CHURCH
Volume XLIV, No. 2
www.diocesealex.org
TODAY
Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970
February 18, 2013
ON THE
INSIDE Pope Benedict XVI shocks the world with his resignation Citing his age and diminishing energy, the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI announced Feb. 11 that he would be resigning effective Feb. 28 and that he would devote the rest of his life to prayer. Read all about his accomplishments, comments from Cardinal Timothy Dolan, and what happens next to begin the process of electing a new pope, pgs. 2-3.
‘The Light is ON for You’ invites all to go to confession this Lent This Lent, all Catholic churches in the Diocese of Alexandria will be open either Tuesday OR Thursday evenings, from 6 p.m.—7 p.m. for confession and quiet prayer. The “Light is ON for You” campaign invites all Catholics to return to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Find out more about the campaign on pg. 7 and more about how to return to the Sacrament on pgs. 8-9.
Pope Benedict XVI resigns Holy Father impressed world as leader, evangelizer
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FEBRUARY 18, 2013
Pope Benedict XVI to resign Feb. 28
Holy Father impressed world as teacher, evangelizer who urged modern society not to turn its back on God By John Thavis/ Francis Rocca Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- During his almost eight-year pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI impressed the world as a teacher, guiding Catholics to the sources of the faith and urging modern society not to turn its back on God. Citing his age and diminishing energy, the 85-year-old pope announced Feb. 11 that he would be resigning effective Feb. 28 and would devote the rest of his life to prayer. As pastor of the universal church, he used virtually every medium at his disposal -- books and Twitter, sermons and encyclicals -- to catechize the faithful on the foundational beliefs and practices of Christianity, ranging from the sermons of St. Augustine to the sign of the cross. Having served in his 30s as an influential adviser during the 1962-65 Second Vatican Council, he made it a priority as pope to correct what he saw as overly expansive interpretations of Vatican II in favor of readings that stressed the council’s continuity with the church’s millennial traditions. Under his oversight, the Vatican continued to highlight the church’s moral boundaries on issues such as end-of-life medical care, marriage and homosexuality. But the pope’s message to society at large focused less on single issues and more on the risk of losing the basic relationship between the human being and the Creator. He consistently warned the
POPE BENEDICT VISITS HIS HOMELAND IN 2006. Pope Benedict XVI waves to pilgrims after a 2006 Mass on Islinger Field near Regensburg, Germany. The pope announced Feb. 11 that he will resign at the end of the month. The 85-year-old pontiff said he no longer has the energy to exercise his ministry over the universal church. (CNS photo) West that unless its secularized society rediscovered religious values, it could not hope to engage in real dialogue with Islamic and other religious cultures. In his encyclicals and in his books on “Jesus of Nazareth,” the pope honed that message, asking readers to discover the essential
connections between sacrificial love, works of charity, a dedication to the truth and the Gospel of Christ. The German-born pontiff did not try to match the popularity of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, but the millions of people who came to see him in Rome
and abroad came to appreciate his smile, his frequent ad libs and his ability to speak from the heart. Although he did not expect to travel much, he ended up making 24 trips to six continents and three times presided over World Youth Day mega-gatherings, in Germany in 2005, in Australia in
2008, and in Spain in 2011. Talking about aging last March when he met the 85-yearold Cuban leader Fidel Castro in Havana, Pope Benedict told him, “Yes, I’m old, but I can still carry out my duties.” On a historic visit to the United States in 2008, the pope brought his own identity into clearer focus for Americans. He set forth a moral challenge on issues ranging from economic justice to abortion. He also took church recognition of the priestly sex abuse scandal to a new level, expressing his personal shame at what happened and praying with the victims. The pope met three times with former U.S. President George W. Bush, including a formal visit to the White House, and the two leaders found wide areas of agreement on pro-life and family issues. When President Barack Obama was elected, the pontiff sent him a warmly worded telegram and a promise of his prayers, but when they met at the Vatican the next year, the pope spoke clearly about the church’s objections to the administration’s policies on several life issues, including abortion and embryonic stem cell research. Pope Benedict was 78 and in apparent good health when elected April 19, 2005, but was said to have told his fellow cardinals that his would not be a long papacy
FEBRUARY 18, 2013
CHURCH TODAY
BISHOP RONALD HERZOG met with Pope Benedict in January of 2012 during his Ad Limina visit in Rome. like that of his predecessor. In an interview with the German author Peter Seewald in 2010, Pope Benedict said: “If a pope clearly realizes that he is no longer physically, psychologically and spiritually capable of handling the duties of his office, then he has a right and, under some circumstances, also an obligation to resign.” As inevitable as his election seemed after Blessed John Paul died in 2005, his path to the papacy was long and indirect.
Cardinal Dolan’s statement
In response to the Pope’s resignation, Cardinal Timothy Dolan said, “The Holy Father brought the tender heart of a pastor, the incisive mind of a scholar and the confidence of a soul united with His God in all he did. His resignation is but another sign of his great care for the Church. We are sad that he will be resigning but grateful for his eight years of selfless leadership as successor of St. Peter.
Though 78 when he was elected pope in 2005, he set out to meet his people – and they were of all faiths – all over the world. He visited the religiously threatened – Jews, Muslims and Christians in the war-torn Middle East, the desperately poor in Africa, and the world’s youth gathered to meet him in Australia, Germany, Spain and Brazil. He delighted the U.S. when he visited Washington and New York in 2008. As a favored statesman he greeted notables at the White House. As a spiritual leader he led the Catholic community in prayer at Nationals Park, Yankee Stadium and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. As a pastor feeling pain in a private meeting at the Vatican nunciature in Washington, he brought a listening heart to victims of sexual abuse by clerics. Pope Benedict often cited the significance of eternal truths and he warned of a dictatorship of relativism. Some values, such as human life, stand out above all others, he taught again and again. It is a message for eternity. He unified Catholics and reached out to schismatic groups in hopes of drawing them back to the church. More unites us than See POPE RESIGNS, pg 4
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The College of Cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.
How is a pope elected? The process of electing a new pope is called a conclave and it will take place at the end of March to elect a new pope in place of Benedict XVI, who announced Feb. 11 that he is stepping down. A new pope is elected by the College of Cardinals in Vatican City, who gather under Michelangelo’s famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel under strict security measures. Only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote, which means 118 members are eligible to vote for Pope Benedict’s successor. The cardinals are totally cut off from the outside world during conclave as television, phones, newspapers and computers are all banned. The cardinals are housed in private rooms in the Santa Maria house until a new pope is elected. In 1800, the balloting conclave lasted three and a half months, and in 1831, 54 days, but in modern times, conclaves usually last, at most, only a few days.
ST. CELESTINE V, was the last pope to resign freely. Pope Celestine was a holy man who stepped down from the papacy in 1294.
EMBLEM is used on the cover of the prayer book used during the papal transition between the end of one pope’s reign and the election of a new one -- a period known as the “interregnum.”
POPE GREGORY XII, was the last pope to resign under pressure. His resignation in 1415 helped end the Great Western Schism.
When the votes do finally tally up for one man, he is asked by the Dean of Cardinals if he will accept and if he does, he is asked by what name he wishes to be called. White puffs of smoke are sent from the chimney of the Sistene Chapel as a sign that a decision has been made. After the cardinal deacon announces “Habemus Papam” to the crowds outside - Latin for “We have a pope.” The new Pope appears and gives his first message to the world.
