Bayou Catholic Magazine March 2023

Bayou Catholic

The official magazine of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Mario E. Dorsonville appointed Fifth Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux

On Our Cover

Pope Francis appointed Auxiliary Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, S.T.L., D.Min., of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., as the Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Wednesday, Feb. 1. Bishop Dorsonville was introduced at a press conference at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever that same day.

Features

7 New bishop introduced

By Janet Marcel

36 Students of the Year 2023

By Janet Marcel

Columns

14 Message from our Administrator

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

18 Pope Speaks Pope Francis I

19 Questions of Faith

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

20 Readings Between the Lines

By Father Glenn LeCompte

54 Overtime

By Ed Daniels In

48 Daily Prayer for Priests, Deacons, Religious and Seminarians

Guest Columns

26 Making the best of Lent

By Father Daniel Duplantis

32 Jesus wants you back

By Father Patrick Riviere

40 March for Life

By Very Rev. André Melancon, V.F.

Announcements

28 Lenten missions

34 St. Joseph Altars

49 Deacon Melvin Marts dies

53 Men’s gathering at Christ the Redeemer

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bayou Catholic

How to reach us:

BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132

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

BY FAX: (985) 850-3232

BY E-MAIL: bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

The Bayou Catholic is published monthly, for the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux by the H-T Publishing Co., P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Subscription rate is $35 per year.

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

Janet Marcel acting editor and general manager

Lawrence Chatagnier editorial consultant

April LeBouef business manager

Tisha Rachal graphic designer

Becky Thibodeaux accounting specialist

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Where to find your Bayou Catholic Bayou Catholic magazine can be found at all Catholic churches and Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. To pick up a copy, you may also visit the merchants who advertise in our issue. Those wishing to receive the magazine by mail can call Janet Marcel at (985) 850-3132 or write to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395.

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

The wait is finally over...

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, Feb. 1, the announcement was made that a new bishop for our diocese had been appointed. Pope Francis appointed Auxiliary Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, S.T.L., D.Min., of Washington, D.C., as the Fifth Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux.

As the staff began arriving at the Pastoral Center that morning, everyone was wondering what the new bishop would be like. I was lucky enough to be the first among the Pastoral Center staff (excluding diocesan leadership) to meet and shake hands with him as he entered the building for the first time. He was so happy to be here and so genuine during our brief exchange. I knew immediately that we had been truly blessed by Pope Francis’ appointment of him in our diocese.

After waiting almost a year for the news, the air was thick with anticipation as we all gathered for the press conference … and I don’t think any one of us was disappointed after it was over. From the moment he was introduced, he captivated the priests, deacons, religious, seminarians and diocesan staff who were present. His joyful, lighthearted spirit was refreshingly contagious. And, his compassion toward the people of our diocese was apparent as he spoke from the heart about his pledge to serve us and to continue the Hurricane Ida recovery and rebuilding process that is already underway.

Bishop Dorsonville praised his predecessor, saying that he was a “wonderful leader and shepherd.” Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of Louisville, KY, who served us well as our Fourth Bishop, congratulated him on his appointment and said in a statement, “I rejoice with the dear clergy, religious and lay faithful of the diocese on this appointment and join with them in praying for their new bishop.”

As we prepare for Bishop Dorsonville’s installation on March 29, let us all continue to pray for him as he transitions to his new home and his new diocese here in Houma-Thibodaux.

During this exciting time for our diocese, let us not forget that an important season is upon us. The season of Lent is a time of preparation leading up to the celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter. During this Lent, let us strive for a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ’s will more faithfully in our own lives by practicing the three pillars of Lent: Prayer, fasting and giving alms. During Lent we are reminded that through the waters of our baptism, we were also baptized into Christ’s death, and died to sin and evil, so we too may live a new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4). BC

YOU’RE INVITED

On Friday, March 17, there will be a special Mass of Celebration for Very Rev. Patrick J. (P.J.) Madden’s year of service as diocesan administrator during the sede vacante, at 5 p.m., at St. Hilary of Poitiers Church in Mathews. A reception will follow Mass in St. Hilary’s Multipurpose Building.

On Monday, March 27, there will be a Night of Prayer with Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, at 5:30 p.m., at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, including the celebration of Mass, followed by adoration.

A reception hosted by the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana will follow at the Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center on the Top Floor. Hors d’oevres and drinks will be served.

Janet Marcel | Acting Editor & General Manager

On Wednesday, March 29, Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville’s Mass of Installation will take place at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. Everyone is asked to be seated by 1:30 p.m. Procession will begin at 1:45 p.m. The Mass is open to the public with overflow seating at the Barry P. Bonvillain Civic Center in Houma. A livestream of the event will be broadcast on the diocese’s social media and at the civic center. A reception will follow at the civic center. Hors d’oevres and drinks will be served.

If you enjoy reading the Bayou Catholic magazine, pick up an extra copy to give to a friend or neighbor. Hopefully they will read something that inspires them to learn more about the Catholic faith.

Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville introduced as Fifth Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux

Pope Francis has appointed Auxiliary Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, S.T.L., D.Min., of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., as the Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The appointment was announced Wednesday, Feb. 1, by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Bishop Dorsonville, who was ordained to the episcopate April 20, 2015, will be installed as Fifth Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux, by Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, in the presence of Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Wednesday, March 29, at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma.

“I am deeply humbled and thankful to our Holy Father for his acceptance of me as the next Bishop of HoumaThibodaux,” says Bishop Dorsonville. “I have a deep love for the Lord and his church, and a keen interest in learning more about Houma-Thibodaux, listening to her needs and dreams, and discerning where the Holy Spirit will lead us.”

Bishop Dorsonville will succeed Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, who was installed as Archbishop of Louisville, KY, March 30, 2022.

Very Rev. Patrick (P.J.) Madden, who has been serving Houma-Thibodaux as the diocesan administrator since April 1, 2022, during the sede vacante,

says, “With great gratitude to the Holy Spirit and to our diocesan family for their prayers, I am delighted by the appointment of Bishop Mario Dorsonville to pastor our diocese into the future for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.”

Reacting to the appointment, Washington Cardinal Wilton Gregory says, “The Archdiocese of Washington now presents a great gift to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux through the appointment of Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville as the new shepherd of that local church. We thank Pope Francis for appointing Bishop Dorsonville first to serve us as an auxiliary bishop and now to

Story by Janet Marcel ~ Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier a

Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville addresses those present at a press conference Feb. 1 at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever where he was announced as the Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

bring his many talents in service to the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. May the Lord abundantly bless him and his new family of faith.”

At a press conference at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever Feb. 1, Bishop Dorsonville addressed priests, religious, deacons, seminarians, diocesan staff and members of the local media, touching on the topics of Hurricane Ida recovery, the Synod, Eucharistic Revival, growing Hispanic Ministry, and the diocesan strategic plan.

Bishop Dorsonville began by thanking his predecessor Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, Archbishop Gregory Aymond and Very Rev. Patrick J. (P.J.) Madden, for their guidance and support regarding his appointment. He then told those present that he was “super excited” to be here in the diocese. “I am humble and very happy and disposed to say to his holiness Pope Francis, I am here, as you wish, to serve you.”

Bishop Dorsonville says one of the main reasons he came to the United States was to begin his doctoral studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He explains that being there was a process where he recognized that his Colombian, French background was a bridge for the multicultural spectrum that is Washington, D.C. “There are so many accents, so many faces, but just one faith. We are one family and that’s the motivation I come here with today. I am delighted to see how Houma-Thibodaux is the spectrum of so many cultures, and many talents and gifts.”

He pledged his ongoing support to Hurricane Ida recovery … “to continuing the process of rebuilding, the process

Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville speaks to those present at the press conference Feb. 1 at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever. a

Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville and Very Rev. Patrick J. (P.J.) Madden, diocesan administrator, share a private word during the Feb. 1 press conference.

of being better and the process of being there as instruments of Jesus Christ in the life of those who are suffering.”

He spoke about the simple yet powerful mission statement that was developed for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, as a result of the strategic planning process: “Go, and make disciples.”

“Where are the disciples?” asked the bishop. “Those who are away … those who need to return to our churches … those who really need to be re-engaged … and from there we will go the peripheries trying to find out where we can serve, when can we call on our brothers and sisters to walk together.”

He reminded those present about the USCCB’s Eucharistic Revival, saying, “the holy presence of the Blessed Sacrament is a gift because of the celebration of the Eucharist. Right there we are a community, right there we express all our music, our prayers, our experience of the living Christ, and that’s powerful! So let us continue to be open to the voices of the Holy Spirit.”

In closing, he thanked everyone for their warm welcome and asked for prayers for himself during his transition.

Bishop Dorsonville was born Oct. 31, 1960, in Bogotá, Colombia, the only child of Leonor M. Rodríguez and Carlos J. Dorsonville. He attended the Major Seminary of the Archdiocese of Bogotá, receiving a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1981, and a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology in 1985. He was ordained to the priesthood on Nov. 23, 1985, in Bogotá, and served in various capacities there following his ordination.

He received a licentiate in sacred theology from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana de Bogotá in 1991 and a doctorate in ministry from the Catholic University of America in 1996.

He began serving in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., in 1997, and served as parochial vicar of two church parishes. He was a member of the Board of Directors for Carroll Publishing Company from 2001-2004, vice president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington and director of the Spanish Catholic Center from 2005 to 2015, adjunct spiritual director of St. John Paul II Seminary in Washington, D.C., as well as a mentor for newly ordained priests from 2011-2015.

He has been serving as vicar general for the Archdiocese of Washington since 2015, is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Maryland Catholic Conference and was a member of the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities from 2015 to 2021. He has been a member of the Council of Priests for the Archdiocese of Washington since 2006, and a member of the College of Consultors for the Archdiocese of Washington since 2011.

Bishop Dorsonville was the chairman for the Migration and Refugee services committee for the USCCB from 2019 to 2022. He currently serves as a member of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Committee on Migration and Refugees, Committee on Religious Liberty and the Adhoc Committee Against Racism.

Following the diocesan press conference, Bishop Dorsonville greeted those present and then celebrated Mass for the staff, with priests of the diocese concelebrating.

Bishop Dorsonville will begin working in the diocese in an official capacity once he is seated on his cathedra (episcopal chair), March 29. BC

Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville chats with Sister Aracely Rodriguez, M.C.S.H., diocesan director of Hispanic Ministry; and assistant Sister Maria Leon, M.C.S.H., after the Feb. 1 press conference at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever.

Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville speaks to Christine Streams, diocesan liaison for Black Catholic Ministry.

Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville shares a humorous moment with Very Rev. Eric Leyble, J.V., pastor of St. Genevieve Church parish in Thibodaux (center), and Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L., rector of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

Bishop Mario Dorsonville pledges ‘my care, my devotion, my love’ to his new Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

By RICHARD SZCZEPANOWSKI Catholic Standard

Just hours after it was announced Feb. 1 that Pope Francis had appointed Washington Auxiliary Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville as the Fifth Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux, LA, the bishop was introduced to his new diocese at a press conference where he said, “I am humbled and very happy and … I am here to serve you.”

“I am one with you. I am one for you,” Bishop Dorsonville said at a meeting with staff, members of the local press and others at the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Pastoral Center. “I pledge my time, my care, my devotion and my love as a shepherd to be the instrument to bring Jesus Christ in your life.”

Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, made the announcement earlier in the morning that Bishop Dorsonville would succeed former HoumaThibodaux Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, who was installed last March as the Archbishop of Louisville, KY.

Bishop Dorsonville praised his predecessor as “a wonderful leader and shepherd.” Archbishop Fabre says in a statement that “with great joy, I thank God” for Bishop Dorsonville’s appointment.

The diocese is still recovering and rebuilding from Hurricane Ida, the deadly category 4 storm that slammed Louisiana in August 2021. It was one of the three strongest hurricanes on record to ever hit the state.

Very Rev. Jay L. Baker, chancellor of the diocese, told Bishop Dorsonville that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing hurricane rebuilding efforts, he will find “a land flowing with challenges and possibilities.”

Bishop Dorsonville says he is focused on “so much suffering in today’s world” and told his new flock that “we need to, as our beloved Pope Francis has said, move from indifference to solidarity.”

“I come to continue the process of rebuilding, the process of being better and the process to be there as an instrument of Jesus Christ in the lives of those who are suffering,” he says. “We will walk together finding the voices of the Holy Spirit that will let us know what are the paths we will take.”

