The Church Today Oct. 15, 2012

CHURCH

Volume XLIII, No. 10

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TODAY

Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970

October 15, 2012

ON THE

INSIDE OLPS students pray Living Rosary during month of the

World Synod of Bishops gather to explore New Evangelization

Holy Rosary

The World Synod of Bishops (which began Oct. 7 at the Vatican and will continue until Oct. 28) gathered more than 200 religious leaders from around the world to explore the theme, "New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith." Read more on pg. 2.

Brunch with Bishop to present 10 Service Awards The Diocese of Alexandria will present 10 Distinguished Service Awards to 12 individuals Oct. 27 during the Brunch with the Bishop. Find out who will be recognized for their generous donations of their time, talent and treasure, pg. 8-9.

Election 2012 In less than three weeks, Americans will go to the polls to elect the next President.

For guidelines on Faithful Citizenship, go to page 5.

LIVING ROSARY. Father Dan O'Connor, pastor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Alexandria leads students in grades 2-6, in procession from the school to the church, while praying the Living Rosary. October is the month of the Holy Rosary.

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CHURCH TODAY

OCTOBER 15, 2012

Was Jesus married?

4th century papyrus fragment with reference to Jesus' 'wife' stirs debate

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service ROME (CNS) -- Scholars are unlikely to agree anytime soon on the authenticity of a newly published text containing a reference to Jesus' "wife."

But the tiny papyrus fragment, purportedly dating to the fourth century A.D., has already stirred interest in the early church's attitudes toward marriage, sex and the role of women.

The fragment of papyrus with eight lines of Egyptian Coptic writing is the "only extant ancient text which explicitly portrays Jesus as referring to a wife," wrote Karen L. King, historian of Christianity at Harvard Divinity School, in an academic paper she delivered Sept. 18 at an international Coptic studies conference in Rome.

"It does not, however, provide evidence that the historical Jesus was married," she wrote, "given the late date of the fragment and the probable date of original composition," at the end of the second century.

The best source of evidence giving an account of Jesus' life and ministry is still the Gospels in the New Testament, King told reporters the next day, "and they are silent about his marital status."

But she said the fragment is "direct evidence" that early Christians started debating in the second century whether Jesus could have been married or not.

PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN SCRAP OF ANCIENT PAPYRUS WRITTEN IN ANCIENT EGYPTIAN SEEN IN UNDATED PHOTO. A previously unknown scrap of ancient papyrus written in ancient Coptic is pictured in this undated handout photo. The fourth-century text provides the first known piece of evidence that some early followers of Jesus proposed that he was married. (CNS ph oto/Karen L. King, courtesy Harvard University) Father Juan Chapa, a New Testament scholar at the University of Navarra in Spain, told Catholic News Service that the "Gospels don't mention marriage, not because they wanted to hide something, but because it was clear that Jesus did not get married, and it's consistent in the church's tradition."

He also noted that the gnostic gospel genre to which the fragment evidently belongs is one of stories about Jesus that mainly take place after the

resurrection, using language that is heavily allegorical. Thus, he said, the fragment's relevant words --"Jesus said to them, 'My wife'" -- were likely not meant as a literal assertion about the life of the historical Jesus.

King said that the significance of the fragment lies in the light it might shed on debates in the early church over the necessity of celibacy to living a holy life.

According to Michael Peppard, a professor of theology and Coptic language at Fordham

University, a belief in asceticism saw rapid development in the second to fourth centuries, especially in Egypt where Christian monasticism was born.

Some bishops at the time "were saying that the highest ideal was asceticism," which included renouncing "all the trappings and worries of material life," including marriage.

But Peppard said other bishops in the same period "were figuring out how to give everyone their space," and letting

it be known it was all right for Christians to live in the world.

The new text published

by King may be a sign of early Christians "pushing back" against asceticism and moving closer to mainstream Jewish attitudes "of blessing sex and procreation," Peppard said.

Catholic teaching, Father Chapa said, holds that "Jesus' celibacy, by differentiating him from other rabbis, underlines his unique mission to fulfill the kingdom of God, and shows how he embodied the love of God" by renouncing conjugal love.

King said the reference to Jesus' wife could just be a symbol of the church, akin to the Gospel allegory of Jesus as bridegroom of the church.

"What if what's missing is saying, 'My wife is the church?'"

King said.

But both Peppard and King argue that the word does refer to a real person, since the line just below it includes the words: "...she will be able to be my disciple..."

The "wife" in question could be a "spiritual wife," Peppard said. Other texts from the same period uphold "the image of an unconsummated spiritual marriage where the best kind of husband and wife live celibately," he said.

King acknowledged that there would be continued debate over the authenticity of the fragment, whose paper trail goes back only to the 1980s.

OCTOBER 15, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 3

Synod of Bishops: the New Evangelization

World Synod of Bishops to explore New Evangelization Oct. 7-28

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -The Catholic Church needs to use its media and social networks to spread the faith because much of the news media cover the church in a way that "is full of lies," Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo of Esztergom-Budapest told the Synod of Bishops.

Across Europe, there is "a spreading ignorance about the Christian faith," which is exacerbated by the media "misinforming the public as to the content of our faith," the cardinal told the synod Oct. 8.

Cardinal Erdo was one of five speakers summarizing the state of evangelization in different regions of the world. Each of the five mentioned the role of the media, and several insisted on the church's obligation to use social networks to reach new generations of Catholics.

The Hungarian cardinal told the synod that Europeans are losing an awareness of just how essential Christianity has been to the development of their cultures, democracy and the human rights they hold so dear. The loss, he said, is a "consequence of an audiovisual culture" in which clear concepts and logical reasoning are ignored.

Mexican Archbishop Carlos Aguiar Retes of Tlalnepantla told the synod that since the Second Vatican Council, the Latin American bishops have focused on building community, entering into dialogue with the world around them and educating the faithful about their role in transforming society.

Today, he said, the church must "employ new

What is a Synod?

A synod (pronounced SINid) is a council of a church, usually to decide an issue of doctrine, administration or application.

The word synod comes from a Greek word, meaning "assembly" or "meeting," and is synonymus with the Latin word concillium -- "council."

Who attends a Synod?

BISHOPS FROM AROUND THE WORLD GATHER FOR OPENING MASS OF SYNOD OF BISHOPS ON NEW EVANGELIZATION. Bishops from around the world gather for the opening Mass of the Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Oct. 7. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) communications technologies to allow the life and mission of the church to be known and for dialogue with the world."

In today's culture, he said, "the social communications media are most influential."

In addition, Archbishop Aguiar said, especially in trying to reach younger people, the church must "make use of social networks to spread Catholic thought and its current answers to cultural challenges."

Young people are searching for meaning in their lives, he said, and if the church is not present in their world with responses, they end up abandoning their search for God. Indian Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, told the synod that Asia is experiencing a boom in communications technology. "This is not to be

viewed as a threat, but a great gift from God to be used to spread the good news."

The cardinal said the church must help parents, pastors and teachers who can train young people to use the new media and to benefit from them.

Archbishop John A. Dew of Wellington, New Zealand told the synod that even the secular media have helped Catholic evangelization through the attention they have given the declaration of saints from the region.

The examples of local people formally recognized as saints by the universal church "will do more for the new evangelization that we can imagine as the media is interested and captures peoples' imagination," the archbishop said.

If the church wants to find young people, he said, it must use

the new media and new gadgets they use. "In these young people we see a sincere and sometimes painful search for meaning and spirituality as they bridge traditional cultural values and the excitement of the technological age with the swipe of an iPad or smartphone."

In addition to looking at the media, the regional reports to the synod touched on almost every area of church life from the importance of the liturgy to the positive impact of immigration, and from the role of new lay movements to the need to support traditional families.

Tanzanian Cardinal Polycarp Pengo of Dar es Salaam said the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Africa is a challenge to the work of the church on the continent.

Catholics must "face the difficulty of dialoguing with the

Synod attendees are either appointed by the pope, or elected by their national bishops' conference, or serve as the head of a Vatican office or who were elected by the Union of Superiors General (the organization for the heads of men's religious orders).

vast majority of good Muslims who, however, are mute, and the small groups of fundamentalists," who are not open to dialogue.

Dialogue also was a key topic in the other regional reports.

Cardinal Gracias said that with Christians making up only 3 percent of the population in Asia and with persecution of Christians not being completely uncommon, "for us in Asia, dialogue is a necessity, not a luxury."

At the same time, he said, many Asian cultures have a deep respect for life -- including for the life of animals and plants -- and it should not be difficult, through dialogue, to help people see that respect for life must include the life of the unborn and the life of their neighbors who belong to a different faith.

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CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 4 The beginning of the “Year of Faith” proclaimed by our Holy Father began on Oct. 11. Our Evangelization Committee is preparing a schedule and material to assist in the important observance. This day also marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. We look forward to many opportunities to renew and deepen our lives of faith.

