The Church Today, Jan. 16, 2012

CHURCH Volume XLII, No. 1

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TODAY

Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970

January 16, 2012

Feast of The Epiphany

15 Men to be ordained as Deacons Feb. 4 and 11 After five years of theology study, 15 men from the Diocese of Alexandria will be ordained as Permanent Deacons in February at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Because the group is so large, ordination will take place on two different dates. Go to page 7 for details

War in Iraq ends; support for troops continue Even though the war in Iraq officially ended Dec. 16, local groups continued to remember our troops at Christmas. Find out more about Catholic chaplains in the military, and how local groups reached out during the Christmas season, page 3.

January is Pro-Life Month The 2nd Annual Louisiana Life March is gearing up for Jan. 21 in Baton Rouge. Find out the details on this, as well as other pro-life activities around the area, page 15.

THE THREE WISE MEN. pose as the Three Wise Men during a special Christmas program at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church on Dec. 20. The Feast of the Epiphany was celebrated January 6.

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CHURCH TODAY

JANUARY 16, 2012

Study finds that half of all Christians in the world are Roman Catholics

By Catholic News Service

(CNS) -- According to a new study, there are currently 2.18 billion Christians in more than 200 countries around the world, representing nearly a third of the estimated 6.9 billion 2010 global population.

The study, conducted by the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life, found Christians to be so geographically widespread that no single continent or region can indisputably claim to be the center of global Christianity.

The Pew study, "Global Christianity: A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World's Christian Population," cites that 100 years ago, two-thirds of the world's Christians lived in Europe but today only about a quarter of all Christians live there. More than one-third of Christians reside in the Americas; about a quarter live in sub-Saharan Africa and 13 percent live in Asia and

the Pacific.

The data indicates that during the past 100 years, the number of Christians around the world has more than tripled from historical estimates of approximately 600 million in 1910 to more than 2 billion today. But the world's overall population has also risen rapidly, from an estimated 1.8 billion in 1910 to 6.9 billion in 2010. As a result, Christians make up about the same portion of the world's population in 2010 (32 percent) as they did a century ago (35 percent).

The study also reveals that although Europe and the Americas are still home to a majority (63 percent) of the world's Christians, that share is much lower than it was in 1910 when it was 93 percent. In the past 100 years, the number of Christians grew significantly in sub-Saharan Africa and the AsiaPacific region.

The study also breaks down where Catholics -- numbering

1.1 billion worldwide and half of the global Christian population -reside.

Brazil, with 134 million Catholics, has the world's largest Catholic population, which totals more than the number of Catholics in Italy, France and Spain combined. Other countries with the highest percentages of Catholic populations include: Mexico, the Philippines and the United States. The 10 countries with the largest number of Catholics contain more than half of the world's Catholics.

The rest of the global Christian population breaks down to: Protestants 37 percent; Orthodox Christians 12 percent; other Christians such as Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses 1percent.

Christians are by far the world's largest religious group.

Muslims, the second-largest group, make up a little less than a quarter of the world's population, according to previous studies by the Pew Forum.

Pope names Archbishops Dolan, O'Brien, 2 of 22 new cardinals

By Michelle Bauman Vatican City (CNA/EWTN News) -- Pope Benedict XVI named 22 new cardinals on Jan. 6, including two prominent American archbishops.

“This is an honor for these outstanding church leaders as well as an honor for the Church in the United States,” said Archbishop Kurtz of Louisville, vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“As men of prayer, wisdom and dedication, they will bring many talents and graces to their new roles as advisors to the Holy Father.”

The pope also announced a consistory for Feb. 18, at which the new cardinals will be formally elevated to their new rank.

Two Americans – Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York and Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien, Pro Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem – were included among the nominees.

The two men are 61 and 72 years

Cardinal Designate Timothy Dolan Archdiocese of New York President of the USCCB

Cardinal Designate Edwin O'Brien Pro Grand Master of Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre

old, respectively.

Archbishop Dolan is the current president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

He leads the Archdiocese of New York, home to about 2.6 million Catholics.

Archbishop O’Brien

is currently the apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, where he served as archbishop from October 2007 until August 2011, when the Holy Father appointed him Pro Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

He will continue to shepherd the Archdiocese of Baltimore until a successor is installed.

In a statement responding to his nomination, Archbishop Dolan said that he is “honored, humbled, and grateful,” but added, “let’s be frank: this is not about Timothy Dolan.” He explained that the appointment is both “an affirmation of love from the pope” and a “summons to its unworthy archbishop” to continue serving Christ.

The New York archbishop asked for prayers as he assumes his new role.

Archbishop O’Brien was also quick to deflect attention from himself. “While this honor may be a reflection of my new position, I believe it is also the result of the great collaboration

and zealous faith that I have so consistently experienced in the Church in Baltimore,” he said.

“I am grateful to our Holy Father for his confidence in me and pledge my continued support and fraternal love as I continue to serve this historic archdiocese and the Church in the Holy Land.”

Archbishop Thomas C. Collins of Toronto and Bishop John Tong Hon of Hong Kong were also among the new cardinals, which were announced

by Pope Benedict in St. Peter’s Square on Jan. 6, after delivering his midday Angelus address.

Ten of the remaining nominees are from the Roman Curia, including Archbishop Fernando Filoni, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

Cardinals advise the pope and vote in papal elections.

However, four of the new cardinals will not be able to vote in the conclave because they are over the 80-year age limit.

JANUARY 16, 2012

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WAR IN IRAQ ENDS: Catholic chaplains pack up to go home

By Julie Asher Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) -Over the past nine years in Iraq, the sacrifice of the U.S. military "and our nation as a whole has been tremendous," Army chaplain Father Joel Panzer said, and soldiers in general feel "it's time for us to leave" to give the nation the impetus "to function independently."

As the troops prepare to leave and turn bases over to Iraqi forces

by Dec. 31, he said, "morale is quite high" among members of his own Army unit, the 25th Infantry Division Headquarters, which is ending a 13-month deployment.

"Tremendous progress has been made" in Iraq, he told Catholic News Service in a Dec. 6 interview conducted via email and phone from the southern part of the country, where he has been stationed for his final two months.

"Regardless of the outcome here, soldiers are proud of their faithful service, and the selfless sacrifice of nearly 4,500 U.S. service members. Nothing will ever change that," said Father Panzer, 43, a priest of the Diocese of Lincoln, Neb. An Army captain, he is finishing his second tour of duty in Iraq and is the last Catholic priest serving in support of Operation New Dawn, the postcombat phase of the U.S. mission in Iraq.

Currently, less than 10,000

soldiers remain in Iraq at five bases. At one point, in 2007, U.S. troops numbered 170,000 and were spread out over more than 500 bases.

As military units inspect equipment and pack it up, chaplains have related responsibilities, such as ensuring "all religious literature and sacred materials are properly packaged" for shipment home, according to Father Panzer.

"We remove all Christian and Jewish items from the buildings we have utilized as chapels simply out of a desire not to offend the people of Iraq, a predominantly Muslim nation," he continued.

"As a priest, I've been responsible for closing several chapels where the Blessed Sacrament was reserved, including the removal of chalices and other sacred vessels."

Father Panzer said the soldiers with whom he serves feel the U.S. military has "provided the people of Iraq with everything they need to function independently," he said, such as "training for their military and police; funding of infrastructure, schools and hospitals; assistance with conducting elections and writing a constitution; and support in establishing a government."

He said soldiers follow media reports and "many have noted an excessive focus on the problems in Iraq. In reality, we see the countless good news stories of what has happened over here that

U.S. MILTARY OFFICIALLY WITHDRAWS FROM IRAQ. U.S. military personnel in Baghdad lower their heads during the ceremony of the encasing of colors of the U.S. Forces in Iraq Dec. 15. The U.S military officially ended its war in Iraq, packing up a military flag at a ceremony with U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta nearly nine years after the invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein. (CNS photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool via Reuters) rarely gets reported."

Unlike previous conflicts, in which "our nation's forces have either remained behind even to this day, or we hastily withdrew in defeat," he said, the accomplishments in Iraq are "amazing indeed," with the overthrow of a dictator, establishment of a democratic government, and now "a peaceful and orderly withdrawal of all our forces on schedule and as

SACRED HEART SCHOOL students, in Moreauville, (grades 3-B and 8th) sent birthday cards to SFC Clint Armand from Marksville in November. He was deployed with the 1022nd Engineering Company in Afghanistan for a tour of 1 year. SFC Armand was so moved by the cards that his company flew American flags in honor of both classes and mailed these flags to Sacred Heart. Our prayers remain with all of our servicemen and that they will return home soon.

promised to the people of Iraq."

"The war in Iraq is both

noteworthy and historic, even if the major news outlets don't view it as such," the priest said.

If Americans have grown weary of the war, they still support the troops, he said. As an example, he noted that he and others often received care packages from people they didn't even know. "I do think most Americans understand what it is to sacrifice, to leave your family for a time and do something that's hard, requires discipline, faith and trust in God," he added.

Father Panzer, ordained in 1994, went to college on an Air Force ROTC scholarship.

Two years later, he entered the seminary.

In 2005, "I realized that the war in Iraq was going to last longer than anticipated and that there was a great need for Catholic priests. Most of those going without the sacraments were soldiers, and so that's where I was needed," he said.

About 20 percent of the Army is Catholic. One in five soldiers are Catholic; only one in 16 chaplains are.

GIFTS FOR THE TROOPS. 2nd Lt. Caelyn L. Furman, (neice of Jim and Bertha Curley of OLPS Alexandria,) asked for Christmas boxes for members of her platoon in Afghanistan – all 56 of them. Bertha contacted friends and family on line – asking for “angels” to send a bit of Christmas cheer to these young American heroes striving to keep the peace in a land half way around the globe. The response was amazing. Answers came from Canada, California, Iowa, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and all over Louisiana! It was truly gratifying and something many of these friends had wanted to do but never knew how. The “A” team answered the call and, in the midst of the Christmas rush, postal boxes were packed and shipped to all 56 members of the 2nd Platoon! We learned later that this platoon, after opening their gifts the night before, shipped out to the front lines on Christmas Day! Some of the 'angels" who sent boxes are (pictured above) Bertha Curley, Loujean Wasson, Diane Ardoin, Barbara Louviere, and Angie James.

PAGE 4 A Blessed New Year to you and all your loved ones!

