Bayou Catholic Magazine - March 2013

Bayou

Catholic

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

Anticipation Universal Church awaits, prays for new Holy Father

HOUMA, LA ~ MARCH 2013 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

Contents

On our cover

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As we await the election of a new pope, we pray for our former Holy Father. We have special pages devoted to this monumental story.

Ordination Friar Antonio Maria Speedy is new transitional deacon

10 Jesus Is Lord What does the Catholic Church stand for?

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St. Joseph Altars

Rite of Election

Ready for viewing March 19 at 21 locations

Diocese welcomes 32 catechumens, 38 candidates

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Our Churches

Marriage

St. Ann, Bourg: ‘Honoring our Past, Building our Future’

Bayou Catholic has 20 page special section

• Pope Speaks

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• Question Corner

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• Reflections

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• Calendar

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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. 9 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

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.

• Young Voices

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• Financial Report

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Louis G. Aguirre

editor and general manager Lawrence Chatagnier

managing 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

Where to find us 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.

GOOD FRIDAY

Index to Advertisers Barker Honda ............................................. 69 Bishop’s Appeal ........................................... 9 Bueche’s Jewelry ....................................... 43 Burma Hall ................................................. 71 Cannata’s ..................................................... 3 Capdeboscq Catering Service .................. 71 Caro’s Cakes & Catering, Inc. ................... 72 Cashio’s Catering ...................................... 75 Catholic Directory 2013 ............................. 67 Catholic Relief Services Collection ............ 33 Channel 10 ................................................. 27 Conference Office-Steubenville ................... 2 Diocesan Outreach Line ............................ 51 Diocese of Baton Rouge Schools Office ... 46 Education to Ministry Collection ................ 31 Galliano Religious Supply House .............. 62 Gina’s Catering .......................................... 76 God’s Precious Word and Gifts ................. 42 God’s Precious Word and Gifts ................. 75 God’s Promises Books and Gifts .............. 73 Gold’n Gifts & Bridal Boutique ................... 70 Good Friday Collection ................................ 5 Haydel Spine & Pain .................................. 45 Headache & Pain Center ........................... 44 Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center ............... 78 KEM Supply House, Inc. ............................ 46 LeBlanc & Associates, Inc. ........................ 50 Lewis & Company ...................................... 54 Maison Jardin ............................................. 53 Mary Bird Perkins-TGMC ........................... 39 Mpress ....................................................... 50 Norman’s Tuxedo’s .................................... 79 Office of Family Ministries .......................... 65 Office of Youth Ministry .............................. 48 Peltier Travel Agency ................................. 77 Pope John Paul II Exhibit ........................... 53 Re Bath ...........................................25 and 64 Rod’s Superstore ....................................... 52 Royal Villa .................................................... 63 SEECA ........................................................ 23 Seminary Burse .......................................... 37 Southland Mall ........................................... 80 Spotlight ..................................................... 43 St. Joseph Manor ....................................... 38 Synergy Bank ............................................. 49 Terminix ...................................................... 54 Terrebonne General Medical Center Ladies Night Out .................................... 29 Terrebonne General Medical Center ......... 55 Tuition Auction 2013.................................... 19 The Wishing Well, Inc. ............................... 76 Thibodaux Physical Therapy ..................... 38 Wesley J. Landeche ................................... 74

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Pope Benedict XVI asks you to be generous during the pontifical collection at your parish.

Support Christians in the Holy Land

AnAn annual collection uniting annual collection Christians around the World. uniting Christians around the The collection will be heldWorld.

March 29, 2013 For more information about the Good Friday Collection or the work of the Holy Land Franciscans, visit: www.myfranciscan.org

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land

1400 Quincy Street NE, Washington, DC 20017 www.myfranciscan.org | 202-526-6800 www.bayoucatholic.com

Welcome

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

Transition

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In this day and age where it seems everyone knows everything and Internet leaks rule, it was refreshing – for me – to see how the pope and the Holy See were able to maintain absolute secrecy on the matter of papal abdication. Benedict XVI’s announcement, of course, took us all by surprise.

True, the Holy Father had hinted at the idea of papal retirement and, as many have said, it took great courage for him to admit to God, himself and the world that he no longer felt up to the task. The pope made the ultimate sacrifice by stepping aside and allowing the Holy Spirit to send us a new leader.

In these days of transition, it would do all of us well to pray for our former pope and to pray for the success in the election of the next Holy Father. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has devoted part of its website to answering questions, giving insightful information and offering prayers for us to use. Please take the time to visit them at www.usccb.org.

Here are two very helpful prayers: Prayer for Pope Benedict XVI O God, true shepherd of all the faithful, look with kindness on your servant Pope Benedict XVI, whom you set as head and shepherd of Your Church.

We give you thanks for your grace at work in him as he had led us by word and example: in his teaching, in his prayer and in his great love.

Grant him your strength in frailty, comfort in sorrow, and serenity amid the trials of this world; and guide your Church, built on the rock of Peter, with the power of your Spirit as we continue on the path that leads to you.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

Prayer for the Election of a New Pope O God, eternal shepherd, who govern your flock with unfailing care, grant in your boundless fatherly love a pastor for your Church who will please you by his holiness and to us show watchful care.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Bayou Spirit

Transitional deacon ordained Friar Antonio Maria Speedy was ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop Sam G. Jacobs recently at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church parish in Houma. Friar Volantino Verde, superior of The Little Friars and Sisters of Jesus and Mary, was in attendance at the ordination. Friar Antonio will be ordained a priest in Italy later this year.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

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www.bayoucatholic.com

ScriptureReadings Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

and a listing of Feast days and saints.

Friday

Saturday

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Sunday

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

Third Sunday of Lent Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15 1 Corinthians 10:16, 10-12 Luke 13:1-9

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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 Joshua 5:9a, 10-12 2 Corinthians 5:1721 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

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Lenten Weekday Isaiah 65:17-21 John 4:43-54

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

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 Fifth Sunday of Lent Jeremiah 11:18-20 Isaiah 43:16-21 John 7:40-53 Philippians 3:8-14 John 8:1-11

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Lenten Weekday Daniel 13:1-9, 1517, 19-30, 33-62 John 8:12-20

Solemnity of Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 1214a, 16 Romans 4:13, 1618, 22 Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Lenten Weekday Lenten Weekday Daniel 3:14-20, 91- Genesis 17:3-9 92, 95 John 8:51-59 John 8:31-42

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 Luke 19:28-40 Isaiah 50:4-7 Philippians 2:6-11 Luke 22:14—23:56

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

Tuesday of Holy Week Isaiah 49:1-6 John 13:21-33, 36-38

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

Chrism Mass Readings 260: Isaiah 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9 Revelation 1:5-8 Luke 4:16-21 Mass of the Lord’s Supper Readings 39: 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

Easter Vigil Readings 41: Genesis 1:1—2:2 Genesis 22:1-18 Exodus 14:15— 15:1 Isaiah 54:5-14 Isaiah 55:1-11

Solemnity of Easter Sunday: Resurrection of the Lord Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Colossians 3:1-4 John 20:1-9

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Solemnity of Easter Monday Acts 2:14, 22-33 Matthew 28:8-15

Solemnity of Easter Tuesday Acts 2:36-41 John 20:11-18

Solemnity of Easter Wednesday Acts 3:1-10 Luke 24:13-35

Solemnity of Easter Thursday Acts 3:11-26 Luke 24:35-48

Solemnity of Easter Friday Acts 4:1-12 John 21:1-14

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United in Faith and Mission

...they gathered the church together and reported all God had done for them and how he had opened the door of faith...

Acts 14:27

By Being United in Faith and Mission, the Annual Bishop’s Appeal Can Provide the Pastoral, Spiritual and Educational Works Needed in Our Diocese.

Each of us has the Christian responsibility of sharing his or her blessings with others. Since the establishment of our diocese, this tradition of giving has been a hallmark and a strength of our spiritual family, enabling the church in South Louisiana to accomplish the Lord’s work.

Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

After reviewing the important and indispensable works of education, charity, outreach, and formation through the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, please help by reviewing the giving guide below to prayerfully make your commitment.

All gifts will be acknowledged.

Total Commitment

Down Payment

7 Monthly payments

Commitments are payable over 8 months and commitment reminders will be mailed monthly.

Checks are made payable to Annual Bishop’s Appeal.

For online credit card gifts visit: www.htstewardship.org

www.bayoucatholic.com

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Comment Jesus Is Lord Bishop Sam G. Jacobs

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What does the Catholic Church stand for? Part I of II The easiest way to answer this question is to say it stands for the truth revealed by God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit both in the Scriptures and in its authentic teachings. What are some of these? (This is not meant to be comprehensive.) n The revealed truth as found in the Sacred Scriptures.

Not everything written in the Scriptures has the same weight.

The revelation of God is greater than the means used by the human author to convey this revelation. This revelation is not subject to human interpretation.

In the Book of Genesis, for instance, the revelation is this: a) There is a God; b) God created all things out of nothing and good; c) God created man and woman in his own image and likeness at the height of earthly creation; d) God shared his own divine life with man and woman as his adopted son and daughter; e) man and woman sinned; f) God promised a future Messiah.

Whether this took place in six days or over a period of time does not contradict the revelation.

What is true in faith will also be true in science, since truth cannot contradict itself. The human author is not a scientist, but a man of faith.

In the Book of John when Jesus said at the Last Supper over

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What does the Catholic Church stand for? -- Part I of II

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

the unleavened bread “this is my body,” and over the cup of wine “this is my blood,” the bread was transformed into his body and the wine into his blood. This is not subject to interpretation. It is the revealed Word and action of the God-Man, who is the truth (John 6:35-69). n The Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed contain the core, basic truths revealed by God and taught by the Catholic Church. a) God is one and triune in persons: The I Am Who Am who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is the central and foundational mystery of our faith. b) Though creation is attributed to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are creative with the Father. c) God the Son became Incarnate by the power of the Holy Spirit. Out of love of the Father and of us he came to save us and reconcile us back to God. True God and True Man he suffered death on the cross, rose from the dead and is exalted at the right hand of the Father in his glorified body. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. d) God the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life and all gifts, is the sanctifier and anointer, sent by the Father and Son to complete the Paschal Mystery. e) The church, founded by Jesus and animated by the Holy Spirit, is one, holy, catholic and apostolic.

1. The church is one: The one people of God profess one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one hope, one Spirit and one worship under the one supreme pontiff (Ephesians 4:4-6).

2. The church is holy: Called to holiness in baptism and confirmation, strengthened in holiness through the Eucharist, marriage and orders restored to holiness in reconciliation and anointing of the sick.

3. The church is catholic: Following the mandate of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) the church from the beginning has gone to all nations, cultures, languages and peoples, preaching all that Jesus taught and will do so till the end of time.

4. The church is apostolic: The church is built on the foundation of the apostles (Ephesians 2:20), teaches the “deposit of faith,” given

by the Sprit and handed down from the apostles and their successors through the ages (Galatians 1:8-9). f. As Jesus rose from the dead, one day, at the end of time, there will be the resurrection of our bodies by the power of God, either to eternal glory with God or to eternal alienation from God. n The Ten Commandments are as relevant today as when first given by God. Over the years, the church has further specified what is contained in each of the Commandments, always summing them up as Jesus did: Love God with your whole heart, mind and strength and love your neighbor as you have been loved by Jesus. a. First Commandment: There is only one uncreated God who is other. b. Second Commandment: God and all that is God is holy, deserving of reverential respect. c. Third Commandment: Man’s response to God is love and worship in spirit and truth. The Mass is the perfect sacrifice of thanksgiving acceptable and pleasing to God. d. Fourth Commandment: Love of others begins with the love, honor and respect we are to show to those who parent us into existence and nurture us. In extension, we are to honor and respect all those in legitimate authority. e. Fifth Commandment: Love of neighbor is expressed in respecting the sacredness of the lives of others as well as my own life, from conception to natural death as gifts from God. f. Sixth Commandment: Love of others and myself includes mutual respect for each other’s body, using the sexual gift for the purpose for which it is designed, namely in marriage for love leading to union and openness to life. g. Seventh Commandment: Love of others impels me to respect the rights of others to their property and to act justly toward all. h. Eighth Commandment: Love of others involves speaking the truth and upholding the right of each person to their good reputation. i. Ninth Commandment: Love of neighbor extends to my thoughts and desires concerning them, not as objects for my satisfaction.

j. Tenth Commandment: Love of neighbor extends to my thoughts and desires concerning their goods. n Jesus established his church to continue the work he began on earth. He established Peter as the one upon whom he will build his church as the first in a long apostolic line of successors until the present day pope. For the sake of authentic teaching, the pope with the bishops in union with him exercises the gift of infallibility through the power of the Holy Spirit in areas of faith and morals. n The church honors Mary as the Mother of God, giving her the same recognition that God himself has given her. (“Blessed are you among women.”)

1) The Immaculate Conception: Mary, by God’s grace and in anticipation of Jesus’s gift of salvation, was conceived free from sin and remained so throughout her life.

2) Ever virgin: Mary was a virgin before, during and after the conception and birth of Jesus.

3) The Assumption: Because Mary was sinless by God’s grace and her cooperation, she was taken 11 into heaven body and soul at the time of her transition from this life to the next.

4) Queen of heaven and earth by God’s providence.

5) By God’s design Mary is both the mother of Jesus and our mother. As such she intercedes for us and serves as a role model.

6) We pray to Mary and the Saints, asking them to intercede before the throne of God for us, while at the same time we go to God directly. n We believe in heaven, purgatory and hell. a. Heaven, the “dwelling of God,” where the created angels and saints share in the eternal life of glory of the uncreated God (Revelation 21:3-4). This is eternal. b. Purgatory is the stage of purification of the saved so that they can be full of love and enabled to share in the full life of God (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). This will not last forever. c. Hell is the eternal punishment of the devil and those alienated from God by their choices in life (Revelation 20:13-15). This is eternal. www.bayoucatholic.com

Comentario

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¿Qué defiende la Iglesia?

