The Church Today, Oct. 21, 2013

CHURCH

Volume XLIV, No. 10

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TODAY

Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970

October 21, 2013

ON THE

INSIDE Date set for canonization of Blessed John Paul II Pope Francis announced he would declare his two predecessors (Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II) saints at a single ceremony April 27. Read more about it on page 3.

Bishop Sam Jacobs retires; Bishop Shelton Fabre named successor Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Sam G. Jacobs of Houma-Thibodaux, La., and appointed as his successor Auxiliary Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of New Orleans. Find out the details on page 2.

Holy Savior Menard senior kicker is participating in the Kickers Kicking Cancer program to support CURE Childhood Cancer’s research. / Tia Owens-Powers/towens@ thetowntalk.com. See page 15.

St. Kateri Tekakwitha Conference Center finds a new home in Alexandria After a year of searching, the national office of the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Conference Center has found a new home in Alexandria -- at 2225 N. Bolton Ave. Read more about what services will be offered at this new location on page 7.

Kicking for Cancer

PAGE 2

CHURCH TODAY

OCTOBER 21, 2013

Bishop Sam Jacobs retires; Bishop Shelton Fabre is successor

By Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) -Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Sam G. Jacobs of Houma-Thibodaux, La., and appointed as his successor Auxiliary Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of New Orleans.

Bishop Jacobs, who has headed the diocese since 2003, is 75, the age at which bishops are required by canon law to submit their resignations to the pope.

Bishop Fabre, 49, has been a New Orleans auxiliary since 2006.

The changes were announced Sept. 23 in Washington by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

The installation Mass for Bishop Fabre is scheduled for Oct. 30 at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma.

“Bishop Fabre for me has been a true brother in ministry.

Bishop Sam Jacobs Retiring Bishop of HoumaThibodaux

Bishop Shelton Fabre New Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux Former Auxiliary Bishop of N.O.

He has been a great co-worker in the ministry of this archdiocese, and I have a great deal of respect for him and for the way in which he lives out his ministry as a bishop,” said New Orleans Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond.

“I will sincerely miss him

and our ministry together. At the same time, the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux are very blessed to receive a loving and gentle shepherd who will walk with them and lead them in the ways of Christ,” the archbishop said in a statement.

On the national level, Bishop Fabre is chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on African-American Affairs. He is one of about a dozen active black Catholic bishops in the U.S. Shelton Fabre was born Oct. 25, 1963, in New Roads, La. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, La., and a master of arts degree from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.

He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Baton Rouge in 1989, and auxiliary bishop of New Orleans in 2006.

When he was appointed an auxiliary bishop, he was pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge. From 1991 to 2004 he was director of the Baton Rouge diocesan Office of Black Catholics.

Before his 10-year tenure as bishop of Houma-Thibodaux,

Bishop Jacobs was head of the Diocese of Alexandria from 1989 until 2003.

A native of Greenwood, Miss., he was ordained for the Lafayette diocese June 6, 1964. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at The Catholic University of America in Washington.

He has been chairman of the U.S. bishops’ ad hoc Committee on Catholic Charismatic Renewal and has been a regular speaker at charismatic renewal conferences worldwide. He also has been a member of the bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations and a consultant to their Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions.

The Houma-Thibodaux Diocese covers 3,440 square miles in the state of Louisiana and has a total population of 202,000 people, with 96,719, or 48 percent of them, Catholic.

Marriage, Religious Freedom Act introduced in House Act would prevent discriminating against belief in marriage between man, woman

By Catholic News Service

(CNS) -- A bill introduced in the U.S. House to keep the federal government from discriminating against churches, religious groups and businesses that uphold marriage as being between one man and one woman is “of fundamental importance,” two U.S. Catholic bishops said Sept. 20.

A day earlier, Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Idaho, introduced the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act, known as H.R. 3133.

San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, called the measure significant, noting that individuals and organizations that uphold traditional marriage are increasingly being targeted for discrimination by state governments -- this must not spread to the federal government.

An example of discrimination at the state level cited in background materials released by the U.S. bishops’ conference pointed to a New Mexico Supreme Court ruling that said a husband and

wife who own and operate a photography studio “must act against their religious beliefs” and take photographs of a same-sex commitment ceremony, “if they want to do business in the state.”

Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, also expressed strong support for the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act. “In a growing climate of intolerance against individuals and

organizations who believe that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, this act is an important step in preserving their religious liberties at the federal level,” he said.

The archbishop said that among other protections, the bill would prevent the U.S. government from denying individuals and organizations a grant, contract or employment “because their belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman

is informed by their religious faith.”

Labrador said in a statement that “regardless of your ideology, we can all agree about the importance of religious liberty in America.”

“Our bill will protect freedom of conscience for those who believe marriage is the union of one man and one woman,” he said. “This is not a Republican or Democrat issue. As President (Barack) Obama said, ‘Ameri-

cans hold a wide range of views’ on marriage and ‘maintaining our nation’s commitment to religious freedom’ is ‘vital.’ We agree.”

The USCCB said the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act “would protect a wide array of persons, including individuals and organizations -- both for-profits and nonprofits -- regardless of whether or not they are religiously affiliated. ... Business owners as well as churches would be protected.

OCTOBER 21, 2013

CHURCH TODAY

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Canonization of Blessed JPII and John XXIII set for April 27

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

Fr. Kenneth Michiels to lead pilgrimage to Rome for canonization of JPII Father Kenneth Michiels will serve as spiritual director for a 10day pilgrimage to Rome, April 21-30. The highlight of the trip will be at the Vatican on Divine Mercy Sunday (April 27) to witness the canonization of Blessed John Paul II and Blessed John XXIII. The cost is $3,798 per person and includes roundtrip air transportation from Houston, first class hotels, all taxes and tour tips, land transportation, meals (except lunch), entrance fees to all sites and a professional guide.

Sites to visit include the Vatican museums, the Sistene Chapel, Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Cappuchian Monastery, St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Catacombs, the Coliseum, the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant Angelo, the Spanish Steps, and a general audience with Pope Francis.

For more information, call the Catholic Pilgrim Office at 404467-8041 or email at coordinator@catholicpilgrimoffice.com

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -Recognizing that Blessed John XXIII and John Paul II have widespread reputations for holiness and that years of studying their lives and actions have proven their exceptional virtue, Pope Francis announced he would declare his two predecessors saints at a single ceremony April 27.

The pope made the announcement Sept. 30 at the end of an “ordinary public consistory,” a gathering of cardinals and promoters of the sainthood causes of the two late popes. The consistory took place in the context of a prayer service in Latin and included the reading of brief biographies of the two sainthood candidates.

Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for

Saints’ Causes, read the biographies and highlighted the “service to peace” and the impact both popes had “inside and outside the Christian community” at times of great cultural, political and religious transformation.

The testimonies of their lives, “completely dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel, shine in the church and reverberate in the history of the world as examples of hope and light,” the cardinal said.

Blessed John Paul, known as a globetrotter who made 104 trips outside Italy, served as pope from 1978 to 2005 and was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on Divine Mercy Sunday, May 1, 2011. Blessed John XXIII, known particularly for convoking the Second Vatican Council, was pope from 1958 to 1963; Blessed John Paul beatified him in 2000.

The choice of April 27, which will be Divine Mercy Sunday in 2014, was not a complete surprise. Speaking to reporters traveling with him from Brazil to Rome July 28, Pope Francis said he had been considering Dec. 8, but the possibility of icy roads could make it difficult for Polish pilgrims who would travel by bus to Rome for the ceremony.

The other option, he said, was Divine Mercy Sunday, a celebration instituted worldwide by Pope John Paul. Since the beginning of his pontificate in March, Pope Francis has emphasized God’s mercy and readiness to forgive those who recognize their need for pardon. He told reporters on the flight from Brazil that Pope John Paul’s promotion of Divine Mercy Sunday showed his intuition that a new “age of mercy” was needed in the church and the world.

Pope names permanent advisory panel of 8 cardinals; unofficially dubbed the ‘G-8’

Group of eight cardinals to counsel Pope Francis on church governance. Pope Francis made his international advisory panel on church governance, unofficially dubbed the “Group of Eight” or “G-8,” a permanent council of cardinals. He was scheduled to meet for the first time with the panel Oct. 1. The eight are from top, left to right: Italian Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, Chilean Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, Indian Cardinal Oswald Gracias, German Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Congolese Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya, U.S. Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, Australian Cardinal George Pell and Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga. (CNS photos)

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OCTOBER 21, 2013

Pope says: Church welcomes sinners seeking path to holiness

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -If the church excluded sinners, it would pretty much be empty, Pope Francis told thousands of people gathered for his weekly general audience.