There is absolutely no doubt that the beginning of 2012 will offer me a number of new experiences as well as those that occur each year. It is always a joy to be on retreat with the other bishops of Region V and I ask you to keep us in your prayers, even though the retreat will be over by the time this issue actually reaches you.

January 18-25 each year is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This year we are hosting a luncheon for many local clergy on Jan. 18 so it will be a slightly different type of observance. I am grateful to Father Chemino for handling the details.

There will be a special Mass at 12 noon in the Cathedral marking the 25th anniversary of Bishop Greco’s death on Friday, Jan. 20.

Of course, everyone is welcome to join us. He was a remarkable visionary during his years here in Alexandria and it is an honor to be able to continue to develop ministries he began more than 50 years ago. My recent appointment as State Chaplain for the Knights

CHURCH TODAY ONE IN THE LORD Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria of Columbus was yet another such opportunity.

The end of the month also focuses our attention on our rich heritage of Catholic Schools through Catholic Schools Week.

Even though we only have eight schools in the diocese, they continue to provide not only a solid educational opportunity for their students but the true faith formation that will enable them to live out their baptismal calling to be disciples, sharing in the mission of Jesus and his Church. Thanks to all who have so generously supported these institutions throughout the years.

Moving into the category of new experiences --- For the first time in more than a quarter century the Diocese of Alexandria

will have the services of additional permanent deacons. I will have the privilege of ordaining the 15 men who have spent the last four and a half years in formation to be able to serve the Church of Alexandria as ordained deacons, members of the clergy. We have divided the group in order to provide more seating opportunities for families, friends and parishioners to take part. The first group will be ordained on Saturday, Feb. 4, and the second on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Both ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral. Please pray for these soon-to-be deacons as they begin their service to the Church.

There assignments will be made public at the ordinations.

On Jan. 21, I will leave for my first Ad Limina Apostolorum

JANUARY 16, 2012

visit to the Holy See. Each diocesan bishop is required to provide a formal written report to the Holy Father, traditionally every five years. Due to the illness and death of Pope Blessed John Paul II and the time needed for Pope Benedict XVI to set the direction and approach he wanted during his papacy, the actual time since the last visit (Fall of 2004) has been longer than customary. The period of the report is from January 2004 through December 2010. I would have been eligible to join the other bishops in the fall of 2004 since I had just received my appointment as bishop, but was unable to do so.

This will be an exciting experience. Please keep the bishops of our Region in your prayers during our time in Rome (Jan. 21-Feb. 1). I want to say a sincere word of

thanks to the members of the diocesan staff who helped prepare this 40-page report. A most special thanks to Father Chad Partain, Chancellor, who coordinated the entire project.

The final new experience on the horizon does not occur until February. I have been asked to serve as spiritual director for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land sponsored by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Feb. 14-24. Ash Wednesday occurs during this time period so that will add another dimension to the trip.

I wish you the best of God’s blessings as we begin this new year!

Vocations Awareness Week: Jan. 9-14

Why do you do what you do?

By Sister Constance Carolyn, LSP St. Martin's Baltimore Not long before Christmas, several emails arrived in our office. They were from an 8th grade class working on a religion project. Each email included the same question: “Why do you do what you do?”

In the pre-Christmas rush I was a little frustrated, asking myself, “How can I answer such a seemingly simple question – but it’s really very complex – in a few words that an 8th grader can understand?”

“Why do you do what you do?”

Actually, this is an especially good question to ask as we observe National Vocation Awareness Week, observed Jan. 9-14. It would be great for youngsters to ask people in many different vocations why they do what they do – their parents and grandparents, their teachers, their pediatrician, the public servants

in their community, their parish priest, women religious and any other adults they admire.

But these 8th graders were asking us, Little Sisters of the Poor, why we do what we do!

Each Little Sister could offer her own unique answer to this question based on her personal vocation story. But we also share a common call. Very simply, we do what we do – caring for the elderly poor – because each of us has been called by God to give our lives to Him in the humble service of the elderly poor.

Each of us has been called to follow in the footsteps of Saint Jeanne Jugan, and to live the spirit of the Beatitudes. As a community we believe that God has chosen us, gathered us together and given us a mandate to share with His eldest children his love and compassion as they prepare to meet Him face-to-face.

God has asked each of us to be truly a sister to the elderly poor and to defend the dignity of their

lives.

As we observe National Vocation Awareness Week, we ask you to join us in praying for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. Pray for vocations to our community, so that we may continue to respond to the needs of today’s elderly and those of tomorrow!

If you are a young person, ask the adults you admire why they do what they do and how they discovered God’s plan for their lives. If you are an adult, share your vocation story with the young people in your life, whether you have been called to marriage, single life, the priesthood or religious life.

And let’s pray for one another, that each of us will live the vocation to which God has called us in a way that pleases Him. Sister Constance Carolyn, LSP, is director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor.

CHURCH

TODAY

Volume XLII, No. 1 • January 16, 2012 P. O. Box 7417 • Alexandria, LA 71303 churchtoday@diocesealex.org 318-445-6424 Publisher: Editor: Advertising: Circulation:

Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog, Bishop of Alexandria Jeannie Petrus, ext. 255; jpetrus@diocesealex.org Joan Ferguson, ext. 264; joanferguson@diocesealex.org Sandi Tarver, ext. 209; starver@diocesealex.org

THE CHURCH TODAY (USPS 393-240) is published by the Catholic Diocese of Alexandria, once a month, free of charge to members of the parishes in the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana. Out of diocese subscriptions are $20 a year. The office is located at 4400 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria, LA 71303. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, LA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The CHURCH TODAY, P. O. Box 7417, Alexandria, LA 71306 The CHURCH TODAY is a member of the Catholic Press Association.

Website: www.diocesealex.org/thechurchtoday

JANUARY 16, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

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The Road to Sainthood: Archbishop Sheen, Kateri Tekakwitha Miraculous healings through their alleged intercessions advance causes for their sainthood Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

(CNS) -- With evidence of her son's alleged miraculous healing boxed and sealed in front of a portait of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Bonnie Engstrom and her husband Travis believe their son James Fulton Engstrom is alive due to the intercession of Archbishop Sheen, whose cause for sainthood is being considered in Rome by the Congregation for Saints' Causes.

The congregation is studying the sainthood cause of Archbishop Sheen, a central Illinois native and priest of the Peoria Diocese who became an internationally known evangelist, radio/ TV personality, writer and missionary.

In a pew just outside the cathedral sanctuary, the focus of the testimonies contained in the box -- 15-month-old James Fulton Engstrom -- sat contentedly with his parents and two older siblings, squirming occasionally as all healthy little boys will do.

Bonnie recalled sitting in the same cathedral -- where Archbishop Sheen had been ordained in 1919 -- a few days after James' birth and "begging for a miracle" during a holy hour attended by family and friends.

Considered stillborn on Sept. 16, 2010, after a routine pregnancy, James was without a pulse for the first 61 minutes of his life. It was only when doctors at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria were ready to call the time of death that his heart started beating. The doctors had warned the parents he might not be able to function normally, but they were proved wrong.

The Engstroms were familiar with the famed orator -- perhaps best known for his

(CNS) -- Elsa and Donny Finkbonner of St. Joseph Parish in Ferndale had no doubt that their young son's recovery from a deadly flesh-eating bacteria almost six years ago was a miracle.

On Dec. 19, Pope Benedict XVI confirmed that when he signed a decree acknowledging a miracle attributed to the intervention of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha in the recovery of Jake Finkbonner from the rare and potentially fatal disease, necrotizing fascilitis.

In February 2006, just before his sixth birthday, the boy was playing basketball when he suffered a cut on his lip that enabled the bacteria to invade his bloodstream. Days later, he was near death at Children's Orthopedic Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle.

Because the family is part Native American, Father Tim Sauer, then-St. Joseph pastor, suggested they pray to God through Blessed Kateri (1656-1680), a Mohawk woman who devoted her short life to her Catholic faith and to caring for the sick and elderly. Known as the Lily of the Mohawks, she was beatified in 1980, the first native North American to be so honored. Her feast day is July 14.

Jake beat the odds and recovered, and with the approval of then-Archbishop Alex J. Brunett of Seattle, the case of Blessed Kateri's intercession was investigated as the possible one remaining miracle needed for her canonization.

The Finkbonners were elated upon receiving the news -- and of their son's part in it.

"It's so overwhelmingly exciting, and just an honorable process to be a part of," Elsa Finkbonner said Dec. 20.

MOTHER OF CHILD ALLEGEDLY HEALED through the intercession of Archbishop Sheen.

(CNS photo/Tom Dermody, The Catholic Post) popular "Life Is Worth Living" television show seen by millions in the 1950s -- and Bonnie had asked him to watch over her pregnancy. They decided that if their baby was a boy, his middle name would be Fulton. Travis made good on that intention during an emergency baptism as they awaited an ambulance after James was born in crisis at their home.

Bonnie remembers praying to Archbishop Sheen as CPR was performed on her newborn son, and asking family and friends to seek his intercession when doctors warned James might be blind and unable to function normally after his heart began beating.

Fifteen months later, James is medication-free, has just been released from physical therapy, and continues to meet growth milestones.

"He's just a normal kid," said Bonnie, who credits Christ with healing her son "for his greater honor and glory."

STATUE OF BLESSED KATERI TEKAKWITHA is seen outside the Kateri Shrine in Fonda, N.Y. Pope Benedict XVI has advanced the sainthood cause of Kateri, the first Native American to be beatified. The church has recognized the second miracle needed for her canonization. (CNS photo/ Nancy Wiechec) She said Jake, now a sixth-grader at Assumption School in Bellingham, is "pretty excited about it," too.

Finkbonner said Jake also is looking forward to meeting the pope when the canonization takes place.

"There's no doubt in mine and Donny's mind that Jake's survival is in fact a miracle," she said. "And we did everything that Father Tim had asked us to do in praying for her intercession. And others prayed for him. So I'm happy that the Vatican has honored Jake to be the last miracle in (Blessed) Kateri becoming a saint."

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JANUARY 16, 2012

Meet Deacon Candidate

Meet Deacon Candidate

William Travis

John Whitehead

Home Parish: St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria

Home Parish: Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches

Occupation: Product Training Manager, Dresser Consolidated Valve

Occupation: Attorney Marital Status: Married to Tara

Marital Status: Married to Joan

Parish Involvement: IC Parish Council president since 2007, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.

