Bayou Catholic | March 2015 Issue by Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Bayou

Catholic

The Passion of J esus Remembering, honoring Him through Way of the Cross

HOUMA, LA ~ MARCH 2015 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

Registration: March 9-13, 2015 Holy Cross Elementary 2100 Cedar St. Morgan City, LA 70380 Grades PK-6 Amanda Talbot, Principal Phyllis Jensen, Secretary 384-1933 • Fax 384-3270 holycrosselm@htdiocese.org www.holycrosselementary.org Holy Rosary Elementary P.O. Box 40 Larose, LA 70373 Grades PK-8 Scott Bouzigard, Principal Angie Loupe, Secretary 693-3342 • Fax 693-3348 holyroselm@htdiocese.org www.holyrosary.org St. Gregory Elementary 441 Sixth St. Houma, LA 70364 Grades PS-7 Tonia Guidry, Principal Jennifer Torres, Admin. Asst. 876-2038 • Fax 879-2789 stgregelm@htdiocese.org www.stgregorycatholic.org Maria Immacolata Elementary 324 Estate Dr. Houma, LA 70364 Grades PK-7 Prissy Davis, Principal Donna Hill, Secretary 876-1631 • Fax 876-1608 mariaimmacoelm@htdiocese.org www.micsbluejays.org St. Bernadette Elementary 309 Funderburk Ave. Houma, LA 70364 Grades PK-7 Joan LeBouef, Principal Susan Chauvin, Secretary 872-3854 • Fax 872-5780 stbernelm@htdiocese.org www.saintbernadettepandas.com

St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School 300 Verret St. Houma, LA 70360 Grades PS-7 Brenda Tanner, Principal Kim Landry, Secretary 868-6646 • Fax 851-5896 stfranciselm@htdiocese.org www.stfrancishouma.org St. Genevieve Elementary 807 Barbier Ave. Thibodaux, LA 70301 Grades PK-7 Chris Knobloch, Principal Stacie Trosclair, Secretary 447-9291 • Fax 447-9883 stgenelm@htdiocese.org www.stgenevieveschool.us Holy Savior Elementary 201 Church St. Lockport, LA 70374 Grades PK-8 Tricia Thibodaux, Principal Terri Vedros, Secretary 532-2536 • Fax 532-2269 holysavelm@htdiocese.org www.holysaviorschool.org St. Joseph Elementary 501 Cardinal Dr. Thibodaux, LA 70301 Grades PK-7 Gerard Rodrigue Jr., Principal Barbara Kliebert, Secretary 446-1346 • Fax 449-0760 stjoeelm@htdiocese.org www.edline.net St. Mary’s Nativity Elementary 3492 Nies Street Raceland, LA 70394 Grades PK-8 Marissa Bagala, Principal Judy Watts, Secretary 537-7544 • Fax 537-4020 stmarelm@htdiocese.org

Central Catholic High School 2100 Cedar St. Morgan City, LA 70380 Grades 7-12 Vic Bonnaffee, Principal Sandy Daigle, Secretary 385-5372 • Fax 385-3444 centcathi@htdiocese.org www.cchseagles.com Vandebilt Catholic High School 209 S. Hollywood Rd. Houma, LA 70360 Grades 8-12 Yvonne Weimer, Principal Shirley Cunningham, Secretary David Boudreaux, President 876-2551 • Fax 868-9774 vandebilthi@htdiocese.org www.vandebiltcatholic.org E.D. White Catholic High School 555 Cardinal Dr. Thibodaux, LA 70301 Grades 8-12 Michelle Chiasson, Principal Cathy Hebert, Secretary Tim Robichaux, President 446-8486 • Fax 448-1275 edwhitehi@htdiocese.org www.edwhite.org Catholic Schools Office Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Marian Fertitta Superintendent of Schools mfertitta@htdiocese.org Suzanne Troxclair Curriculum Specialist Janet Marcel Administrative Assistant 850-3114 • Fax 850-3214

www.edline.net/pages/St_Marys_Nativity_School

Our Catholic schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex or national origin.

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Contents FEATURES

24 The Passion of Jesus Through Way of the Cross

38 Our Churches St. Charles Borromeo, Pointe-aux-Chenes

COLUMNS

Comfort For My People

By Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

12 Pope Speaks By Pope Francis I

13 Question Corner By Father Kenneth Doyle

14 Readings Between The Lines By Father Glenn LeCompte

32 Seeing Clairely

By Claire Joller

59 Overtime By Ed Daniels

IN EVERY ISSUE

Editor’s Corner

16 Scripture Readings 18 Diocesan Events 22 Heavenly Recipes 30 Young Voices

Bayou

Catholic

GUEST COLUMNS

20 Seven deadly sins: Part III By Father Michael Bergeron

33 What a Life! By Raymond Saadi

42 March for Life By Julie Pellegrin

ANNOUNCEMENTS

47 St. Luke Revival led by Father Maurice Nutt

56 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Marriage HOUMA, LA

~ MARCH

2015

58 Holy Savior Mission led by Father Danny Poche’

ography

C•MILES Phot

EXTRA

60 Financial Report

On Our Cover A Station of the Cross depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ appears on the cover of this month’s Bayou Catholic magazine. This station and those which appear inside with the cover story are the stations at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. Msgr. Frederic J. Brunet in his guest column writes about how praying the Way of the Cross is an invitation for us to join our sufferings with the sufferings of Jesus to bring ourselves and all God’s people to the Kingdom of God. Cover Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier

Where to find your Bayou Catholic Bayou Catholic magazine can be found at all Catholic churches in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, at the three Catholic high schools in Houma, Morgan City and Thibodaux, as well as the ten elementary schools throughout the diocese. 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. For the online edition, go to www.bayoucatholic.com

Bayou Catholic Vol. 35, No. 9 How to reach us: BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132 BY MAIL: P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395 BY FAX: (985) 850-3232 BY E-MAIL: bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org The Bayou Catholic is published monthly, for the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of 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.

Louis G. Aguirre

editor and general manager

Lawrence Chatagnier managing editor

Index to Advertisers A World of Travel ................................79 Advanced Eye Institute ......................43 Barker Honda .....................................73 Bishop’s Stewardship Appeal ............84 Bueche’s Jewelry .................................7 Camp Stanislaus ................................52 Cannata’s ...........................................49 Capdeboscq ......................................77 Cardinal Place ....................................57 Caro’s Cakes, Inc. ..............................78 Cashio’s Mobile Catering ...................80 Catholic CharitiesOffice Manager Position .................57 Catholic Relief Services Collection ....11 Catholic Relief Services-Rice Bowl ....53 Catholic Schools Registration ............2 Channel 10 .........................................19 Chez Lilli .............................................75 Diocesan Outreach Line ....................21 Financial Report .............................60-64 God’s Promises Books & Gifts ..........35 God’s Promises Books & Gifts ..........67 Hampton Inn & Suites ........................75 Haydel Memorial Hospice .................58 Haydel Spine Pain & Wellness ..........15

Headache & Pain Center ...................47 Houma Orthopedic Clinic ..................55 Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center .......81 Johnny’s Men’s Shop ........................66 KEM Supply House, Inc. ....................79 LeBlanc & Associates, LLC ................54 Lewis & Company ..............................52 Main Street Special Events ................78 Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center ......23 Normans Tuxedos ..............................83 Office of Family Ministries ..................71 Peltier Travel Agency .........................76 Re-Bath ..............................................44 Rod’s Superstore ...............................45 Royal Villa ...........................................80 Seminarian Education Burses ...........31 Spotlight .............................................48 St. Joseph Manor ...............................53 Synergy Bank .....................................41 Terminix ..............................................48 Terrebonne General Medical CenterLittle Miracles ...................................3 Vision Communications .....................29 Wesley J. Landeche ...........................69

Glenn J. Landry, C.P.A. business manager

Peggy Adams

advertising manager

Anna C. Givens

advertising accounts executive

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

First Place Winner 2013-2014 General Excellence www.bayoucatholic.com

Welcome

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

At first glance “Planned Parenthood” sounds like a nice company trying to help families wanting to work with God in bringing new lives into the world. In reality Planned Parenthood is nothing more than a purveyor of death, as they aim to perform abortions on a daily basis. For the past couple of years, this company has been trying to build a regional facility at 4636 South Claiborne Ave. in New Orleans, where they could end the lives of as many as 30 unborn children every day. They have not succeeded … yet. The Archdiocese of New Orleans has participated in a public campaign to inform the community. “Since Planned Parenthood does not talk about their plans to perform abortions, even to contractors, we felt it was our duty to inform the public, including construction business owners, of their abortion plans. We do not want men and women of good will to unknowingly participate in the construction of an evil project,” says New Orleans Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond. So far Planned Parenthood and their contractor have been unable to find a single business in New Orleans that will help them “batch” the concrete. “We believe that Planned Parenthood’s contractor is now looking for companies across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and even

into East Texas and West Florida, to come to New Orleans to batch the concrete,” says Archbishop Aymond. It is not inconceivable that these purveyors of death may want to find help among businesses in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. While we cannot prevent anyone from doing business with them, we can – as a community – be aware of their tactics of deceit in trying to get bids from individuals and businesses who unknowingly would join in their evil efforts. All of us here in this piece of heaven we call the Bayou Country pride ourselves in having a community that is dedicated to upholding Christian values. Here we promote LIFE, not DEATH! Elsewhere in this issue you will find an article and photos featuring the 120 youth and adults that participated in the March for Life in Washington, D.C. These individuals piled on busses for the long trip and endured freezing conditions to tell the world that the Bayou Country is ProLife. Let us join in the fight to keep Planned Parenthood from constructing this horrible facility. We owe it to our ancestors, to our families and to future generations. Archbishop Aymond says it best: “We will continue to pray for those that are blind to the destruction caused by abortion and invite those involved with Planned Parenthood to prayer and dialogue. There are many issues, from violence in the streets to poverty, which hurt this community. A regional abortion center does not solve our problems; it will only create more. This is not the future our area needs.”

Beware!

Purveyors of death may want

YOU

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Church Life

Honoring Dr. King A Mass honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was celebrated recently at St. Lucy Church in Houma. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of the Mass. Music was provided by the St. Lucy Catholic Church Gospel Choir.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

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Comment Comfort For My People

W 8

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

We continue our journey into the very heart of the season of Lent, a season in the church’s liturgical year when we seek through the spiritual discipline of our heightened prayer, fasting and almsgiving to strengthen our relationship with the Lord and to rejoice in and celebrate the renewal of the dignity of our Christian baptism. Down through the ages, the season of Lent has always captured our hearts, and during Lent many people engage in additional faith practices and spiritual disciplines. This inherent tendency in us to want to engage in constructive spiritual practices during Lent is a wonderful way to respond to all of the opportunities that the season of Lent presents to us. When we undertake these spiritual disciplines during Lent, we are called to a renewed and heightened awareness of the following: our need for God; our responsibilities to God; and the many ways that God renews his love for us with the passing of each day. Our spiritual discipline during the season of Lent hopefully engenders within all of us a desire to follow more closely after the Lord as we prepare to recall his life-giving death and glorious resurrection, and then to live our lives in accordance with what this self-sacrificing love for us on the part of Jesus Christ calls us to embrace.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

As with many things that have a long and rich history, there are also many misconceptions about Lent. Sometimes Lent can be seen or experienced as only a countdown to Easter. However, Lent is more than just marking the days until Easter Sunday. Lent is a graced opportunity to begin or to renew our relationship with the Lord and to be faithful to our covenant relationship with God. Sometimes as we engage in our spiritual disciplines during Lent, we can also feel that Lent is a time to simply be endured until life can ‘get back to normal.’ If one thinks about it, one understands that from a spiritual perspective some aspects of Lent are actually that which should be ‘normal’ for us since we are called by God to be engaged in appropriate ways each and every day of each and every year in our own growth in love and relationship with him. Lent is like a ‘shot in the arm’ that gets us spiritually growing again in the Lord, and hopefully we will keep on spiritually growing after Lent has passed for another year. We engage in this growth anew each year in Lent, and hopefully the spiritual progress that we make during Lent remains to be continually built upon throughout the rest of the year. The conclusion of the season of Lent always brings us to the holiest days of our year, which are the days of the Pascal Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy

Saturday/Easter Sunday. These are the special days of the year when we recall the life giving death and resurrection of the Lord. I take this opportunity to again encourage you to be a part of the liturgies of these holy days in your parish community. Please also remember that this year the Chrism Mass will take place on Holy Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. I hope that if you are able you will be a part of the Chrism Mass during which our priests renew their commitment to priestly service and the holy oils are blessed for use in our diocese throughout the year. So even if you did not begin on Ash Wednesday, you can nonetheless begin right now to seize the spiritual opportunities that the season of Lent again presents to us. It is never too late to begin to give attention to our desire to deepen our faith, and to undertake actions that will make this happen. Utilize what remains of the season of Lent as an opportunity to come to a new ‘normal’ in life, which is a perspective on life that recognizes that during the season of Lent and throughout the entire rest of the year we are to give attention to growing in our faith relationship with the Lord. I know that all such efforts will lead us to joy in the Lord, and to rejoicing in the promises that our God has made to us. A blessed Lent and a joy filled Happy Easter to all!