In the history of the church, “some have been tempted to say that the church is the church only of the pure” and that others should be shunned, he said Oct. 2. “This isn’t true. This is a heresy.”

With close to 50,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis used his audience talk to explain what Christians mean when they profess in the creed that the church is holy.

The church is holy because it belongs to God, has been saved by the blood of Christ and is guided by the Holy Spirit, he said.

Anyone who knows Christian history knows there were times when the church’s members sinned seriously, he said, and Christians aren’t pretending that isn’t true when they recite the creed.

Rather, he said, the creed affirms that “the church is not holy because of our merits, but because God makes it holy.”

“You can tell me, ‘but the church is formed of sinners; we see it every day,’ and this is true,” Pope Francis said. The church is made up of “sinful men and women, sinful priests, sinful nuns, sinful bishops, sinful cardinals, a sinful pope -- all of us are like this.”

However, he said, “we sin-

“The Church is holy because it belongs to God, and has been saved by the blood of Christ and is guided by the Holy Spirit.

The Church is not holy because of our merits, but because God makes it holy,” Pope Francis Oct. 2, at the Vatican Pope Francis poses with youths during meeting with young people in St. Peter’s Basilica at Vatican. Pope Francis poses with youths during a meeting with young people from the northern Italian diocese of Piacenza-Bobbio in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Aug. 28. (CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano) ners are called to let ourselves be transformed, renewed and sanctified by God.” “The church, which is holy, does not reject sinners, it does not reject all of us,” the pope said. “It calls everyone to let themselves be embraced by the mercy, tenderness and forgiveness of the father, who offers everyone the opportunity to encounter him and walk the path toward holiness.”

Those who think they are so sinful that they doubt they have any chance of being part

of the church have the attitude God wants everyone to have, he said. “The Lord wants you to say, ‘Lord, here I am with my sins.’”

“The Lord wants to hear us say, ‘forgive me, help me walk, transform my heart,’” Pope Francis said. In the church, sinners don’t encounter a judge ready to throw the book at them, but the father portrayed in the Gospel parable of the Prodigal Son, a father ready to throw a party when his son comes home after “hitting bottom.”

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“God is always waiting for you,” the pope said.

And just as God waits with open arms, he said, God wants “a church that knows how to open its arms to welcome everyone. It is not the house of a few, but of everyone, a place where everyone can be renewed, transformed and made holy by his love.”

The church is the place when anyone and everyone can encounter Jesus, especially through the sacraments of reconciliation and the Eucharist, he said.

Pope Francis said Catholics should ask themselves, “Are we a church that calls and welcomes sinners with open arms and gives them courage and hope? Or are we a church closed in on itself?”

And, he said, to those who feel “weak, fragile and sinful, God says, ‘Don’t be afraid of holiness, of aiming high, of allowing yourself to be loved and purified by God.’” All Christians are called to holiness, “which is not primarily doing extraordinary things, but allowing God to work” in their lives, Pope Francis said.

OCTOBER 21, 2013

CHURCH TODAY

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40 Days for Life Campaign underway in cities across U.S. Amazing stories of mothers changing their minds about having an abortion because of prayer 40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign currently being held now (Sept 25- Nov. 2).with a vision to access God’s power through prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion.

Groups sign up to peacefully pray, fast and conduct prayer vigils outstide abortion offices clinics -- and particularly the largest U.S. abortion chain, Planned Parenthood.

In New Orleans, the 40 Days for Life campaign are praying in front of the Woman’s New Life Center, located at 3032 Ridgelake Drive in Metairie. Pro-life groups from around the state are making their way to New Orleans to participate in the prayer vigil, according to Mary Nadeau, coordinator.

Nadeau said that New Orleans has participated in 40 Days for Life since 2009. In Louisiana, 40 Days for Life campaigns also are scheduled in Baton Rouge and Shreveport/Bossier City.

She said that since the 40 Days for Life began five years, ago, 7,536 women have chosen not to have an abortion, 83 workers have chosen to leave the abortion industry and 37 facilities have closed.

Here are some of the stories that have some in since this year’s campaign started Sept. 25, 2013:

asked her if she was going to be OK,” he said. She asked, “What did you tell my boyfriend?”

Dan told her, “Probably what I tell them all - go inside and get her out of there! The time is NOW to save your baby’s life!”

The woman looked surprised. “Seriously? That’s all you said? Somehow, you lit him up and it worked. He talked me out of it.”

“I was dumbstruck; but not for long,” Dan said. “I told her about the free help across the street. She said she would check it out.”

WOMAN HOLDS SIGN DURING PRAYER VIGIL OUTSIDE PLANNED PARENTHOOD FACILITY IN DELAWARE. Barbara Oliver holds a “40 Days for Life” sign along with others as they pray in front of Planned Parenthood facility in Wilmington, Del., last year. This year’s “40 Days for Life” campaign officially began Sept. 25 and continues until Nov. 2 in hundreds of U.S. cities. (CNS photo/Don Blake, The Dialog)

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Paul watched as a mom and dad arrived at the abortion center with their teenage daughter.

The father was a big guy, “and he looked like he was mad.”

One of the prayer volunteers they walked past held a poster with a picture of a tiny baby in the palm of a hand with the words, “Choose Life.”

The three went inside the building, but came out about half

an hour later. The man walked in Paul’s direction -- Paul again thought the man appeared angry, but soon learned he was mistaken.

The first words out of the man’s mouth were, “We decided not to do it. I saw the sign and it made me change my mind.”

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Dan noticed a young mom he had recognized from earlier in the day, sitting on the doorsteps. “I

St. Louis, Missouri

“One young couple walked right past the prayer volunteers, but just 10 minutes later they walked out looking for some help,” Brian said. A counselor took a few minutes with them and found out she was pregnant but was open to other options.

Brian said the counselor “was able to escort this young couple over to our friends at the mobile medical center right across the street to receive all the help they needed to choose life.”

Lansing, Michigan

A representative of Right to Life of Michigan shared encouraging news. Five Michigan abortion centers have closed in the

past 15 months, including a facility in Lansing -- a closure that followed a three-year prayer effort.

Little Rock, Arkansas

When a prayer volunteer first approached a young couple arriving for an abortion, the woman was quite hostile. But the volunteer kept talking ... and it paid off.

The young woman said the man who’d driven her to the abortion center was the baby’s father.

She didn’t want the abortion, but he was pressuring her. He gave her a handful of cash, then drove away.

“She was 14 weeks pregnant,” said Mary in Little Rock.

The young woman went inside ... but came back out about 45 minutes later and smiled at the volunteer. She took the money, stuffed it in her pocket -- and left.

San Luis Obispo, California

Wayne says one of the volunteers in San Luis Obispo approached a woman headed toward Planned Parenthood. As they began to talk, the woman told her story. She had several children, but did not want another baby.

That’s when the volunteer mentioned ultrasound was available at a local pregnancy care center. That was all it took. The young woman called off plans for the abortion.

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PAGE 6 There are many things to celebrate as we journey in faith.

Some are relatively ordinary and constant; others are more exceptional. At the heart and center of our lives is the great blessing of our Eucharistic Liturgy.

We listen and reflect on the Word of God and receive the nourishment of the Body and Blood of Christ. What a fitting way to begin each week!

The month of October has been set apart as a time to renew our appreciation of the dignity of each human life. We are also urged to pray the Rosary with deeper devotion, meditating on the mysteries of redemption.

During November we focus

CHURCH TODAY ONE IN THE LORD Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria our prayers on those who have gone before us. We honor all the saints and pray for the faithful departed who are still joined to us in the Communion of Saints.

It was announced recently that our Holy Father has accepted the resignation of Bishop Sam Jacobs upon reaching age 75. At the same time Bishop Shelton

Fabre, formerly Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans, was announced as his successor. Both of these announcements are joyful occasions for all of us in Louisiana. I look forward to traveling to Houma on Oct. 30 to celebrate Bishop Fabre’s installation.

We will soon bring the Year of Faith to its conclusion. Here in

OCTOBER 21, 2013

the Diocese of Alexandria we will mark this occasion on Saturday, Nov. 23, in the Cathedral. All are invited. More details will be available soon.