Pointing out that he comes from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, which has “so many accents, so many faces, but just one faith – we are one family,” Bishop Dorsonville says he was happy to learn his new diocese “has great people and a rich history.”

“I’m delighted to see how Houma-Thibodaux has the spectrum of so many cultures and many talents and gifts,” he said.

Speaking to his “dear brother priests” and the men and women religious who serve in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux, Bishop Dorsonville said, “I will count on your wisdom and pastoral care to continue to build this church of Christ,” and urged them to reach out to youth and families.

Lonnie Thibodeaux, director of media and public relations for that diocese, told the local media that “today we celebrate the joy of the arrival of a new pastoral shepherd.”

In introducing Bishop Dorsonville to the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux, Father Patrick J. (P.J.) Madden, who has served as the interim diocesan administrator since last April, called the appointment “a proud moment for us this morning.” He noted that Bishop Dorsonville – who was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and comes from a Colombian and French heritage – has “a multi-cultural background that perfectly suits our multi-cultural diocese.”

The priest told Bishop Dorsonville that he would discover in the diocese “a faith-filled Cajun spirituality – you are going to love it.”

Noting that he was told that “three or four alligators” live near the Houma-Thibodaux Pastoral Center, the bishop jokingly noted, “We do not have that in Washington.”

“I am sure little by little you will help me understand the culture and animals that I will see,” he says. “Please pray for me and if anyone knows how to avoid alligators, please let me know.”

Bishop Dorsonville will be installed March 29 at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma, LA.

(Richard Szczepanowski is the managing editor for the Catholic Standard newspaper of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.) BC

Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville

Very Rev. Patrick J. (P.J.) Madden and the people of God of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux invite you to the Canonical Installation of

Most Reverend Mario Eduardo Dorsonville

As Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

By the Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond Archbishop of New Orleans

In the presence of the Most Reverend Christophe Pierre Apostolic Nuncio to the United States

Wednesday the Twenty-Ninth of March

Two Thousand and Twenty-Three at Two O’clock in the afternoon

Please be seated by 1:30 p.m.

Procession begins at 1:45 p.m.

500 Goode Street, Houma, Louisiana

JOYOUs OccasION

Priests, deacons, religious, seminarians, diocesan staff and local media gathered for a press conference at the diocesan Pastoral Center announcing the appointment of Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville as Fifth Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux. After the press conference, Bishop Dorsonville greeted those present and then celebrated Mass at the Pastoral Center. BC

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Message from our Administrator

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

Looking at Lent in a positive way

My beloved sisters and brothers in Christ, I know the word Lent always creates a negative sensation because we associate it with “giving up” something for Lent. But, of course, there is much more to Lent than that! Some years ago, I read a great article in an Irish Jesuit magazine (where else!) challenging us to look at Lent in a very positive way. It helped me enormously and I hope it will now help you to look beyond the negative and advance to Easter with hope and peace in your heart.

Let’s Eliminate Negative Thoughts (LENT)! Now there’s a very different take on this holy season. Lent is the season in the church year when we review our human attitude to God, ourselves and our world. The three main tools for this are simple and age old: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving!

Simply put, how is my prayer life this Lent? Am I giving more space to God in conversation or meditation or devotional prayer than I was before Lent? Remember, God does not require me to pray in a particular manner, but to give him time to hear me and respond with the grace I need just for today! Of course, especially in this year of Eucharistic Revival, our most powerful prayer is the Mass itself, in which we re-enact our Savior’s offering of himself to his Father for our sins and those of all the world. Even now, it’s not too late to try and go to Mass once or twice more than I usually do; nothing brings more joy to Christ than our offering our very selves to God with and in him at

Mass. But the Divine Mercy Chaplet is also a very simple and rhythmic prayer which can be prayed literally in any circumstance!

Fasting simply requires that I look at my food and drink consumption and choose to cut back where I know it will be beneficial, but also bring grace if offered for the good of others, especially those who have little or no food today. It also reminds me to reverence my own body as a temple of the Holy Spirit!

developing world countries. Even if you cannot offer any alms, look up their site and see the great work they do, in our name, overseas! Or you could offer to spend a few hours a week in the local food bank, or St. Vincent de Paul Society, or Knights of Columbus! There are endless ways to reach out to others, conscious that our Eucharist sharing is a sharing of Christ himself!

Happy Lent and Happy Easter, as we pray with great joy our Eucharistic Prayer: O sacred banquet, in which Christ is received, the memory of his passion is celebrated, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us. Lord Jesus, present to us in the Eucharist, we place our trust in you; make us a sign of your presence!

A New Shepherd

Most of you will have heard by now that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has named Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, auxiliary bishop of Washington, D.C., as our new bishop. He will be installed on Wednesday, March 29 at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma by Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, in the presence of Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Almsgiving flows from fasting as we offer what money we save to a good cause or human relief agency. There are many, and I strongly recommend Catholic Relief Services, which is the U.S. Catholic Church’s agency for development and other aid to the

Please keep Bishop Dorsonville in your prayers as we await his arrival with great hope and joy! There will be much more about our new bishop in this and the next issue of Bayou Catholic magazine. Meanwhile, I pray you have a beautiful, positive Lent and a blessed and joyous Easter. BC

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Lent is the season in the church year when we review our human attitude to God, ourselves and our world.

Let’s Eliminate Negative Thoughts

Mirando la Cuaresma de manera positiva

Mis amadas hermanas y hermanos en Cristo, sé que la palabra Cuaresma siempre crea una sensación negativa porque la asociamos con “renunciar” a algo durante la Cuaresma. Pero, por supuesto, ¡la Cuaresma es mucho más que eso! Hace algunos años, leí un gran artículo en una revista Jesuita irlandesa (¡dónde si no!) que nos desafiaba a ver la Cuaresma de una manera muy positiva. Me ayudó enormemente y espero que ahora te ayude a mirar más allá de lo negativo y avanzar hacia la Pascua con esperanza y paz en el corazón.

¡Eliminemos los pensamientos negativos (CUARESMA)! Ahora hay una visión muy diferente de esta santa temporada. La Cuaresma es la estación del año eclesiástico en la que revisamos nuestra actitud humana hacia Dios, hacia nosotros mismos y hacia nuestro mundo. Las tres herramientas principales para ello son sencillas y antiguas: La oración, el ayuno y la limosna.

En pocas palabras, ¿cómo es mi vida de oración en esta Cuaresma? ¿Le he dado espacio a Dios en la conversación, la meditación o la oración devocional antes de iniciar la Cuaresma? Recuerda que Dios no me exige que rece de una manera determinada, sino que le dé tiempo para que me escuche y me responda con la gracia que necesito hoy. Por supuesto, especialmente en este año de Reavivamiento Eucarístico, nuestra oración más poderosa es la Misa misma, en la que recreamos la ofrenda de nuestro Salvador a su Padre por nuestros pecados y los de todo el mundo. Incluso ahora, no es demasiado tarde para intentar ir a Misa una o dos veces más de lo habitual; nada da más alegría a Cristo que nuestro ofrecimiento de nosotros mismos a Dios con Él y en Él en la Misa. Pero la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia

es también una oración muy sencilla y rítmica que puede rezarse literalmente en cualquier circunstancia.

El ayuno simplemente requiere que examine mi consumo de comida y bebida y elija reducirlo donde sé que será beneficioso, pero también traerá gracia si lo ofrezco por el bien de los demás, especialmente por aquellos que hoy tienen poca o ninguna comida. También me recuerda que debo reverenciar mi propio cuerpo como templo del Espíritu Santo.

nombre, en el extranjero. O podrías ofrecerte a invertir algunas horas de la semana en el banco de alimentos local, o en la Sociedad de San Vicente de Paúl, o en los Caballeros de Colón. Hay infinitas maneras de llegar a los demás, conscientes de que compartir la Eucaristía es compartir a Cristo mismo.

Feliz Cuaresma y Feliz Pascua, mientras rezamos con gran alegría nuestra Plegaria Eucarística: Oh banquete sagrado, en el que se recibe a Cristo, se celebra el recuerdo de su pasión, se llena la mente de gracia y se nos da una prenda de la gloria futura. Señor Jesús, presente a nosotros en la Eucaristía, ponemos en ti nuestra confianza; ¡haznos signo de tu presencia!

Un nuevo pastor

La limosna se deriva del ayuno cuando ofrecemos el dinero que ahorramos para una buena causa o a un organismo de ayuda humanitaria. Hay muchas, y recomiendo encarecidamente Catholic Relief Services, que es la agencia de la Iglesia católica estadounidense para el desarrollo y otras ayudas a los países del mundo en desarrollo. Aunque no puedas ofrecer ninguna limosna, visita su página web y descubre el gran trabajo que hacen, en nuestro

La mayoría de ustedes ya habrán oído que nuestro Santo Padre, el Papa Francisco, ha nombrado al Obispo Mario E. Dorsonville, obispo auxiliar de Washington, D.C., como nuestro nuevo obispo. Será instalado el miércoles 29 de marzo en la Catedral de San Francisco de Sales en Houma por el Arzobispo Christophe Pierre, nuncio apostólico en los Estados Unidos, y el Arzobispo Gregory Aymond de Nueva Orleans.

Les rogamos que tengan presente al Obispo Dorsonville en sus oraciones mientras esperamos su llegada con gran esperanza y alegría. Habrá mucho más sobre nuestro nuevo obispo en éste y en el próximo número de la revista Bayou Catholic. Mientras tanto, le ruego para que tengan una hermosa y positiva Cuaresma y una bendecida y alegre Pascua. BC

La Cuaresma es la estación del año eclesiástico en la que revisamos nuestra actitud humana hacia Dios, hacia nosotros mismos y hacia nuestro mundo.

Nhìn vào Mùa Chay trong sự tích cực

Anh chị em rất thân thương trong Chúa Kytô. Tôi nhận ra rằ̀̀̀ng chữ Mùa Chay luôn luôn tạo ra cảm giác tiêu cực bởi vì chúng ta liên hệ ngay đến “hy sinh” cái gì đó trong Mùa. Tuy nhiên, hiển nhiên Mùa Chay mang đến nhiều hơn thế nữa. Vài năm về trước tôi có đọc một bài báo do Dòng Tên Ái Nhĩ Lan xuất bản thách đố chúng ta nhìn vào Mùa Chay một cách tích cực. Bài báo giúp tôi rất nhiều và tôi mong rằng nó sẽ giúp anh chị em trên cái nhìn tiêu cực và tiến về Phục Sinh với hy vọng và bình an trong tâm hồn.

Cùng nhau loại trừ tư tưởng tiêu cực ( chữ LENT viết tắt bởi Let’s Eliminate Negative Thoughts). Giờ đây nắm lấy một cái nhìn khác trong Mùa Chay thánh. Mùa Chay là chu kỳ trong lịch phụng vụ khi chúng ta xem lại nhân cách đối với Chúa, bản thân và thế giới. Ba khí cụ chính rất đơn giản và cũ kỹ là: Cầu Nguyện, Ăn Chay và Việc Thiện!

Đơn giản đề ra nhé, đời sống cầu nguyện của tôi như thế nào vào Mùa Chay này? Tôi có dành cho Chúa nhiều thời gian tâm sự hay suy gẫm hay đọc kinh sùng kính Chúa hơn lúc trước không? Nên nhớ, Chúa không đòi hỏi tôi cầu nguyện với tư thế nào, nhưng dành cho Ngài thời gian để nghe ta cầu nguyện và đáp lại bằng ân sủng mà tôi cần cho ngày hôm nay! Dĩ nhiên, đặc biệt trong năm hâm lại Bí Tích Thánh Thể, cầu nguyện cao trọng nhất là Thánh

Lễ, trong đó chúng ta hành động lại Chúa Cứu Thế hiến tế thân xác Ngài cho Chúa Cha để chữa lành chúng ta và thế giới. Ngay bây giờ không phải là quá trễ thử tập và đi Lễ một hay hai lần hơn bình thường; không gì mang lại niềm vui

cho Chúa Kytô hơn chúng ta dâng Ngài chính con người của mình cho Chúa với

Ngài và trong Ngài trong Thánh Lễ. Tuy nhiên, đọc kinh Lòng Thương Xót Chúa cũng rất đơn giản và âm dương êm dịu mà ta có thể cầu nguyện trong bất cứ hoàn cảnh nào.