Lent: Growing in our faith relationship with the Lord

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Comentario

La Cuaresma: Nuestra relación con Dios crece en nuestra fe

Continuamos nuestro camino en el corazón de la temporada de la Cuaresma, época del año litúrgico de la Iglesia en que, por medio de la disciplina espiritual, buscamos un nivel más alto de oración, ayuno y caridad; fortaleciendo así nuestra relación con el Señor, regocijando y celebrando la renovación de la dignidad de nuestro bautismo cristiano. A través de los tiempos, la Cuaresma se ha siempre apoderado de nuestros corazones y durante la Cuaresma muchos feligreses participan en tradiciones adicionales de nuestra fe como también disciplinas espirituales. Esta tendencia inherente que tenemos de desear la participación en tradiciones espirituales y constructivas durante la Cuaresma es una manera maravillosa de llevar a cabo todas las oportunidades que la Cuaresma nos presenta. Cuando llevamos a cabo estas disciplinas durante la Cuaresma, somos llamados a un conocimiento más profundo y renovado de lo siguiente: nuestra necesidad de Dios; Nuestra responsabilidad con Dios; las maneras diversas que Dios renueva su amor por nosotros con el paso de cada día. Nuestra disciplina espiritual durante la Cuaresma engendra dentro de todos nosotros el deseo de seguir más íntimamente al Señor mientras nos preparamos a conmemorar su muerte que nos brinda vida y su gloriosa resurrección, así viviendo nuestra vida según el mensaje de este amor de auto-sacrificio que Jesucristo nos llama a aceptar. Así como hay muchas cosas que tienen historia amplia y robusta, también hay falsedades sobre la Cuaresma. A veces la Cuaresma suele observarse o vivirse como un período de espera para la Pascua. No obstante, la Cuaresma es mucho más que solamente una

espera diaria hasta que llegue el Domingo de Pascua. La Cuaresma es una gracia que nos permite comenzar y renovar nuestra relación con el Señor y cumplir nuestra alianza con Dios. A veces, en cuanto practicamos la disciplina espiritual durante la Cuaresma, podemos también sentir que la Cuaresma es un momento que debe ser vivido hasta que la vida pueda «volver a la normalidad.»

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Al analizarlo, se entiende que algunos aspectos de la Cuaresma, del punto de vista espiritual, son en realidad «normales» para nosotros ya que hemos sido llamados por Dios para participar de maneras apropiadas todos los días y cada año en nuestra relación con Él. La Cuaresma la comparo a «una vacuna en el brazo» que nos hace crecer nuevamente en el Señor y con esperanza seguiremos creciendo en espíritu aun después de la Cuaresma. Reiniciamos

este crecimiento cada año en la Cuaresma y ruego que el progreso espiritual que hacemos durante la Cuaresma se siga construyendo a través del año. El cierre de la temporada de la Cuaresma siempre nos brinda los días más santos de nuestro año – los días del Triduo Pascual: Jueves Santo, Viernes Santo y el Sábado de Gloria/Domingo de Resurrección Estos son los días especiales del año que usamos para volver a recordar la muerte y resurrección del Señor. Aprovecho este momento para alentarlos a participar en las liturgias de estos días santos en su parroquia. Recuerden también que este año la misa crismal se llevará a cabo Jueves Santo a las 10:30am en la Catedral San Francisco de Sales en Houma. Los invito para que asistan a la misa crismal y puedan presenciar a sacerdotes renovar sus votos sacerdotales, cómo también comprometerse nuevamente al servicio de la Iglesia y también la bendición de los santos olios para el uso de la diócesis por todo el año. Aunque usted no haya comenzado el Miércoles de Ceniza, puede comenzar ahora a trabajar en las oportunidades espirituales que la temporada de Cuaresma nos presenta. Nunca es demasiado tarde para comenzar a prestarle atención a nuestro deseo de profundizar nuestra fe y realizar actos que lograrán este objetivo. Use lo que todavía quede de la Cuaresma para tomar la oportunidad a llegar a un nuevo «normal» en la vida, una nueva perspectiva sobre la vida que reconozca que durante la Cuaresma y el resto del año debemos seguir creciendo en la relación de fe con el Señor. Sé que todos estos esfuerzos nos conducirán a la alegría del Señor y a regocijar las promesas que nuestro Dios nos ha otorgado. ¡Reciban una bendita Cuaresma y que reciban una Pascua llena de felicidad! Traducido por Julio Contreras, feligrés de la Iglesia Annunziata en Houma. www.bayoucatholic.com

Binh luan bang loi

Mùa Chay: Khăng Khít Với Chúa Hơn Trong Đức Tin

C 10

Chúng ta tiếp tục hành trình vào giữa mùa chay, một mùa mà trong đó lịch phụng vụ giúp chúng ta chỉnh đốn tâm hồn qua sự cầu nguyện liên lĩ, ăn chay và làm phước bố thí, chính là sức mạnh gắn liền chúng ta với Chúa và cùng vui mừng cũng như hâm nóng lại giá trị thiêng liêng của bí tích Thánh Tẩy. Qua nhiều thế hệ, mùa vọng luôn luôn đánh động tâm hồn chúng ta, và cũng trong mùa này rất nhiều người dùng nhiều thời gian thực hành nhân đức và củng cố tâm hồn. Thói quen này thúc đẩy chúng ta tham gia vào những nghi thức tâm linh hữu ích. Đó chính là một cách sống tốt trong mùa Chay để đáp lại những gì mà mùa Chay mang lại. Trong khi chúng ta quyết tâm thực thi nhân đức trong mùa Chay, chúng ta được kêu gọi đổi mới và ý thức hơn những điều say đây: chúng ta cần Chúa; trách nhiệm đối vớ Ngài; và bằng nhiều cách mà Ngài hâm nóng tình yêu Ngài cho chúng ta mỗi ngày. Thực hành nhân đức trong mùa Chay hy vọng rằng phát sinh trong chúng ta lòng ao ước bước theo chân Chúa khắng khít hơn chính là cách chuẩn bị tưởng nhớ lại cuộc khổ nạn và phục sinh vinh hiển của Chúa, và rồi sống theo tôn chỉ của Chúa Giêsu bằng chính tình yêu hy sinh mà Ngài đã dành cho chúng ta, cùng mời gọi chúng ta ôm ấp tình yêu hy sinh đó Có nhiều cách sống đạo tốt được tồn tại lâu và có giá trị lịch sử, nhưng vẫn còn nhiều cái bị hiểu sai lầm trong mùa Chay. Như đôi khi mùa chay được xem và thực hành như là một cách chuyển tiếp dẫn đến mùa Phục Sinh. Tuy nhiên, mùa Chay có giá trị hơn là đếm từng ngày trong lịch. Mùa Chay là cơ hội thánh để bắt đầu và hâm nóng lại sự liên hệ của chúng ta đối với

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Chúa và trung thành trong giao ước liên đới với Ngài. Đôi khi thực hành nhân đức trong mùa Chay chúng ta sai lầm có cảm tưởng rằng mùa Chay chỉ là hy sinh đợi chờ để cuộc sống được “trở lại bình thường.” Nếu một người nghĩ và hiểu được rằng từ một góc cạnh nào đó mà phản ảnh của mùa Chay thực sự là “tiêu

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

chuẩn” dành cho chúng ta thì trong dịp này chúng ta được kêu gọi bắt tay vào việc thực thi nhiều nhân đức tốt lành mỗi ngày trong mùa và mỗi năm để lớn lên trong tình yêu và liên hệ với Chúa. Mùa Chay như thế như là “mũi chích ngừa” để giúp ta lớn lên trong ơn Chúa, và hy vọng rằng chúng ta vẫn tiếp tục giữ thói quen tốt lành đó sau mùa Chay cho đến năm sau. Chúng ta bắt tay vào việc

thăng tiến mỗi năm trong mùa chay và mong rằng sự thăng tiến trong nhân đức mà chúng ta đã đạt được là bàn đạp cho chúng ta tiếp tục đi trong cả năm. Cuối mùa Chay luôn luôn mang lại cho chúng ta những ngày trọng đại trong năm, đó chính là ba ngày cuối Tuần Thánh: Thứ Năm, Thứ Sáu và Thứ Bảy/Chủ Nhật Phục Sinh. Đây là những ngày đặc biệt trong năm mà chúng ta tưởng nhớ lại cuộc tử nạn và phục sinh của Chúa. Trong dịp này một lần nữa tôi khuyến khích anh chị em tham gia vào lễ nghi vụng vụ trong những ngày trọng đại này trong giáo xứ mà mình cư ngụ. Cũng nhắc nhở anh chị em là Lễ Truyền Dầu năm nay sẽ được cử hành vào ngày Thứ Năm Tuần Thánh vào lúc 10 giờ 30 sáng tại nhà thờ chính toà Thánh Francis de Sales, Houma. Tôi hy vọng anh chị em tham dự Thánh Lễ Truyền Dầu vì trong thánh Lễ đó quý cha tuyên lại lời thề sống đời tận hiến và thánh hóa dầu thánh để dùng trong năm trong toàn giáo phận. Nếu anh chị em đã không thực thi ngày thứ tư Lễ Tro thì anh chị em vẫn có thể nắm lấy cơ hội thiêng liêng mà mùa Chay mang lại. Không thể nào nói là trễ để chú tâm vào khát vọng củng cố đức tin và quyết tâm làm cho điều đó xảy ra. Vận dụng những gì còn lại trong mùa Chay như là cơ hội tốt để dẫn đến “tiêu chuẩn” mới trong cuộc sống, đó chính là góc cạnh của đời sống mà chúng ta tìm ra trong mùa Chay và trong cả năm mà chúng ta cần phải khăng khít với Chúa hơn trong đức tin. Tôi biết rằng sự cố gắng đó sẽ mang lại niềm vui trong Chúa và vui mừng trong sự nhận thức rằng Chúa đã tạo dựng nên chúng ta. Một mùa Chay và mùa Phục Sinh thánh đức đến với anh chị em. Dòch thuaät: Linh Muïc Pheâroâ Leâ Taøi, Chaùnh sôû nhaø thôø Our Lady of the Isle.

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IN DISGUISE The special collection will be taken at all Masses March 14 and 15, 2015 Thank you for your generous support Copyright © 2014, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo credit: © Maria Josephine Wijiastuti/CRS.

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Comment The Pope Speaks

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ROME (CNS) -- Lent is a journey of purification and penance, a movement that should bring one tearfully back to the loving arms of the merciful Father, Pope Francis said at an Ash Wednesday Mass that began with a procession on Rome’s Aventine Hill. After walking from the Benedictine monastery of St. Anselm to the Dominican-run Basilica of Santa Sabina Feb. 18, Pope Francis celebrated Mass. He received ashes on the top of his head from Cardinal Jozef Tomko, titular cardinal of the basilica, and distributed ashes to the Benedictines, the Dominicans, his closest aides and a family of five. When a priest places ashes on one’s head or forehead, he recites: “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” Both, Pope Francis said, are “a reminder of the truth of human existence: We are limited creatures, sinners always in need of repentance and conversion. How important it is to listen and accept these reminders.” In his homily before the ashes were distributed, the pope encouraged Catholics to ask God for “the gift of tears in order to make our prayer and our journey of conversion more authentic and without hypocrisy.” The day’s first reading, Jl 2:12-

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Pope Francis gives ashes during Ash Wednesday Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome Feb. 18.

18, described the Old Testament priests weeping as they prayed that God would spare their people. “It would do us good to ask, do I cry? Does the pope cry? Do the cardinals? The bishops? Consecrated people? Priests? Do tears come when we pray?” In the day’s Gospel reading (Mt 6:1-6, 16-18), Jesus warns his disciples three times against showing off the good works they do “like the hypocrites do.” “When we do something good, almost instinctively the desire is born in us to be esteemed and admired for this good action, to get some satisfaction from it,” the pope said. But Jesus “calls us to do these things without any ostentation and to trust only in God’s reward.” “Do you know something, brothers and sisters, hypocrites do not know how to cry,” the pope said. “They have forgotten how to cry. They don’t ask for the gift of tears.” The Lenten call to conversion, he

said, means returning “to the arms of God, the tender and merciful father, to cry in that embrace, to trust him and entrust oneself to him.” During the 40 days of Lent, he said, Christians should make a greater effort to draw closer to Christ, which is why the church recommends the tools of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. But, he said, “conversion is not just a human work. Reconciliation between us and God is possible thanks to the mercy of the Father who, out of love for us, did not hesitate to sacrifice his onlybegotten son.” In the reading from Joel, the prophet calls people to “interior conversion,” the pope said, a conversion that requires a return to God “with your whole heart.” “Please,” the pope said. “Let’s stop. Let’s pause a while and allow ourselves to be reconciled with God.”

Return with tears to God’s loving embrace during Lent, pope says Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle

Annuling non-Catholic marriages

Q. I am a Protestant married to a Protestant (my first marriage was also to a Protestant), and I want to join the Catholic Church. I was told by a priest that my husband and I would have to have our previous marriages annulled before I can join the church. (The annulment process would parallel the RCIA discussions over the next year.) I would appreciate your opinion and advice; is it true that we both need to have our earlier marriages annulled? (Milwaukee)

Q A

Q. Why does the Catholic Church ask non-Catholics to receive a Catholic annulment to a previous marriage in order to get married in a Catholic church? (I understand the requirement for Catholics, but it doesn’t seem to make sense for non-Catholics.) (Pennsylvania) A. The two letters above are indicative of a widespread misconception: Many, many Catholics believe -- erroneously -that any marriage not performed by a Catholic priest or deacon (or with the approval of the Catholic Church) does not “count” in the church’s eyes. But, of course, this is not so. Can you imagine the uproar that would ensue if the church were to declare as invalid every marriage between two Protestants, simply because no Catholic priest was there to officiate?

So the Catholic Church begins with the presupposition that a marriage between two nonCatholics is valid. But the church has the right to determine who can get married by the Catholic Church -- and to do so, one has to be free of any previous marriages and that may require an annulment process. (Some of the more common grounds for annulment are: lack of consent, intention to preclude children permanently, deepseated psychological immaturity or instability, etc.) For someone from another faith who wants to become Catholic, that person needs to be in “good standing” in the eyes of the Catholic Church; for a married person, this means living currently in a marriage recognized by the church as valid. So any previous marriages on the part of either spouse would first have to be annulled.

