Bayou
Catholic
The magazine for the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
g n i r Sp Graduation Special Inside
s m o s s o l b with
diocesan celebrations HOUMA, LA ~ MAY 2014 ~ COMPLIMENTARY
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Together in the
Work of the Lord For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. 1 Corinthians 3:9
For more information, visit: www.htdiocese.org
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www.bayoucatholic.com
Contents
On our
Easter
r e v o C
Bishop Fabre’s Message
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In his monthly column, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre points out the many diocesan celebrations happening during the month of May.
Personalities
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Cover Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier
Heavenly Recipes
Our Churches
Margie’s Seafood Sauce Piquante
St. Bernadette, largest parish in the diocese
Mamie Bergeron retiring after 50 years
Bayou
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51 2014 Graduation Graduation
Church Alive
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• Welcome
• Question Corner
Catholic
Holy Week, Easter observances
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Salute to class of 2014
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• Reflections
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• Ordinations
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• Young Voices
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• Seeing Clairely
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How to reach us: BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132 BY MAIL: P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395 BY FAX: (985) 850-3232 BY E-MAIL: bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org
Bayou Catholic Vol. 34, No. 11 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
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 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 General Excellence
Where to find us Bayou Catholic magazine can be found at all Catholic churches in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and at the three Catholic high schools in Houma, Morgan City and Thibodaux. You may also visit the merchants listed in the Advertisers’ Index to pick up your copy. Those wishing to receive the magazine by mail can call Pat Keese at (985) 850-3132 or write to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Subscription price is $35 annually.
Index to Advertisers Advanced Eye Institute ............................. 45 Barker Honda ............................................ 58 Bishop’s Appeal .......................................... 2 Bueche’s Jewelry ...................................... 26 Cannata’s .................................................. 80 Catholic Communication Campaign ........ 11 Catholic Directory ..................................... 27 Cenac Marine Services ............................. 57 Central Catholic High School ................... 63 Channel 10 ................................................ 19 Charles A. Page & Sons ........................... 76 Chauvin/Twin City Funeral Homes ............ 56 Conference Office ....................................... 3 Daigle Himel Daigle .................................. 60 Diocesan Outreach Line ............................. 5 Diocesan Website ..................................... 69 E.D. White Catholic High School .............. 59 Falgout Funeral Homes, L.L.C. ................. 71 Felger’s Footwear ..................................... 54 God’s Promises Books & Gifts ................. 25 God’s Promises Books & Gifts ................. 75 Haydel Memorial Hospice ......................... 48 Haydel Spine & Pain ................................. 37 Headache & Pain Center .......................... 47 Houma Digestive Health Specialists ......... 44 HTeNews ................................................... 23 KEM Supply House, Inc. ........................... 78 Lafourche Ford Lincoln ............................. 53 Landry’s Funeral Home/ Thibodaux Funeral Home ...................... 77 LeBlanc & Associates, Inc. ....................... 35 Lewis & Company ..................................... 26 Lirette Ford ................................................ 79 Marie’s Wrecker Service ........................... 72 Mary Bird Perkins at TGMC ...................... 15 MPress ...................................................... 35 Office of Youth Ministry ............................. 62 Re-Bath ..................................................... 43 Rod’s Superstore ...................................... 49 Samart Funeral Home & Crematorium of Houma ........................ 78 Seminarian Education Burses .................. 17 Southland Dodge ...................................... 65 Spotlight .................................................... 25 St. Joseph Manor/Cardinal Place ............. 34 Synergy Bank ............................................ 66 Terminix ..................................................... 44 Thibodaux Physical Therapy .................... 74 Vandebilt Catholic High School ................ 55 Vision Communications ............................ 61
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.
www.bayoucatholic.com
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Welcome
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Editor’s Corner Louis G. Aguirre Editor & General Manager
Educators
May is a time when we typically pay special attention to educators. As classes end before the summer and as we congratulate our graduates, many take time to give thanks to so many dedicated educators who have willingly accepted the challenge to help form and guide us. We normally – and rightfully – think of teachers and professors. Yet there are many other educators we may forget. In the Catholic Church, especially in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, we are blessed by thousands of educators who, as Pope Francis calls them, “live the faith, share it and teach it.” Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, as our shepherd and teacher, counts on many to carry out
Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
this work. Who are they? Our priests, deacons, men and women religious and laity who give of themselves to bring (teach) the Good News to everyone. Of special note are the hundreds of elementary and high school teachers, as well as our Confraternity of Christian Doctrine directors, coordinators and teachers. At the same time we must remember parents, who are the primary teachers in the homes. In a talk to the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, Pope Francis said evangelization requires people who joyfully and lovingly live their faith, are not afraid to go out to share it and know how to transmit to others the essential teachings of the church. The world, he said, needs “the oxygen of the Gospel, the breath of the spirit of the risen Christ.” While faith is a gift, the pope emphasized, Christians must show others its meaning by being living examples of love, agreement, joy and trust in the midst of suffering. As we live out our daily lives, let us be always mindful of the gift of our faith. Let us be eager to share the Good News with everyone we meet, be it in what we say or do. Pope Francis tells us that in order to evangelize (teach) we need to focus “on the essential, that is, on Jesus Christ” on his love and on loving others as he did.
Bishop’s Message
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As we again recall, welcome and celebrate the joyful news of the Lord’s resurrection and the hope it promises, I pray that all of the grace of these days of our joy will be poured out abundantly on all who rejoice in the risen Lord. Our Lord Jesus Christ broke the chains of death and rose triumphant from the grave. Let joyful shouts of Alleluia!!! Alleluia!!! echo in our minds, hearts and actions. May the joy of the risen Lord strengthen us for the crosses that we each carry, and fill our lives and hearts at Easter and throughout the Easter season! I ask God’s blessings upon all during these holiest days of the year. Alleluia!!
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Recordando de nuevo que recibimos y celebramos con gozo la Buena Nueva de la resurrección del Señor y la esperanza que nos promete, ruego en mis oraciones para que toda la gracia de gozo en estos días caiga en abundancia sobre todos los que se regocijan por nuestro Señor Resucitado. Nuestro Señor Jesucristo ha roto las cadenas de la muerte y ha resucitado triunfante de entre los muertos. Qué los vítores animosos de ¡¡Aleluya!! ¡¡Aleluya!! resuenen en nuestras mentes, corazones y actos. ¡Qué la felicidad del Señor Resucitado nos fortalezca para cargar la cruz que cada uno de nosotros llevamos y qué llene de felicidad nuestras vidas y nuestros corazones durante toda la temporada de la Pascua! Qué Dios los bendiga a todos durante estos días santísimos del año. ¡¡ Aleluya!!
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Ñeå nhìn laïi moät laàn nöõa, chuùng ta ñoùn nhaän vaø cöû haønh tin vui Chuùa soáng laïi vaø söï hy voïng maø phuïc sinh höùa ban, Toâi nguyeän xin raèng taát caû aân suûng trong nhöõng ngaøy vui cuûa chuùng ta naøy seõ ñoå traøn ñaày treân taát caû nhöõng ai vui möøng trong Chuùa phuïc sinh. Chuùa Gieâsu Kytoâ cuûa chuùng ta ñaõ chieán thaéng xieàng xích söï cheát vaø khaûi hoaøn töø aâm phuû. Haõy haùt leân baøi ca vui möøng Alleluia!!! Alleluia!!! haõy ñeå baøi ca ñoù vang voïng trong taâm trí, traùi tim vaø haønh ñoäng. Xin söï vui möøng cuûa Chuùa phuïc sinh theâm söùc maïnh cho chuùng ta vì nhöõng thaùnh giaù maø moãi ngöôøi ñang vaùc, vaø ñoå traøn hoàng aân treân ñôøi soáng vaø taâm hoàn chuùng ta ngay ngaøy Chuùa phuïc sinh vaø troïn muøa ñoù! Toâi nguyeän xin raèng hoàng aân cuûa Chuùa tuoân ñoå treân anh chò em trong nhöõng ngaøy troïng ñaïi naøy. Alleluia!!
LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC
Easter • Pascuas • Phuc sinh
www.bayoucatholic.com
Comment Comfort For My People
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Bishop Shelton J. Fabre
We continue in the church during these days to celebrate the Easter season. Hopefully our rejoicing in the power of the Risen Lord is as robust and joyful as it was on Easter Sunday. Alleluia!! Alleluia!! Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. By death Jesus conquered death, and to those in the grave he granted life!! The Easter season is the most significant season in the church’s liturgical year, and as such it deserves throughout its duration to be continually remembered and celebrated. As you read this, I will be well into traveling around the diocese to celebrate the sacrament of confirmation with those who are candidates for this sacrament this year. As these young people open their minds, hearts and their very lives to this special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, let us pray that they know the Holy Spirit’s guidance and direction. Life today can be very confusing, and we all need the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit to always choose that which is in keeping with our faith. We know that God will strengthen our young people through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of confirmation to always choose to follow the way of Jesus Christ in all circumstances. As you know the bishop is the ordinary minister of the sacrament of confirmation, and I must admit that I do
sincerely enjoy the celebration of the sacrament of confirmation. Since the sacrament of confirmation is a non–repeatable sacrament, it is a once in a lifetime event for those receiving it, and as such it really is a significant time in their lives. As a bishop, it is a grace to confer this sacrament upon them. Another great celebration for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in the immediate future will be the ordination of three men, Alex Gaudet, Stephen Lefort and Jacob Lipari, to the Order of Deacon on May 24 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph
LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC
Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. What a great gift to our diocese!!! Please join me in praying for these three young men who look to also be ordained priests in 2015. Keep them and all our seminarians in your special prayers during this time. Let us also pray that more young men and women will hear God’s call to serve the church as priests and vowed religious. We have entered upon the month of May, and during this month it is very easy for our minds and hearts
to attempt to ‘sneak away’ into the summer as we begin to anticipate the many leisure activities and plans for the summer. However, before completely welcoming the summer days, there still remains much to be accomplished during May, particularly from the perspective of schools. Many students at some point during the month of May face final exams. Along with exams there are also other aspects of the end of the school year. Many students will be celebrating the accomplishment of graduation as they complete their high school or college years. Let us pray that in these final days of the school year, God’s grace will be poured out upon all students, teachers, school administrators, staff and parents. We rejoice with and offer congratulations to those who are graduating from high school or college. While the summer months with their longer days bring more opportunities for leisure activities, it is also a reality that they too bring the possibility of hurricanes. This year, the annual Day of Pray and Fasting for Protection from Hurricanes will be Friday, June 6. On this day, the Bishops of the State of Louisiana invite all in our state to fast and pray for protection from these storms. Please join me and the many others in our state who will spend this day asking the Lord for his protection from hurricanes this year. The month of May, dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God, also brings one of the most important days of the year, and that is Mothers’ Day. To all women who are mothers, or even like mothers to so many, we offer our thanks and admiration. Happy Mothers’ Day. May God bestow abundant blessings upon all mothers for the many ways they so faithfully serve him by caring for their families. Keep your Easter faith active and alive, and rejoice in the risen Lord!!
