Bayou Catholic Magazine March 2022

Bayou

Catholic

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre named Archbishop of Louisville, KY MARCH 2022 ~ VOL. 42 NO. 8 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

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For more information about this or any other awards we have received, go to: thibodaux.com/about-us/awards.

Contents

Features 7 Bishop Fabre named Archbishop of Louisville, KY

By Janet Marcel

39-47 Hurricane Ida revisited

By Janet Marcel

Columns 13 Comfort For My People

By Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

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Pope Speaks Pope Francis I

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Questions of Faith

By Father Wilmer Todd

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Readings Between the Lines

By Father Glenn LeCompte

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Overtime

By Ed Daniels

In Every Issue 6 From the Editor 20 Scripture Readings 22 Heavenly Recipes 24 Youth In Action 29 Daily Prayer for Priests,

Deacons, Religious and Seminarians

Guest Column 26 The man behind the screen

By Father Cody Chatagnier

Announcements 28 Men’s Gathering, March 5 28 Lenten Missions 30 CCH-T receives $500,000 grant 38 Lee Bultman named director of Disaster Case Management

On Our Cover RUBY THOMAS/THE RECORD

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre speaks to members of the media Feb. 8 at the Archdiocese of Louisville Pastoral Center about his appointment as the fifth Archbishop of Louisville.

March 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 3

Bayou Catholic How to reach us:

BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132

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BY MAIL: P.O. Box 505 Schriever, LA 70395

BY FAX: (985) 850-3232

BY E-MAIL: bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org The Bayou Catholic is published monthly, for the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux by the H-T Publishing Co., P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395.

Subscription rate is $35 per year.

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

Lawrence Chatagnier

editor and general manager

April LeBouef

business manager

Janet Marcel

staff writer/administrative assistant

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Lisa Schobel Hebert graphic designer

Becky Thibodeaux accounting specialist

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

Where to find your Bayou Catholic

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Bayou Catholic magazine can be found at all Catholic churches and Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

To pick up a copy, you may also visit the merchants who advertise in our issue. Those wishing to receive the magazine by mail can call Janet Marcel at (985) 850-3132 or write to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395.

Subscription price is $35 annually. For the online edition, go to www.bayoucatholic.org

March 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 5

From the Editor

From the bayous to the bluegrass

LUCKY THEM!

Now that the dust has settled and the frenzy that accompanies the announcement of our bishop being named to another diocese or in this case an archdiocese, the reality of the situation really sinks in. Our beloved Bishop Shelton J. Fabre is leaving this flock of Catholic faithful to minister to the very fortunate people of Louisville, KY. Bishop Fabre has been with us for the past eight and a half years. In those years he has guided us with wisdom, patience and compassion.

In using the words of Very Rev. Jay L. Baker, J.C.L., during the press conference for the local media, he said “Bishop Fabre was a very courageous bishop for us. He took us places we have never been before, and led us to do things we have never done both as a presbyterate and as a diocese. It was very encouraging to have him with us and do the things we have done during the eight and a half years that he was with us.”

During Bishop Fabre’s tenure here he faced many good times and unfortunately some difficult times, as well. It was during his third year here that local economy took a downturn and tough decisions had to be made on the future of how as a diocese we minister and walk with the people in their faith. Due mostly notably to a decline in oil and gas royalty revenues, the diocese had to

take steps to reduce its fiscal year operating budget affecting many positions at the Pastoral Center.

It was shortly after that when Bishop Fabre introduced the parishioner-driven strategic planning process which was promulgated during the diocese’s 40th anniversary in 2017. The strategic plan included long-term objectives and a vision for all diocesan ministries.

Now after almost five years, the strategic plan is bearing fruit and the bishop’s vision of being more intentional in ministry and helping the faithful become missionary disciples is becoming a reality.

Most recently our area suffered the most destructive hurricane in local history with Hurricane Ida ripping through the heart of the diocese.

The devastating hurricane affected thousands of people throughout the diocese, especially in our coastal communities. This hurricane was described as a life changing moment for many. Bishop Fabre was on the frontlines helping the needy as soon as the hurricane passed and it was somewhat safe to venture out. He visited the church parishes and the people in the communities.

He worked closely with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux and diocesan leadership to develop a plan to quickly aid those who needed it and begin the process of recovery and rebuilding.

As someone who has covered many events that the bishop has attended or led, it is easy to see his love for the people. In return, the people of the diocese love Bishop Fabre. His attentiveness to a person when they are speaking to him, his soothing, calming voice when in a discussion and his genuine empathy for those who may be suffering make him a

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person who exudes compassion. It is no wonder that he chose “Comfort My People” as his motto when he became a bishop.

Through the years working with Bishop Fabre, I have witnessed him as a strong leader with a mindful heart of compassion. He is always thinking of the common good when making a decision.

I am sure I speak for many when I say thank you Bishop Fabre for walking in faith with the people of Houma-Thibodaux. You will truly be missed, and in our prayers as you embark on your journey as Archbishop of Louisville. Thank you for bringing us closer to God through your leadership and your example that love and kindness prevail over evil and death. I for one can say that the past eight and a half years have been a time of growth and encouragement for our diocese.

Bishop Fabre, you are heading to the bluegrass country of Kentucky where American horseracing is king.

I read a quote from Federico Tesio, a renowned horse breeder who says, “a horse gallops with his lungs, perseveres with his heart and wins with his character.” My money is on Bishop Fabre to do very well in the Archdiocese of Louisville: To win the hearts of the Catholic faithful there, and be a “hands down” favorite through the “home stretch.”

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

Lawrence

Lawrence Chatagnier Editor & General Manager

Cover Story

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre named Archbishop of Louisville, KY Story by Janet Marcel Bishop Shelton Joseph Fabre has been named as the 10th Bishop and fifth Archbishop of Louisville, Kentucky. The official announcement of his appointment was made by Pope Francis Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022.

The pope accepted the resignation of Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, who turned 75 on Aug. 18, 2021. As required by canon law, a bishop must turn in his resignation to the pope when he reaches the age of 75. Archbishop Kurtz has led the Archdiocese of Louisville since 2007.

A press conference was held in Louisville, Kentucky, where Archbishop Kurtz introduced Archbishop Fabre to the public. Diocesan staff gathered at the Pastoral Center in Schriever to watch this press conference together.

Archbishop Kurtz told those present and watching via livestream on social media that he had the opportunity to meet Archbishop Fabre about a month before he was ordained a bishop at a bishop’s retreat in Louisiana. “We’re getting someone who is a deeply human person, a very healthy person, a holy man and in a special way a good pastoral bishop,” said Archbishop Kurtz. “So we are really blessed. Soon he will be singing along with us ‘My Old Kentucky Home.’ However, he will also bring some Cajun flavor to his new Kentucky home.”

In his address at the press conference, Archbishop Fabre expressed his gratitude and personal support to Pope Francis, who called him to continue his pastoral ministry in Louisville.

“I am both humbled and excited by this appointment by the Holy Father and I pledge to serve the needs of this local church to the very best of my ability,” said the archbishop.

“In all that we do, my brothers and sisters, it is the Lord Jesus Christ that we praise and serve, as together we grow in faith.”

Archbishop Fabre thanked Archbishop Kurtz for his faithful leadership and for the many ways he has shepherded the church in Louisville and expressed his appreciation for the camaraderie they have shared as brother bishops in the fifth ecclesiastical region of the church in the United States.

He addressed the faithful of the archdiocese saying, “My brothers and sisters, I anticipate meeting you and experiencing the cultures of the people of God in this wonderful archdiocese. I look forward to getting to know you and most importantly listening to your hearts … I also want to greet in a very special way the priests, deacons, consecrated religious and seminarians of the archdiocese.

We are on a mission to make missionary disciples … and I look forward to sharing this mission that has been entrusted to us by Jesus Christ as we work together to serve the

MARNIE MCALLISTER/THE RECORD

Newly appointed Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre sits next to Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, whom he succeeds as Archbishop of Louisville, KY, at a press conference Feb. 8. people of God.” Turning his attention to the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Archbishop Fabre began by saying, “I also want to take this opportunity to thank the good people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. To all the priests, deacons … .”

At this point, Archbishop Fabre paused as he became very emotional, apologizing as his voice broke and he began to tear up. He continued through his tears and remained very emotional as he spoke to the people of Houma-Thibodaux. “ … To all the priests, deacons, consecrated religious, seminarians and all the people of Houma-Thibodaux, I express my deep, deep gratitude for our life together in South Louisiana, which has been my home for eight and one half years. I have been incredibly happy and fulfilled as the Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux, and I express gratitude to you for the love, support and kindness you have shown me during my time with you. I pray that God, in his mercy, will continue to bless the good people of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux.”

Later in his address, Archbishop Fabre said, “While the presbyterate and the people of Houma-Thibodaux will always be in my heart, I pledge to serve the Archdiocese of Louisville with the same fervor and commitment. I look forward to making the Archdiocese of Louisville my new home and I rejoice in the opportunity to become a part of this local church and this unique area of our slice of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Therefore, I am no longer in the ‘WhoDat’ Nation of the New Orleans Saints, for I know well this is Cardinal and Wildcat country, where

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Cover Story

Bishop Fabre Louisville, KY

Cont. from pg 7

basketball is king. The Lord has led me from the bayous to the bluegrass, from gumbo and jambalaya to barbeque and the Hot Brown. I leave the coast of the Cajun community to walk with you in the foothills of the heartland. And I do so knowing that my love for Mardi Gras and king cake will soon be quenched by Mint Juleps and the Kentucky Derby.”

During the press conference, Archbishop Fabre answered questions from the local media.

Later the same day, the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux held a press conference at the Pastoral Center in Schriever for the local media, which was facilitated by Lonnie Thibodeaux, diocesan director of the Office of Communications. HTV televised the press conference and it was livestreamed on the diocesan website by the diocesan Office of Communications and on social media by the Houma Times.