Parte I de II

La manera más fácil de contestar esta pregunta es diciendo que la Iglesia defiende la verdad que Dios ha revelado bajo la guía del Espíritu Santo en las Escrituras y en sus enseñanzas auténticas. ¿De qué verdad se habla? (Esta explicación no es exhaustiva). n La verdad revelada como se encuentra en las Sagradas Escrituras. No todo lo que se encuentra en las Escrituras tiene el mismo valor. La revelación de Dios es mayor que los métodos usados por el autor humano que comunica esta revelación en las Escrituras. Esta revelación no está sujeta a la interpretación humana. Por ejemplo, en el Libro de Génesis la revelación es la siguiente: a) Dios existe; b) Dios creó todas las cosas de la nada y es bueno; c) Dios creó al hombre y a la mujer en su propia imagen y semejanza en la cumbre de la creación de la tierra; d) Dios compartió su propia vida divina con el hombre y la mujer como hijos adoptivos; e) el hombre y la mujer pecaron; f) Dios prometió un Mesías en el futuro.

La revelación no se contradice si todo esto sucedió en seis días o más. Lo que es verdad en la fe será también verdad en la ciencia ya que la verdad no puede contradecirse a sí misma.

El autor humano no es científico sino un hombre de fe.

En el Libro de San Juan cuando Jesús declaró en la Ultima Cena tomando el pan sin levadura «Esto es mi cuerpo,» y tomando elcáliz de vino «esto es mi sangre,» el pan se transformó en su cuerpo y el vino en su sangre.

Esto no se puede interpretar porque es el Verbo revelado y la acción del Dios-Hombre que es la verdad (Juan: 6:35-69). n El Credo de los Apóstoles y el Credo Niceno contienen la verdad básica y fundamental que Dios reveló y que enseña

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

la Iglesia Católica. a) Dios es uno y trio en personas: El Yo Soy lo que Soy que es Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo. Esto es el misterio central y esencial de nuestra fe. b) A pesar de que el Padre se identifica como el creador de la creación, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo son creativos con el Padre. c) Dios Hijo se encarnó por el poder del Espíritu Santo. Su amor por el Padre y por nosotros permitió que nos salvara y nos reconciliara de nuevo con Dios. Siendo Dios Verdadero y Hombre Verdadero sufrió la muerte en la cruz, resucitó de entre los muertos y está sentado a la derecha del Padre en su cuerpo glorificado. Vendrá de nuevo para juzgar a vivos y muertos. d) Dios Espíritu Santo, Señor y dador de vida y todos los dones, es el santificador y el que unge, enviado por el Padre y el Hijo para completar el Misterio Pascual. e) La Iglesia, fundada por Jesús y vivificada por el Espíritu Santo, es una, católica y apostólica.

1. La Iglesia es una: Un sólo pueblo de Dios profesa a un sólo Señor, una fe, un bautismo, una esperanza, un Espíritu y una adoración bajo un pontífice supremo (Efesios 4:4-6).

2. La Iglesia es santa: Llamada a la santidad del bautismo y la confirmación, fortalecida en santidad a través de la Eucaristía, el matrimonio y las órdenes restauradas a la santidad en la reconciliación y la unción de los muertos.

3. La Iglesia es católica: Siguiendo los mandatos de Jesús (Mateo 28:1820) la Iglesia desde el comienzo ha ido a todas las naciones, culturas, idiomas y pueblos, difundiendo todas las enseñanzas de Jesús y seguirá haciéndolo por los siglos de los siglos.

4. La Iglesia es apostólica: La Iglesia ha sido cimentada en el edificio cuyas bases son los apóstoles (Efesios 2:20), y nos enseña el «depósito de fe» que nos ha dado el Espíritu y que los apóstoles y sus sucesores nos han entregado a través de los siglos (Gálatas 1:8-9). f. Así como Jesús resucitó de entre los muertos, algún día, cuando venga el fin de todos los tiempos, habrá una resurrección de

todos nuestros cuerpos por el poder de Dios, ya sea con la gloria eterna de Dios o el alejamiento eterno de Dios. n El decálogo es tan relevante hoy cómo lo fue cuando Dios lo dio por primera vez. Con los años la Iglesia ha dado más detalles sobre el significado de cada uno de los mandamientos y siempre resumiéndolos cómo Jesús lo hizo: Ama a Dios con todo tu corazón, mente y fuerzas y ama a tu prójimo cómo Jesús te ha amado. a. El primer mandamiento: Sólo hay un Dios no creado. b. El segundo mandamiento: Dios y todo lo que es Dios es santo y merece respeto con reverencia. c. El tercer mandamiento: La respuesta del hombre a Dios es amor y adoración en espíritu y verdad. La santa misa es el sacrificio perfecto de acción de gracias que Dios acepta y favorece. d. El cuarto mandamiento: Amar al prójimo comienza con amor, honor y respeto por nuestros padres que nos criaron y nos alimentaron.

Extendemos esto honrando y respetando a todos aquéllos que tienen autoridad legítima. e. El quinto mandamiento: Amar al prójimo se expresa con el respeto a la santidad de la vida de los demás y mi propia vida, de la concepción a la muerte natural que son dones de Dios. f. El sexto mandamiento: Amar al prójimo y a mí mismo incluye el respeto mutuo por el cuerpo de cada uno, usando el don de la sexualidad para el propósito que tiene designado; en el matrimonio es para amar y unificar yen la globalidad de la vida humana. g. El séptimo mandamiento: Amar al prójimo me obliga a respetar el derecho de los demás, de su propiedad y actuar con justicia ante todo. h. El octavo mandamiento: Amar al prójimo requiere hablar con la verdad y defender el derecho de cada persona de tener una buena reputación. i. El noveno mandamiento: Amar al prójimo incluyetodos mis pensamientos y deseos; el prójimo no es objeto de satisfacción propia. j. El décimo mandamiento: Amar al prójimo abarca todos mis pensamientos y deseos que incluyan sus pertenencias.

n Jesús estableció su Iglesia para continuar las obras que Él mismo inició en la tierra. Dictó que Pedro fuese el cimiento en el que la Iglesia fuese construida en una línea larga de sucesores apostólicos hasta el papa actual. Por el bien de una auténtica doctrina, el papa en unión con los obispos ejercita el don de ser infalible por medio del poder del Espíritu Santo en áreas de fe y moral. n La Iglesia honra a María como la Madre de Dios otorgándole el mismo reconocimiento que Dios mismo le ha dado. («Bendita tú eres entre todas las mujeres.»)

La Inmaculada Concepción: 1) María por la gracia de Dios y anticipando el don de la Salvación de Jesús, fue concebida libre de pecado y permaneció así a lo largo de su vida.

Siempre Virgen: María fue 2) virgen antes, durante y después de la concepción y nacimiento de Jesús.

La Asunción: María era sin 3) pecado por la gracia de Dios y por su cooperación, y por esta razón subió al cielo con cuerpo y alma en el momento de su transición de esta vida a la próxima.

13 Reina del cielo y la tierra 4) por la providencia de Dios.

Dios diseñó que María fuese 5) la madre de Jesús y nuestra madre.

Siendo la madre, ella intercede por nosotros y sirve como buen ejemplo para la humanidad.

Oramos a María y a los 6) Santos, les pedimos que intercedan por nosotros ante el trono de Dios mientras, que a la misma vez, vamos directamente a Dios. n Creemos en el cielo, el purgatorio y el infierno.

El cielo, el «hogar de Dios,» a. donde los ángeles creados y santos comparten la vida eterna de gloria del Dios no creado (Apocalipsis 21:34). Esto es eterno.

El purgatorio es la etapa b. de purificación de los salvados para que ellos puedan tener el amor pleno y compartir la vida plena de Dios (1 Corintios 3: 12-15). Esto no es eterno.

El infierno es el castigo c. eterno del diablo y aquéllos que se han alejado de Dios por sus acciones en la vida (Apocalipsis 20:13-15).

Esto es eterno.

Traducido por Julio Contreras, feligrés de la Iglesia Católica Annunziata, Houma. www.bayoucatholic.com

Binh luan bang loi

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Ñaâu Laø Choã Ñöùng Cuûa Giaùo Hoäi? (phaàn 1/2)

Moät caâu traû lôøi deã daøng nhaát cho caâu hoûi ñoù laø Giaùo Hoäi ñöùng treân neàn taûng chaân lyù do Thieân Chuùa theå hieän vaø döôùi söï dìu daét cuûa Chuùa Thaùnh Thaàn qua Kinh Thaùnh vaø nhöõng giaùo huaán chaân thaät cuûa Giaùo Hoäi. Chaân lyù ñoù laø nhöõng ñieàu gì? (khoâng theå noùi heát ñöôïc). n Chaân lyù ñöôïc tìm thaáy trong Kinh Thaùnh. Khoâng phaûi nhöõng gì ñöôïc bieân trong ñoù ñeàu coù giaù trò nhö nhau. Maëc khaûi cuûa Chuùa coù giaù trò hôn laø nhöõng phöông caùch maø taùc giaû ñaõ duøng ñeå truyeàn ñaït maëc khaûi ñoù. Maø con ngöôøi khoâng coù quyeàn töï mình chuù giaûi. Trong saùch Khôûi Nguyeân chaúng haïn, maëc khaûi noùi nhö sau: a) Chæ coù moät Chuùa duy nhaát; b) Ngaøi taïo döïng moïi thöù töø hö voâ vaø ñeàu toát ñeïp; c) Chuùa taïo döïng con ngöôøi gioáng hình aûnh vaø taâm linh Ngaøi vaøo thôøi ñieåm thuaän tieän; d) Chuùa ñaõ chia seû ñôøi soáng thieân tính cuûa Ngaøi vôùi chuùng ta nhö nhöõng ngöôøi con thöøa töï; e) Con ngöôøi sa ngaõ; f) Chuùa ñaõ höùa göûi Ñaáng Cöùu Ñoä ñeán.

Söï taïo döïng ñaõ xaûy ra trong saùu ngaøy hay keùo daøi thôøi gian khoâng phaûn laïi maëc khaûi. Nhöõng gì laø chaân lyù trong ñöùc tin thì cuõng laø söï thaät trong khoa hoïc, vì chaân lyù khoâng töï mình maâu thuaãn mình.

Taùc giaû bieân Thaùnh Kinh khoâng phaûi laø khoa hoïc gia nhöng laø con ngöôøi cuûa ñöùc tin.

Trong böõa tieäc ly ñöôïc nhaéc ñeán trong phuùc aâm Thaùnh Gioan noùi raèng Chuùa Gieâsu caàm baùnh khoâng men roài noùi “Ñaây laø mình Ta,” vaø caàm cheùn röôïu roài tieáp “Ñaây laø maùu Ta,” ngay luùc ñoù baùnh ñaõ trôû neân mình Ngaøi vaø röôïu trôû neân maùu Ngaøi. Lôøi noùi naøy khoâng ñöôïc töï do phaân tích. Ñaây chính laø maëc khaûi chaân lyù vaø chính laø lôøi leõ cuûa caû Thieân Chuùa vaø Con Ngöôøi, Ngöôøi cuûa chaân lyù (John 6:35-69). n Kinh tin kính cuûa caùc Toâng Ñoà vaø coâng ñoàng Nicea chöùa ñöïng giaùo lyù noøng coát vaø ñöôïc Giaùo Hoäi truyeàn daïy nhö.

Thieân Chuùa laø moät a) vaø Ba Ngoâi: Caâu noùi Ta Hieän Höõu

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

nghóa laø Cha, vaø Con, vaø Thaùnh Thaàn. Ñaây chính laø giaùo lyù caên baûn vaø troïng taâm cuûa ñöùc tin. b) Tuy söï taïo döïng do baøn tay cuûa Chuùa Cha, vaø Chuùa Con, vaø Chuùa Thaùnh Thaàn, nhöng Chuùa Cha ra leänh. c) Chuùa Con ñaõ nhaäp theå laøm ngöôøi qua quyeàn naêng cuûa Thaùnh Thaàn. Qua tình yeâu cuûa Chuùa Cha vaø vì chuùng ta neân Ngaøi ñeán ñeå hoøa giaûi chuùng ta vôùi Chuùa Cha. Vöøa

laø Chuùa vaø Ngöôøi thieät, Ngaøi ñaõ chòu cheát treân thaäp töï, ñaõ soáng laïi vaø ñöôïc naâng leân ngoài beân höõu Chuùa Cha trong thaân xaùc raïng ngôøi. Ngaøi seõ trôû laïi ñeå phaùn xeùt keû soáng vaø keû cheát. d) Chuùa Thaùnh Thaàn, Ngöôøi ban söï soáng vaø taùc giaû cuûa moïi ôn, laø Ñaáng thaùnh hoùa vaø söùc daàu, do Chuùa Cha vaø Chuùa Con göûi ñeán ñeå hoaøn thaønh maàu nhieäm cöùu ñoä. e) Giaùo Hoäi do Chuùa Gieâsu thieát laäp vaø do söï dìu daét cuûa

a

Thaùnh Thaàn laø moät, coâng giaùo vaø toâng truyeàn.

1.

Giaùo Hoäi laø moät: coäng ñoàng daân Chuùa tuyeân xöng moät Chuùa, moät ñöùc tin, moät pheùp röûa, moät nieàm tin, moät Thaùnh Thaàn vaø moät söï thôø phöôïng döôùi moät Ñaáng Toái Cao (Epheâsoâ 4:4-6).

2.

Giaùo Hoäi laø thaùnh thieän:

Moïi ngöôøi ñöôïc keâu goïi trôû neân thaùnh vì bí tích röûa toäi vaø theâm söùc, boài boå qua bí tích Thaùnh Theå, Hoân Nhaân vaø Truyeàn Chöùc, thöù tha qua bí tích Hoøa Giaûi vaø Söùc Daàu Beänh Nhaân.

Giaùo Hoäi laø coâng giaùo: 3.

Do leänh truyeàn cuûa Chuùa Gieâsu (Matthew 28: 18-20) Giaùo Hoäi töø buoåi sô khai ñaõ coù maët ôû moïi daân toäc, moïi phong tuïc, moïi ngoân ngöõ vaø moïi ngöôøi, giaùo huaán cuûa Ngaøi phaûi truyeàn daïy cho taát caû cho ñeán ngaøy

taän theá.

4.

