Bayou Catholic Magazine May 2022

Bayou

Catholic

The official magazine of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Pope Francis laments ‘Easter of War’ MAY 2022 ~ VOL. 42 NO. 10 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

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Contents

Features 14 Priest ordination, June 4

By Janet Marcel

16

Transitional diaconate ordination, June 4

By Janet Marcel

20 22

Priest’s mother donates vestments

By Janet Marcel

Marissa Bagala to leave St. Mary’s Nativity School

By Janet Marcel

26

Two principals to retire at end of school year

By Janet Marcel

Columns 8 Pope Speaks Pope Francis I

9 10 33

Questions of Faith

By Father Wilmer Todd

Readings Between the Lines

By Father Glenn LeCompte

Overtime

By Ed Daniels

In Every Issue 12 Scripture Readings 18 Heavenly Recipes 24 Youth In Action 29 Daily Prayer for Priests,

Deacons, Religious and Seminarians

Announcements 7 Very Rev. P.J. Madden

named diocesan administrator

32 32

Executive director named for CCH-T Principal named for St. Bernadette Catholic School

34 Financial Report On Our Cover

VATICAN MEDIA PHOTO

Pope Francis gave the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing following Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square. Local authorities estimate 100,000 people were present at the Vatican and in the surrounding area for the blessing. Urbi et Orbi means “To the City (of Rome) and to the World” and is a special apostolic blessing given by the pope every year on Easter Sunday, Christmas, and other special occasions.

See page six of this issue for the pontiff’s Easter message.

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

The special collection will be taken at all Masses May 28 and 29, 2022 Thank you for your generous support.

Bayou Catholic How to reach us:

BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132

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

BY FAX: (985) 850-3232

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

Subscription rate is $35 per year.

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

Lawrence Chatagnier

editor and general manager

April LeBouef

business manager

Janet Marcel

staff writer/administrative assistant

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Lisa Schobel Hebert graphic designer

Becky Thibodeaux accounting specialist

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

Diocesan Financial Summary 2020-2021 32

Where to find your Bayou Catholic

34

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

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

Easter Message

Pope Francis laments ‘Easter of War’ in Urbi et Orbi blessing 2022

By HANNAH BROCKHAUS Vatican City (CNA) In his Urbi et Orbi blessing on Easter 2022, Pope Francis lamented an “Easter of War” as he prayed for peace in Ukraine and around the world.

“Today, (Jesus) alone has the right to speak to us of peace. Jesus alone, for he bears wounds ... our wounds,” the pope said on April 17, from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, overlooking the Vatican square.

“His wounds are indeed ours, for two reasons. They are ours because we inflicted them upon him by our sins, by our hardness of heart, by our fratricidal hatred. They are also ours because he bore them for our sake; he did not cancel them from his glorified body; he chose to keep them, to bear them forever,” Francis continued.

“They are the indelible seal of his love for us, a perennial act of intercession, so that the heavenly Father, in seeing them, will have mercy upon us and upon the whole world,” he said. “The wounds on the body of the risen Jesus are the sign of the battle he fought and won for us, won with the weapons of love, so that we might have peace and remain in peace.”

“As we contemplate those glorious wounds, our incredulous eyes open wide; our hardened hearts break open and we welcome the Easter message: ‘Peace be with you!’” he stated.

“Brothers and sisters, let us allow the peace of Christ to enter our lives, our homes, our countries.”

Pope Francis gave the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing following Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square. Local authorities estimate 100,000 people were present at the Vatican and in the surrounding area for the blessing.

“Urbi et Orbi” means “To the City (of Rome) and to the World” and is a special apostolic blessing given by the pope every year on Easter Sunday, Christmas, and other special occasions.

The Catholic Church grants a plenary

VATICAN MEDIA PHOTO

Pope Francis celebrates Easter Mass and gives the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing. indulgence to anyone who participates in the blessing in person or through the media and who also fulfills the usual conditions.

In his blessing, Pope Francis reflected on a passage from John 20:19.

When the resurrected Jesus appeared in the midst of his disciples, as they mourned him, and said, “Peace be with you,” showing them the wounds in his hands and feet.

Like the disciples, the pope said, “Our eyes, too, are incredulous on this Easter of war. We have seen all too much blood, all too much violence.

Our hearts, too, have been filled with fear and anguish, as so many of our brothers and sisters have had to lock themselves away in order to be safe from bombing. We struggle to believe that Jesus is truly risen, that he has truly triumphed over death. Could it be an illusion? A figment of our imagination?”

“No, it is not an illusion! Today, more than ever, we hear echoing the Easter proclamation so dear to the Christian East: ‘Christ is risen! He is truly risen!’”

“Faced with the continuing signs of war, as well as the many painful setbacks to life, Jesus Christ, the victor over sin, fear and death, exhorts us not to surrender to evil and violence,”

6 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2022

Francis urged. “May we be won over by the peace of Christ. Peace is possible; peace is a duty; peace is everyone’s primary responsibility.”

“In this terrible night of suffering and death,” he said, “may a new dawn of hope soon appear. Let there be a decision for peace. May there be an end to the flexing of muscles while people are suffering. Please, let us not get used to war. Let us all commit ourselves to imploring peace, from our balconies and in our streets. May the leaders of nations hear people’s plea for peace.”

He said he holds the Ukrainian people, victims of the war, in his heart.

The pope had a special word for the Ukrainian children who are fleeing the war, especially those who have been orphaned.

“As we look at them, we cannot help but hear their cry of pain, along with that of all those other children who suffer throughout our world: Those dying of hunger or lack of medical care, those who are victims of abuse and violence, and those denied the right to be born,” he said.

He urged people to be more sensitive and attentive to situations of war and violence not only in Europe, but around the world. BC

Special

Very Rev. P.J. Madden named diocesan administrator Story by Janet Marcel On Friday, April 1, 2022, two days after Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre was installed in the Archdiocese of Louisville, KY, the diocesan College of Consultors elected Very Rev. Patrick John (P.J.) Madden as the new diocesan administrator.

The Very Rev. Madden, a 76-yearold native of Ballinasloe, Ireland, was ordained to the priesthood May 14, 2004. He served as associate pastor at Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish in Larose and St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma; and as pastor at St. Genevieve Church parish in Thibodaux and St. Hilary of Poitiers Church parish in Mathews.

The Very Rev. Madden assumed the position immediately and will serve the diocese as its leader until Pope Francis appoints a new bishop and that bishop has taken possession of the diocese (Canon 430 §1).

As diocesan administrator, the Very Rev. Madden essentially has the same authority as a diocesan bishop, except for matters which would have longterm consequences.

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

As priest who is senior in ordination in the College of Consultors, Father Charles (Charlie) Perkins assumed responsibility for convoking and presiding over the meeting (cf. Canon 502, §2).

Of the selection, Father Perkins says, “Father P.J. is a much loved, veteran priest of our diocese who has great respect from his brother priests. The College of Consultors is confident that he will successfully fulfill the responsibilities as diocesan administrator as he serves the people.

We also feel that Father P.J. is an

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Very Rev. P.J. Madden addresses diocesan staff at the Pastoral Center in Schriever. excellent choice because he will move us forward until our next bishop is formally installed. We pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide him in this new position. We also acknowledge the wonderful leadership of Archbishop Fabre during his time here, and we wish him the best as the new shepherd of Louisville.”

After receiving news of the Very Rev. Madden’s election, Archbishop Fabre had this to say, “My sincere congratulations and best wishes to my brother priest Father P.J. after his selection today as diocesan administrator. I rejoiced when I learned of this news from Houma-Thibodaux! I have the utmost confidence that Father P.J. will serve the needs of HoumaThibodaux well in the near future until the diocese learns of the Holy See’s choice of my successor.”

About his election as diocesan administrator, the Very Rev. Madden says, “Please allow me to begin

by expressing my gratitude to the diocesan College of Consultors who elected me as diocesan administrator.

I am both humbled and excited by this opportunity, and I pledge to serve the needs of this wonderful diocese to the very best of my ability. With heartfelt sincerity, I promise to love and serve the faithful of this diocese in the pastoral spirit as did our beloved now Archbishop Fabre. As a priest of this diocese, I remain aware of the great suffering many still endure because of the devastation of Hurricane Ida. As Archbishop Fabre said often: ‘In God we place our hope and our trust, and we are confident that God will never leave us to endure anything alone.’ I look forward to this journey to the Lord with all of you. Just as Archbishop Fabre needed you, so too do I need all of us - priests, deacons, religious and laity - to work together! Peace be with you all and thank you!” BC

May 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 7

Comment

Pope Francis to visit Indigenous peoples in Canada in July The Pope Speaks

BY HANNAH BROCKHAUS Vatican City, (CNA) Pope Francis has said that he will travel to Canada in the summer, possibly for the feast of St. Anne on July 26.