Very Rev. Simon Peter Engurait, V.G., pastor of St. Bridget Church in Schriever and vicar general for administration, began by saying that it was a joyous day for Houma-Thibodaux because the Holy Father Pope Francis recognized “our bishop” with a special appointment as an archbishop. “I think it is a recognition of the tremendous work that he has done in our midst.” Father Engurait prayed a special prayer of thanksgiving and then read a statement from Bishop Fabre regarding his appointment to the Archdiocese of Louisville.

Very Rev. Eric Leyble, J.V., J.C.L., pastor of St. Genevieve Church in Thibodaux and judicial vicar, explained the process to be followed for the election of a diocesan administrator during a sede vacante, which means “the state of an episcopal see while without a bishop.” This diocesan administrator will lead the diocese until a new bishop is chosen. (See page 10 for the full explanation.)

Very Rev. Jay L. Baker, J.C.L., pastor of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma and diocesan chancellor, explained the process of appointing a new bishop and that this process is a time-consuming one that often takes eight or more months to complete. (See page 12 for the full explanation.)

During the press conference, diocesan leaders and members of clergy answered various questions from the local media.

Archbishop Fabre was born Oct. 25, 1963, in New Roads, LA, the fifth of six children to the late Luke and Theresa Fabre. He graduated as valedictorian from Catholic High School of Pointe Coupée in New Roads, LA, in 1981; received a BA in history from St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, LA, in 1985; a bachelor of arts degree (1987) and a master’s degree (1989) in religious studies from the Katholiek Universiteit te Leuven in Louvain, Belgium. He was ordained a priest Saturday, Aug. 5, 1989, by Bishop Stanley J. Ott at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. He 8 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

MARNIE MCALLISTER/THE RECORD

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre wiped away tears as he spoke to members of the media Feb. 8 at the Archdiocese of Louisville Pastoral Center about his appointment as the fifth Archbishop of Louisville. He wept as he expressed gratitude for the life he shared with the people in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. was ordained Titular Bishop of Pudenziana and Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans by Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes of New Orleans, at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans in February 2007, and installed as the Fourth Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux in October 2013. He currently serves on the board of Catholic Relief Services and as the chair of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism.

As the Archbishop of Louisville, he will shepherd about 156,000 Catholics in 24 counties of central Kentucky, from the Ohio River to the Tennessee border. The archdiocese, which dates to 1808, has 110 parishes that cover 8,124 miles. About 20,000 students are served by 48 schools from kindergarten to high school.

Archbishop Fabre will remain as diocesan administrator of Houma-Thibodaux until his installation as Archbishop of Louisville on March 30, at 2 p.m., at the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville. BC

Special

The announcement locally ...

Diocesan staff, press hear the news ...

Staff of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux gather at the Pastoral Center in Schriever for the announcement of Bishop Shelton J. Fabre being appointed to the Archdiocese of Louisville, KY. Later the same day, a press conference was held at the Center where local press gathered to hear the announcement of Bishop Fabre’s appointment, as well as to learn about the process of choosing a diocesan administrator and a new bishop.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

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Special

The election of a diocesan administrator during a sede vacante

By Very Rev. Eric Leyble, J.C.L., J.V. Preliminary Considerations When a diocese becomes vacant, it needs someone to continue the work of its bishop until the future bishop is named. Thus, the church gives a diocesan administrator almost all the authority that the departed bishop had.

According to canon law, the diocesan administrator, who is outstanding in doctrine and prudence, “is bound by the obligations and enjoys the power of a diocesan bishop, excluding those matters which are excepted by the nature of things or by the law itself” (canon 427).

The diocesan administrator is normally elected by the College of Consultors. The College is composed of members who are selected from the Priests’ Council and in a number not less than six nor more than 12, to which belongs the functions determined by law. The College of Consultors, in a sense, takes the place of the Priests’ Council during the vacant see and assists and advises the administrator in the governance of the diocese. At some instances their consent is required before the administrator can make a decision. In the same vein also, the consent of the College is also required by a diocesan bishop before he makes a decision or takes action concerning the diocese.

The Catalyst for the Election When Bishop Fabre’s nomination to be the next Archbishop of Louisville became official, this begins his preparation and transition. In the meantime, he remains as diocesan administrator and enjoys the power and authority of this office. The diocese also does not become vacant until Bishop Fabre takes canonical possession of the Archdiocese of Louisville on March 30, 2022. As soon as Bishop Fabre has taken possession, the College of Consultors will need to elect a diocesan administrator, unless

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Very Rev. Eric Leyble, J.C.L., J.V., explains the process of choosing a diocesan administrator during a press conference at the Pastoral Center in Schriever, where it was announced that Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was appointed Archbishop of Louisville, KY. the Holy See has given the diocese an apostolic administrator.

The Steps in Electing a Diocesan Administrator 1. The College of Consultors learns that the diocese becomes vacant on March 30, 2022.

2. The priest who is senior in ordination in the College of Consultors

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convokes and presides during these meetings (cf. canon 502, §2). He informs them when and where the College will meet to elect the diocesan administrator.

3. On the day of the meeting, the consultors gather. A simple majority (at least half) of those eligible to vote must be present for the

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LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Priests of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux gathered at the Pastoral Center in Schriever after learning that Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was appointed Archbishop of Louisville, KY. Very Rev. Eric Leyble, J.C.L., J.V., addressed the group. election. Otherwise, the one who convoked the first meeting must set another meeting for the election and convoke all the consultors again, notifying them of the new time and place.

4. The senior consultor, the priest who is senior in ordination, chairs the meeting.

5. The consultors will select someone to be a notary. They will also select at least two consultors to serve as tellers, that is, those who collect and count the votes.

6. All consultors may nominate candidates for consideration as diocesan administrator.

7. Candidates must be priests or bishops who have completed 35 years of age; they must be outstanding in doctrine and prudence. Priest candidates may be from the local presbytery or from somewhere else.

Bishop candidates may be the bishop emeritus or a diocesan bishop from another diocese.

8. When the nomination and discussion is completed, the consultors

vote.

9. Voting must occur by secret ballot.

10. If one candidate receives at least two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast, including abstentions as votes, that candidate is elected diocesan administrator.

11. If no one receives two-thirds of the votes cast, there can be more discussion and more nominations.

Then there is another secret ballot like the first. n After there have been two ballots with no one elected, then the College of Consultors holds a third ballot in which the consultors may vote only for one of two candidates. The two candidates eligible for election are the two candidates who received the most votes in the second ballot. In the third ballot, if one candidate receives more votes than the other, then that candidate is elected diocesan administrator. If there is a tie, then the law gives the election to the candidate older by age.

12. Once someone has been elected, the chairman notifies the elected person. If he accepts, he immediately

becomes diocesan administrator. He does not need confirmation by anyone.

The new diocesan administrator then makes a profession of faith in the presence of the College of Consultors and notifies the apostolic nuncio of his election. n If the elected person refuses to accept the office of diocesan administrator, then the College of Consultors must repeat the process for the election before the eight days described in canon 421 have passed.

13. If the College of Consultors does not elect a diocesan administrator within eight days of learning that the diocese is sede vacante, then the College of Consultors loses its right to elect the diocesan administrator. n Instead, the archbishop of the vacant diocese’ province, chooses the diocesan administrator. For this diocese, the Archbishop of New Orleans would make this choice.

(Very Rev. Eric Leyble, J.C.L., J.V., is the judicial vicar for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and pastor of St. Genevieve Church in Thibodaux.) BC

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Special

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Very Rev. Simon Peter Engurait, V.G, addresses the diocesan staff at the Pastoral Center in Schriever during a staff meeting there.

Very Rev. Engurait read a statement from Bishop Shelton J. Fabre on his appointment to the Archdiocese of Louisville, KY.

The process of appointing a new bishop to a diocese

By Very Rev. Jay L. Baker, J.C.L. The pope is the one who is responsible for appointing a bishop to a diocese.

This can be a time-consuming process, often taking eight months or more to complete. This process takes place in multiple stages.

Each year, every bishop may submit to the archbishop of his province the names of priests that he thinks would serve well as bishops. Following a discussion among the bishops at their annual provincial meeting, a vote is taken on which names would be formally recommended. The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux belongs to the Province of New Orleans and consists of the bishops of the State of Louisiana.

This vote is forwarded to the apostolic nuncio in Washington, D.C. The nuncio is the papal representative to the United States. He is responsible for overseeing the final list of names

that is forwarded to Rome. He gathers facts and information about potential candidates and interprets that information for the Vatican.

When a diocese is in need of a bishop, a report is requested from the current bishop or administrator on the conditions and needs of the diocese.

Previous bishops may also be consulted, as well as other bishops of the province and United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) officials.

Taking all of this information, the nuncio narrows his list of possible candidates, and a questionnaire is sent to 20-30 people who know each of the candidates for their input.

Three candidates are then listed alphabetically with the nuncio’s preference noted, and these materials are forwarded to the Congregation for Bishops in Rome.

Once the prefect of the Congregation

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approves the documentation, a “cardinal relator” is chosen to make a report to the Congregation to discuss possible appointments and take a vote.

In an audience with the pope, the prefect presents the recommendations of the Congregation to the Holy Father.

A few days later, the pope informs the Congregation of his decision. The Congregation then notifies the nuncio, who in turn contacts the chosen candidate and asks if he will accept.

If the answer is “yes,” the Vatican is notified, and a date is set for the announcement. Again, it often takes eight months or longer from the time a diocese becomes vacant until a new bishop is appointed.

(Very Rev. Jay L. Baker, J.C.L., is the chancellor for the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux and pastor of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma.) BC

Comment

Statement from Bishop Shelton J. Fabre on his appointment to the Archdiocese of Louisville Comfort For My People Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

On Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022, at Noon in Rome, our Holy Father Pope Francis named me the fifth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Louisville. This news of my appointment came as a surprise to me, as I imagine it is now a surprise for many of you.

