Bayou Catholic | March 2012 by Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Bayou

Catholic

The magazine for the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Ad limina Bishop Jacobs visits the Holy Father, Vatican and Rome

HOUMA, LA ~ MARCH 2012 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

Contents

Jesus Is Lord Who is the ultimate decider of life? The person? Others? God?

St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux: oldest parish in the diocese

36 Cover Story

Bishop Jacobs visits Holy Father, Vatican and Rome

Our Churches

St. Joseph Altars Ready for viewing March 19

Heavenly Recipes

Our Organizations

Cajun Classic: Virginia’s Shrimp Jambalaya

Marian Servants of the Word: Growing in spiritual life

Woman of God

Ordination

Annual conference attracts many participants

Rev. Mr. King ordained to transitional diaconate

• Financial Report

• Father Broussard

• Pope Speaks

• Reflections

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

Bayou Catholic Vol. 32, No. 12 March 2012

The Bayou Catholic is published monthly, for the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of HoumaThibodaux 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. National and world-wide news service and photos by National Catholic News Service.

• Calendar • Scripture Readings

7 27

Louis G. Aguirre editor and general manager Lawrence Chatagnier assistant editor Glenn J. Landry, C.P.A. business manager Peggy Adams advertising manager Janet Marcel staff writer Pat Keese secretary and circulation Lisa Schobel Hebert graphic designer Janet B. Eschete accounts payable assistant Meridy Liner accounts receivable assistant

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Index to Advertisers Bishop’s Appeal .................................................................................. 56 Cannata’s ............................................................................................. 3 Catholic Relief Services Collection ....................................................... 33 Channel 10 ......................................................................................... 11 Diocesan Outreach Line ...................................................................... 23 Diocese of Baton Rouge Advancement Coordinator ............................. 24 Diocese of Baton Rouge Principal Position ........................................... 22 God’s Promises Books & Gifts .............................................................. 5 God’s Promises Books & Gifts ............................................................ 35 God’s Promises Books & Gifts ............................................................ 41 God’s Promises Books & Gifts ............................................................ 47 God’s Promises Books & Gifts ............................................................ 48 Haydel Spine & Pain ............................................................................ 38 Headache & Pain Center ...................................................................... 41 M Press .............................................................................................. 17 Mary Bird Perkins-TGMC ..................................................................... 55 Re-Bath .............................................................................................. 47 Seminary Burse .................................................................................. 13 Southland Mall ...................................................................................... 2 Spotlight ............................................................................................... 6 St. Joseph Manor ................................................................................ 24 Synergy Bank ........................................................................................ 5 Terminix .............................................................................................. 48 TGMC Outreach Calendar-March ......................................................... 21 Thibodaux Physical Therapy ................................................................ 17 Thibodaux Regional Medical Center ..................................................... 25 Youth Ministry ..................................................................................... 47

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Where to find your Bayou Catholic Bayou Catholic magazine can be found at all Catholic churches in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and at the three Catholic high schools in Houma, Morgan City and Thibodaux. You may also visit the merchants listed in the Advertisers’ Index to pick up your copy. Those wishing to receive the magazine by mail can call Pat Keese at (985) 850-3132 or write to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Subscription price is $35 annually.

Shop Early for the Best Selection of First Communion & Confirmation Gifts God’s Promises Books & Gifts Galliano Religious Supply House God’s Precious Word & Gifts See our ad on page 35

March 2012

Welcome

Editor’s Corner Louis G. Aguirre Editor & General Manager

Pass it on!

ere we are, into the second issue of Bayou Catholic magazine and we are already learning that we need to print more copies because of the overwhelming response from Catholics throughout our diocese. Within the first weekend of distribution, a number of our parishes completely ran out and had to ask us to send them more. We had to contact all parishes and schools to round up their extras to satisfy the needs of others. Needless to say, we are now printing more copies and hope to satisfy the great demand from you, our readers. We thank each and every one of you who have called, written and talked to us in person with your congratulations. Many have expressed that they have read it from cover to cover and plan to re-read many of the articles. This is heartwarming, indeed! At the same time we have also heard from individuals who, for some reason or another, are not able to venture outside their homes to pick up a copy. These include the elderly, sick and infirm. As we joyfully immerse ourselves in this Year of New Evangelization, it would be my hope that those of you able to do so would take the time to “pass on” your copy of Bayou Catholic to those you may know who are not able to receive it. You may also consider giving it to someone who has been away from the Catholic Church. As an evangelization tool, the magazine may be a welcome visitor to those who are not practicing their faith or those who may have been alienated from us in the past. I want to encourage you to send us your thoughts, ideas and – yes – critiques so we can make your magazine the best it can be. To all of you: Many thanks … and pass it on!

JEANINE AVILA/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Presenting a copy of the new Bayou Catholic magazine to Bishop Sam G. Jacobs is Louis G. Aguirre, editor and general manager of Bayou Catholic and staff members, standing from left, Lawrence Chatagnier, assistant editor; Janet Marcel, staff writer; Pat Keese, secretary and circulation; Lisa Schobel Hebert, graphic designer; and Peggy Adams, advertising manager.

Diocesan Programs This Week “Revival”

Host: Bishop Sam G. Jacobs Co-Host: Regina Thibodeaux Wednesday 8:30 p.m. Friday 9:30 a.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m. HTV/VISION COMMUNICATIONS, CHARTER COMM. & COMCAST CHANNEL 10 ALLEN’S TV CABLE MORGAN CITY CHANNEL 71 (Digital Channel 30.1-UHF & Channel 7.1-VHF) Mondays - 9:30 a.m. Thursdays - 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 p.m. Saturdays - 9:30 p.m.

“Spotlight on the Diocese” Host: Louis Aguirre With Guests: Most Rev. Sam G. Jacobs and Tim Bogan Coordinator: New Evangelization Office

If you are not receiving these programs in your area, please contact your local cable provider.

March 2012

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

n Free Income Tax Preparation and E-filing every Tuesday and Saturday for people with income under $49,000, through Tuesday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Terrebonne Parish Main Library (2nd floor). Closed Saturday, March 31. n Youth Rally, March 2, registration deadline. n Man of God Conference, March 2-3, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. March 2; events begin at 7 p.m. Registration is $65 per person and includes meals. Online registration: www.htconferences.org or by phone (985) 850-3171. Open to men over 18 years of age. n First Friday Day of Prayer, March 2, Lumen Christi Retreat Center, 9:30 a.m., morning prayer followed by a conference, rosary, reconciliation, Holy Hour, Mass and lunch. Father Glenn LeCompte will direct the day. n Food for the Journey, March 6, 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Quality Hotel, Houma. Speaker will be

aPRIL

n Chrism Mass, April 3, 7 p.m., Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma. n 2011 Hike for Christ, (bilingual: English and Spanish), April 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., begins at Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux. n First Friday Day of Prayer, April 6, Lumen Christi Retreat Center, 9:30 a.m., morning prayer followed by a conference, rosary, reconciliation, Holy Hour, Mass and lunch. Father Glenn LeCompte will direct the day.

mAY

n First Friday Day of Prayer, May 4, Lumen Christi Retreat Center, 9:30 a.m., morning prayer followed by a conference, rosary, reconciliation, Holy Hour, Mass and lunch. Father Glenn LeCompte will direct the day. n Woman of God Gathering, May 7, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Meal served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m. Free event, all women over 18 years of age are invited. n Transitional diaconate ordi-

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Father Mike Bergeron. n Adult Faith Formation: Spirituality, March 7, 14, 6:30-8:45 p.m., diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Speaker will be Vince Scozzari. n Lent Retreat for diocesan coordinators of Hispanic Ministry from the dioceses of Louisiana, Lumen Christi Retreat Center, March 13-14, 11 a.m. n aNew Experience, March 14, 7 to 9 p.m., St. Bridget Church, Schriever. n Lenten Prayer Breakfast, Saturday, March 17, at Lumen Christi Retreat Center’s Souby Building, sponsored by The World of Hope Foundation, Inc. and The Lamb Shall Lead International, Inc., from 8:30 until 11:30 a.m. Guest speaker, Joseph Schonacher; fee $15. Mass will follow. n ACRE testing in Catholic schools, March 19-22. n Woman of God Gathering, March 20, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Meal served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m. Free event, all women over

DIOCESAN

March

18 years of age are invited. n Prayer service and presentation on the Catholic Church and the death penalty, Wednesday, March 21 at the diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. The prayer service begins at 6 p.m. The presentation, “What is your understanding of the death penalty?” by Rob Tasman, associate director of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, will begin at 6:30 p.m. n Hispanic Evangelization Retreat, March 24-25, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. n Evening of Prayer and Song, “Responding to God’s Call,” March 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Lumen Christi Retreat Center. Father Glenn LeCompte will direct the evening. n Student of the Year Breakfast, Thursday, March 29, 8:309:30 a.m., Lumen Christi Retreat Center. n Youth Rally, March 31, Noon until 10 p.m., Nicholls State University in Thibodaux.

n Easter Vigil, April 7, 8 p.m., all church parishes in the diocese. n Man of God Gathering, April 16, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, meal served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m. Free event, all men over 18 years of age invited. n aNew Experience, April 18, Sacred Heart Church, Cut Off. n Stanford testing in Catholic schools, April 23-27. n Evening of Prayer and Song,

“Announcing Good News to the Ends of the Earth, A Reflection on the Proclamation of God’s Word,” April 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Lumen Christi Retreat Center. Father Glenn LeCompte will direct the evening. n Dan Schutte Concert, April 27, Annunziata Church, Houma, 7-9 p.m. n Dan Schutte Conference, April 28, Annunziata Church, Houma, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

nation of Simon Peter Engurait, May 12, St. Bernadette Church, Houma, 10 a.m. n aNew Experience, May 16, Christ the Redeemer Church, Thibodaux, 7-9 p.m. n E.D. White Catholic High School graduation, May 18, Warren J. Harang Jr. Municipal Auditorium, Thibodaux, 9 a.m. n Central Catholic High School graduation, May 19, Holy Cross Church, Morgan City, 1:30 p.m. n Vandebilt Catholic High

School graduation, May 19, Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, Houma, 9 a.m. n Priesthood ordinations of Rev. Mr. Mitch Semar, Rev. Mr. Joseph Tregre, Rev. Mr. Eric Leyble and Rev. Mr. Stuart King, May 26, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma, 10 a.m. n Evening of Prayer and Song, “Eucharist,” May 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Lumen Christi Retreat Center. Father Glenn LeCompte will direct the evening.

EVENTS

March 2012

Comment Jesus Is Lord Bishop Sam G. Jacobs

Doctor-assisteD suiciDe is the moral issue that divides Americans the most. Percentage of U.S. adults who believe these issues are morally acceptable or morally wrong: morally acceptable doctor-assisted suicide abortion

ow often the secular culture in which we are living has a definite agenda to impose its view of life! Recently, I came across a news release that made this statement: “An increase in the number of movies that present assisted suicide in a positive light is contributing to a renewed momentum to legalize physicianassisted suicide, especially in the New England states.” That this is happening in the Northeast and the Northwest, should not give us here in Southeast Louisiana a false sense of security. This movement started in the Northwest a number of years ago and is gradually moving throughout our country. A proponent that advocates assisted suicide, Derek Humphry, stated back in 2004: that advocates of assisted suicide “must introduce our subject more healthily into literature, media and the arts so that it is as commonplace to read, watch or listen to in our lives as watching sporting events or monitoring political news.” At present, doctor assisted suicide is legal in the states of Oregon, Washington and Montana. There is a proposal in the state of Massachusetts to get 68,911 signatures to place the same initiative on this November’s ballot. In response, Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston strongly condemned the proposal in a Sept. 18 homily at the annual Red Mass sponsored by the Catholic Lawyers’ Guild of Boston. Here are

45%

39%

60% 62%

embryonic stem-cell research

divorce

51% 56%

premarital sex

death penalty

48%

39%

same-sex relations

pornography

morally wrong

36% 30%

30%

66% 65% 69%

28% 23%

Based on telephone interviews conducted May 5-8 with a random sample of 1,018 U.S. adults. There is a 95 percent confidence that the maximum margin of sampling error is ±4 percentage points. Source: Gallup, 2011 Values and Beliefs poll

his words: “We hope the citizens of the commonwealth will not be seduced by (words like) dignity and compassion, which are means to disguise the sheer brutality of helping people to kill themselves.” There are two movies “Million Dollar Baby” and “The Sea Inside,” both rated PG-13, which support this effort to shape the moral values of our society in a way that will see that maybe some lives are not worth living or saving. Is this not a further effect of the thought that began with the legality of abortion that says that life is cheap and expendable? When the right to life of an innocent child is second to the right to decide on the part of the mother or others whether to abort or not, then it is a slippery slope to the other end of the spectrum when we are dealing with the terminally ill , the elderly

and everything in between. Who is the ultimate decider of life? The person? Others? God? Who is the beginning and end of life? If anyone other than God has the ultimate decision, then what will protect my life or any life from being sacrificed because it is expendable? As we continue to legalize murder how can we legalize against it? Why is one murder acceptable and the other is not? Without the protection of every life we move to eventual anarchy and moral decadence. We must stay alert to the subtle attempts of the secular agenda that consciously seek to subvert the God revealed foundation of what has made this nation from the beginning. It may be a matter of time that we in this state will have to rally against this same initiative.

Who is the ultimate decider of life? The person? Others? God? March 2012

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

¿Quién da o quita la vida? ¿El individuo? ¿Los demás? ¿Dios?