Ăn Chay đơn giản đòi hỏi khi nhìn vào các món ăn và nước uống và chọn giảm bớt mà tôi biết chỗ nào sẽ có lợi, nhưng nó cũng mang ân sủng nếu mình làm điều gì tốt cho người khác, đặc biệt cho những ai mà họ có ít đồ ăn hay không có ăn ngày hôm nay. Ăn Chay cũng giúp mình tôn trọng thân xác mình chính là đền thờ Chúa Thánh Thần.

thì nên xem trang mạng và nhận ra các công việc vĩ đại mà họ làm nhân danh chúng ta, nước ngoài. Hay anh chị em giúp không công vài giờ mỗi tuần trong các cửa tiệm cung cấp đồ ăn, hay tổ chức Thánh Vincentê, hay Hội Kha Luân Bố. Thật không thể nói hết nhiều cách giúp đỡ người khác, luôn nhớ rằng chia sẻ Thánh Thể là chia sẻ chính Chúa Kytô. Chúc anh chị em thánh đức Mùa Chay và Phục Sinh, như chúng ta cầu nguyện với niềm vui lớn lao Kinh Truyền Tụng.

Ôi Bữa Tiệc Thánh mà ta được rước Chúa Kytô, cuộc tử nạn Ngài được gợi lại, trí óc được tràn đầy ân sủng, và lời hứa vinh quang dành cho chúng ta. Lạy Chúa Kytô, đến với chúng con trong Thánh Thể, chúng con đặt niềm tin vào Ngài; hãy làm cho chúng là dấu chỉ Ngài hiện diện.

Mục Tử Mới Hầu hết anh chị em đã biết tại thời điểm này rằng Đức Thánh Cha Phanxicô đã bổ nhiệm Đức Mariô E. Dorsonville, giám mục phụ tá Washington D.C., làm Giám Mục chính toà giáo phận. Ngài sẽ nhậm chức vào Thứ Tư, 29 Tháng Ba tại nhà thờ Chinh Toà Francis de Sales, thành phố Houma, dưới sự giám sát của Tổng Giám Mục Christopher Perre, Sứ Thần Tòa Thánh tại Hoa Kỳ, và Đức Tổng Giám Mục New Orleans Gregory Aymond.

Việc Thiện tuôn chảy từ ăn chay khi chúng ta bố thí món tiền để dành được cho việc tốt lành hay cho tổ chức từ thiện. Có rất nhiều tổ chức từ thiện, và trên hết tôi giới thiệu Hội Từ Thiện Công Giáo, một tổ chức mà Giáo Hội Hoa Kỳ dành cho phát triển và giúp các nước đang phát triển khắp thế giới. Kể cả khi anh chị em không có khả năng giúp

Xin cầu nguyện cho Đức Cha Dorsonville trong khi chờ đợi ngài đến nhận nhiệm sở với niềm hy vọng và niềm vui tràn trề. Có thêm tin tức về giám mục mới trong cùng tờ báo này và ấn bản tới của Bayou Catholic. Trong thời gian này, tôi cầu nguyện cho anh chị em có một Mùa Chay sốt sắng và tích cực và Mùa Phục Sinh ân sủng và vui tươi. BC

‘

‘ Mùa Chay là chu kỳ trong lịch phụng vụ khi chúng ta xem lại nhân cách đối với Chúa, bản thân và thế giới.

Pope Francis: Bring the Gospel into the world without becoming worldly

The Pope Speaks

By COURTNEY MARES

(Vatican City CNA) Pope Francis said in his general audience that Christians are called to bring the Gospel into the world without becoming worldly.

“For the church, falling into worldliness is the worst thing that can happen,” the pope said.

Speaking in his general audience in Paul VI Hall, Pope Francis reflected on Jesus’ words to his disciples: “Behold, I am sending you like sheep among wolves” (Matthew 10:16).

Many Christians will be tempted to think “let us become relevant, numerous, prestigious, and the world will listen to us and respect us and we will defeat the wolves,” the pope said, but instead, the Lord asks us to “be humble.”

“He asks us to be like this, to be meek and with the will to be innocent, to be disposed to sacrifice. This is what the lamb represents: Meekness, innocence, dedication, tenderness. And He, the shepherd, will recognize His lambs and protect them from the wolves,” Francis said.

Pope Francis quoted a homily by St. John Chrysostom in which the late fourth-century church father wrote: “As long as we are lambs, we will conquer, and even if we are surrounded by many wolves, we will overcome them.”

“But if we become wolves … we will be defeated because we will be deprived of the shepherd’s help. He does not shepherd wolves, but lambs.”

The pope also noted that it is striking that Jesus told his disciples “what not

to bring” rather than what to bring on a mission: “Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick” (Matthew 10:9-10).

“The Lord makes you lighten your load. … He says not to lean on material certainties, but to go into the world without worldliness. That is to say, I am going into the world, not with the style of the world, not with the world’s values, not with worldliness,” Francis said.

Pope Francis said that the church is “completely missionary and in the mission it finds its unity.”

“So, go forth, meek and good as lambs, without worldliness, and going together,” he said.

At the end of the audience, Pope

Francis asked Catholics not to forget to pray for the people of Ukraine that “their cruel suffering” may soon be over.

He also thanked musicians from a youth orchestra who performed at the general audience and greeted pilgrims who traveled from England, Vietnam, France, Portugal, Italy, the United States, and other countries.

“Inspired by Saints Cyril and Methodius, apostles of the Slavs and co-patrons of Europe, whose liturgical feast we celebrated yesterday, I invite you to witness daily to the Gospel, spreading around you the fragrance of Christ’s charity, which wins hearts over for the good,” he said. BC

Pope Francis greets pilgrims at his general audience in Paul VI Hall.

Questions of Faith

Understanding the sacrament of baptism

I have a friend who says baptism is just a symbolic act and has nothing to do with salvation. How can I answer them?

In order to address the topic of baptism and salvation, we first have to look at our understanding of a sacrament. A sacrament is a visible sign instituted by Christ of an invisible grace to assist us in salvation. As human beings, we are both body and soul, so material symbols (things and words and gestures), which our mind and body can perceive, allow our spiritual souls to receive God’s unseen grace, which is “the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1996).

The outward signs of the sacraments have two parts: The matter, which is the “thing” itself used along with the accompanying action (for example, pouring water for baptism), and the form of words which give significance to what is being done (“Mary Catherine, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”). We believe there are seven sacraments, and each imparts grace. They provide sanctifying grace, which is sharing in God’s own divine life. In addition to the sanctifying grace, each sacrament also gives the sacramental grace of that sacrament, which are other supernatural helps God wills to give us to aid our particular spiritual needs and our particular state in life.

Ultimately, the sacraments enable us to believe the truths of the faith, live according to God’s moral code, and grow in the gift of divine life. Therefore, not just baptism, but all the

sacraments are not just a symbolic act with no connection to salvation. Each is an important means to grace and salvation. While God can work outside the sacraments to provide grace and salvation to the soul, these are the ordinary means by which God offers an extraordinary way of living out our faith lives.

If we look specifically at baptism, we come to see it as something more than a symbolic act. There are a number of effects that come from baptism. First is the forgiveness of sin. It gives supernatural life to a soul that had been cut off from God by original sin, that had been supernaturally dead. Baptism then becomes the gateway sacrament to all the other sacraments, the door that allows a person to enter the dwelling of divine life with God and also absorb the grace of the other six sacraments. Baptism opens the soul to the flow of God’s love and establishes union between the soul and God.

Secondly, certain sacraments leave an indelible mark or character that permanently alters the soul. The sacramental character configures the baptized person to Christ, so that Christ dwells within him or her. St. Paul explains, “I have been crucified with Christ; yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:19-20). Through baptism, we are formed in the likeness of Christ and share in his office as priest, prophet and king.

Additionally, baptism gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit, who also confers sanctifying grace to the one baptized and provides the sevenfold gifts— wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of God. The seven gifts are given to

every baptized Christian from his or her earliest days. They are given at baptism for us to develop through experience and are indispensable to the successful conduct of the Christian way of life. Confirmation will give us the fullness of the gift of the Holy Spirit and the associated gifts.

The Holy Spirit, who is not just an impersonal power or force, brings about a personal union with Christ and unites us as adopted sons and daughters with the father, which is another effect of baptism. We share in the divine nature of God. St. Paul reminds us, “The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:16-17).

Baptism also incorporates us into the church, the body of Christ. The union with the church involves communion of faith and looks forward to the reception of Holy Eucharist so that, as we hear at Mass in Eucharistic Prayer III, we “who are nourished by the Body and Blood of your Son and filled with his Holy Spirit, may become one body, one spirit in Christ.”

In the end, the symbolic action of baptism brings about the reality of salvation from sin and death to a life united within the Triune God. Baptism makes visible the fact that God’s salvation in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit has taken hold of the baptized person so that sins are forgiven, and he or she is put in right relationship with God and truly has been called to a newness of life, a rebirth. “No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit” (John 3:5). BC

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

Reflections

Readings Between the Lines

By now you are probably aware that we are anticipating the installation of Bishop Mario Dorsonville as the Fifth Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux. With that in mind, I intend in this article to focus mainly on the New Testament foundation for the ministry of the bishop. I do so because this is a Scripture column. The role of the bishop, of course, while rooted in the New Testament, has grown and developed over the centuries.

The Greek word which is translated “bishop” is episkopos, which means an “overseer.” The verbs related to episcopos mean “to look upon,” “consider,” or “to have regard for (someone or something).” When the related verbs are used in the New Testament there is a sense of concern (for another) or care. A classic example is found in the context of Matthew’s (25:36) last judgment scene, in which Jesus declares that the heirs to the kingdom will be those who tend to the needs of those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, ill or imprisoned. The verb occurs when Jesus speaks of helping the sick; “I was ill and you cared for (or “looked after”) me.” So the bishop’s role incorporates the concept of caring for needy persons.

The term episkopos (again = “bishop”) is only found five times in the New Testament (Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 2:25). In Acts 20:28, Paul admonishes the overseers in the Christian community in Miletus, “... keep watch over yourselves and the whole flock.” In the next two verses Paul explains that his concern is motivated by the fact that “savage wolves” will come among them and pervert the truth (which Paul taught them). Here, the care of the overseer has to do with protecting the community members from a corrupted understanding of the faith Paul proclaimed to them.

With this said, it should be noted that in Acts 20:17, Paul summons the elders of the church in Miletus. The overseers mentioned in 20:28, are most likely the same people as the elders mentioned earlier. In addition, in a church community there may have been multiple overseers as well as elders. After the first century overseers and elders begin to be more clearly identified as separate groups. In time overseers were viewed as “bishops” and “elders” as “presbyters” or “priests.” At some point “bishops” were viewed as having a superior authority. However, in the first century, (e.g. in Acts, which was written between 70 and 90 A.D.) the functions of overseers and elders (and some would point out also “deacons”) were not yet distinct. Indeed, in Titus 1:6-9, the author begins mentioning the qualifications of elders (1:6) and then says in verse 7. “For it is necessary that an overseer be blameless ... .” In other words, elders and overseers here are the same people.

1 Timothy 3:1, (which dates to the late first century) speaks of those who

aspire to the function of an overseer (episkopē). Those who do so must display virtue and the ability to govern their families appropriately if they are to be effective overseers of the community.

In 1 Peter 2:25, Christ is described as the “shepherd and overseer of your souls.” The terms “shepherd” and “overseer” here are not different functions, rather, as overseer Christ exercises pastoral care over his flock. The author describes Christ in the way mentioned above after advising those who suffer unjust punishment (particularly slaves) to look to the example of Christ who refrained from verbally retaliating when insulted and threatening those who caused him to suffer (2:18-23). Christ, then, exercises caring oversight over believers’ souls by providing them a model for behavior in trying circumstances.