However, I want to take this opportunity to pledge my support and gratitude to Pope Francis who has called me to undertake the ministry of Archbishop of Louisville. I am humbled by this appointment; and as I have served you, the good people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, I pledge to serve the good people of Louisville.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. To all the priests, permanent deacons, consecrated religious, seminarians and all the people of Houma-Thibodaux, I express my deep, deep gratitude for our life together here in south Louisiana, which has been my home for the past eight-and-a-half years. I love the people of this diocese because HoumaThibodaux has become my home and you have become my family. I have been incredibly happy and fulfilled as Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux. I am grateful for the love, support

Lord is communicating these words to his people right now. And as a shepherd, I have seen great suffering among God’s holy people. This past August, the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and communities throughout south Louisiana were utterly devastated

by Hurricane Ida, the most powerful storm of its kind to ever make landfall in Louisiana. I would be remiss if I did not remind our nation of the many challenges that remain as a result of Hurricane Ida. While the presbyterate and the people of Houma-Thibodaux will always be in my heart, I pledge to serve the Archdiocese of Louisville with the same fervor and commitment.

As you hear the news of my move to Louisville, I ask you to pray with me this prayer from St. Augustine, “As we prepare to LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC depart from one another, let us not depart from the moment, the answer to that question Lord.” At this point in the history of is unknown, as is the exact date when this wonderful diocese, let us trust in we will find out. Our diocesan officials the Lord and again pledge to serve him will provide you details regarding the by serving one another. God will never process, including how our College ask us to endure anything alone. As I of Consultors will select the diocesan celebrate my final weeks of ministry administrator who will lead the diocese with you, I pledge my prayers for all of until my successor is installed. you as I ask your kind prayers for me.

When first ordained a bishop, I chose May God’s peace be with you. as my episcopal motto, “Comfort my Most sincerely, people,” from the prophet Isaiah (40:1).

These words are dear to my heart because they capture what I have always desired to do as a bishop, as a pastor of souls. I sincerely believe our and kindness you have shown to me during my episcopal ministry in south Louisiana. I pray that our providential God will continue to bless the Church of Houma-Thibodaux.

As soon as I heard the news, my heart was flooded with emotions and with questions. I’m sure you have questions, such as, ‘who will be the next bishop in Houma-Thibodaux?’ At this

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Comentario

Declaración del Obispo Shelton J. Fabre sobre su nombramiento en la Arquidiócesis de Louisville El martes 8 de febrero de 2022, al mediodía en Roma, nuestro Santo Padre el Papa Francisco me nombró el quinto arzobispo de la Arquidiócesis de Louisville. Esta noticia de mi nombramiento fue una sorpresa para mí, como me imagino que lo es ahora para muchos de ustedes. Sin embargo, quiero aprovechar esta oportunidad para prometer mi apoyo y gratitud al Papa Francisco, que me ha llamado a asumir el ministerio de Arzobispo de Louisville. Me siento humilde por este nombramiento; y así como he servido a ustedes, la gente buena de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux, me comprometo a servir a la gente buena de Louisville.

También quiero aprovechar esta oportunidad para agradecer a la gente de la Diócesis de HoumaThibodaux. A todos los sacerdotes, diáconos permanentes, religiosas y religiosos consagrados, seminaristas y a todo el pueblo de Houma-Thibodaux, les expreso mi profunda, profunda gratitud por nuestra vida juntos aquí en el sur de Luisiana, la cual ha sido mi hogar durante los últimos ocho años y medio. Amo a la gente de esta diócesis porque Houma-Thibodaux se ha convertido en mi hogar y ustedes en mi familia. Me he sentido increíblemente feliz y realizado como Obispo de Houma-Thibodaux. Estoy agradecido por el amor, el apoyo y la amabilidad que me han mostrado durante mi ministerio episcopal en el sur de Luisiana. Rezo para que nuestro Dios providencial siga bendiciendo a la

ahora mismo. Y como pastor, he visto un gran sufrimiento entre el pueblo santo de Dios. El pasado mes de agosto, la diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux y las comunidades de todo el sur de Luisiana quedaron totalmente devastadas por el huracán Ida, la tormenta más potente de su clase que jamás haya tocado tierra en Luisiana.

Sería negligente si no recordara a nuestra nación los muchos desafíos que quedan como resultado del huracán Ida. Aunque el presbiterado y el pueblo de Houma-Thibodaux estarán siempre en mi corazón, me comprometo a servir al Archidiócesis de Louisville con el mismo fervor y compromiso.

Al ustedes escuchar la noticia de mi traslado a Louisville, les pido que recen conmigo LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC esta oración de San Agustín: “Mientras nos preparamos para separarnos unos momento, se desconoce la respuesta a de otros, no nos separemos del Señor”. esa pregunta, así como la fecha exacta En este momento de la historia de esta en que lo sabremos. Nuestro Consejo Diocesano le proporcionará los detalles maravillosa diócesis, confiemos en el sobre el proceso, así también, nuestro Señor y volvamos a comprometernos a Colegio de Consultores seleccionará al servirle, sirviéndonos unos a otros. Dios administrador diocesano que dirigirá nunca nos pedirá que aguantemos nada la diócesis hasta que mi sucesor sea solos. Al celebrar mis últimas semanas instalado. de ministerio con ustedes, prometo mis Cuando fui ordenado obispo por oraciones por todos ustedes, al igual primera vez, elegí como lema episcopal que pido sus amables oraciones por mí.

“Consuela a mi pueblo”, del profeta Que la paz de Dios esté con ustedes.

Isaías (40:1). Estas palabras son muy Muy sinceramente, queridas por mi corazón porque captan lo que siempre he deseado hacer como obispo, como pastor de almas. Creo sinceramente que nuestro Señor está comunicando estas palabras a su pueblo Iglesia de Houma-Thibodaux.

En cuanto me enteré de la noticia, mi corazón se inundó de emociones y de preguntas. Estoy seguro de que ustedes tienen preguntas, como, por ejemplo, “¿quién será el próximo obispo de Houma-Thibodaux? En este

14 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

Binh luan bang loi

Thư phản ảnh của Đức Giám Mục Shelton J. Fabre sau khi được bổ nhiệm làm Tổng Giám Mục Louisville Thứ ba ngày 8 tháng 2, năm 2022, trưa giờ Rôma, Đức Thánh Cha Phancicô đã bổ nhiệm tôi làm tổng giám mục thứ năm của Tổng Giáo Phận Louisville. Tin bổ nhiệm này làm tôi rất ngạc nhiên, tôi đoán rất nhiều anh chị cũng như tôi. Tuy nhiên, tôi muốn dùng dịp này tuyên bố ủng hộ và cảm ơn Đức Thánh Cha Phancicô vì ngài đã chọn tôi cai quản phục vụ với cương vị Tổng Giám Mục Louisville.

Tôi khiêm nhường với sự bổ nhiệm này; và như tôi đã phục vụ anh chị em giáo dân tốt trong Giáo Phận Houma-Thibodaux, tôi quyết tâm phục vụ tốt anh chị em giáo dân ở Louisville.

Tôi cũng muốn dùng cơ hội này cảm ơn anh chị em của Giáo Phận Houma-Thibodaux. Với quý linh mục, các Phó Tế Vĩnh Viễn, tu sĩ nam nữ, chủng sinh và cộng đồng dân Chúa Giáo Phận, tôi bày tỏ lòng biết ơn sâu xa trong thời gian mà chúng ta cùng sống đạo ở miền nam tiểu bang, nơi mà tôi gọi là nhà trong tám năm rưỡi. Tôi yêu mến anh chị em trong Giáo Phận vì Giáo Phận Houma-Thibodaux đã trở thành nhà của tôi và anh chị em là gia đình của tôi. Tôi tuyệt đối hạnh phúc và chu toàn bổn phận là mụ tử Giáo Phận. Tôi rất biết ơn tình cảm, nâng đỡ và sự tốt lành mà anh chị em đã dành cho tôi trong sứ vụ mục tử ở miền nam Louisana này. Tôi xin Chúa là Cha chở che sẽ tiếp tục chúc lành cho Giáo Phận Houma-Thibodaux.

Từ khi nghe tin bổ nhiệm, tâm hồn tôi

và những cộng đồng khác miền nam tiểu bang Louisiana đã bị bão Ida tàn phá đáng sợ, là cơn bão mạnh nhất từ xưa đến giờ đã đổ bộ vào tiểu bang. Tôi thấy thất trách nếu mình không nhắc nhở quốc gia này là rất nhiều thử thách còn đang tồn đọng sau trận bão Ida. Trong khi các linh mục và giáo dân trong Giáo Phận HoumaThibodaux sẽ luôn được ấp ủ trong tâm hồn tôi, tôi quyết tâm phục vụ Tổng Giáo Phận Louisville cùng một lòng nhiệt thành và khăng khít. Trong lúc anh chị em được tin tôi thuyên chuyển đến Louisville, tôi xin anh chị em cùng cầu nguyện với tôi lời cầu nguyện này của Thánh Augustinô, “Khi chuẩn LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC bị xa nhau, xin chúng ta đừng rời xa Chúa.” viên địa phận sẽ cung cấp mọi khía cạnh Đứng giữa dòng lịch sử của Giáo Phận liên quan đến sự bổ nhiệm mới, bao gồm tốt lành này, xin cho chúng ta tin vào Hội Đồng Cố Vấn sẽ chọn một quản trị Chúa và một lần nữa quyết tâm phục vụ cho Giáo Phận, vị đó sẽ cai quản Giáo Ngài bằng cách phục vụ lẫn nhau. Thiên Phận tới ngày có Giám Mục Chính Tòa.