¡M

uchas veces la cultura secular en que vivimos tiene por objetivo

imponer su punto de vista sobre la vida! Hace poco leí un artículo de prensa que decía: “Un aumento en el número de películas que presentan suicidios asistidos como algo positivo contribuye al nuevo movimiento por legalizar los suicidios asistidos por médicos, especialmente en los estados del noreste de Estados Unidos.” Sólo porque esto sucede en el noreste o noroeste de Estados Unidos no debemos tener un sentido falso de seguridad aquí en el sureste de Luisiana. Este movimiento comenzó en el noroeste hace unos años y se ha ido expandiendo en toda la nación. Un activista que aboga por el suicidio asistido, Derek Humphrey, declaró el 2004 que los que abogan por el suicidio asistido “deben introducir nuestro tema de manera más sana en la literatura, la prensa y las artes para convertirlo en lectura común, para que sea visto y oído en nuestras vidas como los eventos deportivos o las noticias políticas.” En la actualidad, el suicidio asistido por médicos es legal en los estados de Oregón, Washington y Montana. Hay una propuesta en el estado de Massachusetts para obtener 68, 911firmas para llevar a cabo la iniciativa en la papeleta electoral de noviembre. El Cardenal Sean P. O’Malley de Boston declaró su condena a esta propuesta en la homilía del 18 de septiembre en la Misa Roja organizada por el Gremio de Abogados Católicos de Boston. He aquí su declaración: “Tenemos la esperanza que los ciudadanos de la mancomunidad no sean seducidos por palabras como dignidad y compasión, que son utilizadas para disfrazar la brutalidad absoluta de asistir al prójimo a suicidarse.” Hay dos películas “Million Dollar Baby” y “The Sea Incide” calificados PG-13, que apoyan esta campaña Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

de transformar los valores morales de nuestra sociedad de manera que parezca que tal vez algunas vidas no merecen ser rescatadas o no merecen vivir. ¿No es esto el resultado de la ideología que comenzó con la legalización del aborto que dice que la vida es barata y que le falta importancia? Cuando el derecho a la vida de un niño inocente es secundario al derecho de la madre (u otros) de elegir el aborto, entonces se corre el riesgo de crear una caída al otro extremo del espectro cuando tratamos con los desahuciados, las personas de la tercera edad y otros casos. ¿Quién da o quita la vida? ¿El individuo? ¿Los demás? ¿Dios? ¿Quién está al inicio y al final de la vida? Si alguien que no es Dios

toma esta decisión, entonces, ¿qué va a evitar que mi vida o la vida de los demás sean asesinadas por su falta de importancia? Mientras continuamos a legalizar el asesinato, ¿cómo podemos legalizar su prohibición? ¿Por qué es una forma de asesinato aceptable y la otra no? Sin la protección de la vida nos estamos trasladando a una anarquía eventual y decadencia moral. Debemos permanecer alerta a la intención del movimiento secular de subordinar la fundación de Dios en la que se edificó esta nación desde su principio. Podría ser cuestión de tiempo que en nuestro estado de Luisiana tendremos que luchar contra esta misma iniciativa. 9

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

March 2012

Ai laø ngöôøi coù quyeát ñònh toái haäu veà söï soáng? Moät ngöôøi? Nhöõng ngöôøi khaùc? Hay Thieân Chuùa?

aõ hoäi theá tuïc maø chuùng ta ñang soáng thöôøng xuyeân coù toân chæ tuyeät ñoái cho chuùng ta caùi nhìn veà söï soáng khoâng? Gaàn ñaây toâi ñoïc ñöôïc maåu tin noùi nhö sau, “Coù nhieàu phim aûnh trình baøy veà trôï töû, ñaëc bieät ôû nhöõng tieåu bang mieàn ñoâng baéc.” Vaàn ñeà naøy xaûy ra ôû ñoâng baéc vaø taây baéc nöôùc Myõ khoâng theå mang ñeán cho chuùng ta laø nhöõng ngöôøi soáng ôû mieàn nam caùi an ninh giaû taïo ñoù. Traøo löu naøy baét ñaàu töø mieàn taây baéc maáy naêm veà tröôùc vaø töø töø lan roäng khaép nöôùc Myõ. OÂng Derek Humphry, moät ngöôøi uûng hoä trôï töû ñaõ vaän ñoäng töø naêm 2004 cho raèng uûng hoä trôï töû “phaûi ñöôïc trình baøy nhö moät ñeà taøi laønh maïnh trong vaên chöông, baùo chí vaø ngheä thuaät ñeå moïi ngöôøi coù theå ñoïc ñöôïc, xem hoaëc laéng nghe nhö laø ngöôøi ta xem theå thao hoaët theo doõi baûn tin chính trò.” Hieän nay, nhöõng tieåu bang nhö Oregon, Washington vaø Montana cho pheùp caùc baùc só giuùp beänh nhaân töï keát lieãu. Tieåu bang Massachusettes ñaõ thu ñöôïc 68, 911 chöõ kyù cho döï aùn naøy ñeå boû phieáu vaøo thaùng 11. Ñeå choáng laïi döï aùn naøy, Ñöùc Hoàng Y cuûa Boston cöïc löïc phaûn ñoái trong baøi giaûng ngaøy 18 thaùng 9 trong Thaùnh leã thöôøng nieân Red Mass do hoäi luaät sö Coâng Giaùo baûo trôï. Ngaøi noùi nhö sau: “Chuùng toâi hy voïng raèng nhöõng coâng daân tieåu bang khoâng bò caùm doã bôûi nhöõng danh töø nhö phaåm giaù vaø loøng nhaân töø ñeå che daáu caùi haønh ñoäng daõ man laø giuùp ngöôøi ta trôï töû. Hai cuoán phim mang töïa ñeà “Million Dollar Baby” vaø “The Sea Inside,” phim caáp PG-13 coù khuynh höôùng uûng hoä giaù trò luaân lyù vôùi chieàu höôùng laø moät vaøi maïng soáng naøo ñoù khoâng ñaùng soáng hoaëc neân cöùu soáng. Coù phaûi ñaây laø haäu quaû tieáp noái ñaõ baét ñaàu baèng cho pheùp phaù thai vôùi kieåu noùi cho raèng söï soáng raát taàm thöôøng vaø co giaõn? Khi maø quyeàn ñöôïc soáng cuûa nhöõng em beù chöa ra ñôøi ñöôïc xeáp haïng hai do meï chuùng coù neân gieát ñi hay khoâng, roài nhö caùi giaây trôn tru loâi keùo con ngöôøi ñeán caùi cuøng ñích khaùc laø khi naøo neân keát lieãu nhöõng ngöôøi mang beänh nan y, nhöõng ngöôøi giaø caû vaø nhöõng thöù beänh khaùc nöõa. March 2012

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Ai laø ngöôøi coù quyeát ñònh toái haäu veà söï soáng? Moät ngöôøi? Nhieàu ngöôøi? Thieân Chuùa? Neáu baát cöù ngöôøi naøo ngoaøi Thieân Chuùa ra coù quyeát ñònh ñoù, vaäy thì caùi gì seõ baûo veä söï soáng cuûa toâi hay baát cöù söï soáng naøo khi coù nguy cô bò huûy ñi vì söï soáng bò co giaõn? Neáu chuùng ta ra luaät gieát ngöôøi vaäy thì laøm sao ra luaät choáng laïi noù? Taïi sao gieát ngöôøi caùch naøy ñöôïc maø caùch kia laïi khoâng ñöôïc?

Neáu söï soáng khoâng ñöôïc baûo veä sau cuøng seõ ñöa chuùng ta ñeán roái loaïn vaø luaân lyù suy ñoài. Chuùng ta caàn tænh taùo veà söï xaûo quyeät cuûa xaõ hoäi theá tuïc vì chuùng tìm caùch laät ñoå neàn taûng maø Thieân Chuùa ñaõ maïc khaûi maø quoác gia ñaõ duøng laøm neàn taûng ngay töø ban ñaàu. Coù theå trong thôøi gian naøo ñoù nhöõng ngöôøi daân trong tieåu bang maø chuùng ta ñang soáng cuøng saùnh vai choáng laïi traøo löu naøy. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Tune In To... Quality Family Programming for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

~ Channel 10* on Comcast of Houma and CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS of Terrebonne Parish. ~ Channel 10* on CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS in Thibodaux. ~ Channel 10* on VISION COMMUNICATIONS of South and Central Lafourche *Channel 10 is provided by and in cooperation with HTV of Houma. ~ Channel 71, ALLEN’S TV CABLE of Morgan City

SUNDAY

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 P.M.

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Closer Walk Spotlight/Revival

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary The Choices We Face Spotlight/Revival

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Divine Intervention Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M. 11:00 P.M.

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

Closer Walk Live With Passion

THURSDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Living Scripture Spotlight/Revival Spotlight/Revival

FRIDAY

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Live With Passion Spotlight/Revival

SATURDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Real Food Spotlight/Revival

Programs produced by the Diocesan Office of TV Communications. We reserve the right to make program changes.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

March 2012

Church Life

Father Hubert Broussard dies at 88

Father Hubert Broussard, a retired priest of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, died Feb. 5, at the age of 88. Father Broussard was born Sept. 28, 1924, in Edgard, LA. He was ordained a priest May 10, 1952, for the Archdiocese of New Orleans and remained in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux when it was established in 1977. Father Broussard retired in 1989. Father Broussard served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans for 25 years. During his 60 years as a priest, he also served as pastor of Annunziata Church parish in Houma, St. John the Evangelist Church parish in Thibodaux, St. Lawrence Church parish in Chacahoula and St. Ann Church parish in Bourg. He is survived by two brothers, Marion Broussard of LaPlace and Meryl Broussard of Memphis, TN. Bishop Sam G. Jacobs celebrated a Mass of Christian burial at St. John the Evangelist Church with interment at St. John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a seminary burse will be established in Father Broussard’s memory. Donations can be sent to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in memory of Father Broussard.

March 2012

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER PHOTOS/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Father Hubert Broussard, retired diocesan priest, died Feb. 5, at age 88. Priests from across the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux attended the funeral at St. John the Evangelist Church in Thibodaux. Bishop Sam G. Jacobs was the main celebrant of the Mass. Priests of the diocese were pall bearers for the funeral.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Seminarian Education Burses

What is a seminarian burse fund? A seminarian burse fund is an invested sum of money where the interest is used in perpetuity to help fund the education of men to the priesthood in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

How does someone establish a seminarian burse fund? Very simply, a burse may be established and named for anyone you choose, be it family, friend, bishop, priest, religious, etc.

When is a seminarian burse complete? A seminarian burse fund is complete once it reaches $15,000. If you choose to continue to contribute, a new burse will be created for you.

Who do I contact to contribute to or establish a burse fund? To contribute or establish a burse, send funds to Pastoral Center, Attn: Seminarian Burse, P. O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395 or call Jeremy Becker, Director of Stewardship and Development, at 985-850-3155 for more information.

Completed Burses of $15,000 each

JANUARY 2012 Contributions

Note: those wtih a number stipulates the number of completed burses* - Anonymous

- Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis

- Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Bienvenu

- C. Remie Duplantis

- Harry Booker

- Marie Elise Duplantis

- Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux (3)*

- Warren J. Harang, Jr.

- Rev. Adrian J. Caillouet

- Msgr. Raphael C. Labit

- Rev. James Louis Caillouet

- Msgr. Francis J. Legendre

- Bishop L. Abel Caillouet

- Rev. Charles Menard

- Judge/Mrs L. P. Caillouet

- Donald Peltier, Sr. (2)*

- Msgr. Lucien J. Caillouet

- Harvey Peltier (30)*

- Abdon J. & Ada B. Callais

- Richard Peltier

- Harold & Gloria Callais Family

- Orleans & Louella Pitre

- Paul A. Callais

- Msgr. Joseph Wester

- Peter W. Callais

- Robert R. Wright, Jr.