On Sunday, Oct. 21, the canonization of the first Native American Saint will take place in Rome.

I had planned to be present but, as the details finally became public, it was clear that the timetable was impossible and so I had no choice but to cancel the trip.

The ‘up’ side of this is that it

ONE IN THE LORD Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria freed my schedule to join the community at Spanish Lake which is made up of many Native Americans for their own local celebration marking this historic event right here in the diocese.

It is always a joy to visit parishes for various celebrations. Recently I travelled to Waterproof, right along the Mississippi River,

for the dedication of their newly renovated church. It had served as an Episcopal church until the parish was closed.

Our Catholic parish was able to purchase it to replace its church building that was becoming unsafe for use due to structural problems.

The work of renovating this worship space will allow it to continue

OCTOBER 15, 2012

to serve the religious needs of this small community for generations to come.

We continue to be bombarded with election campaign ads, much of it very negative. I do not have to remind anyone of the very important issues that are being debated.

Please take time to seriously reflect on the positions of the candidates for various offices and make your decision with the light of your faith.

I have heard people say that they do not plan to vote because they do not agree with any candidate’s views. Many might share those sentiments. However, even though we may not agree on every position a candidate holds, we still

have the right and duty to vote.

Please take the time.

As we look ahead to the month of November it is time to think about those who have died and to pray for them. The month always begins with the back to back celebrations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day, formally titled the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. How appropriate that this remembrance takes place so close to the beginning of the Year of Faith!

May we treasure the rich heritage of our Catholic faith!

The presence of Christ is there in the Eucharist, if we let it happen In the early 1990s, my sister lived in New Zealand and began sending postcards to keep us current on her exciting adventure.

One postcard stands out in my memory from that era.

On the front of the postcard, there was a stereogram, a hidden 3-D picture wrapped in a bluegreen 2-D design. The instructions on the postcard said to hold the image right up to your nose and slowly pull the picture away from your face.

“Let your eyes go beyond the obvious image, and you will begin to see the hidden image,” the footnote read.

I raised the card to my nose and tried it about ten times. My children figured it out almost immediately.

“I give up. I can’t see a thing!” I tossed the card on the table and my son picked it up, imploring me to give it another try.

“You have to let it happen, Mom. Don’t look at it. Kind of let your eyes go out of focus. And fight it when your eyes want to look at the design. You’ll never see it that way.

The picture is deeper. Not here...” He rubbed the palm of his hand across the postcard. “...

It’s there.” He pointed to a space beyond the picture I was seeing.

He handed the card to me, and I took it reluctantly. I wasn’t sure what I was doing, but I thought about what my son had said and gave it one last serious effort.

And suddenly, I saw it. Three dolphins. Three 3-D dolphins in a row. It was SO cool.

There are times when the in-

Catholic

By Grace Denise Bossert Freelance delible mark of God on the lives of those around us can seem as elusive as the 3-D picture hidden in a stereogram. We don’t see Christ in our neighbor. We don’t see Christ in the poor. We don’t see Christ in the priest.

We just see a rude neighbor.

A guy on the side of the road with a sign. A man with foibles like ev-

CHURCH

eryone else who sometimes wears a stole.

God tells us to look closer.

No, not at the surface. Don’t fixate on the outward patterns.

You’ll never see what lies beneath that way. Jesus is there, and you can see him if you let yourself get past the surface image.

He’s there, in the eyes of

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around us, maybe we can begin to see Our Lord hidden under the appearance of bread and wine.

Fight it when your eyes want to look at the design. You’ll never see Him that way. Christ is deeper. He’s there.

No longer bread.

No longer wine.

Jesus.

Soon, we enter the “Year of Faith.” It’s time to put on the eyes of faith and see Jesus Christ.

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TODAY

Volume XLIII, No. 10 • October 15, 2012

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your neighbor. He’s there, in the eyes of the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, the immigrant. Our priests.

Sometimes, the pattern on the surface throws us off. We become frustrated by what we see.

God tells us to look a little deeper.

Give it another try. True identity is sometimes hidden. Cloaked in external trappings.

And if we can begin to see Jesus Christ hidden in the faces

Publisher: Most Reverend Ronald P. Herzog 4400 Coliseum Blvd. • Alexandria, LA 71303 Editor: Jeannie Petrus 4400 Coliseum Blvd Alexandria. LA 71303

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Average no. of copies each issue No. of copies of single issue during preceeding 12 months: published nearest to filing date: Total copies

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7,543

7,533

In-county

5,730

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Other distribution Total Distribution Percent Requested Jeannie Petrus, Editor

65 60 13,338

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100% 100% Filing Date: Sept. 30, 2012

OCTOBER 15, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 5

Election 2012: the Trojan Horse is standing outside the gate Troy. 1200 B.C. In Homer's epic poem, The Iliad, the legendary Greek hero, Odysseus, builds a wooden horse and leaves it at the gates of the fabled city of Troy. Thinking it is a gift, the Trojans bring the horse inside the city. While the Trojans are asleep, Grecian warriors, hidden in the belly of the Trojan Horse, escape to find the city at their disposal, and Troy is burned. The lesson: beware of Greeks bearing gifts.

America. 2012 A.D. Citizens of our great nation are struggling to make a monumental decision about who will be the next Commander-in-chief of the most powerful nation on earth. The major candidates are standing at the city gates requesting entry.

Which one do we elect to bring within the city walls?

As exaggerative as the comparison may seem, politicians can often appear to be modernday Trojan horses. Despite the campaign sales pitches, we don't always know exactly how things will play out until they are in

GUEST

EDITORIAL Father Blake Deshautelle Diocese of Alexandria office. It appears that we are at a major crossroad.

The pressing question is, "How should Catholics vote?"

The answer depends on your understanding of the Catholic Church.

If you think that She is just another political arena revolving around whoever has power at the moment, -- you may need to have a "Come to Jesus" moment.

You cannot be told how to vote as a Catholic if you believe that the Church is simply a tool and the major issues are simply relative and therefore changeable.

A parent may tell their 8-year-old that they cannot drink until they are 21, but they will

never say that they cannot kill until they are 21. The point--some teachings cannot be changed.

With that in mind, the Catholic Church has long held certain unchangeable views that apply to the voting booth.

At the top of this list is life issues. Abortion and Euthanasia are and continue to be the main issues because they attack life itself. Included with these are bioethical issues--namely, the destruction of human embryos.

When some ask, "Why is the Catholic Church is so hung up on these topics?" -- it's important not to be caught up in the wash of political verbiage. Maybe these

same people need to be asking "Why is the Catholic Church so "hung up" on the murder of infants or the elderly?"

Next in the hierarchy of importance are Just War and the appropriate use of military force, as well as dignified treatment of those imprisoned by war. The Death Penalty is also to be considered within this context, which continues to be an inhumane treatment of the human person utilized in our country.

Following closely to this issue is that of marriage and the family.

The attempt to redefine marriage as something that is not between a man and a woman, is a direct attack on the revealed truths of human nature given by God himself. And the continued promotion and usage of contraception, which is now on the verge of being forced-even against one's conscience--on the American public is a direct assault on religious freedom.

All of the above issues form

the backbone of the American Catholic voting conscience, listed in the order of importance. Social justice issues, into which the economy falls, do come into play, but only after the above issues have been considered.

Why? Because without an adequate respect for human life at all stages, without the protection of the sacredness of marriage, and without the safeguarding of the family--which is the building block of all societies--there can be no hope for a society that flourishes on any other level.

People are the foundation of society, and the way they are treated directly impacts all other areas of growth.

For more information visit the USCCB's website on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship at www.usccb. org/issues-and-action/faithfulcitizenship/

PAGE 6

CHURCH TODAY

Alexandria seminarian safe after fire in dorm at St. Joseph Abbey When the fire alarm sounded Sept 26 at 2:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, La., all 65 seminarians in the dorm rooms of the main administration building were roused from their beds and evacuated safely .... well, all of them but one ... Alexandria seminarian Daniel Hart.

According to Father Kenneth Michiels, director of Vocations, Daniel slept through the fire alarm. “A head count of the seminarians outside the evacuated building determined that one seminarian was missing... our very own Daniel Hart,” said Father Michiels.

A few students returned to the building and began knocking loudly on his door, but there was no response. The rector, then opened the door with the key and found Daniel still sleeping soundly in his room. When he was awakened, he asked why they were all in his room. “He didn’t believe there was a fire, until he looked out the window and saw all of the students gathered outside,” said Father Michiels.

The Pius X building, which has administrative offices and a number of seminarian dorm rooms, was heavily damaged by the fire. State fire marshals were on the scene to determine the cause of the fire, but Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond said speculation centered on a computer room, where a piece of equipment may have overheated.