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Seminarian Burses Donations in January Knights of Columbus 9217. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10.00 Father Adrian Molenschott Burse Mr. and Mrs. Al G. Surek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$20.00 Odis James Miller Burse Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Crooks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Mr. John O’Connor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00 Odis James Miller Burse Anonymous. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $33.12 Msgr. Allen M. Chenevert Burse Mr. Edward A. Adams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Mr. and Mrs. Louis H. Mathews, Jr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$40.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Deacon and Mrs. Rodrick B. Broussard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50.00 Msgr. Milburn Broussard Burse Mr and Mrs. Charlie Danielson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Mr. and Mrs. Quinn D. McNeely. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Dr. Joseph Landreneau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Msgr. Henry Beckers Burse Mr. and Mrs. Gerard LaCour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Msgr. Patrick Murphy Burse Mr. and Mrs. Gerard LaCour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Msgr. Joseph Susi Burse Mr. and Mrs. Gerard LaCour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Father Wilbur Cloutier Burse Mr. and Mrs. Gerard LaCour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Father Harvey J. Fortier Burse Mr. and Mrs. Gerard LaCour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Father Bernard L. Zagst Burse Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hicks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Mr. and Mrs. Sammy Cashio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Dylan Michael Cashio Burse Mrs. Mary Ann Simms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Odis James Miller Burse Mr. and Mrs. Robert O. Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$200.00 Father Daniel Corkery Burse Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Crooks, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Mr. and Mrs. David Walker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 David Stafford “Brother” O’Shee Burse Total this month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,233.12
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Louisiana is ranked #1 Most Pro-Life state, for 2nd year in a row by AUL Americans United for Life, for the second year in a row, ranked Louisiana as the most prolife state in the nation! AUL’s “Life List” ranks all 50 states based on the way each deals with a comprehensive list of life issues, ranging from abortion to euthanasia. Americans United for Life states, “Louisiana tops the list because it has a decades-long history of enacting common sense limitations on abortion; it also comprehensively protects healthcare freedom of conscience and is one of only a small number of states that has enacted meaningful regulations on biotechnologies such as destructive embryo research.” “We are honored to once again be named the most prolife state,” said Benjamin Clapper, executive director of Louisiana Right to Life. “And, we are thankful for those who have worked tirelessly over the past 40 years to restore the right to life in our great state,” Louisiana Right to Life led the effort to pass two flagship pieces of legislation in 2012 that cemented the #1 ranking for the second year in a row. The first law, the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, protects unborn children 20 weeks old (postfertilization) and older based on the scientific evidence showing that the unborn child can feel pain at 20 weeks. The second law, the Hear the Heartbeat Act, requires abortion facilities to make the unborn
child’s heartbeat audible for the mother at least 24 hours prior to an abortion. “While we are thankful for the great honor of being ranked as the most pro-life state in the U.S. for a second year, we must be mindful that everyday in Louisiana, 22 women still choose abortion. We face new threats to the dignity of life constantly in Louisiana. We must continue our efforts to defend life until all life is protected under law,” Clapper concluded.
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Affordable Care Act exempts more ‘religious’ institutions Catholic hospitals, schools, churches still don’t qualify for expanded exemptions By Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) -The new proposed rules issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding insurance coverage of contraceptives show movement but fall short of addressing the U.S. bishops’ concerns, New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said in a Feb. 7 statement. The cardinal, who is president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the 80page document released Feb. 1 by HHS concerning the contraceptive mandate in the Affordable Care Act indicates that the administration “seeks to offer a response to serious matters which have been raised throughout the past year.” He also noted that the bishops “look forward to engaging with the administration, and all branches and levels of government, to continue to address serious issues that remain. Our efforts will require additional, careful study.” The rules are open for a 60day comment period and are ex-
Pope resigns Continued from pg. 3 divides us, he said by word and deed. That message is for eternity. He spoke for the world’s poor when he visited them and wrote of equality among nations in his peace messages and encyclicals. He pleaded for a more equitable share of world resources and a respect for God’s creation in nature. Those who met him, heard him speak and read his clear, profound writings found themselves moved and changed. In all he said and did he urged people everywhere to know and have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. His resignation stands as an important moment in our lives. Our experience impels us to thank God for the gift of Pope Benedict. Our hope impels us to pray that the College of Cardinals under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit choose a worthy successor to meet the challenges present in today’s world.
The U.S. government’s
Definition of a “Religious” Organization as defined in the March 21, 2012 version of the HHS Mandate
x
Religious organizations could claim this exemption only if they meet a strict four-part test: -- means this part of the four-part test was thrown out Feb. 1
x 1. The inculcation (the persisitent teaching) of religious values is the purpose of the organization. x 2. The organization primarily employs persons who share the religious tenets of the organization. x 3. The organization serves primarily persons who share the religious tenets of the organization. 4. The organization is a nonprofit organization.
“Jesus himself, or the Good Samaritan of his famous parable, would not qualify as ‘religious enough’ for the exemption, since they insisted on helping people who did not share their view of God.” -- Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, of Houston
pected to be finalized this summer. After evaluating the proposed rules, Cardinal Dolan said in the statement that the bishops continue to stand by the statement on the HHS mandate issued by their administrative committee last March and affirmed by the
entire body of bishops last June. In that statement, he said, the bishops expressed concern over the mandate’s “exceedingly narrow” four-part definition of “religious employer,” one that exempted houses of worship, but left “our great ministries of service to our neighbors, namely,
the poor, the homeless, the sick, the students in our schools and universities, and others in need” subject to the mandate. Such a distinction, they said, created a “second class of citizenship within our religious community,” and weakened the federal law’s “healthy tradition of gener-
ous respect for religious freedom and diversity.” The cardinal credited the administration for proposing to drop the first three parts of the fourpart test, which he said “might address” some of the bishops concerns but not all. An HHS spokeswoman said Feb. 1 no nonprofit religious institution -- including churches, universities, hospitals and charities -- will have to “arrange, contract, pay for or refer for” contraception insurance for employees or students who want it. Cardinal Dolan faulted the proposed rules for maintaining an “inaccurate distinction among religious ministries,” noting that HHS “offers what it calls an ‘accommodation,’ rather than accepting the fact that these ministries are integral to our church and worthy of the same exemption as our Catholic churches.” He also said the proposed rules seem to “take away something that we had previously -the ability of an exempt employer (such as a diocese) to extend its coverage to the employees of a ministry outside the exemption.”
PAGE 6 The season of Lent has now begun with its many and rich opportunities, especially during this Year of Faith. The 2013 Annual Diocesan Appeal is officially underway and, hopefully, will be received as generously as last year. But, the event that rocked the world was the announcement by our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, that he would resign his papal office at the end of the month. It seems safe to say that no one anticipated that announcement. The fact that there has been no papal resignation in more than six centuries clearly means that there is no precedent to rely on. Many have commented over the last year that Pope Benedict has become more frail and somewhat slower in his movements but his schedule has continued to be rigorous, often to the amazement of us all. In an interview some time ago
CHURCH TODAY ONE IN THE LORD Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria
His Holiness was asked about the possibility of resignation and, in his response, he clearly said that if he did consider such a decision it would not be to avoid problems or crises. It would be for exactly the reason he gave in his announcement, namely, that he did not feel that he had the strength to continue to fulfill his responsibilities as the ministry required. We have to admire his courage in making such a dramatic decision. We should thank God for the great gift of his
leadership during these almost eight years and pray for his peace and welfare in the years ahead. He has certainly been a great gift to the Church and the world and his legacy is rich. We will probably continue to realize how rich as the years move forward and allow us to continue to reflect on his life and his many writings. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet him and share a few brief moments with him during the Ad Limina visit in January
FEBRUARY 18, 2013
2011. It was also a great privilege to join him at several of the events in the spring of 2008 when he visited the United States. I can remember his election in 2005 just a few months after my ordination and installation. There seemed to be many in the media who had judged him negatively immediately after his election. They presume that he would be heavy-handed and rigid based on his reputation while serving as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. As Prefect, he had the responsibility of safeguarding the faith of the Church. However, as the pastor of the universal Church, his spirituality and pastoral concern became evident quite quickly. His many writings, including several Encyclicals repeatedly manifested that approach. It may be a very good illustration of the man rising to the ministry
entrusted to him. This seems a clear illustration of the guidance of the Holy Spirit providing the right leader for the Church in our own time. We now enter into a time of prayer asking that the Holy Spirit to again be present with the Cardinals who will gather in conclave, presumably in early March to choose his successor. Considering the makeup of the College of Cardinals, truly reflecting the universality and catholicity of the Church, it will be a time of great interest and, probably, speculation as we again wait for the white smoke from the Sistine Chapel and the proclamation: “Habemus Papam” “We have a Pope!” May you have a blessed, faith-filled Lent!