- Vincent & Fannie Cannata

- Rev. Kermit Trahan

- Minor Sr. & Lou Ella Cheramie

- Diocesan K of C

- Maude & Edith Daspit

- Endowment Fund - $119,136.90

Donald Peltier, Sr.............................................$1,000.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz.........................................$ 200.00 Eledier Broussard...............................................$100.00 Rev. Henry Naquin..............................................$100.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue................................................$50.00

- Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis family (3)*

Open Burses with Balance as of 1/31/12 Mr. Eledier Broussard

................. $11,300.00

Rev. Gerard Hayes ................................ $3,886.00

Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski ................ $1,025.00

Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis ........... $10,800.00

Rev. Henry Naquin ................................ $3,810.00

Rev. Clemens Schneider ....................... $1,000.00

Msgr. Raphael C. Labit #2 .................. $10,600.00

Msgr. William Koninkx .......................... $3,700.00

St. Joseph Italian Society ...................... $1,000.00

Harvey Peltier #31 .............................. $10,486.91

Kelly Curole Frazier ............................. $3,490.96

Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux #4 ........... $1,000.00

Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis #2 .......... $10,000.00

J. R. Occhipinti ..................................... $3,400.00

Msgr. John G. Keller .............................. $1,000.00

C. Remie Duplantis #2 ........................ $10,000.00

Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ....................... $3,060.00

Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 .......................... $900.00

Marie Elise Duplantis #2 ..................... $10,000.00

St. Jude ................................................. $3,000.00

Deacon Willie Orgeron ............................. $800.00

Maude & Edith Daspit #2 .................... $10,000.00

Catholic Daughters ............................... $2,930.00

Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................... $750.00

Msgr. George A. Landry ...................... $10,000.00

Diocesan K of C #2 .............................. $2,894.62

Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande ...................... $700.00

St. Bernadette Men’s Club .................... $8,000.00

Joseph “Jay” Fertitta ............................. $2,845.00

Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ................... $660.00

Rev. Victor Toth ..................................... $7,000.00

Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ....................... $2,600.00

James J. Buquet, Jr. ................................. $650.00

Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................. $6,700.00

Donald Peltier, Sr. # 3............................ $2,100.00

Deacon Roland Dufrene ........................... $550.00

Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $5,935.00

Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne .................... $2,000.00

Deacon Raymond LeBouef ...................... $550.00

Rev. Peter Nies ..................................... $5,450.00

Rev. H. C. Paul Daigle .......................... $1,900.00

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata .................... $500.00

Mr. & Mrs. Love W. Pellegrin ................. $5,000.00

Msgr. Francis J. Legendre #2 ................ $1,645.00

Deacon Robert Dusse’ ............................. $450.00

Anonymous #2 ...................................... $5,000.00

Msgr. Emile J. Fossier ........................... $1,545.00

Deacon Harold Kurtz ................................ $300.00

Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Fmly.#4..... $5,000.00

Dr. William Barlette, Sr........................... $1,525.00

Richard Peltier #2 ..................................... $300.00

Rev. William M. Fleming ........................ $5,000.00

Anawin Community ............................... $1,500.00

Claude Bergeron ...................................... $200.00

Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ..................... $4,839.00

Rev. Robert J. Sevigny .......................... $1,300.00

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin .......................... $150.00

Harry Booker #2 .................................... $4,138.00

Msgr. John L. Newfield .......................... $1,200.00

Rev. Guy Zeringue .................................... $ 50.00

Overall Seminarian Burse Totals: $1,327,542.39 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

March 2012

Comment The Pope Speaks

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- God is near even though it may seem like he does not hear people’s prayers or has abandoned his flock, Pope Benedict XVI said. “Faced with difficult and painful situations, when God seems to not hear us, we must not be afraid to give him all of the weight we carry in our heart, we should not be afraid to cry out to him about our suffering,” he said. Speaking at his weekly general audience Feb. 8, Pope Benedict continued his catechesis on prayer by highlighting Christ’s prayer from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus’ cry to the Father from the cross was not immediately understood by those nearby, the pope explained. Some thought he was calling Elijah, asking him to prolong his life, but Jesus was quoting Psalm 22, which affirms God’s presence amid his people, the pope said. “Jesus is praying this psalm with the awareness of the Father’s presence,” he continued. “Many ask how this omnipotent God could not intervene to spare his own Son?” Because Jesus’ cry is not one for help, he said, but rather a prayer for his people and all peoples. Pope Benedict said that while most people focus on Christ’s passion from noon to 3 p.m., St. Mark writes that Christ’s time on the cross began three hours earlier, at 9 a.m., when he was nailed to the cross. Pope Benedict drew a distinction between the first three hours and

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Benedict XVI and two Italian schoolchildren watch after releasing a dove from the window of the pope’s apartment overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Jan. 29. After praying the Angelus, the pope and the children released doves as a symbol of peace.

the second three. Christ’s first three hours on the cross, he said, were marked by the delusion of those present: passersby deriding him, and even those crucified with him insulting him. The second three hours that Christ spent on the cross were instead characterized by silence and darkness, he continued. “The darkness enveloped people and things, but even in these moments of darkness God is present,” the pope said. In the Bible darkness, he said, “is a sign of the presence and action of evil” but it can also serve to express a

mysterious divine action.” And it would be out of this darkness, he said, that “Christ would emerge to bring life through his act of love.” At the end of the audience, in his address to pilgrims present in Paul VI hall, Pope Benedict mentioned the recent wave of extreme cold that has been gripping Europe for the past few weeks, causing some 40 deaths in Italy alone and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. He encouraged the faithful to pray for the victims and to show solidarity “to those suffering from these tragic events.”

Though prayers may seem unheard, God never abandons us, pope says March 2012

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle

Too much contrition?

Why, if we truly are children of a loving Father, does the Catholic Church push so much guilt on us? I have been faithful to my spouse. I’ve tried my best to raise my children in the Catholic faith. I’m honest and hardworking. I go to Mass and receive Communion every Sunday. Unless illness prevents me, I support my parish and I respect people of all races, colors and religions. Why is it, then, that in the Mass we have prayers of guilt and repentance? How many times a day do I have to say “I’m sorry,” and why am I “unworthy” to receive Communion? (Covington, Ga.) The stock answer to this question has two elements. First, it’s the reminder that God is perfect and we are not (Prv 24:16: Though the just fall seven times, they rise again) and that we are forever in need of God’s forgiveness and strength. It would then be pointed out that the Eucharist is a prize of infinite value -- standing, as it does, that Jesus died and rose for us and now offers himself to us in intimate friendship -- and that we should never consider ourselves worthy of such surpassing generosity. But your question is wellreasoned, deeply felt and deserves further comment. I’m wondering whether your dismay has been triggered by the revised language of the Confiteor in the new translation of the Roman Missal. If so, I can understand your concern, and a brief history lesson might help. An ancient Christian document called the “Didache” noted that the early Christians gathered for Eucharist on the

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Lord’s Day “after first confessing their sins.” For centuries, the Confiteor was the private prayer of the priest and the servers. It was recited at the foot of the altar as Mass began. With the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, when language moved to the vernacular and the Confiteor was extended to the assembly, its wording was softened to reflect a contemporary spirituality. It sought to balance a healthy self-regard with a proper humility in the face of human weakness. Perhaps the latest English version of the Confiteor tips the balance too far back in the direction of self-flagellation. I sometimes wonder, as I look out at a Sunday congregation, how many of them are really guilty of “most grievous fault.” I prefer the wording of other options for the penitential rite, especially the one that highlights that God sent Jesus “to heal the contrite of heart.” It asks for the Lord’s promised mercy. As for the protestation of our unworthiness just before Communion, those words reflect the faith of the centurion (in the eighth chapter of Matthew) who has complete trust in Christ’s power to save his dying servant. Though we understand that the gift of the Eucharist exceeds our merits, we count on its healing power as we receive it.

Baptisms during Lent

During Lent, our parish does not perform the sacrament of baptism, and holy water is removed from the fonts. Is this proper and is it required? (Swedesboro, N.J.) No church law prohibits baptisms during Lent, and the matter is up to local discretion. A fair number of parishes choose not to do Lenten baptisms. Canon 856 of the Code of Canon Law says that baptisms should ordinarily be done on Sundays or, if possible, at the Easter Vigil. This guideline is based on the intimate link between

Christian baptism and the saving resurrection of Jesus. Some pastors make the judgment that once Lent has begun, it is reasonable to delay the baptism of a healthy infant until Easter to highlight that connection. The baptisms of adult converts are almost always done at the Easter Vigil ceremony. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that infants should be baptized “shortly after birth” (No. 1250) and Canon No. 867 is a bit more specific, noting that “parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptized in the first few weeks” after birth. “Shortly” and “few” are seen by some pastors as an opportunity to wait until Easter, once Lent has begun. An infant in danger of death should, of course, be baptized immediately, as Canon No. 867 points out. As for removing the holy water from fonts, I suppose that if baptisms are delayed until Easter, it makes some sense to empty the baptismal font to signify the “dryness” of the Lenten desert experience before the life-giving joy of Easter. But I would argue against it if the baptismal font doubles as a holy water font where people sign themselves with water when they enter church. 2012 Catholic News Service

Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@ gmail.com and 40 Hopewell St., Albany, N.Y. 12208

March 2012

Reflections Readings Between The Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

Faith involves accepting Jesus’ word

A 16

surprise, perhaps a shock, is in store for the reader of Mark’s Gospel as Mark begins Part II of his story at 1:14. In Part I (1:1-13), Mark introduced John the Baptist as a great religious figure who comes to announce the advent of God’s end-time Kingdom. In his preaching, John points to Jesus as God’s agent of the end-time, and a smooth transition of narrative focus from John to Jesus is made in the episode of Jesus’ baptism by John in the Jordan River (1:9-11). The surprise for the reader comes when John is arrested (1:14). Not only does this event complete the transition of focus from John to Jesus in the story, but John’s arrest foreshadows Jesus’ fate, a foreshadowing which will only be understood at the end of the story. With Jesus at center stage of the narrative, Mark depicts him announcing the proper response (repentance) of people to the imminence of God’s Kingdom. After making this announcement Jesus chooses his first disciples, who will play an important role in the story. As witnesses to the ministry of Jesus they will be in a position make the first announcement of Jesus’ secret identity, although without complete understanding of what they are saying. These first disciples are fishermen, a character trait which Jesus will reshape to his purpose. They will no longer catch fish, but people for the Kingdom. These new disciples witness an event in a synagogue (1:2128) that not only introduces Jesus’ ministerial activity, but demonstrates an essential character March 2012

priest’s prerogative each year on Yom Kippur to implore God’s pardon for the people’s sins. Jesus’ role as the intermediary for God’s forgiveness continues in the episode of the call of Levi the tax collector (2:13-17). By entering the home of a sinner (the tax collector) Jesus defies the ritual purity laws, for to do what he has done would have rendered him impure. But he demonstrates that mercy is a greater moral obligation than ritual purity. The next challenge Jesus faces in relation to the religious leaders is in regard to the Sabbath rest laws. These laws gained greater prominence in Israel after the people had returned from the Babylonian exile (539 B.C.) as Judaism underwent a priestly reorganization. Disregard for Sabbath rest threatened Jewish identity. Jesus’ disciples violate the law by plucking heads of grain on the Sabbath (2:23-28) and Jesus himself heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath (3:1-5). The reader has been prompted to accept Jesus’ point-of-view as representing God’s reign. Thus it is obvious that those who plot against him have set themselves against God’s plan. Whether a teaching or prophetic action of Jesus is confirmed by a mighty deed (1:25-27; 2:10-12) or by a wise appeal to the Law or (2:2526) or unchallengeable proverbial wisdom (2:17), Jesus demonstrates in the midst of conflict that he does indeed wield divine authority. Faith, in part, involves accepting Jesus’ word as authoritative and believing in him as the intermediary of salvation.

trait of Jesus. That trait is divine authority. The people recognize his authoritative stance in his teaching even before Jesus heals a man in the grip of an unclean spirit. Implicit in the people’s question, “What is this, a new teaching with authority?” is the question, “Who is this?” the latter being the key question which drives the story. Jesus’ healing activity continues in 1:29-45. The result of Jesus’ healing of Simon’s mother-in-law (1:29-31) is that she is enabled to “serve.” Since the Greek word for “serve” is the same one Jesus uses of himself in reference to his servant death (10:45), Simon’s mother-in-law is endowed with a character trait that is fitting for life in the emerging Kingdom. When Jesus heals a leper in 1:4045 and instructs them to “show the priests,” Jesus demonstrates his complicity with the Law (Leviticus, chapter 13), a character trait which will bolster Jesus’ identity in confrontations with the religious leaders over legal complicity. The continuance of Jesus’ healing activity in 2:1-12 provides the occasion for Mark to introduce a new aspect of his divine authority. Jesus can forgive sins, as is shown when his first words to the paralytic at Capernaum are, “... your sins are forgiven” (2:5). Just as the earlier healing of the man with the unclean spirit in the synagogue confirmed his authoritative teaching, so a healing of the paralyzed man here underscores his authority to forgive sins, an authority which the religious leaders have questioned. In fact, the religious leaders are threatened by Jesus’ assumption of such authority. It was the high

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Colette of Corbie 1381-1447 March 6

CNS

Born the daughter of a French carpenter, Nicolette Boellet is venerated as the reformer of the Poor Clares. She joined the Franciscan Third Order, and about age 21 began living as a recluse in a hermitage at Corbie. She had a vision in which St. Francis of Assisi charged her with bringing the Poor Clares back to their original strict rule. The antipope, Benedict XIII, appointed her superior of any convents she would found or reform. Despite opposition, she founded 17 convents of the strict observance and reformed a number of religious houses.

Saints

Clement Mary Hofbauer 1751-1820 March 15

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A baker, Czech-born Johannes Hofbauer, after a period of solitary living and wandering between Rome and Vienna, established the Redemptorists north of the Alps and is considered the order?s second founder. He was ordained a Redemptorist priest at age 34 and served in Poland for 20 years, until 1808, when Napoleon suppressed religious orders. He spent the rest of his life in Vienna, battling state control of the church, establishing a Catholic college, and working behind the scenes at the Congress of Vienna. He is the patron saint of Vienna.

104 East Bayou Rd. (Hwy 308) ~ Thibodaux, LA 70301 ~ (985) 446-3736

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Saints

Toribio of Mogrovejo 1538-1606 March 23

Crosiers

Spanish-born Toribio taught law in Salamanca until 1574, when he was appointed inquisitor of Granada. In 1580, though not yet a priest, he was named archbishop of Lima, Peru, with his episcopal ordination in Seville. After arriving in Lima in 1581, his 25 years of missionary service included diocesan and provincial synods, visits around the vast diocese, clergy reforms, and Indian-language catechisms. He also introduced European religious orders into Peru, opened the first seminary in the New World and encouraged Indians to become priests.