Education: BA in Business Education, Michigan State University Parish Involvement: Wife and I were involved in Worldwide Marriage Encounter as team couple in Detroit. In Alexandria: Pastoral Council, Liturgy Committee, Lector and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist training, choir, altar server, and acolyte. Member of Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites.

Why I Became a Deacon: Since first learning about deacons, years ago, I have been interested and have wondered if perhaps that was where God would call me one day. I love the Church and I believe that this is where God has called me to serve.

Influences in Faith: I met Deacon Norman Gremillion who inspired me to think about actually becoming a deacon. An article in The Church Today announced a meeting for those who were interested. I went and now, almost five years later, I can look forward to serving in a parish and say this is what I want to do.

William Travis Ministry Interests: Boy Scouts in La Purchase Council, marriage preparation and hospital visits.

Most Interesting Part of the Program: The most interesting and inspiring parts of the diaconate formation program were scripture study, Church history and theology.

Thank You: Of course, I would like to thank Bishop Herzog for establishing the diaconate formation program and Father Dan O'Connor for all of his support. The most important thank you, for me, is to my family and especially to my wife, for being there by my side for 43 years.

Why I Became a Deacon: It is not so much that I want to become a deacon, but that I believe that I am called to serve the Church by giving myself through my time and talents. As a husband, father, and professional, I certainly have plenty of other responsibilities and enough to keep me busy. However, since a young age I have always been drawn to service in the Church, so I believe this is God’s way of bringing this desire to fulfillment.

Influences in Faith: My father, Charles Whitehead, probably had the most influence on me. When I was growing up, my father tirelessly gave himself to service for the school and Church and set what, for me, is an example of diaconate service to the people of God.

Ministry Interests: RCIA and Adult Education and Catechesis. I enjoy talking with people considering the Catholic faith and helping them see through what are often preconceived and incorrect notions of the Catholic faith. I especially enjoy it when I witness someone “con-

John Whitehead nect the dots” and see the foundational truths of the Catholic faith.

Best Part of the Program: The best part of the program was the faculty provided by St. Meinrad. These men and women are the best in their fields and highly qualified. It was refreshing to meet so many intelligent and humble people, all working together and offering their time in service of the Church.

Thank You: To my wife Tara, and my three girls, Taylor, Sarah Kay, and Elizabeth. I could not have done this without their love, understanding, and support. I hope that I can live up to their expectations.

JANUARY 16, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

Meet Deacon Candidate

Michael Young

15 permanent deacon candidates to be ordained Feb. 4 and Feb. 11

Home Parish: OL of Prompt Succor, Alexandria

By Jeannie Petrus CT Editor

Occupation: Senior partner, Financial Solutions Group

After five years of theology study, 15 men from the Diocese of Alexandria will be ordained as Permanent Deacons in February.

Because the group is so large, diaconate formation director Father Dan O’Connor decided to split the ordination Mass into two weekends, so that more family members and friends could attend the event.

Deacon candidates to be ordained Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Alexandria are Rodrick “Benny” Broussard, Ray D. Gibson, Todd J. Marye, Richard Wayne Mitchell, Ted Anthony Moulard, Bill Shaidnagle, William M. Travis, and Michael L. Young.

Deacon candidates to be ordained Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Alexandria are Emile John Barre III, L.G. Deloach Jr., Gregory P. LeBlanc, Patrick C. McCusker, Clifford J. Pelto, Gary A. Schupbach, and John Louis Whitehead.

For each ordination Mass, the Most Reverend Ronald Herzog will be the main celebrant, and concelebrated by Rev. Dan O’Connor. A reception for family and friends will follow at Xavier Hall.

For the past five years, the 15 men have met as a group, one weekend a month, to study philosophy and Catholic theology by various priests and professors from St. Meinrad Seminary. The wives of every candidate were also required to attend every weekend class.

Marital Status: Married 33 years to Donna Young Education: BS from University of Vermont; MBA from Northwestern State University Parish Involvement: Spirituality and Adult Education Commission and Stewardship Committee, Deputy Grand Knight in KC Council 8029, acolyte and lector.

Why I became a Deacon: Arriving in Alexandria, many years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Deacon Charlie Jones, who I admired and respected for his unwavering service to the church.

Influences in Faith: My dad was a huge influence on my early life as I watched him do what he could in serving the church. His unassuming nature and his consistent words of affirmation to those he met, have always been with me throughout the years.

Ministry Interests: Young adult and hospice ministry.

Best Part of the Program: The St.

Michael Young Meinrad formation program was awesome! The professors have the unique ability of not only imparting subject knowledge, but the ability of helping relate that knowledge to our future minstry as a deacon. Most inspiring was watching the Holy Spirit mold the diverse group of men and their wives into a community of disciples.

Thank you: To my wife, Donna and my entire family for standing with me these last few years; to Father Dan O'Connor, all the deacons for their constant support and guidance; Knights # 8029 for their prayers, financial support and words of encouragement, and friends at the 6:30 am Mass at OLPS.

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“It’s been very challenging at times,” said Richard Mitchell, a deacon candidate from St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, “for not just the candidates, but for the wives, our children, and other family members. But the experience has been so inspiring, and the instruction so enlightening, that it was worth every minute. We are all looking forward to becoming ordained deacons of the Catholic Church.”

An ordained permanent deacon is the third order of ordination in the Catholic Church. The highest level of ordination is that of a bishop, followed by the ordination of a priest, and then the ordination of a deacon.

A deacon receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders and may be either a permanent deacon or a transitional deacon.

A permanent deacon will remain a deacon for the rest of his life and may be married or unmarried. A transitional deacon is a man who is preparing for the priesthood.

He must be ordained a deacon, which is to last only for a time (usually six months), after which he will be ordained as a priest.

A deacon may conduct the Sacrament of Baptism, officiate at the Sacrament of Matrimony (outside of the celebration of the Eucharist), conduct funerals, fill instructional roles, and during the Mass, he has permission to read the Gospel and present homilies, which he has prepared.

"I am very proud of these 15 men who answered the call of God to this important ministry," said Father Dan. After ordination, Bishop Herzog will assign them to work in various ministries throughout the diocese.

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CHURCH TODAY

JANUARY 16, 2012

Seminarian Burses A Seminary Burse is an invested sum of money, the interest of which is used in perpetuity to help fund the education of men to the priesthood.

A Seminary Burse may be named for anyone – bishop, priest, religious, or lay person – by the original donor, and can be added to and allowed to grow. A burse is completed when it reaches $15,000.00 but another burse of the same name can be started. Contributions to any of the burses or to establish a new burse should be sent to the Chancery Office, P. O. Box 7417, Alexandria, Louisiana 71306-0417.

Very Rev. Stephen Scott Chemino Chairman Completed burses ($15,000 each) include: • Bishop Charles P. Greco • Msgr. Thomas F. Early (3 Completed) • Msgr. B. A. Scallan • Father H. Gerald Bordelon • Father Bruce Miller • Father William B. Provosty • John Gregory Simms • Miss Mary F. Early • John Dominick Driscoll • Irvin and Elma Moreau, Harrison P. Moreau, Michael N. Moreau, Deborah S. Moreau Bouchie, Emily A. Moreau, Tom and Mary Candidiotto, Ruby Moreau The following is a list of established burses and amounts of each: Bishop William Friend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.00 Bishop Lawrence P. Graves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,805.00 Bishop Charles P. Greco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 700.00 Bishop Sam G. Jacobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,000.00 Blessed Damien De Veuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175.00 Monsignor Marcel J. Anderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00 Monsignor Leon R. Aycock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,535.00 Monsignor Henry F. Beckers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7,507.50 Monsignor Milburn J. Broussard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,550.00 Monsignor Norman C. Buvens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00 Monsignor Paul E. Conway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825.00 Monsignor Allen M. Chenevert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .966.88 Monsignor Isidore Deceulaer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .160.00 Monsignor S. J. Dekeuwer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .450.00 Monsignor Gerard J. Ducote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .560.00 Monsignor Robert C. Friend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00 Monsignor Ronald C. Hoppe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .750.00 Monsignor James E. Howard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00 Monsignor Charles M. Jekeler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .325.00 Monsignor Joseph F. Kidd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,500.00 Monsignor William Kwaaitaal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .850.00 Monsignor Warren T. Larroque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .800.00 Monsignor Terrence J. Lennon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125.00 Monsignor Frederick J. Lyons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .1,500.00 Monsignor George W. Martinez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500.00 Monsignor Patrick Murphy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,904.00 Monsignor William C. O’Hanlon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .5,000.00 Monsignor Aloysius O. Olinger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .865.00 Monsignor John V. Plauche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .400.00 Monsignor F. Joseph Rateau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .520.00 Monsignor Russell J. Ritchie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .591.14 Monsignor B. A. Scallan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10,085.90 Monsignor Matthew J. Scanlon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310.00 Monsignor Joseph M. Susi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,881.00 Monsignor Steve J. Testa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,200.00 Monsignor Henry A. Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360.00 Monsignor John M. Timmermans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,070.00 Monsignor Martin J. Tyrrell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,150.00 Monsignor Henry Van der Putten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,291.89 Monsignor John C. Vandegaer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,350.00 Monsignor Nicholas F. Vandegaer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,350.00 Monsignor John J. Wakeman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00 Monsignor Julius G. Walle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,170.00 Father William G. Allison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160.00 Father Peter J. Besselaar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00 Father Michael Bodnar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00