Giaùo Hoäi laø toâng truyeàn: Giaùo Hoäi ñöôïc xaây döïng treân neàn taûng caùc Toâng Ñoà (Epheâsoâ 2:20), rao truyeàn “ñöùc tin” do Thaùnh Thaàn ban vaø ñöôïc truyeàn ñaït qua tay caùc Toâng Ñoà vaø nhöõng ngöôøi keá vò caùc ngaøi qua moïi thôøi ñaïi (Galata 1:8-9). f) Nhö Chuùa Gieâsu ñaõ soáng laïi, moät ngaøy vaøo ngaøy sau heát thaân xaùc con ngöôøi seõ ñöôïc phuïc sinh qua quyeàn naêng cuûa Chuùa, hoï seõ ñöôïc höôûng phuùc hay bò tuyeân aùn ñôøi ñôøi. n Möôøi Ñieàu Raên ñang coøn giaù trò trong thôøi ñaïi chuùng ta cuõng nhö khi Chuùa môùi ban cho daân Ngaøi. Qua doøng thôøi gian, Giaùo Hoäi luoân vaïch roõ töøng ñieàu raên moät, toùm goïn ñaâu laø lôøi giaùo huaán chaân chính nhö Chuùa Gieâsu ñaõ laøm: Meán Chuùa vôùi troïn traùi tim, taâm trí vaø söùc maïnh vaø yeâu tha nhaân nhö Chuùa Gieâsu ñaõ yeâu baïn. Ñieàu raên 1: chæ coù moät Chuùa a) duy nhaát, töï Ngaøi hieän höõu. b) Ñieàu raên 2: Thieân Chuùa vaø nhöõng gì thuoäc veà Ngaøi ñeàu thaùnh thieän, Ngaøi ñaùng ñöôïc toân thôø. c) Ñieàu raên 3: Con ngöôøi caàn ñaùp laïi Chuùa baèng tình yeâu vaø toân thôø Ngaøi qua thaàn khí vaø chaân lyù. Thaùnh Leã laø moät hy leã taï ôn hoaøn haûo ñöôïc Chuùa chaáp nhaän vaø laøm ñeïp loøng Ngaøi. Ñieàu raên 4: Yeâu tha nhaân d) baét ñaàu baèng tình yeâu, söï toân kính vaø kính troïng maø chuùng ta ñaõ daønh cho nhöõng ngöôøi ñaõ sinh ra ta vaø döôõng duïc ta. Theâm vaøo ñoù chuùng ta caàn kính meán vaø toân troïng taát caû nhöõng ai coù quyeàn haønh thöïc söï. e) Ñieàu raên 5: Yeâu tha nhaân laø caàn ñöôïc baûy toû qua toân troïng thaùnh thieâng cuûa söï soáng cuûa ñoàng loaïi cuõng nhö chính mình, töø khi thuï thai ñeán hôi thôû cuoái cuøng nhö laø moùn quaø Chuùa ban. Ñieàu raên 6: Yeâu tha nhaân f) vaø chính mình laø tuyeät ñoái toân troïng cô theå cuûa nhau, duøng thaân xaùc ñoái phöông vôùi muïc ñích ñaõ vaïch saün, nhö trong hoân nhaân ñaõ neâu ra laø naâng ñôõ laãn nhau vaø ñoùn nhaän söï soáng môùi. g) Ñieàu raên 7: Yeâu tha nhaân thuùc ñaåy toâi toân troïng quyeàn cuûa ngöôøi khaùc vaø sôû höõa cuûa hoï vaø haønh söû coâng minh vôùi moïi ngöôøi. h) Ñieàu raên 8: Yeâu tha nhaân bao goàm coù tieáng noùi trong chaân lyù vaø baûo toaøn quyeàn tö höõu cuûa moïi ngöôøi vaø danh tieáng cuûa hoï. i) Ñieàu raên 9: Yeâu tha nhaân laø caàn phaûi bao toàn tö töôûng toát vaø quan taâm hoï, chöù khoâng ñöôïc duøng hoï ñeå

thoûa maõn cho chính mình. Ñieàu raên 10: Yeâu tha nhaân laø j) caàn phaûi baûo toàn tö töôûng toát vaø quan taâm sôû höõu chuû cuûa ngöôøi khaùc. n Chuùa Gieâsu thieát laäp Giaùo Hoäi ñeå tieáp noái chöông trình cöùu ñoä maø Ngaøi ñaõ khôûi söï. Ngaøi ñaõ ñaët Pheâroâ laøm thuû laõnh vaø nhöõng giaùo hoaøng keá vò tôùi ngaøy nay vaø treân neàn taûng ñoù Ngaøi xaây döïng Giaùo Hoäi. Vaø ñeå baûo veä giaùo lyù chaân thaät, ñöùc giaùo hoaøng vaø caùc ñöùc giaùm muïc cuøng vôùi ngaøi cai quaûn Giaùo Hoäi vôùi ôn baát khaû ngoä qua söï höôùng daãn cuûa Thaùnh Thaàn trong laõnh vöïc ñöùc tin vaø luaân lyù. n Giaùo Hoäi toân kính Ñöùc Meï vì ngaøi laø Meï Thieân Chuùa, toân kính ngaøi nhö Thieân Chuùa ñaõ daønh cho Meï. (“Baø ñöôïc chuùc phuùc hôn moïi ngöôøi nöõ.”)

1) Voâ Nhieãm Nguyeân Toäi: Do ôn thaùnh Chuùa vaø söï tieân lieäu bôûi ôn cöùu ñoä do Chuùa Gieâsu mang ñeán, Ñöùc Meï ñöôïc thuï thai voâ nhieãm vaø trong suoát cuoäc ñôøi traàn gian.

2) Ñoàng trinh suoát ñôøi: Ñöùc Meï ñoàng trinh tröôùc, trong khi vaø sau khi sanh ra Chuùa Gieâsu.

Hoàn xaùc leân trôøi: Vì Meï 3) voâ toäi do quyeàn pheùp cuûa Chuùa vaø söï coäng taùc cuûa ngaøi trong chöông trình cöùu ñoä, Meï ñöôïc leân trôøi caû hoàn 15 laãn xaùc sau khi ngaøi hoaøn thaønh cuoäc soáng döông theá.

Nöõ Vöông thieân ñaøng vaø 4) döông theá do söï bao boïc cuûa Chuùa.

Do söï xeáp ñaët cuûa Chuùa, 5) Meï laø Meï cuûa Chuùa Gieâsu vaø chuùng ta. Vaø nhö theá ngaøi caàu baàu cho chuùng ta vaø laøm göông cho chuùng ta.

Chuùng ta xin Meï vaø caùc 6) thaùnh, xin caùc ngaøi caàu baàu cho chuùng ta tröôùc toaø Chuùa, cuøng luùc ñoù chuùng ta cuõng tröïc tieáp ñeán vôùi Ngaøi. n Chuùng ta tin coù thieân ñaøng, luyeän nguïc vaø hoûa nguïc. a) Thieân ñaøng laø nôùi Chuùa ngöï, nôi maø caùc thieân thaàn vaø caùc thaùnh chia seû ñôøi soáng vónh cöûu vôùi Chuùa (Khaûi Huyeàn 21:3-4). Ñaây laø vónh cöûu. b) Luyeän nguïc laø nôi taåy xoùa veát nhô cuûa nhöõng ngöôøi cheát trong ôn nghóa Chuùa nhöng khoâng hoaøn toaøn trong saïch, sau khi ñaõ hoaøn toaøn goät röûa thì hoï ñöôïc dieän kieán dung nhan Ngaøi. Ñaây khoâng phaûi vónh vieãn. c) Hoûa nguïc daønh cho ma quyû vaø nhöõng ai bò xa lìa Chuùa do bôûi cuoäc soáng gian taø do mình löïa choïn (Khaûi huyeàn 20:13-15). Ñaây laø vónh cöûu.

Dòch thuaät: Linh Muïc Pheâroâ Leâ Taøi, Chaùnh sôû nhaø thôø Our Lady of the Isle. www.bayoucatholic.com

Comment The Pope Speaks

V 16

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -Celebrating what was expected to be the last public liturgy of his pontificate two weeks before his resignation, Pope Benedict XVI preached on the virtues of humility and Christian unity and heard his highest-ranking aide pay tribute to his service to the church.

Jesus “denounces religious hypocrisy, behavior that wants to show off, attitudes that seek applause and approval,” the pope said in his homily during Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica Feb. 13. “The true disciple does not serve himself or the ‘public,’ but his Lord, in simplicity and generosity.”

Coming two days after Pope Benedict announced that he would be the first pope in 600 years to resign, the Mass inevitably took on a valedictory tone.

“For me it is also a good opportunity to thank everyone, especially the faithful of the diocese of Rome, as I prepare to conclude the Petrine ministry, and I ask you for a special remembrance in your prayer,” the pope told the congregation, including dozens of cardinals and bishops, filling the vast basilica.

The Ash Wednesday liturgy, traditionally held in two churches on Rome’s Aventine Hill, was moved to St. Peter’s to accommodate the greatest possible number of faithful.

At the end of the Mass, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who as secretary of state is the Vatican’s highest official, voiced gratitude for Pope Benedict’s pontificate of nearly eight years.

“Thank you for giving us the luminous example of a simple and humble laborer in the vineyard of the Lord,” Cardinal Bertone said, invoking the same metaphor Pope Benedict had used in his first public statement following his election in 2005.

His voice cracking slightly with emotion, Cardinal Bertone described Benedict as a “laborer who knew at every moment to do what is most important, bring God to men and bring men to God.” Following the cardinal’s remarks, the congregation broke into a standing ovation that lasted well over a minute, ceasing only after the pope, looking surprised but not displeased, said: “Thank you, let’s return to prayer.”

The pope showed signs of the fatigue and frailty that have become increasingly evident over

the last year and a half and which he had cited in announcing his resignation. At the beginning of the liturgy, he walked from his sacristy near the chapel that contains Michelangelo’s statue of the Pieta to the atrium of the basilica, but then rode his mobile platform to the main altar.

During the Mass, Cardinal Angelo Comastri, archpriest of St. Peter’s, placed the Lenten ashes on the pope’s head. The pope himself placed ashes on the heads of several cardinals and a group of Dominican and Benedictine priests.

The pope’s last homily included a plea for harmony among his flock, as he lamented “blows against the unity of the church, divisions in the ecclesial body” and called for a “more intense and evident ecclesial communion, overcoming individualisms and rivalries.” Such communion favors evangelization, the pope said, by serving as a “humble and precious sign for those who are distant or indifferent to the faith.”

On Ash Wednesday pope preaches on humility and Christian unity Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle

Does Mass on a weekday count?

The meaning of Easter duty

Q A

God as from one great heart, and where there is something more: the union of minds, the accord of souls, the bond of charity.”)

Notice that the catechism envisions exceptional situations, where a pastor can lift the requirement for a sufficient reason. If, for example, someone who did not drive and lived a distance from a church could find a ride only on weekdays or if a person were afflicted by agoraphobia (fear of crowds or open spaces) and was comfortable only when there was a handful of people in attendance -- in such circumstances a pastor might well lift the Sunday obligation and encourage the person to go to Mass on a weekday instead.

But your own situation seems to be different. You just don’t like the way the liturgy is celebrated

year, during the Easter season, to remain in good standing? (city and state withheld)

A

A. The church’s Code of Canon Law in No. 920 requires Catholics to receive holy Communion at least once a year, during the Easter season. (In the United States, the Easter season is defined as running from the first Sunday of Lent through Trinity Sunday, which is the Sunday after Pentecost.)

That same code in No. 989 says that “each member of the faithful is obliged to confess faithfully his or her grave sins at least once a year.” Note that this requirement applies only to “grave sins” and that no specific time frame is mentioned, other than annually.

So, a person who is not conscious of any mortal sins is,

Q. I am an old lady, and I have been privileged to attend daily Mass for most of my life.

The various weekend liturgies in our area churches are most disconcerting to me, and I am considering a long leave of absence. My question is this: Can a weekday Mass be designated to fulfill the weekend obligation?

(Clinton Township, Mich.)

A. The Sunday Mass obligation is clear. The Catechism of the Catholic Church in No. 2181 states: “The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor.

Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.”

From apostolic times, followers of Jesus have gathered on Sundays because that is the day of Christ’s resurrection, which is the core of our faith.

The communal dimension of the celebration has the added value of strengthening the faith of participants. (St. John Chrysostom said, “You cannot pray at home as at church, where there is a great multitude, where exclamations are cried out to

17

in parishes in your area on Sundays. In my mind, that would not be enough of a reason to dispense you. I would suggest that you look for a Sunday Mass more suited to your taste.

While the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, No. 40, says that “every care should be taken that singing by the ministers and the people not be absent in celebrations that occur on Sundays,” that same provision does allow for “due consideration for the cultures of the people.”

So, you will probably find some Sunday Masses that are quieter than others.

Q

Q. What ever happened to the Easter duty? Is it still mandatory for Catholics to receive the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist at least once a

technically, not required to go to confession at all. However, the code is quick to point out in No. 988.2 that it is recommended “to the Christian faithful that they also confess venial sins.” The catechism describes venial sins as “everyday faults.”

In the sacrament of penance, one encounters directly the merciful, forgiving Christ.

Received with reasonable frequency, the grace of this sacrament helps the penitent to make steady progress on the path to holiness.

2013 Catholic News Service Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@gmail.com and 40 Hopewell St., Albany, N.Y. 12208

www.bayoucatholic.com

Reflections Readings Between The Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

God is always ready to restore us

M 18

Much of the Old Testament can be described as a theological reflection on critical events in the history of Israel. One such event is described in 2 Kings 25:1-4, 8-11. “In the tenth month of the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the month, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and his whole army advanced against Jerusalem, encamped around it, and built siege walls on every side. The siege of the city continued until the eleventh year of Zedekiah. On the ninth day of the fourth month, when famine had gripped the city, and the people had no more bread, the city walls were breached. Then the king and all the soldiers left the city by night through the gate between the two walls which was near the king’s garden....

On the seventh day of the fifth month (this was in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon), Nebuzaradan, captain of the bodyguard, came to Jerusalem as the representative of the king of Babylon. He burned the house of the LORD, the palace of the king, and all the houses of Jerusalem; every large building was destroyed by fire. Then the Chaldean troops who were with the captain of the guard tore down the walls that surrounded Jerusalem. Then Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, led into exile the last of the people remaining in the city, and those who had deserted to the king of Babylon, and the last of the artisans.”

Much of the Old Testament

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

time for their suffering to be relieved and God to be glorified. This is the perspective of the unnamed prophet of Isaiah 40-55, who was apparently a disciple of the great Isaiah of Jerusalem, whose prophecy is recorded in Isaiah chapters 1-39.

“Second” Isaiah, as he has been called by biblical scholars, begins his prophecy about the end of the Exile with an announcement of comfort, a relief of exilic suffering, for Israel (Isaiah 40:1-2).

