CHURCH Volume XLII, No. 7
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TODAY
Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970
July 23, 2012
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH ON THE
INSIDE U.S. representative introduces Religious Freedom Tax Repeal Act
God Bless America St. Peter Mission has patriotic theme for Vacation Bible School
Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., announced July 10 that he would introduce the Religious Freedom Tax Repeal Act after saying that the U.S. Supreme Court's June 28 decision on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act "leaves intact a grave assault to religious freedoms." Find out what's next in the struggle to protect religious freedom on pg. 3.
TEXT: freedom TO: 377377 People who want updates on religious liberty can still text “freedom” to 377377. The U.S. bishops initiated the texting campaign to keep people informed about updates on religious freedom issues. For complete story, go to pg 2.
First Communion and Confirmation section Check out pages 10-18 for a gallery of First Communion and Confirmation pictures.
ST. PETER MISSION in Elmer held its summer Vacation Bible School June 24-27 and followed a patriotic theme.
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CHURCH TODAY
JULY 23, 2012
Fortnight for Freedom closing Mass draws 5,000 in prayer By Daniel Linskey Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) -Defending religious liberty is part of the bigger struggle to "convert our own hearts" and "live for God completely," Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said July 4 in Washington at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. He delivered the homily at the Mass that brought the U.S. bishops' "fortnight for freedom" to a close. "The political and legal effort to defend religious liberty -- as vital as it is -- belongs to a much greater struggle to master and convert our own hearts, and to live for God completely, without alibis or self-delusion," the archbishop said. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called for the fortnight in March, outlining several instances of "religious liberty under attack," including the federal contraceptive mandate. They asked dioceses to plan Masses, prayer services, educational events and other activities from June 21 to July 4. Cardinal Donald W.
Wuerl of Washington was the main celebrant of the Mass. Concelebrants included Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, and Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, who is chairman of the U.S. bishops' Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty. Outside the national shrine before Mass, the crowd joined in the singing of patriotic hymns. The heat was daunting, and the clergy, dressed in heavy white vestments, fanned themselves with missals as they waited to process into the shrine. Once inside, the pews of the 3,500-capacity of the shrine's upper church quickly filled; other congregants stood, filling the side chapels dotting the church. The crowd, estimated at 5,000, included Knights of Columbus honor guard with their feathered chapeaus to brothers in humble brown robes with dirtstained sandals. Rounded out with brass and a full organ, a choir welcomed the procession of bishops, priests and deacons down the aisle to the altar. Archbishop Chaput began his homily with a quote from
MAN PRAYS AT NATIONAL SHRINE IN WASHINGTON DURING FINAL MASS OF 'FORTNIGHT' CAMPAIGN. A man prays amid the overflow crowd during Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington July 4, the final day of the bishops' "fortnight for freedom" campaign. The observance, which began with a June 21 Mass in Baltimore, was a two-week period of prayer, education and action on preserving religious freedom in the U.S. (CNS photo/Bob Roller) Paul Claudel, a French poet and diplomat, who once described the Christian as "a man who knows what he is doing and where he is going in a world (that) no longer (knows) the difference between good and evil, yes and no. He is like a god standing out in a crowd of invalids. ... He alone has liberty
in a world of slaves." The archbishop talked about the idea of freedom of conscience, of knowing right and wrong, equating it with the greater idea of liberty. Archbishop Chaput said Claudel "spoke from a lifetime that witnessed two world wars
and the rise of atheist ideologies that murdered tens of millions of innocent people using the vocabulary of science. He knew exactly where forgetting God can lead." The modern indifference to morality and the growing sense of moral relativism Blessed John Paul II warned of in the 1993 encyclical "Veritatis Splendor" ("The Splendor of Truth") can be countered with the values both Americans and Christians hold. Drawing on the day's Gospel, Archbishop Chaput pointed to Jesus' words: "'Render unto Caesar those things that bear Caesar's image, but more importantly, render unto God that which bears God's image' -- in other words, you and me. All of us." "The purpose of religious liberty is to create the context for true freedom," he said. "Religious liberty is a foundational right. It's necessary for a good society. But it can never be sufficient for human happiness. It's not an end in itself." He continued, "In the end, See RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, pg. 3
Archbishop Lori asks congregation to text 'freedom' at end of Mass By Sr. Mary Ann Walsh usccblog
The July 4 closing of the Fortnight for Freedom at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington drew a standingroom-only crowd, a fact that stunned organizers given the holiday, intense heat and state of emergency situation around the District of Columbia due to power outages. I suspected we were headed into an overflow situation at the Mass when I arrived 40 minutes early and could find only illegal parking on The Catholic University of America campus, where the shrine is located. In the church, the crowd was unusual, so dense that the procession of bishops and priests to and from the Mass could not take its usual route up the side aisle and down the middle but had to be led outside into the sweltering heat. That turned out
Text: freedom To: 377377 Receive: updates on religious freedom to be nice for the people who were on the steps and couldn’t even get into the basilica. The shrine church holds an estimated 3,500 people and about 5,000 made it inside. The congregation far exceeded the crowd when Pope Benedict XVI
visited there in 2008, because the U.S. Secret Service charged with his safety wouldn’t tolerate the scene on July 4: blocked aisles with people sitting everywhere, including on the floor. Spirit was high and the crowd burst into applause several
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times during the afternoon Mass. People clapped several times during Washington Cardinal Donald Wuerl’s welcome and Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap’s homily. Such applause happens occasionally at Mass, but this much clapping was unusual. “Unusual” characterized the entire Mass, especially when Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, who concelebrated the Mass, called on the congregation to open their cellphones and text the word “freedom” or “libertad”
to 377377. It was part of the U.S. bishops’ religious liberty text campaign, and in two minutes about 2,500 people suddenly joined the effort. Those who texted signed up to receive text messages about the campaign, which still continues. Archbishop Lori admitted that asking people to turn on their phones at Mass was a first for him – and likely a first for everyone in the congregation. (People who want updates on religious liberty can still text “freedom” or libertad” to 377377.)