Chúa không bao giờ muốn chúng ta đơn Khi tôi được tấn phong giám mục, tôi phương chịu khó. Trong vài tuần còn lại đã chọn khẩu hiệu cho mình là, “An ủi phục vụ anh chị em, tôi hứa cầu nguyện dân Ta,” trích từ Sách Tiên Tri Isaiah cho tất cả anh chị em cũng như anh chị (40:1). Câu nói đó rất gần gũi với tôi vì em cầu nguyện cho tôi. nó biểu lộ những gì mà tôi mong muốn Bình an của Chúa hằng ở cùng chị em. làm với thiên chức giám mục, mục tử Rất Thân Mến. các linh hồn. Tôi thật lòng tin rằng Thiên Chúa đang nói những điều đó với đàn chiên Ngài. Và là mục tử tôi tận mắt thấy sự đau khổ của dân Ngài. Tháng tám vừa qua, Giáo Phận Houma-Thibodaux tràn ngập cảm súc và đặt nhiều câu hỏi.

Tôi chắc rằng anh chị em cũng tự hỏi như tôi như ‘ai sẽ là giám mục kế nhiệm Giáo Phận Houma-Thibodaux?’ Hiện tại câu trả lời cho câu hỏi đó là không ai biết, cũng như khi nào sẽ loan báo. Nhân

March 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 15

Comment

Pope Francis: Human trafficking has created ‘an open wound on the body of Christ’ The Pope Speaks

By COURTNEY MARES Vatican City (CNA) Pope Francis recently said that the suffering caused by human trafficking is “an open wound on the body of Christ.”

“Human trafficking is violence. The violence suffered by every woman and every girl is an open wound on the body of Christ, on the body of all humanity; it is a deep wound that affects every one of us, too,” the pope said in a video message.

The pope condemned both the human trafficking of laborers and sex trafficking, which he said relegates women and girls to “dispensers of pleasure” and “proposes yet again a model of relationships marked by the power of the male gender over the female.”

“The organization of societies worldwide is still far from reflecting clearly the fact that women have the same dignity and identical rights as men,” he said.

Pope Francis added that both men and women can and must fight to ensure that the dignity of every person is recognized with “special attention to those whose fundamental rights have been violated.”

The pope’s comments came as Catholics from 30 countries across the world rallied together virtually as part of an online prayer marathon for the International Day of Prayer and

Reflection against Human Trafficking.

Human trafficking is estimated to be a $150 billion industry that profits off of 25 million victims worldwide, according to the International Labor Organization.

Pope Francis established the International Day eight years ago to coincide with the Feb. 8 feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, the patron saint of human trafficking victims.

“St. Bakhita shows us the way of transformation. Her life tells us that change is possible when one lets oneself be transformed by God’s care for each one of us. It is the care of mercy — it is the care of love that changes us deeply and makes us able to welcome others as brothers and sisters,” the pope said.

“Recognizing the dignity of each person is the first act of care, it is the first act of care. Recognizing dignity.

And taking care of others is good for all, for those who give and those who receive, because it is not an unidirectional action, but rather it generates reciprocity.”

St. Josephine Bakhita was born in 1869 in Sudan. Around 1877, she was kidnapped and sold into slavery by Arab slave traders. During her time as a slave, she was beaten, tortured and scarred.

Eventually, in 1883, she was sold to the Italian vice-consul Callisto Legani, who took her with him back to Italy.

While in Italy, she was given to a family and became their nanny, and that family eventually left her with the Canossian Sisters in Venice when they traveled to Sudan for business.

Once with the sisters, she learned about Christianity and decided to become Catholic. She refused to go back to the family that enslaved her once they returned to Italy, and an Italian court ruled that since slavery had been outlawed in Sudan before her birth, she

16 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

was not legally a slave. She was then freed from slavery.

With her newfound freedom, Bakhita remained with the Canossians. She took the names Josephine Margaret and Fortunata, the Latin translation of her Arabic name, Bakhita. Three years later, she became a novice with the Canossian Daughters of Charity, and professed her final vows on Dec. 8, 1896.

She then lived out the remainder of her life in a convent in Schio, Vicenza, working as a cook and a doorkeeper. She died on Feb. 8, 1947, and was canonized on Oct. 1, 2000, by Pope John Paul II. “God took care of Josephine Bakhita; he accompanied her in the process of healing the wounds caused by slavery, until her heart, mind, and inner self became capable of reconciliation, freedom and tenderness,” Pope Francis said.

“I encourage every woman and every girl who is committed to transformation and care, in school, in the family, and in society. And I encourage every man and every boy not to be left out of this process of transformation, recalling the example of the Good Samaritan: A man who is not ashamed to tend to his brother and to take care of him,” he added.

“Let us go forward in the struggle against human trafficking and every form of slavery and exploitation,” Pope Francis said.

“I invite you all to keep your indignation alive — keep your indignation alive! — and to find, every day, the strength to engage with determination on this front. Do not be afraid of the arrogance of violence, no!

Do not surrender to the corruption of money and power.” BC

Comment

Questions of Faith Father Wilmer Todd

The Bible and history Are the stories in the Bible historical accounts or are they meant to be lessons about life?

The Scriptures are full of stories that have shaped our lives and our future.

Storytelling is one of the most important elements of our religion. The Bible is full of stories that have shaped our lives whether we realize it or not.

For example, the story of the teenager, David, killing the giant Goliath has given courage to many people to stand up against gigantic odds and to overcome a difficulty that most people would think to be impossible.

Jesus constantly used stories to illustrate religious teachings. We use the title of these stories in our everyday Western culture. We have codified the story of “The Good Samaritan” into some laws. Most Christians can repeat the stories of “The Prodigal Son” or “The Rich Man and Lazarus.” Stories give us directions and help us discover who we are and where we are going.

Stories are also one of the most powerful tools we can use to engage and to connect with other people.

The power of a single story can go far beyond simply relaying facts and data that can be a highly effective tool to give people a sense of purpose, direction and happiness. Stories give color and depth to otherwise bland material, and they allow people to connect with the message in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Certain scientists have made fun of

the factual accuracy of some stories in the Jewish Scriptures, especially the story of Adam and Eve. It’s sad because although the events never happened the way they were written, when we read the stories as myth or poetry, they are true.

This story is a narrative of the human condition. It speaks to where we are in life. The fact that the story contains a talking snake and that the names of Adam and Eve are symbolic tells us what type of literature we are reading. The story deals with us rather than our “first parents.”

The names of Adam and Eve hint at the meaning of the story. Adam means “the red earth” from which God made him, and Eve means “the mother of the living.” Their story in the Garden of Eden is the story of rejection by human beings and their desire to usurp the role of God in our lives. We want to be in control. This story is a text book account of the teenage years. Some people say this is where we are as a nation. We want our personal freedoms to do it our way. This is why we have had so much trouble getting rid of COVID-19.

God loved and created Adam and Eve and placed them in the perfect environment to ensure their happiness.

God gave them guidance for good and bad behavior. For a while Adam and Eve were happy and content in the garden that the Creator had made for them. They were tempted to want more. They rejected God and wanted to be gods themselves. They ate the forbidden fruit and lost their innocence then realized they were naked. They

hid from God and covered themselves with fig leaves. They made excuses: It wasn’t my fault, he/she told me to do it.

Adults warn children about drinking, drugs, fast cars and immature sexual experiences. Unexpectedly, it seems teenagers are seduced from family values; the modern-day serpent comes in the guise of friends, social media and peers.

Another important story from Scriptures is the Magi following the star to find Jesus. How does a person follow a star? The stars do not “move”; we move as we look at the different consolations in the different parts of the sky. The story is most important because it is our story.

When Jesus was born, only the Jewish shepherds welcomed his arrival.

The Magi represent the non-Jewish world. Jesus came for all peoples. He is our light shining in the darkness.

He is the bright star that wise people follow today. Their gifts are very symbolic. Who would give a new born baby embalming fluid or incense at a baby shower? We welcome Jesus into our hearts.

The biblical stories are not meant to be historical accounts. They are our stories to be lived! BC

Readers are encouraged to send their questions to our local Bayou Catholic columnists by email to bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org.

March 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 17

Reflections

Eucharist, sacrificial meal Readings Between the Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

“While they were eating, (Jesus) took bread; he blessed, broke and gave it to them and said, ‘Take (it), this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, offered thanks, gave (it) to them and they all drank of it. And he said to them, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many. Amen, I say to you, no longer, absolutely not, shall I drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the Kingdom of God’” (Mark 14:22-26, translation by Father Glenn LeCompte).

In the foregoing passage from Mark’s Gospel, the evangelist narrates Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper with his disciples. As I comment on this passage, I intend to point out a particular aspect of the Eucharist—that it is a sacrificial meal. In last month’s article, you may recall that I spoke about the Eucharist as a symbol and source of unity.

In the context of Mark’s narrative, the meal described in 14:22-26 is a Passover meal. Jesus and his disciples are gathered as a family with Jesus taking the role of the paterfamilias presiding over the meal. The Passover meal is celebrated methodically, with each member eating the same elements simultaneously as the father relates the significance of each to the Exodus event. The unleavened bread represented the bread of people in flight, since the leavening process is not done. Bitter herbs recall the harsh experience of the Hebrews as slaves.

The lamb recalls the lamb whose blood God commands the Hebrews to spread on the lintels of their homes.

The firstborn of the Egyptians, who do not have the blood applied to their doorposts, die, whereas those of the

Hebrews live. All this symbolizes the breaking of the Egyptians’ power over the Hebrews and the preservation of life for the latter, who are rescued from Pharaoh’s intended genocide (Exodus 1:8-22). In the Exodus story, God acts as gô,ēl, (redeemer) of the people. In Leviticus 25:47-55, during the Jubilee Year, the next of kin is to buy back the freedom of people who have become indentured slaves. This role of God looms large over the Passover. In addition, the Passover meal enables Israelites of later generations to identify with the Exodus experience of their ancestors. If they are able to celebrate the Passover in the present, it is because God rescued their ancestors from annihilation. Therefore, the Passover meal creates an experience which transcends time. Eating the Passover foods is what enables them to connect with their ancestors’ experience.