Saints Bayou Catholic â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA

Call Rick at 504-570-0948 or E-mail: rgallioto@mpressnow.com March 2012

Bayou Spirit

St. Joseph Altars Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

In many parishes of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux St. Joseph Altars will be on display for viewing by the general public Monday, March 19. Here is a list of the St. Joseph Altars available for viewing throughout the diocese. St. Joseph Italian Society, Houma The St. Joseph Italian Society is inviting the public to view the St. Joseph Altar at Café Cannata’s, located at Cannata’s Supermarket, 6307 West Park Ave. in Houma, on Monday, March 19. The blessing will be in the morning with viewing of the altar from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Donations for the meal will be accepted and will benefit Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Italian Society can join the organization at this time. March 2012

Ready for viewing March 19 St. Lawrence, Kraemer A St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing at St. Lawrence Church in Kraemer’s Life Center Monday, March 19. The altar will be available for viewing beginning at 7 a.m. with the blessing and will remain open until 4 p.m. Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux A St. Joseph Altar will be held Monday, March 19. Viewing will take place in the Family Center. Altar blessing and viewing will be immediately following the 7:30 a.m.

Mass. A church family spaghetti dinner and celebration begins at 6 p.m. The meal is provided by KC Council No. 8906.

Cannata’s Supermarket, West Houma A St. Joseph Altar will be displayed in the foyer of Cannata’s Supermarket, 6307 West Park Ave. in Houma, from Tuesday March 13 through Monday, March 19. St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland A St. Joseph Altar will be blessed at St. Mary’s Community Center Monday, March 19, at 8:30 a.m. The altar will be available for viewing after the 8:30 a.m. Mass until 5 p.m. St. Lawrence, Chacahoula St. Lawrence in Chacahoula will have its St. Joseph Altar for viewing Monday, March 19, at 8:30 a.m. beginning with blessing of the altar. The altar will remain open

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

throughout the day until 6 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 6 p.m. with a community meal following. Cannata’s Supermarket, Morgan City A St. Joseph Altar will be displayed in the foyer of Cannata’s Supermarket, 610 Hwy. 90 East in Morgan City, from Tuesday March 13 through Monday March 19. St. Bridget, Schriever A St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing Sunday, March 18, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and again Monday, March 19, from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. A beignet breakfast will be served in conjunction with the altar Sunday, March 18, after the 8:30 a.m. Mass. Our Lady of the Isle, Grand Isle The Ladies Altar Society of Our Lady of the Isle Church, Grand Isle, will create the St. Joseph’s Altar in the church Saturday, March 17. Blessing, viewing and sharing of the food will be after the 5 p.m. vigil Mass and the 10 a.m. Mass Sunday, March 18. The CCD classes’ snacks will be provided from the St. Joseph’s Altar on Monday, March 19. Cannata’s Supermarket, East Houma A St. Joseph Altar will be on display in the foyer of Cannata’s Supermarket, 1977 Prospect Blvd., Houma, Tuesday, March 13 through Monday, March19. Holy Savior, Lockport A blessing of the St. Joseph Altar will be held Monday, March 19, at the church rectory, 612 Main St., Lockport. The blessing will take place at 8 a.m. Closing will take place at 4 p.m. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay The blessing of the St. Joseph Altar will be held immediately following the 7 a.m. Mass Monday, March 19, in the Chackbay Catholic Center. Public viewing of the altar will be held following the blessing until 4 p.m. St. Joseph, Chauvin St. Joseph Church in Chauvin will have its viewing of the St. Joseph Altar Sunday, March 18, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., in the St. Joseph cafeteria. The altar will be blessed after the 8 a.m. Mass. A meal will be served. Sacred Heart, Cut Off The viewing of the St. Joseph Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Bayou Spirit

St. Joseph Altars

Altar will be held Monday, March 19. Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. The altar will be blessed immediately following the Mass in the Spiritual Life Center. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m. The closing of the altar will take place at 5 p.m. St. Joseph, Galliano A St. Joseph Altar will be on display Monday, March 19, in the recreation center behind St. Joseph Church, 17980 West Main Street in Galliano. The altar will be blessed and open for public viewing at 9 a.m. and will close at 5 p.m. A shrimp spaghetti meal will be served from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Clement, 812 Jackson Street in Thibodaux, from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. The public is invited to join in honoring St. Joseph on this special day. St. Hilary, Mathews St. Hilary’s sixth annual St. Joseph Altar will be held Monday, March 19. Blessing of the altar is scheduled for 8 a.m. followed by viewing throughout the day. “Tupa Tupa” will be held prior to the Mass which will be celebrated at 5 p.m., followed by a spaghetti dinner. Everyone is invited.

Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose The annual St. Joseph Altar will be held Monday, March 19, in the cafeteria of Holy Rosary School in Larose beginning at 8 a.m. with morning prayers. Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m., in the cafeteria. Blessing of the altar will follow Mass. The altar will close at 4 p.m. A lunch will be prepared and served by the KCs and the Auxiliary from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish in Thibodaux will have its St. Joseph Altar available for viewing Monday, March 19, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Maria Immacolata, Houma A St. Joseph Altawr will be on display for viewing, March 17, 18 and 19 at the Maria Immacolata community center. Blessing of the altar will take place Saturday, March 17, after the 4:30 p.m. Mass. After the blessing the altar will be opened for viewing and a traditional meal will be served. Bishop Jacobs’ Home, Thibodaux The 35th annual St. Joseph Altar in memory of Father Michael Finnegan, will take place at the home of Bishop Sam G. Jacobs, 430 East First Street, Thibodaux, Monday, March 19, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Bishop Jacobs will celebrate Mass at 11 a.m. A meal will be served after the Mass. Clement Home, Thibodaux The Battaglia family will host a St. Joseph Altar Monday, March 19, at the home of Randy and Margo March 2012

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

iday.

March 2012 Calendar of Events

Health & Wellness

Wed-07 Smart Portions Orientation 5:30 p.m. Smart Portions is a Healthy Weight Program, instructed by Debbie Melvin, Extension Agent with the LSU AgCenter whose specialty is Nutrition. The Smart Portions Program runs for eight weeks and will begin it’s first class on April 5th @ 5:30 p.m. Fri-09 Get Your Plate in Shape, Eat Right! 9:00 a.m. March is National Nutrition Month. Before you eat, think about what goes on your plate or in your bowl. Foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean protein foods contain the nutrients you need without too many calories. Please join us for this FREE educational program. You will learn how to divide your plate in portion sizes from all the food groups and tips to help you “Get Your Plate in Shape”. Guest Speakers: Amanda Valence, RD, LDN, CDE and Holly Dufrene, RD, LDN, CDE with TGMC’s Diabetes Management Center. Please call 858-7020 to register as seating is limited. Tue-13 Comfort Care Services at TGMC 4:00 p.m. Comfort Care is a supportive service focusing on the comprehensive management of the physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of patients and their families dealing with advanced illness. The Comfort Care Team works closely with the patient and the physician to meet the patients’ physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs with emphasis on comfort and supportive care. Our team is committed to helping patients and their caregivers learn techniques to assist them in enhancing their quality of life. Please call 858-7020 to register. Thur-15 Diabetes & Stroke Screening 8 – 10:30 a.m. By appointment. Cost is $15.00. The screening includes checks for blood pressure and carotids; tests for cholesterol and glucose and provides counseling for those who test high. Registration is required. Mon-19 Comfort Care Services at TGMC 1:30 p.m. Tue-20 Colorectal Cancer Screening 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. FREE colorectal cancer screening kits for men and women fifty and older who have never been screened, or those with a family history. The kits will be distributed with instructions by Karla Couvillion, Early Detection Specialist with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC. Appointments are not necessary. Thur-22 Weigh to G.R.O.W. – (Getting Rid of Obesity With Wellness - For Kids) 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Join us for a two session, interactive healthy lifestyle program for parents and children ages 5 – 10. Cost is $30.00 for both sessions. The program is facilitated by Amanda Valence, RD, LDN, CDE and Holly Dufrene, RD, LDN, CDE with TGMC’s Diabetes Management Center. Tue-27 Treatment Options for Kidney Failure 10:30 a.m. In this class, treatment options for patients needing renal replacement therapy is discussed. Patients are provided with in-depth knowledge about each treatment modality-hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and transplant. Patients are educated to make informed decisions, along with their healthcare providers about their future care. Wed-28 Pre-Diabetes Workshop 9 – 11 a.m. If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, this class is for you! Make plans to attend this one-time session that will help you understand and manage your condition. Cost is $25.00. For your $25.00 you will get one hour with the dietitian, one hour with the diabetes educator, a meter to monitor your blood sugar and an exchange book (American Diabetes Association Exchange List). Pre-registration is required. Call the OutReach Center @ 858-7020 or Diabetes Management @ 850-6200 to register. Comfort Care Services @ TGMC 4:00 p.m.

Hepatitis C, A Serious Public Health Concern

Monday, March 12. 6:00 p.m. Please join us for an update on this highly infectious disease that affects people of all ages in the United States and around the world and what you can do to protect yourself. Guest Speaker: Khalid Moussa, M.D., Gastroenterologist on active staff at TGMC. Please call 858-7020 to register as seating is limited.

Diabetes, 2012! New Advances, New Therapies

Tuesday, March 27. 6:00 p.m. March 27th is Diabetes Alert Day. Know your family history. Most people with type 2 diabetes have a family member – such as a mother, father, brother, or sister – with the disease. Diabetes affects all your body and most of your vital organs. Diabetes can affect your eyes, kidneys, nerves, feet, and your heart. Diabetes can be a deadly disease, but if properly controlled it can become very easy to take care of. Guest Speaker: David Sisam, M.D., Endocrinologist on active staff at TGMC Please call 858-7020 to register.

Women’s Health & Support Tue-27

La Leche League Support Group (Breastfeeding Support) 1:00 p.m. LaLeche League International is recognized as the world’s foremost authority on

breastfeeding.

Support Groups Thur-01 Multiple Sclerosis Support Group 7:00 p.m. A group designed to provide information, resources, and teach coping skills relating to the symptoms of M.S. Wed-14 Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group 5:30 p.m. A group designed to provide education on community resources and offer support to caregivers. Facilitated by a TGMC Social Worker.

To register or learn more call the OutReach Center at 985-858-7020 or log on to www.tgmc.com Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

March 2012

Special Events

St. Charles, St. Charles celebrates 100th

St. Charles Borromeo Church parish in the St. Charles Community is celebrating 100 years as a church parish this year. Bishop Sam G. Jacobs will celebrate Mass at the parish Sunday, March 18, at 10 a.m. The celebration will continue on the church grounds, among the oaks and will be highlighted by the unveiling of a historical marker at the entrance to the old church presented by the Lafourche Heritage Society. The marker will be unveiled by two centenarians from the parish, Emiliene Bourgeois and Vivian Adams. There will be food, music by the Good Feelin’ Band, children’s song performances and skits, as well as a display of memorabilia from the past. A video of interviews with several elderly parishioners telling of their memories of the church in its earlier days will be shown.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools Office

High School Principal School Year: 2012 - 13

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

The annual diocesan Youth Rally, sponsored by the Office of Youth Ministry, is scheduled for Saturday, March 31, from 1 to 10 p.m. on the Nicholls State University Campus in Thibodaux for youth in grades 8-12. A pre-rally concert will begin at 12:15 p.m. March 2012

Redemptorist Schools, Baton Rouge, Louisiana As a part of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Redemptorist High School serves a diverse student population of approximately 300 in Grades 7 – 12 on its North Baton Rouge campus. The 65 year old school participates in district accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. As the instructional leader of the high school, the principal works with the Administrative Head of School, the elementary principal, and the special education director in fostering the mission and ministry of the school through collaborative leadership, clear communication, and consistent efforts toward continuous improvement. Applicants must meet the following criteria: 1. Practicing Catholic Required 2. Experience in Catholic Education Preferred 3. Louisiana Department of Education Certification, Teacher or Administrator 4. Demonstrated Ability as an Effective Leader 5. Availability on July 1, 2012 Submit letter of interest, resume with references, and copies of transcript(s) to: Redemptorist Schools Principal Search Catholic Schools Office P.O. Box 2028 Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028 Deadline for application: March 30, 2012

The schools of the Diocese of Baton Rouge does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Chauvin Lenten Mission set March 19-21 St. Joseph Church in Chauvin is sponsoring a Lenten Mission March 19-21, at 7 p.m. each day. Franciscan Friar Charles Smiech will lead the mission. Father Smiech was ordained in 1981, and has 10 years experience in retreat ministry. He is well versed in Catholic qtradition and Franciscan spirituality, offering deep spiritual guidance to assist groups and individuals mature in their faith. Father Smiech received a masters of divinity from Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, NY. He continued his studies in spirituality and preaching at St. Michael’s College, Toronto, Ontario, and Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, IL. Most recently, he studied at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, and St. Bonaventure University, NY. From 1999-2006 he served as spiritual director and guardian at St. Francis Retreat House in Easton, PA. As a Franciscan Friar, he has had the privilege over many years to preach and teach religious congregations, parish missions, retreatants and inter-faith conferences in Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan and throughout the United States. Everyone is invited to the mission.

Diocesan 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 Toll free 1-866-444-4241 or Call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at (985) 850-3129

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

Con el fin de cumplir con las Políticas de la 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 (previamente la 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 HoumaThibodaux. 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 Llamada gratuita 1-866-444-4241 o Llame al Coordinador de Asistencia para las Víctimas al (985) 850-3129

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. Rev. Charles Smiech

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Soá ñieän thoaïi: (985) 873-0026 hoaëc Soá mieãn phí: 1-800-444-4241 hoaëc goïi Nhaân vieân Trôï giuùp Naïn nhaân soá (985) 850-3129 March 2012

Special Events

Death penalty presentation is March 21

A presentation on the teaching of the Catholic Church and the death penalty will be held Wednesday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m., at the Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 2779 Hwy. 311, Schriever. A prayer service led by Bishop Sam G. Jacobs is scheduled for 6 p.m. The speaker for the event is Rob Tasman, associate director, Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops. The event is sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, and the diocesan offices of Family Ministries, Religious Education and Worship. Topics for the evening include: “The Catholic Church’s position on capital punishment,” “The practical and moral arguments about the death penalty,” “The sanctity of life from conception to natural death” and “Help end the use of the death penalty.” Originally from New York, Tasman earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and theology from Boston College in 2000. After teaching theology at Boston College High School for two years following graduation, he returned to Boston College to earn a master of arts in theology specializing in Christian social ethics in 2004. Upon spending seven years in Boston he moved to Baton Rouge where he taught at Catholic High School then attended law school at LSU and graduated in 2008. Currently, Tasman is a licensed Louisiana attorney and has been using both his juris doctorate and theology degrees in his role as the associate director of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops (LCCB) since February 2008.