He made the announcement during a meeting with Canadian Indigenous leaders at the Vatican recently.

“You have brought the living sense of your communities here in Rome,” the pope said. “I will be happy to benefit again from meeting you by visiting your native lands, where your families live.”

“I will not come to you in winter,” he said, adding “see you again in Canada, where I shall be able to express my closeness to you better.”

The Vatican has not yet confirmed a papal trip to Canada, though the Canadian bishops said last year that they would welcome his visit as a “pilgrimage of healing and reconciliation.”

Pope Francis said, “It gives me joy, for example, to think of the veneration that has spread among many of you for St. Anne, the grandmother of Jesus.

This year I would like to be with you during those days.”

The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Anne on July 26.

The papal audience marked the conclusion of a week-long visit of representatives of the Métis, Inuit, and First Nations peoples to the Vatican.

During the week, Pope Francis held private meetings with each group.

The Vatican visit was first organized for 2020, and then rescheduled in

Delegations of Indigenous Peoples of Canada the wake of outrage in 2021 over the reported discovery of unmarked graves at the site of former residential schools in Canada.

Last October, Pope Francis indicated his willingness to travel to Canada.

While in Canada, Francis is expected to issue an apology on behalf of the Catholic Church for the abuses committed against Indigenous students in Catholic-run residential schools.

Members of the Métis and Inuit peoples told journalists on March 28 that an apology from Pope Francis in Canada would be very meaningful.

Canadian bishops, who traveled with the Indigenous delegations, described the meetings with Pope Francis as “a

8 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2022

VATICAN MEDIA PHOTO

listening time” and thanked delegates, who included former students of Canadian residential schools, for their graciousness and honesty with the pope.

Some 150,000 children attended residential schools in the 100 years or so that they operated. The schools, many of them run by Catholic institutions, were a governmentled program to suppress the native language and cultural practices of Indigenous peoples.

In the 1980s, former students began to reveal some of the abuses they faced in the schools, including physical, mental and sexual abuse. BC

Comment

Questions of Faith Father Wilmer Todd

The tongue can be a deadly weapon that can cause division and strife Recently a friend of mine pointed out to me that the words I use may sometimes be hurtful to others. Any advice on how to choose my words more carefully?

When someone comes to confession who hasn’t been to the sacrament for a long time, they usually start by saying, “Father, I probably committed a sin against all the commandments, but I didn’t kill anyone.” Well, we can kill others in many ways, especially with our tongues. Roberta Flack’s song that exposed her secret letters, Killing Me Softly with His Song testifies to that reality.

St. James in his letter says, “The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! The tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. . . . No one can tame the tongue, a restless evil that is full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing” (James 3:5-10).

In an audience with bishops, Pope Francis said, “The devil destroys with the tongue, with idle chatter that divides, and with the habit of gossiping which is a form of ‘terrorism.’ The gossiper is a ‘terrorist’ who throws a grenade, chatter, to destroy. Please fight against division because it is one of the weapons that the devil uses to destroy the local church and the universal church.”

Author Holley Gerth has shared 20 phrases to use when someone is hurting.

Don’t say, “You need to . . . ” Say, “What do you need?” Don’t say, “Here is some advice . . . ” Say, “I hear you.” (Listen to the struggles of the person.) Don’t say, “Just stay strong.” Say, “You don’t have to be strong all the time.” (We shouldn’t be afraid to express and experience our vulnerability.) Don’t say, “Let me tell you about my experience.” Say, “How can I pray for you?” (Let the person claim their need.) Don’t say, “You need to move on.” Say, “Take all the time you need to heal.”

Don’t say, “You poor thing.” Say, “I’m in this with you.” Don’t say, “I know exactly how you feel.” (We never know exactly how another person feels.) Say, “I really want to understand.” Don’t say, “Everything happens for a reason.”

Say, “I hate that this happened to you.”

Don’t say, “You just need to trust in God’s plan.” (Although God can bring good out of evil, God did not cause the evil or the tragedy.) Say, “I’m sorry you’re going through this.”

Don’t say, “Why aren’t you talking to me?” Say, “We can talk whenever you are ready.” Don’t say, “You just got to have faith.” Say, “God loves you as

you are, and where you are.” Don’t say, “Maybe this is a blessing in disguise.”

Say, “What you are going through is really difficult.” Don’t say, “I think the answer is . . . ” Say, I don’t have the answers, but I am here.”

Don’t say, “Trust me, it could be a lot worse.” Say, “Thank you for trusting me with this.” Don’t say, “Did I ever tell you about . . . ” Say, I’m glad you told me.” Don’t say, “You’re not stressed, you’re blessed.” Say, “That sounds stressful; how are you doing?” Don’t use empty words to fill the silence. Be comfortable with the silence. It can be healing.

St. Paul reminds us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).

Let us pray for the grace to use our speech for the good of all. “Loving God, may the words of our mouth and the actions of our heart reflect only the grace you have shown to all humanity.

Our words have the power to harm and to heal. Whenever we speak, let us reflect the gentleness and charity you showed to all. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.” BC

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

May 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 9

Reflections

The Eucharist, essential to Christian community life Readings Between the Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

In my previous articles on biblical foundations of the Eucharist, I considered some integral aspects of the Eucharist in and of itself: 1) the Eucharist as a source and cause of unity, 2) the Eucharist as a sacrificial meal and 3) the Eucharist and the Paschal Mystery (our dying and rising with Jesus Christ). In this month’s article, I will comment upon the relationship of the Eucharist to other aspects of church life.

In Acts 2:42-47, Luke provides the first of three summaries of the life of the church in Jerusalem after Pentecost.

The very positive and harmonious picture Luke paints is idealistic, but in Acts 2:42-47, he identifies four characteristics which are essential to Christian community life. The absence of any one of these four elements would constitute a serious deficiency regarding Christian identity. The four elements are: 1) the apostles’ teaching, 2) communal life, 3) the breaking of the bread (celebration of the Eucharist) and 4) prayer (Acts 2:42).

In Luke’s Gospel Jesus himself, by means of his teaching, preaching and healing, is the source for communicating God’s message. In Acts, the apostles collectively become the source, for they are the original eyewitnesses to Jesus’ ministry and the authentic bearers of his message. Not only are people invited to become believers, but taught how to live a life of faith in Christ. For example, Luke’s Jesus teaches, “Sell your belongings and give alms” (Luke 12:33). Apparently the apostles have

encouraged those who have joined the community to do so, because we see this happening, for example, when Barnabas “sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the apostles (Acts 4:37).

The sharing of material goods is a significant aspect of communal life (No. 2 above). Their sharing at once symbolizes and creates their unity with one another. Christians do not live their faith in isolation, but in relationships with one another.

Devoting themselves to prayer, the community members imitate Luke’s Jesus, who is characterized as a man of prayer. A distinct characteristic of members of the new community of believers is that they maintain prayerful communion with God. In Luke’s Gospel Jesus often prays alone (5:16; 6:12; 9:18; 11:1; 22:41), but he also instructs his disciples to pray (11:213; 18:1; 21:36; 22:40). In Acts, prayer is not only an individual activity, but a communal one as well (1:24; 4:2431; 6:6; 8:14-15; 20:36; 28:8). Prayer puts the community in touch with God’s protective care, is the source of divine wisdom and an essential form of communication with God if people are to experience the divine presence and action in their lives.

The final aspect of Christian community life Luke presents is sharing in “the breaking of the bread.”

Luke’s phrasing of this activity in Acts 2:42 links it to the story of two disciples who encounter the risen Lord

10 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2022

at Emmaus in the breaking of the bread (Luke 24:13-35). Thus, when the Christian community gathers to break bread, they acknowledge the presence of the risen and ascended Lord among them. By breaking bread, the disciples participate in an effective memory of Jesus Christ, even as he commanded them to share bread, which is his body given for them, and a cup whose contents are the new covenant in his blood (Luke 22:19-20).

If the community’s sharing in bread broken is important for them to maintain communion with the risen Lord, it is also essential to the maintenance of community life. In fact, all four of the elements of Christian community life presented in Acts 2:42 are interrelated. The communal aspect of Christian life, which I mentioned earlier had a lot to do with sharing of material possessions, is also reflected in the activity of breaking bread. I say this because the breaking of the bread is not done individually but with other community members. Just as Jesus shared the Last Supper with a group (the Twelve and probably others as well) so the breaking of the bread in the church is to be done communally.

This is true for us even today. One essential aspect of our Christian lives is that we gather for the breaking of the bread as a community. Sharing the Eucharist together symbolizes and reinforces our unity, but it also makes the statement that God has offered salvation to the world en masse.

Moreover, as Vatican II’s

a

Reflections

Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy No. 10 says, “... the liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the church is directed; at the same time, it is the font from which all her power flows.”