All of this is important to understand the meal depicted in Mark 14:22-26 as a sacrificial meal, and what the effective significance of that meal is. While Jesus and his disciples are partaking of a Passover meal, only two of the Passover foods, bread and wine, are mentioned. Jesus identifies the bread, which in the Passover represented the Israelites escape from Egyptian slavery, with his body. Three

18 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

times in the course of Mark’s story Jesus predicts his passion, death and resurrection (8:31; 9:30-31; 10:32-34), and in 10:45 he says that he will give his life as a “ransom” for “many.” By giving his life on the cross, Jesus acts as the gô,ēl, redeeming people from the slavery of sin.

Whereas in the traditional Passover meal three cups of wine are drunk, Mark’s Jesus only refers to one cup.

Jesus identifies the cup with his blood.

Whereas the Israelites’ firstborn are saved by the blood of the Passover lamb, so Jesus’ blood, poured out, saves people from sin. More specifically, Jesus identifies the cup of wine as his “blood of the covenant.” This is a reference to Exodus 24:1-8, where Moses takes the blood of sacrificed young bulls, puts it in bowls, splashes half of it on an altar he builds and the other half he sprinkles on the people.

He announces to the people that this blood is the blood of the covenant. And since life is perceived to be in the blood (Leviticus 17:14), the people who have blood sprinkled upon them share God’s life. Jesus’ blood is now the covenant blood through which people share in the life-giving aspects of the covenant relationship with God. By identifying his blood shed on the cross with the Passover wine, Jesus’ blood takes on, in an even greater way, the

a

Reflections

saving aspects of the Passover lamb’s blood. The Passover lamb is sacrificed, its blood applied to the doorposts and its flesh eaten. Jesus’ blood is poured out as a result of his crucifixion, in which his body is sacrificed. Thus just as the sacrifice of the Passover lamb meant and means salvation for Jews, so the sacrifice of Jesus means salvation, to an even greater degree, for “many.”

While in English the word “many” might seem to imply that Jesus’ sacrifice is for some and not others, we must understand this phrase properly.

It echoes Isaiah 53:11, thus identifying Jesus with the suffering servant of Isaiah’s poem (52:13-53:12). The word “many” is a relational concept: The many as opposed to the few, which in essence means “all.”

Jesus identifies the Passover elements of bread and wine with his sacrificial death on the cross. Just as by eating the Passover meal Jews of all ages share in the saving benefits first

experienced by their ancestors, so those who partake of Jesus’ body and blood in the eucharistic meal share in the saving benefits of his sacrifice. Thus, there is an essential connection between meal and sacrifice here. Jesus’ death is a sacrificial death that has achieved salvation for all. People participate in the saving benefits of his sacrifice through all the sacraments, and in particular through the Eucharist.

Eating is a form of sense experience, and by eating of the consecrated bread and wine, which Jesus identifies with his body broken and blood poured out on the cross, we experience the saving benefits of that sacrifice. Jesus’ sacrifice was offered once-for-all, but the Eucharist, every time we celebrate it, enables us to participate in Jesus’ saving death.

The sacrament of the holy Eucharist has a real effect upon our lives with regard to salvation. This is why the “meal” and “sacrificial” aspects of the

Eucharist are inseparable. The bread and wine at Mass become Christ’s body broken and blood poured out, and we participate in the saving significance of his sacrifice by partaking of the eucharistic meal. BC

Reflection Questions v How do banquets in everyday life connect us with special remembrances? v How would you describe your experience of participating in the saving benefits of Christ’s sacrificial death through participation in the sacrament of the holy Eucharist? v Of all the ways Jesus might have chosen to have us effectively remember his life-giving sacrifice, why a meal?

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March 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 19

March Scripture Readings and a listing of Feast days and saints

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

3

4

5

Thursday after Ash Wednesday Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Luke 9:22-25

Friday after Ash Wednesday: Day of Abstinence Isaiah 58:1-9a Matthew 9:14-15

Saturday after Ash Wednesday Isaiah 58:9b-14 Luke 5:27-32

10

11

12

Weekday 1 Peter 1:10-16 Mark 10:28-31

6

7

First Sunday of Lent Deuteronomy 26:410 Romans 10:8-13 Luke 4:1-13

Lenten Weekday Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 Matthew 25:31-46

13

14

Second Sunday of Lent Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 Philippians 3:17— 4:1 Luke 9:28b-36

20

Lenten Weekday Daniel 9:4b-10 Luke 6:36-38

21

Lenten Weekday Third Sunday of 2 Kings 5:1-15ab Lent Luke 4:24-30 Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15 1 Corinthians 10:16, 10-12 Luke 13:1-9

27

28

Lenten Weekday Fourth Sunday of Isaiah 65:17-21 Lent Joshua 5:9a, 10-12 John 4:43-54 2 Corinthians 5:1721 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

8 Lenten Weekday Isaiah 55:10-11 Matthew 6:7-15

Ash Wednesday: Day of Fast and Abstinence Joel 2:12-18 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 9 Lenten Weekday Jonah 3:1-10 Luke 11:29-32

15

16

Lenten Weekday Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 Matthew 23:1-12

Lenten Weekday Jeremiah 18:18-20 Matthew 20:17-28

22

23

Lenten Weekday Daniel 3:25, 34-43 Matthew 18:21-35

29 Lenten Weekday Ezra 47:1-9, 12 John 5:1-16

20 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

Lenten Weekday Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 Matthew 5:17-19

30 Lenten Weekday Isaiah 49:8-15 John 5:17-30

Lenten Weekday Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 Matthew 7:7-12

17 Lenten Weekday Jeremiah 17:5-10 Luke 16:19-31

24 Lenten Weekday Jeremiah 7:23-28 Luke 11:14-23

31 Lenten Weekday Exodus 32:7-14 John 5:31-47

Lenten Weekday: Day of Abstinence Ezra 18:21-28 Matthew 5:20-26

Lenten Weekday Deuteronomy 26:16-19 Matthew 5:43-48

18

19

Lenten Weekday: Day of Abstinence Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 Romans 4:13, 1618, 22 Matthew 1:16, 1821, 24a

25

26

Lenten Weekday Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Hosea 6:1-6 Luke 18:9-14 Lord Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38

March

Holy Father’s prayer intentions

For a Christian response to bioethical challenges. We pray for Christians facing new bioethical challenges; may they continue to defend the dignity of all human life with prayer and action.

See www.apostleshipofprayer.org

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Heavenly Recipes

Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Janet brings dessert

Janet Marcel 22 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

This month’s heavenly recipe, blueberry tart, comes from Janet Marcel, staff writer and administrative assistant for Bayou Catholic. Janet got the recipe from her sister, Peggy Pitre.

Janet says that she doesn’t cook often because she was never part of a traditional family model. “My mother passed away when I was a young child and my grandmother did most of the cooking for us. I was young at that time and didn’t have any desire to learn to cook, and didn’t really have a reason to cook.”

While she might not cook much, Janet enjoys preparing desserts for family gatherings and occasional potluck events held at the Pastoral Center where she works.

Janet’s daughter Kelsi Mason, is an eighth grade math teacher at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma. And she has two grandchildren, Carter and Alayna.

Janet has been working for the diocese for the past 23 years.

She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a MBA from Nicholls State University. She began working in the Office of Catholic Schools under the direction of Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., who was the superintendent at that time. “I enjoyed the interaction between the school personnel, especially the school secretaries and school principals. Sister ‘Mac’ was a great mentor for me. She had a really strong work ethic. I think that inspired me to always want to do my best because I knew that’s what she expected from me. She was also a person I could turn to for advice and support when I went through personal difficulties. I worked in the Catholic Schools Office for 18 years.”

While working in the Office of Catholic Schools, Janet began working part-time for the Bayou Catholic as a

a

Heavenly Recipes

Blueberry Tart First Layer: 1 cup flour 1 stick oleo (softened) 2 tbsp. granulated sugar 3/4 cup pecan pieces Mix and press in pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until edges start to brown – let cool.

Second Layer: 1 16 oz. container Cool Whip 1 cup powdered sugar 1 8 oz. package Philadelphia cream cheese (softened) Mix powdered sugar and cream cheese together; stir in Cool Whip. Spread on top of first layer after it cools.

Third Layer: 1 can blueberry pie filling 1 8 oz. container of Cool Whip Spread pie filling over second layer. Top with small container of Cool Whip. Garnish with pecan halves.

proofreader. “I began writing some stories a few years after I began proofing for the Bayou Catholic. When the staff writer at the time left to work in a different ministry, I began writing full time for the Bayou Catholic. I have been working for the publication for about 22 years now. In the beginning, I was working for Louis Aguirre, who was editor at the time.”

“I enjoy gathering information for stories and putting that together to tell a story about someone’s life, their ministry or the church. I also enjoy being able to visit the church parishes and schools, and meeting people I wouldn’t normally get to meet.”

Besides writing articles, Janet proofs copy for the publication and proofs the final print version of the magazine before it goes to press. “I have always been a detail oriented person and excelled in grammar. It is something that I feel confident doing.”

When away from the office, Janet enjoys spending time with her family and watching her grandson participate in sports and school activities.

Janet says she enjoys working at the Pastoral Center.

