The Church Today, June 18, 2012

CHURCH Volume XLII, No. 6

www.diocesealex.org

TODAY

Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970

June 18, 2012

ON THE

INSIDE 12 lawsuits filed against 3 government agencies to stop HHS mandate Twelve lawsuits, representing 43 Catholic dioceses, schools, hospitals, social service agencies and other institutions were filed in federal court May 21 to stop three government agencies from implementing a mandate that would require them to cover contraceptives and sterilization in their health plans. Read more about it on page 3.

Deacon Charles Ray is ordained a priest Deacon Charles Ray was ordained May 26 to the Holy Priesthood by Bishop Ronald Herzog at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. See detail and pictures on pg. 6.

New priest assignments Find out if your parish is one of the handful that will be welcoming a new pastor or parochial vicar in July. To see all the latest in new clergy assignments, go to page 7.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL, Moreauville MAY CROWNING was held May 4. 8th grader Taylor Gremillion crowned Mary and was escorted by Ty Rachal (8th grade). Annabelle Barbry, 2nd grade, was the flower girl. Fr. Marc Noel read the Act of Concecration of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the students honored Mary with flowers, Marian Hymns, and decades of the Rosary. See related pictures on page 13.

PAGE 2

CHURCH TODAY

JUNE 18, 2012

Opposition to HHS mandate is about religious freedom, not the election

By Dennis Sadowski Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. Catholic Church's challenges to the federal government's contraceptive mandate under the health care law is not an attempt to "throw" the presidential election in favor of one candidate or against another, said the chairman of the bishops' Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Freedom.

Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori said the bishops' campaign emerged because of the federal government's attempt to force religious organizations to pay for health services that violate fundamental religious principles.

The mandate was announced Aug. 1, 2011, as part of the rules the Department of Health and Human Services is issuing to implement the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act passed in 2010. Along with the mandate,

HHS released a four-pronged religious exemption that has raised objections among Catholic Church officials and others who say it is so narrow that most religious employers will not qualify.

On Jan. 20 of this year, HHS announced that nonprofit groups that do not provide contraceptive coverage because of their religious beliefs will get an additional year "to adapt to this new rule."

"It's important to say the struggle we are engaging in here is not a partisan issue," Archbishop Lori said. "We didn't choose the time. We didn't choose the place.

"We're not trying to throw an election. We're simply trying to defend fundamental freedoms. It's not a Republican or Democratic issue. It's not a Catholic issue. It's a freedom issue," he said.

The issue has been portrayed in the media and by supporters of

the mandate, however, as a "war on women," Archbishop Lori said, making the bishops' stance much more difficult to explain to the public.

That challenge, he explained, led to the development of the "fortnight for freedom" campaign, a two-week period of prayer, education and action aimed at explaining how the mandate violates religious principles.

The fortnight kicks off June 21 with Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and ends in Washington July 4 with Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Prayer services, vigils, educational sessions and marches are planned across the country during the period.

A wide-ranging effort is needed to help the public understand the dangers the mandate poses, he added.

"One step about defending religious liberty is to talk about, to make sure people understand religious liberty is not given by government but by God. It means more than going to Mass See FREEDOM, pg. 14

Local Events JUNE 22 ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHEDRAL will offer its 12:05 p.m.

Mass on Friday, June 22 in observance of Fortnight for Freedom. This is the Feast of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, the patron of religious freedom. In addition, the Novena for Religious Liberty will be prayed after all daily Masses and weekend Masses from June 25-July 3. A concluding Mass will be offered on the last day, July 4, at 9 a.m.

-- Fr. Jim Ferguson JUNE 27 ST. RITA, Alexandria FORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOM PRAYER SERVICE AND BENEDICTION. St. Rita Church will hold a special Prayer Service and Benediction in conjunction with the US Bishop’s call to a Fortnight For Freedom. This prayer service will be held in the Church, 4401 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria, on Wednesday, June 27, at 6 p.m. Please join us as we pray for the protection of our Religious Liberty. All are welcome. --Fr. Craig Scott JULY 2 OLPS, Alexandria FORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOM MASS: Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Alexandria will offer its 5:30 p.m.

Mass on Monday, July 2 for the preservation of religious freedom in connection with the U.S. Bishops’ “Fortnight for Freedom” initiative. – Fr. Dan O’Connor JULY 4 ST. ANTHONY, Bunkie INDEPENDENCE DAY MASS – St. Anthony of Padua Church in Bunkie will offer Mass on Wednesday, July 4, at 8:00 a.m. This special Independence Day Mass will include prayers for the nation and for the preservation of religious liberty in response to the Fortnight for Freedom observance. Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 7:30 a.m. -- Fr. Scott Chemino, V.G.

On behalf of Bishop Herzog: The National Right to Life Committee, Inc. (NRLC ) has unilaterally and without any prior consultation with the USCCB, announced an initiative involving the distribution of “voter guide” cards in Catholic churches on June 25, 2012 and/or July 1, 2012.

MEMBERS OF PARISH PRO-LIFE GROUP JOIN RELIGIOUS FREEDOM RALLY IN CHICAGO. Karli Snell, Monica Deardorff and Emily Sturgeon, members of the pro-life youth group at St. John Cantius Parish in Chicago, join hundreds for the "Stand Up For Religious Freedom Rally" June 8 in Chicago.

(CNS photo/Karen Callaway, Catholic New World)

The proposed NRLC action, which has been designed to coincide with USCCB’s Fortnight for Freedom, would transform an agenda of prayer, education, and witness in support of religious freedom into a partisan event – precisely what the Bishops’ so assiduously wish to avoid. In particular, distribution of the cards would further fuel charges by critics of the Conference that its Fortnight for Freedom is designed to influence the election, which it most certainly is not, instead of a principled effort to preserve religious liberty, which it is.

Under the circumstances described, there is significant risk that distribution of these cards by or in Catholic churches as described by NRLC would constitute prohibited intervention by participating churches in a political campaign in violation of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”), potentially jeopardizing taxexempt status. Significantly, NRLC is not exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Code, and thus is not subject to the prohibition against political campaign intervention.

Every diocese is being made aware of this through the office of Anthony Picarello, Jr., Associate General Secretary and General Counsel, for the USCCB. For additional information about the prohibition against political intervention, please see Political Activity Guidelines on the OGC website at www.usccb.org/ogc.

THEREFORE, NO PARISH OR INSTITUTION IN THE DIOCESE OF ALEXANDRIA IS PERMITTED TO USE THESE MATERIALS

JUNE 18, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

LAWSUITS FILED Washington, D.C. Lawsuit • Archdiocese of Washington • Consortium of Catholic Academies • Archbishop Carroll High School • Catholic Charities of D.C. • The Catholic University of America New York Lawsuit • Diocese of Rockville Centre • Catholic Health Services of Long Island • Catholic Charities of Rockville Centre • Archdiocese of N.Y. • ArchCare Erie, Pennsylvania Lawsuit • Diocese of Erie • St. Martin Center • Prince of Peace Center Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Lawsuit • Diocese of Pittsburgh • Catholic Charities of Diocese of Pittsburgh • Catholic Cemeteries Association of Diocese of Pittsburgh Dallas, Texas Lawsuit • Diocese of Dallas Fort Worth, Texas Lawsuit • Diocese of Fort Worth Columbus, Ohio Lawsuit • Franciscan University of Steubenville • Michigan Catholic Conference Gulfport, Mississippi Lawsuit • Diocese of Jackson • Catholic Charities of Jackson • Vicksburg Catholic School • St. Joseph’s Catholic School • Diocese of Biloxi • De l’Epee Deaf Center Inc. • Catholic Social & Community Services Inc. • Resurrection Catholic School • Sacred Heart Catholic School • St. Dominic Health Services

12 lawsuits, representing 43 Catholic institutions, filed against 3 federal agencies to stop HHS mandate

By Nancy Frazier O'Brien Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) -Forty-three Catholic dioceses, schools, hospitals, social service agencies and other institutions filed suit in federal court May 21 to stop three government agencies from implementing a mandate that would require them to cover contraceptives and sterilization in their health plans.