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Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools Office

Advancement Coordinator

Evangelize Hearts, Educate Minds and Embrace the Future

The Advancement Coordinator participates in the ministry of Catholic Education by serving both the Catholic Schools Office and the schools throughout the diocese in working with funding and grants and with advancement efforts to foster vitality of the Mission. The position is full-time and year-round. Applicants must meet the following criteria: • Practicing Catholic • Bachelor’s Degree Required; Master’s Degree Preferred • Work Experience in Catholic Education Preferred • Demonstrated Ability in Effective Communication and Collaboration • Availability prior to or by July 1, 2012 Submit letter of interest, resume’ with references, and copies of transcript(s) to Superintendent Catholic Schools Office P.O. Box 2028 Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028

Deadline for application: March 30, 2012

Rob Tasman

March 2012

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

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March 2012

Entertainment

Seeing Clairely

At Mama’s table

Claire Joller

familiar sense of comfort settled over me as I listened to my husband, daughter and son-in-law’s conversation. We had just cleared the noonday dishes, and the conversation meandered lazily. “Mama’s table,” I decided as I stopped to listen. That was the familiar feeling. At my parents’ house, everything else would’ve been described by them as ours except the kitchen and its table. That’s not only because of sociological norms of the 1950s, but also because it was the place where my mother shone. And shine she did. She would never have thought so, but I now realize that cooking was not only her job. She considered cooking as her primary duty for her family, even beyond the vigorous moppings of floors and dustings of furniture. It was also her art. At a time when feeding seven people meant quantity and not finesse, she managed to place on our table delicious food, beyond the necessary fill-your-stomach variety. It was because she cared that we should enjoy it as much as she herself enjoyed the product of her work in the kitchen. Out of that caring came chicken stews that I have yet to replicate— tender chicken pieces that fell off the bone and thick, dark stew to spoon over rice cooked to perfection each time. And succulent pork roasts on occasional Sundays … shrimp-okra gumbo … rice dressing that was never too dry … and creamy lima beans, tasty fresh field peas, and sweet corn she liked to shuck herself. For occasional desserts, her coconut cakes and pecan cakes were tall, moist and scrumptious. Her meals were indeed her art. In fact, she couldn’t understand why some women she knew needed March 2012

to express themselves creatively outside the home. She found all the creative outlet she needed in her kitchen. Mama Mildred’s cooking, you see, was intuitive. She did not cook from recipes, much to my chagrin when I try to mimic her blackberry dumplings or “smothered” potatoes, for old times’ sake. Not just the taste of the food, but also the atmosphere around her table, is what made our meals there memorable and still yearned for. When we were young, I can now recognize, we benefitted from the Lesson of the Chicken Stew, never overtly taught but learned from experience. A chicken has just so much white meat, no matter how creatively Mama cut it. So for the five of us who wanted those pieces, we learned at Mama and Daddy’s hand how to eat smaller shares so we’d all have that cut, or to take a lesser-desired piece and wait for our turn at the white meat next time she served stew. Similarly, the Lesson of the Cakes was unspoken but absorbed. Desserts were special-occasion luxuries when all five children were still at home. So when she ceremoniously brought a beautiful from-scratch cake to the table, we had a sense of occasion. I believe we enjoyed it more then than we would have if it had been a more frequent treat. After we all married, Sunday family dinners at Mama’s were her delight. The food was still enticing, but the focus shifted at some point to the experience of being there together. She and Daddy dispensed news about aunts, uncles and cousins. My brother, sisters and I always succumbed to memories of childhood escapades that were fun to relive. We listened as both Mom and Dad told stories about their

own parents and grandparents, or about people they grew up with. (I’m sorry to say we sometimes listened with impatience to these stories, but now cherish knowing them.) It was a place to share our disappointments, where we knew we would get sympathetic hearings. It was a place to share each other’s good news and expectations. At Mama’s table, our children grew up and joined in the Sunday conversation until the whole house resounded with talk and laughter. After Daddy died, Mama cooked weekday meals as though she still had a houseful. So we’d oblige her (and ourselves) by having lunch at her house whenever we could. Her good nature still attracted us as much as her food did. Mama’s table was a source of nourishment that was physical, social and personal. That’s what I want for my family to experience at mine. (For comments or inquiries about this column, Claire Joller can be contacted by email at clairely1@ comcast.net).

) ) Not just the taste of

the food, but also the

atmosphere around her

table, is what made our meals there memorable and still yearned for.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

ScriptureReadings Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

and a listing of Feast days and saints.

Friday

1 March 2

Sunday

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

Second Sunday in Lent Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 Romans 8:31b-34 Mark 9:2-10

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

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

Lenten Weekday Lenten Weekday Jeremiah 18:18-20 Jeremiah 17:5-10 Matthew 20:17-28 Luke 16:19-31

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

Lenten Weekday Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Third Sunday of Lent Exodus 20:1-17 1 Corinthians 1:2225 John 2:13-25

Lenten Weekday 2 Kings 5:1-15b Luke 4:24-30

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

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

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

Lenten Weekday Hosea 14:2-10 Mark 12:28-34

Lenten Weekday Hosea 6:1-6 Luke 18:9-14

Fourth Sunday of Lent 2 Christendom 36:14-16, 19-23 Ephesians 2:4-10 John 3:14-21

Solemnity of Joseph, Lenten Weekday spouse of the Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 Blessed Virgin Mary John 5:1-16 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 Romans 4:13, 1618, 22 Matthew 1:16, 1821, 24a

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

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

Lenten Weekday Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22 John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Lenten Weekday Jeremiah 11:18-20 John 7:40-53

Fifth Sunday of Lent Jeremiah 31:31-34 Hebrews 5:7-9 John 12:20-33

1 April

Lenten Weekday Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Numbers 21:4-9 John 8:21-30 Lord Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38

Lenten Weekday Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 John 8:31-42

Lenten Weekday Genesis 17:3-9 John 8:51-59

Lenten Weekday Lenten Weekday Jeremiah 20:10-13 Ezekiel 37:21-28 John 10:31-42 John 11:45-56

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Mark 11:1-10 Isaiah 50:4-7 Philippians 2:6-11 Mark 14:1—15:47

Monday of Holy Week Isaiah 42:1-7 John 12:1-11

Tuesday of Holy Week Chrism Mass Isaiah 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9 Revelation 1:5-8 Luke 4:16-21

Wednesday of Holy Week Isaiah 50:4-9a Matthew 26:14-25

Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-15

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion Isaiah 52:13— 53:12 Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 John 18:1—19:42

Saturday

Our Churches

St. Joseph C

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Co-Cathedral Oldest parish in the diocese

t. Joseph Co-Cathedral, located within the inner-city neighborhoods of Thibodaux, is the oldest church parish in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. The parish’s early history dates back to 1817 when it began as a mission of Assumption Church in Plattenville. Father Antoine Potini became St. Joseph’s first resident pastor in 1822. Among its early pastors, the legendary Pere Charles Menard (pastor from 1845-1896) is best known for his work in building up the parish community and establishing several outlying parishes. In 1977, the church parish was given the distinctive honor of being co-seat of the newly established Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Very Rev. Jay Baker, V.G., rector of the co-cathedral since 2004, says that when he was first appointed to the co-cathedral parish, he was somewhat overwhelmed. “Growing up in Schriever, we would always do everything in Houma, so I had never really been to Thibodaux. Being assigned here was like a whole new experience of learning a new city,” says the priest. The current church building, a magnificent structure built in the Romanesque style of architecture, was dedicated in 1923. Father Baker says that first-time visitors to the co-cathedral are completely taken by surprise upon entering the church. “Even from the outside, they have no idea how ornate the inside of the church actually is. It is a beautiful work of art to behold and it’s amazing to see people come here for the first time and experience it, and be completely taken aback by it,” he says. “Many people throughout the area link themselves to the rich cultural customs of the Catholic faithful, seeking to celebrate the sacraments in the same building where their parents were baptized, where their grandparents were married … building upon the faith experience of generation upon generation, not simply in the same faith but in the same the actual church,” says Father Baker. There are approximately 2,300 families currently in the co-cathedral parish. Father Baker explains that the parish has an active social ministry outreach and is engaged in the social ministries that are the life-blood of our Catholic faith. Through the Works of St. Vincent, the parish actively ministers to the poor who find themselves in financial distress and crisis. Heavens Handymen volunteers do minor repairs and install handicap-access ramps in the homes of the elderly and the infirm.

Our Churches

And the Lenten Gumbo, even with last year’s economic recession, at six dollars a bowl, raised over $33,000 for the Thibodaux Good Samaritan Food Bank. Also noteworthy are the musical offerings of the parish. “It has been said that ‘music soothes the savage beast.’ Providing an oasis of peace and calm in a world that is all too often dog-eat-dog, St. Joseph seeks to nurture her flock with a variety of musical stylings,” says Father Baker. The Life Teen Band seeks to engage parishioners using a more evangelical approach with a pop music beat. Sacred Folk strive to inspire those Catholics who grew up on the “meat and potatoes” of the Dameans and “Glory & Praise.” The traditional choir weaves together melodies from the Latin liturgies along with spirituals into the “bread and butter” of standard, old-line hymns. Additionally, fed by the music department of Nicholls State University with musicians from Romania and Brazil, both the viola and the cello have recently been added to round out the offerings of violins. The evangelization efforts of the parish are also evident by its presence at Thibodauxville, stocking and staffing a booth “in the marketplace.” Like all church parishes throughout the diocese, St. Joseph participated in the diocesan-wide outreach of “Catholics Come Home” with ads on regional television. Parish and school personnel includes: Bishop Sam G. Jacobs, pastor; Father Baker, rector; Father Joseph Minh Nguyen, associate pastor; Father John Theckevalliara, hospital chaplain in residence; Deacon Ambrose Ayzinne, Deacon Jim Swiler, Deacon Pedro Pujals, retired; Miriam Guillot, office manager; Sara Hebert, secretary; Renee’ Guillot, secretary; Carl Waguespack, maintenance; Sue Manning, D.R.E.; Margaret Orgeron, pastoral ministry; Wendy Wilcox, youth minister; Zenobia Boatner, cook; Joyce Coleman, housekeeper; Gerard Rodrigue Jr., principal of St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School; Betty Danos, administrative assistant; and Barbara Kliebert, secretary. March 2012

A towering baldacchino sits above the rear altar at the co-cathedral in Thibodaux. Among many statutes on display is St. Valerie. This statue is particularly interesting because a relic of the saint is contained in the arm of the reliquary which rests in a catafalque. Annually on April 28, parishioners carry the catafalque around the block in celebration after a Mass in her honor. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

St. Joseph Co-Cathedral has exquisite details at every turn. From its fresco ceiling and statue of Joan of Arc, to the large rose window in the front gable which rises above the choir loft, there is much beauty to behold. The history of St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Thibodaux extends back to the establishment of Mount Carmel academy in 1855 when Pere Charles Menard invited the Sisters of Mount Carmel to open a school for girls.

Very Rev. Jay Baker, V.G. Rector

Father Joseph Minh Nguyen Associate Pastor

Bayou Catholic â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA

March 2012

Church Life

Woman of God Conference 32

The annual Woman of God Conference, sponsored by the diocesan Conference Office, was held recently at the Pastoral Center in Schriever. Approximately 120 women from across the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux were in attendance. Sister Mary Kellar, S.C., (photo in upper right corner) was the keynote speaker for the event. Workshop presenters included Aggie Neck, Dr. D. Burbank and Gretchen George.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

March 2012

Bayou Catholic â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA

For more information, contact: Office of National Collections | United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 3211 Fourth Street NE | Washington, DC 20017-1194 | 202-541-3346 ncpromo@usccb.org | www.usccb.org/nationalcollections

The collection will be held March 17 and 18, 2012. Thank you for your generosity Copyright ÂŠ 2012, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo: ÂŠ Linda Panetta for CRS.

Church Life

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Rev. Mr. King ordained Rev. Mr. Stuart King, a former Episcopalian priest who decided to come into full communion with the Catholic Church over seven years ago, was ordained a transitional deacon recently at St. Bernadette Church in Houma. Bishop Sam G. Jacobs was the ordaining prelate. In photo above Bishop Jacobs is with the deacon, his wife Bettina and children Hannah and Sophia. In top right photo Bishop Jacobs hands the Book of the Gospels to the newly ordained deacon. Bettina and Hannah King were gift bearers during the ceremony. Priests of the diocese were concelebrants for the ordination.

March 2012

Bayou Catholic â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA

Contest

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

here Am I?

in a w d n a r e Ent cate fi i t r e c t f i $50 g

This image of the Alpha and Omega is located somewhere in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Do you know where it can be found? If so you can win a gift certificate in the amount of $50 to redeem at the Southland Mall. Send your guess entitled “Where Am I?” by email to: bayoucatholic@ htdiocese.org, by fax to: (985) 850-3232, or to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Deadline to enter is March 30. In the event of a tie, the winner will be randomly selected from all of the correct entries. Winner will be announced in the May issue of Bayou Catholic. Diocesan employees of the Pastoral Center and its satellite offices are not eligible to participate.

