The Church Today, May 20, 2013

CHURCH

Volume XLIV, No. 5

www.diocesealex.org

TODAY

Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970

May 20, 2013

ON THE

INSIDE

Memorial Day May 27

USCCB plans 2nd Fortnight for Freedom June 21- July 4 The second annual Fortnight for Freedom will take place from June 21 to July 4, and will consist of national and local efforts to educate Americans on challenges to religious liberty both at home and abroad. Read more about it on page 3.

Taylor Reynolds to be ordained a transitional deacon on June 29 Seminarian Taylor Reynolds will be ordained a transitional deacon on Saturday, June 29 at 10 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.

Read more about it on page 6.

Manna House moving to temporary location while it undergoes renovations During the soon-to-be renovations, Manna House will be temporarily moved to the corner of Broadway and (2500) Third Street, where Quality Meats used to be located. See pages 10-11 for the complete details.

PRAY

for those who died for our freedom

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 2

MAY 20, 2013

Clinic described as ‘House of Horrors’ Abortionist found guilty of killing babies born alive in repugnant clinic Combined reports

By Catholic News Service

(CNS) - Dr. Kermit Gosnell may have been convicted May 13 of murder at his Philadelphia abortion clinic, but “nothing can bring back the innocent children he killed, or make up for the vulnerable women he exploited,” said Archbishop Charles J. Chaput.

And, he added, “the repugnance of his clinic conditions” must be remembered.

In a May 14 statement, the Philadelphia archbishop said, “Gosnell is not an exception.

Others just like him run abortion mills throughout our country.”

A Philadelphia jury May 13 found Gosnell guilty of murder in the deaths of three babies born alive during abortions and acquitted him of a fourth similar charge.

He also was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death by a drug overdose of a patient who had an abortion.

Gosnell, 72, was charged with snipping the spines of babies born alive during illegal late-term abortions. Pennsylvania law prohibits abortions after 24 weeks of gestation.

“We need to stop cloaking the ugliness of abortion with misnomers like ‘proper medical coverage’ or ‘choice,’” Archbishop Chaput said in his statement. “It’s violence of the most intimate sort, and it needs to end.”

The ordeal began on Feb. 18, 2010 when a team of health officials and investigators looking

Year of Faith

Oct. 11, 2012- Nov.24, 2013

• Learn the Faith • Share the Faith • Live the Faith

Who is Kermit Gosnell?

• a abortionist in Philadelphia • convicted of killing babies born alive at his clinic • January, 2011 -- charged with 8 counts of murder --

7 counts of infanticide and 1 count of murder of patient

• April 23, 2013 -judge dismisses 3 of 8 murder charges • recently faced 4 counts of first-degree murder of infants and 1 count of third-degree murder of a patient.

• employees describe clinic as “house of horrors.”

• remains of fetuses stored in milk jugs, orange juice cartons, and cat food containers into illegal drug use raided Dr. Kermit Barron Gosnell’s Women’s Medical Society. They happened upon what many are calling a “house of horrors.”

“There was blood on the floor. A stench of urine filled the air. A flea-infested cat was wandering through the facility, and there were cat feces on the stairs,” said a grand jury report about the conditions found in the clinic Gosnell ran in West Philadelphia.

The two surgical rooms resembled a “bad gas station restroom,” according to Agent Stephen Dougherty of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency. The team went on to recover the remains of 45 fetuses “in bags, milk jugs, orange juice cartons, and even in cat-food containers,” the report explained.

Three days later, the Pennsylvania Department of Health suspended Gosnell’s license. He was arrested in January 2011 and charged with eight counts of murder.

Gosnell’s trial on those charges began March 18 of this year. By the fifth week, prosecutors were continuing to call witnesses, including several patients and several former employees, who testified about the squalid conditions they saw at the clinic.

It was a “meat-market-style of assembly lines of abortions,” Mallory Quigley, a spokeswoman for the Susan B. Anthony List, said April 15, referencing the words of two nurses who recently left a Delaware clinic for similar reasons. “The Gosnell case is a lot more common than people re-

alize,” Quigley said.

Jeanne Monahan, president of the March for Life Education & Defense Fund, said that “Americans as a whole think that abortion clinics are sanitary decent clinics,” but the “majority of abortion clinics in our country are held to very minimal standards: legally the same standards as beauty parlors and vet clinics.”

State law requires that abortions be done under 24 weeks of pregnancy because of the risks to the mother, but the grand jury report showed Gosnell routinely flouted that law. “The bigger the baby, the more he charged,” it said.

He was convicted of sticking a pair of medical scissors into the back of the necks of prematurely born babies and cutting the spinal

cord, a procedure he called “snipping.” Court records show he destroyed most of the documentation on his use of “snipping,” but pictures taken by employees and other evidence are being used by prosecutors.

“Over the years, many people came to know that something was going on here. But no one put a stop to it,” the report explained.

The clinic went unchecked by the Department of Health for 16 years until its horrors were accidentally uncovered by the drug raid.

Several employees face similar charges. The grand jury report said Gosnell hired untrained, uncertified nurses, and taught them to view ultrasound pictures at an angle so that unborn babies to be aborted looked smaller than they actually were. It also said Gosnell and his wife performed late-term abortions on Sundays when no other staff was present.

Said Quigley, “Abortion doesn’t help women.” She said that the pro-life movement operates more than 3,000 pregnancy resource centers for mothers and families in need, offering them assistance so they do not feel abortion is their only alternative.

“Those are the places we need to be building up,” she said, noting that more than 90 percent of the funding for such centers is private.

Chaput said the detailed description of Gosnell’s clinic discussed at trial must remain “sharp in our memories,” and “we should remember the media’s inadequacy in covering his case.”

MAY 20, 2013

CHURCH TODAY

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Continue praying for religious freedom!

2nd annual Fortnight for Freedom to take place June 21- July 4 The second annual Fortnight for Freedom will take place from June 21 to July 4, and will consist of national and local efforts to educate Americans on challenges to religious liberty both at home and abroad. As with last year’s Fortnight, the event will begin and end with a special Mass.

Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, will open the 2013 Fortnight for Freedom by celebrating Mass at Baltimore’s historic Basilica of the National

Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, scheduled for June 21 at 7 p.m. EDT. Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington will celebrate the closing Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on July 4 at 12 p.m. EDT. “The need for prayer, education, and action in defense of religious liberty has never been greater,” explained Archbishop Lori.

“The Fortnight for Freedom exists to meet that need.

This year’s Fortnight occurs just weeks before August 1, when the administration’s mandate coercing us to violate our deeply-held

beliefs will be enforced against most religious non-profits. During the Fortnight the Supreme Court’s decisions on the definition of marriage will likely be handed down as well. Those decisions could have a profound impact on religious freedom for generations to come.”

Further details about the Fortnight can be found at www.

Fortnight4Freedom.org.

The site hosts resources such as onepage fact sheets outlining current threats to religious freedom both in the United States and abroad;

frequently asked questions about religious liberty, including quotes from the Founding Fathers, the Second Vatican Council and Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI; and a study guide on Dignitatis Humanae, Vatican II’s document on religious liberty.

The website also lists sample activities already planned in several dioceses, an image gallery of photos from last year’s Fortnight celebrations, as well as resources and recommendations for other local efforts, such as prayers for use in special liturgies.

Obama administration won’t seek to block injunction in HHS mandate case (CNS) -- The Obama administration told a federal appellate court May 3 that it would not seek to block an injunction the court had granted in November that had allowed a Christian book publisher to not comply with the contraceptive-coverage mandate of the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

Tyndale House Publishers, based in Carol Stream, Ill., won the injunction Nov. 16 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Tyndale, which has about 260 employees, did not meet the “religious exemption” clause under the proposed rules governing the HHS mandate. The company filed suit to avoid compliance with requirement, under the Affordable Care Act of 2010, that employers include free coverage of contraceptives, sterilization

People participate in a rally in support of religious freedom in NY last June. and abortion-inducing drugs in their employee health plans.

Tyndale publishes Bibles and other Christian materials. It is primarily owned by the non-

profit Tyndale House Foundation, which provides grants to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

The company’s most recent win in court is believed to be the first victory at the appellate level for those seeking to be exempt from compliance with the HHS mandate.

“We believe the government essentially conceded that its antireligious legal position cannot succeed in court under scrutiny,” said Matt Bowman, senior legal counsel for the Alliance Defending Freedom, which represented Tyndale in court.

Tyndale will not have to comply with the HHS mandate “for the time being,” Bowman told Catholic News Service in a May 9 telephone interview. “The company has already asked for a permanent injunction that would fully remove Obamacare’s coercive mandate from the Bible publisher.”

Bowman added, “We think

the government knows that it’s ridiculous to argue against religious freedom for anyone doing business, and so all of the people of faith who are doing this should benefit from the recognition that they can practice faith in their daily lives.”

He said there are implications in the Obama administration’s decision to pull back for all those challenging the HHS mandate. There are about 60 organizations and companies that have filed court challenges, including many Catholic organizations.