The term overseer appears in New Testament works which are generally dated to the last one-third of the first century (except for the occurrence in Philippians 1:1). During the

Bishops in the New Testament and today a

Father Glenn LeCompte

lifetimes of the apostles, the Gospel is rooted in their testimony. However, as Paul and other evangelists form communities around the Gospel, they tend to appoint leaders to maintain the communities (such as Timothy in Ephesus or Titus in Crete) in the Gospel lifestyle. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Paul mentions people with charismatic gifts who provide certain services in the community. Nevertheless, as we can see from Paul’s letters, the apostles

oversight of the community became more concerned with helping communities preserve the faith handed on to them and protecting them from misunderstanding or alterations of it. As the church moves into the second century crises regarding authenticity of doctrine escalate, and this escalation seems to lead the church toward a consolidation of authority. The roles of overseer, elder and deacon appear to become more distinct. In his early

for” the flock, especially with regard to helping it to maintain steadfastness in faith, is still part of the role of the bishop. Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, no. 20, describes bishops as shepherds of the church community “ ... as teachers for doctrine, priests for sacred worship, and ministers for governing.” We pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen Bishop Dorsonville in the spiritual gifts necessary to oversee the church of

and a listing of Feast days and saints

Saintly Inspiration St. Patrick of Ireland March 17

On March 17, Catholics celebrate St. Patrick, the fifth century bishop and patron of Ireland, whose life of holiness set the example for many of the church’s future saints.

St. Patrick is said to have been born around 389 A.D. in Britain. Captured by Irish raiders when he was about 16, St. Patrick was taken as a slave to Ireland where he lived for six years as a shepherd before escaping and returning to his home.

At home, he studied the Christian faith at monastic settlements in Italy and in what is now modern-day France. He was ordained a deacon by the Bishop of Auxerre, France, around the year 418 A.D. and ordained a bishop in 432 A.D.

It was around this time that he was assigned to minister to the small, Christian communities in Ireland who lacked a central authority and were isolated from one another.

When St. Patrick returned to Ireland, he was able to use his knowledge of Irish culture that he gained during his years of captivity. Using the traditions and symbols of the Celtic people, he explained Christianity in a way that made sense to the Irish and was thus very successful in converting the natives.

The shamrock, which St. Patrick used to explain the Holy Trinity, is a symbol that has become synonymous with Irish Catholic culture.

Holy Father’s prayer intentions March

Although St. Patrick’s Day is widely known and celebrated every March the world over, various folklore and legend that surround the saint can make it difficult to determine fact from fiction.

Legends falsely site him as the man who drove away snakes during his ministry despite the climate and location of Ireland, which have never allowed snakes to inhabit the area.

St. Patrick is most revered not for what he drove away from Ireland, but for what he brought, and the foundation he built for the generations of Christians who followed him.

Although not the first missionary to the country, he is widely regarded as the most successful. The life of sacrifice, prayer and fasting has laid the foundation for the many saints that the small island was home to following his missionary work.

To this day, he continues to be revered as one of the most beloved Saints of Ireland.

In March of 2011, the Irish bishops’ conference marked their patron’s feast by remembering him as “pioneer in an inhospitable climate.”

As the church in Ireland faces her own recent difficulties following clerical sex abuse scandals, comfort can be found in the plight of St. Patrick, the bishops said.

For victims of abuse. We pray for those who have suffered harm from members of the church; may they find within the church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering.

They quoted The Confession of St. Patrick, which reads: “May it never befall me to be separated by my God from his people whom he has won in this most remote land. I pray God that he gives me perseverance, and that he will deign that I should be a faithful witness for his sake right up to the time of my passing.” BC

Mrs. B’s Cake Cookies

In this month’s Heavenly Recipes, Nina Bergeron, human resources generalist for the diocesan Office of Human Resources, shares her mother’s recipe for Mrs. B’s Cake Cookies. Nina recalls that her mother, who is a preKindergarten teacher at Upper Little Caillou Elementary School in Chauvin, pieced together this recipe when Nina started high school in 2014. “I was in band and my mother would make snacks to get me through the practices and to bring for band camp. She started making these cookies and everyone loved them. When I lived at home during college, she’d whip some up as a snack while I was studying. My dad loves them, so she makes them for him. And, over the years, we made a lot of different flavors of the cookies.”

Nina says she is not much of a cook, but she does make these cookies for get togethers with her friends, because it’s such a quick, simple recipe and everyone enjoys them.

Nina, a native of Chauvin and a graduate of South Terrebonne High School in Bourg, has been working for the diocese since Nov. 1, 2022. She says she found out about the position two different ways … one way was from a Nicholls State University SHRM Facebook post.

“A good, close friend of mine, Father Brett Lapeyrouse, (administrator of Sacred Heart Church parish in Morgan City) also saw the position opening and told me about it,” she says.

Nina earned a bachelor of science degree in management with a concentration in human resources from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux in December 2021. She currently lives in Thibodaux and is a parishioner of Christ the Redeemer Church. a

Story by Janet Marcel

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Nina Bergeron

Mrs. B’s Cake Cookies

Ingredients

1 cake mix (dry ingredients only)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1/2 cup mix-ins

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix together cake mix, vegetable oil and eggs until combined. Stir in mx-ins. Scoop dough on baking sheet and leave at least two inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes or until cookies are set in the middle. Let cool for two minutes and enjoy.

Nina says red velvet and white chocolate mix-ins is the fan favorite!

When she heard about the opportunity to work for the diocese, she says it seemed like a good fit. She was working in Reserve at the time, which was quite a commute, so this was closer to home and it was also working for the church and in her career.

“I just wanted to come home … and the church is my home, so it was what I wanted all in one.”

Nina is engaged to be married in June of this year to Dr. Martin Meder, who is a professor of economics at Nicholls State University. She says they met two years ago. “We were neighbors who lived in the same apartment building. I lived on the third floor, and he lived on the first floor. He has a Corgi. I would see him walking the Corgi and I would always ask to pet her, and we would start talking. I was like, ‘Wow, I really like this guy.’”

And in a few short months, they’ll start their lives together as husband and wife.

Nina says that what she enjoys most about working for the diocese so far is how the environment truly feels like a family. “It’s a very welcoming environment and everyone is so friendly and supportive. You know that if you ever need anything, they would be there to help you and they would have your back. I love how our philosophy is family first and how our schedules can be worked around to make sure that family is prioritized. It’s just been a great experience. I enjoy talking with my coworkers about my faith and learning from them, and it’s bringing me closer to and helping me grow deeper in my faith.” BC

Guest Columnist

Father Daniel Duplantis

Making the best of your LENT

“What are you giving up for Lent this year?” Answering this question has become a typical experience for the average practicing Catholic. Growing up, my family’s communal Lenten penance was giving up popcorn. Throughout the rest of the year, we would often go to vigil Mass Saturday evening, go grocery shopping afterwards, and make a stop at the local Blockbuster video store to rent a movie to watch together that weekend. We would suspend the movie practice during Lent because, let’s be honest, it’s no fun to watch a movie without popcorn!

As I grew older, especially during my seminary years, I came to a deeper understanding of Lenten spiritual practices. With the ease of access to online Catholic resources, it seemed that many other Catholics were also rediscovering the great treasury of the Church’s spiritual life. Now there are so many programs, apps, and books to aid Catholics in their Lenten disciplines. With the sheer number of resources available, how does one make the best of Lent? The answer to this question will be different from person to person and will require dedicated time in prayer. Nonetheless, the question is worth devoting time to so that our journey with Jesus in the desert can be more profound from year to year.

Lent is a natural time to hit the reset button on our New Year’s resolutions, so revisiting them is not a bad idea. However, it is important not to neglect the pillars of Lenten discipline: Prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Our New Year’s resolutions are normally intended to help us become better people, and these three pillars can help accomplish that goal. Prayer helps us to experience deeper communion with God. Fasting helps to distance us from whatever holds us back from being better Christians. Almsgiving helps us

to be more aware of the needs of Christ’s body: The Universal Church. With that, let’s look at some suggestions to make this Lent the best one yet!

First, it is very important for us to set goals. If we do not have any idea of our destination, how can we possibly know where we’re going? Goals help us to visualize the personal growth we wish to achieve. However, we can’t just set any goals. Our goals must be realistic and manageable. If there’s one thing that prevents achieving any type of goal, it’s the failure to identify realistic expectations from unrealistic expectations. I find this to be the case especially for people who struggle with scrupulosity … and I’m one of them! Being overly scrupulous can rob us of both our sense of goodness as God’s creatures and the sense of freedom from sin and death for which our savior fought so hard. Sometimes, the change we wish to accomplish is so great that we bite off more than we can chew until we become so overwhelmed at the perceived lack of progress. It’s okay to dream big and have big goals, but we should identify smaller goals as steppingstones to accomplish the big goals.

Second, don’t let your penance turn you into a penance for others! One of my favorite tips about fasting comes from Jesus himself in the Gospel of Matthew: “And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites” (Matthew 6:16). Imagine if Jesus would have gone a step further and admonished us not to be dismal! This is easier said than done, of course. However, one of the purposes of Lent penances is to teach us both discipline and self-control, and these two themes recur constantly in the liturgy throughout the season. If your penances are making you irritable to those around you as opposed to making you better, then it may be necessary to reevaluate the penances you have

taken upon yourself.

Speaking of reevaluation, this is another important aspect of the Christian spiritual life in general. Taking time to evaluate our lives is the goal of an examination of conscience. The church recommends this practice so much that she incorporates it daily into the Liturgy of the Hours during the office of Compline or Night Prayer. A necessary component of an examination of conscience is being honest both with God and with ourselves. No one likes admitting their faults, but repentance is a necessary part of being baptized into Christ’s life, death and resurrection. From there, we must be willing to make necessary changes. This requires flexibility on our part. Not only must we acknowledge our shortcomings, but we also have to accept them. To err is to be human after all. It is okay in our reevaluation of our penances to say to ourselves “this is not working.” That being said, we shouldn’t abandon our penances simply because of laziness. We should give as much effort to keeping our Lent disciplines as Gen Z-ers do to preserving their Snapchat streaks!

If we truly desire to accomplish everything mentioned above, it is extremely important that we be intentional about our Lenten disciplines. One of my favorite ways to help me achieve my own goals is using a planner. After all, as Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Using a planner does more than help us to schedule our day. A good planner can also help us to organize our goals, thoughts and so much more. The planner I use helps me to track the different areas of comprehensive fitness (physical, social, spiritual and mental), list blessings that I receive daily, and process both my successes and failures. To that end, finding the right planner can be a daunting a

task as there are so many planners out there. Finding the planner that’s perfect for you will probably require some trial-and-error; it certainly did for me! Some suggested planners are the Blessed is She planners for women, Monk Manual and The Saintmaker.

Finally, I think it’s important to remember that Jesus’ own 40 days in the desert was a time of challenge and temptation. It was during this vulnerable time that Satan appeared

to him with the intention of causing him to fall. As far as liturgical seasons go, Lent is absolutely a marathon. From the time it starts we want it to be over! However, just as with running an actual marathon, we can always find reasons to be grateful for the journey. Intense periods of challenges can become great sources of confidence to face the future because of what we’re able to accomplish in the present. As with everything else liturgical that we

celebrate as Catholics, Lent is a special time for us to participate in the life of Christ. For it is by participating in his suffering and death that we are able to join him in his rising. We should strive to make each Lent better than the one before. Let’s make this year’s Lent the best one yet!

(Father Daniel Duplantis is associate pastor of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma.) BC

Parish Lenten missions throughout the diocese

St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux

“Series of Talks on The Lord’s Prayer”

Date: Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28

Time: 6—7:15 p.m.

Place: St. Joseph Life Center

“An Evening with Sister Helen Prejean, C.S.J. – a remote conversation with Sister Helen about her book, River of Fire”

Date: Wednesday, March 8

Time: 6 p.m.

Place: St. Joseph Life Center

Holy Family, Grand Caillou

Date: Thursday, March 30

Time: Adoration, 4 p.m.; Mass, 5 p.m.; Mission, 6 p.m.

Place: KC Hall, 5396 Shrimpers Row

Speaker: Tim Denton

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma

“Lent”

Date: Friday, March 10

“Eucharistic Revival”

Date: Friday, March 17

“Synod of Synodality”

Date: Friday, March 24

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Speakers: Sister Maria Calumay, D.M. and Sister Vangie Romero, D.M.

Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose

Date: Wednesday, March 8; Thursday, March 9

Time: 7—8 p.m., with adoration

Speaker: Deacon Jeff Pitre

Sacred Heart, Morgan City

Date: Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 21; Wednesday, March 29

Time: 6:30—7:30 p.m., with adoration and confession

Speaker: Father Brett Lapeyrouse

St. Ann, Bourg

“The Story of the Passion”

Date: Monday, March 27

Time: 5:45—8 p.m.