Thankful for life of baby after intercessory prayers to Blessed JPII On Jan. 14, I prayed for my newborn granddaughter in the chapel at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center. I paused at the door to sign the guest register and write the name Eliana Noel in the prayer request space next to my name. A couple of days earlier, my son called to tell me that their baby had been born. The call was not the call I expected. “Mom,” he said, “we have a baby girl, but it has been a terrible night. She’s 9 pounds, 9 ounces.” I gasped. My daughter-in-law is extremely petite, with a pre-pregnancy weight of about 110 pounds. Candice had just delivered a baby that was about 1/12 of her pre-pregnancy weight. “The baby was stuck in the birth canal for a very long time. The umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck twice. The doctors finally just pulled her out by her arm. She didn’t have a heartbeat, Mom.” Tears streamed down my face as I listened to my son describe the birth of his first child. “She wasn’t breathing. They worked on her for about 12 minutes, and she didn’t breathe on her own until 13 minutes after delivery. She’s being transferred to Cardinal Glennon Hospital, and they aren’t sure if she’s going to make it.” He listed the possible scenarios. Paralysis. Cerebral palsy. Brain damage. The next day, Eli-
Catholic By Grace Denise Bossert Freelance ana had two seizures. For three days, the neurological team said the MRI would show some brain damage. As I prayed in the chapel,
Plaque in Chapel at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center in St. Louis, MO, shows signed letter by Blessed JPII, where his words give comfort to the sick children at the hospital, “I want (you) to know that (I) pray for each one of you.”
asked for the intercession of Blessed John Paul II. I asked everyone I met to pray and had become a beggar of prayers. Clergy, the curia, seminarians, countless orders of men and women religious, faithful Catholics, and perfect strangers agreed to pray for Eliana. I asked for prayers through Facebook and LinkedIn list. I asked them to lay this petition before Blessed John Paul II. Thousands were storming the heavens. Eliana means “God answers prayer.” Her parents chose the name last summer. They prayed throughout the pregnancy that their little girl would give glory to God. Outside the chapel is a sketch of John Paul II with a quote: “I want the young boys and girls being taken care of at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and all sick children everywhere to know that the pope prays for each one of you.” The next evening my son called. “No brain damage, Mom.
... None. Her mind is perfect, and the doctor says that her brain function now depends solely on the DNA she received from us.” And then he laughed while I cried tears of joy. God not only saved their little girl, He had protected her throughout the birth. Eliana’s nurses have said, “This child is
CHURCH
miraculous. We have never seen this happen. Babies just don’t go through what she went through without suffering some brain damage.” I have seen the power of intercessory prayer. I am confident Blessed John Paul II prayed for Eliana at the throne in heaven, and God heard his prayer.
TODAY
Volume XLIV, No. 2 • February 18, 2013 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 To receive a free subscription, call 318-445-6424, ext 255 or e-mail jpetrus@diocesealex.org
FEBRUARY 18, 2013
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We witness Christ’s love and compassion in our daily lives. Our mission as a community of faith flows from the risen Christ’s love and is nourished through prayer, good work and presence. His love enables us to bear witness to Him as we follow His great commission to Go and Make Disciples.
W “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit...”
hen we place our confidence in Christ who loves us beyond all comprehension, we become the faithful who proclaim and live the word of God by celebrating the sacraments and exercising the ministry of charity. It is in this spirit you are invited to share you God-given gifts and blessings with the broader diocesan community by contributing to the 2013 Annual Diocesan Appeal. Your participation will assist in funding many ministries throughout the diocese including: • Foster faith formation for children, youth, and adults through the Office of Religious Formation and Training • Campus Ministry on three college campuses • Providing formation and education for nine seminarians • Assisting the marginalized through the Office of Hispanic Ministry • The healing ministry of the Diocesan Tribunal Office Working together and supported by Christ’s endless love, we can build a community that creates hope for people in our parishes and diocesan community. It is through our faith that we become One in the Lord.
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FEBRUARY 18, 2013
Rediscover the spiritual practice of fasting during Lent Guest editorial By Paul Kokoski Hamilton, Ontario, Canada The importance of fasting cannot be understated. Sacred Scripture and Christian tradition teach that fasting is a great help to avoid sin and all that leads to it. We first hear of the commandment to fast in Genesis where man is prohibited from eating of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. After Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the garden, fasting is proposed in the stories of Ezra and Nineveh, as an instrument to restore our friendship with God. In the New Testament Jesus brings to light the true and most profound meaning of fasting which is to do the will of the Heavenly Father who “sees in secret and will reward you”(Mt. 6:18). Jesus himself sets the example, answering Satan, at the end of forty days and forty nights in the desert: “man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4). True fasting then is eating the “true food” which is doing the Father’s will. If, therefore, Adam disobeyed God’s directive not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil, the believer, through fasting, intends to submit himself humbly to God, trusting in His goodness and mercy. Fasting is recorded in the early church and is frequently encountered and recommended by the saints of every age. Today, however, fasting has lost much of its spiritual meaning. To a great extent it has been replaced by non-religious fasting meant to look good and impress others. While fasting does bring certain benefits to our physical well-being, it is, for Christians, primarily a means of mortifying our egoism, avoiding sin, and opening our hearts to the Love of God and our fellow man. Fasting represents an important ascetical practice, a spiritual arm to do battle against every possible disordered attachment to ourselves. Freely chosen detach-
How will I Fast during Lent? Food Fasts:
r r r r
No food between meals Eat two regular meals and either no meal or a very light meal Eat nothing but bread and water for one day a week Do not eat or drink one particular food or drink (chocolate, sweets, cokes, caffeine drinks, alcohol)
Non-Food Fasts
r
Do not engage in a certain bad habit (no TV, shopping on the Internet, no flaming comments on Facebok; no gambling, no living off your credit card)
r
Do something to increase prayer life (daily Rosary or Mass, Stations of the Cross once a week, reading Scripture or daily meditations,
r
Do something you don’t like or think you don’t have time for (reconcile yourself with someone you don’t like, do a random act of kindness, volunteer at school or at church)
ment from the pleasure of food and other material goods helps the disciple of Christ to control the appetites of nature, weakened by original sin, whose negative effects impact the entire human person. Denying material food, which nourishes our body, nurtures an interior disposition to listen to Our Lord and be nourished by his saving word. Through prayer and fasting we allow Christ to satisfy our deepest hunger and thirst for God. At the same time fasting helps us recognize the situation in which so many of our brothers and sisters live. In his First Letter, St. John admonishes: “How can God’s love survive in a man who has enough of this world’s goods yet closes his heart to his brother when he sees him in need” (1 Jn. 3:17). Voluntary fasting enables us to become more like the Good Samaritan. By freely engaging in acts of self-denial we make a statement that those in need are not strangers but rather our brothers and sisters. This practice needs to be rediscovered and encouraged in our materialistic age, especially during the liturgical
season of Lent. Lent is a time when we fast with joy, submitting ourselves to spiritual struggles in preparation for the sorrowful Passion and joyful Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. What is demanded of all Christians at this time is fasting, abstinence, almsgiving, restriction of personal desires and pleasures, intense prayer, confession, and similar penitential elements. Lent is a sacred time of divine grace, which seeks to detach us from things material, lowly and corrupt in order to attract us toward things superior, wholesome and spiritual. It is a unique opportunity to remove from the soul every inordinate passion so as to make room for the immense rejoicing and gladness of Easter. Limiting ourselves to what is absolutely essential and necessary in an attitude of dignified, deliberate simplicity is a formula for patience and tolerance; it is an opportunity to acknowledge and emphasize our need for God’s assistance and mercy, placing our complete trust in His affectionate providence; it is a prescription for salvation. Let us be up and on our way.
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Parishes offer variety of opportunities to enhance participation during Lent LENTEN REGULATIONS
The Light is ON for You Campaign urges faithful to celebrate Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent Catholics in the Diocese of Alexandria, especially those who have been away from the Church or the sacrament, are invited to experience God’s mercy and forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This Lent, all Catholic churches in the Diocese of Alexandria have been asked to be open Tuesday evenings, from 6 p.m.—7 p.m. for confession and quiet prayer. (Some parishes have opted for Thursday night instead of Tuesday, and some have opted for 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. instead. Please check with your parish to make sure of the date and time.) Bishop Ronald Herzog endorsed “The Light is ON for You” campaign, after it was recommended to him by the Presbyteral Council, made up of priests in the diocese.