There will be an extraordinary event in April of 2014: the canonization of two popes, both of whom served the Church during our lifetime. Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II were great gifts to us all. The dual canonization on Thursday, April 27, 2014, during the week-long celebration of Our Lord’s Resurrection will draw people to Rome from throughout the world. We are exploring the possibility of a diocesan pilgrimage which, if there is sufficient interest, I will lead. We hope to have

the details completed soon. Please consider this opportunity to be part of one of the most extraordinary celebrations of our era.

In addition to the usual activities of our November USCCB meeting there will be a special symposium marking the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. This year Father Scott Chemino has been invited to attend as an observer. I had a similar privilege many years ago.

May the Lord bless us all as we celebrate these faith events and may he grant eternal rest to all who have died!

Be a light in the world; even when others are dancing in the dark It was such a weird assignment for my college sociology class: Deliberately do something counter to social mores, observe reactions of those around you, and write about it in your journal.

One student - a middle-aged man with a large beer belly - went to McDonalds and ordered a Happy Meal. He asked for a boy’s toy and proceeded to sit directly in front of the counter and eat the meal himself. Then, he played with the toy.

Another student entered an elevator and stood in front of the closed elevator doors - staring at the other people in the elevator rather than standing face-forward in silence like everyone over the age of five has learned to do.

I remember the assignment because it was extremely uncomfortable. I like to fit in. I care what people are thinking about me. I feel this crazy compulsion to explain myself to perfect strangers even when I merely suspect that my actions might not make sense to them.

I don’t like breaking social mores - ever. I like to blend.

But the world has changed.

Catholics cannot just blend in with society at large. We stand out because we stand up for Christ and His Church, and we hold to Church Teaching.

There was a time when that meant there wasn’t very much difference between Catholics and the rest of the grown-ups in the United States. Yes, there was Mary and the Pope and no-meat Fridays, but in general, we could

Catholic

By Grace Denise Bossert Freelance blend.

Today, people look at us like we are a grown-up who just purchased a Happy Meal and is entertained by the toy inside. Today, people think we are as odd as the person in the elevator who faces away from the doors rather than staring at the closed doors in silence.

No college assignment required. We break social mores all of the time.And it is kind of uncomfortable.

At a glance, our Catholic practices and beliefs don’t make sense to the public. But they do

make sense. There is a Truth here that is so deep, so rich, so eternal that we must not sacrifice it to feel like one of the crowd. The stakes are too high.

Now more than ever, we must be the salt of the Earth even if the world has lost its taste for this kind of salt.

More than ever, we must be the light of the world - even if the world likes to dance in the dark and play dangerous games with their eternal souls.

The world may like us to follow along blindly. But we cannot.

The Shepherd is calling us to fol-

low after Him. So, we stand and face the people in the elevator when we stand up for the unborn, for holy matrimony, for chastity, for beauty, for sacrificial living, for suffering-made-holy, for the immigrant-among-us, for peace and peaceful resolutions to conflict, for the aged-and-infirm, for family meals and family values, for Mass attendance because Jesus IS waiting for us in the Eucharist. The crowds may say we are only playing with McDonaldland toys when we pick up our rosaries and light candles in the Adoration Chapel.

Get used to feeling uncom-

CHURCH

fortable under the gaze of the world. St. Paul’s prediction is upon us: “For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” -- II Timothy 4:3-7

TODAY

Volume XLIV, No. 109 • October 21, 2013 P. O. Box 7417 • Alexandria, LA 71303 churchtoday@diocesealex.org 318-445-6424 Publisher: Editor: Advertising: Circulation:

Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog, Bishop of Alexandria Jeannie Petrus, ext. 255; jpetrus@diocesealex.org Joan Ferguson, ext. 264; joanferguson@diocesealex.org Sandi Tarver, ext. 209; starver@diocesealex.org

THE CHURCH TODAY (USPS 393-240) is published by the Catholic Diocese of Alexandria, once a month, free of charge to members of the parishes in the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana. Out of diocese subscriptions are $20 a year. The office is located at 4400 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria, LA 71303. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, LA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The CHURCH TODAY, P. O. Box 7417, Alexandria, LA 71306 The CHURCH TODAY is a member of the Catholic Press Association.

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OCTOBER 21, 2013

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Lives of the Saints, part I: Saints of our diocesan parishes Do you know the names of the saints that our churches are named after?

Match the Saints listed below with the list of things each is most remembered for.

Answers on page --____ St. Alphonsus de Ligouri ____ St. Anthony of Padua ____ St. Augustine of Hippo ____ St. Edward the Confessor ____ St. Frances Cabrini ____ St. Francis of Assisi ____ St. Francis de Sales ____ St. Francis Xavier ____ St. Genevieve ____ St. James ____ St. John the Baptist ____ St. Juliana of Nicomedia ____ St. Louis ____ St. Margaret Mary ____ St. Martin de Porres ____ St. Michael ____ St. Patrick ____ St. Paul ____ St. Peter ____ St. Rita

A. an Italian bishop, who founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer and was a prolific writer.

B. an apostle, first pope, and was crucified on the cross upside-down.

C. the cousin of Jesus, who paved the path for his Coming.

D. one of three apostles who witnessed the Transfiguration on the mountain.

E. a Franciscan, Doctor of the Church, who preached the truth to heretics. “Finder of lost articles.”

F. a “bad boy” for years, converted through prayers of his holy mother and became a priest and bishop.

G. founder of Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart; first American citizen to be canonized a saint.

H. Jesus told this son of a wealthy man to “repair my Church.” Founder of the Franciscan Order.

I. After failing to convert Calvinists back to Catholicism during the Protestant Reformation, this person succeeded by writing his sermons on paper and slipping them under the door. Patron of journalists.

J. one of seven who founded the Society of Jesus, Converted tens of thousands of people in Portugal, Japan, the Philippines, and India, despite not knowing the native language.

K. assuring them protection from Heaven, this saint persuaded the people of Paris to fast and pray, averting an imminent invasion from Attila the Hun. L. a lay brother at the Dominican Friary, this saint was so devoted to doing penances, God gave him many graces and gifts, such as aerial flights and bi-location.

M. though not a canonized saint, he is one of only three archangels mentioned by name in the Bible.

N. a bishop of Ireland, credited with thousands of conversions over 40 years.

O. though not one of the original 12 Apostles, this saint converted on the road to Damascus and became one of the greatest evangelizers.

P. patroness of impossible cases; this wife and mother, lost her husband and two sons to violence. Spent life doing good works, praying, and fasting.

Q. the only King of France to be canonized a saint.

R. received visions of Jesus and was asked by Jesus to spread the devotion to His Sacred Heart.

S. King of England in 1042 and built St. Peter’s Abbey at Westminster.

T. a virgin martyr who refused to marry a pagan, and was imprisoned, tortured, and beheaded.

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OCTOBER 21, 2013

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Monsignor Henry Beckers Burse Bayou Chateau Nursing Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00

Father Harvey J. Fortier Burse Mr. and Mrs. Edward Crooks, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400.00

Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$930.00

THREE ALEXANDRIA SEMINARIANS INSTITUTED AS LECTORS. Alexandria seminarians Gus “Dutch” Voltz, Derek Ducote, and Carlos Burgos pose with the Most Rev. Michael Jarrell, Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette, outside St. Rita Catholic Church in New Orleans. The seminarians were instituted to the minor order of Lector by Bishop Jarrell, on Oct. 13, (the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time) during the annual Mass of Institution of Lectors and Acolytes. The three seminarians are all students at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

ARCHBISHOP FROM INDIA VISITS DIOCESE TO SHOW APPRECIATION FOR CARE OF FATHER FERRE D’CRUZ. Archbishop Soosa Pakiam of the Archdiocese of Trivandrum in India, recently visited the Diocese of Alexandria to express his appreciation for the care given to one of his priests, Father Ferre D’Cruz, who passed away April 3, 2013. Following a meeting with Bishop Ronald Herzog in Alexandria, the archbishop visited St. Edward Church in Tallulah where Father Ferre had been the pastor for the last 15 years. In Tallulah, Bishop Pakiam celebrated Mass in thanksgiving for Father Ferre’s life. The archbishop was accompanied by Father Chris Nayak, Alexandria, who along with Father James Nellikunnel, Winnsboro, and Father Ron Mathews, pastoral administrator at St. Edward joined in concelebrating the Mass. Following Mass, the parishioners of St. Edward hosted a dinner for the archbishop.