Spring blossoms with diocesan celebrations
Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
Comentario
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La primavera florece con celebraciones diocesanas
En estos días celebramos la Pascua dentro de la Iglesia. La esperanza es que podamos regocijarnos con plenitud en el poder del Señor Resucitado como lo hicimos el Domingo de Resurrección. ¡¡Aleluya!! ¡¡Aleluya!! ¡¡Jesucristo ha resucitado de entre los muertos!! ¡¡A través de su muerte Jesús ha conquistado la muerte y les ha otorgado la vida a los que están en la tumba!! La Pascua es la estación con mayor relevancia en el año litúrgico de la Iglesia y por ello debe ser continuamente recordado y celebrado. Cuando usted lea este artículo yo estaré viajando en la diócesis celebrando el Sacramento de la Confirmación con los jóvenes candidatos de este sacramento. Mientras estos jóvenes abren sus mentes, corazones y sus propias vidas a este recibimiento del Espíritu Santo, oremos para que lleguen a conocer la guía y dirección del Espíritu Santo. La vida hoy puede ser muy confusa y todos necesitamos la dirección y la guía del Espíritu Santo para siempre poder elegir el camino de Jesucristo en toda circunstancia. Como ustedes lo sabrán, el Obispo es el ministro ordinario del Sacramento de la Confirmación y debo reconocer con sinceridad que disfruto la celebración del Sacramento de la Confirmación. Debido a que el Sacramento de la Confirmación es un sacramento que no se repite— ya que el evento se recibe solamente una vez— se convierte en un momento importante en la vida. Mi función de Obispo es la gracia de poder conferir este sacramento. Otra gran celebración que está por venir pronto en la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux será la ordenación de tres hombres. Alex Gaudet, Stephen Lefort y Jacob Lipari serán ordenados Diáconos
el 24 de mayo a las 10 a.m. en la Catedral St. Joseph de la ciudad de Thibodaux. ¡¡Es un enorme obsequio para la diócesis!! Les pido que se unan conmigo en oración ya que estos tres jóvenes también desean recibir la ordenación sacerdotal el 2015. Oren por los tres y los demás seminaristas durante estos días. Oremos también para que más hombres y mujeres escuchen el llamado de Dios a servir la Iglesia en el sacerdocio y otras vocaciones religiosas. El mes de mayo ha llegado y durante este mes es fácil que nuestras mentes y corazones quieran «escabullirse» hacia el verano y anticipar la diversión y los proyectos que el verano brinda. Sin embargo, antes de poder darle la bienvenida a los días de verano hay todavía muchas cosas que hacer en mayo, como las actividades escolares. Muchos estudiantes durante el mes de mayo deben tomar exámenes finales. Hay además otros asuntos durante el fin de año escolar. Muchos estudiantes estarán celebrando su graduación al finalizar sus estudios de bachillerato o sus estudios universitarios. Oremos que en estos últimos días de año escolar la gracia de Dios se derrame en todos nuestros estudiantes, maestros, administradores de escuela, empleados y padres de familia. Regocijémonos por ellos y felicitemos a todos los que se estarán graduando en las escuelas secundarias y las universidades. Durante los meses de verano, los días largos brindan más oportunidad a la diversión. Pero, es también realidad que el verano aumenta la posibilidad de huracanes. Este año, el Día de Oración y Ayuno para la Protección de Huracanes será el viernes, 6 de junio. En este día los obispos del Estado de Luisiana nos invitarán para que oremos y ayunemos para pedir protección de estas tormentas. En este día les pediré
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LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC
a ustedes que se unan conmigo y a todos los demás en el estado para rezar y pedirle al Señor su protección de los huracanes. El mes de mayo que es dedicado a María, la Madre de Dios, también nos da uno de los días mayores del año: el Día de la Madre. A todas las mujeres que son madres o las mujeres que cumplen el papel de madre para tantos, les ofrecemos nuestro agradecimiento y admiración. Tengan un Feliz Día de las Madres. Qué Dios colme de bendiciones a todas las madres por todas las maneras en que ellas han servido con fidelidad a Dios y en especial por cuidar a sus familias. ¡¡Mantengan su fe activa y viva durante la Pascua y regocíjense en el Señor Resucitado!! Traducido por Julio Contreras, feligrés de la Iglesia Annunziata, Houma. www.bayoucatholic.com
Binh luan bang loi
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Muøa Xuaân Ñaâm Boâng Nhieàu Leã Nghi Trong Ñòa Phaän
Trong loøng Giaùo Hoäi chuùng ta tieáp tuïc trong nhöõng ngaøy naøy soáng muøa Phuïc Sinh. Mong raèng söï haân hoan cuûa chuùng ta trong quyeàn naêng Chuùa phuïc sinh vaãn ñöôïc toaû saùng vaø vui möøng nhö ngaøy Chuùa Nhaät Phuïc Sinh. Alleluia!! Alleluia!! Chuùa Gieâsu ñaõ soáng laïi töø coõi cheát. Qua caùi cheát Ngaøi ñaõ chieán thaéng töû thaàn, vaø cho nhöõng ai ñang trong loøng ñaát, Ngaøi ban söï soáng!! Muøa Phuïc Sinh laø muøa trong ñaïi nhaát trong caùc muøa phuïng vuï cuûa Giaùo Hoäi vaø vì theá noù caàn phaûi ñuôïc tuaân giöõ troïn veïn vaø tieáp tuïc ghi nhôù vaø cöû haønh. Khi anh chò em ñoïc nhöõng lôøi naøy thì toâi ñang toâng du trong toaøn ñòa phaän ñeå ban bí tích Theâm Söùc cho nhöõng öùng vieân ñaõ chuaån bò trong nieân khoùa naøy. Ñeå cho caùc baïn treû naøy môû roäng taâm hoàn, traùi tim vaø chính ñôøi soáng cuûa hoï ñeå laõnh nhaän muoân vaøn ôn Chuùa Thaùnh Thaàn chuùng ta haõy caàu nguyeän cho hoï ñeå hoï nhaän ra con ñöôøng vaø höôùng ñi maø Chuùa Thaùnh Thaàn ñaõ vaïch. Cuoäc ñôøi ngaøy hoâm nay coù nhieàu khuùc maéc vaø taát caû chuùng ta caàn höôùng ñi vaø söï soi saùng cuûa Chuùa Thaùnh Thaàn ñeå luoân luoân naém trong tay nhöõng gì thích hôïp vôùi ñöùc tin. Chuùng ta bieát raèng Chuùa luoân ban söùc maïnh cho caùc baïn treû qua quyeàn naêng Chuùa Thaùnh Thaàn döôùi hình thöùc cuûa bí tích Theâm Söùc ñeå hoï luoân luoân böôùc theo chaân Chuùa Gieâsu trong moïi hoaøn caûnh. Nhö anh chò em ñaõ bieát ñöùc giaùm muïc laø thöøa taùc vieân cuûa bí tích Theâm Söùc, vaø toâi caàn phaûi thöøa nhaän raèng mình thaät tình raát höùng khôûi khi ban bí tích naøy. Chính vì bí tích Theâm Söùc khoâng theå ban hai laàn, chæ ban moät laàn maø thoâi vaø chính vì theá noù thaät söï laø bieán coá troïng ñaïi cho nhöõng ai laõnh nhaän noù, vaø vì theá noù quan troïng trong ñôøi soáng cuûa hoï. Laø moät giaùm muïc, toâi xem noù nhö laø moät hoàng aân khi ban bí tích naøy cho nhöõng ngöôøi laõnh nhaän noù. Moät Thaùnh Leã lôùn khaùc seõ xaûy ra trong ñòa phaän Houma-Thibodaux laø Thaùnh Leã Truyeàn Chöùc Phoù Teá
Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC
cho ba thaày Alex Gaudet, Stephen Lefort vaø Jacob Lipari vaøo ngaøy 24 thaùng naêm, luùc 10 giôø saùng taïi nhaø thôø Ñoàng Chính Toaø, thaønh phoá Thibodaux. Ñoù chính laø moùn quaø lôùn cho ñòa phaän!!! Xin anh chò em cuøng vôùi toâi, caàu nguyeän cho caùc thaày hy voïng cuõng seõ chòu chöùc linh muïc vaøo naêm 2015. Caàu nguyeän cho caùc thaày vaø caùc chuûng sinh thaät soát saéng trong nhöõng ngaøy naøy. Chuùng ta cuõng caàu nguyeän cho caùc baïn treû nam nöõ khaùc ñeå hoï ñaùp laïi tieáng Chuùa phuïc vuï Giaùo Hoäi trong thieân chöùc linh muïc vaø nam nöõ tu só.