Speaker: Father Daniel Duplantis

“The Resurrection Story”

Date: Tuesday, March 28

Time: 5:45—8 p.m.

Speaker: Father Alex Gaudet

St. Bernadette, Houma

Mission Date: Tuesday, March 7

Time: 6:45 p.m.

Speaker: Father Paul Birdsall

Mercy Nights: March 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5

Time: 7—8 p.m.

St. Eloi, Theriot

Date: Wednesday, March 29

Time: 6 p.m.

Speaker: Friar Nathaniel Maria Gadalia and Tim Denton

Place: KC Hall, 1330 Dr. Beatrous Rd.

St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews

Date: Monday, April 3 – Wednesday, April 5

Time: 7—8 p.m.

Speaker: Father Rusty Bruce

St. Joseph, Chauvin

“The Gospel of John”

Date: Thursdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Place: Youth Center

Speaker: Curtis Constrantiche

St. Lawrence the Martyr, Kraemer

Date: Monday, March 6; Tuesday, March 7

Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Speaker: Friar Nathaniel Maria Gadalia BC

Due to Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville’s installation on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, the Very Rev. Patrick J. (P.J.) Madden, diocesan administrator, has announced a rescheduling of “The Light is on For You,” the diocesanwide Lenten night of confession.

The new date for “The Light is on For You” will be Wednesday, March 22, from 6—8 p.m. at each church parish. BC

‘The Light is on For You’ has new date

Gumbo, shrimp spaghetti and fried fish at a parish near you this Lent

Throughout the season of Lent, many church parishes in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux host Friday lunches or dinners as a means of raising money for those in need. The proceeds from these events go to various charitable organizations in the diocese, including our local food banks. Please support these events.

St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux

The St. Joseph Lenten Gumbo will be held on the Fridays during Lent until March 31 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the St. Joseph Life Center. Meals are $12 and are available for dine-in or take-out.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow

Youth Formation will be selling Lenten lunches every Friday during Lent. The cost will be $10. Desserts will be available for an additional cost. Plate lunches will be available for pick up only beginning at 11 a.m.

March 10: Shrimp fricassee, potato salad

March 17: Shrimp spaghetti, vegetable, bread

March 24: Shrimp and okra gumbo, potato salad

March 31: White beans, rice and fried fish

Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose

White beans, rice, fried fish, bread and dessert will be sold during the Fridays of Lent for $12 a plate. Pick up only from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the KC Home. Dates are March 10, 17, 24, 31.

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma

This year’s Lenten fundraisers will be sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the Altar Society every Friday. Cost of the meal has not been determined.

March 10 (Altar Society) shrimp spaghetti or fettucine from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

March 17 (KC) dinner from 5—7 p.m.

March 24 (Altar Society) shrimp spaghetti or fettucine from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

March 31 (KC) dinner from 5—7 p.m.

Holy Savior, Lockport

This year’s Lenten fundraisers will be both fish fry’s and shrimp fettucine. The fundraisers will take place after the Mass and Way of the Cross on each Friday of Lent at 6 p.m. at the Little Church, 206 Church St. in Lockport.

March 10, 24: Fried fish with white beans and rice, $12

March 17, 31: Shrimp fettucine, $12

St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland

Knights of Columbus’ Lenten fried fish dinners will take place every Friday in Lent until March 31, from 5:30—7p.m. Dinners are $12. Drive through only. BC

Youth in action

Sydney Foret

School: E.D. White Catholic High School

Grade: 11th Church parish: St. Joseph CoCathedral, Thibodaux

Describe your family unit: Mandi Foret, mother; Benton Foret, father; Thomas Foret, sibling; Charlie, dog

Favorite Hobby: Reading, swimming, playing guitar

Favorite Movie: The Truman Show

Favorite T.V. Show: Stranger Things

Favorite Genre of Music: Pop or pop rock

When you hear the word Lent, what are some of the images that come to mind and what do those

For me, Lent is a season that I spend trying to better myself spiritually. I always begin this season by calling to mind something that I will fast from for the duration of Lent. Fasting can at times be difficult for me, so I access my spiritual tools to dedicate my sacrifices to Christ. One of my favorite “spiritual tools” is serving others. Some of my favorite service projects to partake in during Lent are volunteering time with Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center and Louisiana Right to Life. When I work with these programs, I offer up my time and talents to Christ.

Another way that I celebrate Lent is through prayer. Spending time in prayer in Mass and adoration has always had a positive effect on me. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve expanded the methods of prayer that I use in my daily life. For example, I pray guided prayers like the rosary, but sometimes I just meditate and “chat” with God. Overall, prayer brings me an inner peace that helps me to have a deeper understanding

images mean for you?

of Lent.

At school, we celebrate Lent through various school activities. One of my favorites is praying The Way of the Cross with the entire student body. I feel as though I am walking with Jesus through his crucifixion. I feel blessed to be able to share such an intimate and prayerful experience with my school peers. At home, my family and I focus on Lent by adding in extra prayers throughout our day, and work on seeing Christ in each other. One of my favorite family events is, of course, crawfish boils on Fridays. I love that everyone comes together through the sacrifice of meat to enjoy a meal together.

Lent is a busy time of preparation, sacrifice and meditation. I put in extra effort to act as Christ would. The season of Lent has always had a strong impact on my faith, and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to flourish in my faith. BC

Seminarian Education Burses

Seminarian Spotlight

Wayne Romero Jr.

St. Gregory Babarigo Church parish, Houma

n What is one of your favorite liturgical celebrations?

My favorite is the Easter vigil Mass during Holy Week. Every single year that particular celebration moves me in a way that can’t be expressed. The candles, the hymns, the anticipation of Jesus’s resurrection the following day, all of which is boiled down to us receiving him in the Eucharist. It’s just an incredible movement of my heart that words can’t describe.

n What is one of your favorite prayers?

“Oh God, I want to want what you want. Help me to want to be what you want me to be. Here I am Lord, I have come to do your will … Jesus, I love you.”

n What is something you learned during your time as a seminarian that greatly impacted you and continues to stay with you?

To be patient is the big one. The best advice that I was given about discerning priesthood is to not discern what might happen 10 years, five years, two weeks from now, but to discern God’s will daily and do whatever he tells you to do by the day. That way you’ll eventually be able to put all the “puzzle pieces” together in order to see the bigger picture. So, patience is key was the biggest lesson that I learned.

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.

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

Sacramental reception of the Eucharist: Jesus wants you back!

I’d venture to say that every single one of us has been impacted in some way by the events of the last three years. As I write this article now and look back, in some ways it all still seems a little unreal. To think that for a month, the entire world essentially shut down. I vividly remember driving back to St. Thomas Aquinas in Thibodaux on the day it was decided that the public celebration of Masses would end. I began thinking of many of the parishioners who so faithfully attended Mass there every single day, knowing that I was about to celebrate Mass with them for the final time for the foreseeable future. As I thought of them and what they’d feel at hearing the news, and as I sat with all the emotions in my heart as everything still seemed so unknown, I just cried as I drove home. That final Mass is one that I’ll remember for a long time.

As we all tried to wrestle with how to spiritually minister to the people during those weeks, it didn’t take long for the livestream Mass to become the main method. All you needed was a smartphone and a Facebook page, and you were good to go. It was the best way that we could manage to ensure that our people still had some access to their parish community, to their pastors, and to the Mass that they longed for. I think we’d all agree that, especially in those early days, it took some getting used to. People watching Mass in their living rooms, priests celebrating Mass in an empty church with a phone in front of them – it all

felt so strange. It was clear to everyone that this wasn’t how it was supposed to be. Something was missing that was incredibly important, despite the truth of the reality of Jesus’ presence with us always and the graces of making a spiritual communion.

Another Mass that I’ll remember for a long time is that first Mass we were able to celebrate together, albeit outdoors, on that 2020 Mother’s Day weekend. Hundreds of people gathered in the field next to St. Thomas, eager to be together and to receive the sacrament of Jesus’ body and blood for the first time in a long time. The experience of witnessing people receive Jesus with such joy, often with tears in their eyes, was an incredible grace for me. What was once missing was now restored. It was clear to me that this is how it was supposed to be. Our hearts just instinctively knew it. The virtual relationship with our faith, although it was the best we could do at the time, just didn’t cut it.

It’ll take many years before we fully grasp the full impact – both positive and negative – that COVID-19 had on our society. I remember one of the many graces that I heard from people was the experience of slowing down and really relearning how to live. Our pace of life had gotten so frenetic, so scattered and frenzied, that we were often just going from one event to the next with no end in sight. The lockdown provided many families with the opportunity to just be together and rediscover what it meant to really spend time together. Three years later, I’d venture to say that most of us, myself included, have pretty quickly snapped back to that frenetic pace of life. Except now, there’s a difference: We now have a much more prominent digital dimension to our lives than we had before. A meeting that might have required me to spend an evening driving to be present for could now be a recording that I could watch whenever I wanted. “Hopping on a Zoom” is commonplace now for

Father Patrick Riviere

Guest Columnist

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Outdoor Masses were allowed for the first time after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown the weekend of May 9-10, 2020, in the diocese. Pictured is an outdoor Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish in Thibodaux.

groups that once would have gathered in-person. I think that digital dimension is a big reason why many of us snapped back to the frenetic life – now that I don’t have to “waste time” having to go somewhere, I can get more done in my day, and just watch the recording whenever it’s convenient for me.

I don’t mean to imply that this digital dimension postCOVID is all bad, but I do think there’s an important way that it can influence the practice of our faith that goes against the experience we had that 2020 Mother’s Day weekend. When we have so many other weekend commitments, it’s easy to settle for “just live-streaming” Mass whenever I have time, as opposed to prioritizing driving to a nearby parish. It’s better than nothing, right?

While it could perhaps be a good thing that some meetings and obligations have shifted to the digital realm, that can never be the case with the Mass and the sacraments. One of the core truths of Christianity is the fact that God himself truly became man in the person of Jesus Christ. He didn’t just appear in a vision, nor did he choose to simply be spiritually present with us, as he was in the Old Testament. He chose to take on our human nature, assume human flesh, and live a fully human life. Jesus Christ wanted to show us that both his desire and our destiny is that we be united with him always in our very bodies.

It’s true that Christ is present to us in many ways. The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists some of them: In His word, in the church’s prayer, where two or three are gathered in His name, in the poor, the sick, and the imprisoned (cf. CCC 1373-1374). But only in the Eucharist is Christ substantially present in his body, blood, soul and divinity. And only by receiving the Eucharist into our bodies is that substantial presence of Jesus united to us. It’s a truth that can never be forgotten. God certainly provided for us during the time when sacramental reception of the Eucharist wasn’t possible, and he certainly continues to provide for all of those who cannot physically attend Mass for health or other grave reasons, but those realities cannot trump the importance of what the Eucharist means for us and our faith.

Live-streaming Mass and attending in person can’t be seen

as two equal ways to practice our faith, nor can live-streaming be a valid option when I am “too busy” to attend Mass. It is, in fact, a grave sin to miss Mass in-person on purpose through our own fault. The reason for this isn’t because God wants to be demanding or the church wants you in the pew to fill the collection basket. Rather, it’s to show just how essential the Eucharist is in our lives. It’s because Jesus loves you so deeply that he wants nothing to get in the way of uniting himself to you. It is in the Eucharist that we are closest to our Lord, and it is from the Eucharist that the healing work of his grace can touch us most deeply. Jesus chose to reveal his love for each of us precisely in the gift of the Eucharist. He didn’t want this gift to remain only a spiritual reality, but wanted it to be incarnated and tangible. It was the way Christ wanted us to remember and experience his love. That’s why he told the apostles at this Last Supper, “Do this in memory of me.” Receiving the Eucharist allows us to receive that love, poured out over 2,000 years ago, anew every time we attend Mass. In ancient Jewish worship, the priest would take the Bread of the Presence (a prefiguration of the Eucharist), and show it to the people, crying out, “Behold, God’s love for you!” That’s a beautiful representation of what the Eucharist means to us. Behold, God’s love for you, his body broken and his blood poured out – all for you.

With any other relationship, if we only interacted with the other person digitally, it would be clear that something was missing. We’d want to be together with that person, to be in their physical presence. Zoom and FaceTime are great on occasion, but nothing could replace being together with a loved one, a friend or a family member. Why would it be any different in our relationship with Jesus? In just the same way, he longs to be with you, not only spiritually, but also by his sacramental presence in the Eucharist.

