie Sloane, Rhett Thomas, Angelo Viscardi, Sophie Webster, Ethan Wiggins, Amaya Williams and Emily Wise. BC

E.D. White has 127 graduates for 2023

E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux’s Class of 2023 chose “Chase your dreams but always know the road that’ll lead you home again” (Tim McGraw). Class colors are light yellow and green; class flower is the magnolia and the class song is Don’t Blink by Kenny Chesney. Class officers are Camille Bower, president and Ava Zelesnik, vice-president.

Class of 2023 graduates are: Arwen Adams, Jake Agosta II, Dominic Aizen, Emalee Allen, Lily Amedee, Mark Angelette, William Arabie, Alexis Arcement, Lane Arcement, Kati Arcement, Michael Bailey III, Sophia Barrios, Kaitlyn Bates, Anthony Battaglia, Callie Becnel, Joshua Bellanger, Victoria Bellanger, Corinne Boudreaux, Ethan Boudreaux, Riley Boudreaux, Laney Bourgeois, Max Bourgeois, Logan Bourgeois-Usie, Emma Bouvier, Camille Bower, Brenna Brady, Kennedy Breaux, Brian Broussard, Matthew Broussard, Lanie Callahan, Kayden Chaisson, Nicky Cheramie, Bethani Chiasson, Emmie Chiasson, Aidan Clements, Riley Cole, Brett Collins, Celie Collins, Braxton Comeaux, Gracie Constant, Cooper Cook, Gabrielle Cortez, Layne Cortez, Ella Covington, Jaci Daigle, Mason Davenport, Marie DeMoss, Ellie Dufrene, Marco Escalante, Luke Falgoust, James Irby Fannin, Paxton Faucheaux, Katie Filce, Thomas Foret, Zack France, Brendan Gaubert, Luke Gauthreaux, Jacob Gautreaux, Connor Gil, Madelyn Gisclair, Ella Grabert, Claire Guidry, Jacob Guin, Sean Hebert, Grayson Hildenbrand, Joseph Hrinevich, William Jackson, Nathan Johnson, Anna Jones, Connor Junot, Ethan Kees, Blaise Kliebert, Olivia Kliebert, Jillian Kohlhund, Colby Laiche, Carly Landry, Isabella Landry, Cohen LeBlanc, Jayce Ledet, Joseph Lirette, Reagan Lombard, Anna Marino, Brooke Martinez, Lilly McCollam, Ann Medlen, Matthew Melancon, Ana Meyer, Jack Miller, Mallory Naquin, Jordan Nguyen, Adele Panvelle, Jake Passman, Sarah Pate, Nicholas Pepper II, Jake Poiencot, Colby Prados, Jackson Prince, Laura Rabalais, Eleanor Rachal, Ethan Reynolds, Trinity Robichaux, Savannah Rome, Connor Sacco, Jolie Schexnaider, Hannah Schexnayder, Hunter Schexnayder, John Schouest, Conner Schwartz, Zachary St. Pe’, Lilly Sternfels, Jackson Strander, Abigail Tabor, Rodrigo Talbot, Lukas Tauzin, Owen Tauzin, Dessadra Tezeno, Owen Thibodaux, Cooper Toups, Tyler Triche, Luke Viguerie, Tuyen Charlie Vu, Beau Wanko, Evan Wiley, Ava Wilson, Dylan Worthington, Lindsey Zaner and Ava Zelesnik. BC

Thibodaux, Louisiana

In God we base our goals in life and then we carry on, in faith, through service, with purpose.

CONGRATULATIONS

2023 Class of

Vandebilt has 122 graduates for 2023

Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma’s Class of 2023 chose “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard” (Winnie the Pooh) as its class motto. Class color is powder blue; class flower is the forget-me-not and class song is Home by Phillip Phillips. Class officers are Emma Adams, president; Madison Guidry, vice president; and Elizabeth Lee, secretary.