“We’ve won several injunctions already for those other companies, too, so this is not our only success,” Bowman said. “But we plan to let all of the courts know that (the government is) beginning to realize that its position against religious freedom is absurd.”

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PAGE 4 The 2012-2013 school year will soon be ending and that always includes many End of Year activities. I look forward to being present for the high school graduations of Holy Savior Menard in Alexandria, St. Joseph in Plaucheville and St. Mary’s in Natchitoches. It is always a great joy to see the number of young people moving ahead in life thanks to the excellent Catholic education they have received.

Congratulations to our graduates and all who have helped in their formation.

There is positive news on the vocation front. Dale Meade and Brian Seiler, both studying at the Josephinum, were formally accepted to Candidacy for Holy Orders, a formal step prior to ordi-

CHURCH TODAY ONE IN THE LORD Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria nation to the diaconate scheduled for next spring. Taylor Reynolds, finishing his third year of theology in Rome, will be ordained Deacon on June 29 at the Cathedral. Daniel Hart has graduated from St. Joseph Seminary College and will begin his theology program in the fall. Finally, two men have been accepted to begin formation next fall. Derek Ducote, who has taught

religion at Menard for several years and Justin Ward, currently music director at the Cathedral.

That brings to eleven the number of men in formation for the priesthood to serve the diocese.

Many are familiar with Manna House in Alexandria which serves meals to anyone who enters with no questions asked. It has gone through some anxious times

MAY 20, 2013

financially in the recent past. Due to many generous people, its prospects are now bright with many needed improvements underway.

Manna House is truly an ecumenical, community-supported ministry with volunteers from many churches and other groups assisting in serving and securing food donations. On average 150-200 meals are served each day, seven days a week. Its origins go back to Father Foley who died several years ago, but whose vision continues. The article in this issue will be an inspiration to you.

Another article describes a unique project that St. Mary’s Residential Training School was asked to make 4,000 ceramic crosses to send to the troops in Afghanistan

for Memorial Day weekend. I had the pleasure of blessing them before they were shipped. It truly illustrates what people, even though limited in some ways, can accomplish. St. Mary’s provides services and support for those who could receive this nowhere else. How blessed we are. What a visionary was Bishop Greco in so many ways.

June 7 has been designated as the annual day of prayer and fasting throughout the dioceses of Louisiana, asking God’s protection during the hurricane season.

As we approach Memorial Day, let us remember in gratitude those who have served our nation so faithfully!

‘Thank You’ from the community of Sandy Hook, St. Rose of Lima Parish Dear Brothers and Ssters, On behalf of our community and parish, we extend our gratitude to each of you who remembered us in prayer following the events of Dec. 14, 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

We quickly realized the universality of the Church by the outpouring of support and concern that was shown to us by so many in our faith communities.

The cards and letters from staff and students in Catholic elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities remind-

ed us of the faith to which we are called to witness through the tradition of Catholic education. No less important were the number of cards from parish religious education programs, especially the sacramental programs.

We were also contacted by many Catholic organizations and groups on both the local and national levels. This list of parishes, Catholic based groups and dioceses who contacted us is an overwhelming one.

Thank you for the donations sent to us to assist our parish in our continuing ministry to the

community, to help pay the expenses of the victims’ funerals, to support counseling programs, to provide direct aid to the families, etc.

Your generosity reminds us that we are not alone during this very sad and challenging time.

Thank you to our brother priests, deacons and religious sisters and brothers for their letters of support and encouragement.

Spiritual bouquets, Mass cards, hours of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament and remembrances by many prayer groups have lifted our spirits

Diocese of Alexandria sends generous

spiritual bouquet to Pope Francis

On behalf of the clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese of Alexandria, a generous spiritual bouquet was sent to Pope Francis on May 2.

In a letter to Pope Francis, from the Most Revered Ronald P. Hezog, Bishop of Alexandria, the diocese offered its “most heartfelt congratulations” on the occasion of his election to the See of Peter.

As a token of affection and as a sign of esteem, the faithful of the Diocese of Alexandria offered Pope Francis a spiritual bouquet comprised of 6,924 Masses; 14,563 Rosaries; 1,622 Stations of the Cross; 1,296 Communions; and 720 Hours of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, for his continued health and well-

Spiritual Bouquet from the Diocese

CHURCH

14,563 Rosaries 1,622 Stations of the Cross 1,296 Communions 720 Hours of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament sured of my personal prayers and best wishes for you in the months and years ahead. I look forward to being able to meet with you person at the next ad limina for my region.”

the days immediately following the tragedy to these days of recovery and healing.

We know that the road ahead of us will be a long one, but we are given great hope by the outpouring of generosity and love shown to us. We are truly blessed by your many acts of faith and kindness.

And, know that you continue to be in our prayers of gratitude.

God bless, Monsignor Robert Weiss, pastor St Rose of Lima Parish Newtown, Connecticut

TODAY

Volume XLIV, No. 5 • May 20, 2013 P. O. Box 7417 • Alexandria, LA 71303 churchtoday@diocesealex.org 318-445-6424 Publisher: Editor: Advertising: Circulation:

6,924 Masses

being.

“May Our Lord, who has begun this great work in you, bring it to fulfillment for His glory and for the good of souls,” Bishop Herzog wrote in the letter. “Be as-

knowing that our intentions are even before the Lord.

Thank you for the rosaries, prayer shawls, religious works of art, memorial vestments, reliquaries, books focusing on grief and healing, original and recorded religious CDs and a variety of poems, spiritual reflections and meditations to help guide us in providing comfort and support.

While we tried to acknowledge every letter and gift sent to us, it became an overwhelming task, so please accept this letter as a thank you to every person who remembered us in prayer during

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 To receive a free subscription, call 318-445-6424, ext 255 or e-mail jpetrus@diocesealex.org

CHURCH TODAY

MAY 20, 2013

PAGE 5

June 2 is feast of Corpus Christi -- the feast of the Eucharist Since the Apostolic Church, Christians have been celebrating the Eucharist, the meal in which Christians partake of the body and blood of Christ. Jesus instituted this holy meal on Maundy Thursday.

Even though Christians have highly esteemed every sacrament, the Eucharist has traditionally held a special place among the sacraments. Ignatius of Antioch (105 AD) referred to the Eucharist as the “medicine of immortality” (Ephesians 20:2). St. Ephrem the Syrian (373 AD) taught that even crumbs from the Eucharistic host could sanctify thousands and thousands (Homilies 4,4). Thomas Aquinas considered the Eucharist to be the greatest of all sacraments (Summa Th. III: 65,3).

Thus, the Church has viewed the Eucharist as unique, even among the sacraments, since the earliest times. Thus it is fitting that a feast exist to specifically commemorate the Eucharist. The Catholic Catechism summarizes this teaching of the importance of the Eucharist: The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.”

“The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch” (1324).

Novena for Corpus Christi Friday, May 24 - Sunday, June 2

This very short novena, or nine-day prayer, can be prayed at any time, but it is most appropriate in the nine days before or after the Feast of Corpus Christi. Christ’s Body and Blood in the Sacrament of Holy Communion are our true food as Christians, giving us the strength to live our lives in union with God.

Novena for Corpus Christi O Lord Jesus Christ, You who have given us Your precious Body and Blood to be our meat and drink, grant that through frequent reception of You in the Holy Eucharist, I may be strengthened in mind and body to do Your holy will. Amen.

Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, have mercy on us.

The Feast of Corpus Christi is the name of this feast celebrating the Holy Eucharist. The Eucharist is also called Communion, the Lord’s Supper, or the Mass (from the Latin word meaning “to

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Bishop Ronald Herzog in Eucharistic Procession during 2010 event.

dismiss”).

Maundy Thursday would seem to be the best day to celebrate the Eucharist, because that is the day Jesus actually instituted the sacrament. In fact, the Institu-

tion of the Eucharist is celebrated on Maundy Thursday.

However, the emphasis on the passion themes present in the Maundy Thursday celebration created the need for another day

to focus entirely on the Eucharist itself.

The Thursday after Trinity Sunday was chosen for the date of the Corpus Christi feast because it is a Thursday (the same day Christ instituted the Eucharist) and it is the first free Thursday after the Easter season (since the Thursday after Pentecost was a part of the ancient octave of Pentecost). Thus Corpus Christi falls within Ordinary Time.

Typically Corpus Christi services consist of singing traditional hymns, Lauda Sion and Pange Lingua, both attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas. Some Anglicans celebrate Corpus Christi, and these hymns are in the 1980 Hymnal of the Episcopal Church (pp. 320, 165).

Outdoor processions of the Blessed Sacrament are common in some churches as a way to celebrate Corpus Christi. Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction are also common Corpus Christi devotional practices in many churches.

Corpus Christi is primarily thought of as a Western holiday, although the Syrians, Armenians, Copts, and other Eastern Churches have similar festivals.

In the U.S. it is celebrated on the Sunday after the traditional feast date, on the Sunday after Trinity Sunday.

Source: www.churchyear.net

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MAY 20, 2013

Taylor Reynolds to be ordained June 29 as a transitional deacon Seminarian Taylor Reynolds will be ordained a transitional deacon on Saturday, June 29 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. The public is invited to attend.