Sister Kateri Continued from pg. 7 “It was providential,” she said. “At that time, I didn’t know what direction my life would take, but I guess God did.”

She was present at the canonization of St. Kateri by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome last October.

“It was a wonderful thing for me to experience the canonization of someone who has been so much a part of me my entire life,” she said.

Sister Kateri celebrated her golden jubilee last year, and has spent the last 15 years at the Tekakwitha Conference Center in full time native American missionary work.

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CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 9

St. Kateri Tekakwitha Conference Center moves to Alexandria

By Jeannie Petrus CT editor After a year of searching, the national office of the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Conference Center has found a new home in Alexandria -- at 2225 N. Bolton Ave. The Conference Center, founded in 1939 in Fargo, N. Dakota, is currently located in Great Falls, Montana, where it was established as the national office in 1979.

According to executive director Sister Kateri Mitchell, SSA (Sisters of St. Anne) the search for a new home had to do with finding a more “appealing place” for attracting staff members.

“In the past, it has been difficult to get an executive director for the office,” said Sister Kateri, “because so many applicants were not willing to move to Great Falls.”

Great Falls, located in north central Montana, has a population of 59,000 in the city and 81,000 in the metropolitan area. The average temperature is 44.8 degrees and the average annual snowfall is 58 inches per year.

“Maybe because it snows 9 months out of the year,” I don’t know,” she said. “It’s a beautiful recreational area, but I guess not very appealing for a person to want to move up there.”

The search for a permanent home has been going on for 12 years, which has included visits to California, New Mexico, Ari-

Saint Kateri

Tekakwitha CONFERENCE CENTER Alexandria, Louisiana

Future home of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Conference Center -- 2225 N. Bolton

zona, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Colorado, Indiana, Alabama, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and New York.

But for one reason or another, the search has always come to a dead end. Until now.

But why Alexandria?

“I met Bishop Ronald Herzog a few years ago at the Tekakwitha Conference in Albuqerque, N.M.,” she said. “He showed much interest in our organization and invited us to host one of our conventions in Alexandria.”

The wheels began to turn and before long, it was official -- the

annual Tekakwitha Conference is scheduled to be held in Alexandria in 2015.

“Soon after establishing the convention in Alexandria for 2015, I started looking at Alexandria as a possible site for our new home,” she said. “Alexandria is similar in size to Great Falls, has a warmer climate, and has a friendly appeal to it.”

Sister Kateri visited Alexandria last year (Nov., 2012) but was unsuccessful at that time of finding a suitable building. She returned to Montana, but continued to search with the help of a

local realtor. This month, a suitable building was purchased at 2225 N. Bolton Ave. Sister Kateri expects to move to Alexandria by the end of October or the first part of November. After a few renovations to the building, the national office is expected to open its doors in Alexandria the first week of December. The building will include office space, a meeting room, a gift shop, and a resource center.

What does the office do?

The mission of the Tekakwitha Conference national office is two-fold: -- evangelization among indigenous Catholics of North America under the protection of St. Kateri, and promotion of the devotion to St. Kateri, the first North American indigenous saint (canonized Oct. 21, 2012).

“Everything you would ever want to know about Saint Kateri will be found in this place,” she said, “including religious medals, prayer cards, books and other resource materials.”

As executive director, Sister Kateri will spend most of her time conducting workshops, giving talks to civic groups, and promoting the devotion to St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

Sister Kateri vs St. Kateri In many ways, Sister Kateri and St. Kateri have a lot in common.

Like Saint Kateri, Sister Kateri is a member of the Mohawk

Sister Kateri Mitchell

Executive Director of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Conference Center Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy and a member of the Turtle Clan.

Like Saint Kateri, Sister Kateri was born and raised in northern New York State on a reservation, where her parents were Mohawks and the Mohawk language was their first language.

Her birth name was Kawaniniio and she grew up with a strong devotion to Kateri Tekakwitha passed on to her by her father.

When she entered religious life, she was asked to submit three names that she would want to use as her new given name.

Although Kateri was her third choice, the Sisters of St. Anne chose that name for her.

See SISTER KATERI, pg. 6

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 10

HOLY GHOST /ST. RICHARD CHAPEL TASTE OF CREOLE. Holy Ghost/ St. Richard Chapel had their first Annual Taste of Creole on Sept.

21 at the Holy Ghost School Gym. Parishioners, families and friends got a chance to sample some of the tasty Creole dishes of the South.

ST. RITA CHURCH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR. St. Rita Church honored Stan Fryer with the Kathy Holt Volunteer of the Year award Sept. 29 at the annual St. Rita Church Volunteer Luncheon. Stan was honored for his many years of service as a sacristan at St. Rita Church and as a volunteer Catholic Chaplain at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Church.

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation The Church Today • 393-240 • Sept. 30, 2013 Monthly, Free of Charge 4400 Coliseum Blvd.

Alexandria, LA 71303 • (318) 445-2401 Publisher: Most Reverend Ronald P. Herzog 4400 Coliseum Blvd. • Alexandria, LA 71303 Editor: Jeannie Petrus 4400 Coliseum Blvd Alexandria. LA 71303

Advertising: Joan Ferguson 4400 Coliseum Blvd Alexandria. LA 71303

Average no. of copies each issue No. of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: during preceeding 12 months: 13,397

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Total copies

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Total Distribution

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100% 100% Filing Date: Sept. 30, 2013

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL #1134 Grand Knight Bo Vets presents a check for $150,000 to Father Craig Scott, pastor of St. Rita Church, for their part in the building of a new maintenance shop at St. Rita Church. The new maintenance shop will include a meeting space that will be used by the KC Council.

Pictured are Patrick Kelly, Bo Vets, Father Craig Scott, Alfred Mathews, Jr., and Charles Thiels. Construction of the new shop is expected to begin soon, and should be completed by the summer of 2014.

OCTOBER 21, 2013

OCTOBER 21, 2013

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 11

Three honored at installation celebration of KC JPII Council

KC COUNCIL 14657 JOHN PAUL II celebrated the installation of new officers Aug. 19 with a special Mass by Father Bruce Miller and a meal shared by the families of all of the council members. Tommy Sayer was installed as the new Grand Knight of the council.

The relatively new Knights of Columbus council at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Pineville -- John Paul II Council #14657 -- celebrated the installation of new officers Aug. 19 with a special Mass by Father Bruce Miller, SH pastor.

The celebration began with an 11:30 a.m. Mass in the church, followed by a delicious pot roast meal that was prepared by Johnny Mayeux.

Tommy Sayer was installed as the new Grand Knight of the council.

After the installation ceremony, Donald Hebert and Michael VanDyke were awarded plaques of gratitude from the council for their dedicated leadership as former Grand Knights.

Father Stephen Soares, a

Fourth Degree Knight and council chaplain, was also presented with a Fourth Degree ceremonial sword in appreciation for his spiritual commitment to the council.

The council was chartered in 2007, and its watchwords are “Calling Knights to Service— Helping Those Who Cannot Help Themselves.” Council projects proposed in 2013-14 include supporting the needs of the parish by hosting weekly parish suppers once per month, fundraising in support of the Sacred Heart ACTS program, and advancing local efforts to protect the unborn.

The council welcomes Catholic men to join in these efforts by becoming a Knight of Columbus.

Membership information can be obtained by calling 318-2293928.

Sacred Heart of Jesus hosts first Hispanic KC council in the diocese

KC COUNCIL #15731 SAN FRANCISCO DE ASIS is the first Hispanic KC council in the diocese. Pictured are (kneeling) Alex Melendez, Ramiro Martinez, Alex Melendez Jr., and Gerardo Bamaca. Center kneeling are Father Martin Laird, chaplain and Don Hebert, District Deputy. Back row (standing) is Javier Bamaca, Marcelo Lopez, Amarildo Dionicio, Sergio Ruiz, Jose Colls, and Ryan Melendez. Not pictures is Alejandro Cuxun, Feliz Victoriano, and Noe Bamaca.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Pineville is the sponsor of the first Hispanic Knights of Columbus Council in the diocese, and one of only a few in the state.

According to Alex Melendez, Grand Knight of the San Fancisco de Asis Council #15731, the organization received its charter on June 22, 2013.