CHURCH TODAY
JULY 23, 2012
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Supreme Court rules health reform tax is constitutional New proposal would remove mandate's penalties for religious employers By Nancy Frazier O'Brien Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) -Saying that the U.S. Supreme Court's June 28 decision on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act "leaves intact a grave assault to religious freedoms," Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., announced July 10 that he would introduce the Religious Freedom Tax Repeal Act. The bill, which has 57 cosponsors, would allow employers who have religious or moral objections to covering certain preventive services mandated by the health reform law to decline to provide them through their health insurance plans without facing taxes, penalties or enforcement actions for their noncompliance. The Supreme Court ruled June 28 that it was constitutional for Congress to require individuals to purchase health insurance under its authority to tax. Sensenbrenner said the health reform law "gives the federal government the tools to tax religiously affiliated schools, hospitals, universities and soup kitchens right out of existence" by imposing penalties of up to $100 per employee per day on employers who fail to provide services mandated by
Which affords greater protection -- Freedom of Religion or Government Laws?
the Department of Health and Human Services, which include sterilizations and contraceptives, including some abortion-causing drugs. A religious institution with 50 employees, for example, could face penalties of up to $36,500 per employee per year, or more than $1.8 million per year, he said. "Obviously, if these taxes are levied and they are enforced, there will be no religiousaffiliated institutions left in this
country," said Sensenbrenner, former chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. "Religious-affiliated institutions, I think, have been one of the ways that there has been diversity provided in education, in health care and in various types of social services and relief services," he added. "I don't think they should be taxed out of business, and neither do my co-sponsors." To be exempt from the mandate, a religious organization
must have "the inculcation of religious values as its purpose"; primarily employ "persons who share its religious tenets"; primarily serve "persons who share its religious tenets"; and be a nonprofit organization under specific sections of the Internal Revenue Code. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has not taken a stand on the Religious Freedom Tax Repeal Act, according to Mercy Sister Mary Ann Walsh, USCCB director of media
relations. But the leaders of a lay-led organization called the Catholic Association said in a news release that they would "fully engage the Catholic grass-roots to support this legislation to preserve religious freedom and restore the longstanding bipartisan consensus on conscience protections." "The president is attempting to reshape religion in this country by forcing religious organizations like Catholic Charities USA, which alone serves more than 9 million people each year, to pay millions to the government for simply practicing their faith," said Maureen Ferguson and Ashley McGuire, senior policy adviser and senior fellow, respectively, of the new organization. The Catholic Association describes itself as a group "dedicated to being a faithful Catholic voice in the public square and the public arena." A new interfaith organization called Conscience Cause also pledged to support the legislation. "People of all faiths are looking to Congress to repeal this mandate, which forces religious institutions to pay for services that violate their faith and which redefines the very definition of a religious organization," the group said in a statement.
Religious freedom From page 2
4.7 miles to St. Philomena Shrine
we defend religious liberty in order to live the deeper freedom that is discipleship in Jesus Christ. What good is religious freedom, consecrated in the law, if we don't then use that freedom to seek God with our whole mind and soul and strength?"
Archbishop Chaput closed his homily by urging listeners to, "fulfill our duty as citizens of the United States, but much more importantly, as disciples of Jesus Christ." He received a standing ovation from the congregation, with some in the crowd waving American flags.
At the end of the Mass, Cardinal Wuerl addressed the congregation, tasking his listeners with carrying forth the message of the "fortnight for freedom." In organizing the "fortnight," foremost among the U.S. bishops' concerns is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mandate that employers, including most religious ones, provide insurance coverage for contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs, which Catholic teaching considers "morally objectionable." Other concerns include court rulings and policy decisions that have forced Catholic institutions out of adoption, foster care and refugee services. Threats abroad include attacks on churches in Iraq, Nigeria and Kenya.
PAGE 4 We are at the mid-point of summer and very soon preparations for a new school year will be the focus of attention for many of you. One of the most significant events of this past month is the Fortnight for Freedom that many parishes were involved in. Thanks for all your prayers and other activities. However, the battle for our religious freedom is not over. The issues remain. Some have the impression that the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the constitutionality of the law removed it from our consideration. Not true. First of all, the issue before the Court was the mandate for individuals to have or purchase insurance. Our concern in the mandate by HHS that employers provide coverage that includes contraceptives and abortion inducing drugs among other things. This entire issue is still in the judicial system as a violation of our constitutional right to the free exercise of religion. The government is try-
CHURCH TODAY ONE IN THE LORD Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria
ing to define what constitutes religion. This is what we are fighting. Please continue your efforts through our legislators and other venues. The consequences are enormous for so many of our institutions such as hospitals, schools and charitable organizations. Thanks to all who helped in any way with the Taste of Faith. The list would be too long to try to enumerate. There did not seem to be as many as last year and the amount donated was also less but the event was still a great success. The fact that we had to change the time to early summer may have had an impact. Don’t forget that August 15 is
a Holy Day of obligation. In the weeks ahead I will be attending a number of events that relate to my responsibilities outside the diocese. It is privilege to have the opportunity to work with other organizations. Please continue to pray for deliverance from the potential of severe storms now that we are in the midst of the 2012 hurricane season. May the Lord bless you and your loved ones and keep you safe during this summer!
Battle of prayer is an internal struggle Prayer is a battle. Indeed, it is a constant battle, not only against the wiles of the tempter, but against ourselves and the mentality of the present world. One thing is sure, we will never advance in the spiritual battle if we do not face, head on, these challenges. The Catechism is clear, “We pray as we live, because we live as we pray” (CCC 2725). The battle of prayer is an internal struggle, chiefly because there are so many erroneous notions of prayer. Some people dismiss prayer as simply a psychological activity or a meditation in search of a “mental void.” Others fall to the temptation to confine prayer to mere ritual words, postures, gestures, and actions. Worst of all, many believe prayer is an activity totally incompatible with their lifestyle, as if they simply don’t have the time. It may be suggested that one does not have the time not to pray! The “present world” is no advocate of prayer, either. One of these external attacks includes dismissing the effectiveness of prayer because it cannot be verified by science, yet our own experiences testify to the victories won by vigilant prayer. We also
Guest
Commentary
JULY 23, 2012
Prayer for Protecting
Religious Liberty O God our Creator, from your provident hand we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You have called us as your people and given us the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, and your Son, Jesus Christ. Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society. We ask you to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty. Give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith. Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father, a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters gathered in your Church in this decisive hour in the history of our nation, so that, with every trial withstood and every danger overcome— for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who come after us— this great land will always be "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Deacon John Whitehead Diocese of Alexandria
live in a world that values productivity, both personal and economic, as the ultimate measure of our self-worth. With such an attitude, the quiet solitude required for fruitful prayer is unquestionably unproductive and useless. Another attack involves the hedonistic lives so many relentlessly pursue. This philosophy exalts pleasure and finds truth only in the satisfaction of carnal desire as the path of least resistance to the good life. This is a philosophy that exchanges the truth for a lie (cf. Rom. 1:25), rather than being “caught up in the glory of the living and true God” (CCC 2727). As difficult as these challenges are, one still has to face the dangers of distraction and lack of faith. Distraction in prayer simply reveals to us our worldly attachments and the need to serve
one master only. Lack of faith presents itself when the multitude of worldly cares and priorities overtake our attention leading us to forget that apart from Jesus, “we can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5). All of these battles can be reduced to mere skirmishes, easily won, if we resolve to cultivate the virtue of humility. First, by humbly recognizing that “we do not know how to pray as we ought,” and second, by giving our prayer life over to the Holy Spirit who enables us to pray “with sights too deep for words” (Rom. 8:26). In this way, we learn that prayer is truly a gift from God, who takes the initiative and calls us to intimate communion with him, just as Jesus approached the Samaritan woman at the well and declared, “I am he, the one who is speaking with you” (Jn. 4:26).