"Through this lawsuit, plaintiffs do not seek to impose their religious beliefs on others," said one of the suits, filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana by the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.

"They simply ask that the government not impose its values and policies on plaintiffs, in direct violation of their religious beliefs," it added.

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, whose archdiocese is among the plaintiffs, said the lawsuits were "a compelling display of the unity of the church in defense of religious liberty" and "a great show of the diversity of the church's ministries that serve the common good and that are jeopardized by the mandate."

"We have tried negotiations with the administration and legislation with the Congress -- and we'll keep at it -- but there's still no fix," the cardinal

DORNAN SPEAKS IN FRONT OF SUPREME COURT BUILDING DURING RALLY FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM. Bob Dornan, a former Republican congressman from California, speaks in front of the U.S. Supreme Court during the "Stand Up For Religious Freedom Rally" in Washington June 8. A coalition of pro-life and Catholic groups promoted rallies across the nation in opposition to the government's HHS mandate that will require most employers to cover contraception and sterilization procedures in their health plans. The nation's Catholic bishops have repeatedly criticized the mandate. (CNS photo/ Peter Lockley) said. "Time is running out and our valuable ministries and fundamental rights hang in the balance, so we have to resort to the courts now."

Catholic organizations have objected to the contraceptive mandate since it was announced last Aug. 1 by Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Unless they are subject to a

South Bend, Indiana Lawsuit • The University of Notre Dame Fort Wayne, Indiana Lawsuit • Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend • Catholic Charities of Fort Wayne-South Bend • St. Anne Home • Franciscan Alliance • Our Sunday Visitor • University of St. Francis Joliet, Illinois Lawsuit • Diocese of Joliet • Catholic Charities of Joliet • Diocese of Springfield • Catholic Charities of Springfield St. Louis, Missouri Lawsuit • Archdiocese of St. Louis • Catholic Charities of St. Louis

PAGE 3

BATON ROUGE STAND UP RALLY was held June 8 on the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol. (Photo by Laura Deavers, Catholic Commentator)

narrow religious exemption or have a grandfathered health plan, employers will be required to pay for sterilizations and contraceptives, including some abortion-inducing drugs, as part of their health coverage beginning as soon as Aug. 1, 2012.

In all, 12 lawsuits were filed simultaneously May 21 in various U.S. district courts around the country. The defendants in each case were Sebelius; Labor Secretary Hilda Solis; and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, along with their departments.

Fr. John Jenkins, president of Notre Dame, said "This filing is about the freedom of a religious organization to live its mission, and its significance goes well beyond any debate about contraceptives," he said. "For if we concede that the government can decide which religious organizations are sufficiently religious to be awarded the freedom to follow the principles that define their mission, then we have begun to walk down a path that ultimately leads to the undermining of those institutions."

PAGE 4 We are almost at the official beginning of summer. However, that is more theoretical than real.

Summer weather has been with us for several weeks. Summer activities are in full swing.

There is still time to register for our annual Steubenville South Youth Conference that takes place during the fourth weekend of the month, but just barely!

Also, don’t forget the new date for the annual Taste of Faith dinner. It will be on the last Thursday of June rather than in August, but will still be at the Family Life Center of St. Rita Church. If you

CHURCH TODAY ONE IN THE LORD Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria haven’t registered, please do it now!

You will find several articles about the Fortnight of Faith initiated as a time of prayer and reflection about the very critical topic of Religious Freedom. We have not

planned any diocesan level activities because that would be difficult at this time of year. Also, the material provided to our priests would be more practical for parish use. I have left the decision to each pastor.

JUNE 18, 2012

You will also see the assignment changes for some of our priests. I am confident you will welcome them in the new parishes of special ministries. I am extremely grateful to our priests for their willingness to accept these assignments. Such dedication and cooperation is not true of all dioceses. We also continue to be blessed with additional priests who have come to us from abroad.

I have again accepted an invitation to serve on a panel during the Catholic Media Convention later this month. It is a practical way to support those who work

in Catholic communication since I have the privilege of serving on the USCCB Communications Committee.

I urge you to continue to pray for deliverance from the potential of severe storms now that we are officially in the 2012 hurricane season.

May the Lord bless you and your loved ones and keep you safe during this summer!

Remembering dad on Father's Day: A dad's note to his son Wherever he goes -- to work, back home, on a business trip -Mark Shriver carries in his briefcase a remnant of the greatest inheritance he received from his dad, the late Sargent Shriver.

After his dad died last year, Mark Shriver was researching and reflecting on what made his dad "A Good Man," which became the title of a book written in honor of him, coming out on June 5, just in time for Father's Day. In addition to the public record of his dad's accomplishments and words, found in news articles and in the text of his speeches, Mark Shriver had something much more precious -- copies of notes that his dad had slipped under his door nearly every day as he was growing up.

Flipping through a scrapbook one day, Mark Shriver found in the back a note his dad had written to him on the day he graduated from high school at Georgetown Preparatory School in North Bethesda.

In that note, Sargent Shriver reminded his son "you are a unique, infinitely valuable person." The father told his son to always remember how much he was loved by his parents, siblings and friends. Then Sargent Shriver, a devout Catholic who began each day with morning Mass, wrote this to his son, "But all our love and interest put together cannot compare with the passionate interest and love God himself showers on you. You are his! He wants you! And he will make you the perfect man you want to be."

Then the man whom the world knows as the founder of the Peace Corps signed the note, "Love, Daddy."

Guest

Commentary Mark Zimmermann, editor The Catholic Standard

briefcase, and that's why he concluded his book by reprinting his dad's words of advice to him on his graduation day. He knows now that the gift of faith, hope and love that his dad, "A Good Man," passed on to his five children is the greatest gift he left them.

Today, Mark Shriver carries a Xerox copy of that note in his briefcase, and he tries to read it every day. That note, he said, reminds him how his dad's joy and strength was rooted in his faith, and how that faith, that love for God and for all people, made him "A Good Man." The book offers a reminder to parents to express love for their children, and a reminder for children to reconnect with their fathers and mothers, whether they are living or dead, and reflect on and learn from their example of faith, hope and love, which were the pillars of Sargent Shriver's life. In learning what made your own parents good, you too can aspire to that goodness.

When asked what impact he hoped the book would have, Mark Shriver said, "I hope people realize it's never to late to communicate with your children

and your parents. I learned a lot after he died."

At the end of the book, Mark Shriver describes how, after his dad's death, he took his own kids to the Shriver homestead, and enjoyed a happy day with them, away from the worries and busyness of the word. The book describes how Sargent Shriver worked for justice and peace for the poor and forgotten in the United States and around the world, but he also found time to play and laugh with his children, and the source of his joy and his service was his Catholic faith.

Mark Shriver smiled and said that if the book inspires parents to slip notes under their children's doors, "that would be great! That (showing that you love your children) makes a big difference to a kid."

That's why Mark Shriver carries a copy of that note in his

CHURCH

"When you graduate, if you know you're loved by God and your family, any place is a land of opportunity, because you have an incredible foundation on which to operate," Mark Shriver said, smiling. "If you believe you're loved by God, by your family, you can do anything!"

TODAY

Volume XLII, No. 6 • June 18, 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

CHURCH TODAY

JUNE 18, 2012

PAGE 5

Why can't Catholic weddings be held outdoors or on a beach?

Combined Reports

by Heidi Schlumpf, Aurora, Ill and Edward Mechmann NY Family Life Office Of the four wedding invitations currently posted on my refrigerator, only one is for a ceremony to be held in a church. The others? All will be outdoors: in a hotel garden, under a restaurant gazebo, or in a park.

The beauty of God's creation seems a perfect setting for making a lifetime commitment. So why doesn't the Catholic Church allow couples to get married outside?