Father Lawrence Bonin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70.00 Father H. Gerald Bordelon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8,385.00 Father Vernon Bordelon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .445.00 Father Gilles Boyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85.00 Father Scott Chemino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00 Father Jules L. Claes, C.I.C.M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,377.50 Father Wilbur G. Cloutier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,290.50 Father Daniel Corkery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .600.00 Father Anthony N. Cumella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,250.00 Father John H. Cunningham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250.00 Father Dennis A. Curren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .350.00 Father Leonard Curtis, O.P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,050.00 Father Ferreolus D’Cruz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .875.00 Father Edward Deasy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625.00 Father Blake Deshautelle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25.00 Father Rudolph J. Engelen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .550.00 Father Richard Fale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,700.00 Father James A. Ferguson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00 Father Harvey J. Fortier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .875.00 Father Joseph Alfred Fortin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200.00 Father James A. Foster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .280.00 Father John M. Gayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .870.00 Father Serafin Glasnovic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00 Father William M. Hopp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.00 Father Mark W. Horacek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00 Father Tom M. Jezak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360.00 Father Michael P. Kammer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7,941.00 Father W. John Kiley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625.00 Father Francis X. Kronemeyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00 Father George Krosfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00 Father Henri Jacquemain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00 Father Russell J. Lemoine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .425.00 Father Bernard F. Maguire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105.00 Father Robert M. Maure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.00 Father Bruce Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00 Father Adrian Molenschot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,405.00 Father Joseph Montalbano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00 Father Govie J. Moraus, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200.00 Father Peter T. Norek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .400.00 Father Dan O’Connor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,100.00 Father Thomas O’Connors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.00 Father Martin L. Plauche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50.00 Father Samuel J. Polizzi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .900.00 Father William B. Provosty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105.00 Father Yves J. Robitaille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,900.00 Father José Robles-Sanchez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250.00 Father Kenneth J. Roy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,155.00 Father Lloyd M. Samson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00 Father Paul B. Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150.00 Father August Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,240.00 Father Antonio E. Villaverde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .300.00 Father Nino G. Viviano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200.00 Father Silvan A. Waterkotte, O.F.M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160.00 Father Kenneth Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .605.00 Father Bernard L. Zagst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .725.00 Deacon Raymond J. Dunn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200.00 Deacon Charles A. Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,050.00 Seminarian Frederick Taylor Reynolds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500.00 Sister Margaret McCaffrey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00 Sister Marie Therese McGee, O.P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00 Ismael and Libby Agosto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250.00 Shirley Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,125.00 Charles P. and Florence C. Anastasio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .880.00 Mrs. Germaine Armand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .550.00 Mrs. Virgie D. Aymond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225.00 Mr. Bobby D. Basco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,940.00 Harold and Lillie Beridon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,500.00 Dr. Lamar and Jean Boese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50.00 J. V. Bonnette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00 Mrs. Carolyn Brouillette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00 Nathan Cannella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225.00 Mr. Frank V. Cariere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175.00 Mr. T. W. Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00 Angelo R. and Ena F. D’Angelo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11,000.00

Leo Dobard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00 Mr. and Mrs. Philip Flynn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00 Mrs. Anne Barry Gallagher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,025.00 Anthony and Mary Glorioso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00 Toby Guedry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,000.00 Gail T. Gutierrez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00 Mr. William J. Hamlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .500.00 Madeline Jeansonne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00 Gerry and Connie Leglue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100.00 Huey and Neen Lemoine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150.00 Judge Alfred And Mary Jo Mansour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,050.00 Huey and Ethel Mathews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,000.00 Daryl “Pat” Mauterer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50.00 Mr. Gerald Moreau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215.00 Mrs. Helen Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10,000.00 Miss Marge Murrin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .315.00 Alcide A. Nassif . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .522.29 Mr. Maurice Noel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .295.00 N. J. and Hannah Nolan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10,000.00 Mr. W. D. O’Neal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8,159.00 David Stafford “Brother” O’Shee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7,544.66 Albert and Elsie Poche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .900.00 Mr. Luis R. Robles-Cortes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125.00 Mrs. Josephine G. Serio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275.00 John Gregory Simms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,275.00 Joseph T. Simms, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8,475.00 Gus Voltz, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4,020.00 Larry Lee Wiltse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,825.00 Deceased Members of Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Regina Pacis #1372, Natchitoches . . . . . . . . . 775.00 In Honor of Providence Central High School Class of 1959 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .950.00 Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400,043.26 Donations in December Ms. Glenda Coleman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10.00

Providence Central High School Class of 1959 Burse Mr. & Mrs. Marion McClaran. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10.00

Providence Central High School Class of 1959 Burse Rodrick Broussard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00

Msgr. Milburn Broussard Burse Providence Central High School Class of 1959. . . . . . . . . . . .$70.00

Providence Central High School Class of 1959 Burse Belgian-American Club of Louisiana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$80.00

Msgr. Henry Beckers Burse Belgian-American Club of Louisiana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$80.00

Fr. Jules Claes Burse Mrs. Joseph T. Simms, Jr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00

Joseph M. Susi Burse Dr. Joseph Landreneau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00

Msgr. Henry Beckers Burse CDA Court Bishop Greco #2097. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00

Father Kenneth J. Roy Burse Mrs. Jo Ann Credeur (in memory of Van Provosty). . . . . . . . . .$100.00

Father William B. Provosty Burse Mr & Mrs. Leonard E. Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00

(In memory of Francis & Mary Vanlangendonck)

Msgr. Joseph Susi Burse Mr. & Mrs. Robert O. Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$200.00

Father Daniel Corkery Burse Mr. Ludlow McNeely. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$250.00

Father John Cunningham Burse Mr & Mrs. Maurice F. Carr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00

Seminarian Taylor Reynolds Burse Mr & Mrs. L.G. Deloach (In memory of Willis B. Ryland). . . . . . $650.00

Father Dan O'Connor Burse Mrs. Joseph T. Simms, Jr. & Family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000.00

Joseph T. Simms, Jr. Burse Ms. Geraldine B. Deptula. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000.00

Father Bruce Miller Burse Floyd Morgan & Family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000.00

Mrs. Helen Morgan Burse Total this month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5,300.00

JANUARY 16, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 9

Vatican issues recommendations for celebrating 'Year of Faith'

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In an effort to help Catholics have a better and correct understanding of their faith and become authentic witnesses to Christ, the Vatican issued a list of pastoral recommendations for celebrating the upcoming Year of Faith.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith released a "note" Jan. 7 outlining the aims of the special year and ways bishops, dioceses, parishes and communities can promote "the truth of the faith," the congregation said.

It also announced that within the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, a secretariat would be set up to suggest and coordinate different initiatives. The new department will be responsible for launching a special website for sharing useful information on the Year of Faith.

Pope Benedict XVI wanted the Year of Faith, which runs

Year of Faith

Pastoral Recommendations for celebrating the

October. 11, 2012 - November. 24, 2013 • ensure quality catechetical materials that conform to church teaching • promote Catholic principles • promote significance of Vatican II in the mass media • host events that bring artists, academics and others together to renew dialogue between faith and reason • offer penitential celebrations • put a focus on liturgy, especially the Eucharist from Oct. 11, 2012, to Nov. 24, 2013, to help the church focus its attention on "Jesus Christ and the beauty of having faith in him," it said.

"The church is well aware of the problems facing the faith" and recognizes that without a

revitalization of faith rooted in a personal encounter with Jesus, "then all other reforms will remain ineffective," it said citing the pope's Dec. 22 address to the Roman Curia.

The year is meant to "contribute to a renewed conversion to the Lord Jesus and

to the rediscovery of faith, so that the members of the church will be credible and joy-filled witnesses to the risen Lord, capable of leading those many people who are seeking it to the door of faith," the note said.

Critical to renewing one's faith and being a credible witness is having a firm and correct understanding of church teaching, it said.

Because the year's start, Oct. 11, coincides with the anniversaries of the opening of the Second Vatican Council in 1962 and the promulgation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 1992, it would be an auspicious occasion to make the work of the council and the catechism "more widely and deeply known."

The catechism "is an integral part of that 'renewal in continuity'" by embracing the old and traditional while expressing it "in a new way, in order to respond to the questions of our times," it said. The note offers pastoral recommendations aimed at aiding "both the encounter with Christ through authentic witnesses

to faith, and the ever-greater understanding of its contents," it said.

Among the initiatives will be various ecumenical events at the Vatican aimed at restoring unity among all Christians, including "a solemn ecumenical celebration in which all of the baptized will reaffirm their faith in Christ," it said. There will be special Masses at the Vatican to mark the opening and closing of the Year of Faith, it added.

Some recommendations for bishops, dioceses and parishes include ensuring there be better quality catechetical materials that conform to church teaching; promoting Catholic principles and the significance of Vatican II in the mass media; hosting events that bring artists, academics and others together to renew dialogue between faith and reason; offering penitential celebrations; and putting a focus on liturgy, especially the Eucharist, it said.

It also called for Vatican II documents, the catechism and its Compendium to be republished in more affordable editions and to distribute the texts digitally and via other "modern technologies."

The congregation said it wanted to promote the recommendations because the office's "specific functions include not only safeguarding sound doctrine and correcting errors but also, and foremost, promoting the truth of the faith."

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PAGE 10

CHURCH TODAY

JANUARY 16, 2012

THE MOST REVEREND SHELTON J. FABRE, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, addresses a large crowd of St. James Catholic Church parishioners, who recently celebrated their 100th anniversary as a parish. The Centennial Mass, which preceded the banquet, was celebrated by Bishop Ronald Herzog, Bishop Fabre, and Fathers Remi Owuamanam, Clifton Hill, August Thompson, and Bruce Miller.

St. James Church celebrates anniversary with Centennial Mass

By Leonard Ford, Jr. St. James parishioner The final day of St. James Memorial Catholic Church’s four-day 100th anniversary celebration culminated with a Centennial Mass Oct. 23 that began at noon. Leading the procession into the church before Mass were the Knights of Peter Claver, Daniel F. Desmond Court 91; and the Ladies Auxiliary Court #91.

The Centennial Mass, which

Ecumenical Office to host Christian Unity lunch Jan. 18 Christian clergy from Alexandria and surrounding community churches have been invited to attend a special ecumenical luncheon Jan. 18 hosted by the Diocese of Alexandria.

"The annual week of prayer calls to mind the supreme unity prayed for by Christ. Each year, Christian denominations remember and celebrate the tenets they hold in common through their belief in Jesus Christ and His Gospel," said Rev. Scott Chemino, Vicar General and Ecumenical Director for the Diocese of Alexandria.

Bishop Ronald Herzog will present a copy of the new Third Edition of the Roman Missal to representatives of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana during the luncheon.

More than 20 ministers from various denominations will attend.

was attended by more than 450 people, was celebrated by the Most Rev. Ronald Herzog, bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria; the Most Rev. Shelton J. Fabre, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans; Rev. Remigius Owuamanam, SMMM, pastor of St. James Church; Rev. J. Clifton Hill, representative of the Holy Ghost Fathers; Rev. August Thompson, and Rev. Bruce Miller.

After the Mass, the 100th an-

niversary celebration continued with a short program and banquet held at the Alexandria Convention Hall in downtown Alexandria with Monique Y. Metoyer as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

The program included musical selections from the Shabach Community Choir of Houston, Texas; acknowledgements of proclamations and congratulatory letters from Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy, Alexandria City Council President Roosevelt

Johnson, District 3 Councilman Jonathon Goins, and other proclamations read by Ms. Metoyer.