Second Isaiah sees as part of his purpose to address the accumulated distress of Israel at God’s seeming forgetfulness of them during the Exile. For example, in Isaiah 42:1825, the prophet sets up an imaginary trial between Israel and its God concerning God’s allowance of the Exile. God accuses Israel of having been blind and deaf to the Lord’s Law (42:19-21), and Israel can do nothing but “plead guilty” to this accusation (42:24c). Second Isaiah also extols God for the universal sovereignty and omnipotence he has displayed by procuring Israel’s release (Isaiah 44:24-45:8).

The early post-exilic period (539500 B.C.) was the time of Israel’s reestablishment on the land.

Another prophet from the Isaian school (called “Third” Isaiah) anticipates a glorious renewal of his people (Isaiah 61:1-3). Yet, human nature being what it is, they at times revert to sinful ways (58:1-12), and he has to warn them not to jeopardize their chance for restoration.

A pivotal point in Israel’s history, Israel’s experience of the Babylonian Exile established that even if God allows us to endure sin’s consequences, he is always ready to restore us.

literature is connected to the Babylonian Exile, which lasted from 597-539 B.C. The Exile was the most devastating event in the history of ancient Israel, because the loss of the land and the people’s being carried off into captivity called into question for the people the age-old promises of God to their ancestors.

When it ended, however, the people rejoiced at the manifestation of their God’s glory in his victory over their enemies. Some examples of Old Testament literature that is shaped by the Exile are as follows.

The Exile as God’s Just Chastisement of Israel for its Collective Sinfulness. The prophets in particular saw Israel’s repeated sinfulness over the history of the monarchy as the reason God allowed them to lose the land and be taken captive. This perspective on the Exile is characteristic of prophecy that can be dated to the last days (621-587 B.C.) of the Southern Kingdom (Judah). Those chapters of Jeremiah’s (1-25) and Ezekiel’s (1-32) books that can be dated to this period have as a main theme an exhortation to the people to reform their lives, lest they suffer the pain of exile (e.g. Jeremiah 13:16-17).

Ezekiel sometimes communicates a similar message by undertaking symbolic acts, such as packing a bag, making a hole in the city wall of Jerusalem and crawling through it with his baggage. This action is meant to provoke a question from the people as to the action’s meaning, and Ezekiel is to tell them that it symbolizes their going off to exile because of their unrepentant sinfulness (Ezekiel 12:3-11).

If Israel began to endure the consequences of its sinfulness as the Exile began, its end was seen as a

ons

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Frances of Rome 1384–1440 March 9

Crosiers

This laywoman and foundress, born a Roman aristocrat, married Lorenzo Ponziano when she was 13; they had several children. In 1409, their palazzo was pillaged by Neapolitan soldiers and Lorenzo was exiled for five years, returning home a broken man. He died in 1436. Frances, known for her great charity during epidemics and civil war, organized a ladies society dedicated to self-denial and good works. It became the Oblates of Tor de Specchi, which she directed for her last four years. She is the patron saint of motorists, perhaps because she was guarded for 23 years by an archangel visible only to her. Her last words were: “The angel has finished his work. He is beckoning me to follow.”

Saints © 2013 Catholic News Service

Patrick c. 389-461 March 17

Crosiers

The patron of Ireland, this bishop was born in Roman Britain, kidnapped at 16 by Irish raiders and sold into slavery in Ireland. He was a lonely shepherd for six years before escaping and returning home. But his dream of converting the Irish pagans propelled him to priestly studies in Gaul (now France), and about 432 Pope Celestine I consecrated him bishop and sent him to Ireland. For nearly 30 years he preached tirelessly, made countless converts, founded monasteries and established the primatial see at Armagh.

Toward the end of his life he made a 40-day retreat in Mayo that gave rise to the famous ongoing Croagh Patrick pilgrimages. Stories of him using the shamrock to explain the Trinity and driving snakes from the island are legend.

Saints © 2013 Catholic News Service

Cuthbert c. 634–687 March 20

Crosiers

Cuthbert likely was a Northumbrian Englishman, orphaned as a child. He tended sheep and fought the Mercians, then became a monk at Melrose Abbey, and later its abbot. In 664 he accompanied St. Eata to Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, off the northeastern coast of England, and later undertook long journeys on horseback or foot, ministering to Christians scattered around northern England and helping his monks accept Roman liturgical customs. After living as a contemplative for nine years on a remote islet, he was elected bishop of Hexham in 684. But he exchanged sees with Eata, becoming bishop of Lindisfarne. According to Bede’s history, Cuthbert was a holy, patient, practical leader, a miracle-worker beloved by all. He is a patron of sailors and of Northumbria.

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19

O

utstanding Christopher De Lara Tristan Bagla

Emily Oldag

John Baudoin

20 Cameron Beal

Brooke Bordelon

Blake Byrne

Caroline Byrne

Isaac Callais

Sinclair Callais

Alyssa Cruse

Julianne DeBlieux

Caroline Dufrene

Sophia Galey

Kamryn Hebert

Sarah Hodson

Morgan Landry

Angelique Malbrough

Alexandra Shorter

Students Ryan Thibodaux

Sophie Trosclair

Eliza Zeringue

Story by Janet Marcel Outstanding fifth, eighth and 12th grade non-public school students from within the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux were recently chosen to represent their schools as 2013 Students of the Year.

The Students of the Year Awards program is sponsored by the Louisiana State Superintendent through the State Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Every public and approved non-public school in the state is invited to participate.

“The program recognizes outstanding elementary, middle/ junior high and high school students who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement, leadership ability and citizenship in their school and community,” says Marian B. Fertitta, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and chairperson of the program for the non-public schools within the diocese.

All 13 Catholic schools in the diocese and Houma Christian School participated in this year’s awards program, which resulted in 22 students from the three grade levels competing at the district level. Three candidates from schools within the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux were selected to represent Region VI – Nonpublic Schools – in the regional competition.

Christopher De Lara, son of Mr. and Mrs. John De Lara, fifth grade, St. Bernadette Catholic School, Houma; Emily Oldag, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Oldag, eighth grade, St. Mary’s Nativity School, Raceland; and Tristan Bagala, son of Mr. and Mrs. Reggie Bagala, twelfth grade, Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma; will compete in a regional screening Wednesday,

March 6 at the Catholic Life Center in Baton Rouge.

The regional interviewing committee is made up of individuals from across the state. Winners at the regional level will participate in the state competition in Baton Rouge on April 15-16.

In addition to the district winners, students selected to represent their school in district competition are as follows.

Fifth graders: John Baudoin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tracy Baudoin, St. Gregory Catholic School, Houma; Brooke Bordelon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bordelon, St. Mary’s Nativity School, Raceland; Isaac Callais, son of the late Peter Callais, and Mr. and Mrs. Taeger Gisclair, Holy Rosary Catholic School, Larose; Sinclair Callais, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Callais, Holy Cross Elementary School, Morgan City; Sophia Galey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donovan Galey, St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School, Thibodaux; Kamryn Hebert, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chad Hebert, St. Genevieve Catholic School, Thibodaux; Sarah Hodson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Hodson, Holy Savior Catholic School, Lockport; Morgan Landry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Greg Landry, St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School, Houma; Angelique Malbrough, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Malbrough, Houma Christian School, Houma; and Alexandra Shorter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Shorter, Maria Immacolata Catholic School, Houma.

Eighth graders: Cameron Beal, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Shayne Beal, Houma Christian School, Houma; Blake Byrne, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Byrne Jr., Central Catholic High School, Morgan City; Julianne DeBlieux, daughter of Mr. and

of the Year

Mrs. John DeBlieux, Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma; Caroline Dufrene, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dufrene, Holy Savior Catholic School, Lockport; Ryan Thibodaux, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Thibodaux, Holy Rosary Catholic School, Larose; and Eliza Zeringue, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Zeringue III, E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux.

12th graders: Caroline Byrne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Byrne Jr., Central Catholic High School, Morgan City; Alyssa Cruse, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Cruse, E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux; and Sophie Trosclair, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vern Trosclair, Houma Christian School, Houma.

A three member selection committee reviewed each of the candidate’s portfolios and spent two days interviewing each of them individually, before choosing the district winners. Winners on the district level were chosen on the basis of their portfolio, grade point average, leadership, 21 service/citizenship, involvement in extracurricular activities, writing ability and the manner in which they presented themselves during the interview.

Members of the district selection committee were Shirlene Cooper, former principal of Maria Immacolata Catholic Elementary School in Houma; Cathy Klingman, director of the diocesan Office of Family Ministries; and Becky Melancon, retired Catholic school teacher.

The diocesan Office of Catholic Schools sponsors a breakfast each year to honor these outstanding students at the Lumen Christi Retreat Center in Schriever. Bishop Sam G. Jacobs, students and their parents, school principals, pastors and selection committee members attend the breakfast.

n Man of God Conference, March 8-9, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. Friday, March 8; events begin at 7 p.m. Registration is $60 per person which includes meals. All men over 18 years of age are invited. Online registration, www.htconferences.org or by phone (985)850-3171. n aNew Experience, Wednesday, March 13, St. Hilary of Poitiers Church, Mathews, 7-9 p.m. n Women of God Gathering, Thursday, March 14, 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 “How to Handle a Divorce without Starting a War,”

APRIL

22

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, April 9, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Rev. Michael Bergeron, speaker. n Adult Faith Formation, Wednesday, April 10 and 17, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Topic, “Liturgy.” Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, speaker. n Man of God Gathering,

MAY

n C.E.N.T.S. will be offering the Small Business course beginning in May through Catholic Charities of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. This free course is designed to help people who are interested in starting a small business. It will be held one evening a week for nine weeks.

A different business topic will be discussed each week. Anyone who is interested in participating

DIOCESAN

MARCH

Thursday, March 14, 6:308:30 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Thibodaux. Speaker, Nancy Diedrich, LPC, LMFT. Event sponsored by St. Thomas Aquinas SHARE group. Call Jeff and Connie Daigle at (985)4480405 for more information. n Marriage Preparation Day for pre-registered couples, Saturday, March 16, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 9 a.m.3:30 p.m. Contact your church parish or call the Office of Family Ministries at (985)850-3129 for registration details. Additional information is available on line at www.htdiocese.org/fm. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, March 5, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, speaker.

n Adult Faith Formation-Faith Enrichment, Wednesdays, March 6, 13 and 20, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Topic, “Liturgy.” Speaker, Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue. n Youth Rally Adult Night of Praise (21 or older), Friday, March 22, Nicholls State University Cotillion Ballroom, Thibodaux, 7-9 p.m. n Youth Rally 2013, “Proclaim His Name,” Saturday, March 23, Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, 12:20 p.m. n Chrism Mass, Tuesday, March 26, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma, 7 p.m. n Easter Vigil, Saturday, March 30, begins at 8 p.m. in all church parishes of the diocese.

Thursday, April 11, 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 are invited. n Marriage Preparation Day for pre-registered couples, Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Contact your

church parish or call the Office of Family Ministries at (985)8503129 for registration details.

Additional information is available on line at www.htdiocese.org/fm. n aNew Experience, Wednesday, April 17, St. Joseph Church, Chauvin, 7-9 p.m. n ADORE, Wednesday, April 24, Houma Municipal Auditorium, 7 p.m.

may call Brooks Lirette at (985)876-0490 to schedule an orientation appointment. n Marriage Preparation Day for pre-registered couples, Sunday, May 5, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Contact your church parish or call the Office of Family Ministries at (985)8503129 for registration details.

Additional information is available

on line at www.htdiocese.org/fm. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, May 7, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Father Clyde Mahler, speaker. n aNew Experience, Wednesday, May 15, Maria Immacolata Church, 7-9 p.m. n Priesthood ordination, Simon Peter Engurait, Saturday, May 25, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma, 10 a.m.

www.bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

EVENTS

23

www.bayoucatholic.com

Year of Faith

Guest Columnist Father Joseph Tregre

T 24

The decade was 1960. World War II ended 15 years before, and the United States was just placing ground troops in Vietnam. The first-ever televised presidential debates, nicknamed the “Great Debates,” were aired between John Kennedy and Richard Nixon; and Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh of the U.S. Navy just finished exploring the deepest oceanic sector of the world, called the Challenger Deep, at 35,000 feet, in the western Pacific Ocean near Guam. Amidst national conflicts and unprecedented scientific advancements, the social structure in America was also changing – the sexual revolution of the 60s was underway and the FDA had recently approved of the birth control pill. In these changing and sometimes turbulent times, the Catholic Church gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica for the largest Ecumenical Council in her history – the Second Vatican Council.

The Second Vatican Council was convened to address the relationship of the Catholic Church with the modern world and the post-modern man.

Offering a true worldview, the Council itself boasted of the input and attendance of the most bishops in history ever to attend an Ecumenical Council. In attendance were 2, 860 bishops in contrast to the 737 bishops who attended the First Vatican Council in 1868. Convened from 1962-1965, the Second Vatican Council produced four landmark, or constitutional, documents: (1) Sacrosanctum Concilium (2) Gaudium et Spes (3) Dei Verbum (4) Lumen Gentium.

This article is about the Dogmatic Constitution on the

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

Call to holiness

Lumen Gentium (Light of Nations) The dogmatic constitution on the church

Church entitled Lumen Gentium.

The title Lumen Gentium comes from the opening words of the document, “Christ is the light of nations.” Truly, Christ is the light of nations, and Lumen Gentium shows how the Catholic Church is that light of Christ illuminating the world and society. This constitution plays a significant part in defining the nature, mission and identity of the church in post-modern

times. Blessed John Paul II called Lumen Gentium the “keystone” of the entire teaching of the Second Vatican Council, and Pope Benedict XVI cited from Lumen Gentium the universal call to holiness in his opening homily for the recent Synod of the New Evangelization.

Following these two giants of the church, we see that two essential messages emerged from this document: the role of the

a

church in the salvation of man and the universal call to holiness.

The opening chapter of Lumen Gentium highlights the two realities of the church: the visible and the invisible. The Council Fathers emphasize that Christ is the one mediator for salvation.