During the week we are active in Christian community life, continuing the mission of the church. On Sunday we gather as one not only to celebrate what God has done through us, but also to offer all that we are and all that we do in Christ’s name back to God through Jesus Christ, the one mediator of salvation.

The philosophy of individualism, however, blinds people from seeing not only the communal dimension of Christian life but the need for gathering with others at the Eucharist. Some may be tempted to say to themselves, “I don’t see why I have to go to church on Sunday when I live a good life, following the Ten Commandments and the teaching of the Scriptures, and pray on my own.” Certainly,

moral living and individual prayer are commendable activities. But we experience Christian faith in relation to others, not in isolation. Therefore, we must pray not only individually but communally.

The Eucharist is also the source of all we do in Christ’s name. We return to the Eucharist every Sunday to recall Christ’s act of salvation on our behalf.

Having been redeemed we received the gift of the Holy Spirit and entered into a new life, a life in which we are empowered to do the good works God calls us to do.

The Eucharist, then, is an indispensable aspect of Christian life which must be integrated with the activities of prayer, communal sharing and apostolic instruction. We hear the apostolic teaching during the readings from the Gospel and New Testament epistles, and learn that Christ brings fulfillment to what we hear in the Old Testament reading. Also, as we see in

Acts, prayer is not only an individual activity but one which the community often does together. The eucharistic celebration is one of the most important forms of communal prayer in the life of the church, and from it we are sent forth to live as a Christian community. BC

Reflection Questions v How does regular participation in the Eucharist relate to living Christian faith as a community? v Why is the eucharistic celebration important to our keeping in touch with what Jesus taught? v How do personal prayer and communal prayer, such as in the celebration of Mass, relate to one another?

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May Scripture Readings and a listing of Feast days and saints

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

3

4

5

6

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Third Sunday of Easter Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41 Revelation 5:11-14 John 21:1-19

Memorial of Saint Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the church Acts 6:8-15 John 6:22-29

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Fourth Sunday of Easter Acts 13:14, 43-52 Revelation 7:9, 14b-17 John 10:27-30

15 Fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 14:21-27 Revelation 21:1-5a John 13:31-33a, 34-35

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Easter Weekday Acts 11:1-18 John 10:1-10

16 Easter Weekday Acts 14:5-18 John14:21-26

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Feast of Saints Philip and James, apostles 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 John 14:6-14

10 Easter Weekday Acts 11:19-26 John 10:22-30

17 Easter Weekday Acts 14:19-28 John 14:27-31a

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Easter Weekday Easter Weekday Sixth Sunday of Acts 16:11-15 Acts 16:22-34 Easter Acts 15:1-2, 22-29 John 15:26—16:4a John 16:5-11 Revelation 21:1014, 22-23 John 14:23-29

29 Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:17-23 Luke 24:46-53

30 Easter Weekday Acts 19:1-8 John 16:29-33

31 Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Zephaniah 3:14-18a Luke 1:39-56

12 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2022

Easter Weekday Acts 8:1b-8 John 6:35-40

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Easter Weekday Acts 8:26-40 John 6:44-51

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Easter Weekday Easter Weekday Acts 12:24—13:5a Acts 13:13-25 John 12:44-50 John 13:16-20

18 Easter Weekday Acts 15:1-6 John 15:1-8

25 Easter Weekday Acts 17:15, 22—18:1 John 16:12-15

19 Easter Weekday Acts 15:7-21 John 15:9-11

26 Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, priest Acts 18:1-8 John 16:16-20

Easter Weekday Acts 9:1-20 John 6:52-59

13 Easter Weekday Acts 13:26-33 John 14:1-6

20 Easter Weekday Acts 15:22-31 John 15:12-17

27 Easter Weekday Acts 18:9-18 John 16:20-23

Easter Weekday Acts 9:31-42 John 6:60-69

14 Feast of Saint Matthias, apostle Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 John 15:9-17

21 Easter Weekday Acts 16:1-10 John 15:18-21

28 Easter Weekday Acts 18:23-28 John 16:23b-28

May

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808 Barrow St. • Houma, LA 70360 May 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 13

Church Life

Two men to be ordained priests June 4 at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales Story by Janet Marcel The Rev. Mr. Stephen Castille and the Rev. Mr. James Rome will be ordained to the priesthood, Saturday, June 4, at 10 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of Louisville, KY, will be the ordaining prelate. the people of the Houma-Thibodaux diocese,” says the Rev. Mr. Castille.

He will celebrate his first Mass at St. Bernadette Church in Houma (his chosen home parish) at 4 p.m., Saturday, June 4, as well as a Mass of Thanksgiving at St Genevieve Church in Thibodaux (his intern parish) at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, June 5.

Rev. Mr. Stephen Castille The Rev. Mr. Stephen Castille is the 53 year old son of Martha and Wilrey Castille. He was born in Lafayette and raised in Church Point, and has two siblings, an older brother, Tim; and a younger sister, Catina Ortego. He graduated from Church Point High School in 1987.

He attended St. Joseph Seminary College in Saint Benedict where he received a bachelor of arts degree in liberal art, and is currently attending Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans where he will receive a master of divinity degree this month.

Since becoming ordained as a transitional deacon, the Rev. Mr. Castille has been involved in youth ministry, especially with confirmation preparation; visiting nursing homes and homebound parishioners; and after Hurricane Ida, he helped Catholic Charities Diocese of HoumaThibodaux on the emergency response team.

“I am most looking forward to doing spiritual direction/pastoral counseling and being able to celebrate the sacraments, especially the sacrament of the Eucharist and confession. I am very excited to be able to serve

Birthdate: January 29, 1969 Home parish: St. Bernadette Church, Houma Seminary: St. Joseph Seminary College (Saint Benedict) and Notre Dame Seminary (New Orleans) Favorite field of study? Theology in general, and specifically spiritual Theology Favorite saint? St. Francis of Assisi Hobbies? Running, hiking and watching movies

The Rev. Mr. James P. Rome is a 56 year old native of Golden Meadow and a graduate of South Lafourche High School in Galliano. He is the son of the late Hazel Rebstock Rome and Ervin Rome and has three older siblings, Sandra Clement, Michael Rome and Mary Rome.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting (cum laude) in 1988 and master’s degree in Business Administration (cum laude) in 1992 from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. In 1990, he became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Throughout his career, he worked in

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

the field of accounting and finance for the Lafourche Telephone Company, Department of the Treasury – Internal Revenue Service, Danos & Curole Marine Contractors, and the Greater Lafourche Port Commission.

He attended Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy (cum laude) and a master’s degree in Divinity (cum laude).

His diaconate internship began at St Bernadette Church parish under the guidance of the Very Rev. André Melancon, V.F., which transitioned into Hurricane Ida emergency response at Our Lady of the Isle Church parish in Grand Isle after Hurricane Ida devastated the diocese.

“I will never forget that amazing experience of just being Jesus to anyone there in need,” he says.

During his final year at seminary, he has been involved in assisting couples whose marriages have ended in divorce by requesting the diocesan Tribunal to evaluate the sacramentality of their marriage bonds for possible declaration of nullity. He has also attended married couple’s weekends and wishes

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Church Life

Rev. Mr. James Rome Birthdate: January 19, 1966 Home parish: Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church, Golden Meadow Seminary: Notre Dame Seminary (New Orleans) Favorite field of study? Sacramental Theology especially the sacraments of initiation Favorite saint? St. Jerome (confirmation saint who walks by my side daily) Hobbies? Tigers, Saints, Pelicans and Tarpons …

to remain involved in marriage counseling for couples. After having completed his studies on marriage preparation, he is anxious to begin to formulate his own recipe of implementing the church’s wide variety of resources for marriage preparation in order to reduce the need for future marriage counseling and avoid future declarations of nullity.

“I am most looking forward to receiving God’s sacred grace from the sacrament of holy orders,” says the Rev. Mr. Rome. “At this moment, I have no idea of my first associate priestly assignment much less of my future as a pastor. What I can say is that where ever I am assigned in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, I plan to build a culture of community and family. My home parish of Our Lady of Prompt Succor has been an anchor in my life. Receiving all of my sacraments there, I have tied my boat up to it as a strong piling in the bayou.

As does everyone, I have experienced many storms and struggles over 56 years, but the people back home have always been there for me. Everyone should grow up in a church parish that is not only a strong community, but a family. I want to bring that where ever I am assigned.”

He will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Golden Meadow, Sunday June 5, at 10 a.m. BC

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

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

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line Telephone number is (985) 873-0026 or (985) 850-3172

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

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

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

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

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän 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

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

Church Life

Transitional deacon ordination June 4 The Rev. Mr. Davis Ahimbisibwe will be ordained to the transitional diaconate, Saturday, June 4, at 10 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of the Archdiocese of Louisville, KY, will be the ordaining prelate.