Chuùng ta ñaõ böôùc vaøo thaùng naêm, vaø trong thaùng naøy ñaàu oùc cuõng nhö taâm hoàn cuûa chuùng ta thaät deã daøng nghó ñeán “bieán maát” vaøo muøa heø khi chuùng ta chuaån bò nhieàu döï aùn veà nhöõng ngaøy nghæ ngôi vaø nhöõng keá hoaïch vaøo muøa heø. Tuy nhieân, tröôùc khi ñoùn nhaän nhöõng ngaøy heø coøn coù nhieàu coâng vieäc caàn phaûi chu toaøn vaøo thaùng naêm naøy, chaúng haïn nhö hoaøn taát chöông trình nhaø tröôøng. Raát nhieàu hoïc sinh trong thôøi ñieåm naøy phaûi thi cöû. Beân caïnh ñoù coøn coù nhieàu nhöõng tieát muïc khaùc vaøo cuoái khoùa. Raát nhieàu nhöõng hoïc sinh maõn tröôøng trung hoïc cuõng nhö sinh vieân toát nghieäp ñaïi hoïc. Cuøng hieäp yù caàu nguyeän trong nhöõng ngaøy cuoái naêm hoïc, ñeå ôn Chuùa ñoå traøn ñaày treân taát caû hoïc sinh, thaày coâ, chöùc saéc quaûn trò hoïc ñöôøng vaø caùc baäc phuï huynh. Chuùng ta vui möøng vaø chuùc möøng nhöõng hoïc sinh vaø sinh vieân ra tröôøng naêm nay. Trong khi nhöõng ngaøy trong muøa heø daøi hôn mang laïi nhieàu thôøi gian cho vieäc nghæ heø thì cuøng luùc ñoù laø muøa baõo toá. Naêm nay, Ngaøy caàu nguyeän vaø aên chay traùnh khoûi baõo toá laø thöù saùu, ngaøy 6 thaùng saùu. Vaøo ngaøy naøy caùc ñöùc giaùm muïc trong tieåu bang keâu goïi moïi ngöôøi aên chay vaø caàu nguyeän xin Chuùa gìn giöõ khoûi baõo toá. Hieäp lôøi caàu nguyeän vôùi toâi vaø nhöõng ngöôøi khaùc nöõa trong tieåu bang xin Thieân Chuùa che chôû tai qua naïn khoûi vaøo muøa baõo toá naêm nay. Thaùng naêm laø thaùng hoa kính daâng Ñöùc Maria, Meï Thieân Chuùa, thaùng naøy cuõng ñem ñeán moät trong nhöõng ngaøy raát quan troïng trong naêm, ñoù chính laø ngaøy Hieàn Maãu. Taát caû caùc phuï nöõ vaø ngöôøi meï, hoaëc laø gaàn nhö meï, chuùng toâi coù loøng ngöôõng moä vaø bieát ôn. Chuùc Möøng Ngaøy Hieàn Maãu. Xin Chuùa ñoå muoân vaøn hoàng aân treân caùc baø meï vì caùch naøy hay caùch khaùc ñaõ phuïc Chuùa vaø gia ñình cuûa hoï. Haõy giöõ vöõng nieàm tin phuïc sinh soáng ñoäng vaø naêng ñoäng, vaø vui möøng trong Chuùa phuïc sinh. Dòch thuaät: Linh Muïc Pheâroâ Leâ Taøi, Chaùnh sôû nhaø thôø Our Lady of the Isle.
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FAITH|WORSHIP|WITNESS Support the Collection for the
Catholic Communication Campaign Catholic Communication Campaign | Office of National Collections 3211 Fourth Street NE | Washington, DC 20017-1194 | www.usccb.org/nationalcollections © 2014, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Photos: © Jack Hollingsworth, Corbis; © Erik Isakson, Fotosearch; iStockphoto.
The collection will be held May 31 and June 1. Thank you for your generosity www.bayoucatholic.com
Comment The Pope Speaks
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -Too often people are fixated on material things, money, power or status -- none of which can give life and joy, Pope Francis said. Christians need to examine their lives with the question the angel asked the women who went to the tomb to anoint the body of the buried Jesus: “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” the pope said. At his weekly general audience April 23, Pope Francis had the tens of thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square repeat the angel’s Easter question three times. Sometimes, the pope said, people act as if “a dead Jesus would be less of a bother than a living Jesus,” yet his victory over death is the source of Christian hope and the assurance that we, too, will live with him. When “we close ourselves up in any kind of selfishness or self-satisfaction, when we let ourselves be seduced by earthly power and the things of this world, forgetting God and our neighbor; when we put our hopes in worldly vanity, money and success,” he said, that is the time people must ask themselves the angel’s question. Although it did not rain during the pope’s audience, the sky was gray, and raindrops were falling earlier in the morning. To keep the sick and people with disabilities warm and dry, the
CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING
Pope Francis greets the crowd as he arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican April 23.
Vatican had them wait in the Paul VI audience hall. Pope Francis went to the hall before the audience and spent more than half an hour greeting the people gathered there. Talking to people in St. Peter’s Square about Easter and the joy that should mark the lives of all Christians, the pope said, “too often we seek the living among things that are dead, among things that cannot give life, among things that exist today and are gone tomorrow.” Christians are called to fight “the temptation to keep looking back,” the pope said, and instead move toward the future. “Yesterday is the tomb of Jesus and the tomb of the church,” but Jesus is alive and so is his body, the church. He keeps it alive and moving forward. When people feel like hiding after some kind of failure, when they feel unable to pray or feel alone or abandoned, even by God, when they feel “imprisoned by sin,” Pope Francis said, they need to ask themselves again why they are focused on the tomb of a dead man rather than on the life-giving
victory of the Risen Lord. “Look, brothers and sisters,” he said, “he is alive and is with us! Don’t go to those tombs that promise something, but in the end give nothing.” Before concluding the audience, the pope spoke movingly and forcefully about a video message he said he received from Italian workers unemployed after the closure of a steel mill. “It made me so sad,” the pope said. “Dear workers, dear brothers, on your faces there was such sadness and the worry of fathers who ask only for the right to work so they can live with dignity and care for, feed and educate their children.” Pope Francis asked the factory owners to be creative and generous in finding ways “to reignite hope in the hearts of these brothers of ours and in the hearts of everyone who is unemployed because of waste and the economic crisis.” “Please,” the pope said to business owners, “open your eyes and don’t just stand there with your arms crossed.”
The risen Jesus, not money or power, is the source of life, pope says Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle
Explaining the cross to a child
Q A
Q. Recently, I took my 4-yearold grandson to Mass. Above the altar, we have a very large crucifix and I noticed that, while looking at it, the boy was visibly shaken and quite upset. How does one explain Jesus on the cross to a 4-year-old? (Davenport, Iowa) A. Recognizing that I know precious little about child pedagogy, I will nevertheless venture an answer. First, there is no way to prevent children from seeing a crucifix and asking their elders about it. Many years ago, our seminary class was studying sign language so we could transmit the Scriptures to the hearingimpaired. I recall very little from that time, but what I do remember is that the sign for “Jesus” was to point to the center of both palms. So ingrained in our consciousness is the suffering of Christ that his nail prints identify him. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal stipulates, in No. 308, that on the altar of every church, or near it, there should be a cross with the figure of Christ crucified, clearly visible to the congregation. I do take your concern as a helpful caution against display or descriptions that are overly graphic. In explaining the passion of Christ to your grandson, there is no need to highlight the nails, the scourging, the crown of thorns.
I think that I would say something like this: Many years ago, they used to punish people who had done something very wrong by hanging them on a cross. Jesus didn’t do anything wrong at all. In fact, he was the nicest and the kindest man there ever was. But other people have done many wrong things, and Jesus still loves them. So he told his father that he wanted to offer his own life to make up for those other people, so that they could one day be with him in heaven. Jesus suffered a lot that Good Friday, and he died because he loved all of us so much. But the nice thing is that three days later, his father brought him back to life again. He saw his friends and his mother some more after that, and now he is very happy and lives in heaven. That would be my approach, but you’re a parent and I am not, and, without a doubt, you can do better.
LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC
How clean is the chalice?
Q
Q. I would like to take holy Communion more often from the chalice, but I am concerned about contracting someone else’s illness. Has anyone ever studied how “clean” the cup really is after a quick swipe from the cloth? Has anyone been able to document whether illness could be transmitted even to a whole congregation in this way? And lastly, has the church ever considered using small
single-serving plastic cups, as some Protestant churches do? (Newport News, Va.)
A
A. In 1998, the American Journal of Infection Control tried to answer this question along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) saying that “a theoretic risk of transmitting infectious diseases by using a common communion cup exists, but that risk is so small that it is undetectable.” Further, the statement explained, “...a recent study of 681 persons found that people who receive communion as often as daily are not at higher risk of infection compared with persons who do not receive communion or persons who do not attend Christian church services at all.” However, during a particularly virulent outbreak of influenza (most notably in early 2013) some Catholic dioceses recommended that Communion from the chalice (and even the handshake of peace) be temporarily suspended. Some dioceses recommend that eucharistic ministers regularly use hand sanitizers 13 before distributing Communion and that the faithful should not receive from the chalice if they are feeling ill. As to the manner of receiving, some Protestant denominations (especially, evangelical ones) do, indeed, use individual plastic disposable cups. While larger Catholic congregations may need six or eight metal or glass vessels on Sundays for the consecrated wine, the use of individual containers is believed to stray too far from the Last Supper ideal of the sharing by Christ’s disciples in the one cup. 2014 Catholic News Service
Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@gmail.com and 40 Hopewell St., Albany, N.Y. 12208 www.bayoucatholic.com
Reflections Readings Between The Lines Father Glenn LeCompte
Did Jesus and his disciples refrain from fasting?