“The priests of this diocese will be there, in the confessional, every Tuesday night during Lent, to hear confessions,” said Fr. Chad Partain. “Whether it has been a week, or 20 years since your last confession, the Church invites all Catholics to experience God’s mercy and forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.” The Light is on for You, was created by the Archdiocese of Washington and has since been implemented by dioceses throughout the United States. By participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we experience God’s individual and unwavering love for us and one of the true graces made available to us by our Catholic faith. God loves us just the way we are, but he loves us too much to leave us that way.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. This means that we do not eat meat and we have only one full meal with no eating between. The other Fridays of the season of Lent are days of abstinence from meat. The obligation to abstain from meat binds Catholics 14 years of age and older. The obligation to fast, limiting oneself to one full meal and two lighter meals in the course of the day, binds Catholics from the age of 18 to 59. Those who are younger or older may freely embrace these disciplines. But Lenten disciplines should never endanger your health. It is obvious that abstaining from meat is meaningless for vegetarians, who must choose some other form of abstinence. It is equally obvious that replacing meat with a gourmet seafood meal is not in keeping with the spirit of Lent.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS (Fridays during Lent) • St. Rita, Alexandria, 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. • OL Lourdes, Vidalia, 5:15 p.m. • St. Anthony of Padua, Natchitoches, 5:30 p.m. • St. Louis, Glenmora (immedi ately following 5 p.m. Mass) • OLPS, Alexandria, Thursdays at 1:15 pm and Fridays, at 6 pm
Wednesdays (during Lent) • St. Peter Mission, Elmer (immediately following 6 p.m. Mass) • St. Joseph, St. Joseph (Ash Wednesday only, after 6 p.m. Mass) Sundays (during Lent) • St. Joseph, St. Joseph (after 9:30 a.m. Mass)
MISSIONS February 20-March 27 St. Joseph Church Marksville Everyone is invited to “Walk with Jesus in Lent,” an adult faith series of talks to be held at St. Joseph Church in Marksville, on Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the office bldg. A Bible (New American Bible) and Catechism of the Catholic Church (both may be purchased at Office) are needed for the sessions. Please contact the Office (253-7561) to sign-up. Feb. 20: Self-Offering – Change in the Body Feb. 27: Make oneself the Temple of God Mar. 6: Fill oneself with the Grace of God Mar. 13: Experience the Power of Prayer Mar. 20: Experience the Power of the Eucharist Mar. 27: Experience the Power of the Cross
February 25-27 St. Rita Church, Alexandria St. Rita Church in Alexandria will offer a Lenten Mission Feb. 2527 from 7 -8 p.m. in the Church. Father Richard B. Williams, OP will be the mission speaker. The last night of the Mission will include a Lenten Penance Service. February 27-March 2 Sts. Francis and Anne, Kolin Sts. Francis and Anne Church in Kolin will offer a Lenten Mission Feb. 27-March 2, with Father Ferry D’Cruz, pastor of St. Edward Church in Tallulah. Listed below is the schedule: Feb. 27: 5:30 p.m. Rosary, Praise & Worship; 6 p.m. Penance Service with Mission Talk Feb. 28: 6 p.m. Confession, Rosary, Praise & Worship; 6:30 p.m. Mission Talk March 1: 6 p.m. Confession, Stations of the Cross, Praise & Worship; 6:30 p.m. Mission Talk March 2: 4:30 p.. Confession, Rosary, Praise & Worship; 5 p.m. Mass with Mission Talk; Healing Service with Anointing
PENANCE SERVICES Feb. 27 -- St. Rita Church, Alexandria, 7 p.m. Feb. 27 -- Sts. Francis and Anne, Kolin, 6 p.m. Mar. 13 -- OL of Lourdes, Vidalia, 5:30 p.m. Mar. 20 -- OLPS, Alexandria, 6:30 p.m.
For an updated list of all Lenten events in the diocese, go to www.diocesealex.org
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Priests offer tips for Catholics long absent from confessional By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service (CNS) -- After “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned” -- even if they get that far -- there are millions of Catholics who don’t exactly know what to say next. This is especially true for Catholics who have not gone to confession in years, or even decades. Despite parishes and dioceses inviting inactive Catholics to return to church at Lent, with the sacrament of reconciliation as an incentive, it is likely Catholics are afraid, bewildered or even intimidated at the prospect of returning to the confessional after such a long period away from it. A rote recitation of sins doesn’t seem quite right. Laundry lists, as some priests call them, are out. In fact, one advises, even devising a game plan before returning to the confessional is out. “Just come. Don’t prepare. We’ll do it in there. I’ll help you with this. At the end of it, you’re going to think about things we didn’t cover. You can come again,” said Msgr. Richard Lavalley, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Winooski, Vt. “The more complicated it becomes, the worse it becomes. They (penitents) don’t know what to make of it and they become ashamed.” The motivations for wanting to go back to confession can be many, said Jesuit Father Jake Empereur, a priest since 1965 and
A PRIEST HEARS CONFESSION. Father Thomas Fusco, pastor at St. Edward the Confessor Parish in Syosset, N.Y., listens to a penitent’s confession during a Catholic men’s conference at Holy Trinity Diocesan High School in Hicksville, N.Y., in 2012. Each Lent parishes and dioceses across the U.S. invite inactive Catholics to return to church and to take advantage of the sacrament of reconciliation. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz) a parochial vicar at St. Matthew Parish in San Antonio. “It could be because of health issues. It could be because their conscience moves them to finally be able to participate in the church and the liturgy and Communion and things like that,” he said. “People get married. Sometimes it’s someone’s first Communion, sometimes it’s a wedding. It’s all sorts of different reasons.”
And what they have on their mind -- and want to get off their chest -- can vary as well, Father Empereur told Catholic News Service. A few things stand out, he said. “Being in an irregular marriage, they gave up believing in God when they were in their early 20s and now they’re thinking about that. Each case is really, truly different,” he said, add-
ing he tells penitents to focus on “what they came to say” because it “gives me further questioning on what I need to do (as a priest): whether or not they’re married, personal relationships, issues in their life, whatever it might be.” “They don’t talk about a lot of non-sins, small things and so forth,” Father Empereur continued. “They have a couple of major things, relating to marriage
-- they got married outside the church, they had a bad experience with a priest, or so forth. Sometimes they’ll talk about taking drugs, adultery, perhaps, or sleeping around. Things like that might come up in the course (of a confession) -- not the grocery list for things that happen more frequently.” Msgr. Lavalley said he tells penitents, “If you’re holding back because you’re afraid or you’re frightened or you don’t know what to do or how to say it, say ‘Our Lady sent me.’ I can’t tell you how many times that’s worked.” He recalled the time one man came into the reconciliation room telling him, “I’m supposed to tell you somebody sent me, but I can’t remember who it was.” He added he told the man it was Our Lady, and that “she sent me, too.” Msgr. Lavalley said he’s told penitents, “I don’t bite, I don’t kick, I don’t yell and I don’t faint. So let’s start. Can I help you by going through the Commandments? ... Is it easier for you to say yes or no with me?” And in doing that, he added, “I get what I need.” But he recalled one experience with a priest that “made me the confessor that I am. He was so kind and so wonderful, and I never forgot the penance he gave me. He said, ‘Can you say the name of Jesus once? I’ll say it for you.’ And he did it without sarcasm. “That changed my life.”
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How long has it been since your last Confession? Make the Sacrament of Reconciliation your number one priority this Lent By Jeannie Petrus CT editor I can’t think of anyone who “loves” to go to confession. Some may not mind it, and others may enjoy the graces they receive from it. But I don’t think people wake one morning with a burning desire to go to confession. For most people, confessing your sins to a priest is uncomfortable, sometimes embarrassing, and yet, very freeing. “For many, it is the anticipation of having to bear your soul to another person, that creates anxiety,” said Father Jose Robles, coordinator of Steubenville South, where thousands of confessions are heard during the three-day event. “I tell people to just come to me and let’s talk. You don’t have to look at me if you don’t want to, but just come in and let’s get started.” For Catholics, Lent is a penitent time to fast, abstain from eating meat, and for going to confession. The Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1457 states, “After having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year.” CCC # 1389 says, “... and, prepared by the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Church obliges the faithful to receive the Eucharist at least once a year, if possible during the Easter season. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is actually a beautiful gift from God. In John 20:23, Jesus told Peter “Whoever’s sins you forgive, they are forgiven; Whoever’s sins you retain, they are retained.”Jesus, therefore gave the power to forgive sins on earth in His name, so that when we die, we can enter the gates of heaven. Yet so many people choose not to receive this most precious gift. Whether you go every year or you haven’t been in years, make the decision today to make the Sacrament of Reconciliatiion your number one priority this Lent.