Perhaps the better question is: Why does the Catholic Church prefer that couples be married in their parish church?

In a society where vows are exchanged while scuba or sky diving, the church is trying to emphasize the seriousness and sacredness of the commitment by requiring that the sacrament be celebrated in that place where the church community normally gathers.

A couple that marries in a Catholic church is demonstrating that their faith is part of their new

Catholic Wedding

life together from the beginning.

But more importantly, The Sacrament of Marriage is a sacred event for both the couple and for the Church as a whole.

The Sacrament is a sign not only of the love of the couple for each other, but of the love of God for the couple and the love of God for his people. Indeed, one of the parties to every Christian marriage is God Himself.

Sacred events belong in sacred places, and secular events belong in secular locations.

The requirement of Canon Law reminds us of the sacred nature of

marriage, the special participation of God and His Church, and the place of every marriage in the life of the Church. A catering hall, a park, the beach, or city hall, are not sacred places, however nice they may be -- they are certainly not places where the Catholic people ordinarily come together to worship God in the presence of Jesus and each other.

So, by all means have a wonderful wedding reception at an appropriate secular location.

But the right place for your sacred exchange of wedding vows is a sacred place -- in a church.

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PAGE 6

CHURCH TODAY

Deacon Ray ordained to Holy Priesthood

Seminary Burses

Deacon Charles Ray, son of Rod and Anita Ray of Deville, was ordained May 26 at St. Francis Xavier Cathdral

by Bishop Ronald Herzog. Pictured above are:

Knights of Columbus Council 9217. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10.00 Fr. Adrian Molenschot Burse Deacon and Mrs. Rodrick B. Broussard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00 Msgr. Milburn Broussard Burse CDA Court Bishop Greco #2072 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00 Fr. Ken Roy Burse Dr. Joseph Landreneau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Msgr. Henry Beckers Burse Dr. Robert M. Taylor . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500.00 Seminarian Fund Ms. Geraldine B. Deptula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000.00 Fr. Bruce Miller Burse Total this month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,710.00

Top left: Deacon Ray is greeted by Father Jose Robles-Sanchez.

Top right: Father Charles Ray is joined by fellow priests, deacons, and seminarians, following his First Mass May 27 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.

Bottom left: Father Marc Noel lays hands on Deacon Charles Ray. Bottom right: Bishop Ronald Herzog stands with newly ordained Father Charles Ray.

May

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

Very Rev. Stephen Scott Chemino, Chairman

JUNE 18, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

JUNE 18, 2012

PAGE 7

Pastors

Diocesan Appointment Rev. Jason Gootee, reappointed Holy Cross Church, Natchitoches

Rev. Marc Noel, reappointed Sacred Heart of Jesus, Moreauville

Rev. Scott Chemino, appointed St. Anthony of Padua, Bunkie

Rev. Jose Palathara, appointed St. Joseph Church, Cheneyville

Pastoral Administrators

Rev. Peter Faulk, appointed St. Francis de Sales, Echo

Rev. Martin Laird, appointed OLPS, Mansura & OLS, Moreauville

Rev. Adam Travis, appointed St. Augustine, Isle Brevelle

Rev. Abraham Varghese, appointed Holy Ghost, Marksville

Rev. Blake Deshautelle is released from responsibilities as associate director of Vocations. He remains in his present assignment as full-time chaplain and sacramental minister for LSU-A and Louisiana College and as coordinating chaplain for Holy Savior Menard High School.

Rev. Thomas Paul, appointed Immac. Concept & St. Anthony, Natch

Rev. Charles Ray, appointed OLPS, Alexandria

Rev. Ramji Shoury, appointed St. Joseph Church, Marksville

Rev. Joseph Xavier, appointed St. Anthony Church, Bunkie

Parochial Vicars

Rev. Paul Nadamkuzhy, appointed St. Rita Church, Alexandria

Other Appointments

Rev. Emmanuel Chinaka, appointed OLPS, Mansura & OLS, Moreauville

Rev. Jacob Thomas, appointed senior priest, Mater Dolorosa, Plaucheville

Rev. Jack Michalchuk, released for 1-year sabbatical leave

Catholic Chaplains

Rev. Robert Garrione, appointed RRMC & St. Mary's Training

Rev. William Okot, appointed St. Frances Cabrini Hospital

PAGE 8

CHURCH TODAY

JUNE 18, 2012

Vatican-ordered assessment directed at LCWR, not women religious

(CNS) -- The Vaticanordered doctrinal assessment of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious is not directed at the tens of thousands of women religious whose communities are associated with LCWR but at the actions of the organization itself, according to two bishops who are assisting in the assessment.

In separate columns for their diocesan newspapers, Bishop Leonard P. Blair of Toledo, Ohio, and Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of Springfield, Ill., criticized mistaken reporting about the intent of the assessment.

The two bishops were named in April to assist Archbishop J. Peter Sartain of Seattle to provide "review, guidance and approval, where necessary, of the work" of LCWR, a Maryland-based umbrella group that claims about 1,500 leaders of U.S. women's communities as members, representing about 80 percent of the country's 57,000 women religious.

"It is a great cross sometimes to know firsthand the actual facts of a situation and then have to listen to all the distortions and misrepresentations of the facts that are made in the public domain," said Bishop Blair.

"The biggest distortion of all is the claim that the CDF and the bishops are attacking or criticizing the life and work of our Catholic sisters in the United States," he added. "What the CDF is concerned about ... is the particular organization known as the LCWR." "What are the church's pastors to make of the fact that the LCWR constantly provides a one-sided platform -- without challenge or any opposing view -- to speakers who take a negative and critical position vis-a-vis church doctrine and discipline and the church's teaching office?"

Bishop Blair asked, citing several "causes for concern": He expressed confidence that "if the serious concerns of the CDF are accurately represented and discussed among all the sisters of our country, there will indeed be an opening to a new and positive relationship between women religious and the church's pastors in doctrinal matters, as there already is in so many other areas where mutual respect and cooperation abound."

Bishop Paprocki wrote similarly in the May 6 issue of the Catholic Times.

"It is important to note that the doctrinal assessment of LCWR does not deal with the faith and life of the 57,000 women religious in the United States," he said, adding that it is "not meant to call into question the faith and witness of so many dedicated and faithful women religious throughout the country."

He said the major concerns center on "problematic statements and serious theological, even doctrinal, errors" in talks at LCWR's annual assemblies;

LCWR LEADERS AT VATICAN FOLLOWING THEIR MEETING WITH CHURCH OFFICIALS. Franciscan Sister Pat Farrell, left, president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and St. Joseph Sister Janet Mock, right, the organization's executive director, are pictured outside the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith following their meeting with U.S. Cardinal William J. Levada and U.S. Archbishop J. Peter Sartain at the Vatican June 12. The women said they had an open dialogue with the church officials regarding the recent Vatican-ordered reform of the LCWR. (CNS photo/ Giancar lo Giuliani, Catholic Press Photo)

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"policies of corporate dissent" on such issues as women's ordination and ministry to homosexual persons; and the "prevalence of certain radical feminist themes incompatible with the Catholic faith" in some LCWR programs and presentations.

"In sum, the purpose of the doctrinal assessment is to work collaboratively to renew LCWR and strengthen the doctrinal foundations that should guide the organization's many important initiatives and efforts," he said.

"Challenges larger than this have been met before, with renewal and even deeper faith the outcome."

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JUNE 18, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

FATHER TOMMY PAUL CELEBRATES 5TH ANNIVERSARY. Father Tommy Paul, parochial vicar at St. Anthony Church in Natchitoches recently celebrated his 5th anniversary in the priesthood. Church members were proud to celebrate the occassion with him by giving him an anniversary party and a plaque. Pictured are (front row) Father John O'Brien, pastor; Daisy Rachal, Father Tommy, Agnes Robertson, and Mary Ann Wigley. Back row: Lillian Dugar, Emily Christophe, Earl LaCour, Theresa Rachal, Barbara dn Deborah Llorens, Sadie and Raymond Metoyer, and Alma Rachal. Not pictured is Carolyn Dupree.

ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH, Ferriday.

BLESSING OF PRAYER GARDEN. Camelia Hospice, along with the Natchez Knights of Columbus recently completed a Community Prayer Garden at the Vidalia Riverfront. The garden includes two seating gardens, a bird sanctuary and a butterfly garden. Pictured at the blessing of the Prayer Garden is Deacon Bill Shaidnagle, St. Patrick Church in Ferriday, and KC member; Jeannie Couture, hospice volunteer coordinator with Camelia Hospice; and Darren Cowart, KC Grand Knight. Not pictured is Kevin Friloux, KC member.

PAGE 9

Bishop Ronald Herzog delivers his daily reflection on the Sacred Scriptures now airing on KLAX Channel 31.

Proclaim now airing on KLAX Channel 31 As of June 11, Bishop Ronald Herzog's daily reflection program Proclaim is now being aired on KLAX Channel 31 (Channel 3 on most cable networks).

The two-minute program that was formerly aired on KALB at noon, has also moved its time slot to 8:26 a.m., during a commercial break of ABC's Good Morning America.

According to Ann Masden, director of Development and

Communications, the move from KALB to KLAX was made for several reasons.

"We have been looking into making some changes in the program for quite a while," she said. "KLAX offered us a great package of services that will give us more benefits and more options."

During the two-minute broadcast, the Bishop reads from Scripture and gives a brief reflection on the daily reading.

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PAGE 10

CHURCH TODAY

JUNE 18, 2012

La. monks say state restrictions on selling caskets unconstitutional

By Peter Finney Jr. Catholic News Service NEW ORLEANS (CNS) -An attorney for the Benedictine monks of St. Joseph Abbey in Covington argued before a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals June 7 that a 1932 Louisiana law requiring anyone selling a casket to be a licensed funeral director is unconstitutional and has no rationale other than "pure economic protectionism."

The monks, who make

LA CASKET CONTROVERSY. Benedictine Abbot Justin Brown of St. Joseph Abbey in Covington, La., speaks to reporters outside the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans June 7. The abbey and the state’s licensed funeral homes have been in a legal dispute over a 1932 Loui siana law that permits only funeral directors to sell coffins to Louisiana residents. (CNS photo/Peter Finney Jr., Clarion Herald)

about 30 cypress caskets a month at their St. Joseph Abbey Woodworks, received a favorable ruling last year from U.S. District Court Judge Stanwood Duval, who struck down the Louisiana law, saying it created an unfair industry monopoly.

But the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors, representing the state's licensed funeral homes, appealed the decision, saying the law protected consumers by ensuring that any caskets sold were the right size to fit into Louisiana's oddly shaped, above-ground crypts.

Scott Bullock, an attorney with the Virginia-based Institute for Justice, a nonprofit, public-interest law firm that is representing the monks, said the state law, which requires anyone selling a casket to have a funeral director's license, is "pure economic protectionism" that favors one private class and therefore is unconstitutional.

"It is irrational to require somebody to become a funeral director just to sell a box," Bullock said. "It is irrational to require somebody to give up two years of their life, install an embalming room and turn their abbey into a funeral establishment simply to sell a box. That's our fundamental point."

In one of his questions to David Gruning, attorney for the state funeral board, U.S. Circuit Judge Patrick Higginbotham suggested that the Louisiana law seemed to permit a "classic transfer of wealth ... with no rational basis for it. What's the rational basis that says a person

ST. JOSEPH'S ABBEY CASKETS. Brother Emmanuel Labrise of St. Joseph's Abbey prepares a casket for lining on May 15, 2012 in Covington. Louisiana law forbids those who are not licensed funeral directors from selling caskets.

And since Hurricane Katrina leveled the timberlands that once provided the main source of funding for the abbey, the monks have attempted to make a living by building and selling simple cypress caskets. The monks won their first round last year, and have a hearing at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit in June. (Photo by Sean Gardner/For the Washington Post) has to open a funeral home in order to sell a casket?"

While the funeral board recognizes that "funeral homes get a benefit" from the state law, Gruning said "the fact that there is an economic benefit is not fatal" to the law's constitutionality.

He said the state has a "legitimate interest in regulating the process of death and burial" and should "protect against the trauma of a wrong-sized casket being delivered."

Benedictine Abbot Justin Brown, who was joined at the hearing by six other Benedictine

monks and three religious sisters, said the monks' caskets have been universally praised for their understated beauty and quality.

"I know they have no question when they buy (a casket) from us," Abbot Justin said.

"They're buying a quality product and one that we attend to with care and concern."

Abbot Justin said the monks never would consider going through licensing to become a funeral home because that is not the abbey's mission.

"Part of a monastery's mission is to construct and

build goods that can be sold to the public to help support the monastery," Abbot Justin said.

"That goes back to the time of St. Benedict. We already know of communities of monks who are doing this in other states without any state regulations. We just don't understand why we in Louisiana have to be subject to those kinds of regulations."

A decision from the 5th Circuit is expected in three to six months.

"We're hopeful and prayerful," Abbot Justin said.

"The emphasis is on prayerful."

JUNE 18, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 11

3 schools in diocese to accept state tuition scholarships

By Jeannie Petrus CT editor For three diocesan Catholic schools, the Louisiana state scholarship program will be boosting enrollment and bringing in state tuition funds. But exactly how the program will effect the Catholic school district in the long run remains to be seen.

“We are very optimistic about the state scholarship program to our Catholic schools, and how it will fill the void for those seeking a high-quality, Catholic education,” said Thomas Roque, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Alexandria. “But this is a new program and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.”

The three diocesan schools participating in the program are St. Francis Cabrini School and Holy Savior Menard High School, both in Alexandria , and St. Mary’s Assumption in Cottonport.

Under the scholarship program -- the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program -- students from low-income families attending schools with low performance scores can have their tuition at private schools paid by the state.

“All students who are accepted into our schools under the program will be required to adhere to the high academic and discipline standards of each school,” said Roque. “All students will be treated the same and all students will be expected to follow the same rules, regardless of who is paying whose tuition. There will be no exceptions.”

How to Apply The timeline for applications for Louisiana’s expanded school scholarship program is as follows: • Families could start applying for the statewide scholarship program May 22. Applications are accessible online and at participating schools. The application is posted at: www.louisianaschools.net/lde/ uploads/19693.pdf.

STATE SCHOLARSHIPS. Superintendent of Catholic Schools Thomas Roque and Menard principal Joel Desselle review an application for admission to Menard under the state's new Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program. Three Catholic schools in the diocese will be participating in the program this fall.

Joe Weiderholt, principal of St. Frances Cabrini School, said he has already received 33 applications, to fill the 41 scholarship seats it is offering.

“From the very beginning, since we heard about the program, we decided we wanted to be part of it,” Wiederholt told the Town Talk in an article recently.

“Our school has always been here, since 1948, for people who had difficulties at other schools.

We’re still here for children who need us, to come and have the same opportunities our children have.”

Holy Savior Menard High School, which has agreed to accept no more than 50 scholarship seats, has received several appli-

cations so far.

“We have limited seats, but I thought this was something we should try. We’ll see how it works out,” said Joel Desselle, Holy Savior Menard principal.

St. Mary Assumption School in Cottonport is offering only 7 scholarships.

“Since St. Mary's in Cottonport has been experiencing a steady increase in enrollment the past few years, they decided to offer only a few scholarships," said Roque.

To apply for the scholarship program, apply at participating schools or online at www. louisianaschools.net/lde/uploads/19693.pdf.

• Students will submit completed applications no later than Friday, June 29.

• After the application process is completed and eligibility is determined, the Education Department will identify scholarship recipients through a prioritized lottery process in July.

• All applicants will be notified of the results of the lottery, no later than July 31.