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“And they come and say to Jesus: ‘Why do the disciples of John fast, but your disciples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them: ‘Can the wedding guests fast when the bridegroom is with them?’” These are the parts of Mark 2:1820 that Msgr. John P. Meier (A Marginal Jew: Rethinking the Historical Jesus, vol. II, p. 446) theorizes could possibly have constituted an actual exchange between the historical Jesus and some anonymous inquirers. The sentences and phrases Msgr. Meier leaves out are those that he considers most likely were added to the original exchange as the early church sought to adapt Jesus’ teaching to its current circumstances. See my previous article for his arguments concerning his decision. As I indicated in my last article, I intend here to present Meier’s answer to the question: “Can the substance, if not the exact wording of the tradition in (the verses he deems authentic) be traced back to an actual exchange in the life of the historical Jesus and correspondingly to a particular practice of his disciples with regard to fasting?” (Ibid.). So, here goes. Meier (A Marginal Jew, vol. II, pp. 446-447) first points out that the criterion of discontinuity, the fact that some incident reported in the life of Jesus that cannot be traced to the early church or the Judaism of Jesus’ day, applies here. Voluntary fasting
Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
was an honored practice in both first century Judaism (Meier cites early Jewish literature as well as Luke 18:9-14) and the early church (Matthew 6:16-18; Acts 13:2-3; 14:23; Didache 7:4; 8:1). Therefore, since Jesus’ and his disciples’ refusal to fast was contrary to the religious norms of the time, it is more likely that Jesus and his disciples did refrain from fasting. Another criterion that supports the historicity of Meier’s selected verses is that of coherence. A lack of fasting is consistent with Jesus’ comparison of himself as one who was recognized as fond of indulging in banquets to John the Baptist who, living a very ascetic life partook of a meager diet(Matthew 11:16-19). In addition, Jesus’ table fellowship with tax collectors and sinners may have been more inflammatory because it was not balanced by customary fasting practices. If fasting was a practice that anticipated the coming of the Kingdom, Jesus’ deliberate refusal to fast and impose the same discipline upon his disciples declared that the Kingdom of God was present in him. A first century Jewish document called the “Scroll of Fasting,” cites days of festivity during the year when fasting was prohibited. If Jesus knew this tradition, his application of it to each day he was with his disciples intimates that every day he is present in the world is a day of festivity. Also, the use of the metaphors of bridegroom and wedding for the Messianic time is nowhere attested in the Old Testament or early Judaism. Consequently, we have yet another detail that is discontinuous with customary religious and cultural practices and therefore more likely historical. In
other words, Jesus uses a novel and unique metaphor to describe how he fulfilled Messianic expectation. Furthermore, Jesus’ lack of imposition of voluntary fasting upon his disciples would have given them a distinct identity in the common cultural milieu. The distinctiveness of this identity served to depict them as forerunners of the end-time community. Meier sums up his argument concerning Mark 2:18-20 by saying that the brief tradition of this passage not only provides another example of the idea that God’s Kingdom is present in Jesus’ ministry, but also that this presence would necessitate a change in his disciples’ religious practice (Meier, A Marginal Jew, vol. II, p. 450). As I conclude my observations on the quest of the historical Jesus, I offer the following thoughts. First of all, in the Gospels we find most readily presented to us the evangelists’ respective images of Jesus, not the historical Jesus. A comparison of differences and similarities in passages among the Gospels can help to uncover what traditions may have been shaped by the oral preaching of the church. But the historical Jesus, who lies at the deepest stratum of the Gospel material, has to be literarily “excavated” by distinguishing how the early Christian preachers and evangelists adapted the message and story of Jesus for their own communities and the circumstances they faced. By brushing away the dust of interpretation, we get glimpses of the historical Jesus, but far from a complete picture of him. Nevertheless, whether we see him plainly or encrusted by tradition, the church believes that the evangelists’ adaptations of his life and message are consistent extensions of them.
stions e u Q tion ? Reflec ou fast
do y ting d why n a een fas n w e t h e b W e n balanc do you ritual i p s a ? How e e r f e i l h t r n Is in you stivity e f ce? d n a icate t balan a h t at ind n h i t a t m n mai perfor the do you tion of s c e a c i t d c n t pra sence a n Wha he pre t n i h ait your f ord? risen L
Saints
Damien of Molokai 1840 - 1889 feast - May 10 Born in Tremelo, Belgium, Joseph de Veuster left school at 13 to work on the family farm. Six years later he joined the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, taking the name Damien. He volunteered for a mission to the Hawaiian Islands, and was ordained in Honolulu in 1864. He served on the island of Hawaii for eight years, then volunteered in 1873 to work at the leprosy colony on Molokai (leprosy is now called Hansen’s disease). Father Damien was priest, doctor and counselor to 800 patients before he contracted the disease in 1884. He stayed on Molokai, ministering until a month before his death. Considered a model and martyr of charity, he was canonized in 2009.
Saints
Our Lady of Fatima 20th century feast - May 13 Mary appeared to three peasant children near Fatima, Portugal, six times between May 13 and October 13, 1917, and asked for prayers for world peace and an end to World War I, for sinners, and for the conversion of Russia. She entrusted the children with three secrets, regarding devotion to her Immaculate Heart, a vision of hell, and a “bishop in white” shot by soldiers firing bullets and arrows. Many connect the third secret to the attempted assassination of Blessed John Paul II May 13, 1981, and the pope thanked Mary for guiding the bullet and saving him. At the Vatican last October 13, Pope Francis stood before the statue of Our Lady from the Fatima shrine and formally entrusted the world to Mary.
Saints
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“I never felt like just a name on a folder. They treat you like family.” – VALERIE MANNS Cancer Survivor, Houma
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary first century feast - May 31 This feast commemorates the three-month visit of Mary with her elderly cousin Elizabeth during Mary’s pregnancy with Jesus and Elizabeth’s with John the Baptist. The story appears in the first chapter of Luke’s Gospel. It recounts Elizabeth’s Spirit-filled greeting, acknowledging Mary as “the mother of my Lord,” and Mary’s beautiful response, the Magnificat, which begins, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” Introduced by the Franciscans in 1263, the feast became universal in the 16th century. The cousins’ visit has been depicted by many artists over the centuries. An especially tender “Visitation,” painted by Mariotto Albertinelli and considered his masterpiece, is on display at the Uffizi in Florence, Italy.
When I was told I had breast cancer, I thought, what’s my son going to do without me? I am so thankful I chose Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC for my cancer treatment. I had surgery and chemotherapy. Everyone there was with me every step of the way.
marybird.org/TGMC 8166 MAIN STREET, SUITE 101 • HOUMA, LA 70360
Saints
CNS www.bayoucatholic.com
Young Voices To prepare for the Easter season, I challenged myself to center my life more around Jesus. At the beginning of Lent I started praying, listening to religious music, going to daily Mass, and attending adoration and other faith based activities more often. Even though it has only been a few weeks, I feel like I’ve grown closer to Jesus, deeper in my faith, and that I am spiritually ready for the Easter season.
Lucy Benoit, 18 years old St. Genevieve Church parish E.D. White Catholic High School
What I do to prepare for Easter season is I reflect on the Passion of Christ and really think about what he went through. I go to Mass every Monday morning before school during Lent. It gives me time to think about what I can do better during the Lenten season before Easter so that I can be prepared for what we are about to celebrate. Joel Anderson, 15 years old St. Joseph Church parish, Chauvin South Terrebonne High School
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What have you done spiritually to prepare for the Easter season? Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
Lent is a time of preparation for the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. What I did to prepare for the Easter season is I tried to say the rosary more often. I also tried to go to adoration as often as I could. I always feel so much better after spending time with Jesus; and Lent is an awesome time to do so. However, I try and carry on these things even after Lent into the Easter season.