Papal infallibility, a core topic of Vatican I, is affirmed, stating that the pope speaks without error when proclaiming an absolute decision of doctrine pertaining to faith and morals. The document affirms the call of the laity to the offices of ‘priest, prophet and king’ and emphasizes the universal call to holiness. Some are also called to the state of religious life and to the three evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience, in order to manifest the Kingdom of God to the world. The pilgrim church is manifested in the world as the church militant, the church triumphant, and the suffering church, all comprising the Body of Christ. Lastly, Lumen Gentium speaks of Our Lady as a co-redeemer to the redemption wrought by Jesus Christ, her son.

In a time of spiritual and religious relativism in society with regard to religious beliefs and values, Lumen Gentium (LG) points to Christ as the light of nations. The Council Fathers affirm, “Christ is the one mediator and the unique way of salvation” (LG, 14). The fathers admit, “The one church of Christ ... constituted and organized in the world as a society, subsists in the Catholic Church, which is governed by the successor of Peter” (LG, 8). In this way, the Council demonstrates the visible and

SINCE FAST

l

invisible unity of the church, in that the institutional church on earth has an intrinsic unity with the Mystical Body of Christ in heaven.

The Sacred Council goes on to say, “the church recognizes that in many ways she is linked with those who, being baptized, are honored with the name Christian, though they do not profess the faith in its entirety or do not preserve unity in communion with the successor of Peter” (LG, 15). Those who are not baptized Catholic are connected to Christ and his church through their Christian baptism, but only those who accept “the [church’s] entire system and all the means of salvation given to her” are “fully incorporated in the society of the church” (LG, 14).

In the Jubilee Year 2000, the first year of the third millennium of the church, Blessed John Paul II put forward the call to holiness by canonizing 164 saints, including well-known saints such as: St. Faustina of the Divine Mercy Devotion, Sts. Jacinta and Francisco Marto of the Fatima Apparitions, and St. Katharine Drexel, helper of Native American Indians. Notably, among these saints mentioned, two are children, one a religious, and the other a layperson turned religious. Lumen Gentium states, “The classes and duties of life are many, but holiness is one ... Therefore, all the faithful of Christ are invited to strive for the holiness and perfection of their own proper state” (LG, 4142). The hallmark achievement of the Council Fathers is the call of not only priests and religious to holiness but of every lay person.

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We reach this holiness in obedience to the Father through our state of life: religious, married or single.

“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Each one of us is called to be a saint!

St. John Bosco (19th century) had a prophetic dream of the church and the world. He saw St. Peter’s ship, meaning the church, moving through turbulent waters and under attack by many enemy ships. A pope dressed in white steered the ship through the battle, and he died. But a second pope took his place and brought the ship between two pillars which had arisen from the stormy sea - one pillar was of the Eucharist and the other pillar of Mary. In this Year of Faith, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vatican II, the church calls us to cast out into the ‘deep’ (cf. Luke 5:4). As we journey through Lent and prepare for the Paschal Vigil and Easter Sunday, let us respond to the call to become saints. Let us grow in our fidelity to the church and in our charity. In his closing homily for the Synod of 25 Bishops on the New Evangelization, Pope Benedict says, “the church is particularly concerned that they [fallen away Catholics and Christians] should encounter Jesus Christ anew, rediscover the joy of faith and return to religious practice in the community of the faithful.” The graces of God are readily abundant in this Year of Faith, let us consecrate ourselves to God and to Mary and let us heed God’s call to invite all Catholics back home to the heart of family and to the heart of the church.

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Entertainment

A baby, not a sputter Seeing Clairely Claire Joller

Y 26

“Your body is just sputtering, like a motor that is revving up.”

He said it casually, as though it was only a slight thing that I had miscarried a child the week before. This doctor—not a gynecologist—treated as piffling one of the most hurtful things a family can experience.

I was either too young, or too shocked at his casual dismissal of the event, to do anything but smile what I hoped was a brave smile. I knew he meant to be encouraging, to say that I could have other children. But I cried all the way home.

Our daughter was nine years old when my husband and I had found that we were finally “expecting” again. The three of us were ecstatic about the longawaited pregnancy, and began immediately to think of names.

Jonathan, James, Jason, Emil for his father? Rebecca or Amelia for a girl?

Images of a nursery transformed from our guest room/study were taking shape in my head only days after the positive pregnancy test results. Soft green and yellow, to accommodate either gender. Gentle fabrics, pretty mobiles, sturdy rocking chair.

Although it was very early on, we spread the great news to everyone who had known for years that we very much wanted other children. My feelings of well-being grew every day.

My good friend gave us a plush blue teddy bear. “This baby has to have a teddy to snuggle with, like my children had,” she said.

I wrapped it in tissue and anticipated the day we could place it in our baby’s crib.

It was 34 years ago, but I remember the first feeling that something was wrong. It was a Thursday night, the night of an event our writers’ group

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

sponsored. Maybe because that night had such significance to me, I remember the purple dress I wore, and the cameo pendant around my neck, and the sweet taste of the punch we had at the annual ceremony.

Not until the next day did I have physical symptoms, and they lasted all week and the following weekend. The obstetrician who was covering for my own doctor told me in a matter of fact voice, “There’s nothing we can do. Just let it run its course.”

I yearned for my doctor, who had genuinely rejoiced for us at the positive test results a couple of months before, and who knew how much this meant to us. I yearned for his gentle, compassionate words.

At this point I stress the fact that this was not a physically painful process, because it was early in the pregnancy. But it was emotionally wrenching for the entire family.

Emil took me to the hospital on Monday morning for what had become inevitable, and for a common follow-up procedure. But the way the actual miscarriage occurred brought no closure, just sadness at the ignoble manner in which the baby was lost—no matter how many days before its little heart had stopped beating.

People tried to be compassionate and encouraging. The gist of the comments was that since I had finally conceived, I could no doubt have another child in the future.

(We never could.)

“You should thank God the baby wasn’t full term and then lost,” some said.

Others had the opinion, “Oh, well, it was just a couple of months formed,” with the implication that the loss was not so important because of the pregnancy’s brevity.

Still others reminded me that I was obviously fortunate to have our daughter, with which I agreed thoroughly.

But even had I been able to have another child, even though the baby was not full term, even though we already had a child, this was a baby. We lost a child, not just a mass of tissue, or a sputtering of my body.

Miscarried children usually receive no burial, no final official blessing or

opportunity for parents to grieve. I was blessed to have a pastor who understood this, and celebrated a special Mass one Sunday to commemorate miscarried children and families who had lost them. We were asked to silently name the babies, and to commend them to the Lord. That provided our closure.

Now I try to tell others who have miscarriages how sorry I am for their loss. No matter how well-meaning people are, no other response seems appropriate to me.

(For comments or inquiries about this column, Claire Joller can be contacted by email at clairely1@ comcast.net)

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.

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

MONDAY

TUESDAY

27

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.

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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. www.bayoucatholic.com

Heavenly Recipes

‘ s e a M ae

M

P otato Patties

Story and Photo

by Lawrence Chatagnier This month’s heavenly recipe can be used as a Lenten meal that is easy to prepare.

“Mae Mae’s potato patties” recipe comes from Sacred Heart Brother John Hotstream.

Esther Mae Hodstream, Brother John’s mother, was affectionately known to family and friends as “Mae Mae.” The New Orleans native says the patties are a good and tasteful way to dispose of leftovers.

The recipe is basically mashed potatoes with celery, onions and garlic 28 and some type of meat or seafood mixed in.

Coming from a large family, Brother John says that his mother would often use leftovers to help stretch a meal. “I have four brothers and four sisters. We often had neighborhood kids at home also. That meant my mother would cook for many,” says Brother John.

Being raised by devout Catholic parents and attending Catholic Schools all his life had a direct impact on the brother in his younger years. I attended St. Mathias Catholic School in New Orleans and St. Stanislaus in Bay St. Louis. The brothers had a great influence on me joining a religious order,” he says. Brother John’s sister is Sister Jane Hodstream who is the president of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. “Everything I learned that’s really important, I learned from my parents. My parents were wonderful in forming their children in the Catholic Faith,” he says.

Brother John is no stranger to the kitchen. “I served five years in East Africa in Uganda. When the night cook would not show up I would pitch in. We have someone who cooks during the week at the brother’s residence. On the weekends I usually cook. Cooking is a hobby for me now. Like most hobbies you can focus on the moment and remove other problems for a short while,” says the brother.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

Mae Mae’s Potato Patties 4 cups cooked mashed potatoes 2 eggs 2 cans tuna (for Lenten recipe) tuna can be replaced with crabmeat or crawfish.

The key is to finely chop the meat. Chopped pork or chicken can also be used.

1/2 cup purple onions 1/2 cup celery 3 cloves garlic 1/4 cup green onions 1/2 cup parmesan cheese Kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper to taste In a skillet sauté onions, celery and garlic until clear. Add two eggs and cheese to mashed potatoes and mix well. Add green onions to the sautéed vegetables. After a couple of minutes add vegetables to the mashed potatoes. Add tuna to the potato mixture. Add salt, and pepper. Remember if using leftovers the meat used has already been seasoned, easy on the salt.

Spoon out a portion and place in a well greased skillet over medium heat. Press the mixture down with the spoon to form a pattie. Cover the skillet surface with patties. Be patient. Cook on each side for approximately 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown. Patties can be served as main or side dish.

7

Friday, March 15, 2013 ~ 6:30 pm ~ H-T Civic Center Proceeds go towards providing necessary care and comfort items for individuals undergoing cancer treatment and an activity room for cancer patients.

The evening will include a cocktail buffet, music by Reauxshambo, a short presentation by Valerie Manns, breast cancer survivor and Sue Peace as the emcee and a large silent auction display. ~ Tickets are $40 each. ~ Tickets can be purchased in the TGMC Main Gift Shop or by calling 985-851-8661.

29

For additional information, please call 985-873-4616.

Presented by: Special thank you to our sponsors:

Cardiovascular Institute of the South Gulf Island Fabrication Oil States Skagit Smatco Rouses Supermarket Watkins, Walker & Eroche, APLC Whitney Bank Courtyard by Marriott Deveney Communications Stephanie Hebert Insurance Agency Synergy Bank The Bayou Catholic www.bayoucatholic.com

Young Voices If there was a message that I could send out to other teens about their faith it would be to always keep it up. God will put you through things that you think you won’t be able to handle. “Why me?” you may ask. He is testing you to see if he is the center of your life and to watch you come running back to him. Always turn to God through good and bad.

Nora Cehan, 16 years old Annunziata Church parish, Houma Ellender Memorial High School

30

If you were to give a message to other teens about living out their faith daily, what would it be?

My message to teens about living out their faith daily would be to simply never deny their faith.

Telling someone about God, encouraging others to get to know their faith, or just doing little things like saying grace at school is a great way to start. And remember to do things that would allow people to see Jesus in you, because God sometimes uses us to fix or turn someone else’s life around. Basically tell them to not turn their back on God because of others but to in fact turn other people’s backs around so they too see God’s glory and love.

Gabriela Perez, 16 years old St. Andrew Church parish, Amelia Morgan City High School

Thank God every morning for blessing you for the life you have and find a way to incorporate God into everything you do at any given time. Keep him in your heart, mind, and soul and let his all powerful glory and words flow through you. You’d be amazed how much stronger mentally and physically you become with God by your side every step of the way.

Luke Curole, 18 years old Sacred Heart Church parish, Cut Off Fletcher Technical Community College

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

Living out our faith daily is very important. We are sometimes challenged in doing this, but we need to stay strong and put our trust in the Lord.

Praying can be the best tool in keeping our faith strong and is a good way in living out our faith.

We can invite our friends and family to help keep our faith strong and we need to put our trust in God because he has a plan for all of us.

Kit Vogt, 16 years old Annunziata Church parish, Houma Vandebilt Catholic High School

31

Many are Called

Few Are Chosen

This Easter Season please remember the special Diocesan Collection for Education to Ministry The collection will be held March 30 and 31, 2013.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Special Events

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Father Ty Van Nguyen, pastor of St. Ann Church parish in Bourg recently signed a contract for a design build project for a new two story parish center. The 10,150 square foot building will house the administration offices, the pastor’s office, a youth ministry office, CCD classrooms, a meeting room, an assembly area and a kitchen. The cost of $2,451,566 includes the parish center, a drive through covered area, a new sewer treatment plant, some drainage, some parking with lighting, and the demolition of the old building. On hand for the contract signing were representatives from B.E.T. Construction, Inc., Thomas Boudreaux Architects, and St. Ann Church parish pastoral council, stewardship committee and building committee representatives. Emile Raynal, B.E.T. Construction, Inc.; Thomas Boudreaux, architect; Lanny Barrios, B.E.T. Construction, Inc.; Jimmie Danos, diocesan director for the Office of Building and Construction; Eric Lapeyrouse, Debra Domangue, Jenny Authement, Christine Rodrigue, Torres Domangue, Adrian Matherne, Deacon Stephen Brunet, Bert LeBoeuf, Clayton Guedry, Richard Bascle, Randolph Bascle; and Donald Naquin.

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Food for the Journey April 9 The diocesan Office of Religious Education sponsors a monthly lunchtime speaker series on the first Tuesday of the month at the Quality Hotel on Hollywood Road in Houma across from Vandebilt Catholic High School.

The speaker for April 9 is Houma native Father Michael Bergeron.

Father Bergeron, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church parish in Thibodaux, was ordained to the priesthood June 8, 1996. He has served as associate pastor at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux and St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma; and as pastor of St. Bridget Church parish in Schriever, St. Lawrence Church parish in Chacahoula, St. Anthony of Padua Church parish in Bayou Black, Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Golden Meadow and Annunziata Church parish in Houma. He also served as Dean of the Upper Lafourche Deanery and is currently the chaplain for the Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

Chauvin Lenten mission March 18-20

Rev. Michael Bergeron

Marian Servants of the Word in Thibodaux.

Those who plan to attend the April 9th event should RSVP with their name, phone number and church parish by Thursday, April 4. To RSVP, email FoodForTheJourney@ htdiocese.org or call (985) 8503178.

Doors open at 10:45 a.m. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. The program begins at Noon with the speaker’s presentation from 12:10-12:45 p.m.

Cost is $13 and includes meal, drink and tip. Only cash or checks will be accepted.

All are invited to come “eat and be fed.”

A Lenten mission will be presented at St. Joseph Church in Chauvin March 18-20, each day at 7 p.m. Father Charles Smiech, a Franciscan Friar of St. John the Baptist Province, will direct the mission with its theme “A Journey of Faith, A Journey of Conversion.”