I go at least once a year How often do you go to confession? a. At least 1 or more times a month b. 3-4 times a year c. Twice a year d. Once a year How do you prepare for confession? a. I use a written “examination of conscience” b. I examine my own conscience by myself c. I use a Confession app on my phone d. I don’t prepare at all, I just say what comes to mind Do you have a favorite priest that you like to go to? a. yes b. no Do you prefer to go face to face or behind the screen? a. face to face b. behind the screen c. it’s doesn’t matter, I don’t mind either way Why do you regularly go to confession? d. Because my parents/teachers make me e. Because it is what I am suppose to do a. I have a lot of sins to confess b. I like the way I feel after I go to confession c. I want the graces I receive from going to confession What is your greatest joy about going to confession? a. Feeling clean and free from sin b. Feeling like a burden has been lifted from me c. Feeling the strength to avoid sin (at least for a while) d. Feeling joy and peace
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I haven’t been in at least a year How long has it been since your last confession? c. 1-2 years ago d. 3-5 years ago c. 6-10 years ago d. More than 10 years ago e. I can’t remember the last time I went Why have you stayed away? a. Illness b. I don’t have anything to confess b. Don’t like to go c. It’s too much trouble; takes too much time c. Embarrased to confess my sins d. Don’t believe it in confessing to a priest e. I had a “bad” experience in the confessional f. A priest made me mad one time years ago. g. I’ve had an abortion, I don’t deserve to be in Church. h. It’s been so long, I wouldn’t know what to do What is your greatest fear about going to confession? a. Priest will know who I am and know my sins b. Priest will be shocked by what I tell him c. Priest will think bad of me d. Priest will remember my sins when he sees me later e. Priest will fuss at me or judge me f. People will see me in line and know I have sinned What would make it easier for you to return to the Sacrament of Reconciliation? a. Go to a priest who does not know me at all b. Have a friend go with me (but not in confessional) c. Ask friends to recommend a good confessor (priest) d. Take copy of prayers I’m suppose to say with me e. Write out my sins before going in f. Use the “Confession” iPhone app g. Don’t think about it before; just walk in and ask priest to walk me through the prayers and your sins
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Diocese celebrates Catholic Schools Week Jan. 24- Feb. 2 By Jeannie Petrus CT editor Catholic Schools Week (Jan.24-Feb. 2) was celebrated around the diocese with special Masses, science fairs, appreciation lunches for faculty, parents and volunteers, and other special events as a reminder of the impact and value of a Catholic education to our children today. “The value of a Catholic school education is immeasurable in so many ways,” said Thomas Roque, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the diocese. “The faculty, parents, and volunteers in all eight of our Catholic schools work hard every day to offer the best Catholic education for our children. And every year, they continue to “raise the standards” and try to do things even better the next year. Roque believes that two ways of raising the standards in our schools today are to improve the technology and to implement common core standards. “Working toward these two (Top-right) CATECHISTS MEETING. Fr. Joy Retnazihamoni, director of Relgious Formation and Training and Thomas Roque, superintendent of Catholic Schools, addresses a special meeting of religion teachers in the diocese. (Top-middle) ST. ANTHONY 5TH GRADE CAMPUS CLEAN UP. Students in the 5th grade at St. Anthony School in Bunkie picked up trash around campus during CSW. (Right) SACRED HEART & ST. JOSHEPH SCHOOL COLUMBIAN SQUIRES PRAY THE ROSARY. The Sacred Heart Columbian Squires and St. Joseph School (SJS) Columbian Squires lead the middle school students of Sacred Heart with a “Right to Life” rosary at the Marian grotto. Marvin Guillot, the sponsor, reminded the student body of the 40th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision. (Ms. Roe was from Mr. Guillot’s hometown, but she, nor her family reside there anymore.) He reminded the students that they can continue to “fight the fight for the right to life with prayer”. The middle school female students made posters for the rosary rally. St. Joseph School’s sponsor, Donald Laborde attended with representatives of his school Columbian Squires.
goals will eventually accomplish the one main objective I have for our schools -- ‘move forward, -in our teaching methods and in the use of technology, -- into the 21st century,’” he said. Roque says that today’s teachers have more tools available to them now, than ever before. “Gone are the days when a teacher lectures, the students take notes, and respond to what they have learned on test day with the right answers on a sheet of paper,” said Roque. “Todays teachers use technology to engage their students in seeing and manipulating the subject matter instead of reading about it in a textbook. More than just frogs and worms can be dissected on a computer and interactive 3D color maps of Europe during the Middle Ages can be brought up on a SmartBoard with one simple click.” Roque says the tools are “out there;” we just have to bring them more quickly to our schools in the Diocese of Alexandria. “The good news is that our Catholic
schools are working hard to get the tools it needs,” he said, “because it is expensive to purchase and maintain technology in the classrooms.”
Common Core
Across the nation, all schools -- both public and private -- are talking about “common core standards.” It is similar to what used to be called “benchmarks” in traditional education lingo, but digs deeper into core concepts. The common core standards are a set of learning skills that all American students should achieve. They set the benchmarks and guidelines for what each student should learn and achieve as they progress through school. “There’s a lot we don’t know about it yet,” said Roque, “but we are in the process of studying it now to see if this would be beneficial in our Catholic schools.” Roque says he encourages his teachers to form leadership teams, host in-services, and engage in self studies to learn more about the common core standards.
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ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL CELEBRATES CSW. (Top-left) Students in Mrs. Rosemary Mixon’s Second Grade class pray the rosary outside before the statue of Jesus. (Top-right) Students in Kindergarten and Pre-K sang songs and presented small gifts to their grandparents. ST. MARY’S SCHOOL (Natchitoches) CSW SCHOOL MASS. Students who participated in the school Mass during Catholic Schools Week stand outside the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, where the Mass was held.
ST. MARY’S ASSUMPTION STUDENT WINS KC PATRIOTIC ESSAY CONTEST. ,a 7th grade student from St. Mary’s Assumption School in Cottonport, receives a $100 savings bond from Darrel Tassin and Al Lemoine, both members of the Knights of Columbus Council #1199 for winning first place in the diocesan-wide Patriotic Essay Contest. essay, titled “What a Free and Strong America Means to Me,” was voted the best among a number of essays submitted by students from four of the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Alexandria. Congratulations, !
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HOLY SAVIOR MENARD PRAYS PUBLIC PRO-LIFE ROSARY. Menard seniors hold the school banner and flags while leading the entire student body from the school, and across a busy highway (Hwy 28 E) to St. Rita Church. The students prayed the Rosary on the 40th anniversary of Roe vs Wade in a public display of support for the unborn.
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OLPS 窶連LICE IN WONDERLAND. OLPS and the City Park Players presented Alice in Wonderland Jan. 12-13 at the Coughlin Saunders Theatre. More than 85 OLPS students in K-6th grade participated in the play. Pictured are (clockwise): The entire cast; (lead caterpillar), , ; Queen of Hearts and Alice as Mad Hatter and as March Hare; and Flowers with Small Alice (
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ST. FRANCES CABRINI’S MARDI GRAS PARADE. St. Frances Cabrini School celebrated Mardi Gras on Friday, Feb. 8 with a great Mardi Gras parade held outside the activies building circling in the church parking lot. Pictured above are the 5th and 6th graders who enjoyed catching lots of beads. Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, Kindergarten and 1st Grade had floats (pictured above-right) and threw beads, candy, stuffed animals, toys and doubloons. Grades 2nd thru 6th had a King and Queen in the parade.
ST. FRANCES CABRINI’S 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL. To celebrate the 100th day of school (Feb. 5), students in Pre-K dressed up as 100-year-old little ladies and men. Pictured are
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OLPS TEAMS SUPPORT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK. OLPS boys and girls basketball teams, along with the softball and baseball teams and coaches, gathered at the OLPS CSW pep rally. The boys basketball team plays the girls basketball team each year. The girls won 11-10 (with a little help).
ST. ANTHONY 8TH GRADE ATHLETES HONORED. The St. Anthony (Bunkie) 8th grade girls and boys who play on the basketball team (above) and the 8th grade football team members (above-right) and the 8th grade cheerleaders were recognized with small gifts as their 8th grade graduation nears this Spring. The 8th grade class also won the Spirit Contest, held during Spirit Week. ST. MARY’S (Natchitoches) ATHLETIC JACKETS. St. Mary’s students who received an Athletic Letter Jacket or patches for a previously earned jacket for their sport(s) are Front row:
, and ,
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Scoutmaster develops patch program for the Year of Faith By Joe Bollig Catholic News Service KANSAS CITY, Kan. (CNS) -- A Scoutmaster in Dodge City has developed what may be the only Scout patch program in the nation for the Year of Faith. Pope Benedict XVI called for a Year of Faith -- from Oct. 11, 2012, to Nov. 24, 2013 -- to give a new impetus to the mission of the whole church for a renewal of the faith. It also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Bishop John B. Brungardt of Dodge City was the catalyst for the patch, said Scoutmaster Tim Wenzl of Troop 162 in Dodge City and spokesman for the diocesan Committee on Scouting. “When Pope Benedict announced the Year of Faith, Bishop Brungardt held a (diocesan) directors’ meeting and asked us to think of ways we could tie our de-
BOY SCOUT PATCH FOR YEAR OF FAITH. A Scoutmaster in the Diocese of Dodge City, Kan., has developed this Scout patch to help all those involved in Scouting, including adult leaders, “delve more deeply” into their Catholic faith during the Year of Faith called for by Pope Benedict XVI. (CNS photo/courtesy Diocese of Dodge City) partments and organizations into the Year of Faith,” said Wenzl, who also is diocesan archivist and media liaison. He knew just the thing that would motivate his Scouts: a colorful patch.