As a seminarian, Taylor has studied at the Pontifical Josephinum College in Columbus, Ohio and at the North American Pontifical College in Rome, Italy.

He is the son of Agnes and Billy Reynolds of Bunkie, where he is a parishioner at St. Anthony Church.

Taylor Reynolds

ALEXANDRIA SEMINARIANS Brian Seiler (left) and Dale Meade (right) were accepted as candidates for Holy Orders April 17 during a Mass celebrated by Msgr. Christopher Schreck, (rector) and Bishop David Zubik (Pittsburgh) in the St. Turibius Chapel on the Pontifical College Josephinum campus. The next step will be the Oath of Fidelity this fall, followed by ordination as a transitional deacon in the summer of 2014.

Diocese of Alexandria expected to have 11 men in seminary this fall The Office of Church Vocations has announced that two more young men from the Diocese of Alexandria will be entering the seminary this fall.

Justin Ward and Derek Ducote, both parishioners from St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Alexandria, were recently accepted as candidates by the Board of Vocations.

Justin is the choir director and organist for St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and will attend the Pontifical College Jospehinum in Columbus, Ohio. He will retain his current position as organist and choir director through July

2013, at which time he will enter the seminary.

Derek Ducote, who is a religion teacher at Holy Savior Menard Central High School and an altar server, will attend Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

Daniel Hart

Derek Ducote

Justin Ward

Daniel Hart has graduated from St. Joseph Seminary College and will begin his theology program in the fall at the North American Pontifical College in Rome, Italy.

By next fall, the Diocese is expected to have eleven young

men attending seminary at three different locations.

Those expected to be in seminary next fall are Daniel Hart, Taylor Reynolds, Joseph Desmoine, Dale Meade, Brian Seiler, Dutch Voltz, Luke LeFleur, Austin Burns, Carlos Burgos, Derek Ducote, and Justin Ward.

“Please remember all of these young men in your prayers as they begin and continue their formation into the priesthood,” said Diocese of Alexandria Bishop Ronald Herzog. “We are fortunate to have so many from this diocese called to the vocation of the priesthood.”

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PAGE 7

Pray the Rosary: May thru October St. Joseph Church, Marksville begins annual 5-month outdoor illuminated public rosary The outdoor illuminated Rosary at St. Joseph Church in Marksville began its annual five-month public Rosary on Thursday, May 16.

Every Thursday evening, from May 16 - Oct. 24, the Marksville community gathers for the annual tradition of praying the Rosary outdoors using an 8-foot illuminated rosary. As each prayer is said, a bead on the over-sized reproduction of the Rosary is lit up. When the entire Rosary is completed, all the beads are lit up and shine against

the dark evening sky. The project began in 2009 by the Knights of Columbus and St. Peter Claver.

The Rosary begins at 8:15 p.m. every Thursday on the grounds of the St. Joseph parish hall. (From September to October, the time changes to 7:15 p.m.)

Seating is provided, but lawn chairs are welcomed. In case of inclement weather, the Rosary is prayed inside St. Joseph Church.

Join us in prayer every Thursday night, while we pray for God's blessing upon our families, church and nation.

PRAYING THE ROSARY AT ST. MARTIN, Lecompte. During the month of May, St. Martin Catholic Church parishioners have been meeting every Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Church Hall to recite the Rosary in honor of Mary, Mother of Jesus. Pictured are Left to right: Donna Robinson, , Amanda Robinson, Marie Bell, John Cain, , Connie Rachal, Margaret Borell, Alicia Monroe, Father Pedro Posada-Sierra (pastor), , Frank Rachal, Dot Vanderlick, David Vanderlick, Bonnie Lee, and Frances Dunn.

ST. MARY’S ASSUMPTION (Cottonport) LENTEN TOUR. Twenty-eight parishioners from St. Mary’s Assumption Catholic Church in Cottonport participated in the 2013 Lenten Tour. The group visited the historic Episcopal Church in Washington, La., where they were treated to a lovely brunch. The tour also included a visit to the Immaculate Conception Church in Washington, St. Charles Borromeo in Grand Coteau, St. Peter Roman Catholic Church in Carrencro, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette, and ended with a tour of the Charlene Richard Tomb site in Richard.

ST. JOSEPH (Cheneyville) EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS COMMISSIONED. Twelve ladies from St. Joseph Church in Cheneyville were commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers on April 28 by Father Jose Palathara, pastor. Pictured are (front row) Helen Kelly, Judy Brown, Janeita Townsend, Fr. Jose Palathara, CMI; Della Chartlier, Rita Vidrine and Ann Miller. Back row: Mary Vanderlick, Paula Beaver, Celia Halbert, Sally Vanderlick, Jubie Linzay, and Ellen Johnson.

NEW SIGN AT OLL (Winnfield). Don Garrett, a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Winnfield, and a close friend of the Richard W. Daughtry family, stands next to a new sign he designed and built in honor of Daughtry.

A brief ceremony was held April 28 after the 10 a.m. Mass by Father Christian Ogbonna, pastor, who blessed and dedicated the new sign. The sign was built with memorials to the church by family and friends of Richard Daughtry.

PAGE 8

CHURCH TODAY

MAY 20, 2013

Construction begins on renovations to St. Francis Cathedral’s Xavier Hall Construction began March 17 on St. Francis Xavier Cathedral’s $1 million renovation project to Xavier Hall.

Under the direction of Tudor Construction Company, the renovations will include kitchen improvements (featuring a new range hood with fire suppression system), sprinker system, remodeling existing rest rooms, new handicapped accessible unisex rest room, modification of air conditioning system, and new fire alarm system.

One of the biggest changes will be moving the music proThe exterior work to Xavier Hall will include cleaning the masonry, repairing and painting the balcony, woodwork and windows; installing vinyl siding and trim, and building a handicapped accessible ramp at the side entrance. The facade of the building will be cleaned but not undergo any structural changes.

Rapides Right to Life to host Pro Life Conference June 15 The Rapides Right to Life will sponsor its 4th annual ProLife Conference on Saturday, June 15 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Westside Regional Library (5416 Provine Place) in Alexandria.

Admission is free, but registration is required -- call 318-4456868 or email info@rapidesrighttolife.com.

Speakers include Bobbie Jones, director of La. Southern Silent No More Awareness; Felicia Borel, regional coordinator of the SWLa. Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats; Dr. David Roy, Knights of Columbus member from Lafayette; Alex Peyton, winner of oratory contest from Washington, La., and Sidney Gorman from New Orleans.

Prior to the conference, Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. at OLPS in Alexandria. For more info, call 318-445-6868.

gram out of Xavier Hall and into the Convent Building on Elliot Street. Once the music room is empty, the space will be used to enlarge the reception capability by opening up and combining the three large rooms and foyer on the first floor into one big room.

The exterior work will include cleaning masonry, repairing and painting the balcony, woodwork and windows, installing vinyl siding and trim, and building a handicapped accessible ramp at the side entrance.

The interior will be painted,

and vinyl flooring, new lighting fixtures and acoustic ceiling will be installed throughout.

“We are very excited that this project is finally getting started,” said Father James Ferguson, rector.

The Forward in Faith capital campaign to renovate Xavier Hall started in May of 2010. So far, more than $677,000 has been pledged toward the $1 million goal. Pledges are still being accepted. The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year (2013).

The ceiling, walls, and floors are being renovated in the main meeting area.

MAY 20, 2013

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St. Anthony, Bunkie repairs church after last year’s hailstorm It’s been over a year since a large hail storm devastated the Bunkie community, tearing up roofs, shattering windows, pounding exterior walls of many homes and bombarding vehicles during the early morning hours.

Although many homeowners and businesses in the community have had the time and opportunity to get their property repaired and back in working order, St Anthony Catholic Church has had to wait patiently for its roof to be replaced.

The estimated repairs to replace the existing roof far exceeded any other property in the community and also required additional time for the making of the custom roof to meet the man-

ufacturer’s specifications.

“We are most grateful that the new roof will be an exact reproduction of the original,” said Father Scott Chemino, pastor. “The famous Ludowici Tile Company of Ohio are the custom manufacturers of this new roof.

We are so proud to maintain the historic architechural integrity of our church structure.”

The scaffolding is overwhelming as workers continue to raise its heights to meet the demands of the upper most roof, the bell tower.

The work is expected to continue into June and parishioners of St. Anthony Church will soon have a beautiful new roof on their beloved church.

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Available 24-7 Jason Aymond, Manager (318) 240-7188 Affiliated with Kilpatrick Life Insurance Co. since 1932

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 10

MAY 20, 2013

God’s plan for Manna House takes twists and turns Construction to begin soon for much-needed renovations at Manna House

By Jeannie Petrus CT editor What started out two years ago as a small $5,000 project to replace a necessary stove-top hood at Manna House, has turned into a $200,000 major renovation that is expected to begin in the next week or so.