Leah Rodrigue, 15 years old St. Genevieve Church parish E.D. White Catholic High School
To prepare for the Easter season, I’m doing what I’ve been doing for years: attending Mass, listening to the words of my priest, and praying on them long and hard. I would encourage all teens to try harder in their faith life. Talk to God, even if you are just asking him for help on a difficult test. Michael Ruckstuhl, 17 years old St. Anthony of Padua Church parish Terrebonne 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 (2) - 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
March 2014 Burse Contributions Donald Peltier, Sr. #4 ...................................... $1,000.00 Mr. Eledier Broussard ........................................ $100.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .......................................... $100.00
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Open Burses with Balance as of 3/31/14 Mr. Eledier Broussard ................. $13,800.00 Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis ........... $13,000.00 Donald Peltier, Sr. #4 ............................ $12,000.00 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit #2 .................. $10,840.00 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 .............................. $8,320.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................. $7,600.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..................................... $7,000.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $5,935.00 Rev. Peter Nies ..................................... $5,810.00 Mr. & Mrs. Love W. Pellegrin ................. $5,000.00 Anonymous #2 ...................................... $5,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Fmly.#4..... $5,000.00 Rev. William M. Fleming ........................ $5,000.00 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ..................... $4,839.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ................................ $4,786.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ........................... $4,600.00 Rev. Henry Naquin ................................. $4,221.00 Harry Booker #2 .................................... $4,138.00 Mrs. Shirley Conrad ............................... $4,000.00
Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .............................. $3,800.00 Catholic Daughters ................................ $3,680.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ............................... $3,610.96 J. R. Occhipinti ...................................... $3,400.00 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 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ........................ $2,600.00 Anawin Community ............................... $2,300.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ................................ $2,200.00 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ..................... $2,100.00 Willie & Emelda St. Pierre ...................... $2,000.00 Rev. H. C. Paul Daigle ........................... $1,900.00 Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 ......................... $1,700.00 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 Msgr. John L. Newfield .......................... $1,200.00 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 Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................. $1,000.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ............................. $800.00 Jacob Marcello .......................................... $800.00 Deacon Roland Dufrene ........................... $750.00 Juliette & Eugene Wallace ......................... $700.00 Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ................... $660.00 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 Claude Bergeron ...................................... $250.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin .......................... $150.00 Deacon Connely Duplantis ........................ $100.00 Deacon Pedro Pujals ................................ $100.00 Rev. John Gallen ....................................... $100.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ........................ $ 50.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier .............................. $ 50.00 Deacon Nick Messina .............................. $ 50.00 Rev. Warren Chassaniol ........................... $ 50.00
Overall Seminarian Burse Totals: $1,442,258.39 www.bayoucatholic.com
Scripture Readings R eadings Monday
5 May
Tuesday
6
Wednesday
7
Thursday
8
and a listing of Feast days and saints Friday
9
Saturday
Sunday
10
11
Easter Weekday Acts 9:31-42 John 6:60-69
Fourth Sunday of Easter Acts 2:14a, 36-41 1 Peter 2:20b-25 John 10:1-10
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Easter Weekday Act 11:1-18 John 10:11-18
Easter Weekday Acts 11:19-26 John 10:22-30
Feast of Matthias, Apostle Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 John 15:9-17
Easter Weekday Acts 13:13-25 John 13:16-20
Easter Weekday Acts 13:26-33 John 14:1-6
Easter Weekday Acts 13:44-52 John 14:7-14
Fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 6:1-7 1 Peter 2:4-9 John 14:1-12
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Easter Weekday Acts 14:5-18 John 14:21-26
Easter Weekday Acts 14:19-28 John 14:27-31a
Easter Weekday Acts 15:1-6 John 15:1-8
Easter Weekday Acts 15:7-21 John 15:9-11
Easter Weekday Acts 15:22-31 John 15:12-17
Easter Weekday Acts 16:1-10 John 15:18-21
Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 1 Peter 3:15-18 John 14:15-21
26
27
28
29
30
31
1 June
Easter Weekday Memorial of Philip Acts 16:22-34 Neri, priest John 16:5-11 Acts 16:11-15 John 15:26—16:4a
Easter Weekday Acts 17:15, 22— 18:1 John 16:12-15
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:17-23 Matthew 28:16-20
Easter Weekday Acts 18:9-18 John 16:20-23
Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Zephaniah 3:14-18a Luke 1:39-56
Seventh Sunday of Easter Acts 1:12-14 1 Peter 4:13-16 John 17:1-11a
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3 Easter Weekday Acts 19:1-8 John 16:29-33
Memorial of Charles Easter Weekday Acts 20:28-38 Lwanga John 17:11b-19 and companions, martyrs Acts 20:17-27 John 17:1-11a
Memorial of Easter Weekday Boniface, Acts 25:13b-21 bishop and martyr John 21:15-19 Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 John 17:20-26
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, ALLEN’S TV CABLE of Morgan City
6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.
6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.
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.
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
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Personalities
Mamie Bergeron retiring after 50 outstanding years at Holy Cross Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier Mamie Bergeron, principal of Holy Cross Elementary School in Morgan City, says that she has been at that school for so long she sometimes gets generations confused. During the past 50 years she has witnessed students become parents, and parents become grandparents. Bergeron, who is retiring at the end of the 201314 school year, began her career at Holy Cross teaching 5th and 6th grade – all subjects except religion because at that time only the sisters could teach religion. She says she was very happy being a classroom teacher for 10 years ... “Then, the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross left the school. The first lay principal who was hired only stayed one semester, so the school board asked me and another teacher to serve as co-principals for the rest of that year. At the end of the school year, the other teacher decided she wanted to go back to her classroom, so the board asked me to stay as principal 20 until they found someone ... and here I am 40 years later. I never applied for the job and I never went on an interview for the job,” says Bergeron with a smile. “I didn’t even have a master’s degree at the time. When Father Todd became pastor of Holy Cross parish in 1979, he said ‘go back to school,’ so I took a short sabbatical and got my master’s degree.” A native of Morgan City, she attended Sacred Heart Academy which in 1964 was divided into a separate elementary and high school, and re-named Holy Cross Elementary and Central Catholic High School. Bergeron says because she was educated by the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross, they were a big influence in her life and on her decision to become an educator. “My teachers, especially Sister Mary Charles who taught me in high school, were a big influence on me. And, I also taught for Sister Joyce Michel, who was the last Marianite principal at Holy Cross. In my first few years as principal when I was a novice, people would sometimes ask me why I was doing something a certain way, and I would always reply ‘because that’s the way Sister Joyce did it.’ If she hadn’t become an educator, she says she would probably have chosen something in the medical field. “I have a lot of respect for nurses and others in the medical profession so I probably would have chosen something in that field.” One of the things Bergeron has enjoyed most about being principal at Holy Cross is going into the classrooms and working with the teachers. “There has always been a sense of excitement when I go into the classroom and see all the wonderful things and the activities that the teachers are creating and doing Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
Retiring principal Mamie Bergeron holds a cross made by Cy Provost, a retired St. Mary Parish school principal and parishioner of Holy Cross, who carved this cross from the banister in the old Aiden Hall that was demolished to make room for a new church parish life center.
with the children.” Bergeron says, “Every day is a challenge and a learning experience because you never know what’s going to happen when you are working with children. No matter what your plan for the day is, other things come up that have to be dealt with immediately. Teachers and administrators have to be very flexible. There have been a lot of changes in education over the last 50 years; we just have to keep abreast of all of the changes and new developments and learn how to adapt. If you do that, it will be a natural evolution.” Bergeron says she never really thought about retiring before now because the school has been such a big part of her life, but she knows that now is the right time. She is looking forward to having more time to spend with her five children and four grandchildren whom she is fortunate to have all living nearby. A favorite vacation place that she and her family enjoy is their camp on Grand Isle, where they spend time together every summer. She is also looking forward to just having the freedom and the time to be able to do things for people and with people, whenever she wants to, and for her hobbies such as reading, cooking and tending to her plants. “I am very grateful to all of the people who have touched my life during this time, including all of the priests who have been at Holy Cross Church parish, the students, teachers, parents, grandparents and benefactors. The fact that my family never objected to my work or my responsibilities as principal here at Holy Cross has made it even more enjoyable. It has been great; I have been very fortunate.” She says she will miss all of the children the most. “No matter what they love you; and I will miss the attention and the love that they have shared with me.”
MAY
JUNE
n C.E.N.T.S. will be offering the Small Business Course beginning in June through Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. This course is free and is designed to help people who are interested in starting a small business. It will be held one evening a week for nine weeks. A different business topic will be discussed each week. Anyone who is interested
Light refreshments will be served at a short reception immediately following the ordination. n First-Time Homebuyer’s Workshop, Saturday, May 24, South Lafourche, 16241 East Main Street, Cut Off, 10 a.m.-
Noon. For more information, call Catholic Charities at (985) 8760490. n Priest’s Jubilarian Mass, Thursday, May 29, 10 a.m.; banquet, 11 a.m., at Lumen Christi Retreat Center.
in participating may call Brooks Lirette at 876-0490 to schedule an orientation appointment. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, June 3, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45-12:45 p.m. Rev. Clyde Mahler, speaker. n Annunziata Alive 2014 Summer Camp, June 9-July 18, Annunziata, Houma, from 7:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m. each day. Children
entering first grade through eighth grade are eligible. Cost per week is $140. Contact number is (985) 876-2971, ext. 208. Please leave a message. n Steubenville on the Bayou, Friday, June 27-29, Houma Terrebonne Civic Center. Registration is now open. Visit the website at www.steubenvilleonthebayou.com for more information.
JULY
n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, July 1, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Speaker, Deacon Jim Swiler. n Saint Kateri Mass, Friday, July 11, 6:30 p.m. at Holy Family, Grand Caillou.
www.bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org
DIOCESAN
n Canon Law, Wednesday, May 14, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Very Rev. Vic DeLa Cruz, J.V., speaker n Transitional Diaconate Ordination, Saturday, May 24, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, 10 a.m.