Father Michiels said that all of the seminarians were asleep at the time, except two --one who was studying and one who was praying. They noticed the smoke and pulled the alarm. “If it were not for those two guys, the whole situation could have been much worse,” he said.

Benedictine Father Gregory

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OCTOBER 15, 2012

Seminary Burses September Knights of Columbus Council #9217 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00 Father Adrian L. Molenschot Burse Mr. and Mrs. Larry Bordelon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00 Msgr. Joseph M. Susi Burse Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Crooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Mr. and Mrs. Louis H. Mathews, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Estate Gift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40.45 Father Tom M. Jezak Deacon and Mrs. Rodrick B. Broussard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00 Msgr. Milburn Broussard Burse Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Danielson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Ms. Karen Ann Hicks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $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. Robert O. Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200.00 Father Daniel Corkery Burse Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Crooks, Jr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Order of the Fleur De Lis.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000.00 Msgr. Joseph M. Susi Burse Total this month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,145.45

FIRE DAMAGES DORM AT ST. JOSEPH SEMINARY. An early morning fire at St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, La, heavily damaged the Pius X building, which has administrative offices and a number of seminarian dorm rooms. One Alexandria seminarian, Daniel Hart, attends the college. No one was injured. Photo by Kit-Friedrichs-Baumann/St. Joseph Seminary Bouquet, the seminary rector, was making plans to relocate the seminarians to other accommodations on the abbey grounds, perhaps to the Christian Life Center where retreats are held, Archbishop Aymond said.

“There was a lot of damage in the main building, but thank God no one was hurt,” Archbishop Aymond said. “It will probably be

a couple of months for the repairs to be done. I think they’re going to take some time to regroup, but formation and education will be uninterrupted.”

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s office said the fire started around 2:30 a.m. “and damaged the sleeping dormitories.

No one was reported injured.

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. -- Rev. Scott Chemino, Chairman

OCTOBER 15, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 7

Clergy, legal professionals celebrate Red Mass at Cathedral The annual Red Mass was held Oct. 5 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Alexandria.

Judges, attorneys and other legal professionals in the area joined the clergy of the diocese as they concelebrated the traditional Mass.

The name stems from the red vestments of the presiding clergy and, in England, the scarlet robes of the high judges and law professors in attendance. The tradition dates back to the 13th century. The first Red Mass in the United States was celebrated in New York in 1928.

A reception followed the Mass at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Alexandria.

HONORABLE GEORGE C. METOYER JR, Ninth Judicial District Court Judge, Division "F"; Rev. Scott Chemino, JCL and vicar general for the diocese; and Rev. Bruce Miller, JCL and judicial vicar for the diocese chat at the Red Mass reception.

EUGENE P. CICARDO JR, a Catholic Alexandria attorney, speaks with fellow attorneys and friends at a reception at Emmanuel Baptist Church. The reception immediately followed the Red Mass held Oct. 5 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Alexandria.

REV. PETER MANGUM, judicial vicar for the Diocese of Shreveport, stands with Bishop Ronald Herzog. Fr. Mangum was the homilist for the Red Mass.

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 8

OCTOBER 15, 2012

Brunch with the Bishop to recognize 12 volunteers

Aggie Neck Servant House Marksville

Donna Culotta Servant House Marksville Aggie Neck and Donna Culotta are both members of St. Joseph Church in Marksville and are co-founders and co-directors of Servant House in Marksville.

Servant House, established in 1989, combines a spiritual mission with corporal works of mercy. It assists many people in having a closer walk with the Lord.

"While Aggie's and Donna's individual involvements in St. Joseph parish are exemplary, it is their commitment and genuine service to Christ, through Servant House, that they be recognized," said Father Rusty Rabalais, pastor.

For example, by maintaining a food pantry and assisting prison ministry, Servant House aids many people in circumstances of need.

Servant House is recognized in the Marksville community as a place where corporal works of mercy are carried out.

Neither Aggie nor Donna receive any salary for their work at Servant House.

Laura Clark Immaculate Conception Dupont

Peggy Smith Nativity of BVM Parish Campti

Paul Desselle St. Juliana Alexandria

Rudy Mitchel Sts. Francis & Anne Kolin

Sometimes there is just that one person who comes to mind when you mention a small rural church. That person at Immaculate Conception Church in Dupont is Laura Clark.

"Laura is THE person to contact when parishioners need help or answers to questions concerning the church," said Father George Krosfield, pastor.

"She has a full-time job at the US Post Office, but still makes time to volunteer. She is a hard working regular participant at all fairs, festivals, fundraiser and the handyman of the church."

When there was no resident priest in Dupont, Laura stepped in to help the priest in Plaucheville to keep the parish going. "She is one of the main reasons why the Dupont parish survived without a priest for so many years," said Fr. George.

Laura has served as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, DRE and a CCD teacher for 30 years, Altar Society, and on many committees.

Peggy Smith is a volunteer secretary/bookkeeper at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish in Campti.

"Peggy has, for some years, been the unsung hero of the community," said Father Ryan Humphries, pastor and the one who nominated her. "She's done all of the work -- from mowing the lawn, to cleaning the church and driving the homebound to the doctor."

She is a lector, sacristan, Eucharistic Minister, and a member of the Altar Society.

She is a prayerful and pious woman who prays frequently, attends Mass and is always in attendance at parish spiritual functions.

Peggy has had 10 brain surgeries in the last 10 years. Her husband, mother and sister have medical needs as well and all depend on Peggy for assistance.

Despite her difficult circumstances, Peggy is always there to help anyone in need.

Music and bringing people into the Catholic faith at St. Juliana Church in Alexandria, is what Paul Deselle is all about.

As founder and director of the St. Juliana Love Choir for the past 42 years (without pay), Paul finds that music is one of the best ways to praise the Lord.

He is a member of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission.

"Mr. Desselle has a great zeal for youth ministry and the CCD program," said Father Remi Owuamanam, pastor. "He has converted more than 10 people from the Protesant faith to the Catholic faith. He has a private ministry of visiting and praying with prisoners and the homebound."

He spent extra time to learn more about his Catholic faith so he could be better equipped to teach others.

Deselle is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, where he has served as Grand Knight twice.

Some people just can't stop working after retirement. At Sts. Francis and Anne in Kolin, Rudolph "Rudy" Mitchel is one of those people.

He was always active at Sts. Francis and Anne, even when it was a mission in the early 1960s.

After retirement, Rudy began attending daily Mass. He has served as the director of CCD and the Angel Food ministries.

He supports the annual church fairs and is widely known for his Angel Express Train which he graciously shares with other churches who need entertainment for the youth. He is faithful in the care and maintenance of Alfred Hall and hand-crafted the beautiful Stations of the Cross for the new church in 1988.

"Rudy's whole life is on call for the Lord," said Father Joy Antony Retnazihamoni, pastor.

The rest of his time is devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

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OCTOBER 15, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 9

with Distinguished Service Awards on Oct. 27

Dot McWhorter St. Rita Church Alexandria

Amos LaCombe St. Martin of Tours Belledeau

John Tuminello Radio Maria Alexandria

Anna Beauxis St. Michael Church Leesville

Robert & Carol Hirchak Our Lady of Prompt Succor Alexandria

It's the little things that get done at a parish that no one notices -- like making sure the holy water fonts are always cleaned and filled.

That person at St. Rita Church is Dorothea "Dot" McWhorter, often referred to as the "Holy Water Angel."

Since 1959, when she and her husband Robert, first arrived in Alexandria, Dot has been a volunteer at St. Rita. First as a volunteer librarian at the school, and later as a volunteer at the St. Vincent de Paul Store.

"When St. Rita Church became involved with Habitat for Humanity, both Dot and Robert worked with a team to help build two houses. Robert died in 2010, but Dot continues her involvement in the Amicus Club and other ministries at St. Rita," said Father Craig Scott, pastor.

Dot is a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Altar and Rose Society, and a lone-standing greeter at the 9:30 a.m. Mass.

Amos LaCombe, a member of St. Martin of Tours Church in Belledeau for the past 53 years, has been around long enough to know what needs to be done at his home parish.

As a retired employee of the Louisiana Highway Department of Transportation, Amos often volunteers his services.

"His manual labor ranges from planting plants and flowers at the church to plumbing and repairs, all at no cost to the church," said Father Silverino Kwebuza, pastor. "He does not mind spending hours and hours at the church trying to fix what needs to be fixed."

A prayerful man, Amos is an active usher, lector, Eucharistic minister, sacristan, and goes to church earlier than anyone else to make sure the church has the right temperature for a conducive atmosphere for prayer.

He and his wife, Genevieve, are a pro-life couple and chairman of America Needs Fatima.

John Tuminello, retired, has been working as a volunteer at Radio Maria since its beginning in 2000.