The 2023 graduates are: Ross Abboud, Cole Adams, Emma Adams, Ethan Adams, Hayden Aldridge, Melania Angelette, Diego Archila, Mason Ayo, William Babin, Cameron Badeaux, Kayli Bagala, Moriah Bateast, Andrew Baughman, Aidan Beebe, Jaxon Bishop, Ethan Blanchard, Robert Blanchard Jr., Scott Bolduc, Stuart Bonnecarrere, Wyatt Bonvillian, Cecilia Bourg, Elora Bourgeois, Julian Bourgeois, Aeriel Brown, Seth Brown, Katharine Calongne, Olivia Casebonne, Alexander Castell, Emily Cazayoux, Luke Chaisson, Connor Chauvin, Jacob Clayton, Kristen Colwart, Seth Comeaux, John Cosgrove Jr., Lauren Couvillon, Austin Cunningham, Coryn Cunningham, Zachary Curtis, Grace Davis, Gemi Detillier, Sophia DiStefano, Lauren Dupre, Ryleigh Ellender, Georgiana Engeron, Reighan Farmer, Emily Fleniken, Ainsley Flood, Evan Gaidry, Robert Galinsky, Emma Gleason, Jase Griffin, Connor Guidry, Elizabeth Guidry, Madison Guidry, Ryan Guidry, Laura Hamilton, Logan Hamilton, Brayden Haydel, Morgan Haydel, Hannah Hebert, Chloe Hoychick, McKenzie Jones, Brynn Kelso, William King, Paul Kreamer, Aleigha Le, Jonah LeBoeuf, Thomas LeBoeuf, Elizabeth Lee, Jackson Lefevre, Jacob Leonard, Gabriella Lewis, Elise Lirette, Tanner Loney, Hanna Luke, Layne Luke, Matthew Manns, Caroline Marcel, Emily Marcel, Tucker Marchive, Amy Martin, Bethany Mauldin, A’Mari Mitch, Jackson Moreaux, Avery Morgan,

Benton Naquin, Mina Nguyen, Sophia Palmisano, Jackson Parfait, Jack Pellegrin, Peyton Picou, Alexandra Pitre, Andrew Pitre, Chloe’ Pitre, Zachary Pizzolato, Gabrielle Ramirez, Mia Raymond, Kirra Richard, Lauren Richard, Sophia Rieve, Cooper Robert, Jude Robicheaux, Ezrah Rodriguez, Caroline Ross, Katie Ross, Mallie Rutledge, Laura Seibert, Mallory Serigne, Devin Smith, Elyse St. Germain, Brandt Theriot, Philip Thibodeaux Jr., Hayden Toups, Sadie Viator, Alexis Vicknair, Madison Voisin, Connor Waalk, Ryan Welch, Ryan Westerkamp, Landen Williams and Breanna Witty. BC

Nicholls State University's Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremonies

The Nicholls State University Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremonies were held in Stopher Gymnasium on the campus in Thibodaux. Each session featured all degree program candidates from two of the university’s six colleges and a keynote speaker.

Session I featured the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and the College of Nursing. The keynote speaker was Judge Blair Edwards, of the 21st District Court serving Tangipahoa, St. Helena and Livingston parishes, working exclusively in juvenile courts, including drugs and truancy issues.

Judge Edwards is a member of several state legal groups, including the Louisiana Children and Family Court Judges Association, and has served on the Louisiana Sentencing Commission, examining whether prison time served is fair and given out equitably across the state. She attended Loyola University Law School and Nicholls for her Bachelor of Science in accounting.

Session II featured the College of Liberal Arts and the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute. The keynote speaker was Chef Marcelle Bienvenu, former culinary professor, food writer and author of three cookbooks. Chef Marcelle owned and operated a restaurant, Chez Marcelle, near Lafayette in the early 1980s and has worked at several restaurants, including Commander’s Palace and K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen in New Orleans.

Session III featured the College of Business Administration and College of Sciences and Technology. The keynote speaker was Louisiana Representative Joseph A. Orgeron, Ph.D., who is also executive director of Restore or Retreat.

Orgeron is working toward making Louisiana a leader in the renewable energy sector. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science in physics from Nicholls, a master’s in experimental high energy physics from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Ph.D. from UT Dallas.

To learn more about Nicholls State University 2023 Commencement Ceremonies, visit https://www.nicholls.edu/commencement/ BC

Judge Blair Edwards

Joseph A. Orgeron

Chef Marcelle Bienvenu

Fletcher Technical Community College celebrated the graduation of more than 500 students

Fletcher Technical Community College celebrated the graduation of more than 500 students for Fall 2022, Spring 2023 and Summer 2023. All majors/programs participated in one ceremony.

Kim Hunter Reed, Ph.D., Louisiana Commissioner of Higher Education, was the guest speaker for this ceremony.

Dr. Reed is the only female in the country currently serving as a state higher education lead who has led higher education in more than one state. Working with the Louisiana Board of Regents, Reed leads the state’s talent development efforts, focused on increasing educational attainment, erasing equity gaps, and increasing prosperity. To reach the state’s goal of doubling the annual number of credentials awarded by 2030, she focuses on transformational policies and deep collaborative engagement in line with Regents’ talent imperative.

In support of that vision, Louisiana’s institutions are focused on strengthening the state’s education-toemployment pipeline, accelerating student success, reskilling and training those seeking new career opportunities, finding solutions through research and discovery, and contributing significantly to the state’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

In January 2023, Reed was named to the 10 Top 10 Black higher education leaders by Forbes, saying “Louisiana’s top higher ed exec is unrivaled, the absolute best among statelevel leaders.”