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EVENTS
www.bayoucatholic.com
Heavenly Recipes
Margie’s Seafood Sauce Piquante 22
Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier This month’s heavenly recipe comes from Margie Melancon, who cooks at St. Genevieve Church parish in Thibodaux. She is preparing seafood sauce piquante. Margie was born in Donaldsonville but spent most of her life in Labadieville. She moved to Thibodaux in 1990. Margie remembers when she first learned to cook. “When I was young I helped my mom around the house but that involved cleaning more than cooking. My first mother-in-law was the one who taught me how to cook. I was 16 years old when I got married and needed a little help learning to cook. Now I love to cook,” she says. Margie’s favorite meal to cook is gumbo. “I love to cook seafood gumbo and potato salad. I tend to make my own recipes. I generally don’t use cookbooks.” She has four children of her own and three step children. “All my children love to cook even my son.” Prior to working as a cook at the parish she worked at St. Genevieve Elementary School for 11 years. “I retired from the school and stayed home for a while. I missed the people at the school and especially the children there. One day my husband and I took Father Allen Fenix, the associate pastor here, out to eat. He told me that they needed a cook at the rectory. I looked into cooking here and got the job. I think it was a calling from God for me to come back to St. Genevieve to work. I love it here. I was not looking for a job; but I am as happy as can be working here. At 67, I feel I have many more years to be cooking here and enjoying my family life also.” Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
Margie’s Seafood Sauce Piquante 1 lb. of 50/60 count shrimp peeled and deveined 1 lb. cubed catfish fillets Optional: 1 pint oysters 1 cup oil-less roux 2 cups water 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 cups diced onions 2 cups diced celery 1 cup diced bell pepper 1/4 cup diced garlic 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel tomatoes 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce, no salt added 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste, no salt added 2 1/2 quarts hot water 1 cup sliced green onions 1/4 cup chopped parsley salt substitute black pepper hot sauce to taste Dissolve oil-less roux in 2 cups water. Set aside. In a 12 quart cast iron dutch oven, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onions, celery, bell pepper and garlic. Saute’ 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are wilted. Add Rotel, tomato sauce and tomato paste, blending well into the vegetable mixture. Cook five minutes and then add roux/water mixture, blending well. Add 2 1/2 quarts of water, one ladle at a time. Bring mixture to a rolling boil and reduce to simmer. Add shrimp, fish and oysters (if used) and cook for 30 minutes or until shrimp are pink and curled. Add green onions and parsley. Season to taste using salt substitute, pepper and hot sauce. Serve over steamed rice or pasta. Cayenne can be substituted for hot sauce if desired.
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Transitional diaconate Rev. Mr. Alex Gaudet, Rev. Mr. Stephen P. Lefort and Rev. Mr. Jacob Lipari III to be ordained May 24
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By JANET MARCEL The Rev. Mr. Alex Gaudet, the Rev. Mr. Stephen P. Lefort, and the Rev. Mr. Jacob Lipari III will be ordained to the transitional diaconate Saturday, May 24, at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, at 10 a.m. The transitional diaconate is the final step leading to ordination to the priesthood. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre will be the ordaining prelate. The Rev. Mr. Alex Gaudet is a 26 year old native of Thibodaux. He is the son of Don and Cindy Gaudet, and has one brother, Eric; and one sister, Sarah. He graduated from Thibodaux High School and is currently attending Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. As part of his priestly formation he spent the summer of 2009 at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, where he did door-to-door evangelization. In the summer of 2010 he attended the Summer Program for Seminarians at the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha, NE. In the fall of 2010 he served at St. Anthony of Padua Church parish in Bayou Black where he participated in homebound ministry and liturgical ministry. At Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux in the spring of 2011, he also participated in homebound ministry and liturgical ministry. In the summer of 2012 he worked in youth-young adult ministry at St. Louis Church parish in Bayou Blue and he also participated in the Mexican American Catholic College’s Spanish Immersion program in San Antonio, TX. He was a CCD teacher and confirmation instructor at St. Clement of Rome in Metairie from the fall of 2012 until spring 2013. And in the summer of 2013 he participated in a hospital chaplain ministry
internship at Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center in Chicago, IL. The Rev. Mr. Stephen P. Lefort is a 26 year old native of Cut Off. He is the son of Victor and Emily Lefort, and has an older brother, Adam; and a younger sister, Julie. He graduated from E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux and is currently attending Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. As part of his priestly formation, his first two summer assignments in 2007 and 2008 were as a summer camp counselor at Camp Chosatonga for boys in Brevard, NC, where he worked primarily with the eight and nine-year olds and instructed campers in rock climbing and wilderness survival. In the summer of 2009 he was selected to be one of six seminarian-workers at the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha, NE. During the summers of 2010 and 2011 he had the opportunity to travel to the Institute for Priestly Formation again to participate in the Summer Program for Seminarians. He had his Year of Spiritual Formation at St. Rita Church parish New Orleans. On the weekends, he would serve during all of the Masses at St. Genevieve Church parish in Thibodaux. During the summer of 2012, he participated in the Mexican American Catholic College’s Spanish Immersion program in San Antonio, TX. And, in the summer of 2013 he participated in a hospital chaplain ministry internship at Roper-St. Francis Healthcare in Charleston, SC, where he assisted patients and families with their spiritual needs. “I am very excited about my ordination to the transitional diaconate and my assignment as a deacon-intern at St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish on the Nicholls State University campus until October of this year. It will be great to be so close to my alma
Rev. Mr. Gaudet
Rev. Mr. Lipari
Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
Rev. Mr. Lefort
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mater, E.D. White, and be surrounded by the youth of the parish and university,” says the Rev. Mr. Lefort. The Rev. Mr. Jacob Lipari III is a 34 year old native of Houma. He is the son of Jake and Paulette Lipari, and has one brother, Nicholas. He graduated from Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma, received a bachelor of science degree from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux and currently attends Notre Dame Seminary. He spent time at St. Hilary of Poitiers Church parish in Mathews during the summer of 2008 in discernment before entering the seminary. As part of his priestly formation he spent the summer of 2009 at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, where he did door-to-door evangelization. During the summers of 2010 and 2011, he attended the Summer Program for Seminarians at the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha, NE. He had his Year of Spiritual Formation at St. Rita Church parish in New Orleans where he concentrated on his prayer life, spirituality and went on a 30 day silent retreat. In the summer of 2012 he served at Holy Cross Church parish in Morgan City in the areas of pastoral care of the sick, youth ministry, baptismal seminars and liturgical ministry. He spent the summer of 2013 working in hospital ministry at Florida Hospital in Orlando, FL, where his responsibilities included pastoral care of the sick; pastoral care of the mentally ill and pastoral counseling with families after the loss of a loved one. Their ordination to the priesthood is scheduled for May 30, 2015.
Diocesan Programs This Month “Spotlight on the Diocese” Host: Louis Aguirre With Guests: Very Rev. Dean Danos, V.F. Director, Cursillo Movement
Rev. Roch Naquin
Former Director, Cursillo Movement
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Church Alive
Holy Week, Easter observances
From darkness to light
Sunday 26
Bishop Shelton J. Fabre processes in during the Palm Sunday Liturgy at the annual youth rally. The celebration marks the beginning of Holy Week leading into the Paschal Triduum.
Holy Week, Easter Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier
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Church Alive
Chrism Mass
Church Alive
Mass
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In the photo above Bishop Shelton J. Fabre addresses the priests of the diocese during the Chrism Mass. Below, the bishop hands the oils of catechumens, the sick and chrism to a parish minister.
Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
During the annual Chrism Mass celebrated in Holy Week, the holy oils that will be used for the coming year in the celebration of the sacraments of the church are blessed by the bishop of the diocese. The three holy oils that are blessed are the Oil of the Catechumens, which is used prior to the sacrament of baptism; the Oil of the Sick, which is used to anoint those experiencing a serious illness in mind or body; and the Sacred Chrism, which is used to anoint those being baptized, confirmed, or ordained as priests or bishops. All three of these oils have as their goal to anoint the faithful to receive Jesus Christ and to recognize that they have also been set apart by God and empowered in appropriate ways to accomplish his will. During this year’s Chrism Mass, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre directly addressed the priests of the diocese as they prepared to renew their promises to minister as priests. With its focus on sacramental anointing, said the bishop, it is understandable that the Chrism Mass places an emphasis on the Order of Priest, those who undertake sacred anointing. “My dear brother priests, how important you are to all gathered here in this church. How important you are to me. As you are aware, priests are set apart through ordination by the laying on of hands and anointing with oil to act in the name of Jesus Christ. In a humbling way that is filled with grace, you can appropriate the words of Jesus Christ in our Gospel tonight in a special way to your own ministry as priest: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.’ “You share that spirit of the Lord each and every time in the sacraments you anoint the faithful, each and every time when in celebrating the sacraments of the church and ministering to God’s people you make available all the promises of the new covenant of God’s grace that comes to us in Jesus Christ. “Thank you, my dear brother priests, for your ministry. Thank you for your YES offered EVERY DAY to God in your service as a priest. Thank you for every time you have stretched yourself and gone out of your way in service to the people of God. The church, and in a particular way the church in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux, is blessed by your ministry. “I am grateful for your priestly heart and for your priestly service. It is my honor and privilege to be here among you as one who serves, and for the first time to be the main celebrant for the Mass of the Holy Chrism here with you. I count it as a blessings and a grace. Thank you, my brothers.”
Mass Lord’s Supper
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Bishop Fabre washes the feet of 12 men at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma during the celebration of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday in remembrance of Jesus’ gift of himself to all.
www.bayoucatholic.com
Church Alive
Good Friday 32
Bishop Fabre presided over the Good Friday service at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
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Vigil
Bishop Fabre prays the blessing of the fire at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. The blessing of the fire is the opening rite of the Easter Vigil. The fire is blessed and then from it the Easter Candle is lighted, and from this in turn, eventually, the candles of the people and the altar tapers as well. Ross John Ryan is shown being baptized by the bishop during the Easter Vigil. www.bayoucatholic.com
Special Events
Father Gallen room dedicated Father Gregory Fratt, pastor of Sacred Heart Church parish in Morgan City, along with parish leaders look on as Larry Callais, pastoral council president, cuts the ribbon on the Father John Gallen room. The multipurpose parish room will be used for meetings and small social gatherings. Father Gallen who died last year was pastor there for 18 years from 1980 to 1998.
LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC
Day of prayer and fasting is June 6
The annual diocesan day of prayer and fasting for the protection of the diocese during hurricane season will be Friday, June 6, at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales 34
in Houma, from 9 until 11:30 a.m. The day will include Divine Mercy chaplet, Benediction, Adoration and meditation. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre will celebrate Mass at 12:05
Everyone is encouraged to pray this special prayer throughout the 2014 hurricane season: Prayer for Safety in Hurricane Season O God, Master of this passing world, hear the humble voices of your children. The Sea of Galilee obeyed your order and returned to its former quietude. You are still the Master of land and sea. We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control: the Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant, can awake from its seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land, and spread chaos and disaster. During this hurricane season we turn to you, O loving Father. Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are still so vivid and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with passing of time. O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our beloved Mother, we ask you to plead with your Son in our behalf, so that spared from the calamities common to this area and animated with a true spirit of gratitude, we will walk in the footsteps of your Divine Son to reach the heavenly Jerusalem where a stormless eternity awaits us. Amen. Most Rev. Maurice Schexnayder (1895-1981) Second Bishop of Lafayette Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
p.m. The event is sponsored by the Catholic Daughters Court Cardinal Gibbons No. 177. Those attending are asked to bring canned goods as a donation to the local food banks.
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Corpus Christi procession June 21 Bishop Shelton J. Fabre will lead a eucharistic procession June 21, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, after the 4 p.m. vigil Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. Everyone is invited to participate. LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC
Call Rick at 504-570-0948 or E-mail: rgallioto@mpressnow.com www.bayoucatholic.com
Special Events
Food for the Journey is June 3
The diocesan Office of Religious Education sponsors a monthly lunchtime speaker series on the first Tuesday of the month at the Quality Hotel on Hollywood Road in Houma across from Vandebilt Catholic High School. The speaker for June 3 is Kraemer native Father Clyde Mahler. Father Mahler, pastor of Maria Immacolata Church parish in Houma since June 2004, attended St. Joseph Seminary in St. Benedict and Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. He was ordained to the priesthood May 22, 1999. He has served as associate pastor of St. Genevieve Church parish in Thibodaux and St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma. He is a member of the priests’ council, diocesan chaplain for the Knights of 36 Columbus, and diocesan assistant master of ceremonies. Those who plan to attend the June 3rd event should RSVP with their name, phone number and church parish by Thursday, May 29. To RSVP, email FoodForTheJourney@ htdiocese.org or call (985) 8503178. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. The program begins at Noon with the speaker’s presentation from 12:10-12:45 p.m. Cost is $13 and includes meal, drink and tip. Only cash or checks will be accepted. All are invited to come “eat and be fed.”
Rev. Clyde Mahler Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC
Representatives of the St. Joseph Lenten Gumbo in Thbodaux presented a check to the Good Samaritan Food Bank of Thibodaux for $30,000. From left are Jim Labit, gumbo chairperson; Rob Gorman, executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Margaret Orgeron, pastoral ministry director of St. Joseph; and Very Rev. Jay L. Baker, V.G., pastor of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral parish.
Cursillo weekends are announced
Very Rev. Dean Danos, V.F., spiritual advisor for the diocesan Cursillo Movement, announces two upcoming Cursillo weekends at the Lumen Christi Retreat Center in Schriever. A women’s weekend will take place May 29—June 1 with spiritual directors Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs and Father Roch Naquin. A men’s weekend will take place Sept. 4-7 with spiritual directors Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs and Father Simon Peter Engurait. “I would like to personally invite everyone to pray about attending a Cursillo weekend, as one can only attend once in their lifetime. The three day weekend is a personal encounter with Christ, a weekend
just for you and our Lord. You will fall more in love with the God of love and will share that love in your community,” says Father Danos. The Cursillo weekend consists of talks, meditation, Way of the Cross, reconciliation, Eucharist, adoration, and much more. Cost of the weekend is $100, which includes lodging, three meals daily and snacks. No one will be denied due to financial reasons. One must be registered for the women’s weekend by May 20, and for the men’s weekend by Aug. 25. Registration forms are available at 815 Barbier Ave. in Thibodaux or by calling (985) 446-5571. Visit www.htcursillo.weebly.com for more information.
The New Orleans Archdiocesan Spirituality Center (ASC) is offering an internship in Spiritual Direction. The ASC internshiap incorporates a broad reflection on the ministry of spiritual direction within the context of today’s church. Following the theology and methodology of the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the internship prepares the intern to guide others in on-going spiritual direction and directed retreats. The two-year internship closes with a process of individual and group discernment that assists the participants to discern if they are called to the ministry of spiritual direction or to other forms of faith ministry. This discernment also considers the areas of spiritual direction to which each intern feels called. The internship in Spiritual Direction will be offered beginning in August 2014 in Grand Coteau, LA, and another internship in Spiritual Direction will be offered in New Orleans beginning in August 2015. For more information, contact Sister Dorothy Trosclair, O.P., at (504) 861-3254.
Spiritual Direction internship offered
New Orleans Archdiocesan Spirituality Center
FRANK METHE PHOTO/CLARION HERALD
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Bayou Spirit
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Man of God Conference Peter Herbeck, of Renewal Ministries in Ann Arbor, MI, was the main keynote speaker for the Annual Man of God Conference held recently at the Pastoral Center in Schriever. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre welcomed the participants of the conference.
Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier
Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
Entertainment
Seeing Clairely
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Claire Joller
Ask just a few people if they have a creature phobia of some kind, and more likely than not they’ll mention snakes, bats, spiders, or other such furtive or slithery things. Now, I’m not a fan of snakes. But the only snake that ever approached our lawn came from high grass in a pasture that is now a large manicured expanse behind us. They are such rare occurrences, they don’t pose a clear and present menace. I’ve never even seen a bat except in nature documentaries, so they hold no real threat for me, and produce only mild distancesafe disdain. Spiders, with their spindly angular arms and stealthy movements, are, admittedly, nasty little things, but not exactly threatening as far as I’m concerned. I can outrun a spider. In the other worldly realm: Zombies? No sweat. This is all to let you know that I’m no scaredy cat. Really. However. Geckos. Creep. Me. Out. Totally. It’s not even mid-April as I write this, and I sighted my first gecko of the season. In my house, for goodness’ sake. On the floor near my breakfast chair. Gross. You may say how silly that reaction may be. It’s such a small creature. Yeah, but it is repulsive on so many levels. It’s unnaturally pale and prehistorically skeletallooking to me, and its ugly little suction feet let it dangle from all kinds of angles where it can drop upon you with no warning. Imagine those little suctiony feet on your skin. Ugh. But they do us a service, you may say. They hunt mosquitoes that lurk on our kitchen doors and carport ceilings. True. But
d r o W The G when I witness the repellent mass of albino lizards scurrying across our courtyard and carport walls feasting on mosquitoes, I can’t help but think (contrary to all that is South Louisiana bred in me), given the choice I’d take the mosquitoes. On the scale of ugly and creepy, you may say, geckos are not really that bad. You may be right. I researched an “ugly creature” site, and there are some unbelievably unattractive beings—warthog, blobfish, naked mole rat (not a good combination), wolf spider (intimidating), sphinx cat (or Canadian hairless, which says it all), elephant seal bulls and many more. Yes, but I’m not likely to meet one of those face to face. On the other hand, as summer wears on, I am often face to face with geckos on our window screens or glass doors. I cringe and recoil every time, even when they are not unexpected. It’s not just an aversion, but more a revulsion. This morning when I saw that first gecko, my stomach muscles heaved in involuntary reaction
season
to the creature that looks like it belonged in some prehistoric cave. Even its name is formed in the back of the throat, and sounds like a raspy cough. Side note number 1: No matter how much I dislike them, however, they have served a purpose for me today. For a week now I’ve been trying to come up with an idea to develop for a column others may identify with. Only fleeting glances of ideas careened off my mind. Earlier this morning I prayed for an idea to develop into a column, and God sent me a gecko! “Works in mysterious ways,” indeed. Side note number 2: My husband is pressure washing our house today, since it’s such a perfect sunny spring day. I’m sure geckos lurking out there are running for cover from the heavy streams of water pelting their abode. We’ll probably have a short reprieve. But I know. They’ll be back. (For comments or inquiries about this column, Claire Joller can be contacted by e-mail at clairely1@ comcast.net). www.bayoucatholic.com
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Our Churches
Largest parish in the diocese is diverse, dynamic and welcoming St. Bernadette Soubirous Church, located on a quiet tree-lined street in a popular residential neighborhood in Houma, is home to the largest church parish in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. According to the parish’s history, in February 1958, Archbishop Rummel of New Orleans called a committee meeting in New Orleans and presented Father George Herbert as pastor of the newly established church parish in the Bayou Cane area of Houma. Archbishop Rummel further suggested that the name of the new parish be St. Bernadette Soubirous, because it was on the morning of Feb. 11, 1858, exactly 100 years earlier, that the Blessed Mother appeared to Marie Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France. The parish was officially founded June 29, 1958, and Mass was celebrated in the Broadmoor School cafeteria until the new church was completed in July 1959. In August 1961, construction of a rectory, school and convent began. Father Herbert secured the services of the Dominican Sisters, and St. Bernadette Elementary School opened in August 1962 with an enrollment of 128 students in grades one through three. Each year a grade was added until the seventh grade. Sister Mary Antoinette Millet, O.P., served as the first principal. The church is built in the traditional cruciform style of architecture and has undergone many changes and updates through the years. Most recently in 2010, it underwent eight months of renovations in which the electrical wiring was updated, the flooring and pews were replaced, and it was completely re-orientated. What was the back entrance of the church became the sanctuary area in order that the stained glass window of the Blessed Mother appearing to St. Bernadette Soubirous would be prominently displayed behind the altar. One unique feature of the church is its large baptismal pool which is located near the entrance of the church. The parish grounds include a tranquil prayer and meditation garden which is used for outdoor prayer services as well as a place to just sit and reflect, a multi-purpose gymnasium and youth center. Funds from St. Bernadette School’s Panda Meander Race were used to build the Patricia Domingue walking track, in honor of the school’s first lay principal.