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March 2012

Cover Story

Ad limina

Bishop Jacobs visits Holy Father, Vatican, Rome

Bishop Sam G. Jacobs visited Rome and the Vatican for his “ad limina” visit with Pope Benedict XVI. During the visit, the bishop had quite a busy schedule, as may be seen by his journal below: Sunday, Jan. 22 I arrived in Rome at 8:30 a.m. and went to my residence at Domus Sancta Marta within Vatican City. At noon I met up with members of the community of Little Brothers and Sisters of Jesus and Mary. This community is planning to send three of its members to minister in our diocese in the latter part of this year. In the afternoon along with other bishops from Region 5 I went to the Pontifical North American College for a preliminary meeting, Mass and supper. This is where our American seminarians studying in Rome reside. Monday, Jan. 23 We began the day by celebrating Mass at the tomb of St. Peter in the Basilica. Archbishop Aymond of New Orleans was the presider and homilist. Later on in the morning we met with Cardinal Marc Ouellette, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. There was a good interchange between him and us. The topics discussed were 1) qualifications of bishops, 2) religious liberty and freedom of conscience, 3) guidelines for the closure of parishes, 4) the relationship between the new ordinariate for Anglicans seeking communion with the Catholic Church and the local Catholic bishop. After lunch I went back to St. Peter for a visit. I prayed at the tomb and altars of John Paul II and John XXIII and at the statues of the Pieta and St. Peter. In the evening we went to residence of the United States ambassador to the Vatican for a reception. March 2012

Pope Benedict XVI receives Bishop Sam G. Jacobs at the Vatican Thursday, Jan. 26, during the bishop’s “ad limina” visit.

Tuesday, Jan. 24 We began the day celebrating Mass. Since it was the Feast of St. Francis de Sales, our diocesan patron, I asked to be the presider. In the morning we met with two congregations. The first was with the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life. The main topic was the status of the report on the recent visitation with religious communities in the U.S. Once the documentation is complete a report will be made both to religious and the bishops. The second meeting was with the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization. I was asked by the bishops to be the spokesperson. I presented six areas of interest to us. The main one dealt with the upcoming Synod on the New Evangelization in October and the Year of Faith. The prefect, Archbishop Salvatore Fisichella shared his hopes and insights.

He stressed three main points. First, there is a need for a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Second, there is a need for deeper formation and catechesis of each person so that faith is well grounded in the truth. Third, there is a need for a missionary spirit witnessing one’s faith to others. He emphasized that the parish is the main, visible center of evangelization. In the afternoon we met with the Congregation of Laity. Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, prefect, talked about the signs of hope in the church today. One was youth and young adults. He stressed the impact of the World Youth Days and the need for solid youth ministry in the parish and diocese. The second was the gift from the Holy Spirit of the New Ecclesial Movements (Charismatic Renewal Movement, Cursillo, etc.) and the New Communities. These offer

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

a place of faith formation and opportunities to engage in the work of the New Evangelization. Next we were to meet with the Pontifical Council for Family, but this had to be canceled because of scheduling problems. Wednesday, Jan. 25 Again we began the day with Mass. We met with the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura. Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, an American, is its prefect. This congregation deals with the review of marriage cases to insure that everything is followed properly and if an annulment was decreed it was based on solid evidence. We then proceeded to meet with the Congregation for the Clergy. Its prefect is Cardinal Mauro Piacenza. One of his focuses was the continual formation of priests after ordination. He also talked about the procedures that must be followed when a parish is merged or suppressed, indicating new clarifying guidelines were being developed. While I was in Rome about 40 members from the diocese were there on pilgrimage for a week, under the spiritual direction of Father Joshua Rodrigue. I met the group for lunch at one of the restaurants in Rome. They had just attended the Holy Father’s Wednesday audience, where they had front row seats and a few of them had the opportunity to greet the pope and kiss his ring. Thursday, Jan. 26 In the morning the Bishops of the New Orleans’ Province met with the Holy Father. I brought Father Josh with me. After greeting the pope and introducing Father Josh, we had a picture with him. After each bishop made his greeting and took the picture, then the bishops alone remained, sitting in two rows facing each other with the pope in front, Archbishop Aymond then gave a brief presentation on the status of the church in Louisiana. Then the Holy Father pointed to each of us individually, giving each an opportunity to share with him. I asked the pope if he would consider using his Wednesday addresses as an opportunity to provide an updated catechesis on the sacrament of confirmation. I asked specifically if he would include Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

the place of the charismatic gifts of the Spirit in the life of those to be confirmed and made witnesses of their faith. I also thanked the Holy Father for the Year of Faith, beginning in October and asked that he give us another theme in 2014. When each of us finished, he made some closing remarks, gave us his blessing, and presented us with a new pectoral cross and rosaries. In the afternoon we celebrated Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Friday, Jan. 27 We began the day with Mass at St. Peter’s at the altar/tomb of Blessed John Paul II. Afterwards, I met up with the pilgrimage group from the diocese at St. Mary Major Basilica. From there the group went to St. John Lateran Basilica, the Church of the Holy Stairs, the Basilica of St. Sebastian, and the Catacomb of St. Sebastian. I celebrated Mass for the group at this basilica. Saturday, Jan. 28 This morning we met with the Congregation of Doctrine and Faith, whose prefect is Cardinal William Levada, an American. He spoke briefly about the Year of Faith beginning in October and the work the bishops of the U.S. have done in implementing the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Retired Archbishop Alfred Hughes of New Orleans was our spokesman. He

mentioned about the catechism. He brought up some areas of concern with the relationship between the local bishop and the new ordinariate established for Anglicans coming into the church as well as asked for a clarification on the use of blessed oils. I then went with Bishop Michael Duca of Shreveport and Bishop Donald Herzog of Alexandria to have lunch with Mother Carla, mother general of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows and their community in Rome. Mother Carla served in Alexandria while I was there. Later that afternoon the bishops celebrated Mass at the Basilica of St. Paul outside the Wall. The Bishops of the New Orleans Province went out to eat at the invitation of Archbishop Aymond. Sunday, Jan. 29 I celebrated Mass for our pilgrimage group at the Pontifical North American College in the morning. At noon I went to St. Peter’s Square to hear the Holy Father give his Sunday talk, pray the Angeles, and receive his blessing. The square was fairly full with people from all over the world. I completed the evening by meeting our pilgrimage group for their farewell meal. Monday, Jan. 30 I returned to the diocese.

On Thursday, Jan. 26, the bishops of the New Orleans’ Province met with the Holy Father. Father Joshua Rodrigue accompanied Bishop Jacobs. After greeting the pope, Bishop Jacobs, Pope Benedict XVI and Father Rodrigue posed for a photo.

March 2012

Cover Story

38 CNS PHOTO/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO

Holy Father greets Louisiana bishops

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Pope Benedict XVI poses for a photo with Louisiana bishops on their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican Jan. 26. From left are: Bishop Ronald P. Herzog, Alexandria; Auxiliary Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, New Orleans; Bishop Glen J. Provost, Lake Charles; Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond, New Orleans; the pope, retired Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes, New Orleans; Bishop Michael G. Duca, Shreveport; Bishop Sam G. Jacobs, Bishop Robert W. Muench, Baton Rouge; and Bishop Michael Jarrell, Lafayette.

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Guest Columnist Father Joshua Rodrigue

What did the Holy Father say?

n the past it seems the members of the church have been faced with doom and gloom reports of parishes closing and shortages of priests and few seminarians studying for the priesthood. Our diocese has not been immune to those reports either; however, throughout the United States and in our own area, there is reason for hope. For the first time in a long while, seminaries have had an increase in enrollment, with some even having difficulties housing all of their students. Both the number of seminarians at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington has increased. In fact, a few of the 80 seminarians at the seminary college had to be housed in the guest wing of the monastery at St. Joseph’s Abbey because rooms were filled. Our diocese has been blessed with 17 men preparing for the priesthood, four of which, God-willing, will be ordained to the priesthood this May. Vocations to the priesthood have been at the forethought and prayers of all in the church. Pope Benedict XVI often speaks of the importance of vocations to the priesthood and religious life and holds the fostering of them dear to his heart. When the bishops of Region V were in Rome for their “ad limina” visit, each bishop was allowed to bring with them a priest or seminarian to meet Pope Benedict. After speaking with the Holy Father, Bishop Jacobs, whom I am grateful to for asking me to accompany him to his meeting, then introduced me as the Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

vocation director for the diocese. The Holy Father exclaimed, “Ah, the vocation director. Your work is very important for the church and very difficult. I will pray that you will have many vocations.” The Holy Father is quite aware of the difficulties many young men and women have answering a call to the priesthood and religious life. The business and noise of the world around us make hearing the calling of the Lord more difficult, and each person is seemingly left to know one’s true purpose in life by trial and error or just stumbling into it. Calling forth vocations is primarily the work of the Lord, but sometimes he uses the voice of others—priests, religious, laity and even family members—to encourage another to answer the Lord’s call. Pope Benedict, in his recent Angelus address on Jan. 15, explained: “And so it is that the call to follow Jesus more closely, giving up the formation of a family of one’s own so as to dedicate oneself to the great family of the church, normally passes through the witness and introduction of an ‘elder brother,’ who is usually a priest. This is so but we should not forget the fundamental role of parents who, with their genuine and joyful faith and their conjugal love, show their

children that it is beautiful and possible to build the whole of life on God’s love.” I am grateful for the countless faithful of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux who pray daily for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The Lord has and will continue to answer the prayers of his faithful ones. After the Holy Father’s words of encouragement to me, I wished to convey to him the prayers of the seminarians and those in my care. He responded, “Thank you very much. Please assure them of my prayers and give my blessings to them and their families and upon their studies.” What fatherly care and concern for those preparing to continue the Lord’s mission of proclaiming the Gospel and bringing the Lord’s love and mercy to his people. On behalf of our seminarians, be assured also of their prayers for you for all the ways in which you support their vocation. May each of us do our part in calling forth more laborers for the Lord’s vineyard so that the church may benefit from the fruits of the harvest. May all young men stop to listen if the Lord is calling them to the priesthood, and may all young women discern consecrated life.

Pope Benedict XVI greets vocation director Father Joshua Rodrigue during the Rome pilgrimage. The Holy Father exclaimed, “Ah, the vocation director. Your work is very important for the church and very difficult. I will pray that you will have many vocations.” March 2012

Special

Guest Columnist Jeremy Becker

Rome pilgrimage

hen Bishop Sam G. Jacobs asked me to organize a trip to Rome in conjunction with his “ad limina” visit, I knew that it would likely be a very special trip for those that would attend especially since we would have Father Josh Rodrigue, who studied in Rome for five years, joining the group; however, I, and everyone who made the trip, never imagined that the trip would be as special as it was. With nearly the entire traveling group of 42 never having been to Rome and many of the group having never left the United States, there was plenty of nervous excitement and some apprehension as we landed in Rome and made our way to the Eternal City. Once we got to the hotel, and even before many of us could check in, we were already walking into St. Peter’s Square for a quick tour and learning session before eating our first of many great meals and soaking in Italian culture. One of the blessings of the trip was that we would have Mass celebrated each day by Father Josh and in a couple of instances, Bishop Jacobs, and that was how we concluded our first day with a welcome to Rome Mass at Santa Maria in Transpontina, just steps from St. Peter’s Square. Our first full day in Rome was also probably our most special as we were fortunate to be at two separate events with Pope Benedict XVI. The first was as part of the General Papal Audience where we heard his message of the importance of priestly prayer and Christian unity and were fortunate to be seated in the front row of the March 2012

Vatican Auditorium giving us all great views of the Holy Father. Additionally, there were six in our traveling group that were able to personally greet the pope as Mike and Blanche Callais presented him with a picture of the supply boat that is named after the Holy Father, and Nancy Miller, Grace Becnel, Luella Guidry and Deanna Fanguy were selected from our group to go up and receive a special blessing from the pope. Our second event with the pope was for a vespers service at St. Paul’s Outside the Walls to celebrate the feast day of St. Paul. Not only was the service one of the more remarkable that many of us had ever been a part of, but we were all just feet from the Holy Father as he processed down the aisle. Even after such a tremendous day, we kept the pace as our second day began with Father Josh celebrating Mass for the group at the altar of the tomb of St. Peter, under the main floor of St. Peter’s Basilica. This Mass was deemed our most special Mass by many travelers, especially when considering that we were amongst the tombs of popes. We also made sure to visit the other basilicas of Rome including St. Mary Major and St. John Lateran, where many took special time in prayer at the Holy Stairs. We also made our way through the Vatican museum spending time in the Sistine Chapel, while seeing many other churches in Rome including St. Peter’s in Chains, St. Sebastian and more along the route of Father Josh’s special walking tour. With all that we did in Rome, and I still have not discussed Ancient Rome, the Coliseum, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Mass at the North American College, to name a few, we were able to find time to travel to Assisi to see the birthplace of Saints Clare and Francis and to visit the Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. All in all, the pilgrimage to Rome is a trip that I know I will never forget and one that will also be remembered by all of my fellow travelers. Here are a few brief comments:

“Having taken five trips with my mother in recent years both in the U.S. and abroad, this trip to Rome and Assisi was the “jewel in the crown.” Accompanying my mother on stage to meet Pope Benedict XVI at the Paul VI Auditorium was a most incredible and unforgettable experience, the highlight of our trip. We were truly blessed!” Nancy Miller Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux “I knew when my mother agreed to join me on the pilgrimage to Rome, that this trip was never intended to be about my going but about sharing the experience together. In that one single moment of witnessing her look into the eyes of Pope Benedict and gently kiss his ring, I knew I had just experienced a profound blessing from God. I was where he intended me to be. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to share this pilgrimage with amazing people that I am blessed to now call my friends.” Deanna Fanguy Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma “Our pilgrimage to Rome was a fascinating and wonderful experience. Not everyone who goes to Rome has the privilege of seeing the pope. And we were blessed with seeing him three times. It was a true honor to attend holy

Luella Guidry, a parishioner of St. Gregory Church parish in Houma, kisses the ring of Pope Benedict XVI during the Rome pilgrimage as her daughter and diocesan employee Deanna Fanguy looks on. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Mike and Blanche Callais, parishioners of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Golden Meadow, were honored to meet the Holy Father.