Maybe you’ve drifted away from going regularly to Mass, or maybe going to Mass just feels like an empty ritual of obligation. Maybe the Mass is at the heart of the practice of your faith. Wherever you find yourself, I’d invite you to stay with this reality of what the Eucharist truly means for us, to receive God’s love poured out for you and given to you in the Eucharist. This is a love every single one of us was created for and every single one of us longs for. Don’t let anything stand in the way of the single most important relationship of your life.

(Father Patrick Riviere is the administrator of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Chackbay and priest liaison/ Sunday specialist of the diocesan Office of Parish Support.)BC Mass being live-streamed

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

St. Joseph honored with altars

The feast of St. Joseph is being celebrated Monday, March 20 this year. Many church parishes in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux observe this feast day by creating St. Joseph Altars that are available for viewing by the general public. Following is a list of the St. Joseph Altars that will be on display throughout the diocese this year.

St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux

A St. Joseph Altar will be on display in the church Monday, March 20 following a blessing after the 6:30 a.m. Mass and will be available for viewing until the 5:30 p.m. Mass.

Holy Savior, Lockport

A St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing Sunday, March 19 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 155 Church St. in Lockport. Blessing of the altar will take place after the 4 p.m. Mass, March 18.

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma

A St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing Sunday, March 19 after the 8 and 11 a.m. Masses, and the 6 p.m. Mass.

Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose

The annual St. Joseph Altar will be held Sunday, March 19. Viewing will

be from 9:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. in the KC Home. Take out lunch begins at 11 a.m.

St. Bernadette, Houma

A St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing Sunday, March 19 in Herbert Hall beginning at 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. A shrimp spaghetti meal will be served from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Donations accepted.

St. Genevieve, Thibodaux

A St. Joseph Altar will be on display Monday, March 20 in the Family Center, with viewing from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. A meatless spaghetti meal will be served beginning at 11 a.m., until supply runs out.

St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews

St. Hilary’s St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing Monday, March 20, in the multipurpose building from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 5:15 p.m., with a blessing at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m.

St. Joseph, Chauvin

A St. Joseph Altar will be on display Sunday, March 19, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., in the church. Blessing of the altar will take place after the 4 p.m. Mass on March 18.

St. Joseph, Galliano

A drive through only St. Joseph Altar will be on display Saturday, March 18, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

St. Lawrence, Chacahoula

A St. Joseph Altar will be blessed at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 18 with viewing until 4 p.m. The altar will also be available for viewing Sunday, March 19 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. A meal will be served in Finnegan Hall following the closing of the altar.

St. Lawrence, Kraemer

A St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing at the Life Center Sunday, March 19 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Stary’s Nativity, Raceland

A St. Joseph Altar will be on display at St. Mary’s Andrew Hall, Saturday, March 18, Sunday, March 19, and Monday, March 20 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Battaglia Home, Thibodaux

The Battaglia family will host a St. Joseph Altar Sunday, March 19, from 1-5 p.m., and Monday, March 20, from 9 a.m.—Noon, at the homes of Dominic Battaglia, 832 Jackson Street in Thibodaux, and Margo Clement, 812 Jackson St. The public is invited. BC

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

PONTIFICA L GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION

Serving those in need in the Holy Land

• 250 friars 11 countries

• 65 sanctuaries and 23 parishes

• 6 guest houses for pilgrims

• 30 youth served by Bethlehem Boys’ Home

• 63 apartments restored for families in need

• 1,020 employees in Israel and Palestine

• 17 schools with more than 10,000 students

• 509 university scholarships

• 56 Friars preparing for the priesthood

• 700 refugees aided on the island of Rhodes

• 8,000+ Syrian families aided

• 650+ families in Lebanon assisted

• Construction of a Catholic school in Cana of Galilee

OUTSTANDING

Outstanding fifth, eighth and 12th grade students from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux were recently chosen to represent their schools as 2023 Catholic School Students of the Year.

The Louisiana Catholic School Students of the Year program is open to students attending all Louisiana Catholic schools in each of the respective grades, 5, 8 and 12, that meet the criteria for eligibility. The program is designed to recognize outstanding students who have demonstrated excellence in discipleship, leadership, service, citizenship and academic achievement.

“In the past, students in our Catholic schools competed with students from any state accredited nonpublic school within our designated region, such as other Christian and charter schools. This year Catholic school superintendents across the state met and unanimously agreed to begin a Catholic Schools Student of the Year Competition due to the challenges faced with regional revisions,” explains Gerrie Byrne, diocesan associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction. “The proposal was brought to the State Superintendent, Dr. Cade Brumley, who agreed to support this change. As a result, Catholic school students will compete against other Catholic school students, allowing us to add a focus on discipleship which is a mission of our schools. The state winners will be recognized by BESE.”

Three candidates from the Catholic schools in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux were selected to compete at the regional level: Fifth grader, Eleanor Straney, St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School, Thibodaux; eighth grader, Olivia Richard, St. Mary’s Nativity School, Raceland; and 12th grader, Katie Ross, Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma. Winners at the regional level go on to participate in the state competition in Lafayette.

In addition to the candidates selected to compete at the regional level, students selected to represent their school in diocesan competition are as follows.

Fifth Graders

Iyron Cheramie, Holy Rosary Catholic School, Larose; Camryn Falgout, St. Mary’s Nativity School, Raceland; Noah Gaudet, St. Genevieve Catholic School, Thibodaux; Lily LeBoeuf, St. Bernadette Catholic School, Houma; Khloe Pellegrin, St. Gregory Catholic School, Houma; Bryn Showalter, St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School, Houma; Mason Wisdom, Central Catholic School, Morgan City.

Eighth Graders

Marijain Burns, Holy Rosary Catholic School; Grace Champagne, Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma; Abigail Clements, Central Catholic School; Mary Elizabeth Danos, E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux.

Story by Janet Marcel ~ Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Eleanor Straney, 5th Grade

Olivia Richard. 8th Grade

Katie Ross, 12th Grade

a

Students of the year 2023

Iyron Cheramie, 5th Grade

Noah Gaudet, 5th Grade Camryn Falgout, 5th Grade

Lily LeBoeuf, 5th Grade

Marijain Burns, 8th Grade

Abigail Clements, 8th Grade

Grace Champagne, 8th Grade

Mary Elizabeth Danos, 8th Grade

Bryn Showalter, 5th Grade

Khloe Pellegrin, 5th Grade

Mason Wisdom, 5th Grade

12th Graders

Sarah Pate, E.D. White Catholic High School; Natalie Sloane, Central Catholic School.

A diocesan selection committee reviewed each of the candidate’s application portfolios and interviewed them on an individual basis, before choosing the diocesan winners. At a minimum, candidates must have a 3.2 grade point average during the past three years and the first grading period of the current school year. Winners on the diocesan level were evaluated on the basis of their application portfolio, which includes an application form, academic records – transcripts, report cards for the past three years and current year grade report, and standardized test results; attendance record; an autobiographical sketch; forms containing information about activities, awards pertaining to leadership – school leadership positions, extra-curricular leadership positions, community leadership positions and church leadership positions; service, discipleship and citizenship, as well as the manner in which they present themselves during the interview.

Assisting with judging at the fifth grade diocesan level were: Gerrie Byrne, diocesan associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction; Marion Collins, retired Catholic school teacher at Holy Cross Elementary School in Morgan City; and Marga Toloudis, retired school teacher.

At the eighth grade diocesan level: Marion Collins, Lozia Richard, retired school teacher at E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux; and Yvonne Weimer, retired Catholic school principal, and teacher and administrator in the Lafourche Parish Public School District.

At the 12th grade diocesan level: Gerrie Byrne, Lozia Richard and Yvonne Weimer.

A Student of the Year Breakfast was held at the Lumen Christi Retreat Center in Schriever to celebrate these extraordinary students and their accomplishments. Attending the event were the students, their parents, and the principals of the Catholic schools in the diocese. BC

Sarah Pate, 12th Grade Natalie Sloane, 12th Grade

Please support the seminarians of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux through the annual Easter second collection April 8-9. Your financial support assists them with their continued formation and education. Prayerfully consider helping these seminarians with your generous contribution this Easter.

Guest Columnist

Very Rev. André Melancon, V.F.

Youth and adults attend National March for Life

“We March Until There Are None.” This was the theme for the 2023 Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., for the annual March for Life. This march has taken place every year since 1974 marking the anniversary of the tragic Roe vs. Wade decision, which gave federal protection for legalized abortion throughout the country. This year’s march took place in a new chapter of our journey as a nation to advocate for life, as we celebrated the landmark Dobbs vs. Jackson decision. This decision of the Supreme Court declared that federal protection for abortion rights is unconstitutional and sent the

decision of whether or not to have legal abortions to the individual states.

Many states throughout the country such as Louisiana enforced laws that prohibit abortion in their state. While there was great excitement in light of this tremendous victory, the message echoed by all of the speakers at this year’s march was ”the fight is far from over!“ The reality that many states in our country still have pro-abortion laws must strengthen our resolve to continue our advocacy for life! Many states passed even more extreme laws to legalize abortions in response to the Dobbs vs Jackson decision.

“We March Until There Are None”

translates, we march until abortion is completely illegal in all 50 states. We must remember in our nation’s history the push to pass the 13th amendment to the constitution prohibiting slavery in all 50 states. President Lincoln declared that our nation could no longer exist with the moral evil of slavery as part of our nation’s reality. We prayed on our pilgrimage that one day, a new amendment to the constitution would be passed prohibiting abortion in every state and declaring that our nation is a nation that respects all life, born and unborn.

With the elimination of abortion in many states such as Louisiana, a

Photos courtesy of Lacie Picou

Pilgrims from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in front of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

the need for adequate resources to help mothers and fathers in difficult pregnancies is even more urgent. Our students learned about these resources and ways that they can support them. Many people claim that Christians are only pro-birth but the reality is that our churches do so much to support babies and parents after birth and we must continue to strengthen those efforts. We shared that in our Diocese of Houma Thibodaux, we have two crisis pregnancy centers: Crossroad Pregnancy Resource Center in Thibodaux and Hope Restored in Houma. We encouraged the kids to get involved with these resources and others like it to strengthen the culture of life in our diocese.

Our students learned ways to speak to people about abortion that are grounded in truth. One of the arguments from the pro-choice side often employed is to say, ”what about cases of rape?” At the Geaux Forth Rally held in Washington for students from the state of Louisiana, we listened to Amber Sims speak about her pro-life story and why being conceived in rape does not take away her human dignity. Amber challenged the attendees to consider that while women who choose abortion after rape account for only one percent of abortions nationwide, in the room of 1,000 where Geaux Forth was taking place, that would account for 10 people. She said, “When I hear I’m prolife except in cases of rape, I hear I’m pro-life except in the case of Amber. It feels a little personal.” Her witness left a profound impact on the reality that nothing can justify depriving someone of their life.

On our bus ride home from the march, participants were able to share reasons why they had come on the March for Life as well as how the experience had impacted them. One participant shared that she was advised to terminate her pregnancy because her son would be born with a disability. She and her husband were determined to give birth to their child and raise him with love. She came on the march with her son to give thanks to God for his life and to stand in support of others in similar situations. Another participant shared that his parents were also advised to abort him, which they refused and his parents’ decision was the reason that

he is pro-life.

The church teaches that we are to defend life from conception to natural death. We discussed different ways that life is attacked in our society. We visited the Holocaust Museum as well as the African American History Museum and learned how racism can lead to attacks on life. We discussed euthanasia and capital punishment and how these sad realities threaten life and why we must stand up for the lives of the elderly and the lives of the imprisoned.

The March for Life emphasizes that we are not just a people against something but that we are a people for something. We are for life! We have been called to live our lives with passion and joy and we find our ultimate fulfillment by living our lives for and in Christ! Jesus proclaimed that he “has come that we may have life and have it abundantly!” (John 10:10). We had beautiful opportunities to pray and worship the Lord throughout the pilgrimage. We were able to join tens of thousands of people for the vigil Mass for life at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. We visited St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington for Mass. We finished our trip with Mass at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama. These beautiful opportunities for prayer helped us to see how God has blessed us and how he calls us to be a blessing to others.