• To be eligible, a child must have been enrolled in a public school during the 2011-12 school year that was labeled C, D or F, unless a student is entering kindergarten for the first time in the 2012-2013 school year.

• Students also must be residents of Louisiana and meet income eligibility requirements (family income in 2011 cannot exceed 250 percent of the federal poverty guidelines).

• Continuing students who were awarded a scholarship in the previous year are also eligible.

• Information: Send email to studentscholarships@la.gov or call the Louisiana Department of Education’s Help Center at 1-877-4532721.

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 12

JUNE 18, 2012

HOLY SAVIOR MENARD HIGH SCHOOL, Alexandria SENIOR CLASS. Sixty students from Holy Savior Menard Central High School in Alexandria graduated on May 15. The graduates include , and , Bishop Greco Scholars; Scholars; ars;

, and , and

, Father Menard , Providence Schol-

ST. MARY SCHOOL, Natchitoches SENIOR GRADUATES. Twenty-seven seniors graduated from St. Mary School in Natchitoches on May 22. Pictured are (front , and . R2: , and . R3: , and . R4: , and . Back row: , and . Not , and . pictured: Â

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL, Plaucheville SENIOR CLASS OF 2012. 15 Seniors graduated May 17 from St. Joseph Catholic School in Plaucheville. Pictured are (front row) (co-salutatorian) , (co-salutatorian), (historian), , (valedictorian). R2: Rev. Charles Morgan, pastor; , and Mrs. Suzette Dufour. R3: Brother Anthony Dugas, principal; John Authement, .

Not pictured is and .

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL, Plaucheville, 8TH GRADE GRADUATION. Pictured are (front row) , Valedictorian , Historian and .

R2: , Rev. Charles Morgan. R3: Mrs. Michelle Gremillion, , Salutatorian , and Principal Brother Anthony Dugas.

JUNE 18, 2012

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PAGE 13

ST. ANTHONY, Bunkie 8TH GRADE GRADUATES. The St. Anthony 8th grade class graduated May 15 following the evening Mass. Honored graduates include , valedictorian, Principal's List award, CDA Highest GPA (girl) Award, and Student of the Year award; , salutatorian and honor roll award; , KC Highest GPA (boy) Award and honor roll award. Pictured are (front row) .

Middle row: Back row:

OL of LOURDES CHURCH, Winnfield SENIOR MASS. Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Winnfield celebrated Senior Sunday May 27. Following a special Senior Mass, the seniors received a special blessing and a crucifix. Pictured are and both from Winnfield Senior High; and from Calvin High School.

ST. MARY’S, Natchitoches. 8th GRADE GRADUATION. Front row: , and , and R4: R5: and

ST. MARY'S ASSUMPTION, Cottonport, 8TH GRADE GRADUATES. The 2012 8th grade graduates of St. Mary's Assumption School in Cottonport are (front row) teachers Mrs. Carmel Dupuy and Mrs. Betsy Jeansonne, , and . Back row: Father Jamie Medina, pastor; Ms. Kathy Joffrion, Mr. Richard Guillot, , and Mrs. Amanda Hemphill.

.

. R3: , and , and

. R2: . . ,

ST. FRANCIS CABRINI SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION. Ten kindergarten students from St. Francis Cabrini School graduated on May 21. Pictured are and . Also pictured is Mrs. Angelia Ducote, kindergarten teacher; Rev. Jose’ Robles-Sanchez, pastor; Rev. Jorge Antoine Velez Lopez, associate pastor; and Joseph Weiderholt, principal.

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 14

JUNE 18, 2012

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA SCHOOL JUNIOR BETA CLUB. The St. Anthony of Padua School’s Junior Beta Club group talent members placed first in their district’s competition on Feb. 11. The 8th grade members placed fourth with their club’s t-shirt design, placed third in ELA, and placed fourth in social studies. The group talent members competed at the state convention in Lafayette on May 4, and they placed third among eleven schools.

Pictured are (front row) , and . Top row: -

Congratulations, SAS Beta members!

, and

. (not pictured

Freedom Continued from pg 2 on Sunday but to live one's life and conduct one's professional existence in accord with one's convictions," the archbishop said.

The U.S. campaign has taken on added importance, he said, because people are struggling to maintain their religious freedom around the world. "We are engaged in the domestic struggle because we believe we have to keep the torch of freedom alive at home so as to be a beacon around the world," he said.

The bishops' conference planned to closely monitor the lawsuits filed May 21 by 43 Catholic dioceses, schools, hospitals, social service agencies and other institutions challenging the HHS mandate. The bishops and dioceses across the country must plan for any and all alternatives, whether the Catholic entities win or lose, he said.

"Even if we win the HHS lawsuits, the larger cultural issue of preserving religious liberty and the place of religion in our culture is something we're going to have to engage in for many years to come," he added.

"There's defending marriage and unborn life. It's a long-term proposition."

LSU-A CSO GRADS. Lynn Ray, coordinator of campus ministry at Louisiana State University at Alexandria and Father Blake Deshautelle, LSU-A chaplain, congratulate Michelè Yonga on her graduation from LSU-A on May 17. Yonga, a nursing school graduate, was one of seven students from the Catholic Student Organization who graduated. Others were Cordaris Butler, Tellis Bordelon, Justin Madrigal, Yogi Patel, Kathryn Landreneau, and Ashlyn Deshotels.

ST. FRANCES CABRINI 6th GRADE AWARDS CEREMONY. The 6th grade class from St. Frances Cabrini School were honored May 23 with an Awards Ceremony. Each student received a Promotions Certificate, promoting them to the 7th grade. In addition, each were recognized for the various services they were involved in including altar server, prayer leader, lector, assisting with the Anoitinging of the Sick Mass, Student Council, classroom duties, and Book Buddies. Pictured are (front row) , (Principal's Award); , (Sister Hoora Corkery Award for Effort); (Catherine Julia Haven Award); , (Sister Dorothea Walsh Scholars Award); and , (valedictorian and recipient of the Mr. Spike Distefano Award). Middle row: , and , (William Henry Hodges Award). Back row: Mr. Malosh, teacher; Mr. Wiederholt, principal; and Mrs. Waits, teacher.

JUNE 18, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 15

A Summer of Caring 10 easy ways to teach kids the joys of caring for the needy this summer

by Lorie Newman, author A Cup of Cold Water in His Name: 60 Ways to Help the Needy

Purple popsicles and ice cold watermelon. Musical ice cream trucks and lemonade stands. Ahhhh. Summer is finally here!

For parents and kids alike, summertime is a welcome break from the norm of the school year.

It’s a well-deserved time to rest and relax in the sunshine. It’s also a great time to incorporate ways to teach your children how to care for the needy. There’s no denying that our children are growing up in a “me-centered culture.”

As summer break approaches, consider incorporating these ways to help the needy with your children into your summertime fun: 1. Anonymously leave a box of groceries on the doorstep of a widow/widower, or single mother. When you shop for these groceries, make sure you let your children help you choose items that they think will be enjoyed by the recipient family. Your children will enjoy being “secret agents of

sees someone in need.

kindness” when you sneak up to the porch to leave the box of groceries!

8. Invite neighborhood friends

to your church’s Vacation Bible School or summer camps. Many children are considered ‘latch-key kids’ and may be at home alone during the day in the summer months while their parents are at work. What a blessing for the parents and a load of fun for the children, for them to be invited to VBS!

2. Visit a nursing home. There are so many lonely elderly people living at nursing homes. Consider calling ahead and asking one of the charge nurses if there is a particular resident who rarely gets visitors. Bringing a flower from your garden or a cheerful picture your child drew will be a treasured gift for a lonely person.

9. If your family lives in a place

3. Collect pennies in baby bottles

for a Crisis Pregnancy Center. At the beginning of the summer, let your children collect change in a plastic baby bottles. When the summer is over, help your children roll the coins and exchange them for paper currency. Take your child to visit your local Crisis Pregnancy Center and let them hand-deliver their donation.