Reed is a nationally recognized student advocate with extensive higher education and government experience. In addition to leading the Colorado Department of Higher Education, she served in President Obama’s administration as deputy undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Education. She led the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Collectively, Reed has served in various senior leadership roles with four governors.

Kim Reed, Ph.D.

Reed received a doctorate in public policy from Southern University, a master’s degree in public administration, and a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Louisiana State University. BC

Central Lafourche

Central Lafourche High School in Raceland’s Class of 2023 chose “It always seems impossible until it is done,” as its class motto. Senior class colors are green and gold; senior class flower is the yellow rose; and senior class song is Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts. Senior class officers are Elise Wendell, president; Eli Dishman, vice president; Kylie Legendre, reporter; Jarris Folse, secretary; Chandler Vedros, treasurer; and Molly Freeman, parliamentarian. BC

Ellender High

Allen J. Ellender Memorial High School in Houma’s class of 2023 chose “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe” (Anatole France) as its class motto. Senior class colors are red, white and blue; senior class flower is the red rose; and the senior class song is Graduation (Friends Forever) by Vitamin C. Senior class officers are Cenit Rosales, president; Ajalon Coleman, vice-president; and Danaija Thomas, secretary. BC

Grand Isle

Grand Isle High School in Grand Isle’s Class of 2023 chose “We came, we saw, we conquered,” as its class motto. Class colors are blue and black; class flower is the magnolia; and the class song is Just the Two of Us. Senior class officers are Shelby Lemoine, president and Alayna Otten, vice president.

H.L. Bourgeois

H. L. Bourgeois High School in Gray’s class of 2023 chose “You never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory” (Dr. Seuss) as its class motto. Senior class color is blue; senior class flower is the white rose; and the senior class song is Live While We’re Young by One Direction. Senior class officers are Victoria Voisin, president; Ciera Rhodes, vice president; Cassidy Rhodes, secretary; and Emma Aldi, treasurer. BC

South Lafourche

South Lafourche High School in Galliano’s Class of 2023 chose “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass ... It’s about learning to dance in the rain” (Vivian Greene) as its motto. Class colors are royal blue and silver; class flower is the white carnation; and the class song is Good Ole Days by Macklemore. Class speaker is Gavin Comeaux.

Class officers are Gavin Comeaux, president; Jack Chiasson and Ethan Gisclair, vice presidents; Addison Curole, reporter; Mallory Pierce, secretary; Sailor Pitre, treasurer and Hailey Hebert, Keben Jaquez-Torres, Luke Sanamo and Kenslie Taylor, representatives. BC

Morgan City

Morgan City High School in Morgan City’s Class of 2023 chose “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory” (Dr. Seuss) as its class motto. Class colors are baby blue and silver; class flower is the white lily and the class song is It’s Time by Imagine Dragons. Class officers are Trista Melancon, class president and Allie Aman, vice president. BC

South Terrebonne

South Terrebonne High School in Bourg’s class of 2023 chose “Be the change you wish to see in the world” (Mahatma Gandhi) as its class motto. Senior class colors are green and white; senior class flower is the white rose. Senior class officers are Makenzi Clement, president; Alyssa Harris, vice president; Breleigh Dugas, secretary; and Isaiah Black, treasurer. BC

Thibodaux High

Thibodaux High School in Thibodaux’s Class of 2023 chose “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe” as its class motto. Class flower is lavender; class colors are champagne and sage green and class song is I’ll Always Remember You by Miley Cyrus. Class officers are Macie Thibodaux, president; Amber Randall, vice president; Kate Clement, secretary; Khalil Abdullah, Meadow Folse and Chloe Zeringue, spirit coordinators; and Mallory Chiasson, Jordyn Delasbour, Katrina Ingram, Caroline Landry, Jada Lasseigne, Alyssa Naquin, Jolie Naquin, Grace Ridgway, Carys Rodrigue, Chloe Rodrigue, Addison Stentz, Laken Toups, executive board. BC

Terrebonne High

Terrebonne High School in Houma’s class of 2023 chose “If it’s flipping hamburgers at McDonald’s, be the best hamburger flipper in the world. Whatever it is you do, you have to master your craft” (Snoop Dog) as its class motto. Senior class color is sage green; class flower is the white rose and the class song is The Good Ole’ Days by Macklemore ft. Kesha. Senior class officers are Emri’l Alvis, president; Makayla Boudreaux, vice president; Glendell Jones, secretary; and Lily Pinell, treasurer. 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.