After some inspiring words from guest speaker Bishop Shelton Fabre, the senior members of St. James Church, ages 90 and above, were recognized for their years of membership. The senior members of the church are Mary Rachal, Mary Branch, Thelma Elie, Carl Lacour, Bertha LeGras, Allen Jacobs, Lucille Dorsey, Dora Mae James, and Gladys

Robbins. The program ended with closing remarks from Father Remi.

“On behalf of the 100th Anniversary Committee, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all who helped and assisted with the planning and execution of what was the most beautiful affair that St. James Memorial Catholic Church has ever seen,” said Father Remi. “Thank you all for being a part of it.”

JANUARY 16, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 11

National Shrine of OLPS in N.O. prepares for bicentennial

By George Gurtner NEW ORLEANS -In a city of monuments like New Orleans, you’ve got to be something special to have the designation of “national” placed before your name. Such is the case of the “National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.”

What makes this shrine, located on the uptown campus of Ursuline Academy on State Street, so special is that Mass has been celebrated each January 8, the feast day of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, for the past 197 years by the Archbishop of New Orleans.

The yearly Mass is the fulfillment of a promise made by the Ursuline nuns as General Andrew Jackson and a small army of 1,000 men, supplemented by a ragtag band of about 3,000 pirates led by the infamous Jean Lafitte, along with various and sundry other citizens of New Orleans, took on 8,000 crack British troops in the swamps of Chalmette some seven miles downriver from the city.

On a cold, misty January morning in 1815, Jackson’s commandos engaged in what was called the “key battle of the War of 1812.” Never mind that the Treaty of Ghent, supposedly ending hostilities, was signed two weeks earlier. Word was slow in getting to General Jackson and his lieutenants in the field.

THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR IN NEW ORLEANS will celebrate is Bicentennial in 2015. This was the site of where Jackson's commandos engaged in what was called the 'key battle of the the War of 1812."

Still, by all odds, Jackson and his men didn’t stand a chance against the polished, hardened British troops who were led by General Edward Packenham, one of Britain’s top military commanders. The British marched smartly through the swamps just south of the city in

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their bright red uniforms heading for what they figured would be a ‘quick dust up’ before moving into and capturing the city of New Orleans itself.

In the face of those seemingly insurmountable odds, the Ursuline sisters began a night of prayer at their convent in the

French Quarter asking “Our Lady of Prompt Succor” for victory for General Jackson and his men. The full night of prayer ended with Mass at sunrise and a promise made to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady or Prompt Succor each year in Thanksgiving.

During the Mass, a runner came from the battlefields at Chalmette and burst into the ceremony to thank the sisters for their prayers and to announce that General Jackson’s forces had thoroughly vanquished the British and New Orleans had been saved.

Jackson, of course, became President of the United States.

After he left office, “Old Hickory,” as Jackson was known because of his toughness, visited the quiet convent of the Ursuline sisters to thank them in person for their prayers for what he called a “miracle victory” on the Chalmette battlefield.

“As a native of New Orleans, this story, this miracle, is especially poignant to me,” says Sister Carla Dolce, O.S.U. Prioress of the Ursuline Sisters of New Orleans. “I can’t begin to count the number of people who have sent petitions to Our Lady of Prompt Succor over the years asking for her intercession in sickness and in financial distress and family matters. The stories are heartbreaking, but the faith they show is heartwarming. It all goes back to that battle so long ago, and to General Jackson and

F.Y. I. Feast of Our Lady of Prompt Succor

January 8 2 OLPS Churches in Diocese of Alexandria: OL of Prompt Succor

Alexandria 1947 OL of Prompt Succor

Mansura 1937 his brave, determined men. The enemy put its faith in weapons.

General Jackson and those men under his command put their faith in God and in His mother.”

The shrine where so many thousands of men, women and children come from all over the world each year to place petitions and to pray will be the site of a major celebration in 2015 – The Bicentennial of the Battle of New Orleans.

“It will be a great celebration,” said Sister Carla.

The Shrine is currently conducting a $2 million campaign to raise funds for the restoration of the national and state treasure.

"This shrine represents more than just memories of a battle foughts," said Sister Carla. "This shrine is a national treasure. A landmark of faith of the people of New Orleans. So many, many troubled and hurting people come to the Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor filled with faith.

They leave with hope. ” Tours of the Shrine may be arranged by calling (504) 9759627. Mass is celebrated each weekday at 5 p.m. Saturday Mass is at 11:30 a.m. and Sunday Mass is at 9:30 a.m.

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CHURCH TODAY

JANUARY 16, 2012

ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH Isle Brevelle. The children at St. Augustine Church performed a Nativity Play recently for their families and friends. (Top four pictures on this page by Thomas Meredith)

ST. PETER MISSION, - Elmer. St. Peter Mission in Elmer held its annual Children's Christmas Program Dec. 18. Students from the Religious Education program delivered baskets of non-perishable food items to needy families and showed their spirit of the Christmas Season by visiting and singing Christmas carols to shut-ins.

OL of PROMPT SUCCOR SCHOOL - Alexandria. Students in Mrs. Donna Barbe's PreK-3 class were one of the classes that participated in the school's Christmas Program on Dec. 20.

JANUARY 16, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 13

ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL -Bunkie presented its annual Advent program titled "Aloha Christmas." Pictured in front of the Nativity scene are (back row)

ST. MARY'S ASSUMPTION Cottonport. The Beta Club at St. Mary's Assumption School in Cottonport collected more than 500 cans of food during their recent Canned Food Drive.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL Moreauville held a Madrigal Medieval Theatre Dinner Dec. 2-3, with more than 175 guests in attendance. The cast and crew would like to thank the La Triumph Committee for sponsoring the event, the faculty and staff for their support, and John Ed Laborde for his assistance with the meal. The show was directed by Karen Moreau.

ST. FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL - Alexandria. The students at St. Frances Cabrini School in Alexandria were very busy in December. On the 6th Night of Christmas, the students decorated a Christmas tree and St. Anthony School's tree won the contest. The students also donated their time by working at the Food Bank's Sorting Day and by ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. In addition, the Kindergarten class performed a Nativity play.

ST. GENEVIEVE, Brouilliette CHRISTMAS PROGRAM. (at left on left-hand page). St. Genevieve's Catholic Church celebrated their Christmas Eve Vigil Mass with a "Christmas Caroling Musical" performed by the youth under the direction of CindyLee Dupuy, youth coordinator. Participants included

, choir of angels.

Also pictured are CindyLee Dupuy and Judy Decuir, CCD instructor.

ST. NICHOLAS DAY AT ST. RITA. St. Nicholas Day was celebrated Dec. 3 at St. Rita Church in Alexandria. The children enjoyed games, songs and a visit from St. Nicholas.

Fr. Adam Travis read the story of St. Nicholas to the children, then took pictures with the children. The children left their shoes under the Christmas Tree during the program and found them full of gold coins when they were ready to leave.

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CHURCH TODAY

JANUARY 16, 2012

Fr. Partain's art to be on display at Les Peintres des Avoyelles

FATHER PARTAIN'S UNFINISHED PAINTING. Father Chad Partain, pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Mansura and chancellor for the diocese, examines an unfinished painting of the Kent House. Some of Father Partain's paintings will be on exhibit at the Avoyelles Artist Show in Marksville.

Some of Father Chad Partain's paintings will be on exhibit at the second annual Avoyelles Artist Show, “Les Peintres des Avoyelles.

The art show, which opened Jan. 13 at the Kilpatrick’s RoseNeath Community Room in Marksville, will run through February 3, 2012.

This splendid show highlights the very talented artists who make Avoyelles their homes.

Seventeen artists will be featured in this year’s show, including Father Partain, pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Mansura.

Father Chad, who is an historian, as well as an artist, assists in supporting this show, not only with ecclesiastical guidance, prayer, and understanding advice, but with his own exhibit, featuring works he has done.

Other artists who will participate include Charlene Beauclair, Season Bivens, Dolora

Dauzat, Gaye Dupuy, Shelver Eddy, Lydia Gauthier, Julie L. Jacob, Peggy Laborde, Buddy Lemoine, Ronald Lemoine, Lee Melancon, Father Chad Partain, Robert Po, Robert Scallan, Bettie Bordelon, Michael Augusta, Lisa Lemoine Canaday, and Janet Kimble.

The range of works includes media from oil, water, acrylics, and photography, to pen and ink, and chalks. Subjects range from old homesteads and cabins, to historic buildings, animals, wildlife, landscapes, photography, interesting persons and places, and flowers.

The exhibit is open for viewing Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m, and on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. The exhibit is located at Kilpatrick's Rose-Neath Cmmunity Room, 334 Acton Road, in Marksville.

The art for viewing is free of admission, and some of the works

may be for sale by the artist.

Each artist has the right to sell as desired, with proceeds going to the artist.

The Exhibit and Show is sponsored by the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism and the Art Council of Avoyelles, and Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath, "We cherish the contributions of each of our artists, who are willing to share the joy of their work with the public," said Dorothy Pugh, exhibit coordinator. "We hope to see you there."

For more information on Avoyelles Parish contact us at the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism. Write to us at 8592 Highway 1, Suite 3, Mansura LA. 71350. Call Mary, Joanna, Jackie, Marie or Wilbert Carmouche, Tourism Director, at 1-800-8334195, or call us locally at (318) 253-0585; or visit us at www. travelavoyelles.com. Or e-mail us at tourism@kricket.net.

Fr. Partain releases new book on history of Rapides Parish Father Chad Partin, chancellor and archivist for the Diocese of Alexandria, has released his 7th book on local history, titled The Heart of Louisiana: An Illustrated History of Rapides Parish.

Father Partain began researching and writing the book a year and half ago, after he was commissioned by the Historical Association of Central Louisiana.

The 100-page hard bound book, covers the history of

Rapides Parish from 1700 to 2007. It includes many historically-significant events in the parish including the burning of Alexandria in 1864, during the Civil War. More than 200 historic photos are included in the book.

The book is available for $25.00 through the law offices of Charrier & Charrier, 1937 Jackson Street, in Alexandria.

To reserve a copy, call 318-4483952 or drop by the law office to pick it up.

Father Chad recently wrote a complete biography of Bishop Auguste Martin, (the first bishop of Natchitoches) titled A Tool Pushed by Providence: Bishop Auguste Marie Martin and the Catholic Church in North Louisiana in 2010.