CHURCH
TODAY
Volume XLII, No. 7 • July 23, 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
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JULY 23, 2012
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ST. AUGUSTINE VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL. An average of 30 children attended Vacation Bible School July 9-13 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isel Brevelle. The St. Augustine VBS was one of six held in the diocese during that particular week, and one of approximately 15-18 held in the diocese throughout the summer. SACRED HEART, Pineville, MUSIC WORKSHOP participants sang for the 11:30 Mass on Sunday, June 24.
STS. FRANCIS & ANNE VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY. The parish Boy Scout troop presented all veterans with a certificate of appreciation July 1 for their time and dedicated service in the various branches of the military. Pictured are (front row) Richard Walker, Ferd Smith, David Cohran. Back row: Gabi Stiltner, Richard Primeaux, Bobby Gerald Mabou, Marlene Kramel, Glenn Kramel, Jerry McNeal, Robert Bordelon, Jim Tuma, Leroy Anderson,
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OL of LOURDES, Winnfield, celebrated Father's Day on June 17. Fathers receiving awards were David Herring, youngest father; Simon Buras, oldest father; and Thomas Ardoin, religious father award (given to the father with the most people with him in church that day). The Our Father Award went to Rev. Christian Ogbonna, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. All fathers present received a special blessing and a St. Joseph token.
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CHURCH TODAY
Crowds enjoy Taste of Faith benefit dinner for diocesan seminarians
JULY 23, 2012
Seminary Burses June Knights of Columbus Council 9217. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10.00 Fr. Adrian Molenschot Burse Deacon and Mrs. Rodrick B. Broussard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00 Msgr. Milburn Broussard Burse Dr. Joseph Landreneau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Msgr. Henry Beckers Burse Mr. & Mrs. Charles D. Perot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00 Fr. Dan O'Connor Burse Mr. & Mrs. Robert O. Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200.00 Fr. Daniel Corkery Burse Ms. Geraldine B. Deptula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000.00 Fr. Bruce Miller Burse Total this month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,710.00 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 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
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Top: Seminarian Gus Voltz and Deacon Todd Marye put the finishing touches on the stuffed catfish. Bottom left: Seminarians Dale Meade and Brian Seiler discuss how much bread crumbs to use. Bottom right: Seminarians Taylor Reynolds, Daniel Hart and Joseph Desmoine take orders in the kitchen.
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St. Frances Cabrini school teacher receives national recognition for outstanding performance in education A local teacher has received national recognition for outstanding performance in education. Jessica Vicknair, a 2nd grade teacher at St. Frances Cabrini School, was awarded Reading Model Classroom Certification by Renaissance Learning, for outstanding performance in education. Reading Model Classroom certification indicates that Miss Vicknair’s dedication to implementing the company’s Accelerated Reader Best Practices to a high degree has resulted in measurable improvements in her class’s reading performance over a 12-week period. These include allocating 30 minutes daily for students to engage in independent reading practice, monitoring student progress, diagnosing reading problems, setting goals, and motivating her readers. This is Miss Vicknair’s first year reaching Reading Model Classroom certification. Miss Vicknair has attended Northwestern State University and is currently working towards her Master of Education in Educational Technology Leadership. Miss Vicknair has worked in the Diocese of Alexandria for six years and is teaching a combination classroom of first and second grade students. “Reading has always been a passion of mine and I want to extend that same enthusiasm to my students so that they can grow to be competent learners. The process of Renaissance certification
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Phyllis Scott named principal of St. Mary's in Natchitoches Phyllis Metoyer Scott has been named principal of St. Mary School in Natchitoches, according to Thomas Roque, superintendent of Catholic Schools. Scott assumed the position of principal in July in order to begin preparations for the 20122013 academic school year. A graduate of Holy Savior Menard Central High School, Scott has served in numerous positions in the Rapides Parish school board, including a special education teacher, coordinator of Alternative Academic Affairs, assistant principal, and principal. She has a BA in Social Welfare from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette; completed the teacher education program from Louisiana College; and earned an M.Ed. from
Phyllis M. Scott Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. "We are very excited to have Phyllis Scott serve as principal of St. Mary School," said Roque. "As a product of our own Catholic school system and a native of this area, she will be a perfect fit for this job."
Nathan Laborde is principal of St. Mary's in Cottonport
ACCELERATED READERS. Jessica Vicknair's second grade students at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic School were part of the reason she was recently recognized nationally for outstanding performance in education. She was awarded Reading Model Classroom Certification by Renaissance Learning, which means her implementation of the company Accelerated Reader Best Practices resulted in a measurable improvement in her class's reading Nathan Laborde has been performance over a 12-week period. named principal of St. Mary Assumption School in Cottonport. A graduate of Marksville has taught me the best practices in comprehension of their students’ High School, Laborde has implementing a curriculum rich in reading practice. After reading a served as a teacher at Welsh literature,” Miss Vicknair said of book at the appropriate level, stu- and Marksville High schools, her classroom achievement. dents take a comprehension quiz as well as the Louisiana School Renaissance Learning de- at a computer. Teachers can use for Agricultural Sciences. veloped the Accelerated Reader Accelerated Reader’s immediate He most recently served as software more than 25 years ago feedback on reading and vocabu- assistant principal of Cottonport to help teachers accurately and ef- lary growth to motivate and moni- Elementary. ficiently monitor the quantity and tor student growth. He has a B.S. in Agricultural Education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana at Lafayette; a master's degree in educational technology with certification in supervision of student teaching from McNeese State University in Lake Charles; and a +30 degree in educational leadership with certifications in
Nathan Laborde principalship and supervision of instruction from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. He is a member of St. Genevieve Catholic Church in Brouillette, where he plays the guitar for special Masses.