Story by Janet Marcel The Rev. Mr. Davis Ahimbisibwe is a 32 year old native of Kabale, Uganda.

He is the fourth child of Rwamahe John Keith and Ayebazibwe Fulgensia, and has one brother, who is deceased, and three sisters.

He graduated from St. Paul’s Seminary Rushoroza in Kabale (ordinary level); and Uganda Martyrs Secondary School Namugongo in Wakiso (advanced level); and is currently attending Notre Dame

Seminary in New Orleans.

As part of his priestly formation, he has served at the following church parishes: St. Bridget in Schriever (Summer 2019); St. Bernadette in Houma (Summer 2020); St. Luke the Evangelist in Thibodaux and St. Lucy in Houma (Fall 2020); and St. Ann in Bourg (Summer 2021).

In all of these church parishes, he served at Masses, took Communion to the homebound and gave teachings about certain aspects of the faith.

The Rev. Mr. Ahimbisibwe explains that his vocation journey has been a response of faith to his Lord, Jesus Christ. “With a deepened encounter with the person of Christ; his love, mercy and generosity through many and various ways, my faith, hope and love grew. This enlarged my heart and gave me the capacity to make a response to the divine calling which I sensed within my heart. Specifically, this response involved a burning desire to make him, Christ who has loved me with an infinite love, known and loved by others. Since it is through the Gospel

that the person of Christ is encountered, with St. Paul, I could say, ‘Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!’ (1 Corinthians 9:16).”

With this desire, he goes on to say that after many years of prayer, he found St. Paul’s words to the Philippians very meaningful and life giving, “For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him” (4:7-13).

“With that, I left everything, specifically a medical practice, and joined the seminary to become a herald of the Gospel. Since then, I have not looked back and my constant prayer is that, ‘He who began this work in me may by his grace bring it to completion.’”

After being ordained to the transitional diaconate, the Rev. Mr. Ahimbisibwe says he is most looking forward to the ministry of the word, particularly preaching and teaching, serving at the eucharistic sacrifice and making home visitations. BC

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Heavenly Recipes

Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Mamiere Manette’s Tea Cookies

Becky Thibodeaux 18 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2022

Becky Thibodeaux, a native of Vacherie and resident of Bayou Blue, shares her grandmother’s recipe for Tea Cookies.

Becky enjoys baking, but loves to cook. She is married to Kurt, who works for Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government.

The Thibodeaux’s have an adult daughter, Alyssa. Becky has been working for the diocese as an accounting specialist for the past five months. Prior to working at the Pastoral Center, she was a staff accountant for the New Orleans Pelicans and New Orleans Saints. Becky says she likes working at the Pastoral Center because she loves the people working there.

“I love God and have a strong Catholic faith. I am now 10 minutes from work. The drive to Metairie and the Saints Training Facility was just very stressful.”

Becky’s grandmother, who she got the recipe from, was named Antoinette. “We called her Mamiere Manette. The recipe has been in the family for as long as I can remember.

Anytime you visited my grandmother her lips were always moving. She would be in her rocking chair praying her rosary. If she didn’t have a rosary in her hand she would use her fingers. Every year for Christmas, she, my mom and my mom’s two sisters would make hundreds of tea cookies and place them in a large popcorn tin and give them out when people visited.”

Becky says her favorite thing to cook is gumbo. “My favorite thing to cook is seafood gumbo. My husband also likes to cook. He boils the best seafood, makes a delicious spaghetti, great barbecue and vegetable soup. My mom and husband taught me how to cook. I didn’t know how to cook when I got married. Sometimes I still call my mom for advice in cooking. I love recipes and recipe books. Following a recipe is the easiest way to cook.

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Heavenly Recipes

Mamiere’s Tea Cookies Ingredients: 1 lb. butter 3 tsp. vanilla 6 eggs 3 cups sugar 6 cups flour 5 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. baking soda

Directions: Cream butter, salt and sugar. Beat eggs, and add to butter and sugar. Add vanilla and mix well. Add flour, baking powder and baking soda. Add an extra 4 cups of flour to harden the dough. Roll and cut in flour.

Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.

Tea Cookie Icing: 1—1-1/2 lbs. powdered sugar 1/2 cup melted butter 1/2 cup pet milk Dash of almond or vanilla extract Add powdered sugar until consistency reached.

Becky enjoys her work and enjoys working at the Pastoral Center. “Everyone is friendly. I love that we have prayer every morning. We also have Mass every Tuesday and Thursday.

Everyone is very helpful. I have worked in the corporate world all my life. Working here is very different … different in a good way.” BC

Special

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

A priests’ memory lives on through his mother’s charitable act Story by Janet Marcel The memory of Father Danny J. Roussel, a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, who died Monday, Aug. 30, 2021, in Vacherie, at the age of 49, will live on because of the generosity of his mother, Judith Bourgeois.

Upon learning of Father Roussel’s death, Bishop Michael G. Duca shared the following message with the faithful of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. “It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news of Rev. Danny Roussel’s death on Aug. 30th. Father Danny was a deeply devoted priest who was beloved by his family, his parishioners, and his brother clergy. He shared a commitment to the faith that was clear and unwavering. I greatly appreciated Danny’s generous and open-hearted service to our diocese. I inform you with profound sorrow that Father Danny took his own life at the age of 49. We are aware that Danny recently struggled with anxiety and depression. For many people, the difficulties 20 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2022

of the modern world can be an unbearable challenge. For some, these feelings can be overwhelming. I would ask you to pray for Father Danny, his mother, his stepfather, brother and family.”

Father Roussel began his seminary formation in 2014, studied for seven years at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, and was ordained a priest on May 22, 2021. At the time of his death, Father Roussel was serving as parochial vicar at St. Aloysius parish in Baton Rouge, and as a chaplain to St. Joseph’s Academy.

While going through Father Roussel’s belongings after his death, his mother came upon the vestments and other gifts given to him at his ordination. She had no idea what to do with his vestments, which he had chosen for himself.

Pam Folse, coordinator of Adult Formation and Service Program for St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, says

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Father Roussel was a dear friend of hers and she was also close to his mother.

Folse says Father Roussel’s mother had reached out to a few of his brother priests in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, but they agreed that the vestments should go to someone who needed them, which is what Bourgeois knew her son would also want. She shared that with Folse, who explained that it was kind of a “Holy Spirit” moment that followed. Folse says she knew that St. Eloi Church parish had been hit very hard by Hurricane Ida so she wanted to get in touch with the priest who was there. “I remembered that Father Dean Danos’ nephew’s wife worked with me at my former church parish and I knew that if I could get a hold of Father Dean, he could tell me who the pastor of St. Eloi was. Then I found out from a mutual connection in the Diocese of Baton Rouge that Father Dean was the pastor of St. Eloi and I was able to get his phone number to reach out to him.”

Folse then set up a meeting for Bourgeois to meet Father Danos.

“He is such a people person; it was wonderful to meet him,” says Bourgeois. “He made me feel at home. We got to know each other just a little. He was so happy to receive the vestments. He sent me a thank you card with a note about keeping in touch. It was a blessed meeting. He also prayed with me in private that day.”

Father Dean Danos, pastor of St. Eloi Church parish in Theriot since July 2016, says of meeting Bourgeois in person, “I expressed my sympathy and my condolences to his mother in person and we prayed together. I feel very humbled to be the recipient of Father Roussel’s beautiful vestments. I pray for him and his mother daily, as well as for his family and his parishioners for their great loss. I also celebrate Masses for him by name.”

Bourgeois says it really makes her feel good to know that Father Danos is praying for her son when he wears the vestments. “I really take that to heart. I cried in my heart to know that. I didn’t really realize before how important it was to pray for the dead. I can just feel the grace and the comfort in knowing that he is being prayed for by his brother priests.”

Even though Father Danos didn’t know Father Roussel or his mother, he says he’s grateful that she asked him to be the recipient of the vestments because she knew that he had lost some vestments in Hurricane Ida. Father Danos received four vestments, one green, one white and two purple; some cassocks, an alb and some clergy shirts, many of which had never been worn. Even though Hurricane Ida derailed Father Danos’ retirement plans for this year, the pastor does plan to leave the vestments for the next priest who will serve St. Eloi Church parish.

Folse says that even though Father Roussell was only ordained a short time, the work he did was very far reaching. “We continue to hear good things about his ministry. It’s just very heartwarming.”

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-8255, or dial 211 for assistance locally. BC

Father Danny Roussel with his mother Judith Bourgeois

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1201 Cardinal Drive ~ Thibodaux, LA 70301 (985) 446-9050 ~ www.stjosephmanor.org

For More Information Contact: Natalie Barbera natalieb@stjosephmanor.org

May 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 21

Special

Marissa Bagala is shown with a Pre-K 3 class at St. Mary’s Nativity.