"As the volunteer promotions manager for Radio Maria, John has travelled all over the diocese and in two other states to speak about Radio Maria in parishes, to organize volunteers, and to do fundraising, " said Father Robert Young, national priest director for Radio Maria. "He has faithfully done our remote broadcasts from various parishes in all these areas and for special events in our listening area."

John is a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Tioga, is active on the ACTS Ministry Team, organizes Men's Prayer groups, and provides free lawn services to those in need.

John is also active in the Knights of Columbus, Council 3200, where he has served as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree Knights.

While most of us spend 40 hours a week at our paid job, Anna Beauxis, volunteers 40 hours a week at St. Michael's Church in Leesville, in addition to her parttime job.

"Mrs. Beauxis works at least 40 hours a week for the church," said Father Kenneth Michiels, pastor. "She cleans the church, works in the flower beds, helps at the rectory, cleans the hall, sets up for Mass and funerals, and takes a leading role in preparing a monthly meal for area nursing homes. The parish would have to hire a full time employee to do the work she does, if it were not for her volunteer services."

Anna is also a Eucharistic Minister, a sacristan and a member of the Ladies Circle. She attends daily Mass and is involved in every aspect of the church parish.

"Many times, I have seen her very tired and physically drained, but still showing up to work on a church project," said Father Michiels.

Robert and Carol Hirchak have been examples of faith and stewardship at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Alexandria for many years.

"Even before their children were old enough to be involved, Robert and Carol Hirchak assisted with youth ministry in our parish," said Father Don O'Connor, pastor.

Robert has served as a helper in junior high ministry for the past 20 years. He is on the Pastoral Council and Building and Grounds Council, as well as a sacristan and Eucharistic Minister.

Carol volunteers with youth ministry and family life ministry events. She organizes fundraisers which provide thousands of dollars for summer mission trips for the youth. In addition, she is a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and a children's liturgy leader.

Together, Robert and Carol have spent many nights and weekends on campus for youth and school events. They have taken their vacation time to chaperone youth mission trips.

"They are very involved with the activities of their children and other young people," said Father Dan. "Their service in our parish has made such a difference in the lives of countless teens through life-changing mission trips to Mexico, Catholic Heart Work Camp, and a place at their home to "hang out" and feel welcome.

They are always ready to pitch in and work."

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CHURCH TODAY

OCTOBER 15, 2012

Masden receives national award for top diocesan development director

Father Harold Celebrates Mother's 90th Birthday Father Harold Imamshah, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Colfax celebrated a Votive Mass of Our Lady Sept. 22 at Assumption Parish Centre in Maraval, Trinidad, West Indies in honor of his mother’s 90th birthday. Mrs. Enid Imamshah has two sons and her first son Richard, died of a sudden heart attack on July 2 of this year. Her second son, Fr. Harold, in tribute to his mother, sang You Raised Me Up and invited the congregation of 86 family members and well wishers to sing the chorus with him. Mrs. Imamshah, a 53-year employee at Clark and Battoo Funeral Home, was praised for her compassionate outreach and personal outreach to others in her long career. A reception at Assumption Parish Centre followed the Mass and was attended by many friends and family members.

Ann Masden, director of development and public affairs for the Diocese of Alexandria, received the Bishop William G. Connare Award Sept. 18 in Chicago, during a conference luncheon of the International Catholic Stewardship Council.

The Connare Award is the organization's highest honor for diocesan stewardship and philanthropy directors. It is presented in memory of Bishop William Connare, who provided 15 years of leadership to ICSC as its Episcopal Moderator.

"Ann Masden was the board's unanimous choice to receive this award," said Michael Murphy, executive director of ICSC. "It is a way for ICSC to celebrate her years of dedication Catholic philanthropy and her witness to Christian stewardship."

Masden has served the diocese as director of development and public affairs since 1992. In this position, she directs the annual diocesan appeal, is responsible for fund development, grant writing, special events and serves as the director of communications.

With 20 years development experience in her own community, Masden has also chaired the United Way Campaign of Central Louisiana, served on the capital campaign committee of the

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TOP DIOCESAN DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT. Rick Jeric, chairman of the Board of Directors and Most Reverend Michael O. Jackels, D.D., Diocese of Wichita, Kansas, presented the Bishop William G. Connare Award Sept. 18 in Chicago to Ann Masden, director of Development and Public Affairs for the Diocese of Alexandria. The Connare Award is the highest award given by the International Catholic Stewardship Council, a national organization made up of diocesan stewardship and philanthropy directors. Masden has served the Diocese of Alexandria for 20 years.

Attakapas Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and is the former executive director of the YWCA of Alexandria.

For two decades, Ann has been an active member of the International Catholic Stewardship Council. She served on its board of directors for seven years, and on the board’s executive and nominating committees. She was the chair

of the bylaws and diocesan stewardship and development education committees; chaired the 2006 ICSC international conference in Boston, Mass.; and played an integral role on the 2007 executive director search committee. She is a much sought-after presenter for ICSC conferences; and currently serves on the ICSC 50th Anniversary Committee.

OCTOBER 15, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

U.S. ANGLICAN-ROMAN CATHOLIC DIALOGUE GROUP MEETING. Bishop Ronald Herzog (second from left on the front row) attended a meeting of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Theological Consultation in the United States (ARC-USA) September 30 to October 3 in Wichita, Kansas. Bishop Herzog serves as the co-chair of the group. “One of the primary tasks of this round of dialogue is to examine what has led our churches to come to very different conclusions regarding the morality of certain actions, especially in the area of human sexuality,” Bishop Herzog explained. “We also acknowledge that we agree on many other moral questions. I have been impressed by the way in which both sides have been listening to each other with a spirit of patience and generosity as we search for common ground on these vexing moral issues.”

PAGE 11

BLESSING & DEDICATION OF NEW ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI MISSION (Waterproof). Bishop Ronald Herzog stands in the center of the proud members of the new St. Francis of Assisi Mission in Waterproof, where he formally blessed and dedicated the new building on Saturday, Oct. 6. Also attending were Father Louis Sklar, Father Peter Kuligowski, pastor; Father James Nellikunnel, and Deacon Bill Shaidnagel of St. Patrick Church. The building, a former Episcopal Church), was purchased after it was determined that the old St. Francis building had major structural problems. The first Mass was celebrated on March 5, 2011, but was not formally blessed and dedicated until now.

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHEDRAL TEAM FOR ST. MARY'S CHALLENGE WALK. Bishop Ronald Herzog joined nine members of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral parish to form a team for the St. Mary's Challenge Walk, a fundraiser for St. Mary Residential Training Facility. The team raised $1,000 for St. Mary's. Pictured are (left to right) Charlotte White, Nicole Mitchell, Sammie White, Luke White, Jessie White, Katie Mitchell, Mel Queen, Bishop Herzog, Maddie Mitchell, and Deacon Richard Mitchell. The St. Mary's Challenge Walk paid tribute to Father August Thompson, for his long service of time, talent, and financial support for St. Mary's and the residents. One of the community group homes is named after Father Thompson.

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 12

OCTOBER 15, 2012

1ST PLACE NET: First Federal Bank/Ritchie Realty Dustin Mathews Michael Brocato Chris Naalbandian Ben Lawrence 1ST PLACE GROSS: Justin Hathorn Team Justin Hathorn Ross Bryant Bryan Nugent Jeff Sills

2ND PLACE NET and 2ND PLACE GROSS: Antoon Curley Jamie Curley Rob Antoon Sam Mahfouz Jimmy Whittle, Jr. TOURNAMENT HELPERS. Herb Bonnette and Gus Agosto were hole spotters on the 10th hole.

3RD PLACE NET: Outback Steakhouse Pete Mahfouz Buddy Gringas Rick Rowzee Mike Brame 3RD PLACE GROSS: Natchitoches Hills Golf Course William Ackel Hall Adams Jarrod Cox Thomas Hilton

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OCTOBER 15, 2012

CHURCH TODAY Bishop's annual golf tournament nets over $24,000 for seminarian education fund

PAGE 13

BISHOP'S SPONSOR:

Platinum Chalice Sponsor:

Bradley Gadel, APLC E.L.Gremillion

& Son

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

CASHING IN AFTER DAY OF GOLF. Bishop Ronald Herzog hands out the winning envelopes to Justin Hathorn and his team at the end of the Invitational Bishop's Golf Tournament held Oct. 8 at Oakwing Golf Club in Alexandria.

WOMEN'S TEAM. The only allwomen's team to enter the golf tournament was the Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hosptial #2 team.

Members of the team are Debbie Mahfouz, Linda Russo, Bobbie Mahfouz, and Theresa Slater.

BISHOP AND CLERGY. Bishop Ronald Herzog had the assistance of several clergy members who attended the Invitational Golf Tournament.