He also wrote in 2010, A Century of Faith, Hope, and Love: A History of the Diocese of Alexandria to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Diocese of Alexandria, as well as histories of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral,

Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, St. Paul the Apostle Church in the Avoyelles, and a

children's book on the history of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral

JANUARY 16, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 15

January is Pro-Life Month Bus to LA Life March

Pro-Lifers head to BR Jan. 21 for 2nd Louisiana Life March The 2nd annual Louisiana Life March in Baton Rouge, set for Jan. 21, 2012 from 10 a.m. 12 noon, is expected to be twice as large as it was last year.

Last year's Life March drew approximately 3,000 people from all around the state. But it was the first year it was organized and even more are expected this year.

The Louisiana Life March is an attempt to "gather the people to build a culture of life," according to Benjamin Clapper, executive director of the Louisiana Right to Life Federation and organizer of the march.

Other sponsors include the La. Family Forum, the La.Baptist Convention, the La. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Concerned

Women for America, and the Knights of Columbus.

The March will gather on the steps of the Old State Capitol and proceed up 4th Street to the current State Capitol.

In addition to the Louisiana Life March on Jan. 21, the National Life March will be held in Washington, D.C., where prolifers from around the country will gather and stand up for the 51 million babies who have died since Roe v Wade.

Roe v Wade is the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case in 1973 that made abortions legal in the U.S. Every year since that time, pro-lifers have gathered in Washington D.C. to show their support for life.

Rapides Right to Life is taking a Spangler Tour Bus to Baton Rouge for the Louisiana March for Life on Saturday, Jan. 21. The bus will leave St. Francis Xavier Cathedral at 7 a.m. and return no earlier than 4 p.m.

Tickets to ride the bus are $25 per person and does NOT include breakfast, lunch, snacks, or drinks.

To reserve a seat, call Donna at 445-6868, asap.

Cans for Life Rapides Right to Life is collecting aluminum cans as a "Cans for Life" project to help support pro-life activities in the area. Call Donna at 445-6868 to have cans picked up or go to www.rapidesrighttolife.com for more information about the organization.

Pro-Life Banquet The second annual Bishop's Pro-Life Banquet will be held Saturday, Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at East Ridge Country Club in TUNKS/CT Steak (3.875 x 5) Shreveport.

Proceeds from the

2011 LOUISIANA LIFE MARCH IN BATON ROUGE. An estimated crowd of 5,000 men, women, children, and teens, participated in last year's Life March held in Baton Rouge. This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 21.

A chartered bus, sponsored by the Rapides Right to Life, will bring interested persons to the event for only $25 per person. For more information, call Donna at 445-6868. banquet will support diocesan pro-life activities for the coming year.

Father Shenan Boquet, president of Human Life International, the largest pro-life organization in the world, will 6/30/03 3:33 PM Page 1 be the keynote speaker. Father

Boquet, originally from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, has given hundreds of talks on issues ranging from the dignity of the human person, to the nature of marriage, social justice, and moral theology.

To reserve seats, you must register and pay no later than Friday, Jan. 27. To register, contact Roxie Tabor at roxietabor@bellsouth.net or 318773-1027.

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PAGE 16

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK - JAN. 29 - FEB 4

Will tuition vouchers, tax credit programs improve Catholic school affordability?

By Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) -When educational leaders look at ways to make Catholic schools more affordable, they are happy about some of the positive steps that have been made but fully aware that there is still a lot to do.

During a recent conference at The Catholic University of America, a group of panelists focused particularly on the status of tuition tax credits and how they have enabled students who would normally not be able to afford Catholic schools to attend them.

Currently, there are 11 school voucher programs in the United States and nine scholarship taxcredit programs. Some states have more than one program.

The school voucher programs in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Utah and the District of Columbia offer private school vouchers to low-income students, students with special needs or children in failing schools.

The scholarship taxcredit programs in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island also are primarily for students from low-income families or those with special needs.

Tuition vouchers are funds awarded by a government agency to a low-income family to spend at any school of their choice. Tuition tax credits generate scholarships for Catholic schools by allowing individuals and businesses to deduct a portion of their income taxes to donate to education.

These donations can go to public or private schools. Donations to public schools typically help pay

JANUARY 16, 2012

F.Y. I.

National Tuition and Costs

• Tuition fees paid by families constitute a portion of the actual per pupil expenses. The average per pupil tuition in elementary schools is $3,383 which is approximately 62.2 % of actual costs per pupil of $5,436. About 93% of elementary schools provide some form of tuition assistance.

•

The secondary mean freshman tuition is $8,787 which is approximately 81.3% of actual costs per pupil of $10,808. About 97% of secondary schools provide some form of tuition assistance.

• The difference between the per pupil cost and the tuition charged is obtained in many ways, primarily through direct subsidy from parish, diocesan or religious congregation resources and from multi-faceted development programs and fund-raising activities.

National Average Tuition and Per Pupil Costs Elementary Mean parish school tuition:

$3,383.

Per pupil cost: $5,436.

Secondary Mean freshman tuition:

$8,787

Per pupil cost: $10,808.

•

The average public school per pupil cost of $10,297, as reported by the National Center for Education statistics, includes both elementary and secondary schools. (On average, secondary school costs are higher than elementary, but are not reported separately.)

• Based on the public schools cost, Catholic schools provide a 21.3 billion dollars a year savings for the nation.

Source: National Catholic Education Association, 2010-2011

for after-school programs, school trips or supplies.

To keep these programs going and see similar legislation passed, they said, Catholic leaders need to garner a lot more support for tuition tax credits from leaders of both parties, the general public and even the wider Catholic community.

In a question-and-answer session, Michael Guerra, former

National Catholic Educational Association president, asked: "Why do we want tax credits? Is it just to keep Catholic schools alive?"

In response to his own question, he said that approach "won't fly" and the real reason to make Catholic schools an option for more students is "because they're good for families and kids."

Similarly, Frank Butler, president of Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities, or FADICA, said: "We have to do a better job of making our case that we contribute to the common good through our schools."

Butler asked what's holding Catholics back from "a more robust and unified effort to enlist the public's support for

State of Louisiana

Catholic School Tuition Voucher Program Jan. 3, 2012 -- Gov. Bobby Jindal, in his education reform plan, is considering an unprecedented, statewide expansion of private school vouchers and steps to more closely link teachers' job security with performance.

Although these plans could change, officials say the governor will likely push for a voucher program that would allow low-income parents to opt out of public schools and use the public funding set aside for their child to pay for tuition at a private or parochial school. It's a proposal that would have few parallels in other states and likely mean intense competition and financial pressure for some school districts. more choice in education" and speculated that Catholics tend to think locally and look to their parish and diocese for initiative on schools. He also said there has not been a lot of national leadership on this topic and "in many ways we have ceded the issue of tax credits to libertarian and conservative think tanks."

He also said there has been a "hospice mentality" when it comes to Catholic schools as a result of recent closings and wondered if people lacked "confidence in the long-term survival of schools" coupled with a "passive disposition among Catholic laity when it comes to taking responsibility for the church's mission."

Bishop Ronald P. Herzog and the Faculty, Parents, and Students of

Holy Savior Menard Central High School

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JANUARY 16, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 17

The boys cross country team placed 7th in the State Champion Meet held at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.

HOLY SAVIOR MENARD WINS SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD. Menard principal Joel Deselle (left) and head football coach Freddie Hallman accepted the Billly Jack Booth Memorial Sportmanship Award Dec. 4 at the Louisiana Football Officials Association banquet on behalf of the Menard football team for ‘outstanding contribution to the promotion of sportsmanship. The award is presented annually to the football team and its coach who, in the opinion of the football officials, exhibit the most respectful, disciplined behavior throughout the season.

ST. MARY’S (Natchitoches) CHEERLEADERS PERFORM IN LONDON PARADE. Two varsity cheerleaders from St. Mary’s School in Natchitoches spent part of their Christmas holiday in London, England. They joined more than 500 high school cheerleaders and dancers from across the U.S. to perform in the world famous London New Year’s Day Parade. are two of seven cheerleaders from St. Mary’s who qualified for the trip after being selected as an All American cheerleader at the Universal Cheerleading Association summer cheer camp at Northwestern State University. Varsity has been hosting camps since 1974. Only the top 12 percent of the cheerleaders who attend Varsity summer camps earn the chance to march in the holiday spectacular. After the parade, the All Americans had the chance to tour London during their seven-day trip.

WINS HEISMAN. , a senior at St. Mary's School in Natchitoches, was recently awarded the Wendy's High School Heisman, an award created to recognize the nation's most esteemed high-school-senior men and women for excellence in academics, athletics, and community involvement. is a three-year member of the football team, a four -year member of the baseball team.

He was selected for All District football his junior and senior years and last year he was selected as All District Utility in baseball. has maintained a 3.0 GPA throughout high school and is a member of FBLA and FCA and has served as the class treasurer all four years. is a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church. This past summer he attended Boys State at Northwestern State University. Upon graduation he plans to attend NSU and pursue a degree in nursing.

STATE CHAMPIONS! Congratulations to Coach Wally Smith and the Holy Savior Menard Girls Cross Country team who captured the LHSAA 2A State Championship title in November. The win was the school's seventh girls state championship title and the first in 11 years.

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PAGE 18

CHURCH TODAY

JANUARY 16, 2012

Catholic woman goes undercover for CBS reality series

By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) -Dina Dwyer-Owens, CEO of the Dwyer Group, a collection of home service franchises, donned a wig, pearls and blue jeans to check in on her employees for an upcoming episode of the CBS reality series "Undercover Boss."

And, by and large, she liked what she saw.

"To see how much our employees and our franchisees care is really awesome," Dwyer-Owens said in a Dec. 15 telephone interview with Catholic News Service from Dwyer Group headquarters in Waco, Texas.

"Being out there in the van with the service professionals and the franchisees for a day or half a day really doing the work that they do, I have a whole new appreciation and respect for these professionals," she said. "I look at myself and think, 'I wonder what their day's going to be like today.'

Their work is hard. It's hard work.

It was hot when I was out there with them, and they were doing it every day."

When the "Undercover Boss" production team met with Dwyer-Owens before arranging her visits, they asked her what she did in a typical day. One part of her answer was making pancakes for breakfast. Another part was going to Mass.

"My goal is to go to Mass three to four times a week.