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CHURCH TODAY
JULY 23, 2012
(top left) THE FOURTH DEGREE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, assemblies 328 Msgr. Anthony Piegay of Alexandria and 2078 Msgr. F. J. DeKeuwer of Natchitoches, installed officers July 1 at the St. Rita Holy Family Center. Receiving awards after the installation were Deborah Randolph, Civic Leader of the Year Award; Father Bruce Miller, Clergy of the Year; Jules and Kathy Lacour, Family of the Year; Larry Feldkamp, Order of Merit; and Ernest Babineaux (not pictured), Knight of the Year. (top right) MSGR. F. J. DeKEUWER OFFICERS. Officers for 2012-2013 are Mike Menou, Faithful Navigator; David Bouchie, Faithful Captain; John Denny, Faithful Pilot; Buford Grappe, Faithful Admiral; Tom Felchle, Faithful Comptroller; Paul Sklar, Faithful Purser; Mike Yankowski, Faithful Scribe; John DoBernig and Bobby Scott, Faithful Sentinels; and Buddy Gahagan, Charles Lee, and Dewey Page, Faithful Trustees. (bottom left) MSGR. ANTHONY PIEGAY OFFICERS. Officers for 2012-2013 are Ernest Babineaux, Faithful Navigator; Leonard Wilson, Faithful Captain; Larry Feldkamp, Faithful Pilot; Huey Campbell, Faithful Admiral; Freddie Daigrepont, Faithful Comptroller; J.T. Chestovich, Faithful Purser; Gordon Newton, Faithful Scribe; Richard Murray and Al Rafferty, Faithful Sentinels; and John Tumminello, John Morovich, and Robert Welch, Faithful Trustees.
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Local group makes three-day pilgrimage to Caritas, Alabama A group of 33 people from around the diocese filled a bus July 3 and travelled to Caritas, Alabama for a three-day pilgrimage. So, why would a group from Alexandria want to make a three-day pilgrimage to Caritas, Alabama? What's in Caritas? and where is it? To believers, it is the site of periodic apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Medjugorje visionary Marija Pavlovic Lunetti near Birmingham, Ala. Caritas of Birmingham is actually located in Sterrett, Ala., where it operates from the Tabernacle of Mary's Messages, a 35,000 sq. ft. building specifically built for the spreading, promoting, and safeguarding of Our Lady of Medjugorje's messages. Marija was only 16 years old in 1981 when she and five other children claimed to have daily apparitions of Our Blessed Mother in the small town of Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzgovenia (formerly Yugoslavia). In November 1988, after two years of prayer and fasting, Marija and her brother, Andrija were able to come to the United States where she donated her kidney. The surgery was made possible for this poor Croatian brother and sister through the efforts of a dear American friend, Terry Colafrancesco.
PILGRIMS TO CARITAS. A group of people from Alexandria made a trip to Caritas, Alabama July 3-5 to witness the apparition of the Blessed Mother to Marija Pavlovic Lunetti, one of the visionaries from Medugorje. While recovering from the transplant, both she and her brother stayed at the home of Colafrancesco. Since Marija says she received daily appararitions from Our Lady for the past 31 years, she continued to receive them, even while in Birmingham. So in 1989, when CNN broke the news that a Medjugorje visionary was staying in Birmingham and continued to have her daily appararitions, crowds of believers soon began coming to the home of
Colafrancesco to be present for the apparitions. They gathering by the hundreds in the field (now known as Caritas of Birmingham) to be near Marija during the apparitions. Marija is married and has a family now, but she often returns to Caritas in thanksgiving to the people and the nation that sponsored the life-saving surgery. Colafrancesco has since built the Tabernacle of Mary's Messages on the field today called Caritas (which is Latin for to love all) of Birmingham. The
massive, church-like structure houses a printing operation where books and materials are printed about Mary's messages and sent to people around the world. The facility also serves as a retreat center for 700 and offers spaces for writing and meditation, and for storing all of Mary's messages received since 1981. Year-round it serves as a quiet, peaceful retreat for visitors from around the world. But when Marija returns to Caritas, like she did July 1-5, 2012, the crowds pour in, to witness the apparitions.
During Lunetti's July visit, the shoulders of the two-lane highway that runs through the Caritas of Birmingham property were covered with long lines of cars with tags from California, Florida, Louisiana, Texas and other states. Carmen Quintana spent three days traveling from Philadelphia to Birmingham to see Lunetti. "It's for everybody. There have been many, many Catholics who have come and felt the peace -- peace that you feel in our heart," Quintana told WVTM-TV. Although no one but Lunetti can see the apparitions while they are taking place, the crowd watches her eyes as she looks up to a fixed point in the air. "Whether you believe in Our Lady of Medjugorje or not, Caritas of Birmingham is a beautiful, prayerful place to visit," said Kathie Duggan, trip organizer for the Alexandria group. In addition to visiting Caritas and witnessing the apparition, the group also visited EWTN and local churches. Since the apparitions have not stopped, the Roman Catholic Church has not taken a position on the visions at Medjugorje or at Caritas. Priests are prohibited from holding Mass at Caritas of Birmingham, but a nearby Catholic church was allowed to offer a special service to accommodate visitors.
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CHURCH TODAY
OL OF LOURDES, Fifth Ward-Marksville. Seven students received First Communion May 6 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Fifth Ward-Marksville. Pictured are , Father Silverino Kwebuza, pastor;
JULY 23, 2012
IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY, Tioga. Nineteen students received First Communion April 29 at IHM in Tioga. Pictured are (front row) Rhoda Christopher, RCIC catechist. R3: Georgette Kirkland, catechist; Brett Kirkland, catechist; , Fr. Rickey Gremillion, , Deacon L.G. Deloach, Helen Craig, DRE; and Dawn Parker, RCIC catechist.
ST. RITA CHURCH, Alexandria. Twenty-one students received First Communion on May 12 at St. Rita Church.
JULY 23, 2012
CHURCH TODAY
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First Communion • Confirmation Special Section
Special dress makes First Communion extra-special By Jeannie Petrus CT editor
chose a dress embroidered with OL of Guadalupe.
12-year-old had to delay her First Communion several times over the past few years because of her grandfather’s illness. When she was finally able to complete instruction for receiving First Communion May 13 at St. Joseph Church in Colfax, she wanted her special day to be “extra” special. “My grandmother (Theresa Dubois) said I could pick out ANY dress I wanted for my First Communion,” said . “Father Harold (Imamshah, pastor) and I both love the Blessed Virgin Mary, so when I saw the one with Our Lady of Guadalupe, I said, ‘that’s the one! “ The beautiful Roses Virgin Mary embroidered, organza silk Communion gown is accented with sequins, embroidery, pearls side ties and a back bow. It can be found on Amazon.com and retails for $139 - $159. “When we received the gown in the mail, it fit Katharine perfectly,” said Theresa. But there was one small problem. “The sleeves fell “off” the shoulders, which I didn’t find appropriate for First Communion.” A simple solution was to
make a silk white cape to cover the bare shoulders. “It turned out beautifully. I think Katherine liked it even more with the cape,” she said. On the same day of First Communion, Katharine’s younger sister, Emily, was baptized. A self-proclaimed ‘tomboy,’ Emily was also given the offer to pick out any dress she wanted for her baptism. “We were all relieved when Emily picked out a simple white dress,” said Theresa. “It’s not as ornate as Katharine’s, but it is beautiful too and it’s a dress. We were afraid she might have wanted to be baptized in a white shirt and jeans!” Theresa said she was so proud of both of her granddaughters on May 13, Mother’s Day. “All of my children and grandchildren were present for Katharine’s First Communion and Emily’s baptism. I was one happy woman that day,” she said. After the memorable day, she plans to have both gowns specially packed as an heirloom to pass down to her future great-granddaughter’s extraspecial First Communion and Baptism Day.
ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, Colfax. May 13, 2012 was a big day for four students at St. Joseph Church in Colfax. Pictured are who all received First Communion, except did not receive First Communion, but was baptized.
ST MARTIN, Lecompte. Five students from St. Martin Church in Lecompte received First Communion on April 29. Pictured are ., and Father Pedro Sierra-Posada, pastor.
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CHURCH TODAY
JULY 23, 2012
OL of PROMPT SUCCOR, Mansura. Four students received First Communion at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Mansura. Pictured are with Fr. Jose Palathara, CMI, pastor. ST. FRANCES CABRINI CHURCH, Alexandria. 17 students received First Communion at St. Frances Cabrini Church. Pictured are
. Back row is Jessica Vicknair, John Harden, Deacon William Travis, Tamara Harden, Fr. Jose Robles-Sanchez, pastor; Gennie Ashy, Fr. Antonio Velez, parochial vicar; and Joseph Weiderholt, principal. OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, Forest Hill. Nineteen students received First Communion May 20 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Forest Hill. Pictured are (front row) . Middle row: . Third row: . Top row: Maria Flor Nolasco, Father Pedro SierraPosada, pastor and Maria Elena Vargas, First Communion teachers. ST. ANTHONY CHURCH, Bunkie. Twenty-five students received First Communion April 15 at St. Anthony Church in Bunkie. Pictured are (front row)
, and Fr. Jack Michalchuk, pastor.
Congratulations to the
358
First Communion students
205
Confirmation students pictured in these nine pages of the Church Today. All churches and schools were asked to send in pictures and the names of the students. Pictured on these pages are the ones who responded.
JULY 23, 2012
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 13
OUR LADY OF SORROWS, Moreauville. Five students received First ComST. JOSEPH SCHOOL and MATER DOLOROSA CHURCH CCD, Plaucheville. Seven students from St. Joseph munion at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Moreauville. Pictured are School and 13 students from Mater Dolorosa Church CCD received First Communion April 1 at Mater Dolorosa Church and in Plaucheville. Father Jose Palathara, CMI, pastor.
SACRED HEART CHURCH, Pineville. Twelve students received First Communion on April 21 at Sacred Heart Church in Pineville. Pictured are (front row) . Back row: Denise Richard (teacher), and Father Bruce Miller, pastor.
OL of PROMPT SUCCOR SCHOOL, Alexandria. 83 students received First Communion at OLPS in Alexandria. Pictured are
HOLY GHOST CHURCH, Marksville. Twelve students received First Communion April 21 at Holy Ghost Church in Marksville. Pictured are Adults pictured are Fr. Rusty Rabalais, pastoral administrator, Angie Champ, and Frances Guillot.
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CHURCH TODAY
ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA CHURCH, Natchitoches. 13 students received First Communion at St. Anthony Church in Natchitoches. Pictured are (front row) R2: Fr. Thomas Paul, parochial vicar; , Fr. John O'Brien, pastor; and Vallery Washington, teacher.
ST. AUGUSTINE, Isle Brevelle. Six students received First Communion May 6 at St. Augustine Church in Isle Brevelle. Pictured are (l-r) . Back row: Father Jacob Thomas, pastor and Sister Elizabeth Ann Holmes, First Communion teacher.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, Cloutierville. Two students received First Communion April 29 at St. John the Baptist Church in Cloutierville. Pictured are , Jannie LaCour,DRE, Fr. Kenneth Obiekwe, pastor; and .
JULY 23, 2012
ST. GENEVIEVE CHURCH, Brouillette. Seven students from St. Genevieve Church in Brouillette received First Communion on April 1. Pictured are Father Jose Pallipurath, pastor. Class instructor is Mrs. Judy Decuir.
and
ST. JAMES CHURCH, Alexandria. Six students received First Communion May 20 at St. James Church in Alexandria. Pictured are . Also pictured are Father Remi Owuamanamm pastor (front and center) and Deacon Benny Broussard (back row).
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHEDRAL, Alexandria. Two second grade children received First Holy Communion May 6 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Pictured are , and Father Jim Ferguson, pastor.
ST. JULIANA CHURCH, Alexandria. Two students received First Communion at St Juliana Church in Alexandria. Pictured are with their pastor Fr. Remi Owuamanam.
CHURCH TODAY
JULY 23, 2012
PAGE 15
ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, Marksville. Twenty-one students from St. Joseph Church in Marksville received First Communion on April 22. Pictured are (front row) ST. EDWARD CHURCH, Tallulah. Four students received First Communion June 10 at St. Edward Church in Tallulah, where Father Ferre D’Cruz is pastor. Pictured are Kim Donham, teacher;
Deshautelle assisted in the celebration of the Mass since his nephew, Thanks to Nancy Desselle, DRE.
ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE CHURCH, Mansura. Nine students received First Communion April 29 from St. Paul the Apostle Church in Mansura. Pictured are
Fr. Blake made his First Communion.
STS. FRANCIS AND ANNE, Kolin. Fifteen students from Sts. Francis and Anne Church in Kolin received First Communion.
and Father Chad Partain, pastor. ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, Leesville. Nineteen students received First Communion at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Leesville. Pictured are (front row)
R3: Sandra Ortego, Carol Laughlin, Fr. Kenneth Michiels, Fr. Anthony Catella, and Vanessa Gozaine.
ST. PETER MISSION, Elmer. received her First Holy Communion on June 24 at St. Peter Mission in Elmer.
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CHURCH TODAY
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHEDRAL, Alexandria, ADULT CONFIRMATION. 17 adults were confirmed May 27 at the Cathedral. Those confirmed are Valerie Lynn Bayone Bandy, Jacqueline Ann Borrero, Gabrielle Nicole Cangelosi, Michael Lee Coolman, Candice Dauzat, Jonathan Michael Fakes, David Hall Foshee, Jr., Edna Aracely Hernandez, Emily Erin Juneau, Rachel Mathews, Katherine Nicole Mitchell, David Antonio Murillo, Brian Edward Naviaux, Nelson Josue Orellana, Beverly Sue Phillips, Antonia Lee Sullivan Schermerhorn, and Wanel Elaine Williams.
CHURCH OF THE LITTLE FLOWER, Evergreen. Three students were confirmed recently at the Church of the Little Flower in Evergreen. Bishop Ronald Herzog confirmed during a Mass concelebrated by Rev. Bartholomew Ibe, pastor, and his twin brother, Rev. Captain Ignatius Ibe, SMMM.
ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA, BUNKIE. , daughter of Dwayne and Angela Juneau of St. Anthony Church in Bunkie, was confirmed May 27 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.
JULY 23, 2012
OUR LADY OF LOURDES, Winnfield. Five students from Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Winnfield received the Sacrament of Confirmation April 11. Pictured are Fr. Christian Ogbonna, pastor; Bishop Ronald Herzog,
ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, HOLY GHOST CHURCH, and ST. RICHARD MISSION, Marksville. Thirty-three students from St. Joseph Church, St. Richard Mission and Holy Ghost Church received the Sacrament of Confirmation May 3 at St. Joseph Church in Marksville. Pictured are (front row) Top row: Fr. Abraham Verghese, Bishop Herzog, , and Fr. Rusty Rabalais, pastor. Not Pictured:
OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR CHURCH, Alexandria. Fifty-three students from OLPS, Alexandria were confirmed.
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CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 17 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, Natchitoches. 23 students from the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception received the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 9. Pictured are (front row l-r)
row (L to R): (L to R):
Middle row
SACRED HEART OF JESUS, Pineville. Twenty-three students received the Sacrament of Confirmation May 13 at the 11:30 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Pineville. Pictured are R2: R3: Fr. Bruce Miller, , and Fr. Stephen Soares. R4: , Bishop Ronald Herzog,
IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY, Tioga. Sixteen students were confirmed recently at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Tioga. Pictured are (front row) Helen Craig, DRE; and Deacon L.G. Deloach. Back row is Father Rickey Gremillion, pastor; Bishop Ronald Herzog, , Roger Christopher, catechist;
ST. EDWARD CHURCH, Tallulah. Eight students were confirmed May 19 at St. Edward Church in Tallulah. Pictured are Father Ferre D’Cruz, Bishop Ronald Herzog, Back row is
ST. PETER MISSION, Elmer. Three young men received the Sacrament of Confirmation April 29 at St. Peter Mission in Elmer. Pictured are Father Bino Pallipparambil, pastor; , Bishop Ronald Herzog,
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JULY 23, 2012
(at left) STS. FRANCIS AND ANNE RCIA. RCIA members who were received into full membership at the Easter Vigil Mass are (left to right) Lynn Ray, Johnnie and Stacy Mayeaux, Sara Pintapano, Kayla Delacerda, Tracey Daigrepont, Father Blake Deshautelle, Kendall Delacerda, Bobbye Farris, Gabi Stiltner, and Father Joy Retnaziha moni, pastor.
STS. FRANCIS AND ANNE, Kolin. Eleven students were confirmed recently at Sts. Francis and Anne Church in Kolin. Pictured are (front row) R2: R3: , Bishop Ronald Herzog, and
OUR LADY OF LOURDES, Fifth Ward-Marksville. Six students were confirmed May 12 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Fifth Ward. Pictured are (front row) . R2: Deacon Ted Moulard, Bishop Ronald Herzog, and Father Silverino Kwebuza, pastor.
NEW HOURS for
ST. JOSEPH
CATHOLIC CENTER
Closed for lunch from noon - 1 p.m.
New office hours are:
Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - noon; 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday
8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Petrus FEED & SEED
2914 N. Bolton Ave. • Alexandria, LA
442-2325
JULY 23, 2012
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 19
Steubenville 2012 marked with many 'last times'
Photo by lilybphotography
FAREWELL. Christina Theriot, coordinator of Steubenville for the past several years, is presented a bouquet of flowers by Father Jose Robles-Sanchez, the new Steubenville coordinator, while Bishop Herzog applauds.
With the close of the 2012 Steubenville South Catholic Youth Conference, it was also the end of many things that have been a part of the annual gathering of spirited youth for the past 10-12 years. It was the last time that Christina Theriot, coordinator of Steubenville South for the past seven years, would be coordinating the event. Christina is planning to be married in September and will be moving to Phoenix, Ariz. Father Jose Robles-Sanchez, who has been the Steubenville priest director for the past several years, will take over next year as coordinator of the conference. It was also the last time for 10-year staff member Cari Williams, who will also be
Blakesley named Ambassador to Children & Families Rising Catholic music artist Josh Blakesley was named Ambassador to Children and Families by the Forum de la Famiglie during this year’s World Meeting of Families in Milan, Italy. Along with other influential Catholic leaders to families and young people from all over the globe, Blakesley was presented with the Charter of Family Rights. Outlining articles of rights of families that were introduced by Pope John Paul II in 1983. The charter says “…all persons have the right to the free choice of their state of life and
thus to marry and establish a family or remain single.” Blakesley, who rose to international recognition with his contemporary hit “You Are the Light” earlier this year, was asked to bring the charter back to the U.S. and carry the message of Pope John Paul II—the importance and celebration of families in modern society—to those he touches through his music and ministry. The World Meeting of Families occurs every three years. This year’s celebration was held May 30 – June 3 in Milan, Italy. It was
Josh Blakesley attended by thousands of families from nearly every country in the world.
ST. JOSEPH, Marksville YOUTH GROUP attended Steubenville South Youth Conference this year. The group was among the almost 3,000 students who attended the three-day weekend event at the Rapides Parish Coliseum. leaving the Steubenville office. Cari has been working in the Steubenville Office for more than 10 years. One of the biggest changes however is the change in venue -- from the Rapides Parish Coliseum, where it has been held since its inception in 1995 -- to the Riverfront Center in downtown Alexandria. In a 3-minute slapstick video, produced by Tamara McNulty, associate director of development, it was announced at the end of the conference that Steubenville 2013 would be moving to the Riverfront. In a clip, the video shows a guy going to the restroom at the Riverfront. From behind a closed door, you can hear the boy say, "Wow, it has doors in here!" and
"Wow, the toilet even flushes!" in humorous reference to some of the issues faced by the youth conference in the past. "The Coliseum has served us well for many years. We made the decision to leave the Coliseum because it just made sense in so many areas," said Father Jose. "Next year, we will move to a newer, more accommodating facility that will offer a number of advantages that we did not have before." Other facilities in the downtown area will also be used for meeting facilities and St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, right across the street, will offer a more sacred atmosphere for confession and spiritual contemplation.