Pictured are Father Charlie Ray, Father Louis Sklar, Bishop Ronald Herzog, Father Kenneth Michiels, Father Rickey Gremillion, and Father Craig Scott. Not pictured is Father Scott Chemino. The annual golf tournament is held every year to raise money for the education of the nine seminarians from our diocese currently studying for the priesthood.

Gold Chalice Sponsors:

Capitol One Bank Upton, Draughon & Bollinger/ UDB Ins. Premier Realty of Cenla Southern Chevrolet Kramer Funderal Home Coca-Cola Cenla Beverage Red River Bank Outback

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Turner-Teleco Sacred Heart Catholic Church Hixon Brothers Funeral Home Cunningham Business Systems, Inc

PAGE 14

CHURCH TODAY

ST. MARY'S HOMECOMING QUEEN. was crowned the 2012 Homecoming Queen at St. Mary's School in Natchitoches. She is pictured with Phyllis M. Scott, principal and Father Irion St. Romain, parochial vicar.

SACRED HEART LIVING ROSARY. Students from Sacred Heart School in Moreauville prayed the Living Rosary Oct. 4 outside the school in front of the Marian Grotto. October is the month of the Holy Rosary.

Outdoor Rosary Weekly Thursday Rosary 7:15 p.m.

St. Joseph Church, Marksville

Last one this season: Thursday, Oct. 25 Join us in prayer, while we pray for God's bessing upon our families, church and nation

OCTOBER 15, 2012

ST. MARY'S HOMECOMING COURT. Members of the St. Mary's School 2012 Homecoming Court are crown bearer; , flower girl; , freshman maid; , sophomore maid; , senior maids; junior maid; and , senior maids.

OCTOBER 15, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

ST. MARY'S ASSUMPTION COOKIE DOUGH FUNDRAISER. St. Mary’s Assumption School had its annual Cookie Dough/Magazine Fundraiser recently. The Top Selling Class was Mrs. Carmel Dupuy's 3rd Grade class, who received a pizza party. The Top Seller is , a 6th grader, who received a $50 cash prize.

PAGE 15

SACRED HEART SCHOOL (Moreauville) BLESSING OF THE PETS. Sacred Heart School in Moreauville celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi Oct. 5 with the annual Blessing of the Pets. Father Marc Noel blessed the pets of the students from Sacred Heart School.

ST. RITA CHURCH BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS. Father Craig Scott blesses all sorts of pets on Sunday, Oct. 7 in the church courtyard to celebrate the great saint, St. Francis of Assisi, the patron of animals and the environment.

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Every adult who works/volunteers with children/youth in our diocesan churches/schools must attend the VIRTUS™ Protecting God’s Children sexual abuse awareness training.

Upcoming session are: • Sunday, Oct. 21, 3 p.m., Christ the King Church, Simmesport • Monday, Oct. 22, 6 p.m., St. Michael the Archangel Church, Leesville • Friday, Oct. 26, 5:50 p.m., Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches • Thursday, Nov. 8, 5:30 p.m., Sacred Heart Church, Pineville • Thursday, Nov. 29, 6 p.m., St. Anthony of Padua Church, Bunkie To pre-register, attendees should go to www.virtus.org and click on Registration to begin the registration process. For more info, call 4456424, ext. 213

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 16

OCTOBER 15, 2012

Family shares 47 minutes of precious life with their daughter

By Peter Finney Jr. Calrion Herald Regina and Kenny Heine of Metairie first got the news that something might be wrong with their unborn child during a prenatal exam. Because Regina was approaching her mid-30s, doctors recommended that she be screened by a perinatologist, who is well versed in the associated risk factors with what is termed “advanced maternal age.”

And now, the grainy image on the ultrasound screen was sending out warning signals to those who could read the digital tea leaves.

The baby’s legs appeared closed, which made it impossible to determine the gender. After a few more minutes, the perinatologist asked: “Are there any skeletal abnormalities in your family?”

At such moments, time stands still. An amniocentesis, which draws amniotic fluid from the womb so that it can be tested, confirmed the diagnosis. The Heine’s unborn child – a girl – had full Trisomy 18 – a genetic disorder also called Edwards syndrome in which the 18th chromosome is repeated.

Medical jargon aside, Regina heard only one thing: “Incompatible with life.”

“At that point, it was amazing how my prayers changed and how the focus of my pregnancy shifted,” said Regina, already the mother of 18-month-old daughter . “Everybody wants this perfect, healthy baby. But when you’re faced with something like this, you start to pray, ‘If something’s going to be wrong with my baby, let it be something

O C T O B E R

Respect MONTH that’s survivable.’ When they refer to it as incompatible with life, you pray that it is anything but that.”

A choice for life

There was no question in the couple’s mind that they would carry the baby to term.

“We were offered termination, because in Louisiana that is permissible until 20 weeks,” Regina said. “My husband and I immediately said, ‘God gave us this baby for a reason, and however long she’s going to be with us, it’s up to him, not to us.’ We’re not here to judge people, but we knew we were going to cherish her and love her and keep her safe as long as God chose to have her with us.”

About half of all babies with Trisomy 18 are stillborn, and 95 percent die within a year after birth, many in the first month.

“It’s sort of a bleak outlook,” Regina said. “All we wanted was time with the baby, though you understand she’s very sick.

We prayed, ‘Please don’t let her suffer.’ My husband and I wanted her to be baptized as a Catholic.

That was very important to us.

And we knew that she would have to be born alive in order for that to happen.”

As the weeks stretched on, immediate family and close friends knew the full story, but as

47 MINUTES OF LIFE. Regina and Kenny Heine cuddle with their newborn daughter, Anne Grace Heine, who was born Aug. 20 with a chromosomal condition, and with daughter , who will turn 2 in November.

Anne Grace lived for 47 minutes, but her life brought their extended family thankfulness for the gift of life. (Photo courtesy of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep) Regina’s pregnancy became more apparent, she had to bear the wellmeaning comments from people

in the groc , who would ask little if she was going to have a little brother or

a sister.

“I have the utmost love and respect for her,” Kenny said of his wife. “I don’t know how she did it.”

Regina, an attorney in the St. Charles Parish District Attorney’s Office, went to law school with the son of Deacon Eddie Beckendorf, who serves at Mary Queen of Peace Church in Mandeville. She knew that if her daughter – to be named Anne Grace Heine – were born alive, she would have to be baptized quickly.

“We knew we may only have minutes,” Regina said. “When Deacon Eddie and I were talking about it, he told me, ‘I will be happy to come and sit and wait and pray with you and your family and do anything I need to do.’ What a gift he gave to us – the gift of his time. That was an amazing gift.”

The staff at East Jefferson General Hospital made special arrangements for the extended Heine family, setting up a separate waiting area for them. On Aug. 20 – at exactly 12:14 p.m. – Anne

CHURCH TODAY

OCTOBER 15, 2012

Grace Heine, 3 pounds, 8 ounces, came into the world, breathing as softly and imperceptibly as an angel.

After Kenny cut the umbilical cord, the nurses brought Anne Grace to the warming table, and Deacon Becken­ dorf baptized her there. Then Kenny took his newborn over to Regina.

“She was obviously breathing, and at some point the neonatologist and the nurse practitioner checked her heart and didn’t hear a whole lot,” Regina said. “They indicated her heartbeat was faint, but she was still there.”

Perfect angel

“She was just a little angel – perfect in our eyes,” Kenny said.

For the next 47 minutes, Regina and Kenny spent time caressing their newborn. When Regina kissed her, Anne Grace cried. Little came into the room, a hotographer from an organization called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, which volunteers to take portraits for families faced with the prospect

of infant death, snapped a shot of reaching her hand to Anne Grace’s, which was clenched.

One day, she will understand the picture that now rests atop her dresser.

Holding Anne Grace next to her, Regina recited a nighttime prayer that she always uses with . Kenny told his daughter, “Sweet dreams,” because he does that every night with .

At 1:01 p.m. – 47 minutes after she arrived – Anne Grace said goodbye.

“It was the most profound 47 minutes of my life,” Regina said. “Somebody asked me not long ago, ‘Are you angry with God?’ And I said, ‘How can I be angry with God when he gave us this beautiful gift. He gave us this beautiful little girl for 47 little minutes.”

Pink balloons soar

Anne Grace was laid to rest in a family tomb in St. Louis No. 3. That day, the heavens broke open, sending down torrents

PAGE 17

of rain. While Msgr. Andrew Taormina offered the prayers of committal, Regina orchestrated the release of 47 pink balloons, filled with helium, into the sky.

The rain was coming down so hard that Regina’s mother and mother-in-law had to chase down a few renegade balloons to give them a boost “into the heavens.”

“Bless their hearts, they were chasing them all over the place,” Regina said. “My husband and I both feel very strongly that those 47 minutes changed who we are and changed our lives forever.”

As Msgr. Taormina said goodbye to the Heines at the cemetery, he tried to take in what he had seen. He has been a priest for 50 years, and pro-life stories like these are one reason he became a priest.