“Scouts like to earn patches,” said Wenzl, “whether it’s for rank advancement or merit badges.” Wenzl learned how popular a Catholic patch program could be when he initiated a Year of the Eucharist patch in 2004 and got
inquiries from Scout units in 39 states and one foreign country. The square red-and-white patch features the official Year of Faith logo, flanked by the anniversary dates of the Second Vatican Council and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, with “Diocese of Dodge City” at the bottom. The patch may be earned by Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Venturers and their adult leaders. Members of parish youth groups may also earn the patch. It is a self-administered program monitored by adult leaders. The patch is earned by completing a series of requirements. Separate requirements have been developed for three age groups: first through fifth grades, sixth through twelfth, and adults. The patch can only be earned during the Year of Faith. The requirements can be obtained by going to the website at: www.dcdiocese.org. Scroll down to last half of homepage and click on the red-and-white Year of Faith patch. Different age levels have several different requirements. For example, one requirement for first- through fifth-graders is to ask a parent or grandparent sev-
eral questions, including, “What does your Faith mean to you? What was the Second Vatican Council?” They also are asked to choose three out of five actions, such as receiving Communion during a Scout Mass either at their parish church or at Scout camp. For sixth- through 12th-graders, requirements include reading one church document, such as Pope Benedict’s homily for the Mass for the new evangelization and do three of five activities. One suggestion is to invite a friend to Mass, a religious education/youth group activity or a CYO social. Adult leaders have their own list of activities to complete to earn the patch. “This (religious activity) will allow Catholic scouts to delve into the Year of Faith more deeply,” said Bishop Brungardt in a statement posted on the website. Patches are $5 each and can be ordered by contacting Wenzl at: twenzl@dcdiocese.org or by writing: Year of Faith Scout Patch, Diocese of Dodge City, P.O. Box 137, Dodge City, KS 67801. Checks should be made payable to the Catholic Committee on Scouting. For information, call Wenzl at (620) 227-1556.
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St. Joseph parish finds success in event-based youth program By Jeannie Petrus CT editor How do we reach out to today’s youth and keep them involved and interested in the Catholic faith? Ask Nancy Desselle, director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry and Father Rusty Rabalais, pastor at St. Joseph Church in Marksville. In the past year, the participation of youth in church activities has increased more than 75 percent -- up to 100-125 students involved in the youth program. So what’s the secret? About a year ago, Father Rusty with support of the Pastoral Council initiated an eventbased youth ministry program. Through monthly church-sponsored events, students of all ages and their parents have become more involved in the church. “It is such a great joy to see young parishioners participating at Mass and in so many church parish activities. We know the Faith is being passed on” said Father Rusty. But nothing just happens without a strong leader. Desselle had been teaching religion class at St. Mary Assumption School in Cottonport for more than 14 years. She had also been serving as part-time DRE at St. Joseph for the past few years. “It became apparent that I couldn’t do both jobs 100 per-
ST. JOSEPH, (Marksville) YOUTH GROUP ATTENDS STEUBENVILLE. Some of the high school members of the St. Joseph (Marksville) youth group atteded Steubenville South in 2012. The event-based youth ministry program at St. Joseph involves students of all ages in monthly activities that are fun and engaging. cent, said Desselle, “so I retired from teaching and decided to devote all my time to being a fulltime youth minister and religious education director.” That’s when things started to roll. Desselle, with the help of Monica Paul, assistant director of youth ministry, began planning and implementing churchsponsored events once a month, for students of all ages. “At first we only had a handful of kids to come to some of the events. But after a few months, participation increased and now we are experiencing record-
breaking attendance for many of the events, but especially at Mass.” Desselle believes it takes two things to get the kids to participate: they have to know about it and they have to want to come. To publicize the events, Desselle makes flyers for each event. She posts them on the CCD bulletin board so the students can see it each week, but she also gives the flyers to the CCD teachers and asks them to talk it up in class. “The CCD teachers we have are super supportive,” said Desselle. “Not only do they talk it
up in front of the class, but many of them participate in the events themselves. That makes a big impression on the kids.” Desselle also opens participation In some of the events to all public and parochial schools in Avoyelles, by sending every school a flyer. Desselle says she also sends out a text to CCD students on the day of the event. An upcoming FaceBook page will also help communicate events to the students. “You have to use their communication tools to get the mes-
sage to them,” said Desselle. “They text and stay on FaceBook, so we have to, also.” The events she plans are varied -- sometimes fun and crazy, and other times, more serious and subdued. Some of the events include: • Presenting a Christmas play with more than 60 participants • Sponsoring a Valentine’s Dance • Hosting an Easter Egg Hunt • Hosting Vacation Bible School, which generated record numbers in the classes and record number of volunteers from the high school group. • Attending Steubenville South again as a parish youth group • Creating a Handbell Choir. • Dressing up for Halloween and giving out candy and painting faces in a civic community event. • Hosting a Boys Night • Hosting a Girls Night Lock-In “Father Rusty is present for almost all of the events,” said Desselle. “The kids seem to enjoy the events we plan, especially since so many of their friends are participating too,” she said. Yet, Deselle believes the reason they come to the events is because they are good kids and they want to follow Jesus. “I tell them, ‘You have be a light for God. If you stay at home and hide in a closet, no one can see your light shine. You have to get involved so that people can see God’s light in you shine.” And they do.
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Portrait of Faith: John Paul II ‘Life of Art’ Archdiocese of New Orleans to host John Paul II exhibit March 8-June 16 By Peter Finney Jr. Clarion Herald
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The Archdiocese of New Orleans, in association with the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, will host “Portrait of Faith: John Paul II in Life & Art,” March 8-June 16 at the New Orleans Museum of Art. The exhibit, which will include personal items of Blessed John Paul II, never-before-seen photographs of his historic 1987 visit to New Orleans and sacred artwork from three contemporary artists, has been designed to reach people of all faiths on many different levels, said Wendy Vitter, archdiocesan coordinator. “I was here when we welcomed Blessed John Paul to the archdiocese, and it’s an honor for us to have him come back in a different way and a spiritual way,” Archbishop Gregory Aymond said. “This will allow us to relive his visit here and recall the great blessing of his being the chief shepherd of the Church.” Wendy Vitter, archdiocesan coordinator of the exhibit, said the exhibit will have something for everyone. “If you love history, you will be looking at history through the photographs from 25 years ago,” she said. “If you love art, there will be many pieces of sacred art. If you’ve lost your faith along the way, come and be inspired. If you already have faith, it will be deepened through this exhibit.”
Call Toll Free 1-866-608-4799 or Visit www.JPIIinNOLA.com or Email Vitter at wvitter@archdiocese-no.org Given the way the civic and ecumenical communities in New Orleans rallied to welcome the pope in 1987, Vitter said Archbishop Aymond wanted to make sure that the museum exhibit was designed to encourage interfaith dialogue. Faith leaders of every major religion eagerly accepted an invitation to be co-hosts, Vitter said. “This is not just a Catholic exhibit,” Vitter said. “We have leaders of many faiths to serve as co-hosts, and we encourage their congregations to join with them out of respect for this man. He was a great man who opened his arms to all, and we’d like to do the same.” The exhibit will focus on the art of Gib Singleton, Frederick Hart and Fred Villanueva. Villanueva has been commissioned by the archdiocese to do a similar piece that would show Blessed John Paul with holy men and women who have New Orleans ties: Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, St. Katharine Drexel, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, St. Philippine Rose Duchesne, Mother Cornelia Connelly and Venerable Henriette Delille.
The Shrine of John Paul II in Washington is loaning items from its personal collection, including vestments, miters and other items he used during his papacy. Also, the 1938 Eucharistic Congress monstrance will be on display at the museum, both to renew ties between NOMA and the archdiocese and to celebrate the 75th anniversary of that event. The archdiocese has never before displayed photographs of the 1987 visit, Vitter said, and photographers Mike Posey, David Spielman and Mitchel Osborne have made their works available, along with photographs from The Times-Picayune. The exhibit also will include a 15-minute video that will air three times an hour and be used as an introductory part of the tour. It will offer reflections from Archbishop Aymond, Dr. Norman Francis of Xavier University of Louisiana, Rabbi Edward Cohn, a member of the St. Augustine Marching 100, which played for the pope, and many others. The exhibit will be open six days a week (closed Mondays): Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.