Marissa Bagala thankful for years at St. Mary’s as she heads to Sts. Leo-Seton in Lafayette Story by Janet Marcel ~ Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier Marissa Bagala, who has been serving as principal of St. Mary’s Nativity School in Raceland since the 2005-2006 school year, will be leaving her position at the end of this school year.

Bagala, a Houma native and graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma, earned a bachelor of science in vocational home economics education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, and a master’s degree, plus 30 hours in curriculum and instruction, from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. She also has Catholic School Leadership certification from LMU in New Orleans.

She previously served as a kindergarten teacher at St. Bernadette Elementary and Maria Immacolata Elementary Schools in Houma, Lockport Lower Elementary School and Larose Lower Elementary School; as a fourth grade teacher at Larose Middle School; as a Pre-K4 teacher at Holy Savior 22 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2022

Catholic School in Lockport and Cut Off Elementary School; and as assistant principal at Lockport Lower Elementary School.

She has a 26 year old son, Tristan, who is currently attending Harvard in Boston, MA. When asked about what influenced her to become an educator, she says, “One of my earliest memories was of my father reading to me and my sister, and teaching us how to read, and also teaching us about our faith. Religion was a very big part of our lives.”

Witnessing the love and dedication the Dominican Sisters at St. Bernadette Catholic School had for their students and having them sharing their faith with her and the rest of the students also had a lasting impact on her.

Her older sister, Geralyn, who Bagala says was the perfect example of a Pre-K teacher, also impacted her decision. “Just seeing the dedication she had for teaching

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and her love for her students … every day she would come home happy, just to be a part of their lives. My sister was the one who helped me set up my classroom at St. Bernadette, when I was a first time teacher.”

Bagala says her favorite part of teaching was seeing the children grow and gain confidence in their own abilities. “It was a joy helping them realize that God gives us all different talents and that they could use those talents to help others. I always enjoyed getting students involved in service projects and watching them learn to be compassionate toward others.”

Bagala says what she has enjoyed most about being an administrator at St. Mary’s Nativity School has been the dedication of the teachers, because for them it’s not a job, it’s a vocation. She has also enjoyed being a part of the lives of the families, the students and the parents. Just seeing the students grow spiritually and in their faith has been a blessing for her.

“One of my goals when I came here was for us all to be a family and I think I am leaving St. Mary’s as one big family,” says Bagala. “I wanted the KCs, the church parish and the school to be one. And with the help of Father Charlie (Perkins, former pastor) we were able to build that relationship. Having a wonderful relationship with Father Charlie and the love he had for the students

here helped us achieve that goal.”

She says she has enjoyed working with the pastors of St. Mary’s Nativity, who have helped her to grow spiritually, as well as with other diocesan leaders and principals of the Catholic schools in the diocese. She would especially like to thank Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., former diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools for 24 years, for giving her the opportunity to serve as principal at St. Mary’s Nativity School.

Reflecting on her decision to leave, she says she is leaving with a very heavy heart. “I feel that God has a plan for all of us, and I feel like he is calling me somewhere else. After much deliberation, much prayer and several discussions … with my spiritual advisor, my mentors, and my family, especially my son … I feel that God is calling me on a new path. It will be very difficult to leave my family and my students here, but I will always have a special place in my heart for St. Mary’s. I’m very grateful to everyone here because they’ve been there for me and for my son, in good times and in bad. And I hope to take all of the experiences and the knowledge I’ve gained here with me.”

Beginning with the 2022-23 school year, Bagala will be serving as principal at Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic School, a PK-3 through 8th grade school in Lafayette. BC

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1974

May 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 23

Youth

in action

William Luke

School: Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma Grade: 10th Church parish: Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma Describe your family unit: Caroline, mom; Chad, dad; Lily (18), Mary-Frances (13) and Auggie (11), siblings Favorite Hobby: Sports Favorite Movie: Batman Favorite T.V. Show: The Office Favorite Genre of Music: Rap (especially Kanye)

Jesus sent out the disciples to build the kingdom on earth.

What can young people do in today’s world to build God’s kingdom?

Young people are given opportunities every day to build God’s kingdom in school, in the community and at home.

Having a prayer life, receiving the sacraments often and being a part of clubs like Men of Christ is the first step in building God’s kingdom. It isn’t possible to build God’s kingdom without his guidance. When our hearts are open to God, we can lead others to Christ by being an example of goodness, kindness and compassion.

Reaching out to people outside friend groups by finding common interests, inviting younger students to clubs like Men of Christ and speaking openly about our faith are a few ways we

can build God’s kingdom at school.

Some ways young people can build the kingdom in the community is by helping people in need during times of distress like Hurricane Ida. There were opportunities everywhere to help clear debris, tarp roofs and collect money and supplies. There are also opportunities to mentor younger kids or help coach through organizations like VICI Hoops.

Sometimes, the hardest place to build God’s kingdom is in our own homes. We get comfortable and forget to serve the ones that love us the most. However, there are tons of ways to share God’s Love with our family. We can help our siblings practice sports or help them

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

with homework. We can encourage them when they have bad days. We can offer to cut the grass or clean the kitchen or just take some of the burden off of our parents. We can pray with one another and hold each other accountable. Older siblings can model virtue for their younger siblings and also share the faith with them. These are only a few ways young people can build God’s Kingdom in today’s world.

We live in a time where it is sometimes hard to find anyone doing the right thing, so it’s more important than ever to show people what Christianity looks like. BC

Seminarian eDucation burSeS Seminarian Spotlight Matthew Prosperie St. Ann Church parish in Bourg n When did you hear your call to the priesthood?

I first heard the call to priesthood around fifth or sixth grade when someone asked me if I was going to be a priest when I grew up. n What are you most looking forward to about priesthood?

Like that of a married couple’s, the priest’s life is not something which he can entirely plan. There are surprises from God, and the surprises are good; so I look forward to those. n What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

“Be open; be little; travel light; go slow; listen.” n What is your favorite hobby?

Photography is one of my go-to’s. n Do you have a secret talent?

Does climbing trees count? I think people are usually surprised at my ability to climb trees.

I used to love doing it as a kid.

DiD you know?

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

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

Special

Lydia Landry sits with students at St. Bernadette Catholic School.

Two Catholic school principals to retire at the end of school year Story by Janet Marcel ~ Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Lydia Landry, principal of St. Bernadette Catholic School in Houma for the past seven years, and Gerard Rodrigue Jr., principal of St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Thibodaux for the past 16 years, have announced that they will be retiring at the end of this school year.

Lydia Landry Landry is a Thibodaux native and graduate of Thibodaux High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux.

She taught at Schriever Elementary School for five years, St. Genevieve Catholic School in Thibodaux for one year and at St. Bernadette Catholic School for 15 years. Landry served as assistant principal at St. Bernadette Catholic School for six years before becoming principal there.

She has been married to Mike Landry for 21 years and they are parishioners of St. Bridget Church parish in Schriever. She has one daughter, Billie Jean LaJaunie.

Landry says that her great aunt was the greatest influence on her decision to become an educator. “She was my mentor and just an amazing educator who taught for 50 years, mostly in a public school in Labadieville and she was also principal at St. Philomena Catholic School in Labadieville for a couple of years before she retired. When I taught kindergarten here, she would drive from Labadieville and teach my kids French lessons.”

If she hadn’t become an educator, Landry says she probably would have worked in the business field. She actually ran her own gymnastics business for 20 years, had a rental business, worked in real estate, and worked with 26 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • May 2022

her family’s sugar cane farming business.

She says what she enjoyed most about teaching was being with the kids. “I mostly taught kindergarten which is entertaining every single day. And some of the kids I taught are now parents of St. Bernadette students.”

As an administrator, she has enjoyed seeing growth in all of the different areas in the school. “Enrollment has increased, our academics is stronger here, watching young teachers become seasoned teachers, watching the growth in the students, and the growth in the programs.

We are constantly making changes; and change is not always positive, but you always learn something from the experience when you make changes.”

The most challenging aspect of being in the education field for Landry has been “learning about what children are going through that you may not be able to see and then to be able to reach those children and be there for those children who are dealing with things that maybe I didn’t have to deal with as a child and my child didn’t have to deal with.

Children are having to deal with a lot today.”

She says helping the faculty deal with issues can also be challenging. “It’s trying to be momma to all of them … the teachers, the kids … but the problem is you can’t make it better for everyone; that’s the challenge – you can’t be everything for everyone when it comes to helping people with their needs.”

Of her retirement, she says she originally was supposed to teach at St. Bernadette for five years, while her daughter was at E.D. White, and 28 years later, she’s still there.

“A lot of people my age don’t like change. I was constantly changing. I’m all about learning new technology and

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learning and trying new things. I feel like it’s now time for someone young to come in with fresh ideas and embrace the changes that are happening. I do believe that when I leave, the school will be in great hands and will continue to grow. And that’s the real reason why I can retire.”