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St.
Bernadette
Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier
Our Churches
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St. Bernadette Very Rev. Carl Collins, V.F., pastor since June 2012, says the parish has grown from 435 families in 1958 to 2,623 families currently registered. The demographic makeup of the parish is mostly young to middle aged. “The school brings a lot of young families to the parish. And, the area where the church is located and the number of activities we offer play a role in its size, also.” In addition to the basic liturgical ministries, the parish also offers many other ministries and organizations for young children all the way up to older adults which include the Catholic Daughters, Knights of Columbus, K.C. Ladies Auxiliary, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Life Teen, youth ministry, children’s ministry, singles ministry, men’s Bible study, women’s Bible study, Young Adult ministry, small faith sharing groups that meet in people’s homes, homebound ministry, nursing home ministry, a Senior Citizens group which meets on Thursday after Mass to play Bingo for household items, an annual parish family picnic, two annual parish missions, an annual parish retreat during the Lenten season, an annual ministry appreciation event, and a Summer Day Camp. Father Collins says that St. Bernadette is a very active parish. “We have many activities for young and old alike. This parish has always been progressive in the sense that it continually seeks to develop new ministry for the laity.” Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
The parish is also considered to be a teaching parish. Seminarians customarily spend time there as part of their formation, mainly because it is so active. Father Collins says he is blessed to have really good leadership – the school staff, pastoral council, finance council – all really care about the parish. “They all work well together and are very cooperative; that’s why the parish is so successful. Basically, the parish is run through the people, through their involvement. They really take ownership and feel that this is their parish.” The parish’s mission statement, says the pastor, really conveys who they are and who they try to be. “It is a vision of what we would like to fulfill.” Mission Statement St. Bernadette Parish is a diverse, dynamic and welcoming community of God’s people striving to live the teachings of Jesus Christ. Called by our baptism, inspired by the Holy Spirit and guided by the Second Vatican Council ... Our mission is to give all members an opportunity to exercise their responsibility to build the Kingdom of God by celebrating our common faith through vibrant liturgy, evangelizing, joyfully spreading the Gospel, sustaining each other while tending for those in need through works of charity and social justice, embracing our youth as an essential part of our parish family.
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St. Bernadette Church parish staff are front row from left, Wanda Fos, pre-K through grade 7 CCD/EDGE coordinator/ children’s ministry; Amy Benoit, bookkeeper/evangelization; Becky Landry, grade 8 through 12 CCD/Life Teen/youth director; Amy Brunet, religious education secretary; Ramona Portero, confirmation coordinator; June Gonzales, church environment; Linda Breaux, housekeeper/ cook. Back row from left, Vicki Breaux, secretary; Don Meyers, custodian; A.J. Collins, maintenance; Clyde Duplantis, maintenance; Father Vanathuraj “Raj” Rayappan, associate pastor; Very Rev. Carl Collins, V.F., pastor; Deacon Gerald Rivette and Kathy Lirette, pastoral associate. Not pictured is Deacon Jimmy Brunet.
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See The World Clearly
The annual youth rally, sponsored by the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry, was held recently on the campus of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. ValLimar Jansen, a recording artist, college professor, leader of worship and prayer services and workshop presenter across the U.S. and abroad, was the keynote presenter for the event. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of the Palm Sunday Liturgy which was concelebrated by priests of the diocese. Over 800 youth and adult leaders attended the day-long event.
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Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier
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Emily Folse, at left, and Sarah Cagle, at right, the two National Merit Finalists from Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma are pictured with senior guidance counselor Wendy Matherne.
Vandy has two National Merit finalists Story by Janet Marcel ~ Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier
Sarah Cagle and Emily Folse, both seniors at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma, were recently named National Merit Finalists by the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Sarah, who is the daughter of Madeline and Samuel Cagle, says when she found out that she had been named a National Merit finalist, she was really excited. “I felt really blessed and honored to have received it and to have been given this opportunity.” She explains that this recognition opens up so many doors for scholarships and for being able to choose which Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
college one wants to attend, because there are certain scholarships that are offered specifically for National Merit finalists. Sarah says she “feels beyond blessed” to have been able to attend a Catholic school. “I have access to the sacraments and to spiritual formation more often than I would if I was at a public school, and that has definitely kept me so much more focused and grounded in my faith. If I didn’t have the opportunity to pray at school or sit in the chapel at lunch when I need to, I think I would be a lot less focused on making sure I develop and use the gifts that God has given me to their full potential.” Sarah will be attending the University of Alabama
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in the fall. She looked at a lot of institutions, but says when she visited the campus there, “it really just clicked with me.” She says she will most likely major in chemistry with a pre-med track and minor in Greek, and hopes to one day be a doctor of radiology or an OB/GYN. Sarah is vice-president of the National Honor Society, chaplain for the pro-life club, and a member of the choir, campus ministry and Sisters in Christ. She has been playing the piano for about eight or nine years, likes reading, especially fiction; and enjoys spending time with her family and three younger siblings. She and her family belong to St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma. Sarah attended St. Bernadette Elementary School since pre-kindergarten. When Emily, who is the daughter of Monica and Mark Folse, found out that she had been named a National Merit finalist, she says, “I was very excited, of course. I feel really blessed. Although I work really hard for my grades, I know that my intelligence is a gift from God.” Although the college she ultimately decided was the best fit for her doesn’t offer a scholarship specifically for National Merit finalists, she still considers it a great honor to have achieved this recognition and says it was a really great thing to put on her college applications. “My Catholic education that I received at Vandebilt has instilled in me a worth that does not come from my own accomplishments but from my Savior,” says Emily. “I know that everything I do is only through God’s grace, so I am continually motivated to work hard for his glory.” Emily will be attending Villanova University in Pennsylvania, a Roman Catholic institution of higher learning founded by the Order of Saint Augustine in 1842. She says she worked with different counselors outside of school and toured 15 universities before making her decision. “When I visited the Villanova campus, I just knew it was the right place for me,” says Emily. When she begins college in the
fall, she will be an undeclared sciences major, but plans to go on a pre-med track and is considering becoming a pediatric oncologist. Emily is president of the National Honor Society, president of Choir, a member of the Key Club, student council, campus ministry, Sisters in Christ, the pro-life club and theatre. She most enjoys spending time with her family and her dog. She is also into makeup and fashion. She has one younger brother. Her family belongs to St. Bernadette Church parish and she attended St. Bernadette Elementary School. Sarah and Emily have been good friends since elementary school. “We are both each other’s biggest supporters,” says Emily. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.5 million entrants from more than 22,000 high schools each year, and by meeting published program entry/participation requirements. Of the 1.5 million entrants, some 50,000 with the highest PSAT/NMSQT® Selection Index scores (critical reading + mathematics + writing skills scores) qualify for recognition in the National Merit® Scholarship Program. To become a finalist, the semifinalist and their high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test. Finalists are the highestscoring entrants in each state and represent less than one percent of each state’s high school seniors.
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Sports
Overtime
I 50
NFL scouts should take close look at Jarvis Landry
Ed Daniels
It is that time of year. NFL scouts descend on college campuses for various pro days. Forty yard dash times reign supreme. After a series of tests, including the vertical jump and the broad jump, players break down into individual drills. It was after these drills in early 2007 in Baton Rouge that dozens of NFL scouts arrived at one conclusion: Quarterback JaMarcus Russell was the number one pick in the draft. In 2013, after countless hours of campus visits, workouts and background checks on every player, the draft commenced. Not one of the top 17 picks made the Pro Bowl. Only three first round picks were Pro Bowlers as rookies. They were safety Eric Reid of LSU (49ers, pick No. 18), guard Kyle Long of Oregon (Bears, pick No. 20), and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson of Tennessee (Vikings, pick No. 29). Only one other rookie made the Pro Bowl, running back Eddie Lacy of Alabama (Packers, pick No. 61, second round). Yes, it is that time of year, where workouts seem to carry much more value than what a player did in his college career. Which brings us to LSU wide receiver Jarvis Landry. When Landry ran a pedestrian 4.77 forty yard time at the NFL combine, the red flags were up more than May Day in Moscow. Landry was also measured at 5 feet, 11 inches. Landry was suddenly too slow, and too small. That chatter didn’t seem to abate, even though he blamed his slow time at the combine on a tight hamstring … even though
Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014
LSU’s Jarvis Landry
Landry improved with times of 4.58 and 4.51 at LSU Pro Day on April 9. I’ve always thought Jarvis Landry was an outstanding football player. Was I misguided? Just to be sure I looked through some video. I watched the one handed, left handed catch as Landry dove to the ground with an Arkansas defender underneath him. I watched the one handed touchdown grab in the end zone against Arkansas in Fayetteville in 2012. And, I watched the third down catch against Georgia when Landry caught a ball between three defenders, took a knee to the head that knocked off his helmet, yet still held the ball. Were all of those plays mirages? Landry was the 2013 LSU most valuable player. Of his 1,172 yards, 453 of those came on third down. He was the best third down
STEVE FRANTZ PHOTO/LSU SPORTS
receiver in college football, in the best league in the country. If the scouts put on the tape, they will also see a player who was outstanding making tackles on punts and kickoffs. But, suddenly he’s too small, and too slow. One year ago, Alabama running back Eddie Lacy ran times of 4.59 and 4.62 at the school’s Pro Day. He was the 15th fastest running back. But, when the season ended Lacy was the 2013 NFL Offensive Rookie of the year. He played 15 games, rushed for 1,178 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. He fumbled once. My guess is the Packers drafted Lacy based on his college production, and they were rewarded handsomely. Wouldn’t surprise me a bit, if we say the same thing about a small, slow receiver from Lutcher High School.