During the seasons of Advent and Lent, I try to go five days a week," Dwyer-Owens told CNS. "It just keeps me grounded in doing the right things instead of

UNDERCOVER BOSS. Dina Dwyer-Owens, CEO of the Dwyer Group, a collection of home service franchises, donned a wig, pearls and blue jeans to check in on her employees for an upcoming episode of the CBS reality series "Undercover Boss." (CNS photo/courtesy CBS) all the other stuff that creeps into your life."

Her "Undercover Boss" segment shows her at a morning Mass at St. Louis Church in Waco and chatting with the parish pastor, Father John Guzaldo.

Waco is in the Diocese of Austin.

There's a closing segment showing her praying alone inside St. Louis. "I'm not very good on meditating on Bible Scriptures and being focused. I find things I need to do around the home (instead)," she said. "I need to be in a place that quiets me."

Dwyer-Owens said the routine of near-daily Mass came early in her tenure as CEO after she succeeded her father, who founded the company 30 years ago. The Dwyer Group had bought a company that was bigger than the original Dwyer business, and with the purchase

came a seemingly endless string of things to do.

"I found I was getting very caught up in the activities on the to-do list," she said. "I was finding that I was letting negativity seep into my day. I was getting bogged down by the to-do's instead of the to-be's. I found that going to Mass was the best way to keep me grounded and focused on what I needed to do in life."

Even the undercover name she chose, Faith Brown, has its roots in, well, her faith.

"Everything became faith. I drove by a church and the billboard said, 'Is faith important?' I said to myself, 'You better believe it!'" Later on, as she was driving past the campus of Baylor University in Waco, she saw a banner that read, "Baylor University. Encouraging Baylor, Encouraging Faith." "It's a sign

-- a sign to me," she said.

Even when reading The Catholic Spirit, Austin's diocesan newspaper, she noticed that Pope Benedict XVI "announced that this is going to be the Year of Faith," she said, adding that her supervisor, Wayne, while she was undercover working for Mr. Rooter, would sing a George Michael oldie: "You gotta have faith, faith, faith."

CBS asked CNS to not disclose the "reveals" -- what happens when Dwyer-Owens, sans disguise, reintroduces herself to the people she worked with while undercover. "That was so much fun. I tend to have too big of a heart sometimes. It's nice to have heart," she said.

This episode of "Undercover Boss" is scheduled to air Sunday, Jan. 22, 9 - 10 p.m. Central.

CHURCH TODAY

JANUARY 16, 2012

PAGE 19

Winnsboro Confirmation group tours Rome, Assisi with seminarian Taylor Reynolds and Fr. Luke Melcher

By Taylor Reynolds Alexandria Seminarian Most students in the diocese spent Thanksgiving watching football games or the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on TV, eating turkey and rice dressing, or waking up early for Black Friday.

But for me and a group of Confirmation candidates from Winnsboro, Thanksgiving was spent visiting St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, exploring catacombs, cramming into subways, and visiting the Colosseum, where early Christians were martyred.

Eleven students from St. Mary's Church in Winnsboro, made the November pilgrimmage to Rome and Assisi, with their teacher, Mrs. Carmen Sims, and 16 other pilgrims. Once in Rome, the group met up with Alexandria seminarian Taylor Reynolds, who is currently studying at the N.A. Pontifical College in Rome, and with Father Luke Melcher, who is also studying in Rome.

Upon arriving in Rome, the 27 jet-lagged southerners, were immediately taken to Assisi, the home of Sts. Francis and Claire.

Assisi is a very small and quiet town but with a big history: the knight who gave away his whole life for the sake of the gospel. It was seeing the blessings of God that enabled so gentle a man to sing of the praises of God in his

WINNSBORO CONFIRMATION STUDENTS pose with Alexandria seminarian Taylor Reynolds at a tourist site in Rome. Eleven students, their Confirmation teacher, and 16 pilgrims, made the pilgrimmage to Rome and Assisi during the Thanksgiving holidays. Fr. Luke Melcher and Taylor both met up with the group in Rome during their trip.

“Canticle of the Sun” and his prayer to be an instrument in God's hand.

With very special Masses in the “Chapel of St. Catherine” at the Basilica of St. Francis and inside the Porziuncola the 13th century chapel where St. Francis founded his order; the Confirmandi were indeed very

“fortunato” as the Italian nun reminded them, to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist in these very holy places!

They then went on to Lanciano, a town that has one of the most famous Eucharistic miracles: a host that turned into the flesh of a human heart and bled 5 clots of blood that, still to

CONFIRMATION STUDENTS who participated in the trip are .

this day, are documented to be as fresh as the blood in a living human. The great love of Jesus shown in the Eucharist is itself a sign and act of thanksgiving. The word Eucharist means to give thanks, and what greater way than through Jesus himself.

After leaving the church of St. Francis and the Eucharistic Miracle the bus driver took the students on a short detour to the Adriatic Sea to take pictures and view the beautiful shoreline before heading into Rome.

Wednesday was their first full day in Rome! They were blessed with not only being at the audience with the Holy Father, but also receiving a personal greeting from him! Their breath was then taken away, not only by a lot of walking and hundreds of stairs, but also by the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

I was able to go and meet up with them at St. Peter's and bring them over to my home in Rome, the Pontifical North American College on the Janiculum hill.

After taking them to our roof to see the best view of Rome, we had a little time to throw the

football around on our field and have Mass and Vespers with the seminary community. For me, this was a blessing to be able to reconnect with people back home and let them into the daily life of a seminarian.

On Thanksgiving Day, I woke up at 5:30 a.m. to run the 2nd annual Turkey Trot, a 5K that goes around Vatican City. Not many people can say their ran a 5K around a country!

As the pilgrims prepared for their tour of the necropolis under St. Peter’s Basilica and a visit with St. Peter’s bones, my community gathered with bishops from New York for Mass and a thanksgiving meal complete with turkey, pumpkin pie and . . . pasta.

Later that evening, the Confirmation group met Father Luke Melcher for a non traditional Thanksgiving meal along with great fellowship and laughs as well as their first lesson in riding a city bus in Rome!

As I resumed school on Friday morning (Italians don't celebrate Thanksgiving), the pilgrims toured the sites of Rome: the Colosseum, the Basilicas of John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major, as well as the church of St. Peter in Chains, the Holy Steps and finally Mass at St. Callisto Catacombs.

I met up with them at the Pantheon and took them to say some prayers at St. Eustacio's church, the patron saint of hunters and St. Louis King of France, the patron of Louisiana. I don't think it’s a coincidence that the patron saint of hunters is right next to the patron saint of Louisiana!

Next, we took a stroll through Piazza Navona to see the Christmas market and then had a parting meal.

I felt very blessed and thankful, being so far away from home, but yet being able to be with people from home.

As for the group of pilgrims, I believe they were able to put into perspective how the first pilgrims to America felt and why they felt it so compelling to give thanks for a safe journey and seeing the blessing for God in a new land.

CHURCH TODAY

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JANUARY 16, 2012

Cardinal Wuerl urges Catholics in his new book to seek God's kingdom, reflect it in everyday lives

By Mark Zimmermann Catholic News Service (CNS) -- In his new book, "Seek First the Kingdom," Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl calls on Catholics to seek God's kingdom and then reflect it in their everyday lives.

When Catholics deepen their own faith, their hearts are transformed, and when they share it with others, they can change their community, their nation and their world, the cardinal wrote in his book, which is subtitled "Challenging the Culture by Living Our Faith."

"To be in the kingdom is to be with Christ always, and to be for Christ always, in season and out of season, in private and in public, on the job and on our days off," he wrote in the book, which was published in November by Our Sunday Visitor.

At a time when many people only know kingdoms from history, fairy tales and royal weddings, Cardinal Wuerl points

out how God's kingdom "forms the heart of the Gospel," and as Pope Benedict XVI has noted, the phrase "the kingdom of God" appears 122 times in the New Testament, including in 90 quotes from Jesus in the Gospels.

Cardinal Wuerl's new book emphasizes the importance of Catholics taking up Pope Benedict's call for the new evangelization, to learn their faith, to live it and share it with others, especially family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers who may have drifted away from the faith or never heard the good news of Jesus. The book also encourages Catholics to reflect their faith at home, in the workplace, in their community and in the public square.

"You could make a very strong case that 'Seek First the Kingdom' is a response to the question, 'How do we do the new evangelization?'" the cardinal said in an interview with the Catholic Standard, Washington archdiocesan newspaper.

Creator and host Fr. Robert Barron illuminates what Catholics believe and why, while immersing you in the art, architecture, literature, music, and all the riches of the Catholic tradition.

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Don't Miss This Incredible 10-part Video Series Thursdays -- January 12 - March 15 5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Center Hwy 28 West • Alexandria

In his book, Cardinal Wuerl noted that, in the face of the world's secularism, materialism and individualism that distract people from Christ and from true happiness, Pope Benedict has called on Catholics to be engaged in the work of the new evangelization, "to re-propose the perennial truth of Christ's Gospel."

Last year, Cardinal Wuerl wrote "Disciples of the Lord: Sharing the Vision," a pastoral

letter on the new evangelization, for Catholics in his archdiocese.

He has said that effort to encourage Catholics to be disciples of Jesus and witness to Christ's love and life in today's world would be the center of his pastoral ministry as a bishop.

Pope Benedict recently named Cardinal Wuerl as the relator, or recording secretary, of the 2012 Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization, which will be in Rome next fall.

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM: Challenging the Culture by Living Our Faith. Cardinal Donald Wuerl urges Catholics not to disconnect their faith from the world and society. (CNS)

JANUARY 16, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

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We Bought a Zoo puts twist on 'caretaking in the wake of loss'

By John P. McCarthy Catholic News Service

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Of the various endangered species populating "We Bought a Zoo" (Fox), a man hoping for sufficient time to grieve his wife's death is arguably the most threatened.

Based on the real-life experiences of British writer Benjamin Mee, this amiable and ambling holiday feature puts a Capraesque twist on the notion of caretaking in the wake of loss, and has some star wattage to boost its commercial prospects.

If only it didn't endorse society's expectation that "getting over" the death of a loved one must happen within a prescribed time period.

Matt Damon stars as Mee, a Los Angeles newspaper columnist struggling with his parental responsibilities six months after his wife's passing. Harried and dissatisfied with his job writing about other people's adventures, he misses his wife terribly, and finds rote expressions of sympathy (see the lasagnas piling up in the fridge) unhelpful.