Comment on applause

Q. Recently, in answer to a reader’s question, you suggested that applause for a musical performance during the Mass is inappropriate and breaks the flow of the liturgy. May I invite consideration of a possible addendum to your comments? There are faith communities in

the U.S. where applause during religious services is not meant to thank the choir and musicians; rather it is a sign of being united in the message of the hymn and uplifted in worship. As the predominantly white and ethnically Western European congregations in the U.S. seek out and welcome new Catholics to join our church, new customs will follow and they will, I think, enhance our experience of joy in 13 worshipping the Lord. (Detroit)

A. This reader’s letter makes an important point. It also serves as a helpful reminder that our focus may at times be too narrow. The Catholic Church is, in fact, a “big tent.” It gathers into a common faith more than a billion people from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures, and liturgists do well when they seek to accommodate this diversity. 2015 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

The conversion of Paul by Luca Giordano (1690)

Readings Between The Lines

Father Glenn LeCompte

For John, Conversion = Maturing in Love

Religious author and speaker Kent Crockett maintains that “repentance means we love our Savior more than our sins” (www.kentcrockett.com). I think the author of the Gospel of John would be inclined to agree with Crockett. Why do I say that? Curiously, neither the verbs “to repent” or “to be converted” (metanoein in Greek) nor the nouns “repentance” or “conversion” (epistrōphen) appear in John’s

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Gospel. Only in 12:40 does the word straphōsin, “that they might be converted,” appear, but here John is quoting Isaiah 6:10. While John’s Jesus does not mention conversion per se, he nevertheless provides a paradigm for spiritual transformation by means of the two important commandments he gives: “Believe in the one [Jesus] God sent” (6:29) and “Love one another” (13:34). “Having faith” and “loving” are relational concepts. Jesus envisions his disciples being transformed by their “remaining in” him (15:4-7), that is, growing into an intimate spiritual union with him. Believing in and loving Jesus are the means to remaining in him, even as he invites the disciples to remain in his love (15:9). In John one has to be enlightened by Jesus through intimate spiritual union with him. When this enlightenment is experienced through faith and love the believer then lives in the light, within the realm of that which is heavenly. Those who are not enlightened, and who therefore do not abide in Jesus, belong to darkness, the realm of sin. The process of being enlightened through a faith and love, which produces an intimate spiritual union between the believer and Jesus, is the transformation that

John’s Jesus sees as necessary for the believer to have life. Having considered, then, the transformative power of love in John’s Gospel, let us consider a disciple in the Fourth Gospel whose life is transformed through faith and love, Peter. Peter’s relationship with Jesus begins with the latter deeming the former, “Rock” (Kephas, 1:42). This change of Peter’s name is not so simple a matter as it might seem. Jesus is strongly inviting him not only into his following, but into faith in him. Simon Peter came to meet Jesus in response to his brother’s, Andrew’s, statement of belief that Jesus was the Messiah. For Peter to accept the role Jesus is giving him as “the Rock” is to take an initial step of faith in Jesus as Messiah. There is no specific mention of Peter’s love for Jesus here, but faith and love go hand-in-hand. In 14:11 Jesus exhorts his disciples to believe he was sent by the Father, then in 14:15 he tells them that love for him consists in keeping his commandments. In any event, Peter’s faith and love in Jesus have only been awakened, and both traits will have to deepen in Peter. Awakened love is fresh, new and exhilarating, but soon that relationship will meet challenges. Jesus’ teaching that his flesh

and blood are true food and drink which communicate life to those who partake of it causes some of his disciples to depart(John 6:54-60). So Jesus asks the Twelve whether or not they too want to leave, and Peter, responding for the whole group, asks where they might go, since they believe that he has the words of eternal life (6:67-68). In Peter’s response we see that the initial love he had for Jesus has taken root in him and did not whither because of the challenge posed by Jesus’ words to remain in his following, and therefore in his love. Peter’s decision to stay with Jesus despite the difficulty posed in doing so results in a deepening of his love for Jesus. For love to mature we must continue to choose to love even when love is put to the test. During Jesus’ passion Peter’s love for him faces not merely a challenge but a crisis point. The choice to love here comes with a cost. Peter, in his humanness, struggles through this stage. As Jesus is interrogated by the High

Priest, Peter is also questioned by bystanders outside of the gate of the High Priest’s courtyard as to his personal knowledge of Jesus (John 18:15-17, 25-27). Peter denies such knowledge and consequently commits a sin against love. Despite this failure, Peter will later recover by acquiring a faith in Jesus’ resurrection that will render him and the other apostles empowered by the Holy Spirit to embark upon a mission of forgiveness (John 20:19-23).

Peter’s love for Jesus reaches its ultimate level when Jesus invites Peter to recommit himself in that love by tending Jesus’ flock, a task that will lead him to death (21:1519). I invite you to explore the maturation process of your own love for Jesus at a retreat entitled, “Conversion: Becoming a More Mature Lover of the Lord and Others” at Lumen Christi Retreat Center, March 20-22.

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Scripture Readings Monday

Tuesday

2 March 3

Wednesday

Thursday

and a listing of Feast days and saints Friday

Saturday

Sunday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fourth Sunday of Lent 2 Chronicles 36:1416, 19-23 Ephesians 2:4-10 John 3:14-21

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

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

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

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

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

Lenten Weekday Daniel 13:1-9, 1517, 19-30, 33-62 John 8-1-11

Lenten Weekday Numbers 21:4-9 John 8:21-30

Lenten Weekday Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Genesis 17:3-9 John 8:51-59 Lord Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38

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

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

1 April

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

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

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

March

Saints

Holy Father’s prayer intentions

Dominic Savio 1842-1857 feast – March 9

Image © The Crosiers

Growing up in an Italian peasant family, Dominic wanted to be a priest and in 1854 became a student of St. John Bosco at the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales in Turin. There he formed the Company of the Immaculate Conception to pray and help with various tasks. Don Bosco insisted that Dominic balance his spiritual intensity with chores and games. But Dominic’s frail health gave out in 1857, when he was bled for lung inflammation. On his deathbed, he said, “I am seeing the most wonderful things.” In 1859, the 22 men who formed the core of the new Salesian order all were original members of Dominic’s Company. The patron saint of choirboys, Dominic was canonized in 1954.

Saints

Cyril of Jerusalem c. 315-386 feast – March 18 Image © The Crosiers

Universal Scientists That those involved in scientific research may serve the well-being of the whole human person.

Cyril lived when the Arian heresy was roiling Christianity. Raised and educated in Jerusalem, he was ordained by St. Maximus and succeeded him as bishop of Jerusalem around 350. His episcopate lasted until his death, but he spent 16 years in exile, turned out by emperors influenced by the Arian bishop of Caesarea who claimed ecclesiastical jurisdiction over Jerusalem. The Council of Antioch sent St. Gregory of Nyssa to investigate Cyril and his diocese. He reported that Jerusalem was rife with factionalism and Arianism, but that Cyril was orthodox. He is famous for his extant “Catechetical Instructions,” some of which consist almost entirely of carefully interwoven scriptural passages. Pope Leo XIII named him a doctor of the church in 1882.

Saints

Annunciation of the Lord first century feast – March 25

Google, public domain

Evangelization Contribution of women That the unique contribution of women to the life of the church may be recognized always.

According to the revised New American Bible, the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel tells Mary she has been chosen to be the mother of God, the Son, is the exact moment of the Incarnation. The encounter, with Mary’s questioning and acceptance, is described in Luke 1: 26-38. This liturgical feast, first celebrated in the East, was introduced in Rome between 660 and 680. The oldest liturgical books called it “Adnuntiatio Domini,” the Annunciation of the Lord, but during the Middle Ages it was popularly celebrated as a Marian feast, the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary. The 1969 revision of the Roman liturgical calendar restored the feast as a solemnity of the Lord and restored its ancient title.

Saints

See www.apostleshipofprayer.net

CNS www.bayoucatholic.com

MARCH

APRIL

n Chrism Mass, Thursday, April 2, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, 11 a.m. n A Day of Prayer entitled “New Testament Women as Role Models of Faith for All” is being offered at the Lumen Christi Retreat Center in Schriever, Saturday, April 11. The day will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude with Mass. Father Glenn LeCompte will direct the day. Topics that will be presented include: The Faith of a Canaanite Woman: Determination in Faith; Martha and Mary: An Invitation to Listen to Jesus; A Woman with a Hemorrhage: Experiencing the Healing of Jesus; Prisca: The Female Evangelist. For more information or to register, call Aimee Hebert at (985) 868-1523,

MAY

n Young Adult Gathering, consisting of Mass, adoration and a social, Friday, May 1, St. Lucy Church in Houma, 6:30 p.m. n Easter Season Day of Prayer for all priests, Tuesday, May 5,

Catholic Social Teaching, Wednesdays, March 11 and 25, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Rob Gorman. n Adult Faith Formation: Freedom, Law and the Beatitudes, Thursday, March 12, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Deacon Vic Bonnaffee. n Adore, Wednesday, March 18, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 7 p.m.

n Adult Faith Formation: The Commandments 1-3, Thursday, March 19, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Deacon Vic Bonnaffee. n Adult Faith Formation: The Commandments 4-10, Thursday, March 26, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Deacon Vic Bonnaffee.

Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or email lumenchristi@htdiocese.org. n Marriage Preparation Day for pre-registered couples, Sunday, April 12, 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 online at www.htdiocese. org/fm. n Woman of God Gathering, Tuesday, April 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 Adult Faith Formation:

Catholic Social Teaching, Wednesday, April 15, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Rob Gorman. n Love + Life, Learn Natural Methods of Family Planning, Friday, April 17, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6:30-8 p.m. Speaker, Dr. Susan Caldwell. n Adore, Wednesday, April 22, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 7 p.m. n Man of God Gathering, Tuesday, April 28, 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.

Lumen Christi Retreat Center, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, May 12, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Speaker, Father Carlos Talavera. n Adult Confirmation Mass,

Sunday, May 24, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma, 3 p.m. n Priesthood ordination of Alex Gaudet and Jacob Lipari, Saturday, May 30, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma, 10 a.m.

DIOCESAN

n Parish mission, March 9, 10 and 11, Holy Savior Church parish in Lockport, 7 p.m. each night. Praise and worship music begins at 6:45 p.m. Speaker, Father Danny Poche’. n FOCCUS Training, Tuesday, March 10, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 5:308:30 p.m. Contact your church parish or call the Office of Family Ministries at (985)850-3129 for registration details. n Adult Faith Formation:

www.bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

EVENTS

e n Tu To... In

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* AT&T U-Verse *Channel 10 is provided by and in cooperation with HTV of Houma. ~ Channel 71, ALLENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TV CABLE of Morgan City

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

6:30 9:00 9:30 8:30

SUNDAY

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Closer Walk Comfort For My People

MONDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Focus Spotlight

TUESDAY

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Live with Passion Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

WEDNESDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

A.M. A.M. A.M. P.M.

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

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

Closer Walk Live With Passion Comfort For My People

THURSDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Focus Spotlight Spotlight

FRIDAY

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Live With Passion Comfort For My People

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

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

Special

Seven deadly sins Guest Columnist

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Father Michael Bergeron

Gluttony is an excessive indulgence in the pleasures of food and drink. It is derived from the Latin glutire, which means to gulp down or swallow. Throughout Christianity, it was considered a sin because the excessive desire for food caused the food to be withheld from the needy. In other words, if I take more than I need, it reasons that someone else does not have enough. In a sense, we can interpret gluttony as selfishness – as lacing our own interests above the well-being of others. It is probably the most pervasive of sin in our culture which preaches, “it’s all about me.” In Scripture, gluttony is presented as an ongoing practice, not a one-time activity. Gluttony was considered then and now as being an unhealthy practice. God calls us to honor our body which “is a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Gluttony was also seen as a wasteful use of food. In Luke 7:34, Jesus is falsely accused by the Pharisees of being a glutton. St. Thomas Aquinas (12251274), a Dominican priest and doctor of the church, took his view of gluttony further, arguing that it could be broken down to six actions: 1) eating too soon, 2) eating too expensively, 3) eating too much, 4) eating too eagerly, 5) eating too daintily, and 6) eating wildly. As a defense against excessive indulgence, St. Francis of Assisi went so far as to sprinkle

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Part Three:

Gluttony

ashes from the fireplace on his food. However, gluttony is not limited to eating. Yes, it is excessive eating, but it is also habitual greed. Simply put, gluttony is a lack of self-control. Gluttony enters when

we demand more pleasure from something than it was made for. This sin wars against Christian moderation and sound judgment. Its source can be intentional selfdestructive behavior which

comes from guilt or shame, or it can be a habitual refuge from pressures, people and problems. Gluttony turns us away from our ultimate focus, which is God. It is an addiction, and often our addictions become our god, our idol. We try to fill the voids in our life that only God can fill with anything and everything else. It leaves us feeling pretty lousy as all sins do, robbing us of the joy in life. Some people can be gluttonous with love. They smother the object of their affection. They are jealous and possessive, demanding all of the other person’s time and attention. The glutton is then wounded and offended that someone would take offense by their “love” for them. Far worse, is the parent who is gluttonous with their children, requiring too much time or too many accomplishments from someone too small to grant their pleasure. Gluttony is a lie in our lives which makes us believe that we can be happy by cramming the inner emptiness of our body and soul with things of this world. If we are eating or drinking or giving in to other addictions – to things and people in our life – for the purpose of escaping hardships in life, we are gluttons. We should not substitute these things for dependence on God to sustain us through hardship. The purpose of eating and drinking is to sustain our bodies and, in some situations, to celebrate things such as a feast or church potluck dinners. Gluttony can be met with temperance and moderation. We must take the saying, “we eat to live, not live to eat,” and extend it to all other material things in life. While we can deliberately reduce our use of pleasurable things, it is not necessary to eliminate them entirely. When eating, quit before being stuffed. That’s difficult to do at a buffet. A glass of wine is fine – not a bottle or not until we are drunk. Have some coffee, but not so much that we get the shakes and a headache. It’s okay to enjoy another person’s company, we don’t have to possess all their time. Our body is a temple: we should treat it that way.