Some of the things Landry is looking forward to doing when she retires is volunteering at the Homestead where her daughter is the administrator, reading more and traveling with her husband and with her daughter.

“I never said ‘one day I want to be principal.’ Never. I was lead in this direction by someone I admired and who is like a sister to me, Marian Fertitta, (former diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools), but I have loved every minute of it. I loved my time teaching here. I could have taught forever and been happy doing that. I loved my time as an assistant principal. I could have been an assistant principal forever and been happy. And I’ve loved my time as a principal. So, in other words,” Landry says, “you can’t argue with God; he puts you where you need to be.”

Gerard Rodrigue Jr. Rodrigue is a Thibodaux native and graduate of E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux. He earned a bachelor’s degree in instrumental music and a master’s degree plus 30 hours in administration and supervision from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux.

Throughout his career he has worked as a band director in schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, St. Genevieve Catholic School in Thibodaux, Central Lafourche High School in Mathews, and East Thibodaux Junior High School

in Thibodaux, where he also served as administrative assistant.

He also worked as assistant principal at W.S. Lafargue Elementary School in Thibodaux; and as principal at South Thibodaux Elementary School and Holy Savior Catholic School in Lockport.

He and his wife Madelyn Raynal Rodrigue will celebrate their 44th wedding anniversary in June of this year. The couple has two daughters and six grandchildren. His oldest daughter Alaina Daigle, who lives in Thibodaux, has three children: Thomas, Abigail and Amelia. And his youngest daughter Alicia Authement, who lives in Baton Rouge, has three children, also: Everett, Anne Marie and Alice.

Rodrigue comes from a family of educators. He says his mother was a teacher in the public school system and she also taught at E.D. White Catholic High School before she retired. His father was a principal and a supervisor in the public school system. And, he adds that both of his wife’s parents were educators.

While he was in high school, Rodrigue says he had pretty much decided he was going to study pre-med and then changed his mind in his senior year.

“One thing that really influenced me happened during my senior year in high school. My band director asked me if I had given any thought to becoming an educator because he thought I would be a good teacher. That conversation put the thought in my mind that maybe teaching was something I should consider doing.”

Rodrigue says what he has enjoyed most about teaching was the relationships he was able to have with students.

a

Gerard Rodrigue Jr. in his office at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School May 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 27

Special

“As a band director, when you are teaching students how to play something and they are struggling with it, and then you have that moment when you see the light bulb go off for them and you know that they ‘got it’ … that’s what teaching is all about. Coming together as a full band and putting all the pieces together to play a concert or at a festival is something else I really enjoyed,” says Rodrigue.

“Education is one of those professions where you don’t see the fruits of your labor until much later when the kids grow up, so I always enjoyed keeping track of the students and seeing what they went on to do and seeing the great things they’ve accomplished later in life.”

Much like the relationships teachers form with their students, as an administrator Rodrigue has appreciated the relationships he has developed with his faculty, as well as with students and their parents.

“Working together with the faculty to make sure that we have the most up-to-date textbooks, instruction materials, and technology, and keeping the school facilities up to date and making improvements in that area all contribute to making school the best it can possibly be,” says the administrator.

The most challenging aspect of being in the education field, says Rodrigue, is “keeping up with latest trends and developments in curriculum and technology, because things

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

are always evolving; and we want to provide the best possible education to our students.”

One of the main differences between being an administrator in a public school versus a Catholic school, explains Rodrigue, is that in the public system you don’t have to worry about the school’s finances. As an administrator in a Catholic school, you do have to keep track of the finances and are responsible for making sure you have the funds to do what you need to do, so that is also a challenge.

Rodrigue has several hobbies. He really enjoys playing golf, exercising, singing in the choir at the Co-Cathedral, working in his yard, and also playing pickle ball, which is something he just recently started doing and really likes.

He says what he is most looking forward to about being retired is “not having to set the alarm clock to wake up in the morning and not having to live on a bell schedule.” He is also looking forward to having more time to enjoy his hobbies and travel. And, after he retires, he plans to get back to playing trombone with the community band.

“I feel really blessed to have had a long career in education and I’m very grateful for all of the people who have supported me along the way. Through the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some really awesome educators, parents, students and other administrators.” BC

May Daily Prayer

for Priests, Deacons, Religious and Seminarians Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Very Rev. P.J. Madden

Very Rev. John Nambusseril, V.F.

Rev. Jean-Marie Nsambu

Rev. Joseph Pilola

Rev. Benie Rebosura

Deacon Michael Cantrelle, retired

Rev. Patrick Riviere

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Rev. Robert Rogers

Rev. Henry Sebastian

Rev. Mitchel Semar

Rev. Antonio Maria Speedy

Seminarian Davis Ahimbisibwe

Rev. Carlos Talavera

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

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

Very Rev. Mark Toups, V.G.

Rev. Mike Tran

Rev. Joseph Tregre

Deacon Martin Dickerson, retired

Rev. Joe Varghese

Rev. Billy Velasco

Rev. Shenan Boquet

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

Rev. Thomas Bouterie

Rev. Stuart King

Deacon Davis Doucet, retired

Rev. Joshua Rodrigue

Rev. Michael Bergeron, retired

Msgr. Frederic Brunet, retired

Rev. Domingo Cruz, retired

29

30

31

Rev. Wilfredo Decal, retired

Sister Aracely Rodriguez, M.C.S.H.

Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs

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.

Sponsored by:

of the Word 506 Cardinal Drive, Thibodaux, LA • marianservantsoftheword@gmail.com

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

Special

Chrism Mass

The annual diocesan Chrism Mass was celebrated on Holy Thursday at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma.

Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs was the presider. During the Mass the holy chrism is consecrated by the bishop. In addition, the oil of catechumens and oil of the sick are blessed by the bishop.

Photos by Tyler Neil

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

Special

May 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 31

Announcements

Chamon Williams named executive director of Catholic Charities

Chamon Williams

The board of Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux (CCH-T) and leadership of the diocese recently announced that Chamon Williams will be the new executive director of CCH-T, effective in early May. The Houma native earned a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice, with

a minor in sociology, from Dillard University in New Orleans in 2005.

Williams began her post-college work career with CCH-T soon after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. She joined Catholic Charities in Jackson, MS, in 2008, where she has been responsible for their Office of Violence Against Women, Parish Social Ministry, Catholic Relief Services, Emergency Housing and Veterans Services.

She is also intimately aware of disaster preparedness and response having assisted in both this diocese and Jackson, and supporting Catholic Charities agencies in other parts of the country in their disaster relief work.

She is well known and respected in the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) community, understanding the importance of governmental relationships and supporting them through times of

disaster.

“The job of CEO of CCH-T is more than just a job for me,” she says. “I see it as a vocation, a calling from God and an opportunity to do good work in the place I call home, near my family. This is coming full circle for me as I actually grew up on Aycock Street in Houma, across the street from St. Lucy Catholic Church, where I volunteered during summers, and the current CCH-T office.”

Her family worshiped at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma when she was growing up, and her family now attends Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux.

“I not only know of Catholic Social Teaching, but I embrace it and am guided by it, especially the respect for human dignity, in both my work and private life,” Williams adds. “It is very much my moral compass.” BC

Elise M. LeBoeuf named new principal of St. Bernadette Catholic School for 2022-23 school year

Elise M. LeBoeuf

Elise M. LeBoeuf has been named the new principal for St. Bernadette Catholic School in Houma for the 20222023 school year, it was announced recently.

The Houma native has been a parishioner at St. Bernadette Catholic Church since she was a child. She attended St. Bernadette Catholic School and is a 2005 graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma.

She has a bachelor of arts degree in mass communication and French, and a master of arts degree in curriculum and instruction from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. LeBoeuf is currently working on her dissertation to complete her doctorate degree

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

in education with the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

She taught at South Thibodaux Elementary School, E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux and Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma, before becoming the assistant principal for St. Bernadette School in January 2019. Throughout her career she taught French, English, algebra II, pre-calculus, computer applications, and ACT prep in grades K-5 and 9-12.

She has been married to Russell LeBoeuf since 2010, and they have three children: Lily (10), Hannah (7), and Graham (4). All three of their children are students at St. Bernadette Catholic School. BC

Sports

Overtime Ed Daniels

Can Kelly’s style work at LSU? There is a sea change underway for LSU football.

A coach who won 54 and lost nine in his last five years at what he calls “his previous school” (never thought I would hear a former Notre Dame coach say that), said he came to Baton Rouge because he wants to win a national championship.

Kelly, in an interview with the Associated Press, said he came to Baton Rouge for a reason.

“I wanted to be in the American League East.” After the opening day of spring practice, Kelly was asked about a player who was absent for much of the 2021 season.