4. Take quarters to a laundry mat

and give them away to people you meet there. This seems like such a small act, but it can be a wonderful way to teach your

children how to bless a stranger through random acts of kindness.

5. Create placemats for a soup kitchen. If your children like to draw, let them color cheerful pictures and designs on several legal sized pieces of paper or poster board. Cover them with contact paper or have them laminated.

Deliver them to your local soup kitchen to be used as place mats for the people who eat there each day.

6. Children love to make crafts on rainy days. To teach your children the importance of prayer, make beaded bracelets with foster children’s names on them. You

can get the first names of children in state foster care by visiting adoptuskids.org. Use small letter beads and leather strips to make the name bracelets. As your children enjoy wearing their bracelets this summer, let it be a reminder to them to pray for that child who needs a family.

where you can plant a summer vegetable garden, consider growing extra vegetables to give away to an elderly neighbor or a needy family. Giving your children the opportunity to help with planting and watering, then letting them give away some of the vegetables they harvest will help cultivate a lifelong lesson of ‘giving’ into their young hearts.

10. Make Care Baskets for a hos-

7. Make Needy Bags with your pital waiting room. Fill a basket children. Fill gallon sized ziplock bags with toiletries and other items that a homeless person might need such as small shampoos, soap, washcloths, lip balm, scripture cards, water bottles, crackers, etc. Keep these bags in your car so you will always be ready to help when your family

with things that someone who is sitting in a hospital waiting room might need such as bottled water, packs of crackers, scripture cards, Christian magazines, mints, gum, notepads, pens, etc. Be sure to get permission before leaving the basket.

PAGE 16

CHURCH TODAY

OL of LOURDES, Winnfield MAY CROWNING. Participants in the May Crowning May 13 include and , readers; and , altar servers; crowned the Blessed Mother and the children of the catechism classes brought flowers and participated in the Mass.

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL, Plaucheville, MAY CROWNING. St. Joseph School in Plaucheville held their May Crowning on May 4. Pictured are Principal Br. Anthony Dugas, (queen chosen to crown Mary), (king chosen to represent Joseph), Father Sklar, and 1st commuion students and .

ST PATRICK’S, Montgomery, MAY CROWNING. crowned the Blessed Mother during Mass on Mothers Day, May 13, at St. Patrick’s Church in Montgomery.

JUNE 18, 2012

ST. FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL MAY CROWNING. Angelina Ducote and her kindergarten class participated in May Crowning held May 9 at St. Frances Cabrini School.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH, Cloutierville MAY CROWNING was held on Mother's Day, May 13. and the Blessed Mother was crowned by . Pictured are left to right: , Fr. Kenneth Obiekwe, pastor; , , and .

JUNE 18, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

DANCING TO THE OLDIES. A fundraiser for St. Joseph (Marksville) Youth to attend the Steubenville South Conference was held on April 28. The fundraiser was “Dancing to the Oldies”, a night of good old fashion fun with the theme and music of the 1950’s. It was a night to go back in time and enjoy the wonderful 50’s when poodle skirts, bobbie socks, pony tails, blue jeans and white t-shirts were stylish. Remembering what it was like to dance the night away to the jitter bug, mash potato, the stroll, and the twist! By request, another “Dancing to the Oldies” will be held later this summer or early fall at St. Joseph Church Hall. All proceeds go to the youth.

CDA CELEBRATES MOTHER’S DAY. The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Msgr. Van Der Putten Court #2029, St. Joseph Church, Marksville, gave a Mother’s Day party to the mothers at Colonial Nursing Home on May 11. Punch and cookies were served. Marie Gaspard, (sitting at left) was the oldest mother and was given a floral arrangement by Christine Borrel. Seated next to her is the mother with the most children -- 11!. Members and officers of the CDA (standing) are Judy Gagnard, Anna Lee St. Romain, Eilean Dubea, Christine Borrel, Marian Braud, and Joy Dupuy.

PAGE 17

OL of LOURDES, Winnfield MOTHER’S DAY. Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Winnfield celebrated Mother’s Day on May 13 during Mass. Each mother received a special blessing and a rose from Father Christian Ogbonna, pastor.

Outstanding mothers included Roberta Remillard, oldest mother; Mercedes Guerrero, youngest mother; and Libby Chop, mother with the most people in church. After Mass, Chris Walker, nursing home coordinator, took roses to the Catholic mothers at Autumn Leaves Nursing Home.

PAGE 18

CHURCH TODAY

JUNE 18, 2012

MEMORIAL DAY AT ST. JOSEPH, Marksville. The Catholic Daughters of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marksville along with Fr. Abraham Varghese, families, and fellow citizens sponsored a short ceremony May 30 honoring our deceased, brave men and women who gave their lives in defense of our country. Pictured are Joseph Feduccia, Fr. Abraham Varghese, Norman Jeansonne, and Ronald Bordelon.

MEMORIAL DAY AT ST. JAMES & ST. JULIANA, Alexandria. St. James and St. Juliana parishes honored their veterans with a special Memorial Day Mass on May 28 at St. James Church in Alexandria. Father Remi Owuamanam prayed a special blessing over the veterans in front of the congregation and gifts were given to them all. The Mass was followed by a breakfast for those attending.

Vacation

Bible Schools June 19-22

• Our Lady of Lourdes, Winnfield -- 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Registration after 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, June 17.

July 9-13

• St. Anthony Church, Bunkie -- 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Kindergarten - 5th Grade and Preschool: ages 3-4 • St. Joseph Church, Marksville -- 9 a.m. - noon. Free and open to students ages 5-13.

• St. Augustine, Isle Brevelle -- 8 a.m - noon, PreK - 6th grade, $20 per child.

• Sts. Francis and Anne, Kolin -- 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., PreK - 5th grade. Registration fee is $5 per child or $10 per family.

• Our Lady of Lourdes, Fifth Ward -- 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., ages 5-12, Free and open to public.

July 16-20

• St. Rita Church, Alexandria -- 8 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. for students in grades Pre-K - 6th at the Holy Family Center. Free for registered parishioners; $25 per family for all others.

• Sacred Heart, Pineville -- 9 a.m. - 12 noon, Free and open to students K-6th grade.

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JUNE 18, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 19

Family and finance top list of things people pray for the most

By Daniel Linskey Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- With people's lifestyles and concerns constantly changing, what's the state of prayer in modern life?

The Society of the Holy Child Jesus, an international community of women religious founded in 1846, wanted to find out, so its members conducted a survey.

And the results have helped them better understand the pressing concerns that influence people to seek comfort and guidance in prayer today -- and been incorporated into meditations the community has provided since 2010 on its blog, http://shcj.wordpress.com/category/ monthly-meditations.

The survey was emailed to everyone in the community's database and shared on its blog, Facebook fan page and Twitter feed.

More than 400 people responded, ranging in age from 19 to 65 years and older.

Sister Mary Anne Buckley, leader of the religious community's American province, told Catholic News Service, "The large response was very encouraging.

We learned we were reaching an active audience, and we learned their concrete suggestions."

"Meditation is such a help in a busy world. We are distracted and the meditations are a way to focus in a way that is nourishing and strengthens the person," Sister Mary Anne told CNS in a telephone interview.

The survey asked respondents to identify whether they were more concerned with personal issues or global issues.

"We found prayer for many people

started as a personal concern that was weighing heavily on their life," she said.

Seventy percent of the respondents overall selected personal concerns. Of that group, 51 percent said family issues ranked highest among their most pressing issues, followed by finances (47 percent), job security (33 percent), and illness (36 percent) as their most pressing issues.

Other more emotional factors such as stress, loneliness and depression also were listed as important.

For the other 30 percent of respondents, the primary source of concern was world issues. Of that number, poverty topped the list for 76 percent; world peace, 58 percent; homelessness, 53 percent; and the

economy, 47 percent.