Diocesan Outreach Line

In response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is offering an Outreach Line (formerly known as the Child Protection Contact Line). The Outreach Line is an effort to continue the diocesan commitment to support healing for people who have been hurt or sexually abused recently or in the past by clergy, religious or other employees of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. A trained mental health professional responds to the line. Individuals are offered additional assistance if requested.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line Telephone number is (985) 873-0026. For detailed reporting procedures see: www.htdiocese.org. Click on the Safe Environment tab, then on S.E. Forms and Links.

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

Con el fin de cumplir con las Políticas de Protección de Niños y Jóvenes de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Los Estados Unidos, la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux ofrece una Línea de Comunicación (antes Línea de Contacto para la Protección de los Niños). La Línea de Comunicación es parte del esfuerzo diocesano de comprometerse con el mejoramiento de aquéllos que han sido lastimados o abusados sexualmente recientemente o en el pasado por miembros del clero, religiosos u otros empleados de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux. El horario de la Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux es de 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m., de lunes a viernes. El encargado de esta línea es un profesional capacitado en salud mental. Se ofrece asistencia adicional al ser solicitada.

Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux Número de teléfono (985) 873-0026. 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 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.

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Heavenly Recipes

Maria and Virginia’s

g i F okies Co Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

This month’s heavenly recipe is one that anyone who has visited a St. Joseph’s Altar will recognize. Maria Cherry and her daughter Virginia Jimenez are sharing the fig cookie recipe that has been in their family for years. Maria recalls that she had an early devotion to St. Joseph which began when she was five or six years old in Sicily. At that time, she would help her mother construct a St. Joseph Altar in their home and help with the baking. Joseph Cherry and his wife Maria came to Thibodaux from Sicily in November 1954. In 1962, Maria’s mother told her that with God’s help they would construct a St. Joseph’s Altar in Thibodaux. For 10 years Maria and her mother baked bread and cookies, and started a tradition that would continue in their family for 44 years. They believe this was the first St. Joseph Altar devotion in the Houma-Thibodaux area. Over the years people from church parishes and homes throughout Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Houma and Thibodaux would visit the altar and get ideas and recipes to begin their own devotional altars. “Every altar in our area has a piece of history from our altars over the years,” says Virginia, who took on the task with her mother. “Even the altar at St. Francis de Sales has its beginning here with my mom’s altar. We shared our recipes for the breads that we baked and the cookies that we made. We would even make extra batches of cookies and bread and share them with area church parishes and homes that would display altars. There is even some shellacked bread at neighboring altars now on display that my mom and I baked years ago.” Maria and Virginia would begin buying supplies and baking cookies in January for the feast day in March. Much of the supplies, such as the dried figs and sesame seeds, were purchased at Central Grocery in New Orleans where Italian

goods were sold. “For months we would bake cookies every day, all day. We baked on weekends and holidays because we used to make so many different kinds of cookies. We made the fig cookies, which were the most popular, along with sesame seed cookies, ‘s’ cookies, three color cookies and anise cookies with licorice flavor. There was a time when we would make 13 different kinds of cookies for the altar,” says Virginia. In addition to cookies, the Cherry family was probably best known for the different types of bread they made for the altars. “We would make bread that we called the ‘Holy Family Bread’ which was three breads representing the Holy Family. There would also be bread in the shape of chickens, baskets, big figs, crosses, flowers and a special grated ‘saw dust’ bread to spread over the Pasta Milanese, which is a meatless spaghetti. The altar would always begin

with a blessing. In the early days, Msgr. Francis Amedee would go to the Cherry’s home and celebrate Mass there to begin the viewing of the altar. As the years passed the priest would visit the home and bless the altar before the viewing was open to the public. Hundreds of people would visit the Cherry home on St. Charles Street in Thibodaux each year to view the altar. “We would have school children come over from St. Joseph Catholic Elementary, senior citizen groups, people from Thibodaux and other communities visit the altar every year. We would make small bags with samples of cookies, fava or “lucky” beans and pieces of bread to give to everyone who visited the altar. People would save the small pieces of bread which were blessed and throw them outside in their yards when bad weather or hurricanes were approaching (as a way of) asking for God’s protection from storms,” says Virginia. Maria and her husband enjoyed having people view the altar in their home. “My husband loved it when we had the altar. He especially loved having the school children and people visit our home to view the altar. Every year around the beginning of January he would tell us it was time to start preparing for the altar, and that it was time to buy the supplies. In addition to the devotion, I mostly did it for him; he loved it so much. After my husband died, which was 10 years ago last month, we stopped making the St. Joseph Altar. Things are not the same without him. I miss him so much even till this day,” says 83 year old Maria in an Italian accent with tears in her eyes. Even though the Cherry household does not have a St. Joseph Altar for viewing any longer, their altar is still alive and a part of every altar in the Houma-Thibodaux area that was inspired by it. And it all began in a small kitchen in Thibodaux by a family with a great love and devotion to St. Joseph.

Fig Cookies Dough 5 lbs. flour (16 cups) 16 tbsp. sugar 16 tbsp. Crisco 16 tbsp. butter 16 tsp. baking powder 4 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla Milk as needed for dough consistency Filling 3 lbs. dried figs 1 orange peel 1/2 lb. candied fruit mix 1/2 lb. dates 1 cup pecans 1 cup warm water with 2 tbsp. sugar, dissolved Remove stems from figs. Using a grinder, grind the figs, orange peel, candied fruit mix, dates and pecans. Add the warm water and set aside. Divide dough into balls. Roll out like pie crust to desired thickness. Cut into 3 inch strips. Place filling in center; fold dough over filling. Cut cookies into desired size. Bake at 350 degrees until lightly brown. Cool. Decorate with icing and sprinkles. Recipe makes approximately 150 cookies.

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Station I: Pilate Condemns Jsus to Die Meditation: Lord Jesus, often I judge others and fail to be understanding or loving. Help me to see the people in my life through your eyes, not the eyes of a Pontius Pilate.

Station II: Jesus Accepts His Cross Meditation: Lord Jesus, you embraced your cross to redeem the world. Help me to embrace the crosses in my life – the hardships, struggles, disappointments, pain. Only by recognizing my own weakness, can I discover your strength.

Station III: Jesus Falls the First Time Meditation: Lord Jesus, you know how often I fall trying to follow you. Yet you are always there to lift me up. Help me always to trust in your loving care for me.

The Passion of J esus Remembering, honoring Him through Way of the Cross

Guest Columnist

Msgr. Frederic Brunet

As the Christian faith began to spread far and wide from the Apostles and the church, more and more people began to appreciate what our Savior

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Jesus Christ had done for us. By his death and resurrection, he had restored us to be children of God, sharing his own life, and destined us to share eternal life with him, the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever. Naturally, to those redeemed by his blood, the way this occurred and the places where this happened became of great interest. And so from the earliest times of Christianity the places and events of his passion and death began to be revered by Christians. These places were marked and pointed

out as Stations of the Cross to pilgrims in Jerusalem. This, I believe, is a very natural process to remember and honor people who have given themselves for our good. I remember when I went to Europe on vacation how the tour guides, knowing we were Americans, told us about the beaches where thousands of American soldiers died for our freedom and the freedom of Europe on D-Day. I recall being deeply impressed at the beautiful cemetery in Holland where many thousands of American soldiers

Station IV: Jesus Meets His Mother Meditation: Lord Jesus, your mother Mary’s grief was surpassed by her love for you. So often you come to me in others and their love gives me new life. Help me to see how often you love me through the people in my life.

Station V: Simon Helps Carry the Cross Meditation: Lord Jesus, sometimes I am indifferent to the needs of others in my life. I even neglect those whom I love. Help me to see that loving others is the surest way to find you in my life.

Station VI: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus Meditation: Lord Jesus, at times I am afraid to reach out to others. I do nothing when I should act. I say nothing when I should speak 25 out. Give me a deeper and more courageous faith. Help me to trust that you are with me.

are buried in beautiful fields covered with splendid white crosses, all in perfectly aligned rows. The tour guide said, “These boys saved us from the tyranny of Hitler by giving their lives. We cherish them.” But even closer to home, I often see on the side of the road in our area a cross or two marking the place where someone’s loved ones lost their life. I’m sure whenever they go that way, it’s the way of the cross for them, remembering the dear one who was so important to them. At any rate, as the years went by, many different versions of the Way of the Cross developed and even the number of the stations varied considerably in different times. And since not everyone could make the trip to Jerusalem, many different cities and places set up replicas of the stations throughout Europe, and people went to them to

remember and honor the passion of Jesus. Eventually, the church authorized 14 stations of wooden crosses and prescribed them for the churches. And now almost every Catholic Church has a set of 14 Stations of the Cross. Anyone can go there to make the way of the cross individually or collectively. My Dad was a traveling coffee salesman and sometimes he would take us, his children, on a trip with him to deliver the coffee. Frequently he would stop in at a church on his route and privately pray the way of the cross. Sometimes we just sat in the church and waited but sometimes we would walk along with him to the stations. In either case, it was a great example for us and gave us a deep appreciation for this wonderful prayer. Over the years, I have appreciated the Stations of the Cross more and more, for it gives us as we pray and

meditate on the passion of Christ a wonderful insight into the love of God for us. St. Thomas Aquinas tells us that in meditating on the cross of Christ we have an example of almost every Christian virtue: n Love – there is no greater love than this to lay down one’s life for his friend. n Patience – He was led like a lamb to the slaughter and he did not open his mouth. n Humility – Jesus, God, allowed himself to be judged by Pontius Pilate and died for us. n Obedience – He was obedient to the will of the Father even unto death, even death on the cross. n Detachment from earthly things – He was stripped, mocked, spat upon and struck. n Poverty – They divided his garments among themselves, crowned him with thorns and gave him vinegar to drink. Furthermore, meditating on

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Station VII: Jesus Falls the Second Time Meditation: Lord Jesus, failure and disappointment sometimes lead me to despair. I hide behind my pride and self-pity, withdrawing 26 from you and others. Give me the hope I need and help me never to be afraid to begin again.

Way of the Cross the Stations of the Cross provides us with a great opportunity to think about where we fit into the pageant of Christ’s sufferings. Using our holy imagination we have the chance to put ourselves into the character of each person that we meet on the way. How do we react to: n Pontius Pilate who was afraid of the troubles that Jesus might Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Station VIII: Jesus Speaks to the Women Meditation: Lord Jesus, your great compassion for others overwhelms me. I feel petty and selfish when I think of you and the way you love. Help me to pour out my love, that you might fill me with your love.

Station IX: Jesus Falls the Third Time Meditation: Lord Jesus, your failing strength makes me see how helpless I am. Without you, I can do nothing. Help me to rely on your strength, to see how much I need you.

cause him; n The Scribes and Pharisees who incited the crowds to cry out “crucify him”; n His blessed Mother whose love for him overcame even her sorrow and distress; n The courage of Veronica, who in spite of the Roman soldiers, ventured out to comfort him; n Simon of Cyrene who, not planning to, nonetheless helped Jesus carry his cross (Simon’s son later became a bishop); n The women of Jerusalem who lamented for him in sympathy; n The Roman soldiers, some of them cruel but one of whom attested, “Truly this man is the son of God”; n Joseph of Arimathea who asked Pilate for the body of Jesus and gave him a decent burial in his own new tomb; n The apostle John and his Mother Mary at the foot of the

Cross where Jesus gives Mary as John’s Mother and thereby as Mother of the whole church; n The good thief whose recognition of his own guilt and the innocence of Jesus prompts him to ask for a place with Jesus, to which Jesus responds, “This day you will be with me in paradise.” The way we respond to all of these characters and these situations help form our character in response to the cross of Christ. All of us will have crosses to bear in this life. Who can help us better than Jesus Christ to put up with and bear our sufferings? Jesus shows us that suffering is salvific; somehow in this mystery of human life – evil, sin, redemption, life and death – our sufferings united with the sufferings of Jesus brings about our redemption and our salvation. In his Epistle to the Colossians, St. Paul makes a curious statement where he says, “Even now I

Station X: Jesus is Stripped of His Garments Meditation: Lord Jesus, seeing you so cruelly humiliated makes me realize how I cling to my accomplishments, my possessions, my way. Help me to let go of those things in my life that prevent me from growing closer to you and others. find my joy in the sufferings I endure for you. In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of his body, the churchâ&#x20AC;? (Colossians 1:24). And what could possibly be lacking in the sufferings of Christ who is allperfect? Absolutely nothing on the part of Christ himself; it is our part, our sufferings that must fill up what is needed for the sake of the church, the mystical body of Christ. Our sufferings and trials must be in union with the sufferings of Jesus for the redemption of ourselves and the whole church, the mystical Body of Christ. The Stations of the Cross is an invitation for us to join our sufferings with the sufferings of Jesus to bring ourselves and all of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people to the Kingdom of God. (Msgr. Frederic Brunet is a retired priest of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.)

Station XI: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross Meditation: Lord, Jesus, I can never doubt your great love for me when I see you crucified. Help me to see your cross as the great sign of your love for me.