Virtus Training • Monday, July 30, 6 p.m., St. Michael Church, Leesville • Tuesday, Aug. 7, 1 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria • Wednesday, Aug. 15, 6 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church, Natchitoches To pre-register, attendees should go to www.virtus.org and click on Registration to begin the registration process. For more information, call 445-6424, ext. 213
CHURCH TODAY
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JULY 23, 2012
Catechism of Catholic Church available as browser-based e-book By Daniel Linskey Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) -The Catechism of the Catholic Church now has more of a presence in the increasingly popular world of e-books. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has made the catechism available as a browserbased e-book at www.usccb.org/ beliefs-and-teachings/what-webelieve/catechism/catechism-ofthe-catholic-church/index.cfm. The catechism is a compendium of Catholic beliefs structured around the four pillars of faith: creed, sacraments, commandments and prayer. The USCCB announcement about the latest e-book format comes at a time when more active readers are moving to e-books from traditional formats. A Pew study conducted in February shows 21 percent of adults say they read an e-book in the past year, compared with 17 percent in December 2011 who said they
had done so. Additional research shows that overall e-book owners are more likely to read than those who read via print formats. In late 2011, the USCCB accommodated that trend by releasing the e-book edition of the catechism through Amazon, iTunes and the USCCB online bookstore. Why make it available through browsers? "Providing the catechism in this particular electronic format will make this foundational resource even more accessible to people," explained Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City. "It is free to anyone who has access to the Internet." The bishop, who is chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Communications, made the comments in a statement. The Pew study reports 42 percent of e-book users read their e-books on a computer. Therefore, not only is the catechism now more available but, statistically, readers may be
E-BOOK VERSION OF CATHOLIC CATECHISM. A woman displays the e-book version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on an iPad in Washington June 14. The e-book version, which has been available through iTunes, Amazon and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' online bookstore, can now be br owsed and read for free on the USCCB website. Authorized by Pope John Paul II in 1986, the catechism was first published in 1992, with a revised second edition released in 2000. (CNS photo/Nancy Phelan Wiechec) more inclined to access it. "The Catechism of
Catholic Wedding
The
A complete guide for planning your Catholic wedding!
Advertising space available now! Imagine having your ad placed in the hands of every young couple planning a Catholic wedding in 13 Central Louisiana parishes for the next 3-5 years! If you offer wedding products or services, you don’t want to miss this opportunity to be part of the Diocese of Alexandria’s comprehensive 72-page, full color, glossy 8.5 X 11 wedding guide that will be distributed free to every Catholic couple planning a wedding.
Want more information? Email: joanferguson@diocesealex.org or
call (318) 445-6424, ext. 264 to request an advertisers packet.
Hurry! Ad space will fill up quickly!
the
Catholic Church is proving to be as compelling if not more,
of an influence on the faithful," said Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay, Wis., chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis. "Our ability to use the new technologies means that many more millions will be able to find the Catholic Church's teachings on their tablets, their smartphones and their laptops," he said in a statement. The catechism was approved by Pope John Paul II and issued in French in 1992. The Vatican completed final revisions of English translation in 1994, and it was published June 22 of that year in the United States and Canada. A revised second edition was published in 2000. Since its release, it has become a best-seller for the Catholic Church. The USCCB said it has sold more than 988,000 print copies. Since 2011, the e-book version on Amazon, iTunes and the USCCB online bookstore has sold more than 7,100 copies.
JULY 23, 2012
CHURCH TODAY
PAGE 21
Ignoring role of divine providence, Brave controls own destiny By Joseph McAleer Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- Hell hath no fury like a Scottish princess scorned in "Brave" (Disney). This 3-D animated adventure carries a worthy reminder for rambunctious teens: Evil actions have dire consequences. Directed by Brenda Chapman ("The Prince of Egypt") and newcomer Mark Andrews, "Brave" is Pixar's first fairy tale and its darkest film to date, which suits the atmosphere of myths and legends. Parents should be warned that the action sequences may be too intense for young children. "Brave" also marks a number of other, rather unwelcome firsts for Pixar: Much of the slapstick humor is bawdy and ample jiggling cartoon cleavage is on display, as are bare buttocks when the menfolk remove their kilts. The setting is medieval Scotland, with its lush landscapes and mighty castles rendered in colorful detail. King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) leads a peaceable kingdom with his devoted wife, Queen Elinor
MOVIE
REVIEW Now Playing at
Grand 14 Theatre Alexandria
• Brave (PG) • Ice Age: Continental Drift (PG) • Katy Perry: Part of Me (PG) • Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (PG) 'BRAVE'. The rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland serve as the backdrop for the movie "Brave." The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested , some material may not be suitable for children. (CNS/Disney/Pixar)
• Madea"s Witness Protection (PG-13) • The Amazing Spiderman (PG-13) • The Dark Knight Rises (PG-13)
(voice of Emma Thompson), at his side. They have four children: a set of mischievous young triplets named Harris, Hubert and Hamish, and a teenage daughter, Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald). With unruly red hair to match her wild nature, Merida longs to be free from the customs and conventions expected of a royal princess. A tomboy at heart, she
• Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (R) • Magic Mike (R) • Savages (R) • Ted (R)
prefers using her bow and arrow to preening and bowing in royal robes. Mother and daughter clash frequently. "A princess strives for perfection," Queen Elinor reminds Merida. "You can't just run away from who you are." But thoroughly modern Merida wants to decide her own fate, whatever the cost. When three suitors are presented for her hand in marriage, it's the last straw. Merida breaks with her mother and flees to the forest. There she encounters will o' the wisps -fairy spirits which, legend holds, light the path to your destiny. In her case, Merida is led to the cottage of the (wisecracking) Wise Woman (voice of Julie Walters). She's a woodcarver with a particular obsession:
bears, rendered in every shape, size and situation -- including an unfortunate imitation of Michelangelo's "Creation of Man" from the Sistine Chapel ceiling. In truth, the Wise Woman is the local witch, and Merida, seeking revenge, buys a spell to change her mother's mind about the arranged marriage. She winds up changing a whole lot more, wreaking havoc on the entire kingdom. As she tries to undo the spell (a take on Disney's 2003 animated film "Brother Bear"), Merida learns the hard way that selfishness and revenge are wrong, and family, duty and honor are paramount. Still, she insists, "Our fate lies within us. We control our own destiny." "Brave" is meticulous in
its period detail, with one key exception: There's no place for Christianity, which was the dominant religious and philosophical force in medieval Scotland. Merida's insistence that destiny is self-controlled, moreover, ignores the role of divine providence. We are meant to look to God for guidance in all our actions, not rely simply on our own moods and desires, nor are we ever to do anything contrary to his will, such as breaking the Fifth Commandment. Preceding "Brave" is a charming short film, "La Luna," directed by Enrico Casarosa, about a young boy's adventures on the moon. The film contains intense action and scenes of peril, the use of sorcery, brief rear animated nudity, and some rude humor. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested, some material may not be suitable for children. --McAleer is a guest reviewer for Catholic News Service.
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CHURCH TODAY
Life in the Spirit Seminar
A Life in the Spirit Seminar will be held Saturday, August 25, from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., at Sts. Francis and Anne's Church hall located at 143 Booner Miller Road in Kolin. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Drinks and desserts will be provided. The seminar is a tool to re-evangelize His people and help them make a renewed commitment to the Lord allowing them to experience a fuller life in the Spirit. The seminar is free and open to the public. To register, call Diane at 318-419-1547 or Jo at 318-442-0584.