“I enjoy working at the Pastoral Center because I get to be around faith-filled people every day who inspire me to continue learning more about my faith and strive to be a better person.” BC

Youth

in action

Liam A. Detillier School: Holy Savior Catholic School, Lockport Grade: 6th Church parish: St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews Describe your family unit: Dain, father; Heidi, mother; Landon and Luke, younger brothers; Gunner, dog; Harper and Francis, cats Favorite Hobby: Playing guitar, learning about World War II, collecting World War II mementos, watching football, taking care of my younger brothers and cousins, and preparing for our next trip to Disney World Favorite Movie: Greater Favorite T.V. Show: The Office Favorite Genre of Music: Christian

In addition to “giving something up,” what else could you do to make this Lenten season more meaningful?

Lent is a special season for my family.

It’s a time of sacrifice and prayer to try to be a little more like Jesus. For Advent, I went to daily Mass at St. Hilary, which is in my neighborhood, to altar serve. I would like to do the same for Lent. Going to Mass every day helped me feel closer to God. I also got to become a better altar server and began to understand and appreciate the parts of the Mass even more. I am lucky to have an adoration chapel available to me right down my street.

I often participate in adoration, but would like to increase my attendance there to worship and thank Jesus in

a special and personal way. Mercy Nights at St. Hilary will also be a part of my Lenten dedication. I will sit in silence and talk to God. This makes me feel so connected to him.

This Lent, I also plan to start a Bible study with my little cousins. We will read parables that Jesus preached to his disciples and then talk about what they can mean in our lives. I like to share what I know about Jesus, and studying the Bible strengthens my understanding for me to share with my younger brothers and cousins. Another Lenten goal that I have set for myself is to pray the rosary more often. It’s

24 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

important to me to focus on the stages of Jesus’ and Mary’s lives. I invite Jesus in when I pray the rosary, and we do it together. Also, having conversations with my family and priests about my journey with God helps me learn.

Lastly, being an altar server is a job I take very seriously. I am always ready to take on more responsibility in my role as an altar server. When I’m ready, I look forward to a bigger role at church. I am praying that this Lent brings me and the world closer to God than ever before. BC

Seminarian eDucation burSeS Seminarian Spotlight Rev. Mr. Stephen Castille St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma n When did you hear your call to the priesthood?

I first heard the call to priesthood in my senior year in high school. n Where is the farthest place you have traveled from home?

France n What would be your ideal Saturday morning?

When I am able to go for a run in the park in 50-degree weather. n Who is your favorite saint and why?

St. Francis of Assisi because he inspired me in high school to want to live the Gospel in a radical way, which lead me to discern the priesthood. n If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would you choose?

St. Francis of Assisi

DiD you know?

Seminarian eDucation coStS on average $45,000 a year for eight yearS Seminarian enDowmentS can be nameD enDoweD funDS/burSeS. each year intereSt earneD from the enDowmentS are granteD to the DioceSe to cover annual coStS of their eDucation. catholic founDation of South louiSiana manageS Seminarian enDowmentS for the DioceSe.

all completeD Seminarian eDucation burSeS can be vieweD online at www.htDioceSe.org/vocationS For more information contact the Catholic Foundation at 985-850-3116 or aponson@htdiocese.org March 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 25

Special

The man beHind the screen wants to help you heal

Guest Columnist Father Cody Chatagnier

“Afraid … anxious … scared … I really don’t want to go in there … But I need to go in there … Did I remember everything? Am I ready? How will the priest react when I tell him how long it’s been since my last confession? What if he knows me? What if he looks at me differently outside the confessional?”

These are my thoughts and feelings

when I sit outside the confessional waiting to go in to receive God’s mercy.

I’ve been going to confession for over 30 years now; and for the past six years, I have been hearing confessions and imparting God’s mercy.

I know what it feels like to be on both sides of the screen, and I still get nervous before going into “the box.” I’ve never had a bad experience in confession. I always leave feeling relieved, peaceful, determined, like a weight has been lifted off of my chest.

And yet, I’m still nervous before going in. I’m nervous because of the person on the other side of the screen. I’m nervous because I have to be vulnerable with a priest. I’m nervous because I know that I’m about to share my deepest, darkest sins to a human being.

26 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

My hope in writing this article is to shed light on the priest on the other side of the screen. Who is he? What is he trying to accomplish? Why is it a good thing that he is a flawed, sinful human being?

The beautiful mystery about the priest hearing confessions is that he is in the person of Christ and yet is still himself. Now, here I could dive deep into Sacramental Theology, but honestly, I’d rather focus more on the human side of the priest during the sacrament of reconciliation. So, I’d like to share my thoughts and desires when I hear confessions.

When someone walks into the confessional, my first priority is to make whoever is on the other side of the screen as comfortable as

a

Special

possible. I hope that I can help them to let go of all the fear and anxiety that is normally present before the sacrament begins. I want the penitent to understand that they are about to receive God’s mercy and grace. I want the penitent to know that I want to help and not hurt.

Sometimes the penitent speaks confidently and because of that I’m pretty sure it’s someone very familiar with the sacrament of reconciliation.

At other times, the penitent isn’t quite sure what to do, so I’m able to help them along. And although I desire everyone to “know” how to go to confession, I am very happy to help the penitent with the “bless me Father for I have sinned,” the “act of contrition,” or any other parts of the sacrament. I’m

happy because in that moment I’m not saying to myself “Oh here is another one of those people who doesn’t know what to do.”

What I’m actually thinking is “let me help this person to confess so we can get to a place where God can heal.” I’m also remembering my own childhood, where I struggled to memorize the act of contrition and how embarrassed I felt when the priest would ask me to recite it during confession.

This may come as a shock to you, but it’s no shock to me when someone tells me it has been a really long time since they have been to confession. I’ve witnessed people dramatically pause after saying how many years it has been since their last confession as if I’m supposed to wail on them for not going to confession every month or two weeks. When I hear a large period of time, I actually get excited. I’m excited because like the Father in the parable of the prodigal son, I get to welcome home the Father’s beloved child.

I want that particular confession to be a very positive experience for that person. I know what a struggle it is for the penitent to even enter the confessional in the first place. I know the mental torture, the shame, and the way we beat ourselves up when we know we have failed God’s expectations. But in the sacrament of reconciliation those things are just a distraction from what God desires to do in the penitent’s life.

Father Joshua Rodrigue used to share this story about a former pastor.

That pastor on random days would always give the “harsh” penance of an entire rosary to everyone who came to the sacrament. Father Josh, being the prankster that he is, went to confession before the rest of the line and afterwards told those in the line, “Watch out! Father is giving out rosaries today.” One penitent replied back, “But Father! I didn’t do anything that bad!” The penitent was obviously objecting to the length of the penance.

Priests give a wide variety of penances. Whether the penance is a few Hail Marys or something much larger, I think it is important to understand

the penance is supposed to help the penitent live a life of virtue. I often say the penance is like the prescription the doctor gives you after giving you a shot.

The shot hopefully will do the heavy lifting but the prescription is to help the patient get over the illness. In the same way the penance is meant to help the penitent reject a particular vice and embrace a life of virtue.

When I hear confessions, I am fond of giving a penance that is based on sacred Scripture. After giving the penitent some advice, I usually pause for a second or two and ask God what he thinks can help? What normally comes in that moment of prayer is a particular story in sacred Scripture that relates to the penitent’s situation that I have the penitent meditate on as a penance.

After the penance is given, it’s my job to pray the prayer of absolution over the penitent. When I pray that prayer I feel great joy. The sacrament is ratified with that prayer. The most moving aspect about this moment is the very real shift in emotions. The penitent usually goes from anxious and sad to relieved and peaceful. For those faces that I can see, I observe a face filled with seriousness slowly shift to happiness.

As the penitent leaves the confessional, I leave you with these parting words. The priest on the other side of the screen wants to hear your confession. The priest on the other side of the screen wants to help you heal. The priest on the other side of the screen is a flawed human being, and that is a good thing because he can truly empathize and not just sympathize with our brokenness.

So, if you feel God calling you to go to confession and are concerned or hesitant, I hope I have helped to shed light on the man on the other side of the screen. Every priest may give different advice and penances, but what unites us is we are all in the person of Christ and have dedicated our lives to help you get to heaven. I hope to see you in “the box.”

(Father Cody Chatagnier is the pastor of St. Ann Church parish in Bourg.) BC

March 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 27

Announcements

Men’s gathering March 5, at Christ the Redeemer Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Thibodaux is sponsoring a one day gathering for men entitled “Life is Messy” on Saturday, March 5. The day will begin at 7:30 a.m. with check in, breakfast and rosary.

Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m.

Confessions will be held throughout the day.

The gathering will feature keynote addresses from Very Rev. Simon Peter Engurait, V.G., pastor of St. Bridget Church in Schriever; Father Patrick

Riviere, diocesan director of the Office of the Priesthood and liaison for the diocesan Office of Parish Support; and special guest speaker, Wade Berzas.

Prayer and reflection will be directed

by Father Antonio Speedy, pastor of Holy Family Church parish in Grand Caillou; and music will be provided by Teddy Baudoin.

Wade Berzas is the sole survivor of the horrific plane crash that occurred 48 seconds after departing the Lafayette airport on Dec. 28, 2019, en

route to watch the LSU Tiger football team compete in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta. This incident changed his life forever. He now lives his life “48 seconds at a time.” Wade will share his story of faith, mercy and God’s healing!

All men, 18 years and older are invited to attend. Registration is $35.

Lunch and materials are included with the registration fee. Onsite registration will be available the day of the event. BC

Lenten Missions in the diocese Annunziata, Houma “Journey through the Desert” Date: Friday, March 11 Time: 5—6 p.m., followed by Way of the Cross Speaker: Father Paul Birdsall

St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Community Witness Music Night Date: Thursday, March 31 Time: 6 p.m. in the MFLC Speaker: TBD

Holy Cross, Morgan City Date: Tuesdays, March 8, 15 Time: 6—7:30 p.m.

Speaker: Father Mike Tran

St. Eloi, Theriot “With Christ in the Desert” Date: Tuesday, March 8 Time: 6:30 p.m.