Station XII: Jesus Dies on the Cross Meditation: Lord Jesus, your broken and lifeless body calls me to deeper faith. You chose death, even death on the cross. Help me to see 27 my crosses as ways of loving you.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Father Joshua Rodrigue, pastor of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales Church parish in Houma, leads the Way of the Cross at the cathedral. The Way of the Cross is typically prayed on Fridays during the Lenten season.

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How to pray the Way of the Cross The Way of the Cross The Way of the Cross is a way of prayer. I walk, in spirit, with Jesus on his journey to Calvary and meditate on his suffering and death. Each meditation can be a personal meeting with Jesus and a new discovery of his presence in my life. Each meditation can be deeply personal by recalling specific persons, places and experiences in 28 my own life. The Sign of the Cross In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Opening Scripture Reading – Luke 9:22-24 The Son of Man is destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected, and to be raised up on the third day. If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, that man will save it. Opening Prayer Lord Jesus, help me to be open to your closeness and presence as I begin this journey to Calvary with you. Help me to find in your Passion and Death the strength to take up my cross and follow you. Before Each Meditation I adore you, Lord Jesus, and I praise you. Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world. After Each Meditation Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Station XIII: Jesus is Taken From the Cross Meditation: Lord Jesus, seeing your body taken from the cross reminds me how fearful I am of letting go of my own life. I am frightened when I think of being unimportant, useless, helpless. Help me to place my life in your hands.

Station XIV: Jesus is Laid in the Tomb Meditation: Lord Jesus, when I see the great stone sealing your tomb, I feel alone and abandoned. Even though you sometimes seem distant or absent in my life, help me always to believe in your closeness and loving presence.

earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Closing Scripture Reading – Luke 24:1-8 On the first day of the week, at the first sign of dawn, they went to the tomb with the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, but on entering

they discovered that the body of the Lord Jesus was not there. As they stood there not knowing what to think, two men in brilliant clothes suddenly appeared at their side. Terrified, the women lowered their eyes. But the two men said to them, “Why look among the dead for someone who is alive? He is not here; he has risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee; that the Son of Man had to be handed over into the power of sinful men and be crucified, and rise again on the third day?” And they remembered his words. Closing Prayer Lord Jesus, help me to walk with you each day of my life, even to Calvary. The sorrow and joy, the pain and healings, the failures and triumphs of my life are truly small deaths and resurrections that lead me to closeness with you. Give me the faith and trust I need to walk with you always. Amen.

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Young Voices What I can do to strengthen my relationship with Christ this Lenten season is to pray more and become more involved within my church and community. By just doing the simple things within our community like helping someone in need, giving more to those who might have nothing, listening more, smiling more, and giving ourselves and our time to helping others can really go a long way. So this Lenten season, I plan on becoming a better leader and role model, and I will strive to see Christ in others and give them the same love that he so dearly gave us.

Quinn Lapeyrouse, 16 years old St. Joseph Church parish, Chauvin South Terrebonne High School

What are you doing to strengthen your relationship with Christ during this Lenten season?

30 This Lenten season I plan to devote more of my time to worshipping the Lord. By attending weekly adoration and weekday Mass and praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet daily, I hope to not only strengthen my relationship with Christ but also deepen my prayer life. I also plan to start living a healthier lifestyle in order to show God my respect and appreciation for my body which is a temple of the Lord.

Ashley Lucas, 17 years old St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish E.D. White Catholic High School

During this Lenten season I will strive to be a better Catholic and get closer to my family. I will pray more and help others. One of my major goals is to spend more time with my grandmother. After I recently lost my grandfather, my family and I are growing closer and continue to go to church every week. My family has shaped me into becoming the Catholic that I am today. They have impacted my life so much and I know that we can get through anything together. “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

Dana Rodrigue, 17 years old Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales parish Vandebilt Catholic High School

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

As I prepare for the Lenten season, there are many things I can do to strengthen my relationship with Christ. Earlier this year I was fortunate to attend the 2015 March for Life in Washington, D.C. I was able to see firsthand the power of giving and helping those who cannot help themselves. So rather than “give up” something for Lent, this year I will be giving more of myself to others and to God, like helping the elderly, praying for the families on our school prayer line, and doing small acts of kindness that can have a big impact on someone.

Emilee Theriot, 18 years old St. Hilary Church parish E.D. White Catholic High School

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, deacon, 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 - Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Bienvenu - Harry Booker - Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux (3)* - Rev. Adrian J. Caillouet - Rev. James Louis Caillouet - Bishop L. Abel Caillouet - Judge/Mrs L. P. Caillouet - Msgr. Lucien J. Caillouet - Abdon J. & Ada B. Callais - Harold & Gloria Callais Family - Paul A. Callais - Peter W. Callais - Vincent & Fannie Cannata - Minor Sr. & Lou Ella Cheramie - Maude & Edith Daspit - Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis family (3)* - Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis

- C. Remie Duplantis - Marie Elise Duplantis - Warren J. Harang, Jr. - Msgr. Raphael C. Labit - Msgr. Francis J. Legendre - Rev. Charles Menard - Dr. & Mrs. M.V. Marmande & Fly - Donald Peltier, Sr. (3)* - Harvey Peltier (30)* - Richard Peltier - The Peltier Foundation (3) - Orleans & Louella Pitre - Msgr. Joseph Wester - Robert R. Wright, Jr. - Rev. Kermit Trahan - St. Bernadette Men’s Club - Diocesan K of C - Endowment Fund - $119,136.90

January 2015 Burse Contributions Jacob Marcello .................................................. $100.00 Elie & Dot Klingman ........................................... $80.00 Luke Robicheaux Luke is a senior at St. Joseph Seminary College. His home parishes are Sacred Heart in Morgan City and St. Thomas Aquinas in Thibodaux. This is Luke’s second year in seminary formation. Please pray for Luke and all of our seminarians.

Open Burses with Balance as of 1/31/15 Mr. Eledier Broussard ................. $14,750.00 Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis ........... $13,000.00 Donald Peltier, Sr. #4 ............................ $13,000.00 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit #2 .................. $10,960.00 Harvey Peltier #31 .............................. $10,486.91 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 Elie & Dot Klingman .............................. $8,520.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................. $8,100.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..................................... $7,000.00 Mrs. Shirley Conrad ............................... $7,000.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $6,165.00 Rev. Peter Nies ..................................... $5,810.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ........................... $5,100.00 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 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ..................... $5,000.00 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ..................... $4,839.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ................................ $4,786.00 Rev. Henry Naquin ................................. $4,251.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .............................. $4,150.00 Harry Booker #2 .................................... $4,138.00

Catholic Daughters ................................ $4,080.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ............................... $3,610.96 J. R. Occhipinti ...................................... $3,400.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ................................ $3,200.00 Msgr. James Songy ............................... $3,075.00 Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ........................ $3,060.00 St. Jude ................................................. $3,000.00 Diocesan K of C #2 ............................... $2,894.62 Anawin Community ............................... $2,700.00 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ........................ $2,600.00 Willie & Emelda St. Pierre ...................... $2,000.00 Rev. H. C. Paul Daigle ........................... $1,900.00 Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 ......................... $1,900.00 James J. Buquet, Jr. ............................... $1,650.00 Msgr. Francis J. Legendre #2 ................ $1,645.00 Rev. Robert J. Sevigny .......................... $1,600.00 Msgr. Emile J. Fossier ........................... $1,545.00 Dr. William Barlette, Sr........................... $1,525.00 Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski ................ $1,525.00 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande .................... $1,500.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ ........................... $1,450.00 Alfrances P. Martin ................................. $1,400.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield .......................... $1,200.00 Rev. John Gallen .................................... $1,100.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ...................... $1,050.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................. $1,050.00 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 Preston & Gladys Webre ........................ $1,000.00 Jacob Marcello .......................................... $900.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ............................. $800.00 Ruby Pierce .............................................. $800.00 Deacon Roland Dufrene ........................... $750.00 Juliette & Eugene Wallace ......................... $700.00 Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ................... $660.00 Deacon Connely Duplantis ........................ $625.00 Judge Louis & Shirley R. Watkins .............. $600.00 Deacon Raymond LeBouef ...................... $550.00 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata .................... $500.00 Ronnie Haydel .......................................... $485.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz ................................ $300.00 Richard Peltier #2 ..................................... $300.00 Anne Veron Aguirre ................................... $280.00 Claude Bergeron ...................................... $250.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin .......................... $150.00 Deacon Pedro Pujals ................................ $100.00 Joseph Waitz, Sr. ...................................... $100.00 Bernice Harang ......................................... $100.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier .............................. $ 50.00 Deacon Nick Messina .............................. $ 50.00 Rev. Warren Chassaniol ........................... $ 50.00

Overall Seminarian Burse Totals: $1,475,933.39 www.bayoucatholic.com

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Seeing Clairely Claire Joller

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It must have been around 1950. My family was living with my grandma in a bayou community in our parish miles away from town. The road that paralleled the bayou was still shelled, and often required road graders to scoop and reposition the errant shells that ended up too far to the sides of the roadway. In my memory, the shells posed an unending challenge—either too thick, so that vehicles sort of slid around in the uncompacted mass, or too thin, making the surface bumpy and pitted. Just as with all the other fingerlike bayou communities fanning out from town, that road was the only land route in and out to the wider world. The bayou that had been the main highway was no longer used for all transport. By the beginning of the 1950s, the roadway was heavily trafficked with automobiles and trucks of all kinds. One of the most interesting of all vehicles that drove down the shells in front of my grandma’s house was a general merchandise bus. The small bus had been converted into a traveling department store, with dry goods of all kinds lining the central aisle. The impression I have of the driver is that of a short swarthy man who always looked weary. What made him interesting to me was not only his bus emporium, but also that he spoke with an accent different from everyone I knew. He would drive slowly down the road, stopping whenever he saw someone at roadside who waved him down to choose new handkerchiefs, hat, dress, or

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

trousers. The fact that his trips were not very frequent made his forays quite valued by people who didn’t get to town that often. One evening at dusk, he had driven the length of the road to its end, and was making his slow pace in the opposite direction, still attracting customers who had missed him on his way down. When he stopped for a number of ladies who lived near my grandma, we children made sure to climb the bus’s high steps and walk down the aisle, feasting our eyes on clothing that brushed against our faces from overstocked shelves. It was getting darker, so the driver turned on extra lights as a couple of women examined his wares. Mom soon herded us children out so that we wouldn’t be obstacles to their shopping, since space was so tight. We headed back into the house, but were soon out in the evening air again after we heard a crash and screams. A car had plowed into the back of the bus, and the little bus emporium was on fire by the time we crowded out onto Grandma’s porch. Men from the houses within

hearing range ran toward the bus to help the driver and the two women. One woman must have been descending the steps when the impact occurred, because she had been thrown into the roadside ditch. Men had to brave the fire to carry off the one inside; her leg had been broken so she could not leave on her own. The driver in the front of the bus was unhurt, as I remember it. What I will never forget are the flames engulfing that bus and its contents. Flames leapt high and wide around the little bus now framed against the night sky by the red-orange blaze. It was terrifying to see such a sight, and to realize we could have been inside it had we stayed longer. Now as I think about that evening, I wonder about the man who owned that bus. I was too young to take into account his grief at the time. Did he cry as he watched his livelihood go up in flames? What long-reaching impact did this have on his life? All I know is that we never saw him again after that night. Nor did any general merchandise bus ply its wares there again.

Book Reviews

Guest Columnist

Raymond Saadi

For over 16 years, Father Wilmer L. Todd has written weekly newspaper columns totaling more than 800 articles. Father Todd, pastor of St. Joseph Church parish in Chauvin, was ordained to the priesthood Dec. 21, 1963, and has served in various capacities for the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Asked often by regular readers to put his columns and articles in book form, he has granted that request with this compilation of 370 articles, including five extras for Leap Day, and the solemn four days in Holy Week – Holy Thursday through Easter Sunday, entitled What a Life! Daily Readings for a Holistic Spiritual Life. Each reading is themed for a particular day of the year and offers ways to a more holistic spiritual life, which he defines as “Seeing God working in all aspects of life, including our families, jobs, our personal life and decisions we make.” “Ever since Jesus became one of us,” he writes, “body, mind, spirit, and the whole of creation are all tied together. For this reason, when one part of our life is under stress, it affects another.” Each daily reading is about a page in length and often, humorous; for example, he begins Jan. 1 with an old Chinese Proverb: “If you want happiness for an hour – take a nap; happiness for a day, go fishing; for a month, get married; for a year, inherit a fortune, and if for a lifetime, help others.” And he reminds us that, “Happiness is a journey, not a destination.” Since 2016 is our next Leap Year, I turned to Feb. 29 and plucked these three humorous bits of wisdom: “Great truths

33 What a Life! is a new book by Father Wilmer Todd.

about life learned by children: No matter how hard you try, you cannot baptize cats; learned by adults: Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree; and learned by growing older: Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.” His readings for Lent stress it’s not about giving up things. Rather, he says, the true spirit of Lent “is time for change and conversion … to move our center of gravity from selfishness to others, from self-love to love of neighbor, from lust to love.” For Thanksgiving, he quotes St. Paul, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” And, for Christmas, he reminds us that God offers us the gift of his life-giving grace and it’s up to us whether to receive it or not. Although Father Todd is obviously Catholic, he has tried, he says, to emphasize a spirituality that can be applied to people of any Christian faith. His writings reflect his more than half a century as a priest, a thoughtful student of

history, philosophy and the wisdom acquired from his interaction with his parishioners. It is the book his readers asked for, bound together to make his insights to the many paths to holistic spirituality accessible and close at hand. This book should find a place on every bookshelf or bedside table of inquiring minds. The book was published by the author and can be purchased for $30 at God’s Promises Books & Gifts in Houma; Galliano Religious Supply House in Galliano; God’s Precious Word & Gifts in Thibodaux; Angels Everywhere in Morgan City; St. Joseph Church in Chauvin; St. Bernadette Church in Houma; Sacred Heart Church in Morgan City; and the diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever. (Raymond Saadi, longtime broadcast owner of KHOM FM & KTIB AM, is now retired and in his 15th year as book editor of the Lafayette-New Iberia monthly magazine, Acadiana Lifestyle. He lives in Houma with his wife, Jere.) www.bayoucatholic.com