One way we talked about living an abundant life for Christ is to live the vocation that God calls us to. We were able to hear from priests, seminarians, religious brothers and sisters and married people about discerning one’s vocation and living our life in service to God and his church whatever our vocation may be. A highlight was visiting the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville, TN. Dominican Postulant Clare Danos, a 2017 Vandebilt Catholic High School alum shared with us her journey to the convent and how following Jesus’ call has led her to the joy her heart seeks. Another blessing was the presence of our diocesan administrator Father Patrick (P.J.) Madden who shared his vocation story. We know that to be disciples and ambassadors for life, we must see our life as a gift from God.

What we do with our life is our gift back to God.

It was so good to be back at the March For Life after missing two years because of COVID-19. I am extremely proud of this year’s participants for saying yes to march and stand up for those that cannot stand and speak for themselves. We pray that the culture of life may continue to grow and that we may be the ambassadors for life that God calls us to be!

(Very Rev. André Melancon, V.F., is pastor of St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma and dean of the Terrebonne Deanery.) BC

Reflections from our youth

12th grade

E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux

The March for Life was something that practically fell into my lap, it wasn’t planned, and I never thought of going, but God has his wonderful ways. Seeing the crowds of people, learning the history of those before me, and learning of the man who gave his own life for a world full of sinners allowed me to grow tumultuously in my faith. I’ve never prayed as hard as I did in that week, and I’ve never felt a loving community like the one at the March. Impactful is an understatement; the flowing faith felt from each and every soul on that March was like God moving our feet. Trust God and say “yes.” BC

11th grade

Central Catholic School, Morgan City

What impacted me the most during my March for Life trip was that people from all walks of life gathered together to march for those who do not have a voice. My March for Life experience was nothing short of amazing, and I am so grateful that I was fortunate enough to attend. We were able to explore the sights of Washington, D.C., and take a step back into history. On this trip, I had the opportunity to meet many people and make amazing memories. One of my favorite parts of the trip was attending Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. It was by far the most beautiful Mass I have ever witnessed because of the number of people gathered there to celebrate how important it is to cherish life. On the bus ride to Washington, D.C., we were constantly being reminded that we were, “Pilgrims not tourists.” Even though we

Emalee Allen

Charlie Ann Fuhrer

Pilgrims from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux participate in the 2023 National March for Life in Washington, D.C.

March for Life

had early mornings and long days, all of it was worth it. Sometimes you have to take a step back and realize that this is so much bigger than yourself. We all chose to attend this trip because we believe that the right to life is so sacred and should be appreciated. BC

Madison Landry

12th grade

Central Catholic School, Morgan City

The March for Life trip to Washington, D.C., was a life-changing week. Even the bus ride with our bus group was incredible. I believe we grew closer to God as a result of everything we learned, prayed about, and discussed throughout the week. My friends and I became very close with our bus members and made lifelong friends. Walking around Washington, D.C., and seeing new things with new friends was a lot of fun. If I didn’t go on this trip, I wouldn’t have seen half the things that we saw, and it’s something I wouldn’t want to miss. People’s speeches prior to the March were both powerful and heartwarming. Seeing so many people come together to save lives was very moving, and it made me feel proud to be there to march for what is right. The whole time being there I was filled with joy. BC

Kirsten Oriol

11th grade

Peyton Picou

12th grade

Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma

The March for Life experience I had this year was phenomenal. Going into the trip I realized that I would be the only one from my school going and had my doubts. However, it did not take me long to make friends with the people from other schools and on the bus. It was one of the best experiences ever and I think the most impactful part was going to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. It was the biggest Mass I’d ever attended, containing 150+ seminarians, 200-300 priests, 20ish bishops, a couple of archbishops, and two cardinals. The Basilica was massive and had thousands of people praying together for the right to life. To sit with the amazing friends I had made all week, in the front of the entire Basilica, was one of the best parts of the March for Life experience. BC

Mary Kate Smith 11th grade

E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux

E.D.

White Catholic High School, Thibodaux

On the March for Life trip, what impacted me the most was the incredible sense of community and God’s grace shown in all who attended the pilgrimage. Not only did everyone there show immense love for unborn lives, but made it just as important to respect and love the lives of all as intensely as God loves. This experience made me see the love of Christ in ways I had never thought possible and at times had me in such a state of pure bliss because of his overwhelming presence that I couldn’t help but break down into tears. I’m forever grateful for the impact that this pilgrimage has had on my faith and for truly opening the eyes of my heart to the goodness of our Lord. BC

What impacted me the most on the March for Life pilgrimage was the actual March. The March was a place where we all came together to take a stand for the unborn. Once we began walking, the crowd was astonishing. As you encounter different groups you hear them praying for the unborn. Words cannot accurately describe the feeling of the day. The power of the Holy Spirt was moving through all these people praying for those who cannot pray for themselves. BC

amERIcaN INDIaN RETREaT/wORkshOp

An American Indian Retreat/Workshop entitled “The Good Red Road,” was held recently at the Lumen Christi Retreat Center in Schriever, with Dr. Marian Schwab as presenter. During the retreat, participants discussed the roles of the warrior, teacher, healer and visionary and reflected on how they portray these roles in their own lives.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

At Ochsner St. Anne, you have access to a broad spectrum of specialty services right in Raceland. We offer convenient and comprehensive care that you can trust.

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Our Team is expanding to better serve you. We would like to welcome Neurologist Sarah Breaux, MD

Priestly ordination of Father Volantino Verde of Jesus and Mary

By Father Antonio Farrugia

For more than 12 years, Friar Volantino Verde, founder and general servant superior of the Little Friars and Little Nuns of Jesus and Mary (Poor Friars) has been visiting our diocese on annual canonical visits to our friars and nuns. The many who have had the opportunity to meet him throughout these visits would no doubt give witness to his joyful transmission of the Gospel beyond the limits of language. Many of you may also know his suffering to “give birth” to our religious community and his long journey toward priesthood.

Mid-October 2022, with hearts filled with joy, our entire American community of friars and nuns housed here in the diocese departed for Italy to finally celebrate our founder’s priestly ordination held Saturday, Oct. 21, 2022, by Bishop Antonio Stagliano of Noto. There, all 38 members had congregated from all over the world to celebrate the special day among many (of those who could make the long journey) priests, religious, missionaries, groups of prayer friends and family who had supported us over the last 23 years of the community’s existence, while others followed live online.

Father Volantino, who had completed his baccalaureate in sacred theology and licentiate in fundamental theology with a specialization in interreligious and ecumenical dialogue at Rome’s Pontifical Lateran University was consecrated a priest of Our Lord by the same bishop who had first welcomed him into the diocese of Noto in 2010. Collaborating with Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs and Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, toward the establishment of our formation houses here in Houma and the ordinations of Father Nathaniel and myself, Bishop Stagliano also later canonically approved the Poor Friar and Nun Statute ad-experimentum in 2014 and then confirmed it (with the guidance of Cardinal Gihrlanda, ex-rector of the Gregorian Pontifical Institute) definitively in 2019.

During his homily, the bishop appointed Father Volantino as the parochial vicar of both church parishes of the Immacolata of Noto and the Cathedral parish. He also appointed him as

the director of the diocesan soup kitchen for the poor, raising it as a permanent center for pastoral outreach connected to our community’s itinerant street evangelization. He concluded by saying: “I have a lot of trust in what these little friars and nuns will do, because since I have been given by God the suffering and the grace to support you on this journey of yours, it is clear that God has established that all the good you do will belong – to the extent established by him – also to me. So, perhaps when he opens the doors of paradise to me, and I will ask the eternal father, ‘But why do you welcome me here into heaven? Perhaps I don’t deserve it.’ He will be able to tell me: ‘Do you think it’s for all the long sermons you gave, for all the people you bored? No, but for the good works that those Little Friars and those Little Nuns do, thanks also to you who supported them: Yes, for that, you can come along with them into heaven, too!’”

(Father Antonio Farrugia is currently serving as administrator of Holy Family Church parish in Grand Caillou and St. Eloi Church parish in Theriot.) BC

Sister Caterina professes perpetual vows

By Sister Caterina Maria Adelaide Curth

It was early in elementary school at St. Francis de Sales School in Houma that I first realized stirrings in my heart toward religious life. By the time I was in about fifth or sixth grade, I had my first vocational conversation with a religious sister who had come to a mission. After Mass, I found her in the back of the cathedral and shared my desire to be a nun. I discovered that not only did I share a birthday with this sister, but her community also hosted an annual “nun camp” for middle-school girls! With that, I was off every summer for the next several years to Ohio to hang out with nuns and other young discerners.

One year at camp, Mother Superior acquired a bag of holy medals, and one of them contained a relic. She let each of us “nun-campers” choose a medal at random to see who would get the relic. I made a prayer that went something like this: “Lord, I want to be a nun, but if you also want this for me, I want the relic!” And so it happened! I got the relic and wore it for many years as a sign of my vocation.

The next major hurdle in discernment was figuring out which religious community I was called to. There were not many options within this diocese, and resources for discernment were also very limited, so I began searching elsewhere. In 2010, as I was about to enter my sophomore year at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma – the Lord arranged for me to meet someone. This meeting would pave the way for truly understanding my vocation. One Sunday at my home parish of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma, a friar was present for Mass – a friar named Antonio who had a distinctive circular haircut and a bizarre Australian-Italian accent. I once again couldn’t resist the opportunity to speak with visiting religious, so after Mass I shared with him my profound desire to consecrate myself to the Lord. He spoke a little about his community of the Little Friars and Little Nuns of Jesus and Mary, in particular about their radical vow of poverty and their hitchhiking as a means of evangelization. My heart was set ablaze with the question: I want to radically give myself to the Lord like that! But, could I actually do it?

The next year, I met this same friar along with the Founder of the community, Friar Volantino, again at Mass at St. Francis. Finally, as they had officially decided to open houses in our diocese, this friar returned with two sisters, and they were there again at Mass! When I saw the sisters, it was like love at first sight. On the drive home, I officially declared to my family: “I think this is the community I will join.” After finishing high school and rushing through a bachelor’s degree from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, I entered this religious community in September 2016. After other powerful signs of confirmation from the Lord and over six years of formation, I had the honor of professing my perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience on Jan. 1, 2023, at the altar of this beloved cathedral. BC

Photos by Maegan Martin

March Daily Prayer

for Priests, Deacons, Religious and Seminarians

Daily Prayer for Clergy and Religious

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

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

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

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

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

Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville

Rev. Joseph Chacko

Rev. Cody Chatagnier Rev. Jackson Cletus

Rev. Carl Collins Rev. Van Constant Deacon Raymond Bourg Jr., retired Rev. Robert-Joel Cruz

Very Rev. Vicente De La Cruz, V.F.

Rev. Daniel Duplantis Msgr. Cletus Egbi

Very Rev. Simon

Ethan

Rev. Antonio Maria

Gregory Fratt

Alex Gaudet Rev. Rholando

Deacon Sam Burregi, retired

Rev. Rajasekar Karumelnathan

Rev. Francis Kayaye

Rev. Noas Kerketta Rev. Thomas Kuriakose

Rev. Baby Kuruvilla Sister Mary Immaculata Man Nguyen, FMSR

Rev. Brett Lapeyrouse Rev. Alex Lazarra Rev. Peter Tai Le Rev. Glenn LeCompte

Very Rev. Eric Leyble, J.V.

Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs

Deacon Melvin (Mel) Marts dies at age 82

Outreach Line

Deacon Melvin J. Marts, a native and resident of Larose, passed away Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at the age of 82. Deacon Marts was ordained to the permanent diaconate in December 1980, and retired from active ministry in May 2017.

After being ordained, he served as a deacon at Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish in Larose for four years, and at St. Joseph Church parish in Galliano for six months before leaving parish ministry to develop Shalom Catholic Ministries, an evangelical ministry of music and preaching. For 30 years he traveled across the continental United States conducting parish missions, preaching retreats, and preaching at local, diocesan and regional Catholic Charismatic conferences. He served on the advisory board to the National Service Committee for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the United States and on the steering committee for the Southern Regional Charismatic Conference for 20 years.