“Through the grace of God, with the help of the Holy Spirit, and (I’m sure) some heavy politicing in heaven by Father Gerard Foley, Manna House founder, we are thrilled to announce that we have secured enough funds to begin a much-needed $200,000 renovation at Manna House,” said Tommy David, local engineer and secretary-treasurer of the Manna House Board of Directors.

But the two-year journey to get to this point has been a road of peaks and valleys, setbacks, and. . . . . even a few miracles.

“Two years ago, a new stovetop hood was necessary in order to meet fire and safety code requirements,” said David.

“But to install a new and larger hood that would meet code requirements, meant changing the wiring, which would mean tearing down walls, which would mean relocating equipment, . . .

Before we knew it, the project had snow-balled into a $100,000 project.”

Where would $100,000 come from?

The Board decided that if they were faced with this type of major renovations, they wanted to do it right. They began working on a well, thought-out Capital Improvement Plan for Manna House.

Before the Capital Improvement Campaign for Manna House was even finished, a local foundation immediately authorized a

Renovation Plans

• Modify and upgrade the cooking equipment -- one code-required stove-top hood with grease traps -- two new commercial ovens -- one convection oven -- one walk-in freezer -- one new commercial dishwasher -- one commercial smoker • Enlarge the pantry • Install two new mop sinks • Build handicap access ramps • Build two restrooms (Men and Women) • Replace flooring • Paint walls • Install new doors with “panic” hardware • Relocate AC equipment • Upgrade wiring to meet code requirements

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COOKING AT MANNA HOUSE. Alton Horn cooks a meal on the one stove at Manna House that is used to feed between 150-200 people daily. Renovations to Manna House will include new kitchen appliances including a new stove, convection oven, walk-in- freezer, and a new dishwasher. $40,000 grant for the renovations.

Shortly thereafter, another gift from an anonymous businessman was offered to purchase $55,000 worth of new kitchen equipment for Manna House.

“We were elated about the grant and the generous gift from the anonymous benefactor and were challenged even more to create the perfect Capital Improvement Plan,” said David.

But that enthusiasm quickly faded in November of 2012 when a phone call from John McLure, a local retired attorney who recently volunteered to serve as executive director of Manna House, brought the bad news to David and the Board.

“Manna House is broke,” he said. “We have enough money to operate for maybe three more months.”

“Here we were in the middle of dreaming up this ambitious Capital Improvement Plan and we get this phone call that Manna House could possibly close,” he said. “We were shocked.”

David explained that while food donations to Manna House were up, especially during the holiday season, -- cash donations were down. Cash donations ($16,000 each month) are needed to maintain the daily operations like utility bills, cooking equipment and supplies, insurance, and a few salaries. Without the funds to pay bills, Manna House could no longer keep the doors open.

“We had to seriously consider whether or not we should try to continue to keep Manna House open,” said David. “After serious consideration and exploring several other possibilities, we decid-

ed we could not let Father Foley’s dream (of feeding the hungry in our community) die.”

Manna House has been a part of this community for 23 years and has served more than 7 million meals. It is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year and has 100s of devout volunteers from all faiths and all walks of life.

“We decided to put our faith in God and let Him handle it,” he said.

An urgent plea for cash donations was splashed across the community.

And, the community quickly responded -- generously.

With Manna House out of the immediate danger of closing, the Board decided to move forward again with the Capital Improvement Plan.

A few weeks ago, the Board completed its plans for a Capital Improvement project that totals $200,000. Since the Board had already received $130,000 in grants and donations, there was still a deficit of $70,000.

Where would $70,000 come from?

Attempts were made to get a bank loan, but not without a co-signer. With so much faith in the mission of Manna House, an anonymous Alexandria friend of Manna House, stepped up the plate and offered to personally guarantee the loan.

With a grant, a gift, and a loan in hand, plans moved forward to begin working on the logistics of implementing the renovations without interrupting food service to the clients.

The intial plan was to cook in one location and bring the food to another location. Manpower and vehicles from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and the City of Continued on pg. 11

CHURCH TODAY

MAY 20, 2013 Alexandria were being lined up to transport food back and forth. It was becoming a logistical nightmare.

God had a better plan.

Soon, a call came through from a local businessman, who offered the temporary use of a building that the Huey Lawson family owned at the corner of Broadway and Third Streets. The Lawson family offered the building for a short-term lease at a discounted price.

“The building is perfect because it has a commercial kitchen, a serving line, and ample space to accommodate our clients,” said David. The building, at one time, was a BBQ restaurant.

With the starting date for the renovations drawing closer, the Manna House Board was beginning to feel a little anxious about everything coming together -- especially the $70,000 loan that was guaranteed, but still needed to be paid.

Two weeks before the project was scheduled to begin, a large manilla envelope was delivered

to David’s office from a local law firm. A note was attached: “I know you have been working hard on the Manna House project. Maybe this will help.”

Inside the package, stuffed with lots of legal papers, was an estate settlement from a retired, disabled army veteran who was injured during WWII and settled in Pineville, where he worked as a cook at the VA Hospital for years.

As a young boy, the man lived in a orphanage on an Indian reservation, where he remembers going to bed hungry often. As he grew older, he told others he wanted to help children in need, especially those who did not have enough to eat.

He and his wife lived a quiet life and managed well on their meager salaries. Both passed away in 2012.

With no children between the two of them, the couple willed one-third of their estate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and another third to Manna House.

Manna House will receive an

estimated $130,000!

With the entire renovation project completely paid for now, (and a little extra in Manna House’s operating budget), the pressure is off and the Board and numerous volunteers are anxious to start the renovations.

“Manna House is truly an ecumenical, sacred ministry in this community that brings us all together,” said David. “It is very fulfilling to be a small part in this very special ministry.”

Throughout this entire process, David said that the board members and volunteers have all felt a strong sense of “divine intervention” of the Holy Spirit and obviously, Father Foley,” said David.

“The human side of us makes us believe that “we” are coming up with a plan, but of course, we are wrong. It is God’s plan, not ours, and things happen according to His plan, not ours.

It’s a humbling experience, but we have to learn to trust God and let Him work out His plan in His time.”

Thank You

From the Manna House Board of Directors The renovations to Manna House are long overdue.

For the past 23 years, a volunteer staff of 7-10 people have shown up every day -- 7 days a week, 365 days a year -- to feed the people in our community who rely on Manna House for that one hot nutritious meal a day. For many, it’s the only meal they eat each day.

Because of your donations of food, money, and time, we have been able to sustain this vital ecumenical ministry in our community.

For this, we thank you, very much.

But the challenges of meeting the needs of our community at Manna House are on-going. Every day, we need your help with donations of food, money and your time.

Please keep Manna House in your thoughts and prayers.

For more information on how you can help, please call 318-445-9053.

Temporary new location for Manna House 2500 Third Street (corner of Broadway and Third St.)

Manna House to move to temporary location for 2-3 months during renovations Major renovations to Manna House will be underway in the next week or so, but serving daily meals to its clients during the next 2-3 months will not skip a beat, according to John McLure, executive director of Manna House.

“During the renovations, Manna House will be temporarily moved to the corner of Broadway and (2500) Third Street, where Quality Meats used to be located,” said McLure.

“The move from its present location on Lee Street to the temporary location at Third and Broadway will be accomplished in one day, so that Manna House’s mission to feed the hungry will not be interrupted.”

The building was generously offered to Manna House by the Huey Lawson family as a temporary home through a short-term,

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PAGE 11

discounted lease.

“The building is perfect,” said McLure, “because it has a complete commercial kitchen, a serving line, and ample space to accommodate our clients.” The building, at one time, was a BBQ restaurant.

On the day of the move (exact date unknown at this time), Manna House will need trucks, trailers, and lots of strong hands.

“We’re working on the logistics right now and have been promised manpower from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office inmate workforce and the Louisiana National Guard’s Youth Challenge Program,” he said.

“But we welcome help from anyone else in the community.”

Volunteers are asked to call Manna House at 318-445-9053.

FREE! Subscription to the Church Today call 318.445.6422.x 255

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 12

SACRED HEART MAY CROWNING. May Crowning was held at Sacred Heart School May 3. 8th Grader , crowned the Blessed Mother. was the flower girl.

ST. ANTHONY (Bunkie) MAY CROWNING PROCESSION. St. Anthony of Padua held it’s annual May Crowning on May 1. The event began at the grounds of St. Anthony School with the streets lined by parishioners as students processed the statue of the Virgin Mary to the church. The eighth grade boys carried the statue of our Blessed Mother while the girls made up her court.

ST. ANTHONY (Bunkie) MAY CROWNING. Students brought flowers from all over the community and placed them at her feet showing honor to the Mother of Christ. Pictured are (l-r) (crowning Mary), and

OLPS 6TH GRADERS VISIT JPII EXHIBIT. The OLPS 6th grade class traveled to New Orleans April 11 to attend the “Portrait of Faith: John Paul II in Life & Art” exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of Art. The exhibit included personal items of Pope John Paul II, never-before-seen photographs of his historical visit to New Orleans in 1987, and sacred artwork from contemporary artists. It was a great trip for the kids!