Annual Bishop’s Appeal underway Story by Janet Marcel “Together in the Work of the Lord,” the theme for the 2015 Annual Bishop’s Appeal, is based on the Scripture passage from 1 Corinthians 3:9, “For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” “Just as last year, the 2015 Appeal will use the theme ‘Together in the Work of the Lord,’ and the funds received will assist in five primary ministries in the diocese which are retired priests, youth ministry, family ministries, religious education, and for assistance to our less fortunate parishes,” explains Bishop Fabre. Together, with the help of the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, the diocese can … n Support its retired priests and acknowledge their hard work and dedication through their lifetime of service to the church; n Impact its youth by helping the Office of Youth Ministry guide them to make Christian choices over 34 their lifetime by instilling in them the values and vision of the church through events such as the annual youth rally and Junior High Faith Experience; and by training its youth ministers; n Strengthen marriages and family life through the Office of Family Ministries’ programs such as marriage prep, couples’ conferences and marriage enrichment, and counseling services which range from bereavement to family separations; n Provide opportunities for everyone in the diocese to continue to learn more about their faith through the Office of Religious Education’s parish CCD and confirmation programs, Adult Faith Formation classes, and Food for the Journey; n Lend a hand to less fortunate parishes by helping with such things as improving buildings, maintenance of facilities, clerical assistance and catechetical instruction. Last year, 10 parishes received grants from funds generated by the Appeal. Bishop Fabre explains what he believes to be an exciting opportunity for the church parishes of the diocese beginning with the 2015 Appeal. “If the diocese reaches its overall goal of $900,000 in funds paid, then all parishes that go over their goal in funds paid will be eligible to receive a percentage of the amount that they have gone over their goal. The funds that are reimbursed to the parishes will be Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

2 0 1 5 Together in the Work of the Lord unrestricted and the parish leadership will be able to decide how best to use the funds. I view this not only as an incentive for more parishioners to participate in assisting the diocese to reach its goal, but also an incentive for their parish to be a direct beneficiary of gifts made by its parishioners,” says the bishop. Those who wish to contribute to the 2015 ABA can choose to make a one-time gift or use the pledge system in which they can make eight monthly contributions. Donations can also be made on-line by visiting www.htstewardship.org. A video which includes the bishop’s message and how the funds will be used is available to view on the diocesan website. For more information about the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, call Jeremy Becker, diocesan director of the Office of Stewardship and Development at (985) 8503155.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bishop meets parish leaders

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre met with parish pastoral council members at three different meetings in each of the deaneries of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux recently. The bishop discussed the details of the meetings he had with parish council presidents earlier; and had a question and answer period for those in attendance. Father Rodney Bourg, pastor of Most Holy Trinity Church parish in Covington, in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, was the guest speaker of the evening. Father Bourg spoke about understanding stewardship as being a way of life. The diocesan Office of Pastoral Services sponsored the meetings.

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Students Owen Schexnaydre

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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 2015 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 21 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. Fifth grader Rebecca Cagle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Cagle, St. Bernadette Catholic School, Houma; eighth grader Andrew Guidry, son of Mr. and Mrs. Barry Guidry, Holy Rosary Catholic School, Larose; and 12th grader Tabitha Kearns, daughter of Barbara Kearns and Timothy

Kearns, E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux; competed recently in a regional screening 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 April 21-22. In addition to the district winners, students selected to represent their school in district competition are as follows. Fifth graders: Parker Angelette, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Angelette, Holy Rosary Catholic School, Larose; Maddie Clause, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rene Clause, St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School, Thibodaux; Abbie LeBoeuf, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David LeBoeuf, Maria Immacolata Catholic School, Houma; Caroline Louviere, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Louviere, St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School, Houma; Christen Marcombe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie Marcombe, St. Mary’s Nativity Elementary School, Raceland; Reese Naquin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robbie Naquin, Holy Savior Catholic School, Lockport; Anne-Alese Rentrop, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Rentrop Sr., Holy Cross Elementary School, Morgan City; Natalie Russell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Blaine Russell, St. Genevieve Catholic School, Thibodaux; Owen Schexnaydre, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Schexnaydre, St. Gregory Catholic School, Houma; Zoe Sissac, daughter of Scott Sissac and Amy Shely, Houma Christian School, Houma; Eighth graders: Adele Boudreaux, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tony Boudreaux, E.D. White Catholic High School,

of the Year

Thibodaux; Carlie Hay, daughter of Alyssia Hay, Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma; Malori Landry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Landry, Holy Savior Catholic School, Lockport; Kerrilyn Luc, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kerry Luc, Central Catholic High School, Morgan City; Josie Oliva, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Duane Oliva, St. Mary’s Nativity School, Raceland; Joseph Townsend, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Townsend, Houma Christian School, Houma; 12th graders: John Parker, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Parker, Central Catholic High School, Morgan City; Lauren Rodriguez, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Barry Rodriguez, Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma. A 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, 37 grade point average, leadership, 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 Sue Hebert, retired Catholic school teacher; Chris Toups, retired teacher for the Lafourche Parish Public School System; and Suzanne D. Troxclair, diocesan curriculum specialist. The diocesan Office of Catholic Schools sponsors an annual breakfast to honor these outstanding students at the Lumen Christi Retreat Center in Schriever. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, students and their parents, school principals, pastors and selection committee members attend the breakfast.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Our Churches

St. Charles Pointe-auxBayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Coastal community is active, generous

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Borromeo Chenes

St. Charles Borromeo Church parish in Pointe-aux-Chenes was established June 23, 1971, with Msgr. Donald Ledet as its first pastor. According to the parishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, even though the parish was not officially established until 1971, the first Mass was celebrated in a home in Pointe-aux-Chenes 51 years earlier. In 1921, permission was granted from Archbishop John W. Shaw of New Orleans to build the first chapel in Pointe-auxChenes. This mission chapel was damaged by a hurricane in 1926 and the men of Pointe-aux-Chenes who originally built it, repaired it and paid off the debt. In the summer of 1940, construction began 39 on a new church to replace that chapel. Lumber for the new church came from a dismantled shrimp factory in Montegut. The church was dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo and blessed as a mission church by Archbishop Joseph F. Rummel of New Orleans. This church is now home to the St. Charles Borromeo Knights of Columbus Council No. 8616. The little chapel that was replaced by the new church was moved down the bayou, blessed and named in honor of St. Isaac Jogues, a martyred Jesuit priest, to serve the needs of the Native American population. On Sept. 9, 1965, Hurricane Betsy demolished the little chapel and the two missions became one. Construction of the current St. Charles Borromeo church began in 1965 and the first Mass to be celebrated there was the Christmas midnight Mass of 1966. Statues of St. Charles Borromeo, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart from the original chapel are located in the church, along with 33 stained glass windows and exposed beams made of long leaf pine. The church received substantial water damage from Hurricanes Cindy, Katrina and Rita in 2005; and Gustav and Ike in 2008. In 2005, the asbestos floor tiles and glue were removed and replaced with Miracle Crete, and the church and rectory roofs were replaced.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Our Churches

St. Charles, Pointe-aux-Chenes Because the church had about 18 inches of water for several days in 2008, four feet of wall all around the church had to be replaced. The entire church was repainted, the sanctuary floor was redone with ceramic tile and all the pews were replaced. Father Thomas Kuriakose, pastor of the parish since June 2011, says there are currently 263 active families in the parish with a good mixture of young and old. Father Kuriakose was among the first group of Indian priests to come to the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux in 2005 and was incardinated here July 3, 2012. Father Kuriakose says it has not been difficult at all adjusting to the culture of the people in the parish. “I just listen to them. I always make people my priority; all of my decisions are made in dialogue with the people.” The parish has a pastoral council and a finance council, as well as money counting ministers. It has a very active Knights of Columbus Council whose members maintain the buildings and the grounds. There is also a Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, a Ladies Altar Society that cleans and takes care of the church, music ministers, a choir, an evangelization committee, a youth group that attends many diocesan events, a CCD program, a Bible study group, and two rosary groups. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Members of the St. Charles the Roch Kateri Circle are currently hard at work planning for the Tekakwitha Conference which is being held in Alexandria this year. There is also an annual Blessing of the Fleet which takes place in the parish before the spring shrimping season. Father Kuriakose says they are working on making the celebration more ecumenical by trying to involve other religious groups in the community, because not only Catholics attend and want to have their boat blessed. Father Kuriakose notes that there are a few aspects of the parish and community which makes it unique. First of all, about 45 percent of its parishioners are Native Americans, he says. Because of the many Native Americans there, the parish hosts the annual Native American Mass and celebration on the Friday before Thanksgiving. Another unique feature of the parish is that it is located “at the end of the world,” says Father Kuriakose. The parish is a coastal community which is surrounded by bayous and marshlands. “The people of the parish are very active and generous. They feel that the church is theirs and really take ownership of the parish. Whenever we ask for help the people are always there,” says the pastor.

Staff

St. Charles Borromeo Church parish staff members from left are Bernice Billiot, housekeeper; Father Thomas Kuriakose, pastor; and Katie Dehart, secretary.

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Church Alive

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, along with 120 youth, seminarians and adult chaperones traveled to Washington, D.C., for the Annual March for Life. The group poses in front of the diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever where Mass was celebrated the morning the buses left for Washington, D.C.

120 strong March for Life Guest Columnist

Julie Pellegrin

On Sunday, Jan. 18, a group of over 120 people gathered at the Pastoral Center to depart on a pilgrimage that would prove to be life changing. The morning started before sunrise with the hustle and bustle of pilgrims checking in bags; it soon settled as we gathered for a Mass at the Pastoral Center for the pilgrims and their families before departing on our journey to Washington, D.C., to attend the March for Life. The spiritual journey began in the Pastoral Center and

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

continued on the busses on our 25 hour journey each way to and from Washington, D.C. Each bus had several students, chaperones, seminarians, at least one priest, a logistics dad, a bus leader and a bus minister. Each bus group began to build a community within itself. The discussions and prayer were all related to the pro-life theme. The pilgrims watched Frozen and were asked to look for the pro-life theme throughout the movie. They were asked to work on a song, changing the words to fit the pro-life theme, which was later performed in front of the whole group. After each stop, the spiritual leader on the bus facilitated a debriefing on how the particular place we visited lent itself to our pro-life theme. Students and adults alike were encouraged to speak and give testimony about how that particular part of the journey impacted them. Games were played on the bus to keep everyone engaged and the growth

of community by the end of the trip was simply amazing. On the journey to D.C., the group stopped to visit the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville, TN, and was able to observe the sisters as they prayed compline from the Liturgy of the Hours. It was incredible to observe such beauty and reverence. What a great start for our pilgrimage! On the return trip, we stopped at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, AL, and participated in morning Mass with the cloistered Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration leading us in song from behind the altar. The beauty of the sanctuary, adorned in gold and marble, was breathtaking. The group embraced the idea of being pilgrims, not tourists, and embodied the phrases “prayer and sacrifice” leading us to a “culture of life.” There was much prayer and contemplation throughout the journey. On the busses each morning and evening we

prayed the Liturgy of the Hours from the breviary provided to each pilgrim. We spent two evenings in adoration, one with the Colonel Catholics and the other at the Matt Maher concert, “Life is Very Good.” Each day we attended Mass as a group. Mass was celebrated at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Monday and Tuesday where Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was our main celebrant. Monday’s Mass was held in the crypt church for our diocese and Tuesday’s Mass was in the main church for all of the pilgrims from Louisiana. On Wednesday, we attended Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. Thursday’s Mass was held at the Pearlstone Retreat Center which was our “home base” just outside of D.C. Each homily was delivered by a different celebrant, but all honed in on why we were gathered, to create a “culture of life through prayer and sacrifice.” We participated in a rosary walk from the Holocaust Museum to the White House and finally ended our walk at Planned Parenthood. While at Planned

Parenthood the group reverently prayed the rosary in the hope of changing hearts and for the healing of those affected by abortion. While in D.C. we were able to visit Arlington Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, Korean and Vietnam Memorials, Martin Luther King Jr. and F.D.R Memorials and the

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Holocaust Museum. We were also able to spend several hours in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, the largest Roman Catholic Church in North America. The Basilica is the nation’s Marian shrine. The Basilica has more than 70 chapels, each with a depiction of Our Lady, where different cultures and traditions of the United States were represented. It was quite helpful to have the knowledge of our priests and seminarians as we walked through the churches. I often overheard them interpreting the artwork and explaining the symbolism to the pilgrims. I know I can speak for several of the pilgrims when I say that without them some of the beauty of these magnificent churches would have been left behind! On Thursday, Jan. 22, the 42nd anniversary of the Supreme Court decision of Roe vs. Wade, we gathered to participate in the March for Life. We heard from several speakers at the rally before the march, from congressmen

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Church Alive

March

to women who had chosen abortion and are now suffering as a result of their decision. The rally was attended by over 500,000 people. As we were marching, I saw many different faiths represented, all in unity to be a voice for the voiceless. This generation of students is being called the most pro-life generation yet. I am not surprised at all by this proclamation! I wish that people could experience the prayers, discussion and reverence of this generation as I did during this week. These kids are simply AMAZING! Their faith and tenacity will change this world to be a “culture of life” from conception to natural death! I am very positive about the future of our church and its ability to change the world. I am incredibly grateful to Missie Curth and Bishop Fabre for making this pilgrimage possible. Thank you to the priests, 44 seminarians, deacons, chaperones and students who gave of their time to take a stand against the injustices perpetuated against the unborn. Thanks also to the Colonel Catholics, Father Andre’ Melancon and Cissy Atzenhoffer for hosting “Tuesday’s with Thomas,” which was a fun and prayerful night! We are incredibly blessed in our diocese to have such faith leaders. (Julie Pellegrin is a science teacher at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma.)