Though much of the polling results reflected America's current economic troubles, an even more significant portion of respondents' identified concerns with problems often associated with the Third World, including poverty, access to clean water and homelessness.

For both groups, religious issues also were a concern, with 28 percent citing church issues and 21 percent saying they were searching for a spiritual connection.

But economic issues were the most pressing. "This is what all of the politicians have been saying," said Sister Mary Anne.

"The economy is the number one issue voters are concerned with."

The religious community's monthly meditations were introduced in 2010 to be a source of comfort and inspiration for visitors to its website.

"Our own interest in the meditations started as a casual thing, but doing the survey showed us that people were using our site, and it encourages us to continue to develop it," Sister Mary Anne said.

The meditations always have focused on various topics and encouraged reflection, but leaders of the community believed the meditations could take on greater significance if they more accurately reflected the concerns of modern Catholics.

"We plan on using this information (from the survey) to optimize our search engine. People will be able to find the right meditations more quickly." There is even a social networking aspect. "We've attached a blog that invites sharing and community building. Social media can be a tool of community support," she added.

The meditations now also include reflection questions. The questions prompt participants to reflect on many of the personal or global issues identified in the survey.

Additionally, the survey results will affect the themes of the meditations themselves. Future meditations will help assuage concerns over finding meaning in political issues, adapting to a changing church, confronting and coping with economic realities, and responding to a lack of faith among Catholics.

The Society of the Holy Child Jesus plans to conduct another survey in 2013 to keep up to date with issues Catholics identify as areas for prayer.

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PAGE 20

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JUNE 18, 2012

New website offers video explaining weekly Sunday readings

By Colleen Rowan Catholic News Service

(CNS) -- Young Catholics have a new website available to them featuring nationally known Catholic speakers, musicians and comedians who have teamed up to help them grow in their faith.

Any Given Sunday, reflections for the young church, features 45 national Catholic youth ministry personalities -including Steve Angrisano, Chris Padgett, Matt Maher, Shannon Cerneka and Jamie Dillon just to name a few -- who each writes a reflection for the weekly Mass readings. Each week, the site offers a reflection from one of the participating personalities.

The site -www. anygivensundayproject.com -- was created by Bob Perron, executive director of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston's Department of Youth Ministry, with the intent of reaching out to West Virginia's Catholic youths but also to reach the young church wherever it may be.

"We want to make young disciples, we want to help young people grow in their faith," Perron told The Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the diocese. "We wanted to give young people, 13 to 18 years old, something that

would help prepare them for Mass and to maybe make it a little more interesting to them.

"Each week, kids can go on their phone or on their computer and go to Any Given Sunday where there is a short video message for the week from me or a youth board member and then the reflection," he said.

Reflections are geared toward the young Catholic audience. The site contains background screens for youth, parish resources, information pieces on the site, links to Mass readings on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website and much more.

The site has had a huge response, Perron said, and has had hits from Canada and Switzerland.

Perron said he got the

idea for the site because of the diversity and geography of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, which covers the entire state of West Virginia. He said he hopes that the site will go viral as it has received much support from the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.

Diocesan youth directors across the country will receive information about the site and participating Catholic youth ministry personalities are also posting information about the site on their blogs, Twitter accounts and Facebook pages. The site also provides a mobile version; and visitors to the site may subscribe to weekly email reminders about the reflections.

AnyGivenSunday is a new website created by the Diocese of Wheeling -Charleston's Department of Youth Ministry, with the intent of drawing young people to Sunday Mass and to deepen their understanding of the the faith.

Weekly reflections are by youth ministry personalities including Matt Maher, Chris Padgett, and others. A video on Why Go to Church? is also a key element.

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JUNE 18, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 21

Characters have private audience with pope in Madagascar 3

By Kurt Jensen Catholic News Service

NEW YORK (CNS) -The Holy Father plays straight man to an amorous lemur in "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" (DreamWorks).

It's one of dozens of "Bet you didn't see that one coming!" moments, and all in good fun in this fast-moving, animated 3-D adventure, the third installment in the "Madagascar" franchise.

Explaining cartoon silliness not intended to give offense is the most tedious exercise possible, but since this one involves the Holy See, here goes: King Julien, the lemur from the first two films (voiced by Sacha Baron Cohen), is besotted with Sonja, a performing circus bear. In a swift montage that goes from Rome to Vatican City, they have a private audience with the pope (It's cartoon logic, remember) and while kissing the papal ring (all of the pope that's seen), King Julien sucks it off the papal finger so he can buy his new love a fancy motorbike to replace her tricycle. Police descend on the motorcycle dealer to retrieve the ring, so the theft is quickly punished -- although not King Julien.

So it's more weird than funny, but so is the notion that a zebra can fly, and that happens, too. Laws of physics don't apply here.

The plot picks up where the second film ended, with the four

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Grand 14 Theatre Alexandria

• Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (PG) (Also in 3D)

'MADAGASCAR 3: Europe's Most Wanted' Vitaly the tiger, voiced by Bryan Cranston, and Alex the lion, voiced by Ben Stiller, are seen in the animated movie "Madagascar 3." The characters go from Rome to Vatican City to have a private audience with the pope in their quest to find their way home to the New York City Central Park Zoo . Fastmoving, intensely silly 3-D adventure picks up where the last film in the Madagascar franchise left off, with an uplifting message about believing in one's special abilities. (CNS photo/DreamWorks) principal characters: Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo (voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith, respectively) stranded in Madagascar by the mischievous penguins and chimpanzees, and trying to return to New York City and their home in the Central Park Zoo. They swim (how else?) to Monaco to catch up with the penguins, chimps and their cache of jewels at a casino, and while escaping from French animal-

control officer Chantel DuBois (voice of Frances McDormand), who only wants Alex's head as a trophy, they stumble onto a decrepit European circus, which they then buy with the jewels so they can turn the circus around so it will tour in America.

At this point, the film takes on its moral footing, since the gang has to restore confidence to the animal performers, including Vitaly, a Russian tiger (voice of Bryan Cranston) who has lost his courage to dive through an eversmaller set of rings. Co-directors

Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and Conrad Vernon, with a script co-written by Darnell and Noah Baumbach, fill their story with a rich vein of European circus lore, combined with an uplifting message about believing in one's special abilities.

Young children will delight in the silly faces and fast-moving action, while the adults who take them will groan at dated references to the Spice Girls and "Driving Miss Daisy." Astute parents of perceptive older children may have to explain

• Rock of Ages (PG-13) • Battleship (PG-13) • Marvel's the Avengers (PG-13) • Men in Black III (PG-13) • Snow White and the Huntsman (PG-13) • What to Expect When You're Expecting (PG-13) • Prometheus (R) • That's My Boy (R) that Edith Piaf's "Non, je ne regrette rien" ("No, I Have No Regrets") as sung by DuBois is not, in fact, the French national anthem, although it is hilariously presented that way.

The film contains intense action sequences. The Catholic News Service classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

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CHURCH TODAY

Marriage Prep Program A team of Catholic licensed, professional counselors from the Diocese of Alexandria has put together a comprehensive seminar for use with couples in your parish titled Strong Foundations: A Values Based Marriage Preparation Program. Mandi Milligan Chapman and Holly Bennett Carbo have written a simple, pragmatic approach to marriage prep that includes a couple's workbook and a one-day seminar. Upcoming seminars include: • July 22 (Sunday), Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Alexandria, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Go to: www.comprehensivetherapygroup.com to register.

For more information, visit the website, call 318.445.1651 or email hollycarbo@gmail.com or mandi218@yahoo. com. --Father Dan O’Connor, V.F. (445-9748, ext. 205)

Virtus

Every adult who works/volunteers with children/ youth in our diocesan churches and schools are required to attend a Virtus Protecting God's Children program for sexual abuse awareness training. Upcoming Virtus Safe Enviroment training session are: • Tuesday, June 19, 6 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Center • Wednesday, June 20, 6 p.m., St. Mary's School (library), Natchitoches • Wednesday, July 11, 5:30 p.m., Sacred Heart Church, Moreauville (Lacour Hall) • Tuesday, Aug. 7, 1 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria.