Camp Maryhill Reunion
A reunion of all counselors or anyone who attended Camp Maryhill will be held on Aug. 4 from 1 - 5 p.m. at the Fatima Knights of Columbus Hall (515 Rena Drive) in Lafayette. This is NOT a function of the Diocese of Alexandria, but a private endeavor of someone who once attended the camp. For more information, call Hope Mazzeno at 504-994-9204.
60 YEAR ANNIVERSARY. Sisters Cecile Clare Vanderlick and her real-life sister, Sister Virginia Lee Vanderlick, recently celebrated their 60th anniversary as a Sister of Divine Providence. OLPS, Alexandria held a reception in their honor June 16 and Our Lady of the Lake Convent, the mother house for CDPs, held a reception in their honor June 24 in San Antonio. A reception and Open House was also held in their honor of the 60th anniversary on Oct. 23, 2011. See the full story on the two sisters in the Nov. 14, 2011 issue of the Church Today at www. diocesealex.org.
Outdoor Rosary Every Thursday 8:15 p.m. St. Joseph Church Marksville Join us in prayer, while we pray for God's bessing upon our families, church and nation
JULY 23, 2012
DIOCESAN
BRIEFS ACTS Teen Retreat
The first ACTS Teen Retreat in the diocese will be held Aug. 9-12 at St. Anthony of Pauda Church in Bunkie. For more information, go to www.bunkiecatholic.org and click on Youth Events. The registration form is on the left under Documents. For more information, contact Angie at 318-346-7274.
Fr. Chemino selected for ND program
Rev. Scott Chemino, vicar general for the Diocese of Alexandria and pastor of St. Anthony, Bunkie, received a $3,000 scholarship to attend a Catholic leadership program July 9-19 at Notre Dame University, in South Bend, Ind. The Mendoza College of Business of the University of Notre Dame offered the Executive Program for Catholic Leadership to only 20 select recipients from across the nation. The comprehensive two-week program featured nationally-recognized specialists in a variety of church, legal, financial, and immigrant topics. “Because of my work in service to the diocese and as a pastor, the program provided beneficial insights in a wide area of managerial styles and trends within the Church,” said Father Chemino. “It was a comprehensive program of business and executive board management.” Some of the key presenters included Jimmie Alford, from The Alford Group; Sister Melanie DiPietro, from Seton Hall University; and Rev. Daniel Groody, CSC, and Barbara Fick, both from Notre Dame. Father Chemino holds degrees in both canon and civil laws.
Job openings • Substitute Part-Time Delivery Driver. This person will only be used as a fill-in during the absence of our reg-
CDA COURT BISHOP GRECO. Ladies of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Bishop Greco present a check to Bishop Ronald Herzog for the Seminarian Education Fund. Pictured are Nita St. Andria, secretary; Edna Smith, treasurer; and Emma Rachal, regent. ular part-time driver. This person will be responsible for pick-up and delivery of commodities to St. Mary’s School cafeteria in Natchitoches. Requirements: Age 25 or older AND able to lift up to 50 lbs. For more information, call the Child Nutrition Department at the Diocese of Alexandria, (318) 445-6424 ext. 232 or ext. 234.
Retrouvaille
A Lifeline for Marriage -- Retrouvaille (pronounced retrvi, with a long i) helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. It is designed to provide the tools to help get your marriage back on track. It will give you the opportunity to rediscover each other and examine your lives together in a new and positve way. This program has helped 10s of 1000s of couple experiencing marital difficult at all levels, including disillusionment and deep misery. For confidential information or to register for the Retrovaille of Acadiana August program, which begins with the weekend of August 24-26, call 800-470-2230 or visit the website at www.HelpOur Marriage.com.
CHURCH TODAY
JULY 23, 2012
PAGE 23
July -- August Monday
Tuesday
23
PRAY FOR FR. J. GOOTEE
30
VIRTUS Training 6:00 pm St. Michael's Church, Leesville
PRAY FOR FR. H. IMAMSHAH
6
Wednesday
24
PRAY FOR FR. R. GREMILLION
31
PRAY FOR FR. K. ISHMAEL
7
Workshop: Working with Returning Military Heroes
25
PRAY FOR FR. J. HASIEBER
AUGUST
1
PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG
8
Thursday
Friday
26
PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG
9
VIRTUS Training 1:00 pm St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria PRAY FOR FR. M. LAIRD
13
School starts: • Menard • St. Mary's, Cottonport • St. Anthony, Bunkie
PRAY FOR FR. K. MICHIELS
20
PRAY FOR FR. R. MATHEWS
14
PRAY FOR FR. B. MILLER
21
27
PRAY FOR MSGR. R. HOPPE
2
PRAY FOR FR. G. KROSFIELD
Saturday
3
Sunday
28
PRAY FOR FR. R. HUMPHRIES
4
Camp Maryhill Reunion 1:00-5:00 pm Lafayette
FIRST FRIDAY
FIRST SATURDAY
PRAY FOR FR. P KULIGOWSKI
PRAY FOR FR. P. KUNNUMPURAM
10
11
Magnificat 10:30 am-1:30 pm St. Judes, Bossier City
29
Wedding Anniversary Mass 2:30 pm St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria
PRAY FOR FR. B. IBE
5
PRAY FOR FR. S. KWEBUZA
12
ACTS Teen Retreat -- St. Anthony of Padua, Bunkie PRAY FOR FR. C. MAURICIO
15
VIRTUS Training 6:00 pm Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches FEAST of the ASSUMPTION of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Holy Day of Obligation PRAY FOR FR. C. MORGAN
22
PRAY FOR FR. J. MEDINA-CRUZ
16
School starts: • St. Mary's, Natchitoches • St. Joseph, Plaucheville • Sacred Heart School
PRAY FOR FR. J. MONTALBANO
23
PRAY FOR FR. L. MELCHER
17
School starts: • Our Lady of Prompt Succor • St. Frances Cabrini
PRAY FOR FR. P. NADAMKUZHY
24
PRAY FOR FR. A. MESSINA
18
PRAY FOR FR. C. NAYAK
25
Life in the Spirit Seminar 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sts. Francis & Anne Kolin
PRAY FOR FR. J. MICHALCHUK
19
PRAY FOR FR. J. NELLIKUNNEL
26
Retrouvaille -- Lafayette PRAY FOR FR. M. NOEL
PRAY FOR FR. J. O'BRIEN
PRAY FOR FR. D. O'CONNOR
PRAY FOR FR. K. OBIEKWE
PRAY FOR FR. C. OGBONNA
PRAY FOR FR. R. OWUAMANAM
PRAY FOR FR. J. PALATHARA