MAY 20, 2013

CHURCH TODAY

MAY 20, 2013

CATECHESIS QUIZ BOWL. Five teams participated in the first annual Catechesis Quiz Bowl, sponsored by the Diocese of Alexandria. The two teams from Sts. Francis and Anne Church in Kolin won 1st and 2nd place. Team members included -- Sts. Francis and Anne: and

PAGE 13

(alternate). OL of Lourdes, Winnfield: , and . St. Mary’s, Winnsboro: and . Holy Savior Menard: , and .

MENARD ESSAY WINNERS. Students from Holy Savior Menard who placed in the CDA (Court Bishop Desmond) contest are (front row) , 1st; , 3rd; and , 2nd. Back row: Sister Nina Vincent, OLS, and essay winners , 2nd; , 3rd; Ada Bergeron, education chairperson; , 1st; and , regent.

OLPS GIRLS ON THE RUN. The OLPS (Alexandria) chapter of Girls on the Run International led by Liz Lowry and Katie Vanderlick complete their community service project of beautifying the OLPS campus in front of the gym. Girls on the Run focuses on teaching 3rd-5th grade girls that they can set goals and achieve them while building self-esteem and physical knowledge. The OLPS team also participated in the Girls on the Run 5K race held May 5 at the Alexandria City Hall. Pictured are (front row) , and Back row: and

MENARD GIRLS WIN FIRST 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN TRACK AND FIELD. The Menard girls track and field team won the 2A State Championship May 4 at the LSU Bernie Moore Stadium in Baton Rouge.

Pictured are (left to right), Coach Wally Smith, This is the first time in Menard history for a Menard team to win a Track and Field State Championship. Congratulations!

PAGE 14

CHURCH TODAY

MAY 20, 2013

Cabrini students to participate in national pilot program in math

By Jeannie Petrus CT editor Beginning this fall, students in grades 3-6 at St. Frances Cabrini School will be the first in Rapides Parish and one of a few elementary schools in the state to participate in a highly-acclaimed pilot program for learning math.

ALEKS, Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces, is a web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. By answering a series of questions on-line, it quickly and accurately determines exactly what a student knows and doesn’t know in a course. ALEKS then instructs the student on the topics he/she is most ready to learn.

As a student works through a course, ALEKS periodically reassesses the student to ensure that topics learned are also retained.

ALEKS courses are very complete in its topic coverage and ALEKS avoids multiple-choice questions. A student who shows a high level of mastery of an ALEKS course will be success-

CABRINI STUDENTS TO PILOT MATH PROGRAM. and , first grade students at St. Frances Cabrini School in Alexandria work math problems on an iPad. Beginning this fall, students in grades 3-6 will pilot a national program for learning math. Through the ALEKS (Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces) program, each student will have individualized math instruction, custom designed to meet the needs of exactly where that student is in his/her math skills.

ful in the actual course he/she is taking.

ALEKS also provides the advantage of one-on-one instruction, 24/7, from virtually any web-based computer for a fraction of the cost of a human tutor.

“We are very excited about our students participating in the ALEKS pilot program at St. Frances Cabrini School,” said Liz Hines, coordinator of ALEKS at Cabrini School. “It means that each student will have individualized math instruction, custom designed to meet the needs of exactly where that student is in his/ her math skills.”

Explaining how the program works, Hines said, “For example, a class of 3rd graders would each take the assessment test. After testing, some of those 3rd graders may begin working on a 1st or 2nd grade math level, while others may be working on a 4th

grade, 6th grade, or even a high school level. Every day, during math class, students would work on an individualized instruction program through the use of iPads to learn the material and move on to the next level.”

“Statistics show that the students are learning faster and retaining more math skills through this program,” said Hines. “The teachers love it because it eliminates making out tests and grading them, but best of all, the students LOVE it because they are using iPads. It also eliminates being labeled as a “high or low” group, because no one knows what level a student is working on -- only that they are doing math.”

The program was brought to Cabrini School through the efforts of Hines, as a graduate student at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, working on a master’s degree in natural sciences.

MAY 20, 2013

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PAGE 15

Students excited about iPads in the classroom BESE grant allows St. Mary’s School to integrate iPads throughout curriculum St. Mary’s School in Natchitoches is now using the latest iPad/Apple technology in the secondary classroom thanks to 8(g) funds awarded from the state’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).

Senior English students are utilizing the latest technological strategies and applications with the goal of promoting literacy and improving overall reading and language achievement.

This year’s funds have provided an iPad to each of the senior English students to be used until graduation. The school is using the experience as a pilot to assess how the integration of this technology can be used throughout the curriculum and student body.

Leeanne Bordelon, SMS English teacher and the grant’s program administrator, said that the integration of iPad technology into the classroom is giving her engaging tools for teaching reading, writing, and research.

“With the growing number of available applications and websites, students are able to instantly access a wealth of information

ST. MARY’S (Natchitoches) SENIORS ACCESS APPS ON iPADS. Reading, writing, and research is a lot more fun now for seniors , , and with the use of iPads. St. Mary’s School recently received a grant from BESE for iPads for all senior English students. online,” she said. “They can conduct research, write, revise, publish, and share their work – all using the same device.

“The iPad also makes project-based learning much easier

through multimedia presentation tools and shared platforms. Having an iPad in the hands of every student has revolutionized what we are able to do in the classroom.”

In terms of how students can demonstrate their learning, creativity “has exploded,” according to Bordelon.

“Students have created video newscasts, Pinterest boards, soundtracks and graphic designs.,” she said. “Their writing has also improved as a result of the frequency with which we can write, reflect, and share.”

Bordelon said that the technology helps her provide additional support to students while also differentiating instruction and customizing learning opportunities for those students with individual needs.

“One of the most important aspects of writing instruction is timely feedback,” Bordelon said.

“With this technology, students can post their writing online and get real-time feedback from me and from their peers. We have virtually created a paperless classroom.”

Part of grant funding provided a subscription to the anti-plagiarism platform Turnitin.com, which provides an online class portal for posting and completing assignments.

“We’ve been able to simulate the kind of online environment these students will experience in college, complete with a discussion board, assignment postings, and instructor feedback. Students are learning how to conduct themselves in an online academic setting – something that will be extremely valuable to them their first semester in college.”

“The iPad has helped me become more responsible,” senior Kaitlynn Bedgood said. “I have something very valuable that I am responsible for and have to keep up with.”

Although grant funding allowed the purchase of the iPads for use in English class, the students are also allowed to use them in other classes.

“Being given an iPad is probably the best thing that has ever happened to me at St. Mary’s,” Michael Thomas said. “There are many apps that we use that help me with my classes. Taking notes on the iPad has also saved me a lot of time and made things more organized.”

Using one device to complete and turn in assignments has been one of the most popular features of the new technology, according to students.

“We no longer have to worry about our work being lost because everything is right in our hands,” Mary Grace Pierce said. “It’s also convenient that most of our assignments are turned in online.”

The school hopes to expand the program to include additional grade levels by requesting additional 8(g) dollars next year.

VIRTUS • June 6 (Thursday) -- St. Joseph Church, Marksville, 6 p.m.

• June 12 (Wednesday) -St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria, 6 p.m.

To register, go to www.virtus.org For more info, call (318) 445-6424, ext. 213

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 16

MAY 20, 2013

Operation HOT (Honoring Our Troops): ‘We need 4,000 crosses’ St. Mary’s’ kids respond to challenge to help American troops in Afghanistan

By Jeannie Petrus CT editor

Thank You!

This Memorial Day weekend, 7,00 miles away in Afghanistan, 4,000 American soldiers will receive a very special blessed ceramic cross hand-painted by special angels in Louisiana.

Thanks to Chef John Folse of New Orleans; Chef Charles Carroll of Houston, Texas; and the staff and kids at St. Mary’s Residential Training School in Alexandria, more than 4,000 hand-

painted ceramic crosses have been blessed by Bishop Ronald Herzog and shipped to Afghanistan to be distributed to the soldiers on Cajun Creole Night in Afghanistan, a project of Operation: HOT (Honoring Our Troops).

“I still can’t believe we actually did it,” said Sister Mavis Champagne, OLS, St. Mary’s administrator. “For the past month, the staff and kids at St. Mary’s have put their whole heart and two little hands into this project to show their appreciation for our

American troops overseas.”

The idea for the project originated back in February, when Sister Mavis and St. Mary’s staff members were driving to New Orleans on a business trip.

“We stopped in to see Chef John Folse, at his kitchen in Gonzales. Chef Folse has been a dear friend of St. Mary’s and has helped in so many ways over the years,” she said.

Mounted on the wall of his conference room was a large ceramic cross, that had been hand-

Bayou Ceramics

Pineville Donated all the bisque crosses they had in stock

Office Depot

Alexandria Donated printing of message cards

Sisters of OL of Sorrows Prepared crosses for shipping

Amicus Club

Prepared crosses for shipping

Staff of St. Mary’s

Coordination of entire project

Sister Mavis Champagne Chef John Folse Chef Charles Carroll It’s time for

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TALENTED CROSS PAINTERS. Some of the kids from St. Mary’s Residential Training School in Alexandria who painted more than 4,000 ceramic crosses for the troops in Afghanistan are (front row) and . Back row: , section leader; Sister Mavis Champagne, OLS, administrator of St. Mary’s; and Jessica Hamilton, ABA program supervisor.

painted and presented to him by the kids at St. Mary’s after he helped out with the Greco Bowl fundraiser a few years ago. The St. Mary’s staff immediately noticed the cross, made by the St. Mary’s children.