Speaker: Father André Melancon

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma Date: Wednesday, March 16 Time: 6—7 p.m.

Speaker: Kate Theriot Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose Date: Monday, March 7; Tuesday, March 8 Time: 6—7 p.m.

Speaker: TBD Sacred Heart, Cut Off Date: Wednesday, March 16 Time: 6 p.m.

Speaker: Deacon Ron Drez St. Ann, Bourg “Jesus of Nazareth: The Holy Week Narrative” Date: Tuesday, March 29, Wednesday, March 30 Time: 6:30 p.m.

Speaker: Father Cody Chatagnier St. Bernadette, Houma Mercy Nights: March 9, 16, 23, 30; April 6, 13 Time: 7 p.m.

28 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

St. Genevieve, Thibodaux Date: Sunday, March 6 Time: After 6 p.m. Mass Date: Monday, March 7, Tuesday, March 8 Time: 7 p.m.

Speaker: Father Joseph Tregre St. Gregory, Houma Date: Tuesday, March 15 Time: After 5:30 p.m. Mass Speaker: Kerry Bueche St. Joseph, Chauvin “Called for Such a Time as This” Date: Monday, March 28; Tuesday, March 29 Time: 6—7:30 p.m.

Speaker: Andi Oney St. Lucy, Houma Date: Monday, March 14, Tuesday, March 15 Time: 6 p.m.

Speaker: Father Travis Abadie

March Daily Prayer for Priests, Deacons, Religious and Seminarians

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

3

4

5

Rev. Michael Bergeron, retired

Msgr. Frederic Brunet, retired

Rev. Domingo Cruz, retired

Rev. Wilfredo Decal, retired

Rev. Scott Dugas, retired

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Deacon Douglas Authement, retired

Rev. P.J. Madden, retired

Rev. Roch Naquin, retired

Rev. Ty Nguyen, retired

Rev. Charles Perkins, retired

Rev. Amang Santiago, retired

Deacon Daniel Bascle, retired

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

Rev. Caesar Silva, retired

Rev. Wilmer Todd, retired

Rev. Jerry Villarrubia Jr., retired

Seminarian Chad Cheramie

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre

Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs

Very Rev. Jay Baker

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Rev. Paul Birdsall

Rev. Rusty Bruce

Sister Mary Bernadette Trang-Tien Nguyen, F.M.S.R.

Rev. Toto Buenaflor Jr.

Rev. Duc Bui

Rev. Joseph Chacko

Rev. Cody Chatagnier

27

28

29

30

31

Rev. Carl Collins

Deacon Gerald Belanger, retired

Rev. Van Constant

Rev. Robert-Joel Cruz

Rev. Jackson Cleetus

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.

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March 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 29

Announcement

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Representatives of the Bayou Community Foundation presented a check for $500,000 to representatives of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The donation is from the Bayou Recovery Fund for Hurricane Ida relief.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux receives $500,000 grant Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Bayou Recovery Fund for Hurricane Ida Relief, it has been announced by Jennifer Armand, executive director of the Bayou Community Foundation (BCF).

The grant will assist Catholic Charities’ direct individual and family financial recovery assistance programs in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes, and Grand Isle in Jefferson Parish. It is anticipated that through the BCF grant, Catholic Charities’ case work and case management programs will continue impacting and serving more than 1,900 families of all faiths in our area with direct aid for rent, utilities, mattresses and supplies. Bayou Community Foundation’s grant will directly support these families as a proud partner with Catholic Charities.

“Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is proud to have Bayou Community Foundation as a partner in our long-term hurricane recovery efforts,” says Very Rev. Simon Peter Engurait, V.G., interim director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. “As we continue to respond to the needs of our community through direct financial assistance and case management, having BCF as a partner to ensure we have the resources needed has been a crucial element of our efforts. We simply cannot do it alone. I want to express my sincere gratitude to BCF, their board and their incredible donors who are helping Catholic Charities provide financial assistance for rent, utilities, mattresses and supplies to help families get back on their feet post Hurricane Ida.” Catholic Charities has been serving

30 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes, and Grand Isle in Jefferson Parish and Morgan City in St. Mary Parish for more than 40 years. Through programs such as its four food banks, thrift stores, St. Lucy Child Development Center, Assisi Bridge House, and Individual and Family Assistance, thousands of individuals and families receive the support of Catholic Charities each year. Catholic Charities will continue in its long-term recovery efforts serving our communities, ensuring families receive the support needed for years to come.

Additionally, BCF has also announced that Catholic Charities has been approved for a $10,000 grant from their Bayou Recovery Fund to support the Catholic Community Center, Caritas Food Pantry and St. Lucy Child Development Center in Houma. BC

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Church Life

Peace and justice Masses promoting racial harmony

32 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of the Masses at St. Lucy Church parish in Houma and St. Luke the Evangelist Church parish in Thibodaux recently for the preservation of peace and justice in remembrance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Msgr.

Cletus (Frank) Egbi concelebrated.

Church Life

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

March 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 33

Church Life

American Indian workshop/retreat An American Indian Retreat entitled “We are the Ones,” was held recently at the Lumen Christi Retreat Center in Schriever with Sister Judy Gomila, M.S.C., as presenter. During the retreat the participants studied the meaning of the sacred ceremonies of the seven sacraments in the way of American Indians.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

34 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

The collection will be held March 5 and 6, 2022 Thank you for your generosity.

Announcement

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

St. Bernadette Catholic School in Houma was one of the schools to receive technology funds through E-Rate. Students are pictured working on their Chromebooks, which were purchased with the funds.

Catholic schools of the diocese receive $523,531 in technology funds The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux recently announced that the through the Office of Technology Services and Educational Consulting Associates Inc., with the cooperation of the Catholic Schools Office, the Catholic schools in the diocese have received $523,531 in a second wave of E-Rate funding made available through the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).

The Emergency Connectivity Fund Program was designed to help schools and libraries keep students, staff and patrons connected during the COVID-19 health emergency.

Schools and libraries that are eligible for support under the FCC’s E-Rate program could request and receive support through the Emergency Connectivity Fund. These schools –– including primary and secondary schools –– and libraries that provide off-site broadband service and

36 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

connected devices to students, staff and patrons who would otherwise lack access during the COVID-19 health emergency were eligible to receive funds.

Each school in the diocese was allowed to submit requests for technology devices specifically for use by the students. This funding has made 1,390 new devices available to our teachers and students. These devices are currently being utilized in our schools. BC

Bayou Catholic

The official magazine of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

A MAGAZINE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR FAITH

Outreach Line 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

www.bayoucatholic.org facebook.com/bayoucatholic www.htdiocese.org

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

March 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 37

Announcement

CCH-T director of Disaster Case Management named

Lee Bultman

South Carolina native Lee Bultman, who has been serving as a disaster recovery case worker and coordinator of the Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux (CCH-T) Case Management program since October 2021, was recently named diocesan director of Disaster Case Management, a program of CCH-T. Having retired from a career in social work and hospital administration, Bultman was asked by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre to consider sharing his experience and talents with the diocese in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. He and Bishop Fabre have been friends for many years as they attended the Katholiek Universiteit te Leuven in Louvain, Belgium, in the mid-1980s. BC

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Do this in remembrance of me MARCH 2018 ~ VOL. 38 NO. 9 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

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38 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

Ida Revisited

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Hurricane Ida revisited six months later Story by Janet Marcel Sunday, August 29, 2021, is a day that will not be soon forgotten by many people who live in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux and surrounding areas.

Hurricane Ida was the worst storm to directly impact Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes since Hurricane Betsy, over 56 years ago in September 1965; and it was also one of the most damaging and intense hurricanes on record to make landfall in Louisiana.

Hurricane Ida’s catastrophic 150 plus mile-an-hour winds lashed the State of Louisiana as a Category 4 storm for about six hours after it made landfall at Port Fourchon, LA, destroying the homes and livelihoods of countless numbers of residents throughout the diocese and beyond. Several

churches, Catholic schools and other facilities throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux also sustained anywhere from major to moderate damage.

In Bayou Catholic’s Hurricane Ida special edition published in November 2021, we interviewed several residents whose homes and livelihoods were impacted by the hurricane. This past February 27 marked the six-month anniversary of Hurricane Ida’s landfall in Louisiana. In this month’s issue, we revisited some of the families we spoke with after the hurricane to see where they are with regard to rebuilding their homes and their lives after this devastating experience. BC March 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 39

Ida Revisited

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Larose natives Ruth and Ted Falgout are pictured in their partially restored kitchen, while work continues throughout the house.

Larose couple says that repairs are being made to their home... but still much to be done Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier Ruth and Ted Falgout, parishioners of Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish in Larose, made what turned out to be a wise decision to ride out Hurricane Ida on their houseboat, which was anchored in a canal off the Intracoastal Waterway about 200 yards away from their house.

Ted estimates that there was about a seven-and-a-halffoot storm surge that brought over a foot and a half of water and mud into their home and destroyed both of their vehicles. He says it took almost two weeks for the mud to surface and over two weeks for the water to drain off the land; so, during that time there wasn’t much you could do in the way of cleaning.

“We were very fortunate to have a local contractor that had done a lot of work in our home before the storm, so we 40 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

have made more progress than a lot of other people in our area,” says Ted. “We have walls and floors, but there is still much to be done. Getting building materials has been a problem, but we’re getting there. However, we probably won’t be back in our house for another six to eight weeks.”

The couple, who is living on their houseboat, says it’s not home, but it is comfortable and they are doing better than many other families in the area, so they are grateful for that.

They have had some success dealing with insurance companies following the hurricane. “Our flood insurance adjuster was very helpful in getting us our full coverage and paid us quickly. I guess when you have to bring them to your house in an airboat, there is not room for a lot of questions,” says Ruth. Both of their vehicles flooded and

a

Ida Revisited

their car insurance paid them well and in a timely manner, also.