Officers elected at the first meeting are Alex Melendez, Grand Knight; Sergio Ruiz, Deputy Grand Knight; Ramiro Martinez, treasurer; Alex Melendez, Jr., financial secretary; Marcelo Lopez, outside guard; Amarildo Dionicio, warden; Jose Colls, lector, Alejandro Cuxun, advocate; Felix Victoriano, 3rd year trustee; Noe Bamaca, recorder; and Father Martin Laird, chaplain. Don Hebert is the District Deputy.

“We are very excited to start

a KC Council in this diocese that welcomes Hispanic Catholic men to this organization,” said Melendez. “There is a need for such an organization because the Hispanic community is growing in this area. We are especially grateful to Don Hebert, Vincent Alvares, and Jose Jimenez for their support and guidance in getting our charter.”

He added, “We need to reach out to our young Hispanic men and teach them the meaning of serving, charity and to be good practicing Catholics.”

The group meets on the second Saturday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Community Center. Meetings are conducted in Spanish.

Anyone interested in joining the council, can contact Melendez at 504-756-4299 or email him at alexrm@att.net or just show up at the meeting.

PAGE 12

CHURCH TODAY

BLESSING OF THE TOMB OF THE UNBORN. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders from St. Frances Cabrini School stand next to the Tomb of the Unborn that was recently blessed and dedicated by Father Chad Partain, pastor. October is Respect Life month.

OCTOBER 21, 2013

DEDICATION OF THE MEMORIAL OF THE UNBORN. Bishop Ronald Herzog blesses the Memorial of the Unborn, a newly erected site located behind St Francis Xavier Cathedral, next to the Marian Grotto. A special Mass and dedication ceremony was held Sept. 21, where several priests, deacons, and pro-life supporters gathered. The memorial was a project spearheaded by the Rapides Right to Life group.

Church of the Little Flower, Evergreen, held an Altar Server Recognition Mass on August 21. Pictured are Fr. Bartholomew Ibe, pastor, . Not pictured are Walter Armand and Patrick Marchand.

Answers to Saints Quiz, pg. 5: A. St. Alphonsus E. St. Anthony of Padua F. St. Augustine of Hippo S. St. Edward the Confessor G. St. Frances Cabrini H. St. Francis of Assisi I. St. Franics de Sales J. St. Francis Xavier K. St. Genevieve D. St. James C. St. John the Baptist T. St. Juliana of Nicomedia Q. St. Louis R. St. Margaret Mary L. St. Martin de Porres M. St. Michael N. St. Patrick O. St. Paul B. St. Peter P. St. Rita

MISSION TRIP TO NICARAGUA. (second from left) and her mother, Heidi Wampler, both from St. Frances Cabrini parish, returned to Nicaragua this August for their annual mission trip. The two spent a couple of afternoons with the girls at the orphanage and had lunch with them on Saturday afternoon. was able to bring them some more painting supplies that had been donated since their last trip in November 2012. She spent one afternoon painting and drawing, one afternoon helping with homework and another day shopping at the grocery store and then putting away donations that had been received the day before. The rest of the trip was spent at Hogar Los Ninos, the boys orphanage. helped paint several rooms at the orphanage.“It was a great trip,� said Heidi.

OCTOBER 21, 2013

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 13

St. John the Baptist youth group enjoys 5-day trip to San Antonio Twenty-four students from the youth group (ages 10-16) at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Deville enjoyed a fiveday retreat July 14-18 to San Antonio, Texas.

Under the direction of youth coordinators Loretta Reed and Evelyn Pentz, and with the help of the Associates of the Congregation of Divine Providence (CDP) at St. John’s parish, planning for the trip began about a year ago.

“The purpose of the retreat was to bring the youth closer to their faith, expose them to some of our Catholic history, and to have fun in the process,” said Pentz.

Once the group arrived in San Antonio, they enjoyed a one-day retreat with the Mobile Ministry at the Moye Center in Castroville, under the direction of Sister Mary Bordelon, CDP. Half of the second day, the group toured Our Lady of the Lake Convent on the campus of Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. Sister Dale Van Gossen gave the 24 students and 16 adult chaperones a tour of the convent, where they also visited Sister Ann Petrus, CDP superior general (originally from Alexandria) and many other Sisters of Divine Providence who live at the convent.

“We had a great time visiting with all of the sisters and it was hard to get the students and chaperones to leave because they were enjoying themselves so much,”

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST (Deville) YOUTH GROUP members who participated in the 5-day retreat to San Antonio are . Chaperones included Father Paul Kunnumpuram, Liz Alford, Jennifer Beaubouef, Raquel Bordelon, Bonnie Chatelain, Shirley Crews, John Deville, Michele Lacombe, LeJean Moore, Evelyn Pentz, Loretta Reed, Shelley Snodgrass. Associates of the Congregation of Divine Providence (ACDPs) who went on the trip were Audrey Crews, Julia Crews, Mary Sills, and Jackie Wilson. said Pentz.

Many of the students found prayer partners while visiting the sisters, and are now corresponding with them.

On the same day, the students toured the city, making stops at Mission San Jose, San Fernando Cathedral, and the Al-

amo. The group also experienced the Rio San Antonio Cruise on the San Antoni River, the Hard Rock Cafe on the Riverwalk, and the Alamo Cafe.

The third day was spent at Sea World.

“We want to thank Father Paul Kunnumpuram for allowing

VISITING CDP SISTERS IN SAN ANTONIO. The Youth Group from St. John the Baptist Church in Deville included a visit to Our Lady of the Lake Convent in their five-day retreat to San Antonio. The group met with the Sisters of Divine Providence and enjoyed a tour of the convent.

us to make this trip, and to Sisters Mary Bordelon, Margaret Ann Verzwyvelt and Dale Van Gossen for their help in making our trip to the convent very rewarding for all of us,” said Pentz.

Planning for the trip began a year ago when students and their parents organized fundraisers to

SHARING CRAFTS. shows Sister Julian Honza a craft book she made as a gift for the sisters. The students spent one day of their retreat at Our Lady of the Lake Convent in San Antonio.

help raise money to fund the trip.

Some of the fundraising events included the youth picking up, shelling and selling over 700 lbs. of pecans, a Bingo/Magic Show Night, pizza nights at CCD, selling GeauxCatholic T-shirts, Krispy Kreme Donuts, Rada Cutlery, and having bake sales.

MAKING NEW FRIENDS. and , visit with Sister Marie Gleitz from Our Lady of the Lake Convent. Many of the students found prayer partners at the convent and are now corresponding with them.

PAGE 14

CHURCH TODAY

OCTOBER 21, 2013

TARVER LAND DEVELOPMENT -- FIRST PLACE GROSS. Members of the team are Mark Herron, Jarred Tarver, Gentry Mangum, and Jason Lewis.

PAYNE, MOORE & HERRINGTON -- FIRST PLACE PEORIA. Members of the team are Bryce Sanders, Curtis Meaux, Bob Dvorak, and Eric Meaux.

JUSTIN HATHORN TEAM -- 2ND PLACE GROSS. Members of the team are Justin Hathorn, Ross Bryant, Cole Bryant, Lance LaCaze.

CURLEY/LEDET TEAM -- 2ND PLACE PEORIA. Members of the team are Les Glanker, Gene Ledet, Jimmy Whittle, and Jamie Curley.

PREMIER REALTY OF CENLA -- 3RD PLACE GROSS. Members of the team are Chris Smith, ST. ANTHONY CATHOLIC CHURCH, BUNKIE -- 3RD PLACE PEORIA. Members of the team Jimmy Williams, Danny Clear, and Russell Osbourne. are Chris Roy, Tom Roy, Mark Coulon, and A.J. Juneau.

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CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 15

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WELCOME! Father Louis Sklar, assistant vocations director, and Bishop Ronald Herzog, welcome the participants to the golf tournament before leading the players in prayer and sending them off to the green.

CONCENTRATION. Members of the team from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Tioga wait while a putt is in progress.

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LET’S ROLL! Two members of the E.L. Gremillion and Son team, were one of 30 teams who participated in this year’s golf tournament.

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Special thanks to:

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E.L. GREMILLION

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sponsor of Bishop’s Golf Tournament

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PAGE 16

CHURCH TODAY

OCTOBER 21, 2013

ST. MARY’S (Natchitoches) EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD. Jennifer Maggio, head of the religion department and administrator of Religious Services at St. Mary’s School in Natchitoches, was awarded the Em Knipmeyer Excellence in Teaching Award Sept. 25 by David Stamey and Mrs. Joe Stamey.