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In the photo above, youth from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux pray outside of a Planned Parenthood building in Washington, D.C. In the photo below, the group from Louisiana are shown during the March for Life in Washington, D.C.

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Special Events

Charismatic Renewal Conference is set The annual Southern Regional Conference of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, with its theme, “Set Free,” from 2 Corinthians 3:17, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom,” is scheduled for March 13-15 in Metairie. Conference speakers include Bob Canton, who has an international ministry of prayer for healing; Father Simon Peter Engurait, a Uganda native who serves in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux; Sister Lucy Lukasiewicz, a member of the National Service Committee for Catholic Charismatic Renewal; Father Robert-Joel Cruz, whose healing ministry brings him from his parish in Houma-Thibodaux around the world; and Deacon Larry Oney, a successful businessman and evangelistic preacher. The conference begins Friday, March 13, at 7 p.m. and concludes Sunday, March 15 with an 11 a.m. Mass. Everyone is welcome to 46 attend the conference for a single session or all weekend. On Friday at 3:30 p.m., there will be a preconference Mass of Intercession with Father Engurait as celebrant and homilist. The opening session of the conference will include a welcome by Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond; a keynote talk by Deacon Oney on the theme, “Set Free;” an altar call; and eucharistic adoration from 9:30–11 p.m. The Saturday session will begin with 9 a.m. Mass celebrated by Father Cruz, who will say a general prayer for healing after Mass. The session that follows is entitled, “Set free through baptism in the Spirit.” Speakers will address this topic to three different age groups: Sister Lucy will speak to the adults; Father Engurait to the young adults; and Tim McCaffrey to teenagers. Youth not covered by family registration may attend the entire conference for $20 preregistration; $25 on site. On Saturday, from 2–5 p.m. there will be a special family session entitled, “Set free through family life.” Special price for this session only is $20 for the entire Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

family. The theme of the Saturday night session is, “Set free through the power of God.” On Sunday at 9 a.m., there will be a talk on healing followed by a eucharistic healing service. Father Engurait will be celebrant and homilist at the Sunday Mass at 11 a.m. The

conference will conclude before lunch. For more information, contact the Conference Office at P. O. Box 7515, Metairie, LA 70010-7515; by telephone (504) 828-1368; email: info@ccrno.org; or website: www. ccrno.org.

Meeting of Families tour is available

By Janet Marcel The Diocese of HoumaThibodaux is working with Peter’s Way Tours Inc., to provide people with an opportunity to attend the Eighth World Meeting of Families (WMOF), being held Sept. 22-27 in Philadelphia, PA. The highlight of the event will be a papal Mass Sunday, Sept. 27. This event will mark Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States. Since its inception by Saint John Paul II in 1994, the World Meeting of Families has been held every three years. The event, which is sponsored by the Holy See’s Pontifical Council for the Family, is the world’s largest Catholic gathering of families. The theme of the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015, “Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive,” reflects the central role of the family in teaching people how to receive and give love. The event will consist of daily Mass, devotions, keynote addresses and multiple breakout sessions. “The fact that the pope is coming to the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia serves to emphasize how important family life continues to be for the church and for us today. It is my hope that the pope’s visit will serve to invigorate the faith here in our country and also to call us all to a renewed appreciation for the importance of family life,” says Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. “The first visit of Pope Francis to the United States is a time of great joy! I look forward to being present with others in Philadelphia for the

pope’s visit in September and for the opportunity to pray here in our own country with him.” Cathy Klingman, diocesan director of the Office of Family Ministries, says the diocese has hotel rooms on hold for both travel options being offered through Peter’s Way Tours Inc. However, she stresses that conference participants are being given first priority to extend their hotel stay through the weekend to attend Sunday’s Papal Mass. Information on trip packages and registration can be obtained by contacting Peter’s Way Tours Inc. Email peter@petersway.com; call 1(800)225-7662 or visit the website www.petersway.com.

‘The Light Is On For You’

All church parishes in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux will participate in a “Lenten Evening of Reconciliation: The Light Is On For You,” which is meant to encourage all Catholics who are eligible to come back to a regular and renewed celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation. The evening of reconciliation will take place in the church parishes of the diocese Wednesday, March 25. Please check with individual church parishes for times.

St. Luke Revival March 9-10 St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Thibodaux is hosting a Lenten Revival Monday and Tuesday, March 9-10 beginning at 7 p.m. each day. Rev. Maurice J. Nutt, C.Ss.R., D.Min., director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana, will be the revivalist. Revival theme is “Behold I Make All Things New.” Sermon title for March 9 is “Lessons from a Storm” taken from Matthew 14:22-33. Sermon title for March 10 is “Just Look Where the Lord has Brought Me From” taken from Luke 17:11-19. Rev. Nutt will celebrate the 10:45 Mass on Sunday, March 8 at St. Luke Church.

Rev. Maurice J. Nutt

Healing Mass is March 10

A Healing Mass and service will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Montegut Tuesday, March 10, beginning at 6:30 p.m. It will be sponsored by Pax Christi Healing Ministry and led by Father RobertJoel Cruz, pastor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Chackbay and diocesan director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. A rosary will be prayed beginning at 6 p.m. Through the grace of God and inspiration of his Holy Spirit, Pax Christi Healing Ministry wishes to bring the healing message of the Gospel and help people understand that Jesus came to heal, cast out the devil and proclaim the Kingdom of God through the motherly intercession of Our Lady. All are invited and welcomed to attend.

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Special announcement Glenn Landry, Coordinator of Administration Ministries and diocesan director of the Office of Finance and Accounting/diocesan business manager, has made the following announcement: “The Diocese of Houma -Thibodaux expresses great gratitude to the Peltier Family for their many years of support by way of the Peltier home in Thibodaux

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being used as the bishop’s residence. Due to extensive repair needs, Bishop Fabre was preparing to move out of the home, and per the terms of the original donation, to return the home to the ownership of the family. One of the family members subsequently purchased the home and has asked the bishop to remain in the home at the present time.”

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Lenten retreat at Lumen Christi

Mother of priest dies

Father Francis Bui’s mother Nhuan Thi Vuong, a native of Vietnam and resident of Raceland, passed away Jan. 29, at age 77. She is survived by her husband Vincent Nghi Bui, sons Father Francis Bui, Sam Dinh Bui, Ben Nam Bui and Thomas Viet Bui; daughters Theu Thi Bui, Huong Thi Bui, Trang Thi Bui, Trinh Thi Bui and Meagan Hue Bui, 29 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; 12 brothers and sisters and one grandson. Father Francis Bui was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in 1990 and served here for 19 years before becoming a member of the Domus Dei Society.

A Lenten retreat entitled “Conversion: Becoming a More Mature Lover of the Lord and Others” is being offered at the Lumen Christi Retreat Center in Schriever, Friday through Sunday, March 20-22. Father Glenn LeCompte will be the retreat director. Retreat talks will include: n Jesus’ Command to Love and Our Conversion n First Awakening in Love for Jesus the Messiah n Responding to the Challenges We Meet in the Initial Stage of Love n Facing the Crisis that Can Move Us into Ultimate Maturity in Love n The Converted Disciple as One Who is Conformed to Love For more information or to register, call Aimee Hebert at (985) 868-1523 or email lumenchristi@ htdiocese.org.

Sister Carmelita Mulry, S.H.Sp., has joined the staff of the Louis Crisis Center to minister to emotionally challenged and abused children, according to Sister Rosario O’Connell, S.H.Sp., director of the Center. Sister Carmelita has a bachelor’s degree in education from Incarnate Word University and a master’s degree in psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University, both in San Antonio. She has served as a teacher, guidance counselor, school principal, social worker, DRE and parish minister. Sister Carmelita will be using her ministry in a tutorial capacity at the center.

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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 Thursday, March 19. Here is a list of the St. Joseph Altars available for viewing throughout the diocese. Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma The altar is being erected in thanksgiving for our bishop, priests, deacons, religious, seminarians, past and present, by the parishioners of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales who have formed the Society of St. Joseph Husband of Mary. A vigil Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Shelton Fabre and concelebrated by priests of the diocese March 18, at 6:30 p.m. The altar will be blessed after the Mass and light refreshments will be served. The altar will be available for viewing Thursday, March 19, from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. The TupaBayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Ready for viewing March 19 Tupa will be at 8:30 a.m. on March 19. St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux A St. Joseph Altar will be on display in the church Thursday, March 19. Blessing of the altar will take place following the 6:30 a.m. Mass, and will be available for viewing from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Mass will be celebrated in church at 12:10 p.m. The closing will be at the 5:30 Mass. All visitors to the altar are invited to bring a canned good which will be donated to the Good Samaritan Food Bank. The altar will remain in church throughout the weekend.

St. Lawrence, Kraemer A St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing at St. Lawrence Church in Kraemer’s Life Center Thursday, March 19 beginning at 7:30 a.m. with the blessing. It will remain open until 4 p.m. Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux A St. Joseph Altar will be held Thursday, March 19 with viewing in the Family Center. Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 a.m. followed by the altar blessing and viewing. The altar will remain open to the public until 5 p.m. A church family spaghetti dinner and celebration begins at 6 p.m. 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 Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20.

St. Mary’s Nativity School, Raceland A St. Joseph Altar will be blessed at St. Mary’s Community Center Thursday, March 19, at 8:30 a.m. The altar will be available for viewing after the 8:30 a.m. Mass and French rosary, until 5 p.m. St. Hilary, Mathews St. Hilary will have its St. Joseph Altar for viewing Thursday, March 19, at 8 a.m. beginning with blessing of the altar. The altar will remain open throughout the day until 4:45 p.m. when the TupaTupa will take place. Mass will be at 5 p.m. followed by a community meal. 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 Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20. Sacred Heart, Morgan City A St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing Thursday, March 19 in the church. Blessing of the altar will take place after the 6:30 a.m. Mass and it will be open for viewing until 6 p.m. St. Bridget, Schriever A St. Joseph Altar will be blessed at 7 a.m. Thursday, March 19 with viewing until 5 p.m. Jambalaya will be served.

St. Eloi, Theriot A St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing March 19 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.; March 20 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.; March 21 from 1 until 6 p.m.; and March 22 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. A meal will be served March 22 beginning at 11 a.m. Our Lady of the Isle, Grand Isle A St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing at Our Lady of the Isle Church in Grand Isle March 14-15. Blessing of the altar will take place after the 5 p.m. vigil Mass. The altar will also be available for viewing after the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses on Sunday. Cannata’s Supermarket, East Houma A St. Joseph Altar will be on display in the foyer of Cannata’s Supermarket, 1977 Prospect Blvd., Houma, from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20. St. Lawrence, Chacahoula A St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing Thursday, March 19, with the blessing at 8 a.m. The altar will remain open for viewing until 5:30 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 6 p.m., followed by a meal. Holy Savior, Lockport A blessing of the St. Joseph Altar will be held Thursday, March 19, at the church rectory, 612 Main St., Lockport. The altar will be blessed at 8:30 a.m. with closing 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 Thursday, March 19, in the Chackbay Catholic Center. Public viewing of the altar will be held following the blessing until 3 p.m. Seafood gumbo will be served for lunch. Sacred Heart, Cut Off The viewing of the St. Joseph Altar will be held Thursday, March 19. The altar will be blessed after the 8:30 a.m. Mass in the Spiritual Life Center. Lunch will be served beginning 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 Thursday, 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 Thursday, March 19, in the cafeteria of Holy Rosary School. Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 51 a.m., in the cafeteria. Blessing of the altar will follow Mass. Shrimp spaghetti will be served beginning at 11 a.m. The altar will close at 4 p.m. St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux A St. Joseph Altar will be available for viewing Thursday, March 19. Blessing of the altar will follow the 8 a.m. Mass. Viewing will continue until 7 p.m. Maria Immacolata, Houma A St. Joseph Altar will be on display for viewing Thursday, March 19 at the Maria Immacolata Gathering Center from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. Blessing of the altar will take place Wednesday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the Gathering Center. A traditional meal will be served Thursday, the day of the viewing. Clement Home, Thibodaux The Battaglia family will host a St. Joseph Altar Thursday, March 19, at the home of Randy and Margo Battaglia Clement, 812 Jackson Street in Thibodaux, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. The public is invited to join in honoring St. Joseph on this special day. www.bayoucatholic.com

Anniversary

Aquinas Center turns 50 52 St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Student Center on the campus of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Mass and reception. Father Andre’ Melancon, pastor, was the main celebrant of the Mass which was concelebrated by Father Wilmer Todd, who served as pastor at St. Thomas in the past.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

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Father Andre Melancon, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish in Thibodaux, delivers the homily during the 50th anniversary Mass celebrated there recently.

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Anniversary

St. Hilary celebrates 50th Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of a Mass of Thanksgiving for the 50th anniversary of St. Hilary of Poitiers Church parish in Mathews. Concelebrating the Mass were Father Sabino Rebosura II, pastor, Father Mario Veloso; associate pastor of St. Hilary and Father Danny Poche’, retired priest and former pastor of St. Hilary.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

The Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Honor Guard was present during the 50th anniversary Mass at St. Hilary of Poitiers Church parish in Mathews. Bishop Fabre delivered the homily for the celebration. A reception was held for all parishioners after the Mass.