In 2016, he was appointed to minister at Holy Savior Church parish in Lockport.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated by Father Robert Rogers at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Larose, with interment in the church mausoleum. Deacon Marts is survived by his children, Karen Marts and Karlas Marts Fontenot; grandchildren, Lindsay Marts, Jared Scott, Whitney Scott and Jessica Scott; great grandchildren, Justin and Zoey Brooks; brother, Morris J. Marts (Betty). He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Mayer Marts; parents, Warren J. Marts and Beulah Mack Marts. BC

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

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

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän

Deacon Melvin Marts

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux has always been a steadfast presence in our diocese. However, it has offered many different programs and gone through many changes over the years, including changes in leadership. Following is a brief history of the agency, provided by Robert D. Gorman, L.C.S.W., A.C.S.W., who served as its executive director from 1999 until 2019.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux began as an outreach program of the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 1963; the agency was first known as Associated Catholic Charities Tri-Parish Area located at 307 East Main Street in Houma on the second floor.

The following is taken from a 1981 written report about Catholic Social Services:

“The Tri-Parish Office of Catholic Charities opened October 1963 (as a branch of Associated Catholic Charities of New Orleans) after it was suggested that the residents of Lafourche, Terrebonne and St. Mary Parishes could be better served if a branch office were located in the area itself. Mrs. Azelie Zieger of Houma was the first social worker and began the task of communicating with tri-parish clergy and residents so that they would know the services of the agency. The agency’s primary purpose was to handle adoption processing, maternity cases, and placement of children in foster homes and/or archdiocesan institutions. Counseling was also provided. Eventually, emergency assistance was found to be a necessity. The Houma office, as it was known, was the only private agency in the area that cooperated with public agencies and church organizations in granting assistance to worthy cases. Funding was through the annual Christmas collection, adoption fees, donations and the annual drive.

1970s

The agency continued as a branch of the New Orleans Catholic Charities until 1972, when it became separately incorporated. Articles of Incorporation were established, and the name changed to Catholic Charities Social Services of Lafourche, Terrebonne and St. Mary Parishes, Incorporated. The Louisiana State Department of Public Welfare granted the Licensure. Sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) in emergency assistance funds were distributed in the first 15 years (19631978). From 1963-1975, over 300 children were placed for adoption, and 200 maternity cases were handled.

Upon the retirement of Mrs. Ziegler in June 1973, Sister Ethalee Mulhern, O. Carm. succeeded Mrs. Ziegler as adoption supervisor. In August 1974, Sister Ethalee was appointed director of the agency.

According to its Articles of Incorporation of June 29, 1972, Catholic Charities of Lafourche, Terrebonne and St. Mary Parishes, Inc., was organized “to encourage, promote, advancing and conducting a Catholic welfare program to develop wholesome Catholic family life.” To affect this purpose, the agency was licensed by the Department of

Public Welfare of the State of Louisiana to “place children in adoptive homes, foster care homes, institutions, care for unwed mothers and accept surrenders of infants.” The agency also provided emergency assistance and counseling services.

In March 1977, a new diocese was announced, and the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux was officially created on June 5, 1977, with Warren L. Boudreaux as the First Bishop. The diocese consists of Lafourche, Terrebonne and St. Mary Parishes (to the east bank of the Atchafalaya River in Morgan City), Grand Isle (Jefferson Parish), and the Bayou L’Ourse area of Assumption and St. Martin Parishes. On August 1, 1978, Catholic Social Services was incorporated as an independent agency of the newly formed Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. In 1978, the office moved to 1222 Aycock Street in Houma in the back of the former St. Lucy Church, while the Chancery was located next door at 1220 Aycock Street.

1980s

By 1981, the adoption program had slowed considerably –from over 22 placements annually in the late 60s and early 70s to an average of two placements annually in the early 80s. Maternity home placements had also dropped drastically – from an average of 70 annually to 10 or less annually. The two services of the agency that remained viable were the material assistance program and counseling. The material assistance grew from approximately $3,600 in emergency financial assistance to $13,000 annually. The counseling service expanded to include three counselors who were seeing approximately 200 clients annually in the late 70s. However, by 1981 there was only one counselor, and the case load had drastically dropped.”

In 1982, Sister Miriam Mitchell, S.H.Sp. became the executive director of Catholic Social Services. It became apparent that the purposes for which the agency was formed were no longer viable. It was necessary to evaluate and set new goals if the agency was to survive. The new goal was Social Action Ministry, which includes helping individuals and families achieve an acceptable standard of living; building social support systems; eliminating the adverse effects institutions have on people; and educating people about critical justice issues. To reach this goal, the following activities were projected for the agency in 1982:

• To develop social ministry programs in parishes throughout the diocese – individually or in clusters. We thus would return to the laity the privilege and responsibility of living out their baptismal call.

• To establish a shelter for battered women and children in cooperation with other concerned groups.

• To organize a clearinghouse to coordinate, with other charitable organizations and groups, material assistance efforts. Thus we could have a viable tool to screen all emergency assistance requests from transient and local families/individuals.

Meeting the needs of people in the area for almost 60 years a

• To build a new Assisi Bridge House – a halfway

house for men struggling with alcoholism – and to implement an effective program for residents.

• To continue the traditional services of the agency, upon request, which include adoptions, foster home placements, maternity home placement, emergency assistance, and counseling.

Each goal was met, some by Catholic Social Services alone and others in partnership with other agencies. Over the years, new programs and initiatives have been added.

• In 1983, Catholic Community Center was opened to meet the growing demand for services in South Lafourche.

• In 1984, Catholic Social Services moved into its present location at 1220 Aycock Street in the offices formerly occupied by the Pastoral Center offices.

• In 1985, the Independent Living Program was added to the services offered by the Assisi Bridge House.

• In 1987, the Good Samaritan Food Banks and the Thrift Store were established.

1990s

Following Hurricane Andrew in 1992, diocesan disaster services officially became an agency responsibility. With Catholic Charities USA’s long-term recovery funding following Hurricane Andrew, CSS formed Catholic Housing Services and CENTS. The Foster Grandparent Program started in 1996 in response to the needs of at-risk children and the desire for meaningful volunteer opportunities for low-income elderly people. It was the first new FGP program started in Louisiana in several years.

In 1999, Robert D. Gorman, who started with the agency in 1982, was named executive director of Catholic Social Services and made “Putting Children and Families First,” from the U.S. Bishop’s pastoral of the same name, the guiding agency theme.

2000s

A Catholic Voice for Justice, a legislative advocacy network, was launched in 2000 and became the most prominent Catholic network in the state.

In 2005, during Hurricane Katrina, the Matthew 25 Disaster Preparedness and Response Ministry was organized by the agency and continued through repeated disasters, including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, Ike, Isaac and the BP oil spill. CCHT distributed over $7,400,000 between 2005-2017 in relief to local families.

In 2008, the Catholic Charities Endowment was created to raise $500,000 in five years. The Catholic Charities Endowment provides funding, in perpetuity, for the charitable works of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Catholic social teaching education, social justice advocacy, social services, and community organizing are all supported through the endowment. Donations may be designated to a specific agency program or to support all agency programs. In 2009, to take advantage of the growing national recognition of the Catholic Charities name, Catholic Social Services changed to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. In 2012, CCHT was instrumental in forming the Bayou Community Foundation, a community foundation similar to the Greater New Orleans Foundation and the Greater Baton Rouge Area Foundation.

In 2019, Dr. Nicole M. Bourgeois, Ph.D., LMFT, was named executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux (CCHT). Dr. Bourgeois established the Caritas Food Pantry located in East Houma. The guiding focus during Dr. Bourgeois’ tenure was mental health awareness, and the theme became “Faith at Work,” delivering services under the following four pillars: Food, Clothing, Shelter and Comfort. In 2020, the world was

a

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC Rob Gorman coordinates assistance after Hurricane Gustav.

impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in CCHT providing telehealth services. In August 2021, the Tri-Parish area was affected by Hurricane Ida.

In 2022, Chamon L. Williams was named the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux after a 14-year departure working with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Jackson, MS. Presently, Catholic Charities is actively providing relief assistance to families and individuals affected by Hurricane Ida. In addition, Catholic Charities Houma-Thibodaux continues to provide services via Assisi Bridge House, Catholic Community Center, Catholic Housing Services, Individual and Family Assistance, Foster Grandparent program, Good Samaritan Food Bank of Thibodaux, Good Samaritan Food Bank of Raceland, St. Lucy Child Development Center, and Thrift Stores located in Galliano and Raceland.

“We are grateful to be available to serve the communities of Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary and Jefferson parishes after all these years. It is our goal to continue to evolve as the needs of our community evolve,” says Williams.

Please visit our website at www.catholiccharitiesht.org and our Facebook page at catholiccharitiesHT for updates.

Should you or someone you know need assistance or further information on the services we provide, please contact us at (985) 876-0490. BC

‘The Return of the Prodigal Son’

Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux is hosting its annual men’s gathering, RISE UP! for men only on Saturday, March 11, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. It will be a day of reflection, prayer, comradery and fellowship. Guest speaker and priests will share messages relevant to the male spirituality and this will be a great way to delve deeper into the Lenten experience.

Guest speakers include Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L., rector and president of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Father Mitchel Semar, diocesan director for the Office of Vocations to the Priesthood and St. Joseph House of Formation; and Chief Justice John L. Weimer of the Louisiana State Supreme Court. Each of these speakers have

a message to share that will positively impact the lives of the men in our communities!

“The Return of the Prodigal Son” is this year’s theme. Speakers will use the foundation of this theme to share messages and testimonies with the men in attendance.

Online registration is currently open; registration includes breakfast, lunch, a backpack, small journal, ink pen, prayer card, religious medal and a copy of Henri Nouwen’s book, “The Return of the Prodigal Son.”

Registration fee is $35 per man and is open to ages 18 and older. Register at https://www.ctr-htdiocese.org/riseup.

All men aged 18 and older are encouraged to register for this event. BC

John L. Weimer

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

Father Mitchel Semar

Overtime

Ed Daniels

The undeniable fact that the NFL is a quarterback driven league was only amplified when the odds to win Super Bowl LVIII next February in Las Vegas were released by the betting site, betonline.ag.

The odds were released during Super Bowl week, before quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs scored on all four of their second half possessions against Philadelphia.

On four possessions the Chiefs went touchdown, touchdown, touchdown, and game winning field goal in a 38-35 win over the Eagles.

So, the Chiefs have already opened as the betting favorite for the 2023 season at 6/1.

The Bills and Eagles were at 7/1.

The 49ers were 8/1, the Bengals 9/1, the Cowboys 14/1 and the Los Angeles Chargers were 22/1.

If you are just a casual NFL fan, you can name the starting quarterback for most of the clubs above.

The Saints, in the same betting, were a 33 to 1 choice.

New Orleans had the same odds

Saints need franchise changing quarterback

as the Detroit Lions, the Los Angeles Rams and the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers odds clearly reflect that the oddsmakers believe that Aaron Rodgers is moving on from Green Bay in the offseason.

So, as the Saints visited with Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (a solid quarterback, but not a franchise changer), last week, here’s a stat to consider.

Six of the last nine Super Bowl championships belong to either Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes.

A game manager at quarterback can win a Super Bowl title, but Nick Foles, who was the starter for the Eagles late in their 2017 championship run, will be an exception rather than the rule.

So, what do the Saints do?

They are clearly a proud franchise, a franchise that won at a very high level for most of the 15 seasons of Drew Brees.

A total rebuild, a situation where the Saints had to get real bad, and then draft a franchise quarterback in the first round, is a total anathema to general manager Mickey Loomis.

And, head coach Dennis Allen, coming off a seven-win season, can’t likely afford another season like 2022.

The dips in the Saints win loss record their last 30 years sync up with

the club’s ability or inability to have a talented veteran quarterback.

The year 1992 was the last season for Bobby Hebert in New Orleans.

When Hebert departed a year later for Atlanta, so did winning.

The Saints did not have a winning record till 2000.

That’s when, in the first minutes of unrestricted free agency, then general manager Randy Mueller agreed to terms with quarterback Jeff Blake.

The Saints were instantly better.

That summer, Mueller pulled off a trade for Green Bay quarterback Aaron Brooks for a modest price.

When Blake went down with injury, Brooks led the Saints to their first ever playoff win against the Rams.

The Saints still could draft a quarterback in the first or second round this spring.

In 2020, the Eagles picked Jalen Hurts in the second round.

Hurts blossomed this past year into an MVP candidate.

Last year, at this time, the Eagles were 40-1 choices to win Super Bowl XLVII.

So, the Saints could be only an answer at quarterback away.

If only it were that simple. BC

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