The award is presented every year by the family of Em Knipmeyer (sister of Mrs. Stamey) who was a teacher and principal at St. Mary’s School for many years. Knipmeyer’s dedication and devotion to St. Mary’s inspired Stamey to create the award in honor of her sister.

MENARD QUALIFIERS. Thirty-five 7th graders qualified for the Duke University TIP Award program.

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ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE. Rosemay Mixon, a teacher at St. Anthony School in Bunkie, visits with parents Donnie Newton, Kathy Brown and Catherine Fontenot during the school’s Open House held Sept. 12. A BBQ sandwich fundraiser was held during the open house to raise funds for the school.

HOLY SAVIOR MENARD GOLFERS. Four Menard golfers participated in the Roy O. Martin Golf Tournament held Sept. 30 at the University Club in Baton Rouge. The tournament raised $180,000 for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe. Pictured are , Jonathan Martin, .

CHURCH TODAY

OCTOBER 21, 2013

Menard kicker,

By Leigh Guidry Town Talk Staff scores more than wh kicks an extra point or field goal this football season for Holy Savior Menard Central High School in Alexandria. He might be helping cure cancer.

17, is one of 11 high scho letes taking part in Kickers Kicking Cancer to raise money for the CURE Childhood Cancer organization.

He learned about the program last summer at a football camp. It calls for each kicker to get sponsorships or one-time donations for each point he scores during the season.

“You can do a donation or (donate) for every field goal, kick or extra point I make,” said, adding that donation can be made for touchbacks on kickoffs. At the end of the season, the donations are given to CURE Childhood Cancer.

“Since cancer has had such a big impact on my family, I knew it was something I had to do,” said has lost two family mem o cancer, including his father last year and his grand-

mother just weeks ago.

His older sister was diagnosed with leukemia eight years ago at age 20 and again about a year later. She had a stem cell transplant six and a half years ago and is in remission, said Michelle Tatum, mom.

Mic d her son’s support for cancer research is a passion of his.

“I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “I think his daddy would be very proud of him to take this on.”

The program raises money for research to cure childhood cancers and support patients and their families.

“I’m trying to raise money for it,” said. “I feel like it was s g I had to do.”

He has raised $325 online already this season — not far from his listed goal of $500, which he’s considering doubling. And that’s just one-time donations.

That doesn’t include any donations made for the 29 points has scored in the first ames of the season. He’s made 17 extra points and four field goals, including a 33-yarder as time expired to clinch a win against Leesville High Sept. 20.

Donations are listed on his

PAGE 17

scoring points to fight cancer

Holy Savior Menard senior kicker is participating in the Kickers Kicking Cancer program to support CURE Childhood Cancer’s research. / Tia Owens-Powers/towens@thetowntalk.com

FirstGiving page, which acts as a profile and online donation hub. He also can raise donations offline and add them to the site.

“My father passed away of pan-

creatic cancer last year,” wrote on his FirstGiving p .

“I am making it my goal to stop cancer.”

Menard football coach Fred-

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die Hallman is impressed with his kicker’s passion, but he’s not surprised. “ has been through some times in his life,” Hallman said. “If anybody knows a little bit about dealing with cancer, it’s him and his family. I’m proud he has the initiative to go through with something like that.

It’s a small thing, but he’s playing his part.”

Not only is his team behind him, but so is the whole Menard family, Michelle said.

“The school has been very supportive,” she said.

Web page is full of enco and supportive comments from donors.

“We are so proud of you and your accomplishments you have made,” Wesley and Diane Gueringer wrote. “Keep up the good work.”

“We wanted to support you too and are praying for you and your family,” William and Willa Ham wrote. “What a sweet way to honor your dad.”

“Keep up the great work on and off the field!” John and Cherise Rino wrote.

CURE was established in 1975 as a grass-roots organization focused on improving the care, quality of life and survival of children with cancer.

(Copyrighted story reprinted with permission from The Town Talk. latest donations are now $1,190.00.)

PAGE 18

CHURCH TODAY

SACRED HEART SCHOOL (Moreauville) LIVING ROSARY. Students at Sacred Heart School stood on permanent stones embedded in the ground around the grotto as they prayed the Living Rosary outside on Oct. 4. Many parishioners and parents attended the Living Rosary as it was lead by Mrs. Marcy

OCTOBER 21, 2013

Center, eighth grade homeroom teacher and Sr. Delnise Silva, religion teacher. The children’s choir lead the songs: “Immaculate Mary” and concluded with the “Ave Maria”. The rosary was offered for our government as decisions are being made for the citizens of the United States, and for peace around the world.

FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI. St. Rita Church celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Sunday, Oct. 6 with the annual Blessing of the Animals. Pet owners in the parish brought more than 60 animals in to be blessed by Father Craig Scott, pastor of St. Rita.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL CELEBRATES FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI. Father Marc Noel, pastor of Sacred Heart parish in Moreauville, blesses the pets brought by the students. The annual Blessing of the Pets was held Oct. 4 in celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

ST. FRANCES CABRINI CELEBRATES THE FEAST OF ST. THERESE, THE LITTLE FLOWER OF JESUS ON OCT. 1. Students who brought roses for St. Therese joined in the procession and blessing at Cabrini Church at the 8 a.m. Mass.

Novena prayers in the presence of the relic of St. Therese were held the same day at the 12:15 p.m. Mass.

OCTOBER 21, 2013

CHURCH TODAY

OLPS kindergarten teacher aide dies Funeral services were held Oct. 15 for OLPS kindergarten teacher assistant Pamela Mathews Williams, who passed away Friday, Oct. 11.

Pam was a graduate of Alexandria Senior High School and was a parishioner at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church.

“She had a loving and giving nature that touched many students’ lives and the lives of those she met along the way.

She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed,” it was stated in her obit.

Explaining death to a young child OLPS K-3 students coping with death of their teacher aide

By Jeannie Petrus CT editor

Pamela Mathews Williams She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Rodney; a daughter, Morgan; two brothers Joey and Cecil Mathews; and three sisters, Diane Brown, Gloria Verzwyvelt and Rita Zangla.

PAGE 19

Attentively sitting on the floor of the classroom and facing Father Dan, 21 sweet kindergarteners turned around briefly to sneak in a quick smile and a wave to their parents who were filing into the room on Monday, Oct. 14.

Surely the children wondered why mom and dad had come to their classroom that morning, so quiet, so somber, and without the fanfare of getting hugs and kisses upon their arrival.

What was going on? -- they must have wondered.

The fact is, Mrs. Pam Mathews Williams, their beloved teacher assistant, passed away Friday, Oct. 11.

Father Dan O’Connor, pastor of OLPS, was there to talk to the children, with the support and presence of their parents, Principal Jo Tassin, Assistant Principal Jackie DeWorth, and their teacher Mrs. Becky Thibeaux.

“All of us in this room, really, really love Ms. Pam, don’t we,” began Father Dan, in the kindest and gentlest of voices. All of their little heads gently nodded “yes” in total agreement.

“But Friday afternoon, after school, Ms. Pam didn’t feel too good,” he continued. “She went to the hospital and found out the doctors could no longer do anything to make her heart stronger.

Jesus didn’t want Ms. Pam’s heart

to hurt her any more, so he took her to heaven that night.”

While Father continued to explain the situation, it was apparent that there were many mixed emotions among the children. While one or two may have been a little distracted or interested elsewhere, most were listening attentively to what Father was telling them and trying to understand what it all meant.

“I’m going to miss Ms. Pam,” was the response from one little girl, after Father Dan asked if there were any questions.

“Yes, we are all going to miss Ms. Pam,” Father Dan assured her.

“My grandpa died last year and he’s in heaven too,” said a little boy.

“I’ll bet your grandpa will get to meet Ms. Pam, now, in heaven,” replied Father, which brought a big smile of hope to the little boy.

“One time, my dog died,” said another little girl, “and I was very sad.”

“Losing someone we love, does make us sad,” replied Fr. Dan. “And it’s OK to feel sad.”

One by one, the children expressed their feelings and their understanding of what it means to die.

An e-mail was sent out over the weekend to all of the parents of the children in the class. Parents were encouraged to discuss the situation with their child, and

were also invited to attend the meeting that Monday to hear Father Dan talk to the children.

According to KidsHealth, a non-profit organization devoted to the health and spirit of children, discussing death with a child depends largely on their age, life experiences, and personality.

A few points to remember: • Be honest with kids and encourage questions.

• Create an atmosphere of comfort and openness, and send the message that there’s no right or wrong way to feel.