“Call me for the baptism,” he told Regina.

Regina knew immediately what he meant. “When we have another one,” she said.

Peter Finney Jr. can be reached at pfinney@clarionherald.org LA STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION JOHN WHITE visited Holy Savior Menard High School Oct. 4 as part of the Louisiana Believes school tour. White visited schools in 26 parishes across the state to learn first-hand from students, parents, teachers and school leaders how his education plan is affecting student learning. White visited Mrs. Teri Harmeyer's chemistry class, where they were conducting experiments.

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PAGE 18

Year of Faith Parish Events

The Year of Faith started Oct. 11 with a Solemn Vespers and Benediction on Thursday, Oct. 11 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Many parishes throughout the diocese are planning their own local events for the people in their area.

SFXC ADULT FORMATION PROGRAM: CATHOLICISM. St. Francis Xavier Cathedral is offering an adult study program based on the highly-acclaimed series Catholicism by Father Robert Barron, at the convent building, behind Xavier Hall, every Sunday morning from 10 -10:50 a.m. In the series, narrated

by Father Barron, the basic beliefs, history and theology of the Catholic Church are presented. All adults are invited to attend.

EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES OF THE WORLD EXHIBIT. Nov. 15 - 18 Bunkie: St. Anthony of Padua Church in Bunkie will host the Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit Nov. 15-18. Hours are Thursday Saturday (Nov. 15-17) from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sunday (Nov. 18) from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. The exhibit will be on display at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 106 S. Louisiana, in Bunkie. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

Dec. 4-9 Plaucheville: Mater Dolorosa in Plaucheville will host the Eucharistic Miracles of the World Exhibit Dec. 4-7, from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. in the KC Hall. On Saturday, Dec. 8, from 2 - 6 p.m., and on Sunday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. -4 p.m.

The exhibit is free and open to the public.

ST. JOSEPH, Marksville, ADULT FAITH SERIES. “Rediscover the Faith and Life in its Values,” an Adult Faith series of talks, will be held Oct. 10-Nov. 28 at St. Joseph Church in Marksville, on Wednesdays, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the office bldg. A Bible (New American Bible) & Catechism of the Catholic Church (both may be purchased at the office) are needed for the sessions.

Please contact St. Joseph Office (253-7561) to Sign-up.

Oct. 10 Oct. 11

Rediscovery of Faith Inauguration of the Year of Faith – (6:30 a.m. Mass in Church) Oct. 17 Conversion Oct. 31 Conversion Nov. 7 Paschal Mystery of Christ Nov. 14 Sharing in the Paschal Mystery Nov. 21 The New Evangelization Nov. 28 New Evangelization & Action Plan

Share your story of faith with us!

During the Year of Faith (Oct. 11 - Nov. 25), the Church Today wants to know about you and your Catholic faith.

Will you share your faith story with us?

What does your Catholic faith mean to you?

Do you have a conversion story to tell?

When did your faith pull you through an impossible or difficult situation?

Who or what shaped or formed your Catholic conscience?

Send us your story by Friday, December 14 to jpetrus@diocesealex.org or call 318-445-6424, ext. 255

OCTOBER 15, 2012

College student rediscovers faith at LSU-A Catholic student center (The following article was written as a letter to Bishop Ronald Herzog, bishop of Alexandria by a student at LSU-Alexandria. It was also sent to the Church Today as a letter to the editor.)

Dear Bishop Herzog, I would like to express my gratitude to you for sending a most extraordinary person, filled with so much vibrant light from God and Jesus, to the Catholic Student Center (CSO)! Her name is, most lovingly, Mrs. Lynn Ray. I started as a student at LSUA in August, 2006 and at that time, I knew nothing about the CSO. However, When Mrs. Lynn came I watched it grow and grow.

When I first met Mrs. Lynn, I did not have a religious disposition, in fact at that point in my life I had came to hate God. However, the first Wednesday lunch that I ever went to, I saw Mrs. Lynn and she said welcome and when I told her my position on God, she simply said, «well that is not my place to judge, so I and God love you anyway!» And then she gave me a big hug!

From that day, she has been one of my best friends. God used her to change my views on a lot of issues and she, being my sponsor, I fully converted to the Catholic faith. Before I met her, I had tried to find acceptance in all kinds of churches (Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, and many others) but I never found my place.

I came with a lot of baggage, such as, I am a single mother (never married), I also had a dark past, but, Mrs. Lynn showed me that God forgives all that and makes us new.

I have watched the CSO flourish with God›s love. The great thing is that on any given day you will find all kinds of different re-

LYNN RAY and KATHERINE WEBB. Lynn Ray, coordinator of campus ministiries and Katherine Webb, a member of the Catholic Student Organization at LSU-Alexandria serve lemonade and cookies to the students on campus.

The letter below is written by an LSU-A student, whose life was changed by the Catholic outreach to students on the college campus.

ligions going to Mass, Adoration, playing Gods music, partaking in Christ, coffee and cinema, midnight breakfast, praying, Wednesday free lunches, or any of the great activities that she plans.

Also, at the Awakening (re-

treat), many different religions attend. It is awesome! God has used Mrs. Lynn to transform not just the CSO, but also the students who visit. Even after graduation, students are still welcomed to come back and serve and partake in the many CSO events.

Mrs. Lynn also found a way to get the LSU-A teachers, faculty, and staff to come and be a part.

The history and political science department faculty are always giving their services in the kitchen.

Mrs. Lynn is so humble, loving, and not only says that she loves God but lives in her actions that she loves God! And I am living proof, and there are many more out there, who have been so touched. She is always bringing people together and to God. Mrs. Lynn Ray is an awesome humble servant of and to Christ and to this diocese!

Always God's Loving Child, Amanda

CHURCH TODAY

OCTOBER 15, 2012

PAGE 19

Pope grants

By Bishop David Ricken, Green Bay, Wisconsin Chairman of the USCCB Evangelization and Catechesis Committee

10 Ways Catholics Can Live the Year of Faith To honor the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI has announced a Year of Faith, starting Oct. 11, 2012 and ending Nov. 24, 2013.

Listed below are some suggestions for Catholics to participate in during the Year of Faith:

1. Participate in Mass.

The Year of Faith is meant to promote the personal encounter with Jesus. This occurs most immediately in the Eucharist.

Regular Mass attendance strengthens one’s faith through the Scriptures, the Creed, other prayers, sacred music, the homily, receiving Communion and being part of a faith community.

2. Go to Confession.

Like going to Mass, Catholics find strength and grow deeper in their faith through participation in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Confession urges people to turn back to God, express sorrow for falling short and open their lives to the power of God’s healing grace. It forgives the injuries of the past and provides strength for the future.

3. Learn about the lives of the saints.

6. Study the Catechism.

Published exactly 30 years after the start of the Council, the Catechism of the Catholic Church covers the beliefs, moral teachings, prayer and sacraments of the Catholic Church in one volume. It’s a resource for growing in understanding of the faith.

Another helpful resource is the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults (USCCA).

7. Volunteer in the parish.

The Year of Faith can’t only be about study and reflection. The solid grounding of the Scriptures, the Council and the Catechism must translate into action. The parish is a great place to start, and each person’s gifts help build up the community. People are welcome as ministers of hospitality, liturgical musicians, lectors, catechists and in other roles in parish life.

8. Help those in need.

The saints are timeless examples of how to live a Christian life, and they provide endless hope. Not only were they sinners who kept trying to grow closer to God, but they also exemplify ways a person can serve God: through teaching, missionary work, charity, prayer and simply striving to please God in the ordinary actions and decisions of daily life.

The Vatican urges Catholics to donate to charity and volunteer to help the poor during the Year of Faith. This means to personally encounter Christ in the poor, marginalized and vulnerable.

Helping others brings Catholics face-to-face with Christ and creates an example for the rest of the world.

4. Read the Bible daily.

9. Invite a friend to Mass.

Scripture offers first-hand access to the Word of God and tells the story of human salvation. Catholics can pray the Scriptures (through lectio divina or other methods) to become more attuned to the Word of God. Either way, the Bible is a must for growth in the Year of Faith.

5. Read the documents of Vatican II.

The Second Vatican Council (1962-65) ushered in a great renewal of the Church. It impacted how Mass is celebrated, the role of the laity, how the Church understands itself and its relationship with other Christians and non-Christians. To continue this renewal, Catholics must understand what the Council taught and how it enriches the lives of believers.

The Year of Faith may be global in its scope, focusing on a renewal of faith and evangelization for the whole Church, but real change occurs at the local level. A personal invitation can make all the difference to someone who has drifted from the faith or feels alienated from the Church. Everyone knows people like this, so everyone can extend a loving welcome.