“Our homeowner’s insurance has been a different story,” says Ted. “At first, they said our damage was less than our deductible. After requesting a second adjuster, we were satisfied with the results, but we still haven’t gotten any money.”

Ted has worked really hard to get the yard back in shape, says Ruth, and we do have green grass. Most of the trees and shrubs are dead, but Ted has been working on removing them.

“He has been able to do a little hunting and fishing, although it is not anywhere close to what it was before the hurricane,” says Ruth. “We had fish twice in the last four months instead of twice a week like we were accustomed to.

And, he even caught a few pounds of crawfish last week!”

Ruth says she thinks the progress that’s being made on the house feels slow. “I try to be patient and grateful for the progress that’s been made. Every weekend, Father Duc Bui’s (pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish in Larose) homily seems to incorporate something about patience and that the aftermath of the storm will make us stronger. My weekly dose of that gets us through another week.” BC

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808 Barrow St. • Houma, LA 70360 March 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 41

Ida Revisited

Sulina Hebert stands in her living room in Cut Off, which had to be completely gutted to the studs after it was damaged by Hurricane Ida in August.

Cut Off resident satisfied with her progress of gutting house ... waiting on a carpenter Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Sulina Hebert, parishioner of Sacred Heart Church parish in Cut Off, evacuated to Alabama for Hurricane Ida. She knew before she returned to Louisiana that there were some missing shingles on her roof and that her shed was gone, but when she walked into her house a few days after the storm, she was not at all prepared for the sight that greeted her.

The ceiling tiles and insulation were falling down, and there was water all over the furniture and on the floor.

About a month later, the walls and the floors both started to buckle.

Sulina says all but one of the rooms in her home have been completely gutted to the studs. “I did most of the work myself. However, I did have a crew of seven men from across the country, housed by the Baptist Church in Golden 42 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

Meadow, help me demo the master bath.” She had a new roof installed on Jan. 12.

When Bayou Catholic interviewed her in October 2021, she was living with her parents in Raceland. Shortly after that time, she says she moved in with some really great friends in Cut Off - Ashley and Al Archer. She is currently living in an Ida Sheltering camper on her property that she received the keys to on Jan. 11.

She was able to receive the camper through the State of Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, which opened the Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program at the beginning of October 2021. The program was designed to provide temporary housing, like travel trailers, to people in heavily impacted parishes where other sheltering options were unavailable.

a

Ida Revisited

Her dealings with the insurance company and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were for the most part positive. She reports that the insurance adjuster came out when he said he would. She then received one email from the insurance company saying that she had made a claim.

“It was very rare that anyone from the insurance company would answer phone calls or emails. I finally got a check for the entire amount of the policy on Nov. 22, 2021, but quickly learned that I was underinsured,” says Sulina. “I will not have enough money to repair my house to its pre-Ida condition. FEMA, via representatives at the government building in Raceland, has been helpful; however, I have not received any funds from them.”

She says she had to apply for an SBA loan first and has been waiting for the approval/disapproval status for that since Oct. 5, 2021. According to the FEMA representative she spoke to, if she is not approved for the SBA loan, FEMA should help her.

“I am satisfied with ‘my’ progress and the ability to gut my own house. I am still patiently waiting for the carpenter to fit me in the schedule to begin the build back process. I know it will be a slow process with so many people needing the very few carpenters that are available,” says Sulina. BC

Pictured is one of the bedrooms in Sulina Hebert’s house, which has also been gutted to the studs.

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Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. March 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 43

Ida Revisited

Kimothy and Melissa Guy of Bayou Petit Caillou have made steady progress on their home with the help of family and friends.

Little Caillou residents get help from family and friends in rebuild on the bayou Story by Janet Marcel Kimothy and Melissa Guy, parishioners of St. Joseph Church parish in Chauvin, live along the banks of Bayou Little Caillou just south of Boudreaux Canal in a home that was raised 16 feet off the ground after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita flooded the area in 2005.

At the height of Hurricane Ida’s fury on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, Kimothy, from his vantage point on the couple’s commercial fishing boat, witnessed the roof and living room walls blow off of their house and over the power lines, eventually breaking into two pieces and landing in the bayou.

The original three-bedroom shotgun style house was built in 1901 by Kimothy’s grandfather. Over the years, it has been added on to and a few changes were made to the layout.

Thus far, the repairs that have been made to their home include demoing the damaged parts of the structure, reframing the porch, reframing and replacing walls, laying new flooring, adding insulation and framing the roof.

Contractors are currently laying plywood to prepare the house for a new metal roof. Melissa says they were able to 44 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

save and reuse three of the original windows in the house.

The couple is currently living with Kimothy’s dad in Montegut. They received a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailer, which is sitting on their property unoccupied. As of press time, they had been waiting two and a half months for it to finish being hooked up so they could get the keys to it. At this rate, says Melissa, they’ll be able to move back into their house before the trailer is ready.

Kimothy, who makes his living on the water, had to put a hold on repairing his 55-foot steel hull commercial fishing boat, which was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ida. But the couple has been focusing on repairing their home, first.

Melissa says it may be at least a year before Kimothy can fish again.

With the exception of the roof, Kimothy and Melissa, along with the help of family and a few friends, have done all of the carpentry work on the house themselves. “We’re not carpenters, but we’re doing the best we can,” says Melissa.

Overall, the couple says they are pleased with the amount of progress they’ve made so far. BC

Ida Revisited

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March 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 45

Ida Revisited

Russell Dardar Jr. sits outside his home in Pointe-aux-Chenes with his daughter Caroline before renovations were made to his home.

Pointe-aux-Chenes family happy to move back into their home Story by Janet Marcel Alayna and Russell Dardar Jr., parishioners of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Pointe-aux-Chenes, along with their three children, Russell III, 6; Parker, 4; and Caroline, eight months, traveled up the bayou to Bourg to ride out Hurricane Ida with Russell’s family.

Their home sustained roof damage and had several broken windows. On the inside there were three buckled walls, ceiling tiles were falling down and there was water damage. They immediately cleaned up as much as they could and put a tarp on the roof to prevent further water damage.

As of press time, the Dardars reported that all of the exterior and interior work that needed to be done on their house had been completed and they were able to move back in after five long months.

46 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

“We are satisfied with our progress now because we are finally done, but we would have liked the process to be faster,” says Russell.

The Dardars say they were fortunate because their insurance company was very easy to deal with, but unfortunately their Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) claim was denied. Russell says their insurance company did not cover most of the damages on the inside, so they had to pay for those repairs out-ofpocket.

“This experience was something that was very stressful for not only me and my husband, but for our kids, as well,” says Alayna. “We pray that this is something we don’t have to go through again any time soon or ever again!” BC

Ida Revisited

March 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 47

Church Life

Day of reflection for Black Catholic leaders Dr. Kathleen Dorsey Bellow, director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans, led a diocesan day of reflection for Black Catholic leaders recently at the Pastoral Center in Schriever. Topics included “Traditional African Spirituality,” “Black Sacred Song,” “A Holistic Community,” “The Family,” and “Ecumenism.” The event was sponsored by the diocesan Office of Ethnic Ministries, Black Catholic Ministry.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

48 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

The collection will be held March 26 and 27, 2022 Thank you for your generosity.

Sports

Time is now for Saints to draft a rookie quarterback Overtime Ed Daniels

For the Saints, it is the perfect time to draft a quarterback in the first round.

A new coach is hired. He inherits a quality roster that is still plenty good enough to win.

The rookie quarterback will work behind a solid offensive line, and alongside a very good defense.

The Saints, with a core group of talented young players, will make a rookie quarterback’s job, that much easier.

We’ve heard that it isn’t a good year for quarterbacks in the draft.

Maybe so.

But, the Saints, who currently at pick 18, could still get a quality signal caller in that spot.

You don’t have to pick in the top five to get a game changer.

The Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes was the 10th pick in the first round.

The Texans’ Deshaun Watson was pick No. 12.

Aaron Rodgers of Green Bay was pick No. 24.

And, Russell Wilson of Seattle was pick No. 75 in third round.

Wilson would be a quarterback who could shorten the Saints road back to the Super Bowl considerably.

But, Seattle is unlikely to part with him in a trade.

Same for Rodgers. The Packers are reportedly unwilling to deal him.

Rodgers could be a free agent in 2023.

One player who will generate considerable interest via trade is 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Garoppolo is 31 wins, 14 losses as the 49ers starter.

But, over the last three seasons, his touchdown to interception rate is not good.

He’s thrown 54 touchdown passes, against 30 interceptions.

The 49ers are ready to move on from Garappolo, and give the job to second year quarterback Trey Lance.

And, the belief is that the 49ers might settle for a second round pick in return, because the rest of the league is aware of San Francisco’s desire to trade him.

But, you wonder if quarterbacks around the league would consider New Orleans to be a great landing spot, now that Sean Payton, one of the league’s best offensive coaches, has left the building.

The Saints drafting a quarterback in the first round has 50 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • March 2022

only happened twice.

In 1981, the Saints used a first round pick in the supplemental draft to select Illinois quarterback Dave Wilson.

Ten years earlier, the Saints, with the second pick in the first round drafted Archie Manning.

Rookie quarterbacks are a risky proposition.

For every Joe Burrow, there seems to be two or three misses.

In the 2016 draft, the first two picks were quarterbacks Jared Goff and Carson Wentz.

Both are on their second teams.

The best quarterback selected in that draft was Dak Prescott, by Dallas, in the fourth round with pick 135.

So, if Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, would ask, I would tell him the following.

Tell your scouting staff to do voluminous research.

And, rank the best rookie quarterbacks.

And, then draft one.

To quote the head coach at Tampa Bay, Bruce Arians, “no risk it, no biscuit.” BC

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