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JOHN PAUL II EXHIBIT TO OPEN MARCH 8. Wendy Vitter, archdiocesan coordinator of the Blessed John Paul II exhibit, holds the poster advertising the Portrait of Faith: John Paul II Life & Art exhibit to be held March 8 - June 16 in the New Orleans Museum of Art. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, active military personnel and members of groups of 10 or more; $6 for children ages 7-17; and $5 for
students, teachers and chaperons on a school tour. Groups are allowed in on their own from 9 to 11 a.m., every day except Monday. The cost includes the video screening and an audio tour.
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FEBRUARY 18, 2013
Catholic apps available to enhance your Lenten experience CATHOLIC
APPS iStations $1.99
iStations, presented by MyCatholicSource.com, is a convenient devotional aid for privately praying the Stations of the Cross (Way of the Cross). Features include beautiful images, two traditional methods -- including a Franciscan method, and best of all -- an audio option that reads the prayers aloud. There is also an option that lets the user select English or Latin, if desired. There are three ways to navigate from station to station -- use the main menu, use the “next” button, or automatically navigate when using the audio option. Perfect for Fridays, Lent, pentitential times, times of suffering and temptation, before or after confession, preparing to participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, family devotions, and daily meditations. Only $1.99 on iTunes.
Catholic Meditations for Lent by St. Thomas Aquinas Free
Catholic Meditations for Lent helps you to meditate during the Lent season with these meditations by St. Thomas Aquinas for 63 days. This lite version, which is free, contains the meditations for odd-numbered days. Some of the topics include: • The Last Supper • Our Lord is Scourged • Fasting • Christ had to be Tempted in the Desert •How Great was the Sorrow of Our Lord in His Passion • The Feast of the Holy Lance and the Nail of Our Lord • God the Father Delivered Christ to His Passion • The Passion of Christ has Delivered Us from the Devil • The Price of Our Redemption • Christ by His Passion Opened to Us the Gates of Heaven
Confession: A Catholic App $1.99
Designed to be used in the confessional, this app is the perfect aid for every penitent. With a personalized examination of conscience for each user, password protected profiles, and a step-by-step guide to the sacrament, this app invites Catholics to prayerfully prepare for and participate in the Rite of Penance. Individuals who have been away from the sacrament for some time will find Confession: A Roman Catholic App to be a
useful and inviting tool. The text of this app was developed in collaboration with Rev. Thomas G. Weinandy, OFM, executive director of the Secretariat for Doctrine and Pastoral Practices of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Rev. Dan Scheidt, pastor of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mishawaka, IN. The app received an imprimatur from Bishop Kevin C. Rhodes of the Diocese of Fort Wayne – South Bend. It is the first known imprimatur to be given for an iPhone/iPad app. • Custom examination of Conscience based upon age, sex, and vocation (single, married, priest, or religious) • Multiple user support with password protected accounts • Confession walkthrough including time of last confession in days, weeks, months, and years • Ability to add sins not listed in standard examination of conscience • 7 different Acts of Contrition • Custom interface for iPad
Radio Maria Free
With Radio Maria’s all new app for iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad, you can listen to quality Catholic programming, music, liturgies, and prayer, -- any time, any place. The free app includes streaming of Radio Maria stations from around the world as well as links to its feeds on Twitter and Facebook. To download the mobile app for Blackberry, Android and iPhone users, go to radiomaria.us, where you can also be directed to iTunes to download the iPad app. Radio Maria apps are a product of the World Family of Radio Maria. For more information about Radio Maria, call 318-5616145.
CHURCH TODAY
FEBRUARY 18, 2013
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The Bible: a new TV mini-series on the History Channel 10 hour mini-series brings Bible stories to life every Sunday in March, 7-9 p.m. By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) -- It took the combined clout of an actress best known for playing an angel and her big-ratings executive-producer husband, but Roma Downey and Mark Burnett have pulled off the making of a 10hour miniseries, “The Bible,” that gets its premiere Sunday, March 3, on the History cable channel. The miniseries runs 7-9 p.m. each Sunday in March through March 31, Easter Sunday. Downey’s career role was playing the angel Monica for nine seasons in the TV drama “Touched by an Angel.” Husband Burnett, whose U.S. TV hits include “Survivor,” “The Voice,” “The Apprentice,” “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” and “Shark Tank,” added his Hollywood muscle. “He doesn’t take no for an answer. When he hears ‘no,’ he just thinks of a new opportunity. When it was a tough sell, he just persevered,” Downey said of her husband. “He’s just like (St.) Paul, very courageous.”
THE BIBLE TV SERIES. Roma Downey portrays Mary in a scene from the television miniseries “The Bible.” Downey and her husband, Mark Burnett, produced the miniseries that will run on cable’s History Channel 7-9 p.m. each Sunday in March through March 31, Easter Sunday. (CNS photo) Unlike other biblical films and TV miniseries, “The Bible” splits its 10 hours evenly between the Old and New Testaments. Another difference, accord-
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ing to Burnett: “For example, in a lot of older biblical films, it looks like a lot of the disciples, Jesus, the Romans, stepped right out of a dry cleaner. Not a speck of dust
on them. And the lighting didn’t feel real.” He surmised that such films were made “over the years (by) people with great hearts for service and faith, but with very little budget and very little experience, and sometimes the result isn’t optimal, and it’s not the best movie or show. ... History Channel provided us with a great budget, and I knew we wanted to make this emotionally connective, and very real for today’s audiences.” Burnett and Downey were interviewed by Catholic News Service prior to an invitation-only screening Feb. 5 in Washington. The day before, they were in Dallas, showing a 45-minute grouping of miniseries scenes to about 60 U.S. Catholic bishops. Downey singled out “Cardinal (Donald W.) Wuerl (of Washington), who has been a great supporter and adviser to us for the last year or so,” said Downey. She and Burnett added later there were about 40 theological and biblical advisers who helped before and during filming. “We had a very great and warm reception,” Downey said,
TV
REVIEW adding she had told the bishops that, while growing up in Derry, in Northern Ireland, “I went to a convent school and was educated by the Sisters of Mercy; the girls fondly named them the ‘Sisters of No Mercy,’ and it got a big laugh in the room.” “The Bible” used the same special effects team that won an special-effects Oscar for the period film “Gladiator.” It borrows a page from “Gladiator” and “The Passion of the Christ” in its depictions of violence and brutality. While some violence takes place off-screen, the fighting between the Israelites and their opponents, including the Roman occupiers of Jesus’ time, sliced, diced, thrust and gouged their way to victory or conquest; what’s not visible on the screen is still made plain by the sound effects. Even for Christians such as Downey and Burnett, “it’s very daunting to take on the Bible,” she said. “We only had 10 hours to tell the story. We wish we had ten hundred hours. “We had to break it down. We wanted to make an emotional connection with the audience, to draw the audience in and tell the stories from a very human point of view. That meant we had to tell fewer stories.” Downey portrays Mary, the mother of Jesus, in “The Bible.” “A younger actress playing Mary during the Nativity,” she said. “So in the early stages of the script, she was referred to as ‘Young Mary,’ and in the later stages the script referred to ‘Old Mary.’ And I said, ‘Well, you know, that’s gotta change.’ So, we rewrote that, that it would be ‘Young Mary’ and ‘Mother Mary.’ “Oh, vanity, it’s a terrible thing, you know?” she chuckled. “I certainly tried in my career to make choices that would be pleasing to God,” Downey said. “One of our central intentions in making this series was to make something that would glorify God.”
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CHURCH TODAY
Substance Abuse Ministry Info Night The Central Louisiana Substance Abuse Ministry will meet on Friday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Prompt Succor’s Olinger Hall. SAM is a sacramental approach to sobriety and abstinence from drugs. Meetings will be held bi-monthly to celebrate the Sacraments together and have discussions. For more info, call 318-623-2155, 24/7.
FEBRUARY 18, 2013
DIOCESAN
BRIEFS
Rite of Election Those who have been preparing to enter the Catholic Church will participate in the Rite of Election on Sunday, Feb. 24 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Bishop Ronald Herzog will preside.
An Evening to Remember seminar An Evening to Remember, featuring guest speaker Jim Comer, will be held Thursday, Feb. 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the Pineville Country Inn & Suites. Comer, author of Parenting Your Parents, will speak about issues from assisted living to nursing homes, living wills to investments, and home health to hospice. Tickets are $20 per person (includes dinner) and may be purchased from Cabrini Hospital, Rapides Hospital, Lineage Law, Modern Woodmen and Rapides Senior Citizens Centers. For more info, call John Amos at 448-6763.