• Share any spiritual beliefs you have about death.

Ms. Jennifer Mathews, a cousin of Ms. Pam, will serve as the teacher’s aide until someone more permanent can be found.

Together, she and Ms. Becky will continue to answer questions the kids may have, as they arise during the school year.

The K-3 class did not attend the funeral, but did come at the beginning to recite this prayer for Ms. Pam:

Baby Jesus, bless me, keep me close to You. I want to please you, Jesus, in everything I do.

Be near me, little Jesus, in my work and play.

Help me love you, Jesus, more and more each day.

Free Church Today for College Students r Yes, I want my son/daughter to stay in touch with his/her faith community while attending college.

Please send the Church Today free of charge to the following address:

Student’s name ______________________________________________________________________________ College Attending ____________________________________________________________________________ Student’s Address ____________________________________________________________________________ City _____________________________________________ State ______________ Zip ___________________ Parish student regularly attends in the Diocese of Alexandria __________________________________________ Mail to Church Today, 4400 Colisum Blvd, Alexandria, LA 71303 or email info to jpetrus@diocesealex.org

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 20

OCTOBER 21, 2013

Lighthouse Catholic Media CDs: simple ways to learn about the faith

By Jeannie Petrus CT editor As a devoted member of the Lighthouse Catholic Media “CD of the Month Club,” I am always happy to see one of their CD kiosks located in the back of a church. But then I wonder why not every parish has them.

To me, Lighthouse Catholic Media is one of the most effective, easy to use, easy to understand, affordable channels to learn about the Catholic faith.

Lighthouse Catholic Media is a not-for-profit company that seeks to answer the call of the New Evangelization. It specializes in promoting the Catholic Faith through high-quality, faith-filled presentations on audio CDS and MP3s from many of the world’s best Catholic speakers.

The company started in 2006 from a wooden box of cassette tapes in the back of one church and has since expanded to more than 5,000 parishes (located in more than 59 countries) and more than 5 million CDs distributed world-wide.

In addition to CDs, Lighthouse also uses other forms of

media, including books, booklets, pamphlets, apps, and more.

The easiest way to take advantage of the wealth of Catholic information they have out there is to enroll in the CD of the Month Club, and you’ll receive a CD each month in the mail, or enroll in the MPS Download of the Month Club and you’ll receive an MP3 file emailed to your computer each month.

In either club, you will hear a really dynamic speaker discuss one of hundreds of topics involving the Catholic faith. Each one is interesting and informative in its own unique way.

The Truth be Told Club is a special series of topics designed especially for youth and young

adults. Two subscription clubs are available free --including the Free Military Download of the Month Club (for veterans, military personnel and their families); or the Free Speak Lord, Your Servant is Listening Download of the Month Club (for seminarians or those pursuing the religious life).

If that’s not enough, there is also a new FREE Lighthouse Catholic Media Bible App. Simply download the app from their website and you’ll have a good Catholic Bible available with you at all times.

Like most people, I am a busy person who works full-time, has a family, and am involved in several activities that keep me running. So who has time to learn

more about the faith?

Lighthouse Catholic Media CDs are great because: • You can listen to them whenever you want -- mostly in the car when driving to and from work.

• You can choose the titles you want to listen to -- the topics you want to learn more about.

• The speakers are dynamic, interesting, and really know their stuff. They know how to explain a topic so that anyone can understand it.

• You can listen to the CDs over and over (and most of the time I do) because they are so powerful.

• Listening to the CDs will teach you so much about your faith.

The more you learn, the more you will want to know.

DOWNLOADS FOR YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS

FREE

for military, their families, veterans

MILITARY DOWNLOAD OF THE MONTH CLUB

SAVE up to 40% with

Alexandria Business Machines Copiers • Printers • Printer Supplies Faxes • Office Supplies Cost Management for your Business

318-443-0435 5527 Coliseum Blvd.

Alexandria, LA 71303-3708

Free Download for Seminarians Vocations DowNload of the Month Club

For more information, go to www.lighthousecatholicmedia. org. Browse the more than 100 selections on the website or click on any of the subscriber clubs for information on how to enroll.

Some of the more popular speakers include Dr. Scott Hahn, Kimberly Hahn, Matthew Kelly, Patrick Madrid, Fr. Robert Barron, Dr. Brant Pitre, Fr. Frances Pelfry, Fr. Michael Gaitley, Mother Theresa, and Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

The topics cover every aspect of the faith including the Eucharist, the Virgin Mary, the Sacraments, the Mass, Divine Mercy, the Angels, the Saints, theology, Church history, and testimonials from people who converted to Catholicism from other faiths.

You can also call any one of the following local Lighthouse Catholic Media reps in this area: • Mary Ann Reddoch, Alexandria rep -- 318-277-0545.

• Melanie McCain, Natchitoches rep -- 318-332-8771.

• Diane Whaley, Alexandria rep, 225-923-3770.

• Valerie Britt, district rep, 318359-0801

OCTOBER 21, 2013

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 21

Viewers of box office hit, Gravity, will find it refreshingly pro-life Ill-fated astronauts contemplate afterlife while facing imminent death in space

By Joseph McAleer Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- Hold on tight for the ride of your life in “Gravity” (Warner Bros.), a lostin-space adventure as exhilarating as it is terrifying.

Director Alfonso Cuaron (“Children of Men”), who cowrote the screenplay with his son Jonas, serves up a modernday horror story with top-notch performances and dazzling 3-D cinematography that envelops the audience in the majesty of space.

The film’s life-or-death scenario evokes the spirit of the 2011 movie “Apollo 18.” But the danger here doesn’t come from aliens as it did in that feature. Instead, it results from all-too-human technology gone badly wrong.

Amid the mayhem, “Gravity” has another, deeper story to tell, as the nearness of death provokes reflections on mortality and the afterlife.

The space shuttle is in orbit 370 miles above Earth, and astronauts Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) are outside it, making repairs to the Hubble Space Telescope. The two crewmates are chalk and cheese: Stone the cool, reserved scientist on her first mission; Kowalski the cocky veteran, a fun-loving space cowboy with the gift of the gab who’s savoring

Gravity. Sandra Bullock and George Clooney star in a scene from the movie “Gravity.” When two astronauts find themselves floating in space after their shuttle is destroyed, they have plenty of time contemplate their imminent death and the afterlife. Viewers of faith will find the dialogue on this topics satisfying and refreshingly pro-life. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III and the Motion Picture Association of Americ rating is PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (CNS photo/Warner Bros.) his final voyage.

“Houston, I have a bad feeling about this mission,” Kowalski quips lightheartedly to mission control before breaking into another yarn as his favorite country music plays in the background.

Kowalski’s levity is misplaced. When the Russians launch a missile against a spy satellite, it causes a chain reaction in space, raining debris on the astro-

nauts. Within seconds, the shuttle is destroyed, and Kowalski and Stone are the only survivors, cut off from Earth and spiraling into outer space.

What ensues is “E.T.” in reverse, as our plucky marooned humans search for a way to go home (where gravity is taken for granted). With Kowalski steering his jet pack and Stone on a tether, they make their way to the near-

est oasis, the International Space Station, where more challenges await.

To describe what happens next would be a spoiler. Suffice it to say that, in the deafening silence of space, the duo has plenty of time to meditate as they stare death in the face.

For Stone, this is an epiphany. She laments that she is alone in the world, mourning the loss

MOVIE

REVIEW of her only child in an accident years ago. “Who will pray for my soul?” she asks.

While she admits that she has never prayed herself, she regrets that no one ever taught her how.

Such feelings are hardly surprising when the possibility of death is imminent. But “Gravity” -- which provides a rare combination of enlightenment and excitement -- uses these sentiments as stepping stones toward a resolution that viewers of faith will find both satisfying and refreshingly pro-life.

In view of its underlying significance, and despite the elements listed below, some parents may consider “Gravity” acceptable for mature adolescents.

The film contains scenes of intense peril and horror, brief gore, at least one use of profanity and a few crude expressions. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13.

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 22 Oct. 26 Cabrini Fest

St. Frances Cabrini Church in Alexandria will host Cabrini Fest on Saturday, Oct 26 beginning at 7 a.m.