His precocious 7-year-old, Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones), and 14-year-old son, Dylan (Colin Ford), aren't faring too well either. Rosie has trouble picturing her mother's face, and Dylan gets expelled from school, mostly for creating morbid art that expresses

MOVIE

REVIEW Now Playing at Grand 14 Theatre, Alexandria • Alvin and Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, A-I (G) • We Bought a Zoo, A-III (PG) • The Adventures of Tintin 3D, A-I (PG) • The Muppets, A-I (PG)

WE BOUGHT A ZOO. Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson star in a scene from the movie "We Bought a Zoo." The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG –parental guidance suggested. Some material may no t be suitable for children. (CNS photo/Fox)

his anger and deep sadness.

Benjamin's brother Duncan (Thomas Haden Church) urges more human interaction, i.e., dating, but Benjamin takes a different tack. He quits his job after deciding a change of scene -- and the opportunity to live their own adventure -- is what the family needs. They move from the city to an 18-acre rural property that contains a ramshackle zoo.

Can they fix it up, pass inspection and open for business in time for the peak season?

Trying to resuscitate Rosemoor Animal Park may well bring financial ruin and further alienate father and son.

Fortunately, however, along with exotic animals the zoo comes with a staff of five humans, two of whom are potential love interests for the Mee males -- head keeper Kelly (Scarlett Johansson) and vivacious teen Lily (Elle Fanning).

Attempts at zany humor never really hit their mark, though Haden Church gives it his best.

Not overly glossy by Hollywood standards, it's a tame picture with minimal conflict. There's little doubt all will turn out well.

It's striking that Benjamin never mentions heaven or an afterlife when consoling Rosie and Dylan. He doesn't rule it out, yet any spirituality being proffered is not of a theological genus.

Equally noticeable is the implied timetable for mourning.

As usual in films, grieving is made to seem like a much simpler and less arduous process than it tends to be in real life. The Mees are expected to bounce back

• War Horse, A-III (PG-13) • New Year’s Eve, A-III (PG-13) • The Darkest Hour 3D, A-III (PG-13) • The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, A-III (PG-13) • Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, A-III (PG-13) • Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, A-III (PG-13) The Sitter (R) • The Devil Inside, (R) • The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, (R)

from tragedy as soon as the sixmonth mark has passed; in fact, the year that it does take hardly seems sufficient. In addition to being insensitive, unrealistic and psychologically implausible, this rush, dictated by society at large, limits the movie's emotional resonance.

Potentially even more chafing to Catholic viewers is a parallel storyline about a Bengal tiger. Benjamin's instinct is to nurse the regal animal, which is dying of natural causes. But the argument is vehemently made that the humane and moral course of action is to end the creature's suffering by hastening its death.

These three points notwithstanding, "We Bought a Zoo" is commendable entertainment -- not least because it emphasizes the importance of hard work in achieving anything of value, whether therapeutic or zoological.

The film contains at least one instance of profanity, several uses of crude and crass language, some lightly suggestive banter and a few morbid images.

Rated PG.

PAGE 22

CHURCH TODAY

NFP Classes to begin

You are invited to attend a Natural Family Planning class series teaching the Sympto-Thermal Method on the Saturdays of Jan. 21, Feb. 18, and March 17 from 9:30 am - 11:30 am. You must attend all 3 classes to complete the course. There is a one-time fee of $135, which includes Student Guide book, fertility tracking chart, basal body thermometer, one year membership to Couple to Couple League, "Fertility, Cycles, & Nutrition" book, etc. The Sympto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning is 99% effective and 100% safe, natural, and morally acceptable to postpone or achieve pregnancy! To register, visit www.ccli.org or contact Michael and Leah Pelto at (318) 640-8678 or michaelandleah@suddenlink.net.

DIOCESAN

BRIEFS

Holy Spirit Women's Retreat Fr. Richard McAlear, OMI, will preach the annual Holy Spirit Women’s Retreat Jan. 27-29 at the Hilton Hotel in Lafayette. The retreat is sponsored by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans. For more information, to go www.ccrno.org.

S.A.L.T. Retreats

January 17 is the last day to register for the S.A.L.T. Retreat that will be held the weekend of Feb. 11-12 at Maryhill Renewal Center. The third and final S.A.L.T. Retreat for Spring 2012 will be held March 10-11 (register

by Feb. 17).

You can download an updated brochure from our website at http://www.diocesealex.org/ . For more information, call Cathy at 318-445-6424 x 221.

Thursday Feb. 3

Feast of St. Blaise Blessing of the Throats

Avoyelles Parish Businesses

Advertise in The Church Today Contact Carla Moreau 318-346-7829

Parents Night Out Sts. Francis & Anne Catholic Church Youth Group, Kolin will be sponsoring a "Parents Night Out" for Valentines Day on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 5-9:30 p.m. (held at our Rectory, 475 Booner Miller Road). The $5 per child fee includes dinner, movie, popcorn and plenty of youth group members and adult chaperones. RSVP to Debbie Humphreys @ 715-4010.

Young Adult Conference

Mexican Cruise

St. Rita Church is sponsoring a 4-day Mexican cruise on Carnival’s Elation. Rates for an inside cabin $467.50 or outside cabin $545 double occupancy only. We will depart April 26 and return on April 30. Deposit of $150 per person is due as soon as possible and final payment is due Feb. 1. This includes cruise, all port taxes, fees and travel protection. For more information call 445-7141 ext 20.

JANUARY 16, 2012

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS COURT 1459 (St. Rita). The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Bishop Desmond #1459 (St. Rita) visited Regency Nursing Home resident Alice Mathews during the Christmas season. The Court also visited three nursing homes and one home-bound and brought gifts to former Catholic Daughter members. Pictured are Mable Aillet, Pat Despino, Suzanne Medlin, Helen Cardiloro, Gail Randall, Ada Bergeron, Billie Jeansonne and resident, Alice Mathews.

Christian Dream Therapy

Jim and Christy Gootee and the Two Hearts Team will be offering a retreat on Christian Dream Therapy at Maryhill Renewal Center on Jan. 21-22 from 9 a.m. Saturday to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. The retreat will look at dreams in Scripture as well as study God's symbolic language found in our dreams. You will learn a variety of approaches to help you understand your own dreams. Bring a Bible and Dream Notebook. The $115 cost includes Reference Book and Retreat Manual. For more information and registration form, see www.jim andchristygootee.com

The Crossroads Young Adult Conference will be held March 16-18 at Maryhill Renewal Center in Pineville.

The annual event ofers an encounter with Jesus Christ through Sacred Scripture, official Church teaching, and fellow believers.

This year's theme is "Love Is." The keynote speaker will be Chris Stefanick, with host Paul Hood and worship leader Grae McCullough.

Brochures and online registration will be available soon. Look for discounted prices for early registration.

(Only $50 if registered and paid by March 1, $60 through March 16).

For more information, go to www.diocesealex.org

Catholicism DVD Series Filmed in stunning high-definition and spanning more than 50 locations in 15 countries, Catholicism illustrates the history and treasures of the Catholic faith.

Fr. Robert Barron created this groundbreaking program – CATHOLICISM: a 10-Part DVD Series -- as a thematic presentation of what Catholics believe and why, so all adults can come to a deeper understanding of the Catholic Faith. In high-definition cinematography, the beauty, goodness and truth of the Catholic Faith are illustrated in a rich, multimedia experience.

The entire 10 DVD series will be presented at the St. Joseph Catholic Center, Hwy. 28 West in Alexandria for 10 weeks, Jan. 12- March 15, from 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. FREE and open to the public. For more info, call 318-445-2401.

CHURCH TODAY

JANUARY 16, 2012

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January -- February Monday

Tuesday

16

Wednesday

17

Thursday

18

Christian Unity Ecumenical Lunch 11:30 am Alexandria

Friday

19

Catholicism Series 5:15 p.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY PRAY FOR FR. E. RODRIGUEZ-HERNANDEZ

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Saturday

20

25th Anniversary of Bishop Greco's Death Mass 12:05 pm St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria

Sunday

21

22

La. Life March 10:00 am-12 noon Baton Rouge

Christian Dream Therapy -- Maryhill Renewal Center

Amicus Club Rodeo 7:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

PRAY FOR FR. J. ROY

PRAY FOR FR. C. SCOTT

24

VIRTUS Training 6:00 pm St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandriatt

PRAY FOR FR. P. SIERRA-POSADA

25

26

Catholicism Series 5:15 p.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. S. SOARES

PRAY FOR FR. L. SKLAR

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PRAY FOR FR. I. ST. ROMAIN

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29

Holy Spirit Women's Retreat -- Lafayette PRAY FOR MSGR. S. TESTA

30

PRAY FOR FR. J. THOMAS

31

PRAY FOR FR. A. THOMPSON

FEBRUARY

PRAY FOR FR. J. TIMMERMANS

1

2

National Catholic Schools Week PRAY FOR FR. J. VELEZ

6

7

PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG

8

3

Catholicism Series 5:15 p.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria Menard Open House 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

PRAY FOR FR. V. VEAD

PRAY FOR FR. A. TRAVIS

PRAY FOR FR. O. WILLIAM

Catholicism Series 5:15 p.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria

9

FEAST of ST. BLAISE

PRAY FOR FR. U. UWAKWE

Pro-Life Banquet 6:30 pm Shreveport

4

5

Ordination of Permanent Deacons 10:00 am St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria

FIRST FRIDAY

FIRST SATURDAY

PRAY FOR FR. K. ZACHARIAH

PRAY FOR FR. B. ZAGST

10

PRAY FOR FR. A. VARGHESE

11

Ordination of Permanent Deacons 10:00 am St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. A. AELAVANTHARA

12

S.A.L.T. Retreat -- Maryhill Renewal Center PRAY FOR FR. T. ALLEN

13

PRAY FOR FR. S. BRANDOW

14

WORLD MARRIAGE DAY

ST. VALENTINE'S DAY

PRAY FOR FR. D. CORKERY

PRAY FOR FR. J. CUNNINGHAM

PRAY FOR FR. D. BRAQUET

15

PRAY FOR FR. F. D'CRUZ

PRAY FOR FR. J. BROCATO

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Catholicism Series 5:15 p.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. W. DECOSTE

PRAY FOR FR. A. CATELLA

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PRAY FOR FR. D. DEJESUS

PRAY FOR FR. S. CHEMINO

18

PRAY FOR FR. B. DESHAUTELLE

PRAY FOR FR. E. CHINAKA

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PRAY FOR FR. P. FAULK