The Lenten mission will be based upon the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. There will be music, reconciliation on Tuesday evening, and a social with refreshments each night.

Rev. Charles Smiech

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 Copyright © 2013, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo: © David Snyder/CRS.

The Collection will be March 9 and 10, 2013.

Thank you for your generosity.

Bayou Spirit

34

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 Tuesday, 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 Tuesday, 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.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

Ready for viewing March 19 at 21 locations

St. Lawrence, Kraemer A St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing at St. Lawrence Church in Kraemer’s Life Center Tuesday, 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 Tuesday, March 19. Viewing will take place in the Family Center.

Altar blessing and viewing will begin at 8 a.m. 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 Sunday March 10 through Tuesday, March 19.

St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland A St. Joseph Altar will be blessed at St. Mary’s Community Center Tuesday, 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 Tuesday, March 19, at 8 a.m. beginning with blessing of the altar. The altar will remain open throughout the day until 6 p.m.

Mass will be celebrated at 6 p.m. with a community meal following.

a

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 Sunday, March 10 through Tuesday, March 19.

Sacred Heart, Morgan City A St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing Tuesday, March 19, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the St. Joseph Hall, 318 Third Street in Morgan City. The blessing will be at 11 a.m. A spaghetti lunch will be served from Noon until 1 p.m.

St. Bridget, Schriever A St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing Tuesday, March 19, from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.

A meal will be served at Noon.

St. Eloi, Theriot A St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing at St. Eloi Church in Theriot at all Masses March 16 and 17. Homemade breads and cookies will be distributed.

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 16. Blessing, viewing and sharing of the food will be at the 5 p.m. vigil Mass and the 10 a.m.

Mass Sunday, March 17. All are invited to take and eat food from the altar after each Mass.

Cannata’s Supermarket, East Houma A St. Joseph Altar will be on display in the foyer of Cannata’s Supermarket, 1977 Prospect Blvd., Houma, Sunday, March 10 through Tuesday, March 19.

Holy Savior, Lockport A blessing of the St. Joseph Altar will be held Tuesday, March 19, at the church rectory, 612 Main St., Lockport. The altar will be available for viewing at 8:30 a.m.

Closing will take place at 7 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 Tuesday, March 19, in the Chackbay Catholic Center. Public viewing of the altar will be held following the blessing until 4 p.m. A public lunch meal will be served at 11 a.m.

St. Joseph, Chauvin St. Joseph Church in Chauvin will have its viewing of the St. Joseph Altar Tuesday, March 19, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., in the St. Joseph cafeteria. The altar will be blessed after the 8:30 a.m. Mass.

The closing ceremony is at 4 p.m.

This is the 65th anniversary of St. Joseph Parish in Chauvin.

Sacred Heart, Cut Off The viewing of the St. Joseph Altar will be held Tuesday, March 19. The altar will be blessed at 9 a.m. in the Spiritual Life Center.

Lunch will be served at 11 a.m. The closing of the altar will take place at 4 p.m.

St. Joseph, Galliano A St. Joseph Altar will be on display Tuesday, 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 4 p.m. A public meal will begin at 11 a.m.

Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose The annual St. Joseph Altar will be held Tuesday, 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 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 Tuesday, March 19, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Maria Immacolata, Houma A St. Joseph Altar will be on display for viewing, March 16-19, at the Maria Immacolata community center. Blessing of the altar will take place Saturday, March 16, after the 4:30 p.m. Mass. After the blessing the altar will be opened for viewing and a traditional meal will be served.

Clement Home, Thibodaux The Battaglia family will host a St. Joseph Altar Tuesday, March 19, at the home of Randy and Margo 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.

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www.bayoucatholic.com

Guest Columnist

O 36

Chad M. Luke

On January 25, 2013, over 600,000 advocates for the dignity of life descended upon Washington DC in the March for Life. Among those advocates were a busload of youth, religious and adults from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. I was pleased to accompany this group to be a voice for the voiceless and a defense for the defenseless 55 million lives legally aborted in the 40 years of Roe v. Wade.

Our nation’s history and purpose could not be a distant thought as we gathered in the national mall marching from the Capitol to the Supreme Court.

Our nation was founded to be “a city on a hill.” America, before it was a financial or military force, garnered respect around the world because it had the moral courage to embrace God’s design for humanity. As free and independent people, we heralded God’s given rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Our nation affirmed the simple truth that men, unlike things, are not created for domination.

From the Revolution to the Civil War to world wars and onto the global war on terror, America has fought again and again on the side of individual dignity and against human oppression. It is not only Christian, but uniquely American to be our brother’s keeper. The youth of this diocese and on this march are optimistic, enthusiastic and capable. This generation also possesses the one essential, vital quality for those seeking change: Moral courage.

With that, they are capable of working in communion to fight for their defenseless brothers and sisters in the womb. Respect for life is the pre-eminent modern civil rights issue.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

Youth, religious and adults from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux who traveled to Washington D.C. for the annual March for Life pose for a photo in front of the Capitol.

Regardless of time and circumstance, dignified life is always threatened by the fallacy that the lives of the strong should be built on the ruins of the weak. If strength is the norm of justice, then love has no place in this world.

Arlington Bishop Paul Loverde the celebrant of the “Life is Very Good Mass” that our group went to the morning of the march, quoted President Obama who at the Interfaith Prayer Vigil, in the wake of the terrible tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut said, “Can we say that we are doing enough to keep our children -- all of them -- safe from harm?” Bishop Loverde said emphatically, “the answer is that we are NOT doing enough to keep ALL our children safe, especially the most innocent and helpless, those who even now, are being put to death in abortion clinics and hospitals.”

How do we respect life, protect

children, and end violence? The answer is and will always be to believe truth, to live truth and to lead with integrity to the truth.

The “self-evident” truth is that “Our Creator” endowed us with the unalienable right to life. In our leaders’ misunderstanding of life, they have robbed the defenseless of life, the desperate of self-respect and have prevented the faithful from pursuit of conscience.

We on this March for Life believe the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: “An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Evil prospers when good men do nothing. Catholics must believe in life. Catholics must act in favor of life. Catholics must advocate for life. This is the purpose of the March for Life.

In the words of Catholic patriot and father of 11, Senator Robert Kennedy, “If not you, then who? If not now, then when?”

‘If not you, then who?

If not now, then when?’

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

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

- The Peltier Foundation

- Paul A. Callais

- Orleans & Louella Pitre

- Peter W. Callais

- Msgr. Joseph Wester

- Vincent & Fannie Cannata

- Robert R. Wright, Jr.

- Minor Sr. & Lou Ella Cheramie

- Rev. Kermit Trahan

- Maude & Edith Daspit

- Diocesan K of C

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

- Endowment Fund - $119,136.90

January 2013 Burse Contributions Donald Peltier, Sr. #3 ...................................... $1,000.00 Mrs. Shirley Conrad ....................................... $1,000.00 St. Bernadette Men’s Club ............................. $100.00 Mr. Eledier Broussard ........................................ $100.00 Msgr. James Songy .............................................. $75.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ............................................... $50.00 Rev. Henry Naquin .............................................. $20.00

Open Burses with Balance as of 1/31/13 Donald Peltier, Sr. # 3 ........................... $14,100.00 Mr. Eledier Broussard ................. $12,400.00 Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis ........... $10,800.00 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit #2 .................. $10,720.00 Harvey Peltier #31 .............................. $10,486.91 St. Bernadette Men’s Club ................... $10,100.00 Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis #2 .......... $10,000.00 C. Remie Duplantis #2 ........................ $10,000.00 Marie Elise Duplantis #2 ..................... $10,000.00 Maude & Edith Daspit #2 .................... $10,000.00 Msgr. George A. Landry ...................... $10,000.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..................................... $7,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................. $6,900.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $5,935.00 Rev. Peter Nies ..................................... $5,810.00 Elie & Dot Klingman .............................. $5,120.00 Mr. & Mrs. Love W. Pellegrin ................. $5,000.00 Anonymous #2 ...................................... $5,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Fmly.#4..... $5,000.00 Rev. William M. Fleming ........................ $5,000.00 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ..................... $4,839.00 Harry Booker #2 .................................... $4,138.00

Rev. Henry Naquin ................................ $4,020.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ................................ $3,936.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ........................... $3,900.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ............................... $3,490.96 J. R. Occhipinti ...................................... $3,400.00 Catholic Daughters ................................ $3,330.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .............................. $3,195.00 Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ........................ $3,060.00 St. Jude ................................................. $3,000.00 Diocesan K of C #2 ............................... $2,894.62 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ........................ $2,600.00 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ..................... $2,000.00 Rev. H. C. Paul Daigle ........................... $1,900.00 Anawin Community ............................... $1,900.00 James J. Buquet, Jr. ............................... $1,650.00 Msgr. Francis J. Legendre #2 ................ $1,645.00 Msgr. Emile J. Fossier ........................... $1,545.00 Dr. William Barlette, Sr........................... $1,525.00 Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski ................ $1,525.00 Rev. Robert J. Sevigny .......................... $1,500.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield .......................... $1,200.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ................................ $1,200.00

Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 ......................... $1,100.00 Rev. Clemens Schneider ....................... $1,000.00 St. Joseph Italian Society ...................... $1,000.00 Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux #4 ........... $1,000.00 Msgr. John G. Keller .............................. $1,000.00 Mrs. Shirley Conrad ............................... $1,000.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ ............................. $950.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ............................. $800.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................... $800.00 Deacon Roland Dufrene ........................... $750.00 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande ...................... $700.00 Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ................... $660.00 Deacon Raymond LeBouef ...................... $550.00 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata .................... $500.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz ................................ $300.00 Richard Peltier #2 ..................................... $300.00 Claude Bergeron ...................................... $250.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin .......................... $150.00 Msgr. James Songy ................................. $ 75.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ........................ $ 50.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier .............................. $ 50.00 Deacon Nick Messina .............................. $ 50.00

Overall Seminarian Burse Totals: $1,369,937.39 www.bayoucatholic.com

37

ProLife Mass

Knights of Columbus Houma Council No. 1317 sponsored a Pro-Life celebration on Sunday January 27, 2013 at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Sam Jacobs with an honor guard provided by the Houma-Thibodaux Diocese K of C fourth degree. Also pictured are representative families of Pro-Life: Adeline Adams, daughter of Chad and Celeste Adams; and Elise Larke, daughter of Jeffrey and Marion Larke.”

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St. Joseph Manor

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St. Joseph Manor Currently Accepting Applications

For More Information Or To Schedule A Tour, Contact: Natalie Barbera

Marketing/Social Director, St. Joseph Manor

1201 Cardinal Drive, Thibodaux, LA 70301

(985) 446-9050 Fax: 449-0047 www.stjosephmanor.org

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

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“I never felt like just a name on a folder. They treat you like family.”

– VALERIE MANNS Cancer Survivor, Houma

When I was told I had breast cancer, I thought, what’s my son going to do without me? I am so thankful I chose Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC for my cancer treatment. I had surgery and chemotherapy.

Everyone there was with me every step of the way.

marybird.org/TGMC 8166 MAIN STREET, SUITE 101 • HOUMA, LA 70360

Our Churches

Saint

‘Honoring Our Past, Building our Future’

St. Ann Church parish in Bourg, located between Houma and Montegut along Bayou Terrebonne, was established in 1908.

However, the history of the Catholic Church in that area can be traced back to 1863 when Father Jean Marie Joseph Denece was appointed by Pere Charles Menard as the first pastor in the southern portion of Terrebonne Parish. Father Denece ministered to the people of what are now the parishes of St. Joseph in Chauvin, Sacred Heart in Montegut, St. Ann in Bourg and Holy Family in Grand Caillou, traveling by horseback and pirogue.

In 1965, the parish celebrated its first Mass in the present church which boasts large exterior buttresses and is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows. St. Ann, mother of Mary, for whom the church is named,

t Ann in Bourg

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier is featured in the large choir loft window. Three small sacristy windows feature the Eucharist, the Trinity and reconciliation, and the eight windows in the main part of the church feature the life of Jesus. The original bell purchased for St. Ann chapel in 1872 for $244 presently sits on a pedestal between the church and the rectory.

Rev. Ty Van Nguyen, pastor since June 2004, says there are approximately 1,200 families in the church parish with a demographic makeup of older couples along with younger families with children.

The church parish has many active organizations and ministries to offer. Among these are its thriving CCD program which educates an average of 350 students a year with many volunteer teachers, a homebound ministry which includes cooking and delivering meals once a month, RCIA, an adult choir and a youth choir,

a Cursillo group, a Knights of Columbus group which supports the church parish in many ways, a KC Ladies Auxiliary, a Ladies Altar Society, a large group of altar servers, ushers and extraordinary ministers; prayer groups and Bible study groups. The parish also has a very active youth ministry group that participates in many diocesan sponsored events. A youth Mass is celebrated every third Sunday of the month with time afterward for adoration followed by a meal for the whole family.

Father Ty (Nguyen) says he is “very concerned about the young people – they are very important to the parish. The future of the church depends on our youth.”

For this Year of Faith, the parish has been divided into six sections with a captain for each section. Father Ty (Nguyen) has been celebrating Mass in the home of

a

someone in each of these sections.

Father Ty (Nguyen), whose motto has always been “I come to serve, not to be served,” says he is grateful to have a very helpful and dependable staff.

“It is my duty to do everything I can for the parish 42 – not just celebrate Mass, but also reach out to the inactive Catholics, the elderly, the non-Catholics, the young people, and the sick in the hospitals and nursing homes. When someone needs me, I drop everything and go to them. I put myself in their shoes.

If I am a lay person and my pastor doesn’t visit me and support me in my struggles, then I think ‘why should I go to church?’ As pastor I have to deal with every situation.”

Christine Naquin, secretary and bookkeeper, who has worked for the church parish for 32 years, says they are a very family-based people in Bourg. “The people who live here don’t move. Everyone knows everyone else.”

The church parish recently launched a capital campaign entitled “Honoring our Past; Building

Our Future.” They have raised enough funds to begin construction on a new two story parish center.

The 10,150 square foot building will house the administration offices, the pastor’s office, a youth ministry office, CCD class rooms, a meeting room, an assembly area and a kitchen. The cost of $2,451,566 includes the parish center, a drive through covered area, a new sewer treatment plant, some drainage, some parking with site lighting, and the demolition of the old building.