Events during the day include a Panther Run at 7 a.m.; a Pancake Breakfast at 7:30 a.m., booths and games from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., a gumbo dinner from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Bingo from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; a Live Auction at 3:30 p.m., and a Men’s Cook-off at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 448-3333 or go to www.cabrinischool.com

DIOCESAN

BRIEFS prayer vigils and pro-life action around the country. And, consider fasting or doing without a favorite activity, like video games, TV or the internet. Beginning Sept. 25, there will be daily devotions online at www.40daysforlife.com

Oct. 31 Last day to register for Radio Maria Nov. 15 Diocesan Mass free trip to Holy Land or Medjugorje for Addiction and Recovery You could win a 10-day trip for two to the Holy Land or an 8-day trip for two to Medjugorje in the Radio Maria Immaculate Conception Sweepstakes. To enter, you must fill out an official entry form, available at Radio Maria on Washington Street or at the St. Joseph Catholic Center in Alexandria (ask for Jeannie Petrus). A $10 donation is recommended, but not required. All entries must be received

by Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013. The pilgrimage offer expires on Dec. 15, 2014.

Nov. 2 Natural Family Planning Fall Picnic The local Couple to Couple League chapter (that teaches Natural Family Planning) will host an NFP Fall Picnic on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Kees Park in Pineville from noon - 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided. For more information, contact Michael and Leah Pelto at michaelandleah@ suddenlink.net or 318.640.8678!

40 Days for Life campaign 40 Days for Life (Sept. 25-Nov. 3) is a focused prolife campaign with a vision to access God’s power through prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion. Even if there is not a 40 Days for Life campaign conducted in your area, anyone can participate by praying and/or fasting on your own.

Pray for an end to abortion. Pray for those involved in

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

St. Joseph Church, Marksville

Last one this season: Thursday, Oct. 24 Join us in prayer, while we pray for God’s blessing upon our families, church and nation

OCTOBER 21, 2013

Fr. Dan O’Connor will celebrate a special Mass on Friday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. at OLPS Church in Alexandria.

Please join Fr. Dan as he offers Mass for those afflicted with the disease of addiction and the families who are affected.

Nov. 15-17 Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats are for women and men who have been involved in an abortion. These retreats offer healing and hope after an abortion. Join us Nov. 1517 at Rosaryville Retreat Center in Ponchatoula, La. For more information, call 504-460-9360 or richj504@bellsouth.net.

Nov. 16 Parish-wide Youth Event A parish-wide youth event, “The Door is Open!” will be hosted by St. Joseph, St. Genevieve, and Holy Ghost Churches on Saturday Nov. 16 from 7-10 p.m. The event will be held at St. Joseph Church Hall, Marksville. Music will be provided by Christian Band Take Refuge from Baton Rouge. This event will feature Adoration, Praise & Worship, speakers, testimonies, and fellowship. Refreshments will also be provided. All youth in grades 9-12 are invited to attend. Come, join us…..The Door is Open! For more info, contact any of the three churches listed above.

Mardel Products Co.

Custom Millwork Residential/Commercial Woodworking www.mardelproducts.com (318) 253-7730

OLPS GARDEN STATUE BLESSED. Deacon Mike Young blessed a statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor recently in the yard of Cynthia Naus on Wimbledon Blvd. The statue was purchased from Gene Hymel, whose personal mission is to place a statue of OLPS in every parish in the diocese. He has given statues to 17 of the 50 parishes in the diocese so far, but charges a fee to individuals who want one for their yards. Pictured are Ann Craft, Susan Degeyter, Wanda James, Cynthia Naus, Jennifer Stevens, Donna Young, and Mimi Hardy. Not pictured is Angel LaJaunie and Deacon Mike Young.

Nov. 23 Women’s Charismatic Conference

The Diocesan Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Alexandria is hosting the 8th Annual Women’s Catholic Charismatic Conference on Saturday, Nov. 23 (re-scheduled from Oct. 5), at Maryhill Renewal Center in Pineville. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m. Speakers are Aggie Neck, Dr. Deregal Burbank, and Tracy Simpson. Fr. Ron Matthews, our spiritual director, will celebrate Mass Saturday at 9 a.m. This spirit-filled day includes praise & worship music, talks, workshops, & testimonies. The conference cost is $50 which covers registration, continental breakfast, lunch and light supper. Housing is available at Maryhill for $38.50 per room for Friday night only. Please call Diane Ardoin at 318-419-1547 for more information.

P.O. Box 5624 Alexandria, LA 71307 3306 Giamanco Street Phone: (318) 473-8751 Fax: (318) 473-4045 EMail: DonaldJBaker@aol.com

Donald J. Baker, ACF/RF/CF CONSULTING FORESTER Licensed Urban Tree Consultant

CHURCH TODAY

OCTOBER 21, 2013

PAGE 23

October - November Monday

Tuesday

21

VIRTUS Awareness 6:00 p.m.

Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches

Wednesday

22

23

Adult Faith Series Lamb’s Message 6:30-7:30 p.m.

St. Joseph, Marksville

Thursday

Friday

24

VIRTUS Awareness 5:30 p.m.

Sacred Heart, Pineville Illuminated Rosary 7:15 p.m.

St. Joseph Church, Marksville

Saturday

25

Mass for Deceased Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters 12:00 p.m.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria

28

PRAY FOR FR. K. MICHIELS

29

PRAY FOR FR. B. MILLER

30

Adult Faith Series Lamb’s Message 6:30-7:30 p.m.

St. Joseph, Marksville

PRAY FOR FR. J. MONTALBANO

31

Outdoor Mass 4:00 p.m.

Alexandria Memorial Gardens

PRAY FOR FR. C. MORGAN

1

4

PRAY FOR FR. K. OBIEKWE

5

PRAY FOR FR. J. O’BRIEN

Adult Faith Series Lamb’s Message 6:30-7:30 p.m.

St. Joseph, Marksville

6

PRAY FOR FR. C. NAYAK

NOVEMBER Outdoor Mass 5:00 p.m.

Greenwood Cemetery

ALL SAINTS DAY (A holy day of obligation) PRAY FOR FR. M. NOEL

26

CabriniFest 7:00 am until St. Frances Cabrini School, Alexandria

27

World Youth Sunday

St. Rita Church Fall Fair -- Alexandria

Clergy Retreat -- Maryhill Renewal Center PRAY FOR FR. J. MICHALCHUK

Sunday

Couple to Couple League Picnic 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Kees Park, Pineville

2

FIRST FRIDAY

ALL SOULS DAY FIRST SATURDAY

PRAY FOR FR. D. O’CONNOR

PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG

PRAY FOR FR. C. OGBONNA

8

3

Daylight Savings Time ends

St. John the Baptist Fall Fair -- Cloutierville

HALLOWEEN

7

PRAY FOR FR. J. NELLIKUNNEL

9

PRAY FOR FR. R. OWUAMANAM

10

ELECTION DAY PRAY FOR FR. B. PALLIPURAMBIL

11

PRAY FOR FR. J. PALLIPURATH

12

PRAY FOR FR. J. PARDUE

13

Adult Faith Series Lamb’s Message 6:30-7:30 p.m.

St. Joseph, Marksville

PRAY FOR FR. C. PARTAIN

14

PRAY FOR FR. T. PAUL

15

Diocesan Mass for Addiction and Recovery 7:00 p.m.

OLPS Church, Alexandria

18

PRAY FOR FR. J. RETNAZIHAMONI PRAY FOR FR. J. ROBLES-SANCHEZ PRAY FOR FR. E. ROGRIGUEZ-HERNANDEZ

19

20

Year of Faith ends

21

Adult Faith Series Lamb’s Message 6:30-7:30 p.m.

St. Joseph, Marksville

PRAY FOR FR. R. SHOURY

16

Parish-wide Youth Event 7:00-10:00 p.m.

St. Joseph Church, Marksville

PRAY FOR FR. R. RABAILAIS

17

Rachael’s Vineyard Retreat

VETERANS DAY PRAY FOR FR. C. RAY

PRAY FOR FR. G. POOKKATTU

PRAY FOR FR. P. SIERRA-POSADA

PRAY FOR FR. L. SKLAR

PRAY FOR FR. S. SOARES

PRAY FOR FR. J. ROY

22

St. Martin Church Dance 8:00-11:00 p.m.

St. Martin Church, Lecompte

PRAY FOR FR. I. ST. ROMAIN

PRAY FOR FR. J. RYAN

23

Women’s Catholic Charismatic Conference 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Maryhill Renewal Center

PRAY FOR MSGR. S. TESTA

PRAY FOR FR. C. SCOTT

24

PRAY FOR FR. K. TEXADA