Rehearsal for Diocesan Choir Members of Parish Music Ministries from throughout the diocese are invited to come together as a Diocesan Choir to sing for the upcoming Chrism Mass. The Chrism Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 26 at 11 a.m. Pastors are asked to encourage this opportunity within their parishes. The four rehearsals will be held on the Sundays of March (3rd , 10th , 17th , 24th ) at 7 p.m. at Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral. All music will be provided at the rehearsals and all are welcome to participate. For more information or to sign up, call 318-445-1451, extension 13 or ward@sfxcathedral.org
Beginning Experience
Widowed, separated or divorced? Don’t know where to turn? Struggling with grief or loss? Beginning Experience is registering now for a weekend away toward a lifetime of change at Maryhill Renewal Center - Pineville, LA for March 8–10. Program helps grieving single-again persons emerge from the darkness of grief into the light of a new beginning, and move into the future with renewed hope. Cost is $185, which includes two nights’ lodging and meals. To register, or for more information, call Anna at (318) 452-2678 or Rose at (504) 920-0770.
Radio Maria’s Spring
Maria-thon March 19-23
To make a pledge call 561-6145 or go to radiomaria.us
ST. MARY’S SCHOOL (Natchitoches). (top) Karen Lee presents $2,5000 checks to Nancy Rutledge and Renee Gresham for winning the $5,000 Draw Down. OL OF LOURDES, Winnfield, CHRISTMAS STORY. The CCD children of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Winnfield presented “The Christmas Story,” Dec. 9 before the 10 a.m. Mass. Characters in the presentation were as Mary; as Joseph; as the animals; as angels; and as shepherds; and as the Wise Men.
Catholic Charismatic Day of Renewal The Diocesan Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Alexandria is hosting a Day of Renewal on Saturday, March 9, at St. Anthony of Padua Church hall in Natchitoches. Registration will begin at 9 am and end at 3:45 pm. Speakers are Aggie Neck, Joan Gahagan, and Fr. Jason Gootee. The day is filled with praise and worship music, talks, and a testimony. The registration fee is $15 which includes lunch. Please call Diane Ardoin at 318-419-1547 for more information.
S.A.L.T. retreats The last Spring S.A.L.T. Retreat will be held the weekend of March 9-10 at Maryhill Renewal Center in Pineville for students in grades 9-12. The cost is $60 per student. Please include payment with your application which can be obtained at your parish youth office or by calling 318-445-6424 ext. 221.
Abbey Youth Fest The 2013 Abbey Youth Fest will be held March 9 at St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College in St. Benedict, La. The Abbey Youth Festival is an apostolic service of Saint Joseph designed to provide young people with an
ST. MARY’S SCHOOL LHSAA GIRLS BASKETBALL ALL ACADEMIC COMPOSITE TEAM. St. Mary’s senior receives a certificate for being named to the LHSAA Girls Basketball All Academic Composite Team. Pictured also is her mom, Melanie Bedgood and Coach Cryer. opportunity to experience a day of prayer and faith formation with an exposure to the Benedictine tradition. The cost is $30 by Feb. 22; $35 after Feb. 22. To register, go to abbeyyouthfest.com
Young Adult Conference The Diocese of Alexandria’s Office of Religious Formation and Training will sponsor the annual Crossroads Young Adult Conference March 15-17 at Maryhill Renewal Center for those age 18 and up. Join us for this weekend retreat featuring Jim Murphy as the guest speaker; Paul Hood as host, and Grae McCullough providing music. For more information, go to www.diocesealex.org/crossroadsconference
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February - March Monday
Tuesday
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PRAY FOR FR. J. PARDUE
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Wednesday
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VIRTUS Training 6:00 p.m. Mission: Walk with Jesus St. Joseph Catholic Center, 6:30-7:30 p.m. St. Joseph Church, Alexandria Marksville Confessions 6:00-7:00 pm “The Light is On for You” (Check your local parish) PRAY FOR FR. C. PARTAIN
26 Confessions 6:00-7:00 pm “The Light is On for You” (Check your local parish)
PRAY FOR FR. T. PAUL
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Mission: Walk with Jesus 6:30-7:30 p.m. St. Joseph Church, Marksville
Penance Services 7 p.m. St. Rita, Alexandria 6 p.m. Sts. Francis & Anne
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PRAY FOR FR. P. SIERRA-POSADA
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PRAY FOR FR. E. RODRIGUEZ
5
Confessions 6:00-7:00 pm “The Light is On for You” (Check your local parish)
PRAY FOR FR. L. SKLAR
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CHRISTUS Cabrini Foundation Pro/Am Golf Tournament OakWing Golf Club Confessions 6:00-7:00 pm “The Light is On for You” (Check your local parish)
PRAY FOR FR. A. THOMPSON
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PRAY FOR FR. J. TIMMERMANS
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Confessions 6:00-7:00 pm “The Light is On for You” (Check your local parish) FEAST of ST. JOSEPH
Friday
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Saturday
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Substance Abuse Ministry 7:00 p.m. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Alexandria
PRAY FOR FR. J. ROY
PRAY FOR FR. G. POOKKATTU
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PRAY FOR FR. S. SOARES
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Mission: Walk with Jesus 6:30-7:30 p.m. St. Joseph Church, Marksville
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PRAY FOR FR. R. RABALAIS
MARCH
PRAY FOR FR. C. RAY
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2
An Evening to Remember Stations of the Cross 5:00-7:00 p.m. (Check your local parish) Country Inn & Suites, Pineville
PRAY FOR FR. J. RYAN
Mission: Walk with Jesus 6:30-7:30 p.m. St. Joseph Church, Marksville
Sunday
PRAY FOR FR. R. YOUNG
Rite of Election 2:30 p.m. St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria
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PRAY FOR FR. I. ST. ROMAIN
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Penance Service 5:30 p.m. Our Lady of Lourdes, Vidalia
PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG
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PRAY FOR FR. J. RETNAZIHAMONI
3
Rehearsal for Diocesan Choir 7:00 p.m. St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria
The Bible--TV Series 7:00-9:00 p.m. FIRST SATURDAY History Channel PRAY FOR FR. C. SCOTT
Abbey Youth Fest
9
PRAY FOR FR. R. SHOURY
Daylight Savings Time Begins
10
Charismatic Day of Rehearsal for Diocesan Choir John Paul II Exhibit Opens Renewal 7:00 p.m. New Orleans Museum St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 9:00 a.m. Alexandria of Art St. Anthony of Padua, The Bible--TV Series Natchitoches Stations of the Cross 7:00-9:00 p.m. History Channel (Check your local parish) S.A.L.T. Retreat -- Maryhill Renewal Center Beginning Experience -- Maryhill Renewal Center PRAY FOR MSGR. S. TESTA
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Stations of the Cross (Check your local parish)
PRAY FOR FR. K. TEXADA
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Liturgical Conference 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Shreveport
PRAY FOR FR. J. THOMAS
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Rehearsal for Diocesan Choir 7:00 p.m. St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria The Bible--TV Series 7:00-9:00 p.m. History Channel
Camp Joshua -- Ruston Young Adult Conference -- Maryhill Renewal Center
FEAST of ST. PATRICK
PRAY FOR FR. A. TRAVIS
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Mission: Walk with Jesus 6:30-7:30 p.m. St. Joseph Church, Marksville
Penance Service 6:30 p.m. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Alexandria
PRAY FOR FR. A. VARGHESE
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PRAY FOR FR. V. VEAD
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Stations of the Cross (Check your local parish)
PRAY FOR FR. A. VELEZ
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PRAY FOR FR. K. ZACHARIAH
PRAY FOR FR. N. VIVIANO
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Rehearsal for Diocesan Choir 7:00 p.m. St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria The Bible--TV Series 7:00-9:00 p.m. History Channel
FIRST DAY OF SPRING Radio Maria Maria-Thon
PRAY FOR FR. J. XAVIER
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Stations of the Cross (Check your local parish)
Mission: Sts. Francis and Anne Church, Kolin FIRST FRIDAY
Mission: St. Rita Church, Alexandria -- 7:00-8:00 p.m. PRAY FOR FR. J. ROBLES-SANCHEZ
Thursday
PRAY FOR FR. A. AELAVANTHARA
PALM SUNDAY PRAY FOR FR. T. ALLEN
PRAY FOR FR. R. BORDELON
PRAY FOR FR. S. BRANDOW