“I’ve received so many compliments on that cross,” Chef Folse told them. “A fellow cheffriend of mine (Chef Charles Carroll) would love for you to make a few for him too.”

“Like how many?” Sister Mavis asked.

“Oh, not many,” he responded. “Maybe a dozen. He’s going to Afghanistan in a few months to feed the troops and he’d like to give crosses to the generals there.”

Happy to oblige the simple request, Sister Mavis had planned upon her to St. Mary’s to ask Jessica Hamilton, director of the ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Lab, to begin making 12 ceramic crosses for Chef Charles.

“Making 12 crosses would not have been an unusual request,” recalled Jessica, who utilizes projects like these to teach the residents daily living, communication and life skills at the St. Mary’s ABA Lab. St. Mary’s has a fully-equipped ceramics shop, where the children often make ceramic pieces for special projects.

But an e-mail from Chef Folse

MAY 20, 2013

CHURCH TODAY

BLESSING THE CROSSES. Bishop Ronald Herzog gives the liturgical blessing while Sister Mavis Champagne, administrator of St. Mary’s, stands with . that same day, caught them by surprise.

“Chef Charles is thrilled that the kids will be making the crosses,” he started out. “But he wants a few more. He wants to know if you can make 4,000 for the troops in Afghanistan. He wants them in two months.”

“At first I just about died and thought ‘no way’! But then I begin to feel challenged and thought,

what a wonderful opportunity for our kids to do something for our troops,” she said.

The biggest challenge was obtaining that many crosses in “bisque” form (unbaked clay used in ceramic crafts). But after Jessica bought every cross from her regular ceramic supplier, she was still able to secure enough crosses of different sizes from other sources.

For weeks, residents of all ages (5 - 17) painted the different size crosses.

Twelve-year-old Tyler became a master of painting the crosses and soon developed his own technique for painting the crosses without getting his hands dirty.

“He painted one side first, flipped the cross over with his paint brush, and painted the other side,” said Jessica. “He was adamant about not wanting to get paint on his hands.”

After the crosses were painted, all 4,000 had to be fired in the kiln, a ceramic oven.

“That was quite a job too, because we could only fit 100-300 crosses in the kiln at one time, depending on the size of the crosses.”

After all the crosses were painted and fired, each had to be wrapped in brightly colored tissue (to protect them during shipping), placed in a small, clear plastic bag, and tied with a ribbon, that held a special note from the St. Mary’s kids to the soldiers.

Bishop Ronald Herzog, bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria, blessed the crosses April16 at St. Mary’s Residential Training School, with many of the residents who helped with the project, present.

“We are so happy that our residents at St. Mary’s were able to assist with this very special gift to our troops on Memorial Day Weekend,” said Sister Mavis.

PAGE 17

Since 2007, two award-winning Southern chefs have been a part of Operation H.O.T. (Honoring Our Troops), a non-profit group that feeds and entertains the troops stationed in Southern Afghanistan.

This Memorial Day Weekend, Operation HOT will host Cajun Creole Night in Afghanistan, through the efforts of Chef John Folse of New Orleans, and Chef Charles Carroll, of Houston, Texas. Both are internationally acclaimed chefs and culinary entrepreneurs.

The day starts out with a Cajun Creole home-cooked meal by Chef John Folse and Company, followed by distribution of two tons of gifts for the troops, (usually everything from NFL gear to Visine to baby wipes). Part of this year’s gifts will include the hand-painted, blessed crosses made by the St. Mary’s residents.

After the meal, an inspirational talk by Coach Lou Holtz will open the show, followed by a vareity of Vegas-style acts including ABC’s Secret Millionaire Steve Kaplan, internationally acclaimed hypnotist Boris Cherniak, comedian Carmen Barton, top chef Robert Irvine who will put on a live cooking show, and L.A. -vation, a U2 Tribute band.

Bringing the troops just “a little taste of home” and an incredible show presented by a star studded cast, is just one way to show our sincere gratitude for all the sacrifices they make for each one of us.

Please help us by honoring our trooops and bringing a “little taste of home” to the fine troops stationed in Southern Afghanistan.

Tax deductible donations are always accepted. For more information, go to www.chefcharlescarroll.com

Chef Charles Carroll Organizer, Operation HOT 1600 River Oaks Blvd Houston, Texas 77019

PAGE 18 June 1 Mater Dolorsa, Plaucheville Unified Night for Teens Mater Dolorosa Church in Plaucheville and the Office of Religious Formation and Training will host a UNIFIED night on Saturday, June 1 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. hosted by Kelly Pease Lombardi. The night is filled with music, prayer, evangelism, and catechesis. We invite high school students, young adults, and adults to become closer to Christ and His Church. Come pray with us for the youth attending the Steubenville South Youth Conference. For more information, contact Luc Noel at 318-4456424, extension 221, or e-mail at youngadults@diocesealex.org or www.diocesealex.org June 3-7 OLPS, Alexandria Vacation Bible School OLPS will host VBS June 3-7 from 8 a.m. -12 noon for children entering grades K-5. Cost is $10 per child, which includes a t-shirt. Registration will remain open until May 24. Registration forms are available at the rectory from 8-4:30 Monday-Friday.

There will be no late registration.

Adult volunteers are still needed.

For more information please call Paul Hood at 445-3693 or Tonya Curcio at 308-2682.

June 17-21 St. Anthony, Bunkie Vacation Bible School St. Anthony’s VBS program, Kingdom Rock, will be held June 17-21 from 8:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m.

CHURCH TODAY

MAY 20, 2013

2013

SUMMER

CAMPS

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS Registration is from now until May 31 and the cost is $15 per child or $30 per family. Two programs are offered: one for 3-4 year olds, and one for K-5th grades. Students in grades 6 and up are encouraged to help in assisting as crew leaders and staff.

For more info, contact Karen at 346-7274 or email kmccoy1959@gmail.com.

June 21-23 Steubenville South, Alexandria Join us for a weekend of fun, fellowship, and praise & worship.

For more info, go to www.steubenvillesouth.com June 24-28 Sts. Francis & Anne, Kolin Vacation Bible School Join us June 24-28, from 6-8 p.m. at Sts. Francis and Anne Church in Kolin for a week of Vacation Bible School fun! Open to students ages 4-12 years olf. Cost is $5 per person or $10 per family.

For more information, call Sheila McWilliams at 473-8736.

July 8-12 Sacred Heart, Pineville SH Fine Arts Camp Sacred Heart Church in Pineville will host its annual Sacred Heart Fine Arts Camp July 8-12, from 4-7 p.m. in the Activities Bldg. The cost is $40. This camp will enhance your child’s knowledge of music theory, dance and their own artistic ability. Fore more information or a registration form, call or email: Leia Graham (318) 229-9026 leiagraham@ yahoo.com Candace Churchman (318) 332-9325 crchurchman@ gmail.com July 8-12 St. Mary’s, Cottonport Vacation Bible School VBS at St. Mary’s Assumption in Cottonport, willl be held July 8-12 from 8 a.m. 11 a.m. The cost is $25 and includes snack and t-shirt. First 100 applications accepted. Registration deadline is June 17. For more information, email dodibrouillette@gmail. com or call 318-359-8324.

July 15-19 Sacred Heart, Pineville Vacation Bible School Sacred Heart Church in Pineville will host a FREE Vacation Bible School July 15-19 from 9 a.m. - 12 noon for students in grades K-6. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Ashley Rodgers at 528-8120 or 7877657.

July 15-19 St. Rita, Alexandria Vacation Bible School St. Rita Church will host VBS July 15-19 from 8 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Open to students in grades Pre-K - 5. Free for registered parishioners; al lother pay $25 per family. Register after all Masses June 22-23 or at the Church Office.

IAL! SPEC tw

1/2 c $

299

July 18-21 St. Anthony, Bunkie Teen ACTS Retreat St. Anthony in Bunkie is sponsoring a Teen ACTS Retreat July 18-21 at the Cecil J. Picard Recreation Center in Bunkie for high school students. The weekend is filled with great opportunities to explore the faith and ourselves, while growing closer to Jesus and to one another. The cost is $135 per students. For more information, contact Karen McCoy at KMcCoy1959@gmail.com or at 318-359-0710.

Camp Abbey Covington, LA Camp Abbey is for boys and girls who have completed grades 2-8 • Boys -- June 9-15, June 16 - 22, and June 23 - 29 • Girls -- July 7 - 13, July 14 - 20, and July 21-27 For more information, go to www.campabbey.org Camp Stanislaus Bay St. Louis, MS Camp Stanislaus is for boys and girls day and resident camps for ages 8-15.