“There are many reasons to go through with this project. The old building has a lot of problems which would be difficult to fix. But I never had any intention to do anything like this; I really struggled with the idea and I prayed to St. Joseph and asked him for an intercession. That’s why I chose the feast day of St. Joseph, March 19, for the groundbreaking. I am very grateful to the parishioners because it is only through their support and generosity that we have been able to move forward with this project,” says Father Ty (Nguyen).

Rejoice in the Lord! He Has Risen!

“He died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but only for him who died and was raised to life for their sake.”

2 CORINTHIANS 5:15

God’s Promises Books & Gifts

Galliano Religious Supply House

God’s Precious Word & Gifts

648 B Corporate Drive

18210 West Main Suite 13 (985) 632-3040 Galliano

601 St. Mary Street

(Behind Target)

(985) 876-1283 Houma

(Next to Politz)

(985) 449-0618 Thibodaux

Donald & Tammy Plaisance, owners • Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9-6 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

Serving the Diocese since 1991

43

Saint Ann Staff

St. Ann, Bourg Parish staff are from left Christine Naquin, secretary/bookkeeper; Father Ty Van Nguyen, pastor; Melba Stringer, CCD coordinator; and Irma Authement, housekeeper. Back row Mary Brunet, Safe Environment coordinator; and Donald Naquin, maintenance.

First Communion & Confirmation Gifts 730 Grand Caillou Rd. Houma • 985.868.9611 Mon. - Fri. 9-5 • Sat. 9-1

Diocesan Programs This Month “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: Robert Gorman, Executive Director Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Bueche’s Jewelry

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

www.bayoucatholic.com

Rite of Election Diocese welcomes 32 catechumens and 38 candidates

questioned with regard to their readiness.

The catechumens are then invited to sign their name in the Book of the Elect.

Next they are greeted by the celebrant and officially declared to be members of the “elect” or chosen by God to be initiated at the Easter Vigil. n Catechumens from the church parishes of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux are: 44 Abel Collins, Sacred Heart, Cut Off; Harley Parr, St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland; Brandi Landry, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay; Brittany Aulds, Randy Aulds, Anna Campbell, Catechumen Anna Campbell, of Holy Cross Church Christopher Campbell, Campbell, parish in Morgan City, signs the Book of the Elect as Kyleigh diocesan RCIA co-director Lillie Brunet assists during Tatum Campbell, the Rite of Election ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Nicholas Canty, Francis de Sales in Houma.

Emily Kekerlegand, Monica Matthiews, Holy Cross, Morgan City; Dell Bishop Sam G. Jacobs greeted 32 Justilian, Elaine Greene, Tammy catechumens and 38 candidates of Canty, Donovan Favre, Sacred the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Heart, Morgan City; Chelsea at the Rite of Election ceremony Amacker, Danielle Melancon, on the first Sunday of Lent at the Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux; Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Dawson Lundy, St. Genevieve, Houma.

Thibodaux; Jamie Jernigan, Tonya At the Rite of Election of Ledet, St. John the Evangelist, Catechumens and the Rite of the Thibodaux; Kimberly Usher, St. Call to Continuing Conversion of Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux; Candidates, the catechumens and Heather Holland, Andre Hebert, candidates gather with others from St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux; throughout the diocese and have Jamie Bergeron, Terry Duplantis, a sense of being part of the larger Jenny LeBeouf, Deanna Rolando, church community.

St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou The catechumens, those who have Black; Kurt Chauvin, St. Louis, not been baptized, are called forth Bayou Blue; Bailey Shaw, by name. Their godparents are

a

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

“I’m still pain free!”

-Cecil Melancon

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Jacob White, St. Joseph, Chauvin; Joanna Kern, St. Bernadette, Houma. n Candidates from the church parishes of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux are: Jocelyn Connell, Sacred Heart, Cut Off; Kory Landry, Laine Myon, Damien Bonnette, Holy Cross, Morgan City; David Nolting, Sacred Heart, Morgan City; Pamela Daigle, Roxie LeCompte, Cameron Smith, Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux; Ian Guidry, Olivia Guidry, St. Genevieve, Thibodaux; Megan Jackson, John Haston Jr., Brent Rodrigue, Tiffany Fakier, Linda Aries, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux; Alfred Carter, Jene’ Robinson, St. Luke, Thibodaux; Macy Hebert, Casey Labat, William Badeaux, Chante Singleton, St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux, Clark Duplantis Jr., Beverly John, Railene Lovell, Marcia Newton, Annunziata, Houma; Jennifer Runnels, St. Louis, Bayou Blue; Haley Pellegrin, St. Joseph, Chauvin; Jennifer Domangue, Lindsey Naquin, Helen Selby, Angela St. Germain, Hayden Vice, St. Bernadette, Houma; Anthony Barlow Jr., Heather Barlow, Robert Conklin, Tori Conklin, George Doescher, Myra Trahan, Sacred Heart, Montegut.

Those who participated in the ceremony were Deacon Stephen Brunet, master of ceremonies; Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L., and Deacon Douglas Authement, assisting masters of ceremonies; Deacon Vic Bonnaffee, deacon of the Gospel; Richard Guidry, cross and book bearer; Linda Danos, book of the elect; Nancy Benoit, Gayle Domangue, readers; Amy Adams, psalmist; Lillie Brunet, narrator; Judy Levron, ribbons for catechumens and candidates; music ministry, intercessions; Marie Alsabrook, Louis Breffeilh, Betty Dolan, Bernita Guidry, Paul Maclean, Rene Rhodes, hospitality ministers; Marie Alsabrook, Bernita Guidry, reception; Rev. Glenn LeCompte, Rev. Joseph Pilola, Amy Adams, Ellen Heidenreich, Leslie Johnson, music ministry; Very Rev. Carl Collins, V.F., Rev. Gregory Fratt, Very Rev. Robert Rogers, V.F., calling of the names.

Michael S. Haydel, M.D., FIPP Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice Board Board Certified CertifiedininAnesthesiology Interventional Pain Management and Anesthesiology

In the photo above Bishop Sam G. Jacobs greets candidate Olivia Guidry, of St. Genevieve Church parish in Thibodaux, during the Rite of Election ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. The bishop addresses the candidates and their sponsors in the bottom photo.

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Events

Spiritual life mini course

Rev. Wilmer Todd

Montegut Lenten mission March 5

Sacred Heart Church in Montegut will have a Lenten mission entitled “Lent – Ongoing Conversion – Change for the Better,” Tuesday, March 5, at 6 p.m. Father Wilmer Todd will present the mission.

Confessions will be heard along with eucharistic adoration.

Everyone is invited to attend.

46

By Brice Higginbotham Brice Diocesan seminarian Higginbotham is presenting a three-night mini course on spiritual life Monday through Wednesday, March 11-13, from 6:30 until 8:15 p.m., at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales Youth Center in Houma.

Higginbotham gives the following introduction to the course: Ever ask yourself these questions: “Why do I confess the same sins over and over again?” “I can’t feel God’s presence; has He abandoned me?

Have I done something wrong?” “I feel peace sometimes, but it doesn’t last.” Even St. Paul said, “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (Romans 7:15).

These questions are familiar to me too. When I’m thinking them, I often feel stuck, dry, and far from God. But, in truth, I’m not stuck!

God is right here with me, and He has all of the answers and all of the solutions. There is hope! These thoughts are part of everyone’s

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spiritual life—yours, mine, St. Paul’s. You and I, we’re not alone.

We can beat the feelings of despair, loneliness, anger, and temptation that come with these thoughts; God has given us a battle plan, a blue print. It’s called the Rules for the Discernment of Spirits. They were written about 500 years ago by St. Ignatius of Loyola and are still accurate today.

God’s used them to show me where I’m going and to reorient me to the path of life, happiness, and peace.

He wants to do the same for you.

So do you want to break free of these thoughts and crush patterns of sin? Do you really want it? If you do, come; join us for three nights of teaching and learning at St. Francis de Sales in Houma where we’ll begin a great, challenging, and beautiful journey to where you and I really want to go, to what we really want.

There is no charge and no registration fee for this event.

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Special

Pope’s timing just right

By Jesuit Father William Byron Catholic News Service

When Joseph Ratzinger was elected pope in 2005 at age 78, I was working at Loyola College (now Loyola University) in Baltimore. A local radio announcer, who was on the air during the late afternoon commute, telephoned me to discuss this breaking news with him on the air.

“He’s a little old for the job, isn’t he?” asked the host, who had never met me before. “He’s exactly one month older than I am,” I replied.

“Well, I have to say he looked pretty good all in white there on television when he stepped out onto that balcony,” the radio host remarked a bit defensively. “And did you know he was in the German army and a prisoner of war in the Second World War?” he asked. “I may have guarded him,” I said, just to pull the announcer’s leg a bit; “I was in the U.S. Army in Germany at that time,” although Ratzinger the soldier had slipped away from military service just before I arrived in his homeland as part 47 of the Army of Occupation after Germany surrendered in 1945.

I was happy to hear that Pope Benedict XVI decided to resign at age 85. He deserves some downtime after eight years in a terribly demanding job. And he is making an important point for all the world to see, namely, that the papacy is a function, not a person, and that an organization as large and complex as the Roman Catholic Church needs vigor as well as holiness and intelligence at the top.

The mission of the church, Pope Benedict often said, is to proclaim the good news.

And that proclamation has to be not only faithful, but enthusiastic. Add to that CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING the need for creativity and mobility in Renovation work progresses on the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, where Pope proclaiming the good news and you don’t Benedict XVI will eventually live, in the Vatican Gardens. The monastery is have far to travel to reach the conclusion secluded but has an impressive view of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. that, in this case, the timing is just right.

When he addressed Catholic educators kindly. His service to the church will continue now in here in the U.S. in 2008, Pope Benedict noted a unseen but not insignificant ways. And the cardinals “reluctance” on the part of many moderns to entrust who gather in Rome to size each other up with a view themselves to God. Entrusting oneself to God involves to papal succession, will do their church a great service an act of the will, and this, he said, is a “complex if they remind themselves that servant leadership is phenomenon and one which I ponder continually.” what we need. It is the model given to us by Jesus, Well, that pondering has brought him to conclude that “who came not to be served but to serve and to give his it is time to entrust the church to new leadership and life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). himself to the God who holds his destiny in his hands. If --leading by example is still a worthy objective, and who Jesuit Father William Byron is past president of would argue that it is not, we have here an instance of The Catholic University of America. He is a professor exemplary leadership for the whole world to see. of business and society at St. Joseph’s University, History will, I suspect, judge Pope Benedict’s papacy Philadelphia. Email: wbyron@sju.edu. www.bayoucatholic.com

Special

Pope’s resignation remarks

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Here is the Vatican’s English translation of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation remarks, delivered in Latin, during an ordinary public consistory to approve the canonization of new saints Feb. 11.

Dear brothers, I have convoked you to this consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the church. After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with 48

words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering. However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the barque of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of bishop of Rome, successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a conclave

to elect the new supreme pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.

Dear brothers, I thank you most sincerely for all the love and work with which you have supported me in my ministry and I ask pardon for all my defects. And now, let us entrust the holy church to the care of our supreme pastor, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and implore his holy Mother Mary, so that she may assist the cardinal fathers with her maternal solicitude, in electing a new supreme pontiff. With regard to myself, I wish to also devotedly serve the holy church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer.

From the Vatican, Feb. 11, 2013 Pope Benedict XVI

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TWELVE

Cardinal electors by region

to watch as cardinals gather in Rome VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Wherever journalists and bookmakers may be getting the names on their lists of top candidates for the next pope, it’s not from the cardinals who will actually vote in the election. Both custom and canon law forbid the cardinals to discuss the matter in such detail with outsiders.

Moreover, the true “papabili” -- literally, popeables -- are likely to emerge only after all the worlds’ cardinals -- not just the 117 who will be under 80 and eligible to vote -- begin meeting at the Vatican in the coming days.

One thing is already clear, however: because of their experience and the esteem they enjoy among their peers, certain cardinals are likely to serve as trusted advisers to the rest in the discussions and election.

Here, in alphabetical order, are 12 cardinals expected to have a major voice in the deliberations: -- Conventional wisdom has long held that the cardinals will never elect an American pope, lest

There will be 117 cardinals under age 80 eligible to vote for a new pope after Feb. 28.

•• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •••••••••

•• •• •• •• •• •• ••

europe: 61

u.s. and canada: 14

•• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• • latin america: 19

•• •• •• •• •• •• africa: 12

•• •• •• •• •• asia: 10 •

oceania: 1

Countries with more than one cardinal elector italy �������������������� 28

iNdia ���������������������� 5

argeNtiNa ����������� 2

u�S� ����������������������� 11

fraNCe ������������������ 4

Nigeria������������������ 2

germaNy �������������� 6

polaNd ����������������� 4

portugal ������������� 2

brazil �������������������� 5

mexiCo ������������������ 3

SpaiN ���������������������� 5

CaNada ���������������� 3 © 2013 Catholic News Service

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www.bayoucatholic.com

Special

TWELVE the leadership of the church appear to be linked with the United States’ economic and geopolitical dominance. But the extroverted and jocular Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, 63, charmed and impressed many in the College of Cardinals in February 2012 when he delivered the main presentation at a meeting Pope Benedict XVI had called to discuss the new evangelization. The pope himself praised the New York archbishop’s presentation on how to revive the faith in increasingly secular societies as “enthusiastic, joyful and profound.”

-- Although not a familiar name in the press, Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo of Esztergom-Budapest, 60, is a major figure among his peers in Europe, the church’s traditional heartland and the region of more than half the cardinal electors. He

was elected to a second five-year term as president of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences in 2011.

-- Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, 68, is a member of the Society of St. Sulpice, whose members are, strictly speaking, diocesan priests but which is normally considered a religious order. Hence he is one of only 19 members of religious orders among the cardinal electors, who are overwhelmingly diocesan clergy.

He is prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, which coordinates the nomination of bishops in Latin-rite dioceses around the world, so his work has brought him into frequent contact with most of his fellow cardinal-electors. As president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, he is well acquainted with one of the church’s largest and fastest-growing regions. The former archbishop of Quebec, who taught at the John Paul II Institute at Rome’s Pontifical Lateran

University, is also a well-respected theologian.

-- Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, 70, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, was the prelate chosen by Pope Benedict to lead his 2013 Lenten retreat, which will make him a prominent voice at the Vatican in the runup to the election. The cardinal, a scholar with little direct pastoral experience, has been leading the universal church’s efforts to develop a nonconfrontational dialogue with nonbelievers, trying to make Christianity intelligible to the modern mind and build a reason-based consensus on key moral issues.