10. Incorporate the Beatitudes into daily life.

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) provide a rich blueprint for Christian living. Their wisdom can help all to be more humble, patient, just, transparent, loving, forgiving and free. It’s precisely the example of lived faith needed to draw people to the Church in the year ahead.

More information on the Year of Faith is available online: www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/index.cfm

plenary indulgence

for Year of Faith Pope Benedict XVI will grant faithful Plenary Indulgence for the occasion of the Year of Faith.

The indulgence will be valid from the opening of the Year on 11 October 2012 until its end on 24 November 2013.

Plenary Indulgence for the temporal punishment of sins, imparted by the mercy of God and applicable also to the souls of deceased faithful, may be obtained by all faithful who, truly penitent, take Sacramental Confession and the Eucharist and pray in accordance with the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff.

(A) Each time they attend at least three sermons during the Holy Missions, or at least three lessons on the Acts of the Council or the articles of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, in church or any other suitable location. “ (B) Each time they visit, in the course of a pilgrimage, a papal basilica, a Christian catacomb, a cathedral church or a holy site designated by the local ordinary for the Year of Faith (for example, minor basilicas and shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Holy Apostles or patron saints), and there participate in a sacred celebration, or at least remain for a congruous period of time in prayer and pious meditation, concluding with the recitation of the Our Father, the Profession of Faith in any legitimate form, and invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary and, depending on the circumstances, to the Holy Apostles and patron saints. “ (C) Each time that, on the days designated by the local ordinary for the Year of Faith, ... in any sacred place, they participate in a solemn celebration of the Eucharist or the Liturgy of the Hours, adding thereto the Profession of Faith in any legitimate form. “ (D) On any day they chose, during the Year of Faith, if they make a pious visit to the baptistery, or other place in which they received the Sacrament of Baptism, and there renew their baptismal promises in any legitimate form.

For more details go to www. diocesealex.org

PAGE 20

CHURCH TODAY

OCTOBER 15, 2012

USCCB issues Catholic Bible Challenge is No. 1 trivia game app Church by Numbers online WA S H I N G T O N — H o w many Catholics are there in the United States?

What was the total enrollment of Catholic elementary and high schools in the United States last year?

How many people are served

by Catholic hospitals annually?

The answers to these questions (77.7 million, 2 million and 88.5 million, respectively) and many other facts and statistics about the life of the Catholic Church in the United States are compiled in a new guide, “The Catholic Church by the Numbers,” issued by the Office of Media Relations of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Many media inquiries are simply requests for statistics on the Catholic Church, such as number of priests or the growth of the Hispanic population.

"This guide gathers it all in one helpful location,” said Mercy Sister Mary Ann Walsh, USCCB director of Media Relations. “This information is useful not only to media, but to teachers, scholars and anyone seeking a better understanding of the Catholic Church and the services Catholics provide.”

“The Catholic Church by the Numbers” includes sections on bishops and dioceses, clergy and religious, laity and parishes,

Remember

Nov. 1 (Holy Day of Obligation)

Nov. 2 All Souls Day

Catholic education, Catholic health care and social services, Catholic lay organizations and Church finances. The data was gathered from sources including The Official Catholic Directory, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), and organizations involved in various aspects of the Church’s work, such as Catholic Charities USA and the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).

All of the information is available online at: www.usccb. org/about/media-relations/statistics/ Hard copies of the booklet can be requested by sending one’s mailing address to mediarelations@usccb.org.

WASHINGTON (CNS) -The "American Bible Challenge" has been watched by more than 2 million people in the United States every Thursday night since its debut Aug. 23, making it the most successful show in Game Show Network in history.

And to the surprise of its creators, an app based on the cable TV show is doing almost as well.

Stephen Croncota, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for GSN, said that he knew there was a market for the app, but not one this great.

"We were hoping for 100,000 game players, now it's about a month and we have 300,000 players and over 3 million game plays," he said.

The show is sponsored by the New York-based American Bible

Society, a 200-year-old nonprofit organization whose mission is to make the Bible available and understandable to everyone.

Hosted by comedian and TV personality Jeff Foxworthy, best known for his role in the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, "American

Bible Challenge" is a trivia game where the winners give away their prize money to a charity of their choice.

"We've always believed there was a big opportunity for interactment in the show because of the number of Christians and Catholics who have a lifetime of knowledge" of the Bible, said Croncota, a former altar boy and Catholic school student himself.

The app for iPhone, Android, iPad, and Facebook currently is the No.1 Bible trivia game among the top-10 free trivia games on iTunes.

OCTOBER 15, 2012

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 21

Won't Back Down blends charm with spitfire determination

By Joseph McAleer Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- It may sound like a Bruce Willis action thriller, but "Won't Back Down" (Fox) is anything but. Still, this David-vs.-Goliath story of two single mothers who join forces to save a failing public school from a wicked bureaucracy packs an emotional wallop.

Directed by Daniel Barnz ("Beastly"), who co-wrote the screenplay with Brin Hill, "Won't Back Down" is based on a California law that enables parents and teachers to take control of their public school, turning it into a charter school.

The film switches the location to the gritty streets of Pittsburgh and the fictional John Adams Elementary School, officially graded "F" by the local school board.

Nona (Viola Davis) is a oncevital teacher who has been beaten down by the system, simply going through the motions and passing her failing students on to the next grade. Her depression is compounded by the breakdown of her marriage and the problems of her son, Cody (Dante Brown), who is learning disabled and not getting enough attention in his own public school.

Facing a similar plight is

'DON'T LOOK BACK'. Viola Davis and Maggie Gyllenhaal star in a scene from the movie "Won't Back Down." The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some ma terial may not be suitable for children. (CNS photo/Fox) Jamie (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a single mother with a dyslexic child, Malia (Emily Alyn Lind).

Although in the third grade at Adams, Malia cannot read, and her "zombie" of a teacher, protected by tenure, couldn't care less, driving Jamie wild. Unable

to afford the tuition to transfer Malia to a private school, Jamie fells trapped, desperate that her child has a chance to escape poverty through a good education.

Jamie takes her frustration to the local school board, where she learns about the charter school

law. She's also warned about the mighty opposition to change from the powerful teachers' union, headed by Evelyn (Holly Hunter).

With a natural charm, spitfire determination, and an unwavering belief in people power, Jamie goes on the offensive, lobbying parents and teachers with the war cry, "Just Say Know." She partners with Nona to begin the lengthy application process, and brings on board the popular music teacher, Michael (Oscar Isaac). He puts in extra credit as Jamie's love interest and Malia's babysitter.

It all leads to a showdown with the school board, chaired by the mercurial Olivia (Marianne Jean-Baptiste). She warns Nona that her efforts are doomed.

"Do you know the moral of the Icarus story?" Olivia asks.

"Yeah. Wear sunscreen," a defiant Nona replies.

"Won't Back Down" paints with a broad brush, and the caricatures of incompetent teachers and evil union bosses are extreme. They serve to push the film's agenda of school choice, which will resonate with any parent today.

Indeed, "Won't Back Down" shows that hell hath no fury like a public school parent or teacher scorned.

Louis Lowrey, M.A. Licensed Professional Counselor Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Offices located at 207 Church Street, Natchitoches (318) 332-8422 • Pager (318) 252-2945 lowrey@cp-tel.net Mail: 109 Royal Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457

MOVIE

REVIEW Now Playing at

Grand 14 Theatre Alexandria

• Finding Nemo 3D (G) • Frankenweenie (PG) • Hotel Translyvania (PG) • House at the End of the Street (PG-13) • Pitch Perfect (PG-13) • Taken 2 (PG-13) • The Possession (PG-13) • Trouble with the Curve (PG-13) • Won't Back Down (PG) • End of Watch (R) • Looper (R) • Resident Evil: Retribution (R)

The film contains some intense emotional moments.

The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

PAGE 22

CHURCH TODAY

Red River Chorale Concert

The Red River Chorale will present a musical expression of Old Testament Texts on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim at 2021 Turner Street in Alexandria. Tickets in advance are $10 for adults and $5 for students or $15 for adults and $7 for students at the door. Season tickets and Season Memberships are also available. For more information call 318-484-4463.

Cathedral Concert Series

Pianist Cahill Smith and soprano Yunjin Kim will perform a duo concert on Friday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral as part of the Fall Cathedral Concert Series. The performance will include a selection of Goethe songs as well as solo piano music by Medtner and others.

Admission is free and is open to the public.

Marriage Prep Program

The next “Strong Foundations” marriage prep program is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 21 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Pineville from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. To register, go to: www.comprehensivetherapygroup.com For more information, visit the website, email hollycarbo@gmail.com or mandi218@yahoo.com or call 318-445-1651.

Brunch with Bishop

Brunch with Bishop be held Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Country Inn Suites in Pineville. Tickets are $50 per person or $1,000 for a reserved table of 10 or $750 for a reserved

DIOCESAN

BRIEFS table of 8. To purchase tickets or reserve a table, call 318445-6424, ext 209. All proceeds from the Brunch will go to Manna House.