Why was this player allowed to practice?

“Because he met a certain standard,” said Kelly.

Kelly is preaching big time accountability.

That standard means being on time for everything.

And, attending class with a certain rigor.

Kelly explained to the media that you don’t have to be an A student.

But, you must make the effort.

Some insights into how Kelly operates can be found in a book

by Bill Koch, who covered the University of Cincinnati football program when Brian Kelly was the head coach.

The book’s title is self-explanatory.

“This Is What the Top Feels Like.”

It chronicles the 2009 team and its coach.

When Kelly arrived in Cincinnati, Koch made the following observations.

“Supremely confident.”

“Determined to succeed at a high level.”

“And, not afraid to hurt feelings.”

The author continued.

“Occasionally he rubbed people the wrong way, but that was of no concern to him.”

Koch noted that when Kelly first arrived, he noticed that the Cincinnati Enquirer did not send a reporter to cover Big East media day.

He publicly chided the newspaper.

At LSU, Kelly is preaching not only accountability but teamwork.

It will be interesting to see if his style works at LSU, as the college football world changes, dramatically.

The transfer portal has swept through the college game like a brushfire.

Kelly wants more players like Miami Dolphins linebacker Duke Riley.

At LSU Riley was a full-time starter for one season.

Before his senior season, he started one game, as a sophomore.

Kelly wants more players like Falcons linebacker Debo Jones.

Jones made one start in his junior season, before starting 11 games in his senior year.

In today’s college game, players like that, who don’t look for the exits, are an anomaly.

Kelly’s final game at Cincinnati was a 45-44 win over Pittsburgh.

The Bearcats, who trailed Pitt by 21 points late in the first half, wrapped up the Big East championship and a BCS Bowl Berth.

Kelly didn’t coach the Sugar Bowl against Florida.

He was off to Notre Dame, and the next challenge.

In his book, Koch notes that wide receiver Mardy Gilyard, who was critical of Kelly’s exit, couldn’t argue with the results.

“What we did in those years, can’t nobody touch,” said Gilyard.

LSU fans will take a little gruff, but only if that gumbo includes plenty of victories. BC

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

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Financial Summary 2020-2021 Brothers and Sisters in Christ: I am pleased to continue the practice of sharing with you the annual financial report for our diocese here in the Bayou Catholic.

Again this year, we are publishing an accounting of the financial operations of the diocese, which are taken directly from the Audits of Consolidated Financial Statements of the Central Administrative Offices of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, offices and institutions – fiscal year July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. These are independently audited financial statements, performed again this past year by LaPorte CPAs & Business Advisors.

The report indicates that our current financial position is stable, continuing a positive trend with proper controls in place to effectively monitor, manage and report on the financial health of our diocese. In the opinion of the auditor, our financial statements “present fairly our financial position, change in net assets and cash flows for the years ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.”

This particular report is just one element of the accountability and transparency that the diocese strives to practice on a continuing basis. I would like to assure each of you that our diocesan staff is committed to the most ethical and prudent fiscal management of the resources to which you have entrusted us.

Additionally, this report does not contain or illustrate any of the possible financial implications of Hurricane Ida as landfall was after the close of the fiscal year, June 30, 2021. As of the presentation of this report, we do not anticipate any severe financial impact on diocesan operations. The recovery will take multiple years and the generosity of the people of our diocese has played a key role in our ability to sustain normal operations. The long term impact is unknown but will develop in a more visible manner in the months to come.

I once again ask for God’s blessing on each of you in this Easter season, and thank you once again for your ongoing and generous support of our current leadership and the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

Respectfully submitted,

William (Bill) J. Barbera Chief Operating & Financial Officer Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

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

Diocese navigates successfully during Covid-19 pandemic Church Parishes At the beginning of the 2020-2021 fiscal year (July 2020), the diocese remained in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Masses were being celebrated indoors with six-foot social distancing and mask requirements, as well as limitations on the numbers of people who could be inside the church at one time. During this unprecedented time, most of the church parishes continued livestreaming Masses for parishioners who were immunocompromised and/or didn’t feel safe returning to large gatherings.

Beginning the first weekend in March 2021, the governor announced that the limits for the number of people attending worship services in churches was being lifted, however social distancing was still encouraged and the statewide mask mandate was still in place.

Mask mandates were lifted statewide at the end of April 2021, but were still encouraged at Masses in the diocese.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux staff worked hard to meet the needs of those people who were food insecure in the community by teaming up with Second Harvest Food Bank of New Orleans, Second Harvest Food Bank of Acadiana and Cannata’s Market locations in Houma and Morgan City for several drive-through food distributions throughout the diocese.

Catholic Schools Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all schools were forced to close beginning March 16, 2020, and remained close until the end of the 2019-2020 school year.

In June 2020, a task force comprised of Catholic school administrators, medical health professionals, parents, school board members, and diocesan leadership, began working on a “Return to School Plan.” Catholic school students in the diocese were allowed back on campus for in-school learning for the 2020-21 school year in August 2020, with specific COVID-19 regulations and guidelines in place, such as six-foot social distancing, masks required to be

worn by all students and personnel, and regular hand sanitizing. The Catholic schools in the diocese partnered with Thibodaux Regional Health System and Terrebonne General Health System in Houma to help school staff assess their needs and effectively implement the CDC guidelines with regard to COVID-19.

Diocesan Communications The COVID-19 pandemic and the “Stay at Home Order” caused diocesan officials to reassess the ways in which they communicated both internally and externally. As a result, diocesan communications was reorganized to further enhance intentional communication to the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, with the work of the Office of Communications being served through the management of Internal Communications, Media & Public Relations, HT Publishing & Bayou Catholic magazine, and Creative Media & Strategy.

St. Joseph’s Workshop Formation House In January 2021, the diocesan Office of Vocations announced that it would be implementing a new concept in the diocese with the opening of a House of Formation. “Saint Joseph’s Workshop” formation house is a place where men who desire to study for the priesthood will begin their journey before going to the seminary for academic and priestly formation. Because of drastic changes in society over recent decades, the Roman Curia’s Congregation for the Clergy recognized the need to adapt the church’s approach to forming future priests. A house for this purpose was purchased just blocks away from the Nicholls State University campus in Thibodaux in February 2021.

Concluding the Fiscal Year In May 2021, one priest and two transitional deacons were ordained for the diocese.

As the end of the diocesan fiscal year approached, the number of people being infected and dying from COVID-19 began decreasing and vaccines were being administered at a record rate.

Learn more about the work of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Visit www.htdiocese.org May 2022 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 35

2020-2021 Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2021

Chart One Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Houma, Louisiana Selected Financial Information June 30, 2021

Assets: Cash and investments Other current assets Parish loans Property, plant & equipment, net Other assets

$ $ $ $ $ $

67,848,278 670,254 1,682,525 10,713,131 2,721,391 83,635,579

Assets Cash and Investments Accounts Receivable and Other Current Assets Property and Equipment, net of Depreciation Other Assets

$67,848,278 670,254 10,713,131 4,403,916

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Assets Property, plant & equipment, net, $10,713,131

Parish loans, $1,682,525

Other assets, $2,721,391

Other current assets, $670,254

Total Assets $83,635,579

Liabilities and Net Assets Liabilities Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities Central Finance Deposit Liabilities Postretirement Benefit Liability - Priests Other Liabilities

$3,630,531 58,569,818 12,900,088 469,811

Total Liabilities 75,570,248

Net Assets With Donor Restrictions Without Donor Restrictions

Total Net Assets

Total Liabilities and Net Assets

Revenues and Other Support:

Cathedraticum Donations and Grants Investment and Royalty Income Insurance Premiums Other Program Income Net Assets Released From Restrictions

Total Revenues and Other Support

$7,244,804 820,527 8,065,331 $83,635,579

Without Donor Restrictions $2,495,052 4,039,530 3,335,767 10,682,468 2,377,303 36,967

With Donor Restrictions 57,537 231,950 (36,967)

22,967,087

252,520

Expenses: Program Expenses:

Formation Ministries

Social Ministries

Clergy and Religious Expenses

Administration Ministries General and Administrative Expenses Stewardship Expenses

Total Expenses

Change in Net Assets

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

Some notes regarding the Diocese's assets: The Diocese's assets are comprised primarily of investments and property, plant and equipment. The source of the invested funds stems mainly from the Diocesan Central Finance program. Deposits and endowments in the Central Finance program account are included in investments. Property, plant and equipment includes property received from the Archdiocese of New Orleans upon the formation of our Diocese in 1977. Also, it includes the cost of fixed asset additions made since the formation of the Diocese (exclusive of replacements), net of depreciation.

Some notes regarding the Diocese’s assets: The Diocese’s assets are comprised primarily of investments and property, plant and equipment. The source of the invested funds stems mainly from the Diocesan Central Finance program. Deposits and endowments in the Central Finance program account are included in investments.