-Another religious, a Salesian, Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa, 70, is president of Caritas Internationalis, the umbrella group of national Catholic charities around the world. As a result, many of his peers have come to know the multilingual

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Diocesan Outreach Line

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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.

For detailed reporting procedures see: www.htdiocese.org.

Click on the Safe Environment tab, then on S.E. Forms and Links.

Ravasi

Sandri

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Scherer

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

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

Vea el detallado procedimiento de informes en: www.htdiocese.org.

Haga clic en Safe Environment y luego S.E. Forms and Links.

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän

Schonborn

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Ñeå höôûng öùng Hieán chöông Baûo veä Treû em vaø Giôùi treû töø Hoäi ñoàng Giaùm muïc Hoa kyø, Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux ñang chuaån bò ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp (luùc tröôùc laø ñöôøng daây lieân laïc baûo veä treû em). Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp laø moät söï coá gaéng cuûa giaùo phaän nhaèm cam keát haøn gaén naâng ñôõ nhöõng ai ñaõ bò toån thöông hoaëc bò laïm duïng tính duïc hoaëc gaàn ñaây hoaëc trong quaù khöù bôûi giaùo só, tu só hoaëc caùc coâng nhaân vieân cuûa Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux. Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän hoaït ñoäng töø 8:30 saùng ñeán 4:30 chieàu, thöù hai ñeán thöù saùu. Moät nhaân vieân chuyeân nghieäp veà söùc khoûe taâm thaàn traû lôøi treân ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi. Nhöõng caù nhaân seõ ñöôïc trôï giuùp naâng ñôõ theâm neáu caàn. Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Soá ñieän thoaïi: (985) 873-0026.

Caàn bieát theâm chi tieát veà caùch baùo caùo xin vaøo trang web cuûa ñòa phaän laø www.htdiocese.org.

Baám vaøo muïc Safe Environment, sau ñoù tôùi muïc S.E. Forms vaø Links. www.bayoucatholic.com

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TWELVE

cardinal as the person spearheading assistance to the neediest of their people. He aroused controversy in 2002 with remarks about clergy sex abuse that struck some as overly defensive of accused priests and the church’s past policies. But he was already widely mentioned as a possible pope before the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict.

-- Argentine Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, 69, was born to parents of Italian descent and has maintained strong ties with both Italy and Argentina. As prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches, he is familiar with the challenges facing Eastern Catholics and the pastoral concerns of the church in the Middle East. He has worked in the Vatican for more than a dozen years, and previously

served as nuncio to Venezuela and then Mexico. His only experience in a parish was a brief assignment shortly after his ordination as a priest.

-- Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah, 67, is president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, which promotes Catholic charitable giving. He has used his leadership to emphasize Pope Benedict’s teaching that Catholic charitable activity must not be simple philanthropy, but an expression of faith, rooted in prayer and Catholic identity. A scripture scholar and former diocesan bishop, he served nine years as secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

-- Another leading voice of the South American church is 63-yearold Brazilian Cardinal Odilo Scherer of Sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest diocese. The son of German immigrants, he also has strong ties to Rome. He studied philosophy and theology at Rome’s Pontifical Brazilian College and Pontifical

Gregorian University and worked as an official of the Congregation for Bishops from 1994 to 2001.

-- Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, 68, has known Pope Benedict for almost 40 years, having studied under him at the University of Regensburg, Germany. Even before his former professor became pope, the cardinal was well known at the Vatican and in wider church circles. He was invited in 1996 to preach Blessed John Paul II’s Lenten retreat and was the main editor of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, published in 1992. As the church in Austria has struggled with declining attendance and calls for change in some of its most basic disciplines, Cardinal Schonborn’s response has received increasing attention, with some praising his prudence and pastoral sensitivity, and others calling for more decisive action.

-- Italian Cardinal Angelo Scola, 71, is the archbishop of Milan,

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the archdiocese led by both Popes Pius XI and Paul VI when they were elected. He previously served as patriarch of Venice, once the see of Blessed John XXIII. The cardinal, a respected academic theologian rather than a popular preacher, has longstanding ties to one of the new church movements, Communion and Liberation, which is based in his archdiocese.

-- Philippine Cardinal Luis Tagle of Manila, 55, is one of the youngest and newest members of the College of Cardinals. Although he did not receive his red hat until November 2012, he had already made a name for himself at the world Synod of Bishops on the Word of God in 2008. This leader of one of the world’s fastest-growing churches is a popular speaker with a doctorate in systematic theology and has served on the International Theological Commission, an advisory body to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

-- Cardinal Peter Turkson is the 64-year-old former archbishop of Cape Coast, Ghana, and current president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. The cardinal, a biblical scholar who was active in ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, has frequently appeared on lists of possible popes. He aroused controversy in 2011 with a proposal for a “world central bank” to regulate the global financial industry, and then in October 2012 when he showed bishops at the Vatican a video warning about the growth of Muslim populations in Europe.

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www.bayoucatholic.com

Sports

With Cam Cameron LSU has new hope

Overtime

A 54

Ed Daniels

As Cam Cameron prepares to coordinate the LSU offense, he need only look at some numbers.

In 2012, Alabama was 31st in total offense, LSU 85th. In third down conversions, Alabama was 16th at just under 48 percent.

LSU was 60th at 40.2 percent.

In a loss to Florida, LSU was one for 13 in third down conversions and still lost only 14-6 at the Swamp.

In passing efficiency Alabama was tops in the country, No. 1.

LSU was 77th.

LSU allowed 32 sacks, almost two and a half quarterbacks sacks a game. In the two biggest games of the year LSU could either not protect the quarterback, or the quarterback held the ball too long.

Florida registered four quarterback sacks against LSU. Alabama had three sacks in its November win over the Tigers in Baton Rouge.

An NFL person who watches a lot of tape asked a question of the LSU offense.

“Does it have an identity?” said the NFL source. “When I watch tape I am not sure,” he added.

This person also said this about Cam Cameron. “I think he is a great hire by Les Miles.”

The NFL source said Cameron will clean up problems that continue to plague the LSU offense. Those include poor clock management and inefficiency in the red zone.

“Les and Cam Cameron are very close. They worked together at Michigan,” said the source.

Job number one for Cameron will be to coach up quarterback Zach Mettenberger.

Mettenberger started to come on in November. But he played poorly in the loss to Clemson in the ChickFil-A bowl. Mettenberger must make better decisions, and he must mature. Frankly he could learn a thing or two about how to handle his business from watching Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron.

Cam Cameron must also do something about the breakdowns in protection in the offensive line.

In the bowl loss to Clemson, the LSU offensive staff was out coached and out prepared. Clemson had many free runs at Mettenberger during the game.

The source, who knows Cameron well, says he is coming to LSU

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because he trusts Les Miles, and “he wants to put down some roots and stay awhile.”

As bad as LSU’s offense was, the Tigers were two red zone “converts” from perhaps having an undefeated regular season.

At Florida, LSU settled for three points late in the first half despite having the ball first and goal on the Gator seven yard line. The third down play was the ill-fated pass to be thrown by Terrence Magee. He couldn’t find a receiver, and was stopped for no gain.

Against Alabama, LSU led 1714 with 2:28 to play. The Tigers called time out facing a third and 10 from the Alabama 32 yard line.

A very conservative run was called to Jeremy Hill, who gained four yards. Drew Alleman then missed a 45 yard field goal attempt. Bama drove for the winning touchdown.

The NFL source said LSU will be “better than the other team 10 times out of 12.”

“Cam will make a difference in those other two games.”

For those who have watched the LSU offense wobble since 2007, they can only hope.

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Financial Report

Glenn J. Landry, Jr. CPA, CDFM

56

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 each year. 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 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 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013

Diocese remains stable

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 me regarding the audited report should notify me in writing at P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395, by email at glandry@htdiocese.org, 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, 2012, totaled $58.4 million – a decrease of $2.8 million. One should not be misled by these large figures.

Approximately $53.5 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 $1,210,000 from 2011. Seminarian Burse funds increased by approximately $44,000, and the Catholic Charities Endowment increased by approximately $80,000. Please see Chart One for a listing of total diocesan assets.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

LIABILITIES Liabilities at June 30, 2012, totaled $75.2 million. As mentioned above $53.5 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, 2012 approximately $19 million of bond debt was still outstanding. Please see Chart Two 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 for a breakdown 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.

Grants and program service fees are generated by diocesan programs or offices for a specific purpose. Please see Schedule A for a summary presentation of all diocesan revenues and expenses.

Formation Ministries include the following programs/offices: Formation, Family Ministries, Worship, Catholic Schools, Religious Education, Pastoral Staffing, Conferences, Evangelization, Youth Ministries, Communications and Bayou Catholic, as well as grants to parishes. Social Ministries include the following programs/offices:

Hospital Chaplains, Assisi Bridge House and Independent Living, St. Lucy Child Care Center, Disaster Services, Catholic Housing, Micro Enterprise, Foster Grandparent and Catholic Charities. Clergy and Religious include seminarian formation and education, Vocations, Permanent Diaconate and retired priest’s benefits. Administration Ministries includes the following programs/offices: Computer and Technology Support, bishop’s residence, Construction, Archives, Tribunal, Safe Environment, Cemeteries Trust, Cemeteries, St. Joseph Cemetery, Casualty Insurance, Central Finance, Lumen Christi Retreat Center, and Human Resources and Employee Benefits. General administration includes the offices of the Bishop, Chancellor, Vicar General, and Finance and Accounting. There are certain expenses that are included in general administration and Administration Ministries that have not been allocated to other offices and/or programs.

In Closing …

Through careful planning the financial condition of the diocese remains stable. We continue to strive to provide financial stability, 57 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 Houma-Thibodaux 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, CGMA Coordinator of Administration and Diocesan Finance Director/Business Manager www.bayoucatholic.com

Financial Report Chart One

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Assets Property, plant & equipment $21,647,711

Other assets $8,188,750

Parish loans $3,969,055

Other current assets $1,393,738

Cash and investments $58,410,615

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 92% 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

58

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Liabilities Series 2006 & 2007 bonds payable $18,960,000

Central finance deposits $36,416,403

Priests' postretirement benefits liability $325,010

Insurance program reserves Third-party $715,176 endowments $17,131,160

Accounts payable and other current liabilities $1,626,867

Some notes regarding the Diocese’s liabilities and accruals: Seventy-one percent (71%) 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, 2012. 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 2013

Chart Three

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Central Finance Deposits Parishes $7,704,164

Schools and others $23,166,564

Cemeteries $5,545,574

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% of the deposited funds for schools will be drawn by the schools during the year to pay for their operations.

Chart Four

59

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Net Assets Unrestricted, undesignated net assets $5,225,674

Permanently restricted net assets $4,059,950

Temproarily restricted net assets $1,875,975

Unrestricted, designated net assets $7,273,654 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.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2013 667,183 24,317 2,386,397

2,759 2,856,309 (1,536,351)

Excess revenues (expenses)

(166,199)

335,940 137,043 155,742 29,371 74,524 37,671 2,013 5,185 117 8,239 4,955 264

322,616 249,838 684,450 539,439 423,855 2,220,198

793,214 43,421 9,478 112,262 63,846 178,802 400 60,945 28,753 202,191 10,326 5,135

$

$

596,742 32,830 41,719 109,644 19,745 28,394 30,309 44,450

25,139 26,705 178,562 1,020,897 68,655 1,319,958 899,800 50,572 64,448 154,243 8,429 47,163 78,660 41,462

$

$

Salaries - lay personnel Salaries - religious Payroll taxes Group insurance - lay Group insurance - religious Pension and benefits Business allowance/reimbursement Conference and travel Workshops, meeting and other program expenses Supplies Maintenance and repair Insurance Occupancy expenses Legal fees/professional services Copying and printing Papal quota and Catholic Conference Audit and accounting fees Books and pamphlets Communications and public relations Contributions and grants Dues and subscriptions Central finance interest expense Investment fees and bank charges Emergency assistance and disaster relief Telephone Bond interest and amortization of issuance costs Total expenses

Expenses:

Cathedraticum Donations Special collections Grants Annual Bishop's Appeal Investment income Oil and gas income Program service and other income Net assets released from restrictions Total revenues and other support

Revenues and other support

Social Ministries

$

$

(37,495)

920,633

252

613,531 11,019 2,114 10,619 12,369 2,955 -

35,027 7,006 2,651 17,591 137,380 1,047 13,556 53,516

323,143 251,978 238,017 70,000 883,138

Program services Clergy and Religious

$

$

440,615

5,274,552

903

216,923 62,764 117,192 2,588,345 69,773 2,732 11,374 1,101 3,419 4,979 1,084,662 148,632

696,060 1,050 50,571 136,220 39,364 32,060 6,428

2,046,694 3,642,877 25,596 5,715,167

Administration Ministries

60

Formation Ministries

$

$

(1,299,430)

11,437,891

667,183 28,231

1,959,608 254,247 282,412 2,617,716 256,559 104,249 182,929 16,959 72,782 52,780 202,191 23,215 1,084,662 154,031

2,227,629 91,458 159,389 417,698 165,554 115,968 154,585 145,856

670,898 528,521 863,012 2,046,694 5,441,230 588,106 10,138,461

Total Program

$

$

1,747,115

1,369,494 2,352,415

18,479

56,412 23,953 55,587 49,786 44,425 25,926 70,405 38,281 992 9,626 9,702 2,162 66,720

316,456 51,980 21,466 64,297 12,886 18,633 15,731 9,016

2,187,000 25,976 268,885 1,441,683 175,986 4,099,530

General and Adminsitrative

$

$

670,455

198,151

-

82,716 192 6,647 110 1,610 -

78,511 6,056 8,390 3,715 7,695 2,509

868,606 868,606

Stewardship

$

$

1,118,140

1,369,494 13,988,457

667,183 46,710

2,098,736 278,200 338,191 2,617,716 306,345 148,674 215,502 70,405 55,240 73,774 62,516 211,893 26,987 1,084,662 220,751

2,622,596 143,438 186,911 490,385 178,440 138,316 178,011 157,381

2,187,000 696,874 528,521 863,012 868,606 2,315,579 1,441,683 5,617,216 588,106 15,106,597

Total

Schedule A

Financial Report Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Unrestricted Revenues and Expenses Year ended June 30, 2012