• Boys -- June 9-15, June 16-22, June 23-29, and June 30 - July 6 • Girls -- June 16- 22, June 23 29, and June 30 -July 6 For more information, go to www.campstanislaus.com

CHURCH TODAY

MAY 20, 2013

PAGE 19

International Student Exchange program 7 exchange students complete year of study at St. Joseph School, Plaucheville

By Jeannie Petrus CT editor “Fun, -- different, -- an experience!”

These are some of the words used by seven foreign exchange students who spent the last 10 months attending St. Joseph School in Plaucheville and living with a host family nearby. , from South Korea; , from Thail Vietnam; from Taiwan from Taiwan, from Mexico; from Germany, were foreign exchange students brought to this country through the ISE (International Student Exchange) program, under the direction of Ashley Lemoine.

The first month in Plaucheville was the hardest, they all agreed.

Away from family, friends, and home, and placed in a different country, different people, and a different culture, -- it was lonely and a little intimidating. But soon friends were made, they began to develop a relation-

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL, (Plaucheville) HOSTS SEVEN EXCHANGE STUDENTS. Seven foreign exchange students from countries around the world have spent the last 10 months attending school at St. Joseph School in Plaucheville.

Pictured are (fron left) , host family of (standing behind him) from Mexico; from Taiwan and from Thailand, both staying in the home of host (standing behind them); and from Vietnam; from Taiwan (in back) and from South Korea. Not pictured is Julia Sachse from Germany, who has already returned home. ship with their host families.

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(from Mexico) was placed in the home e Chatlain. Her son, , student at St. Joseph, and ickly became friends. “ became my t American friend,” said .

“We both love sports and we joyed hanging out together.” agreed. “It was always nice to

have someone your own age to hang t with,” he said. , (from Thailand) and “ ” from Taiwan, both stayed in the home of Aubrey an i Chenevert, whose son, also attends St. Joseph. The three of them quickly became friends as well.

“I like everything about be-

ing here, except for my ‘sister,’” said , his hand-picked American me. “She -- pointing to exchange student -- always got me in trouble,” joked as he picked on quiet . “He always does that,” she s as she shyly smiled and rolled back her eyes. , on the other hand, became lose friends with (from Vietnam). As the only males in the exchange group, they naturally had to stick together.

Although (from South Korea), has his ghts on becoming an engineer when he returns to his country, he was intrigued by the things students do around here for fun.

“They build a big fire at night and sit around it and party,” he said. “In my country, you can get thrown in jail for making a fire.” (from Taiwan), on the other d, quickly learned other past times of this community and embraced it all. “I learned to go camping, hunting, fishing, and riding a four-wheeler,” he said.

“It’s fun.”

But some of the students did have the opportunity to go to other places in the U.S. during their stay. visited New York; , w York and Boston; New Orleans; and as and Hollywood. ent to Mardi Gras in New Orleans,” she said. “It was wild!”

All of the students agreed that the hot, spicy Louisiana food was one of the best things about being here. “I love all the food -- gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish, etoufee -- all of it,” said .

“I like the Louisian asco sauce and Tony’s Chachere’s seasoning,” said “When I return home, I am ng to bring back 10 bottles of each.”

Returning home is right around the corner. By the end of May, all will be back in their own countries.

“We will miss our host families the most,” said and .

“They have been ve ce to ” “I will miss my host family very much too,” said . “But I hope that one day, come back again and visit them.

To host an exchange student contact Helen Lamartiniere 318264-5957.

PAGE 20

CHURCH TODAY

MAY 20, 2013

Former Alexandrian Hilton-Taylor writes inspirational book of poetry

By Jeannie Petrus CT editor These days, many people are finding it difficult, if not impossible, to experience God in their lives. Some are finding it less and less necessary, or even desirable, to seek the presence of God. That’s one of the reasons, however, that Renée Hilton-Taylor, originally from Alexandria, decided to compile a book of her poems and call it Our Everywhere God! Waking Up to God’s Almighty Presence through Poetry.

Written in a manner both simple and profound, Our Everywhere God invites readers to recognize and celebrate God’s presence in prayer, nature, relationships, and suffering.

“God is everywhere –in all things ,” said Hilton-Taylor, “especially whenever and wherever you least expect him.” Readers can find comfort and inspiration in the way she portrays a life-time of personal experiences into her poetry.

She grew up in Alexandria in the 50s. Her parents, Joe and Doris Hilton, were lifetime residents of Alexandria. Her grandfather, Joe Hilton, Sr. owned and operated Hilton’s Drug Store at the corner of Lee and Vance for many years.

Hilton-Taylor attended St. Frances Cabrini School and graduated from Providence Central High School in 1965.

She attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for two years before transferring to Northwestern State University in Natchitoches in 1967. She graduated in 1969 with a degree in elementary education.

Later education included a masters degree in Pastoral Studies from the University of Loyola, New Orleans, training as an Addiction Counselor, and was most recently trained as a lay spiritual director through the Emmaus Program at Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House in Grand Coteau, La. where she continues to direct individual and group retreats.

Our Everywhere God!

Waking Up to God’s Almighty Presence through Poetry

By Rene’e Hilton-Taylor Published by: Inspiring Voices A Service of Guideposts Format: Perfect Bound Softcover (B/W) Size: 6 X 9, 194 pages ISBN: 978-1-46240-108-6 Price: $14.99 Order online at: www.bookstore.inspiringvoices.com

FORMER ALEXANDRIAN RENEE HILTON-TAYLOR PUBLISHES BOOK. Rene’e Hilton-Taylor, a native of Alexandria, recently published her first book, Our Everyhwere God! Waking Up to God’s Almighty Presence through Poetry.

It was published by Inspiring Voices, a service of Guideposts.

“As we get older and well into the second half of our lives, it is good to pause and reflect on how God has gotten us through the hills and valleys of our lives,”

she said. “It has been through trials that I have felt the presence of God most personally and deeply.

She said she found the inspiration to write the poems during

times of quiet prayer. Others were written during times of great joy (like her first poem in 1974 written after the birth of her third child) or during times of deeply felt grief (like during her late husband, Marc’s, bout with cancer).

The book is divided into five chapters and an endearing epilogue. Each of the chapters contain 20-25 poems centered around themes like prayer time, nature, motherhood, death, grief, joy, healing, and aging.

The good thing about her book is that you don’t have to be a fan of poetry. Her poems are so simple and easy to read and understandable, yet so thoughtprovoking and inspiring. No mat-

BOOK

REVIEW ter what your mood or situation is, you can find a poem that offers spiritual reflection and a chance to find and experience God’s presence in your life.

It’s not a book that you will read from cover to cover in one sitting, but a book that you will keep by your bedside table and open every morning before starting your day.

It’s a great way to start everyday with God.

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CHURCH TODAY

MAY 20, 2013

PAGE 21

Hollywood, as usual, portrays anti-Catholic view of a wedding

By John Mulderig Catholic News Service

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Ah, Hollywood! It’s a place where the RMS Titanic can be reconstructed down to the last detail and where audiences can be shown the unusual gait with which Abe Lincoln is said to have made his wise and melancholy way through the world. But, when it comes to a religion subscribed to by more than a billion people worldwide ... well, why sweat the small stuff?

Thus the faux Catholicism that pervades the vulgar romantic comedy “The Big Wedding” (Lionsgate), the flagrant erroneousness of which is only the most annoying of this picture’s many defects.

We’re fairly warned of what we’re in for in this regard, though: The very first line of dialogue compares the church, in a muddled but decidedly derogatory way, to oral sex.

And just what kind of a church do we get on screen? The kind where Father Moinighan (Robin Williams) -- a straw man in a Roman collar -- breezily informs Alejandro (Ben Barnes) and Missy (Amanda Seyfried), the couple preparing for the titular nuptials, that their indulgence in premarital sex and use of birth control will land them in hell.

Father doesn’t seem especially troubled by this prospect,

TV

REVIEW

The Big Wedding. Christine Ebersole, Robert DeNiro, Diane Keaton, Ana Ayora, Patricia Rae and Katherine Heigl star in a scene from the movie “The Big Wedding.” The Catholic News Service classification is O -- morally offensive.

The Motion Picture Association of America r ating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (CNS photo/Lionsgate) and the young ‘uns are far too sophisticated to take his smug, hamhanded condemnation as anything but a joke.

Alejandro -- a Harvard grad, so we’re informed -- also objects to the requirement that he promise to raise his children Catholic.

Well, naturally he does, he’s educated, after all!

But Alejandro’s troubles

with the faith are just beginning.

In this same interview, he learns from Missy that his hyper-pious Colombian mother Madonna (Patricia Rae) -- who hasn’t come to visit him in the States since she gave him up for adoption -- unexpectedly plans to attend the forthcoming ceremony.

This sets up the film’s “Big Problem,” because Alejandro has

never told Mom that his affluent adoptive parents, Don (Robert De Niro) and Ellie (Diane Keaton), are divorced.