Property, plant and equipment includes property received from the Archdiocese of New Orleans Chart Two Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux upon the formation of our Diocese Houma, Louisiana Selected Financial Information in 1977.

Also, it includes the cost of June 30, 2021 fixed asset additions made since the Liabilities: formation ofcurrent the Diocese (exclusive of Accounts payable and other liabilities $ 3,630,531 Endowments held for others $ 17,711,800 replacements), net of Insurance program reserves $ depreciation.

469,811 Priests' postretirement benefits liability Central finance deposits

$ $ $

12,900,088 40,858,018 75,570,248

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Liabilities

Central finance deposits, $40,858,018

Priests' postretirement benefits liability, $12,900,088

Insurance program reserves, $469,811

Endowments held for others, $17,711,800

Accounts payable and other current liabilities, $3,630,531

Some notes regarding the Diocese's liabilities and accruals: Seventy-eight (78%) of the liabilities of the Diocese result from the inclusion of deposits in the Diocese's Central Finance program and endowments in the liability category. The liability for priests' postretirement benefits other than pensions (mainly health insurance and long-term care) have historically been paid and will be paid in the future through the Diocese's normal annual budgetary process.

1,852,912 2,284,849 2,350,238 12,524,109 1,278,558 332,625

-

20,623,29

-

4,399,882

-

$6,743,678

$252,520

Other Increases in Net Assets Postretirement Plan Changes

Cash and investments, $67,848,278

Some notes regarding the Diocese’s liabilities and accruals: Seventy-eight (78%) of the liabilities of the Diocese result from the inclusion of deposits in the Diocese’s Central Finance program and endowments in the liability category. The liability for priests’ postretirement benefits other than pensions (mainly health insurance and long-term care) have historically been paid and will be paid in the future through the Diocese’s normal annual budgetary process.

Financial Summary Diocesan Finance Council

Expenses by Office/Department

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is grateful to the members of the diocesan finance council. These individuals play an important consultative role in the fiscal management of the diocese. The diocesan finance council members are:

Formation Ministries: Worship Catholic Schools Parish Support Evangelization Communications Bayou Catholic ABA Grants to Parishes and Schools

Total Formation Ministries

Father Michael Bergeron Angelique Barker Philip McMahon Robbie Naquin Quint Ocker Tim Robichaux Consultants: Bill Barbera April M. LeBouef Ex-Officio Members: Very Rev. P.J. Madden Very Rev. Simon Peter Engurait, V.G. Glen Vice - Advisor Dawn Sevin - Secretary

The Audit and the Auditor’s Opinion The financial statements were audited by an independent certified public accounting firm. Diocesan management chooses to hire these auditors to help fulfill its role as good and responsible stewards of the generous funds contributed by its parishioners. The auditors expressed an “unmodified” opinion on the diocese’s financial statements.

An “unmodified” opinion means the financial statements are fairly presented, in all material respects, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The complete audited report is available to all on the diocesan website, www.htdiocese.org. Click as follows: Offices, Administration, Finance, then Documents.

Social Ministries: Catholic Charities Hospital Chaplain Assisi Bridge House St. Lucy Childcare Center Disaster Services Catholic Housing Micro-Enterprise (c.e.n.t.s.)

Foster Grandparent Food Banks

Total Social Ministries

$70,301 308,292 346,232 224,237 444,277 297,670 161,903 1,852,912

380,775 132,399 407,245 356,313 236,298 42,826 32,397 374,906 321,690 2,284,849

Clergy and Religious: Seminarian Formation Vocations Permanent Diaconate Priest Office/House of Formation Office of the Bishop Mary’s Manor Pension and Postretirement Benefits

Total Clergy and Religious Administriation Ministries: Computer and Technology Support Construction Archives Tribunal Cemeteries and Cemeteries Trust St. Joseph Cemetery Property and Casualty Insurance Human Resources and Employee Benefits Central Finance Lumen Christi

Total Administration Ministries

Total Program Expenses

446,989 30,786 625 23,099 269,837 93,279 1,485,623 2,350,238

210,271 56,239 60,674 60,133 397,742 364,590 3,620,214 7,025,754 513,785 214,707 12,524,109 $19,012,108

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

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

1,852,912 (1,138,450)

Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenses

297,371 35,688 -

Total expenses

Papal quota and Catholic Conference Contributions and grants Depreciation Central finance interest expense Emergency assistance and disaster relief Telephone

43,706 79,058

9,916 1,232 -

$

293,263

2,284,849

72,164 426,749 28,808

83,624 151,963 838

40,185 78,820 31,835

43,034 33,367 13,669 244,004

49,559 55,455 185,000 -

745,775

7,312

808,466

38,222 31,336 17,274 145,747

Occupancy expenses Other operating expenses Copying and printing

1,445,865 41,821 1,083,114 2,578,112

Pension and benefits Business allowance/reimbursement Conference and travel Program expenses

Supplies Maintenance and repair Insurance

$

Social Ministries

714,462

-

535,356 179,106

113,290 57,884 173,722 -

$

$

Salaries - religious Payroll taxes Group insurance Group insurance - retired priests

Total revenues Expenses: Salaries - lay personnel

Net assets released from restrictions

Donations and grants Investment income Oil and gas royalties Program service and other income

Revenues: Cathedraticum

Formation Ministries

$

$

(1,584,665)

2,350,238

6,150 80,638 2,406

17,475 70,201 -

24,496 31,237 13,621

12,233 8,468 5,643 390,404

62,404 9,051 99,317 1,389,332

127,162

765,573

-

738,430 27,143 -

-

Program expenses Clergy and Religious

$

$

2,347,336

12,524,109

84,222 513,785 434

68,102 95,367 -

26,983 79,829 -

43,323 10,246 1,253 10,355,875

22,000 63,056 158,027 -

1,001,607

14,871,445

29,655

27,271 3,083,693 11,730,826

-

Administration Ministries

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Unrestricted Revenues and Expenses Year Ended June 30, 2021

Unrestricted Revenues and Expenses for the year ended June 30, 2021

$

$

(82,516)

19,012,108

303,521 272,712 513,785 426,749 31,648

169,201 361,237 79,896

101,580 191,118 45,456

136,812 83,417 37,839 11,136,030

247,253 185,446 616,066 1,389,332

2,683,010

18,929,592

36,967

2,746,922 3,152,657 12,993,046

-

Total Program

$

$

1,761,696

1,278,558

73,650 54,718 248,151 12,271

54,661 241,598 33,255

15,655 105,621 -

15,562 7,968 5,119 9,214

3,986 25,631 75,673 -

295,825

3,040,254

-

295,367 183,110 66,725

2,495,052

General and Adminsitrative

$

$

1,389,332 153,145 91,385 42,958 11,369,805

45,456 223,862 602,835 113,151 73,650 446,053 520,863 513,785 426,749 43,919

-

-

664,616

332,625

-

-

-

-

87,814

-

-

-

2,343,796

20,623,291

117,235 296,739 -

-

224,561

-

-

771

1,968

1,234

-

-

36,967 22,967,087

13,059,771

2,495,052 4,039,530 3,152,657 183,110

2,995,112 251,239 212,311 693,707

$

$

Total

16,277

997,241

-

-

-

-

997,241

-

Stewardship

Schedule A Schedule A

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Terrebonne GENERAL HEALTH SYSTEM

tghealthsystem.com Modern Technology. Timeless Caring.

Spinal Implant Procedures including • INTRATHECAL PUMP IMPLANT • SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR IMPLANT • VERTIFLEX -

(MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENT FOR SPINAL STENOSIS)

DR. HAYDEL IS 1 OF ONLY 3 PHYSICIANS IN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA & IS 1 OF ONLY 20 PHYSICIANS IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY THAT HAS EXCEEDED OVER 100 VERTIFLEX PROCEDURES

Interventional Pain Procedures including: • EPIDURAL STEROID AND OTHER SPINE INJECTIONS • PERCUTANEOUS DISC DECOMPRESSION • RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION • KYPHOPLASTY FOR COMPRESSION FRACTURES • DISCOGRAM

Wellness/Osteoporosis Clinic Lafayette Location:

Houma Location:

Thibodaux Location:

1101 S. College Road, Suite 202 Lafayette, LA 70503 Phone: (337) 233-2504

1022 Belanger St. Houma, LA 70360 Phone: (985) 223-3132

2100 Audubon Avenue Thibodaux, LA 70301 Phone: (985) 223-3132

Morgan City Location:

NEW LOCATION

1124 Eighth Street Morgan City, LA 70380 Phone: (985) 223-3132

www.painspecialty.net

Michael S. Haydel, M.D. FIPP, ABIPP Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians American Board of Anesthesiology