Employees of the Pastoral Center posing for a picture with Bishop Sam G. Jacobs and Father Joshua Rodrigue, are: Glenn Landry, Susan Blanchard, Cathy Smith, April LeBouef, Suzette Duthu, Pat Keese, Kelly Guillot, Jeremy Becker and Deanna Fanguy.

vespers with him. Some will measure our trip in days, some in how many churches we visited. I will always remind myself of all the “grace moments” that I experienced that week. Those times that the awe and joy of the moment could only be expressed through tears as our hearts overflowed.” Cat Vice St. Genevieve, Thibodaux Currently, the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is discussing the possibility of having a very similar pilgrimage to Rome in early 2013. For information about the trip possibilities or to reserve a spot, please call me at (985) 850-3155 or email me at jtbecker@ htdiocese.org.

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March 2012

Our Organizations

Marian Servants of the Word Ordinary Catholics helping each other grow in the spiritual life

T 42

ucked between residences and offices, the House of Prayer on Cardinal Drive in Thibodaux is home base to a Catholic community unique in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. Features of the House give witness to the mission and ministry of the 30-plus members of a private association of the Christian faithful, Marian Servants of the Word. A consecrated chapel bespeaks the group’s Catholicity. A library houses hundreds of volumes on faith topics ranging from Scripture to saints of the Church. A generous reception area welcomes visitors and members alike to participation in a daily prayer schedule. An office allows staffers to receive prayer requests. A room arranged for privacy is used for spiritual direction by certified directors and for facilitating Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. Since the group in its formative stage chose the Word of God in Scripture as an identifying component, promoting growth in this area is vital. “Marian Servants are Catholics who are committed to a Rule of Life that fosters growth in holiness, obedience and service,” says Claire Joller, director of the

group. “They have taken a step to live more fully in accord with the teachings of Jesus Christ, in a manner encouraged by Pope John Paul II, for one: by forming small communities of members dedicated to helping each other progress in the spiritual life.” Member Sally Sobert says of the community aspect, “No matter how well-intentioned a Catholic Christian person may be, it’s difficult to walk alone in faith. In a community such as this one, there is always someone who speaks the truth, encourages, admonishes or upbuilds.” Unlike third-order Benedictines or Franciscans, however, Marian Servants are not affiliated with a vowed religious community. Even so, among tenets of the Marian Servants’ Rule of Life is deepened and lengthened prayer time to include use of the Liturgy of the Hours, the universal daily prayer of the church. Members attempt to become more aware of the action of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and honor Mary the mother of Jesus as a model of trust and humility. Spiritual direction is one important ministry of the

community, the director explains. Two active members have been certified through the Cenacle School of Spirituality in Florida in affiliation with the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Another will complete her studies in October. Yet another was scheduled to attend the school’s first session in January. “Pope Benedict XVI himself declared during 2011 that all Catholics should be in spiritual direction,” Joller says. “Priests’ crammed schedules often make their availability impossible for such direction. Those of us who are certified have been trained in a method that uses the Ignatian Rules of Discernment to accompany others on their faith journeys, and are happy to do so.” A weekday schedule for volunteer staffers at the House of Prayer reflects the community’s prayer emphasis. Staffers and visitors recite Morning Prayer from the Divine Office at 9:30 a.m., and intercede for prayer requestors and benefactors. Visitors are invited to recite a rosary in the chapel at 1 p.m., and everyone in the House offers the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3 p.m.

Members of the Marian Servants gather in the chapel for worship and meetings. Here, director Claire Joller gives a teaching on the cardinal, theological, and acquired virtues to some of the members.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier March 2012

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

All members daily receive via email or by phone the prayer requests that have been called in to volunteers who staff the House. Personal prayer is extended for anyone who requests this ministry. A guest priest celebrates Mass in the Marian Servants chapel at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month. Members’ meetings are at 6 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays. Unlike some other organizations and communities whose focus is on the corporal works of mercy, Marian Servants have as part of their mission an emphasis on the spiritual works of mercy. “Our group has been blessed from the beginning with fine teachers who shared their knowledge of Scripture with us through Bible studies, group spiritual exercises, teachings at meetings and special days of instruction,” the director says. Dr. Bonnie Bourg, assisted by Dr. Margaret Jolley, founded the Thibodaux chapter in 1996 after attending the Marian Servants of Divine Providence School of Spirituality in Clearwater, FL. Thibodaux’s was the first community founded after the Divine Providence group. Since then, 13 communities have

Foundress Bonnie Bourg teaches a lesson on the Gospel of John to a Scripture Study group in the library. From left are Bonnie Montgomery, Ralph Melancon, Dr. Bourg, Rose Adams, Lorraine Thibodaux and Phyllis Ledet.

organized in different parts of the United States. “Authoritative and enlightened teachings by Dr. Bourg and Dr. Jolley gave gravitas to the Marian Servants’ beginnings,” the current director adds. Dr. Bourg was director of the community until 2008. Father Michael Bergeron, pastor of Annunziata Church parish in Houma, is chaplain. Although not all members

Directee Judy Daigle (left) and director Claire Joller meet in a House of Prayer private setting for a session of the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

function as teachers of the Word, they each have opportunities to serve in other ministries—prayer intercessors, house ministers, prayer team members, music ministers, hospitality ministers, leaders. Some members serve as speakers at Life in the Spirit seminars, for prayer groups, and for CCD classes, especially confirmation classes. Marian Servants take it as their duty to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be “instruments of peace and healing for the troubled, the lonely and the lost,” the Rule of Life book states. “Our members range from women and men who are still in the workplace, to priest members, to retired Catholics who have the luxury of time to focus on their faith lives,” according to Joller. “We’re from different towns in the diocese, not just Thibodaux. What’s important is that we hear over and over again from members how practices such as attending daily Mass, meditating on Scripture, praying the Rosary, and interceding for the world’s needs before the Blessed Sacrament have enriched their lives—and the lives of others around them.” She continued, “We consider this community experience to be a treasure, one we are eager to share with others.” The House of Prayer is staffed from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. each weekday; the phone number is (985) 447-6564. March 2012

Heavenly Recipes

n u j Caassic Cl

Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

This shrimp jambalaya recipe is a great quick dish for a Lenten meal. A Cajun jambalaya, like gumbo, is a recipe that’s easy to make your own. There are variations to jambalaya. Some like a red or Creole version while others like the brown or Cajun jambalaya. Virginia Chatagnier, the housekeeper/cook at Annunziata Church parish in Houma says her shrimp jambalaya (a brown one) is an easy dish to prepare with just a few ingredients. “This meal is typical of how Cajuns cooked years ago; there are not a lot of fancy ingredients. Cajuns used to cook with what they had in the house. Usually that meant using very basic ingredients,” says the cook. What makes her recipe unique is that she cooks her rice separately in a rice cooker then she mixes the rice with the shrimp and onions. Chatagnier says that she learned to cook from her mother. “I remember my mom cooking great meals when I was growing up. I also remember that she didn’t necessarily put a lot of fancy ingredients in her food because all we had were the basics,” says Chatagnier. The housekeeper began working at Annunziata in 1970 after her husband died and she had three young children to raise. At 80 years old she is now in her 41st year there. “I love cooking and I love cooking for the priests who have served in the parish. I have cooked for many of them over the past 41 years,” says the cook. Father Michael Bergeron, pastor of Annunziata, says, “Virginia is a great cook. She cooks like most Cajun women do. It’s not complicated; it’s simple and it’s good.”

Super Cooper 5K Run/Walk set in Houma March 24 March 2012

Virginia’s Shrimp Jambalaya 2 medium onions sliced 1/4 cup oil 3 cups uncooked rice 1-1/2 lbs. peeled medium sized shrimp salt to taste Cook the rice in a rice cooker. Brown onions in oil in a 4 quart pot using medium heat. After onions have browned add 1 cup water to onions. Cook until approximately half the water reduces. Add shrimp and cook until tender. Add 1/2 cup of water to cooked shrimp. Add salt to taste. Blend in four cups cooked rice until desired consistency. Place in serving dish.

The Sixth Annual Super Cooper 5K Run/Walk will take place on Saturday, March 24, at the Workout Co., in Houma. John and Ashley Fontenot founded the Cooper Life Fund organization after their son, Cooper Fontenot, was born in 2004 with a congenital heart defect called Transposition of the Great Vessels. Fontenot spent many weeks in the hospital and endured several hours of openheart surgery when he was only nine days old. Although Cooper’s

treatment and care is ongoing, he is alive and well today because of great medical care and intensive cardiovascular research. All of the proceeds from the Sixth Annual Super Cooper 5K Run/Walk will be used to provide medical and social care needs to the infants and families of infants admitted to Terrebonne General Medical Center’s NIC Unit after being born with serious medical conditions. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Special

HELEN TERREBONNE PHOTOS/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Louisianians March for Life

More than 3,500 Louisianians marched from the Old State Capitol to the State Capitol in Baton Rouge during the second annual Louisiana March for Life in January. Rob Gorman, executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, mans a booth at the ministry mall during the March for Life. Catholic Charities is a participant of the Life and Justice Committee of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops and a co-sponsor of the March. Vandebilt Catholic High School student members of the pro life group participated in the March for Life.

LAURA DEAVERS/CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR

Bayou Catholic â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA

March 2012

Special

At National March for Life

Pilgrims from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux pose for a photo after attending Mass at the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, AL.

Body of Christ comes together Guest Columnist Father Andre’ Melancon

his past January on the anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision, close to half a million people gathered in our nation’s capital to march for life. It was an incredible opportunity to witness March 2012

the body of Christ coming together to say we appreciate the gift of life! We stand in defense of life! We give a voice for those who have no voice! The common sentiment that was felt by marchers was that we want an America that we can be proud of. We want an America that gives every one of its citizens an opportunity to be born and give glory to God through his or her life. By the powerful presence of so many young people who made sacrifices to come to Washington and march, “Life’s” voice was heard. This year’s march was a wonderful blessing for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in that we

had over 60 teens and adults, the largest group ever from the diocese, pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. and march. Every corner of the diocese was represented. The Houma-Thibodaux pilgrims where set on fire with the message of life and came back ready to be witnesses against the culture of death standing up for a culture of life! One of our teens, Allison Curth who is president of the pro-life club at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma, had this to say about her experience. “The youth pilgrimage to the March for Life is more than just a trip; it is an

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

extraordinary experience. When people ask me about it, I cannot put the experience into words, because it was so amazing. Through the pilgrimage, I have become so much closer to my fellow pilgrims and my God. At the beginning of the pilgrimage, everyone seems a little uncomfortable being around a bunch of strangers, but by the end, we are one community bonding together through prayer, play and our one purpose: fighting for the rights of the unborn.” Brad Villavaso, head football Coach at Vandebilt Catholic High School, said about his experience, “The March for Life was one of the most incredible life changing experiences in my 45 years. I was in awe of the hundreds of thousands of people who came together for such a great cause. God’s love and compassion that radiated from the hearts of hundreds of teens during Masses, rallies, prayer services and adoration during our time in Washington was quite powerful. To be a part of it gave me a renewed outlook on what to be “Pro-Life” really is. The thousands of unborn babies and their mothers who make that horrific choice need us to stand up for them not only in our thoughts but in our actions. Through the power of prayer and sacrifice, each one of us can make a difference. I am extremely proud to witness teens from our church parishes doing just that. We should all thank them for what they are doing for these babies. And most of all, we should join them in their efforts.” The March for Life pilgrimage is truly a life changing experience. Our focus was that we cannot truly defend life unless we are grateful for the gift of our own lives, and that gratitude comes when we experience who we are in Jesus Christ. The pilgrimage gave us all an opportunity to be reminded and affirmed in that love that Christ has for all of us, those born and unborn! My prayer is that soon, the laws will be changed in our country and we will no longer need to march. But until that time, I pray that more from our diocese may have the opportunity to come and be a voice for the voiceless and march for life!