Alejandro is so worried about the effect this scandalous bit of news will have on the perpetually rosary-clutching Madonna that he asks Don and Ellie to pretend they’re still married. They agree. Not surprisingly, however,

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the proposed arrangement leaves Don’s live-in girlfriend Bebe (Susan Sarandon) fuming.

As Don and Ellie’s awkward charade plays out, we get to know Alejandro’s sister Lyla (Katherine Heigl) -- whose infertility has put her marriage on the rocks -as well as his brother Jared (Topher Grace). Jared is that supreme freak of nature in Tinseltown’s bestiary, the Adult Male Virgin.

As outmoded in his thinking as Father Moinighan, Jared, it seems, is “waiting for love.”

Things could be worse, though; at least he’s not waiting for marriage.

Predictably, the arrival on the scene of yet another wedding guest, Madonna’s sultry daughter Nuria (Ana Ayora), soon has Jared reconsidering his eccentric resolve.

Bedroom complications -- past and present -- are all-tooamicably resolved in the leadup to Don’s payoff toast. In this oration, he compares God to the Wizard of Oz and announces that, since there’s no one pulling the cosmic strings, we’d better make the most of love. Or something to that effect.

Overall, the message of writer-director Justin Zackham’s adaptation of the 2006 FrenchSwiss film “Mon Frere Se Marie” seems to be that -- in a world with no man-behind-the-curtain to pay attention to -- it’s fine to be confused as long as you’re not inhibited.

The film contains implied atheism, anti-Catholicism, flawed moral values, strong sexual content -- including aberrant sex acts, rear nudity and a frivolous treatment of homosexuality and adultery -- a couple of uses of profanity and much rough and crude language. The Catholic News Service classification is O -- morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 22 Seminars on Christian Healing

All of us are broken in some way, in body, mind, or spirit. We are all in need of God’s healing grace. One way to receive it is to take the Christos Encounter: Seminars on Christian Healing prayer, to be presented at Maryhill Renewal Center by Jim and Dr. Christy Gootee and the Two Hearts Team over three weekends: June 29-30, July 27-28, and Aug. 10-11. Cost is $100 per weekend. To register call 318-641-6745 or e-mail jcgootee@gmail.com.

Marriage Encounter Workshop Happily Married Couples: Are you dieting, jogging, exercising, playing golf or tennis to stay in shape? What are you doing to keep your marriage in shape? Why not attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend? It’s the best proactive program to help married couples to explore, rediscover, and reconnect with one another through this weekend retreat. It has been voted the Best Marriage Workshop in the U.S. for the 2nd year in a row by About. com’s Reader’s Choice Awards. For more information about taking a private time away, check out http://wwmesection5.org or call 800-586-5469. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend in Louisiana is July 26 - 28 at the Bishop Tracy Center on S. Acadian Thruway in Baton Rouge. To apply for your spot go to http://wwmesection5.org/register.php or call 800-586-5469.

Pilgrimage to Albuquerque, NM Jim Mulvihill Tours, a travel agency in Florida, is offering a four-day pilgrimage to Albuquerque, NM Oct. 4-7 for only $1,267 per person. Price includes round trip trans-

DIOCESAN

BRIEFS portation by plane and bus, 3 nights accommodations, 6 meals, all taxes, and tips. The flight schedule from Lafayette is listed, but you can also fly from Alexandria. Father Tom Voorhies from Scott, La., will accompany the group.

Sites include the St. Philip Neri Cathedral, the Shrine at El Chimayo, the Loretto Chapel, the St. Francis Cathedral and St. Francis Museum, and the Balloon Festival. For more information, call Ann Ryland at 318-443-7715.

Bus trip to Caritas, Ala. A spiritual pilgrimage bus trip with priest and daily Mass is being planned to Caritas, Alabama July 3-5, when Marija of Medjugorje visits. Rooms at the Drury Inn have been blocked for the group and bus confirmed with $150 for both, room reserved by pilgrims at $95 or less per night for two or more. Phone Kathie at 318-640-4570 for details.

John Paul II Exhibit (Now thru June 16). An exhibit of Blessed John Paul II, titled “Portrait of Faith: John Paul II in Life and Art” is open now through Sunday, June 16. The exhibit is housed at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) in City Park in New Orleans. Additional information can be found at www.jpiiinnola.com or by calling toll free 1-866-6084799.

ST. MARY’S EASTER EGG HUNT. Mrs. Leone’s class enjoyed an awesome afternoon at the Ingram’s home, Roselawn. The children enjoyed Easter treats, dying eggs, playing with live bunnies, and hunting Easter eggs.

In the last issue. . .

Incorrect information submitted to the Church Today is corrected below: • Pg 10 -- Winnie Marshall is the RCIA sponsor for Alice Williams at St. James Memorial Church.

• Pg 19 -- Danyelle Coco is a member of the Menard Quiz Bowl team that placed 3rd at NSU on March 19.

MAY 20, 2013

SFXC NEW ALTAR SOCIETY OFFICERS. New officers for the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Altar Society are Father James A. Ferguson, pastor; Rose Marie Francis, secretary; Charlene Elliott, president; Charlotte White, treasurer; and Geneie Rousseau, vice president. To join the Altar Society, call 445-1433.

St. Martin Church: Event 2013 St. Martin Catholic Church in Lecompte will present Event 2013: Louisiana Blessings. Friday, May 31- June 2 in the church hall. On Friday, a silent auction will be held at 7 p.m. and a dance, featuring Ronnie Bryant and Friends at 8 p.m. Admission is $15/person or $25/couple. On Saturday, a children’s carnival will be held from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the door. On Sunday, a BBQ chicken dinner ($7 per plate) will be held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. with a live auction beginning at approximately 12:30 p.m. Plant Booth and Farmers’ Market will also be available on Sunday. For more info., call the Church Office at 776.9480.

ST. JOSEPH (Marksville) EASTER EGG HUNT. was held March 23. Children enjoyed hunting for prize-filled eggs, participating in bean bag tossing and the duck pond. Children and adults took part in the fun-filled sack race! Prizes were awarded for the Egg Hunt and Sack Races.

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CHURCH TODAY

MAY 20, 2013

PAGE 23

May - June Monday

Tuesday

20

Wednesday

21

22

Thursday

Friday

23

Illuminated Rosary 8:15 p.m.

St. Joseph Church, Marksville

Saturday

24

Sunday

25

26

Marriage Prep Workshop 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

OLPS Divine Providence Center, Alexandria

TRINITY SUNDAY PRAY FOR FR. C. PARTAIN

27

PRAY FOR FR. T. PAUL

28

PRAY FOR FR. G. POOKKATTU

29

PRAY FOR FR. R. RABALAIS

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Illuminated Rosary 8:15 p.m.

St. Joseph Church, Marksville

PRAY FOR FR. C. RAY

31

3

PRAY FOR FR. J. ROY

PRAY FOR FR. J. RYAN

4

5

PRAY FOR FR. C. SCOTT

VIRTUS Training 6:00 p.m.

St. Joseph Church, Marksville

JUNE

PRAY FOR FR. J. ROBLES

1

2

Unified Event 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Mater Dolorosa Church, Plaucheville

St. Martin Church, Event 2013 -- Lecompte

MEMORIAL DAY PRAY FOR FR. E. RODRIGUEZ

PRAY FOR FR. J. RETNAZIHAMONI

PRAY FOR FR. R. SHOURY

6

FIRST SATURDAY

FEAST of CORPUS CHRISTI

PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG

PRAY FOR FR. P. SIERRA-POSADA

7

8

9

Illuminated Rosary 8:15 p.m.

St. Joseph Church, Marksville VBS -- Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Alexandria PRAY FOR FR. L. SKLAR

10

PRAY FOR FR. S. SOARES

11

PRAY FOR FR. I. ST. ROMAIN

12

VIRTUS Training 6:00 p.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria

PRAY FOR MSGR. S. TESTA

13

Illuminated Rosary 8:15 p.m.

St. Joseph Church, Marksville

FIRST FRIDAY

PRAY FOR FR. K. TEXADA

14

PRAY FOR FR. J. THOMAS

15

Rapides Right to Life Conference 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

West Side Library, Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. A. THOMPSON

16

Last day of John Paul II Exhibit in New Orleans

FATHERS’ DAY PRAY FOR FR. J. TIMMERMANS

17

PRAY FOR FR. A. TRAVIS

18

PRAY FOR FR. A. VARGHESE

19

PRAY FOR FR. V. VEAD

20

Illuminated Rosary 8:15 p.m.

St. Joseph Church, Marksville

PRAY FOR FR. A. VELEZ

21

PRAY FOR FR. N. VIVIANO

PRAY FOR FR. J. XAVIER

22

23

Steubenville South, Alexandria Riverfront Center Fortnight for Freedom begins VBS -- St. Anthony of Padua, Bunkie -- 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

PRAY FOR FR. R. YOUNG

PRAY FOR FR. K. ZACHARIAH

PRAY FOR FR. A. AELAVANTHARA

PRAY FOR FR. T. ALLEN

PRAY FOR FR. R. BORDELON

PRAY FOR FR. S. BRANDOW

PRAY FOR FR. D. BRAQUET