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Special

A day in the life of a

Sacristan

Long before the church bell rings for Mass, before the people begin to file in the pews to say their prayers, there is someone who makes sure that the lights are on in the church and that everything is ready for the upcoming liturgical celebration. Sacristans are usually lay people who arrive before a Mass or religious ceremony to make sure that things are in order for the celebration. Rose Adams, a native of Chackbay, has been a sacristan at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Chackbay for the past 25 years. “Mass begins at 7 a.m. on Sundays and I am here an hour before each Mass. I arrive at 6 a.m. and open the church. I get the church ready for Mass by setting up the wine and hosts. I set the heating and cooling, light the candles in the sanctuary and turn on the lights throughout the church. I also make sure there is water for when the priest washes his hands during Mass; and I set out the purificators and the sacred vessels,” she says. Adams has been a widow for the past 25 years. It was shortly after her husband died that a friend introduced her to the New Life Prayer Group at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. “A friend of mine, Verdie LeBlanc, who is now deceased, helped me through a difficult time after my husband Julius passed away. I became involved with the prayer group and it gave me a new understanding of my faith. From then on I became more involved with the church and was happy to serve the Lord in this new capacity,” says Adams. Adams prepares the church for all its liturgical celebrations which include the weekday Masses, the 4 p.m. Masses on Saturdays, and the Sunday liturgies at 7 and 10 a.m., and 5 p.m. She does have help from parishioners Mary LaRose and Gladys Sonnier. In addition to the Masses, Adams prepares the church for special ceremonies such as baptisms, funerals and weddings. “I place the books in the church for baptisms and have the oils, candles and garments ready for the sacrament. During funerals, I make sure the funeral pall and kneeler is ready for the casket and that the Paschal Candle is in its proper place.” In addition to preparing the church, Adams keeps inventory of candles, wine and hosts. She knows how much is on hand and tells the church secretary when supplies are running low so they can be ordered. At 82 years old, Adams, who is affectionately known as “Miss Rose,” is grateful for the help she receives from her friends in the church parish. She stays busy by tending to her garden and the flowers in her yard. “I love to be outdoors. I will be 83 years old in May. I am thankful to God that I am able to do all the things that I do. Every morning I thank Jesus for my good health.” Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Rose Adams, sacristan at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Chackbay, prepares the church before the Masses and special ceremonies celebrated there.

Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Rose Adams places hosts in a sacred vessel before Mass at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Chackbay.

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Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Position Available The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux has an opening for the position of OFFICE MANAGER FOR CATHOLIC CHARITIES This position provides administrative and technical assistance to the executive director of Catholic Charities. The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate a record of dependability, a high level of interpersonal skills, and should be able to work in a demanding and fast paced confidential environment with a variety of programs and staff. Hours: • 35 hours per week (8:30 am - 4:30 pm) Monday – Friday • Position begins May 18, 2015 Applicant Qualifications: • Some college preferred or high school with related work experience • Competent in Microsoft Word and Excel software and web-based applications with good computer skills • Excellent organizational skills • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Ability to multi-task and work with a variety of vendors, contractors, donors, and program staff • Awareness of Catholic social teaching and Catholic Charities’ work Benefits package, including health care, is included. Email resume to wdugas@htdiocese.org or mail to 1220 Aycock Street Houma, LA 70360. References required. A full job description is available upon request. Deadline to apply - April 15, 2015

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Day of Prayer at Lumen Christi April 11

Father Danny Poche’

A Day of Prayer entitled “New Testament Women as Role Models of Faith for All” is being offered at the Lumen Christi Retreat Center in Schriever, Saturday, April 11. The day will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude with Mass. Father Glenn LeCompte will direct the day. Topics that will be presented include: n The Faith of a Canaanite Woman: Determination in

Father Glenn LeCompte

Faith n Martha and Mary: An Invitation to Listen to Jesus n A Woman with a Hemorrhage: Experiencing the Healing of Jesus n Prisca: The Female Evangelist For more information or to register, call Aimee Hebert at (985) 868-1523, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or email lumenchristi@ htdiocese.org.

Lenten Mission March 9-11 Holy Savior Church Parish in Lockport is sponsoring a mission Monday through Wednesday, March 9-11, at 7 p.m. each day. Praise and worship music begins at 6:45 p.m. The speaker for the mission will be Father Danny Poche’, a retired priest of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. Everyone is welcome to attend the mission.

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“Completing the Gift of Life”

Sports

Nicholls Tim Rebowe Overtime

‘A breath of fresh air’

Ed Daniels

It is one of the most difficult jobs in Louisiana college football. Why? The record says so. The last and only Nicholls State football coach to leave the school with a winning record was Sonny Jackson in 1986. Even Darren Barbier and Jay Thomas, the last two coaches to guide Nicholls State to the I-AA playoffs, departed with losing records. The Colonels only win in the I-AA playoffs came in 1986 under Jackson. So, after an 0-12 season,and the mid-season departure of head coach Charley Stubbs, the school has looked to former UL-Lafayette assistant coach Tim Rebowe to provide some desperately needed leadership. And, something else. Fun. “He is changing the attitude of the kids,” says former West St. John football coach Laury Dupont. Dupont, who serves as marketing liaison for the Sports Medicine Center at Thibodaux Regional, is qualified to make such an assessment. Seven of his West St. John teams reached the state finals. Three won championships. “What I have seen is a complete 360 degree change in the attitude of the team,” said Dupont. On the Thursday night before Mardi Gras, the Colonels had Mardi Gras Madness. They lifted weights at 9 pm. Coaches and players were in costume. A team bonding experience it was. But, Rebowe needs resources because resources help attract better players. Coaching salaries have been increased. And, since Tim Rebowe was hired, coaches

received courtesy automobiles to recruit. Rebowe has witnessed turnarounds before. He lived one the past four seasons at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. Head coach Mark Hudspeth took over a losing program and turned it into a consistent winner. What did Rebowe learn from his boss? “There is no offseason.” “Recruiting is the lifeblood of the program.” “You must be a great evaluator of talent.” “Player development is critical.” “Little things are important.” And, so are linemen. Of the 26 signees by the Colonels in the recruiting class of 2015, 11 are linemen. And, the Colonels were clearly deficient at the line of scrimmage,

especially defensively. In four games last season, the Colonels allowed 62 points or more, including a season ending 62-3 drubbing at the hands of archrival Southeastern Louisiana. Rebowe does have some tools to fashion a turnaround. Quarterback Tuskani Figaro is back after redshirting in 2014. And, 1,000 yard rusher Michael Henry returns. Henry had four 100 yard rushing games last season. Rebowe said his team must believe it can be successful. Laury Dupont already sees a change. “In conditioning drills, one of the linemen was struggling to finish,” said Dupont. “The entire team got behind him and cheered him on to finish.” “For Nicholls football, Tim Rebowe is a breath of fresh air.” www.bayoucatholic.com

Financial Report

Glenn J. Landry Jr. CPA, CDFM

It is with pleasure I join Bishop Shelton J. Fabre 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 Houma-Thibodaux 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 60 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. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Diocese The Audit and the Auditor’s Opinion The financial statements were audited by an independent certified public accounting firm. Diocesan management chooses to hire these auditors to help fulfill its role as good and responsible stewards of the generous funds contributed by its parishioners. The auditors expressed an “unmodified” opinion on the diocese’s financial statements. An “unmodified” opinion means the financial statements are fairly presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The complete audited report is available to all on the diocesan website, www. htdiocese.org. Click as follows: Administration Ministries, Finance, Finance Forms. 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, 2014, totaled $49.7 million – a decrease of $11 million. One should not be misled by these large figures which include the 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 $90,000 from 2013. Seminarian Education Burse funds increased by approximately $48,600, and the Catholic Charities Endowment increased by approximately $120,000. Please see Chart One for a listing of total diocesan assets. LIABILITIES Liabilities at June 30, 2014, totaled $76.3 million with $56.2 million belonging to parishes, cemeteries, schools and third parties for deposits and endowments in the diocesan Central Finance program. In 2007, the diocese issued $6.48 million variable rate demand bonds to fund priest pension liabilities. At June 30, 2014, approximately $6.1 million of bond debt was still outstanding. Please see Chart Two for a listing of total diocesan liabilities. Due to the low rate of investment return and other depressed economic factors, it was determined that the cost of the 2007 variable rate demand bonds exceeded the expected future

remains stable LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

benefits; therefore, a $1.6 million partial redemption occurred on Nov. 1, 2014. 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. 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, Independent Living, St. Lucy Child Development Center, Disaster Services, Catholic Housing, Micro Enterprise, Foster Grandparent and Catholic Charities. Clergy and Religious include Seminarian Formation and Education, Vocations, Permanent Diaconate, Continuing Education, Bishop’s residence, Bishop Emeritus, and Retired Priest’s Benefits. Administration Ministries include the following programs/

offices: Computer and Technology Support, 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, 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 61 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 Ministries and Diocesan Finance Director/Business Manager www.bayoucatholic.com

Financial Report Chart One

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Assets Parish loans, $2,795,638

Property, plant & equipment, net, $9,229,854

Other assets, $2,645,249

Other current assets, $1,320,935

Cash and investments, $49,694,426 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 exceed the total balance 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), net of depreciation. Chart Two

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Liabilities Central finance deposits, $38,208,852 Priests' postretirement benefits liability, $11,328,303

Insurance program reserves, $606,518

Series 2007 bonds payable, $6,130,000

Endowments held for others, $17,983,445

Accounts payable and other current liabilities, $2,050,050

Some notes regarding the Diocese’s liabilities and accruals: Seventy-three percent (73%) of the liabilities of the Diocese result from the inclusion of deposits in the Diocese’s Central Finance program and endowments in the liability category. The liability for priests’ postretirement benefits other than pensions (mainly health insurance and long-term care) have historically been paid and will be paid in the future through the Diocese’s normal annual budgetary process.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • March 2015

Chart Three

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Central Finance Deposits Parishes $7,976,989

Cemeteries $5,144,854

Schools and others $25,087,009

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

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Net Assets

$10,000,000 $5,000,000 $$(5,000,000) $(10,000,000)

$8,314,380 $4,556,499

$1,436,462

Permanently Temporarily restricted net assets restricted net assets

Unrestricted, designated net assets

Unrestricted, undesignated net assets

$(15,000,000) $(20,000,000) $(25,000,000) $(30,000,000)

$(24,928,407)

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 â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA â&#x20AC;˘ March 2015 $

77,596 48,047

Business allowance/reimbursement

Conference and travel

(1,614,242)

Bond interest and amortization

Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenses

Telephone 3,143,096

Emergency assistance and disaster relief

Total expenses

4,693

311,832

Central finance interest expense

Depreciation

Contributions and grants

269,061

Papal quota and Catholic Conference

Copying and printing

(225,948)

1,979,154

22,890

251,201

30,318

502

47,167

81,573

94,547 134,193

31,106

132,189

66,699

306,329

42,177

37,755

29,976

23,422

156,783

44,068

34,260

640,739

1,753,206

46,757

346,483

5,401

52,031

Other operating expenses

Occupancy expenses

Insurance

Maintenance and repair

Supplies

762,625

47,888

Pension and benefits

Program expenses

34,496

Group insurance - religious

193,584

68,542

Payroll taxes

Group insurance - lay personnel

85,130

953,430

1,528,854

1,219,046

Salaries - religious

Salaries - lay personnel

Expenses:

Total revenues

Net assets released from restrictions

Program service and other income

25,759

202

Investment income

Oil and gas royalties

Ministries 1,334,207

Ministries

Social

309,606

Donations and grants

Cathedraticum

Revenues:

Formation

(1,590,653)

1,916,260

3,872

5,632

20,001

11,441

17,704

21,110

579,677

15,007

9,208

929,501

106,292

35,513

3,857

59,419

98,026

325,607

4,745

22,960

28,203

269,699

Religious

Clergy and

Program expenses

3,724,119

11,176,721

176

749,967

182,620

74,950

2,769,137

124,223

60,120

242,381

17,548

32,731

31,781

8,037

6,028,787

50,135

11,270

792,858

14,900,840

13,146,966

1,753,874

Ministries

Administration

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Unrestricted Revenues and Expenses Year Ended June 30, 2014

Total

293,276

18,215,231

26,938

251,201

749,967

40,643

311,832

269,563

383,981

262,511

2,800,243

279,517

199,960

1,891,012

122,779

157,290

1,039,146

172,247

6,414,667

166,602

190,079

2,485,053

18,508,507

51,502

14,735,455

1,808,038

1,913,512

Program

General and

(816,855)

5,347,051

3,861,699

17,680

386,946

9,504

76,826

24,153

154,563

50,778

61,806

24,272

143,700

7,863

24,345

22,964

12,706

87,678

22,914

22,754

333,900

4,530,196

167,365

1,374,185

58,730

336,266

2,593,650

Adminsitrative

548,453

213,761

3,656

3,153

89,741

5,276

7,695

4,045

11,180

6,314

82,701

762,214

Stewardship $

24,874

23,776,043

3,861,699

44,618

251,201

749,967

427,589

321,336

76,826

297,372

541,697

313,289

2,800,243

341,323

224,232

2,124,453

135,918

189,330

1,066,155

184,953

6,513,525

195,830

212,833

2,901,654

23,800,917

51,502

14,902,820

1,374,185

1,866,768

3,011,992

2,593,650

Total

Schedule A

Financial Report Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Unrestricted Revenues and Expenses Year ended June 30, 2014