To pre-register, attendees should go to www.virtus.org and click on Registration (on left side of screen) to begin the registration process.

Outdoor Rosary in Marksville An outdoor public Rosary is prayed every Thursday night at 8:15 p.m. at St. Joseph Church parking lot in Marksville. Join us in prayer, while we pray for God's blessing upon our families, church and nation.

Rick Miller to speak June 21 World-wide speaker Rick Miller will speak on Thursday, June 21 at two locations in the diocese: • 3 p.m. -- Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches • 7 p.m. -- St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria.

Miller is committed to establishing Catholic prayer cenacles, whose daily purpose is to pray for the protection of the country and the return of the lapsed Catholics to a family life under God and a way of living their Catholic faith. Free and open to the public.

In 2009, Miller established the international organization,

JUNE 18, 2012 Camp Stanislaus

DIOCESAN

BRIEFS "For the Love of God Worldwide" which has become the fastest growing mission in the world. For more info, go to www.fortheloveofgodworldwide.com

Taste of Faith The annual Taste of Faith dinner will be held Thursday, June 28 from 5-7:30 p.m. at the St. Rita Holy Family Center. This seminarian benefit dinner is prepared by Bishop Ronald Herzog and assisted by the seminarians.

All you can eat dishes are free, but donations are welcome. Donations are used to assist in funding our seminarian's education. Call 445-6424, ext 209 to make your reservation.

Camp Stanislaus, an overnight and day camp for boys ages 8-15, is currently taking applications for campers for the 2012 camp session. Camp will run from June 17July 14. Campers can sign up for one, two, three, or fourweek sessions. Campers will enjoy sailing, water skiing, archery, rifles, swimming, field sports, crafts, hobbies, day trips and much more. For more information, visit the website at www.campstanislaus.com or call 228-4679057, ext 277.

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.

Pilgrimage to Quebec and Montreal

Journey with Acadiana Area Pilgrims and Father Bill Melancon to Montreal and Quebec City in Eastern Canada on July 9-15 to visit St. Joseph Oratory, Notre Dame Basilica, the Shrine of Our Lady of the Cape, the Shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre, Parc de la Montmorency and more.

An optional extension to Halifax is available. For more information, call 337-291-1933.

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.

Pilgrimage to Shrine of Divine Mercy

A pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA is being planned. Call Anna Ryland at 443-7715 for more information.

Sacred Heart Music Workshop Sacred Heart Church in Pineville will host a Music Workshop June 25-29 from 4- 7 p.m. The cost is $25 and is open to students in grades K-8th. Sing, study musical theory and rhythm, and enjoy dance throughout the week.

Participants will show what they have learned on the last day during the 11:30 a.m. Mass on July 1. To register call 318-332-9325 or crchurchman@gmail.com

St. Mary's Assumption Adult Choir The St. Mary's Assumption Adult Choir sings every Sunday at the 9:30 a.m. Mass. New members are always welcome. Pictured are (front row) Peggy Taylor, Brenda Ducote, Sharon Juneau, Jean Lemoine, JoAnne Thevenot, Dora Andress, and Elaine Juneau. Back row: Kathy Joffrion, Sandy Joffrion, Ginger Ducote, Phillip Ducote, and Brother Tony Dugas, choir director. Choir members not pictured are Nettie Chenevert, organist; Maxine Juneau, Dale Brouillette, and Priscilla Brouillette.

Diocesan Wedding Anniversary celebration The annual diocesan celebration of Wedding Anniversaries will be held Sunday, July 29 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. If you are celebrating a 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, or more anniversary any time during 2012, please contact your parish office and let them know before Wednesday, June 27. After all parishes turn in names of celebrants, an invitation will be mailed to you. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate your marriage with a special Mass with Bishop Ronald Herzog,

Reach Your Catholic neighbors directly.

Advertise in the Church Today Call 318-445-6424 x 264

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CHURCH TODAY

JUNE 18, 2012

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June -- July Monday

Tuesday

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Wednesday

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Virtus Training 6:00 pm St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria

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Virtus Training 6:00 pm St. Mary's School, Natchitoches

Thursday

Friday

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Rick Miller • 3:00 pm Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches • 7:00 pm SFXC, Alexandria Outdoor Rosary 8:15 pm St. Joseph Church, Marksville

VBS: St. Frances Cabrini Church, Alexandria -- 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

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Fortnight for Freedom Mass 12:05 p.m.

SFXC - Alexandria

Sunday

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Steubenville South Youth Conference -- Rapides Parish Coliseum, Alexandria Fortnight for Freedom Begins --June 21 through July 4

PRAY FOR FR. S. SOARES

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PRAY FOR FR. L. SKLAR

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PRAY FOR FR. I. ST. ROMAIN

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PRAY FOR MSGR. S. TESTA

PRAY FOR FR. J. THOMAS

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Taste of Faith 5:00-7:30 pm St. Rita Holy Family Center, Alexandria

Fortnight for Freedom Prayer Service Outdoor Rosary 6:00 pm 8:15 pm St. Rita Church, Alexandria St. Joseph Church, Marksville

PRAY FOR FR. A. THOMPSON

30

PRAY FOR MSGR. J. TIMMERMANS

JULY

1

Sacred Heart Music Workshop -- Pineville Fortnight for Freedom continues--Please pray for religious freedom PRAY FOR FR. A. TRAVIS

2

Fortnight for Freedom Mass 5:30 pm Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. U. UWAKWE

3

PRAY FOR FR. A. VARGHESE

4

Fortnight for Freedom Masses: 8:00 am, St. Anthony of Padua, Bunkie

9:00 a.m. SFXCathedral Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. V. VEAD

Outdoor Rosary 8:15 pm St. Joseph Church, Marksville

5

Fortnight for Freedom continues--Please pray for religious freedom INDEPENDENCE DAY PRAY FOR FR. R. YOUNG

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PRAY FOR FR. K. ZACHARIAH

10

PRAY FOR FR. A. AELAVANTHARA

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Virtus Training 5:30 pm Sacred Heart Church, Moreauville

Feast of St. Benedict Mass by Fr. Harold at noon Maryhill Retreat Chapel

PRAY FOR FR. J. VELEZ

PRAY FOR FR. T. ALLEN

12

Outdoor Rosary 8:15 pm St. Joseph Church, Marksville

6

PRAY FOR FR. W. OKOT

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FIRST FRIDAY

FIRST SATURDAY

PRAY FOR FR. S. BRANDOW

PRAY FOR FR. D. BRAQUET

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14

PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG

8

PRAY FOR FR. J. BROCATO

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VBS: St. Anthony of Padua, Bunkie -- 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m VBS: St. Joseph Church, Marksville -- 9:00 a.m. - noon VBS: St. Augustine, Isle Brevelle -- 8:00 am - noon VBS: St. Francis & Anne, Kolin -- 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

PRAY FOR FR. A. CATELLA

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PRAY FOR FR. S. CHEMINO

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PRAY FOR FR. E. CHINAKA

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PRAY FOR FR. D. CORKERY

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Outdoor Rosary 8:15 pm St. Joseph Church, Marksville

PRAY FOR FR. J. CUNNINGHAM

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PRAY FOR FR. F. D'CRUZ

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PRAY FOR FR. W. DECOSTE

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VBS: St. Rita Church, Alexandria -- 8:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

VBS: Sacred Heart Church, Pineville -- 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon PRAY FOR FR. D. DEJESUS

PRAY FOR FR. B. DESHAUTELLE

PRAY FOR FR. P. FAULK

PRAY FOR FR. J. FERGUSON

PRAY FOR FR. T. FEY

PRAY FOR FR. J. FOSTER

PRAY FOR FR. R. GARRIONE