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Walk-in Tubs March 2012

Sports

Welcome home, Final Four

Overtime Ed Daniels

hirty years ago, the Superdome changed the men’s Final Four, forever. The 1982 Final Four is best known for North Carolina freshman Michael Jordan’s game winning jump shot that beat Georgetown for the championship 63-62. Superdome public relations guru Bill Curl said of the shot, “those who saw Jordan hit that shot will remember it for the rest of their lives.” That night, 61,612 saw it. And, college basketball’s signature event was soon headed on a far different path, to play in all domed stadiums. Houston’s Astrodome had hosted the Final Four in 1971. But, the NCAA men’s basketball committee complained of poor site lines. Only a handful of seats were around the court, which was placed in the middle of the Astrodome. In January of 1978, New Orleans made its bid and was a surprising finalist with Lexington, KY. Wayne Duke, then the Big Ten’s commissioner and chair of the NCAA men’s Division I basketball committee, was at the Superdome for a Tulane/LSU basketball game. He first looked at the terrace seats on the far east side, looked at his committee members, and said, “We

can sell those seats, too.” Curl said he remembers the gulp from committee members being heard over the roar of the crowd at the game. How the game was viewed would soon change forever. Eighteen dollar Final Four tickets were sold for 1982 at the Superdome. Curl said of those offered “distant viewing” tickets, 90 percent said yes. Later, New Orleans would again bid for the Final Four. One of its staunch allies was Michigan State head coach Jud Heathcote. Heathcote told the Division I Basketball Committee about how he ran across fans from the University of Minnesota in the French Quarter. “What are you guys doing here?” said Heathcote. Jud reminded them that their team wasn’t in the Final Four. They told him, “We have been trying to get tickets for 10 years. We are finally here.” New Orleans won the bid unanimously. When the Final Four returned in 1987, Indiana beat Syracuse for the championship 74-73. Baton Rouge native Keith Smart made one of the signature shots in the history of the tournament, a jumper from

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the left baseline with four seconds remaining that secured the title. Keith Smart was a game changer. And, so was the Superdome. There were 64,959 people in the building that night. This February, Smart returned as the head coach of the Sacramento Kings. As he spoke to a reporter outside of the Kings dressing room at New Orleans Arena, he glowed when talking about the shot. And, he said every time he passes the Superdome, he can’t help but reflect on a moment that changed his life. Memorable Final Four finishes at the Superdome are the norm. In 1993, Chris Webber’s time out call, when Michigan had none, doomed the Wolverines and the Fab Five, in the championship game against North Carolina. Ten years later, Hakim Warrick’s block of a Kansas three point shot in the final seconds secured an 81-78 Syracuse win in the championship game. But, for Bill Curl one of the biggest Final Four outcomes is this: the last Final Four not played in a domed stadium was in New Jersey in 1996. Welcome home, Final Four.

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March 2012

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Financial Report

Glenn J. Landry, Jr. CPA, CDFM

Diocese remains stable It is with pleasure I join Bishop Sam G. Jacobs and the entire diocesan staff in presenting the financial highlights of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The mission statement of the Office of Finance and Accounting states, “to be of service to the parishes, schools and agencies of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux through proper planning, monitoring and safeguarding of the gifts of treasure entrusted to us by the people of the diocese.” This article tries to capture, in summary form, financial highlights of operations this past year. It is my prayer that this summary is of value to you, the parishioners of Houma-Thibodaux and illustrates our commitment to the mission statement of our ministry and service to the church. Through ministry, each and every one of the diocesan offices and programs exists to provide support and service to our parishes, schools and institutions. I encourage each reader to review the Catholic Directory that is published annually by Bayou Catholic. This directory is a comprehensive guide to diocesan operations and illustrates the offices and programs providing pastoral and administrative services to each parish, school and institution of the diocese. I also would like to take this opportunity Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

to emphasize that our diocese has adopted a centralized approach to many pastoral and administrative programs. This approach allows the diocese to efficiently utilize all resources for the benefit of each and every diocesan entity. Diocesan staff uses a very strong system of internal procedures to properly record the activity of this diverse organization while maintaining separation between all locations.

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 a “qualified” opinion on the diocese’s financial statements. A “qualified” opinion differs from an “unqualified” in that a “qualified” opinion is rendered when the financial statements are fairly presented “except for” certain items. The “except for” items applicable to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux relate to the fact that the financial statements do not contain a provision for depreciation on long-lived assets nor do they contain an actuarial valuation of the liability for pension and postretirement health care benefits for priests. In addition, the financial statements do not include the operations of the high schools owned by the diocese nor do they include certain assets, liabilities and net assets of the high schools. These exceptions have existed for

many years and are expected to reoccur in the future. The notes to the financial statements explain why these provisions are not made – primarily because the cost of doing what is necessary to remove these exceptions is far greater than the benefit of performing the tasks, which have been noted. The complete audited report is available to all. Please contact me if you are interested in viewing the full report. Anyone wishing to contact us regarding the audited report should notify us in writing at P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395, or by telephone at (985) 850-3112.

Financial Highlights

ASSETS Cash and investments (excluding loans to parishes but including deposits from parishes, schools and institutions) of the diocese for the year ended June 30, 2011, totaled $61.2 million – an increase of $4.1 million. One should not be misled by these large figures. Approximately $57 million of the cash and investments are deposits and endowments owned by parishes, schools and institutions. These funds are managed by investment managers on behalf of our Central Finance system in order to provide for the highest possible rate of return without undue risk. The endowments held for parishes, schools and institutions in Central Finance increased approximately $128,000 from 2010. Seminary Burse funds increased by $37,000, the Catholic Charities Endowment increased by $152,000. Please see Chart One (page 51) for a listing of total diocesan assets.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

March 2012

Financial Report LIABILITIES Liabilities at June 30, 2011, totaled $79 million. As mentioned above $57 million belongs to parishes, cemeteries, schools and third parties for deposits and endowments in the diocesan Central Finance program. In 2006 the diocese issued $17.7 million variable rate demand bonds to fund various construction projects throughout the diocese. In 2007 the diocese issued $6.48 million variable rate demand bonds to fund priest pension liabilities. At June 30, 2011, approximately $19.5 million of bond debt was still outstanding. Please see Chart Two (page 51) for a listing of total diocesan liabilities.

NET ASSETS Temporarily restricted net assets are restricted by donors for support of a particular operating activity or donor restricted use. Permanently restricted net assets are restricted indefinitely for diocesan ownership and/or support of a particular operating activity. The diocese maintains several operations that are funded by sources other than general diocesan revenue. The revenues and expenses incurred by these programs are internally segregated, and the programs having revenues in excess of expenditures are reflected as designated net assets to be used in the future by the specific program. These programs are typically referred to as funded operations. Please see Chart Four (page 52) for a listing of net assets. REVENUES AND EXPENSES The diocese has various sources of revenue which include cathedraticum, investment return, donations, grants and program service fees. Cathedraticum is essentially an assessment levied on ordinary income and certain extraordinary income of parishes within the diocese. Investment return includes earnings from Central Finance investments and investments associated with bonds issued by the diocese in 2006 and 2007. Donations include Annual Bishop’s Appeal, special collections, oil and gas royalties and other gifts. Annual Bishop’s Appeal continues its success, exceeding the goal for the sixth straight year. Current year donations have March 2012

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

increased by over $50,000. Grants and program service fees are generated by diocesan programs or offices for a specific purpose. Please see Chart Five (page 53) for a listing of diocesan revenue. Cathedraticum, donations, and oil and gas revenues are used to pay for general administrative functions and formation ministries that do not generate outside funding. Expenditures for certain offices and programs are covered by funding from outside grants and service fees. These funded operations are accounted for in diocesan operations. Please see the listing of expenses by office, department, or funded operation for total diocesan expenses on page 54. The diocese’s Central Finance program acts very much like a bank for diocesan parishes, schools and institutions. When an entity has excess funds, they are “deposited” into that entity’s account with the diocese. The diocese pays interest on these accounts and credits that interest directly to each entity’s account. Current regular deposits are paid 1.5 percent and endowment deposits are paid 2.5 percent. For the year ending June 30, 2011, the average return on investments within Central Finance was approximately 2.8 percent before payments for external money management and bank fees. With the exception of endowments, these funds can be withdrawn at anytime as needed by the parishes and schools. Additionally, when an approved parish capital project’s budget or other operating necessities exceed the resources of the parish, the parish

can apply for a loan from Central Finance. The Central Finance program charges a 6 percent rate on loaned funds.

In Closing … Through careful planning the financial condition of the diocese remains stable. We continue to strive to provide financial stability, prudent decision making and the capability to react to the changing needs of our church. We also work at improving efficiencies in the system by monitoring our budgetary process and requiring accountability at all levels of the organization. Our constant goal is to grow our allocation of funds in support of the many ministries provided while reducing our administrative expenses as a percentage of our total expenditures. We believe that this is our responsibility in the spirit of good stewardship of the funds entrusted to the diocese. The prayers, support and unity of each location and all parishioners of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux is a very important component of success. All are gratefully acknowledged and appreciated in helping us fulfill the mission as set forth for us in the Gospels as part of our mission statement of the diocese.

GLENN J. LANDRY JR., CPA, CDFM

Coordinator of Administration and Diocesan Finance Director/Business Manager Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Chart One

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Assets Other assets $7,261,185

Property, plant & equipment $21,180,020 Parish loans $5,591,168

Other current assets $1,410,460

Cash and investments $61,172,607

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 for 93 percent of cash and 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). The diocese does not record depreciation on long-lived assets because the cost of deriving the information to calculate depreciation outweighs the benefit we would derive. Chart Two

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Liabilities Series 2006 & 2007 bonds payable $19,455,000

Central finance deposits $41,201,384

Priests' postretirement benefits liability $325,010

Insurance program reserves $718,022

Third-party endowments $15,921,053

Accounts payable and other current liabilities $1,351,261

Some notes regarding the diocese’s liabilities and accruals: Seventy-two (72) percent 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 insurance program reserves are adequate to cover claims incurred, but not paid at June 30, 2011. 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.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

March 2012

Financial Report Chart Three

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Central Finance Deposits Parishes $7,475,585

Cemeteries $5,744,423

Schools and others $27,981,376

Some notes regarding Central Finance Deposits: Deposits from schools are comparatively larger at June 30 than they are at most other times during the year. This is due to the prepaid tuition program in which most schools in the diocese participate. Approximately 94 percent of the deposited funds for schools will be drawn by the schools during the year to pay for their operations.

Chart Four

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Net Assets Unrestricted, undesignated net assets $5,397,332

Restricted net assets $6,262,522

Unrestricted, designated net assets $5,983,856 Some notes regarding the net assets of the diocese: Net assets represent the difference between the diocese’s assets and liabilities. Net assets are also commonly referred to as “net worth.” The net assets of the diocese are segregated into net assets that are restricted as to use by donors and those that are not. For those net assets that are not restricted, the diocese has designated net assets to fund diocesan programs and projects. The remaining net assets not designated are classified as “unrestricted, undesignated.” “Unrestricted, undesignated” does not mean that the diocese has this amount in reserves. Rather, this figure represents total assets minus total liabilities and net assets that are restricted and/or designated.

March 2012

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Chart Five

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Revenues and Other Support Program service and other revenues $6,280,329

Permanently restricted contributions $269,235

Cathedraticum $2,329,850

Unrestricted donations and grants $3,332,973 Temporarily restricted contributions $161,934

Investment return $2,232,004

Some notes regarding revenues and other support: Cathedraticum is essentially an assessment levied on ordinary income and certain extraordinary income of parishes within the diocese. This revenue source is used to pay for the general and administrative functions and support services of the diocese. Investment return is comprised mostly by the return the diocese earns on funds available through the Central Finance Program. Program service and other revenues include various program revenues, service charges from parishes and schools for support services, royalties and other miscellaneous revenues. Chart Six

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Income of Funded Operations (excluding Central Finance)

Assisi Bridge House & Phase IV $253,518

Foster Grandparent Program $307,498

St. Joseph Cemetery $308,340

Lumen Christi Retreat Center $241,846 Bayou Catholic $214,018 Other funded operations $159,453

Insurance and employee benefits $2,950,034

Charity Programs $788,410

St. Lucy Child Development Center $283,999

Some notes regarding income of funded operations: Income from funded operations includes various grants from governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations, and donations from individuals, including special collections, totaling $1,291,712. Grants and donations are included with the program to which they relate. The diocesan Insurance Program is essentially a self-insurance program whereby parishes, schools and institutions pay premiums to the diocese for various insurance coverages. The diocese pays claims on these policies up to certain stop-loss limits. When these limits are reached, excess insurance from external insurance carriers covers the excess claims. Other major sources of support for these operations include service and user fees, subscription fees and advertising.

Bayou Catholic â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA

March 2012

Financial Report

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Houma, Louisiana Selected Financial Information Year ended June 30, 2011 Expenses by Office or Department: General administrative expense Priest health insurance and claims Bond interest expense Computer Operations and Technology Office Bishop's residence Building and Construction Office Hospital Chaplain Young Adult Ministry Priest Retreats & Continuing Education Office Grants to Parishes and Schools Formation Office Tribunal Office Family Ministries Office Youth Ministry Office Archives Worship Cemeteries Trust Communications Catholic Schools Safe Environment Conference Vocations, Seminarians and Permanent Deacons Hispanic Ministry Stewardship and Development Religious Education Pastoral Staffing Other programs Total Undesignated Expenditures Funded Operations: St Lucy Child Development Center Cemeteries Charity Programs Property Insurance Human Resources Assisi Bridge House Catholic Housing C.E.N.T.S. Micro Enterprise Program Foster Grandparent Program St. Joseph Cemetery Lumen Christi Retreat Center Bayou Catholic Central Finance Disaster Assistance Total Expenses of Funded Operations

Total Expenses

March 2012

870,599 102,066 1,547,001 184,995 50,996 47,880 70,926 19,074 18,263 287,840 78,894 68,232 188,038 260,757 77,435 83,640 20,673 254,857 402,430 30,128 575,025 690,089 131,896 206,797 217,566 83,904 40,280

285,053 81,472 603,049 2,456,238 137,294 256,225 84,369 39,566 307,498 415,659 373,574 578,989 1,401,843 733,052

6,610,281

7,753,881 $

14,364,162

Bayou Catholic â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA

March 2012