Taste and Toast Event

St. Anthony Catholic School will host its first annual Taste and Toast Event on Saturday, Oct. 27 in the SAS gym at 6 p.m. This will be an evening of tasting over 15 carefully selected food items, as well as drinks, music, raffle, and entertainment. Tickets are $25 per person. All proceeds go towards the circular drive improvements at the school.

To purchase tickets, call 346-2739 or 225-324-1516.

The Diocesan Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Alexandria is hosting a Women's Catholic Charismatic Conference on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Maryhill Renewal Center in Pineville.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the conference will end with a Vigil Mass celebraqted by Bishop Ronald Herzog at Maryhill at 5 p.m. Speakers are Fr. Harold Imamshah and Denise Beyer. The day is filled with praise and worship music, talks, workshops, and testimonies.

The cost is $50 which includes registration, continental breakfast and lunch. Housing at Maryhill is available for $35 on Friday night only. Please call Diane Ardoin at 318419-1547 for more information.

Cenla Magnificat, a ministry to Catholic women -- will host a meal on Saturday, Nov. 10 at Merci Beaucoup at 127 Church Street in Natchitoches from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Guest speaker is Aggie Neck. Tickets are $15 in advance, no tickets at the door. Call Mary at 318-359-7735 to make reservations.

St. Juliana parish will host the annual Taste of Creole night on Friday, Oct. 19 from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. in the parish Activity Building. Creole foods of all kinds, fun and games, and a Country Store, featuring the famous Taste of Creole aprons and book, will highlight the event. Tickets are $12 per person. Door prizes will be awarded every hour on the hour. For more information, call Tommy at 445-8743 or Sylvia at 487-4969.

Sacred Heart Fair

Join us for the Sacred Heart Fair in Moreauville Oct. 20. 5k Run and Fun Walk, beginning with registration at 7:30am.

Brigitte Paul Kelso Insurance, LLC Brigitte Kelso Owner/Agent

2918 S. MacArthur Dr. Alexandria, La. 71301 Phone: 318.448.2226 Fax: 318.448.2800 kelsoins@yahoo.com

Races begin at 8:30 a.m. Food and all other booths open at 3 p.m. Fried catfish with all the trimmings served on Saturday evening after 5 p.m. Mass. Live music begins at 7 p.m. on the school ground. Food booths and lots of family fun. Cochon de Lait dinners served after 9 a.m.

Mass with all booths continuing. Silent Auction closes at 3 p.m. Sponsorships for 5k run t-shirt, and silent auction welcome! For more information contact Karen at 318359-1943.

Dancing to the Oldies

Come dance to the oldies at St. Joseph Church Hall in Marksville on Oct. 27 from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. Costume attire is optional. Soft drinks will be sold. Feel free to bring your own beverages (wine and/or beer only) and finger foods for your table. This event is for adults only. Tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased at the door or in advance at St. Joseph Church office. Tables can be reserved for $20. All proceeds will go to St. Joseph Youth Group. For more information call 318-253-7561.

St. Rita Church Fair

Taste of Creole Night

Visit our website www.diocesealex. org for the latest in diocesan news

CDA COURT NOTRE DAME #1452. Donna Young, regent for CDA Court Notre Dame #1452 at OLPS- Alexandria presents a check to Bishop Ronald Herzog for the seminarian education fund. Also pictured is Donna Domzalski, secretary and Bea Phillips, past treasurer.

Women's Catholic Charismatic Conference

Cenla Magnificat

SISTERS HONORED AT ST. ANTHONY, BUNKIE. The Father Ryan Assembly, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, gathered at the 5 p.m. Mass at St. Anthony Church in Bunkie to present honors to Sisters Jeanette Daniel, SLW and Judiann Derhake, SLW, who teach at the parish's school. St. Anthony School is fortunate to have two religious sisters present in the parish and directly involved in the life of the students.

OCTOBER 15, 2012

Bring the whole family to the St. Rita Fair on Saturday, Oct. 27, 4 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Join us for chicken & sausage gumbo at 4:30 p.m., $6, dine-in or take out. Children’s Costume Contest at 5 p.m. in the Holy Family Center.

Carnival games and Trick or Treating for the children from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Church Courtyard. Bingo in the Holy Family Center from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Holy Family Center. On Sunday, starting at 10:30 a.m., pork dinner for $7. Bingo from 12:30 – 3 p.m. in the Holy Family Center. There will also be a Country Store, Ye Olde Sweet Shop, Silent Auction and Book Bazaar during the entire Fair. The drawing the “Gas, Gas and More Gas” Raffle will be at 3:00 PM in the Holy Family Center.

Petrus FEED & SEED

2914 N. Bolton Ave. • Alexandria, LA

442-2325

CHURCH TODAY

OCTOBER 15, 2012

PAGE 23

October -- November Monday

Tuesday

15

PRAY FOR FR. B. DESHAUTELLE

22

VIRTUS Training 6:00 p.m.

St. Michael Church, Leesville

Wednesday

16

Red River Chorale Old Testament Texts 7:30 p.m.

Gemiluth Chassodim

PRAY FOR FR. P. FAULK

23

17

Adult Faith Formation Series 6:30-7:30 p.m.

St. Joseph Church, Marksville

PRAY FOR FR. J. FERGUSON

24

Thursday

Friday

18

LAST NIGHT Outdoor Rosary 7:15 p.m.

St. Joseph, Marksville

Saturday

19

PRAY FOR FR. T. FEY

PRAY FOR FR. R. GARRIONE

25

20

Taste of Creole Night 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

St. Juliana, Alexandria

Cathedral Concert Series 7:00 p.m.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria

26

VIRTUS Training 5:30 p.m.

Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches

Sunday

21

Marriage Prep 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sacred Heart Church, Pineville

VIRTUS Training 3:00 p.m.

Christ the King Church, Simmesport

Sacred Heart, Moreauville, Fall Fair PRAY FOR FR. J. GOOTEE

Brunch with the Bishop 10 a.m.

Country Inn Suites Pineville

27

Taste & Toast Event 6 p.m. St. Anthony, Bunkie Dancing to the Oldies 7-11 p.m., St. Joseph Church, Marksville

PRAY FOR FR. R. GREMILLION

28

Adult Formation Program Series 10:00 a.m.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Convent Bldg, Alexandria

St. Rita Church Fall Festival Pro-Life Conference -- Lafayette PRAY FOR FR. J. HASIEBER

29

PRAY FOR FR. P. KULIGOWSKI

5

PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG

30

PRAY FOR FR. P. KUNNUMPURAM

6

PRAY FOR MSGR. R. HOPPE

31

Adult Faith Formation Series 6:30-7:30 p.m.

St. Joseph Church, Marksville

PRAY FOR FR. B. IBE

NOVEMBER

PRAY FOR FR. H. IMAMSHAH

1

2

PRAY FOR FR. K. ISHMAEL

3

Women's Catholic Charismatic Conference 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Maryhill Renewal Center

HALLOWEEN

ALL SAINTS DAY

ALL SOULS DAY FIRST FRIDAY

FIRST SATURDAY

PRAY FOR FR. S. KWEBUZA

PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG

PRAY FOR FR. M. LAIRD

PRAY FOR FR. R. LEMOINE

7

Adult Faith Formation Series 6:30-7:30 p.m.

St. Joseph Church, Marksville

8

VIRTUS Training 5?30 p.m.

Activities Bldg., Sacred Heart Church, Pineville

9

10

PRAY FOR FR. G. KROSFIELD

Daylight Savings Time Ends

4

Adult Formation Program Series 10:00 a.m.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Convent Bldg, Alexandria PRAY FOR FR. R. MATHEWS

11

Magnificat Meeting 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Merci Beaucoup Restaurant, Natchitoches

Adult Formation Program Series 10:00 a.m.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Convent Bldg, Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. K. MICHIELS

PRAY FOR FR. B. MILLER

ELECTION DAY PRAY FOR FR. C. MAURICIO

12

PRAY FOR FR. J. MEDINA-CRUZ

13

PRAY FOR FR. L. MELCHER

14

Adult Faith Formation Series 6:30-7:30 p.m.

St. Joseph Church, Marksville

PRAY FOR FR. A. MESSINA

15

PRAY FOR FR. J. MICHALCHUK

16

17

18

Adult Formation Program Series 10:00 a.m.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Convent Bldg, Alexandria

VETERANS DAY PRAY FOR FR. J. MONTALBANO

PRAY FOR FR. C. MORGAN

PRAY FOR FR. P. NADAMKUZHY

PRAY FOR FR. C. NAYAK

PRAY FOR FR. J. NELLIKUNNEL

PRAY FOR FR. M. NOEL

PRAY FOR FR. K. OBIEKWE