CHURCH TODAY
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Volume XLIII, No. 12
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TODAY
Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970
ON THE
INSIDE Bishops recommend 10 Prayers for Year of Faith Catholics can prepare for the Christmas season and deepen their experience of the Year of Faith by strengthening their prayer lives. Find out what 10 prayers one bishop recommends for the Year of Faith on page 5.
Senior works in Nicaragua during holidays While most of us spent Thanksgiving enjoying a feast around a table with friends and family, a high school senior from St. Frances Cabrini parish was working on a school project -- in Nicaragua. Find out on pages 16-17 who this remarkable young girl is and the work she’s done since she was 12 years old.
Pope gets 1 million followers after first ‘tweet’ Pope Benedict XVI launched his very own Twitter account, sending a short inaugural message to his more than 1 million followers. Find out what his message said and who responded on page 18.
NATIVITY PAINTING FROM BENEDICTINE CONVENT. Mary, Joseph and the Child Jesus are depicted in a Nativity painted by Benedictine nuns in Madrid. The Christmas season begins with the Dec. 24 evening vigil commemorating the birth of Christ and ends with the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Jan. 13. (CNS/Art Resource/Album)
December 17, 2012
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CHURCH TODAY
DECEMBER 17, 2012
Hobby Lobby files suit against federal government to stop HHS mandate The following letter was emailed to Cal Catholic on Nov. 28. The lawsuit can be read about at www.foxnews.com. When my family and I started our company 40 years ago, we were working out of a garage on a $600 bank loan, assembling miniature picture frames. Our first retail store wasn’t much bigger than most people’s living rooms, but we had faith that we would succeed if we lived and worked according to God’s word. From there, Hobby Lobby has become one of the nation’s largest arts and crafts retailers, with more than 500 locations in 41 states. Our children grew up into fine business leaders, and today we run Hobby Lobby together, as a family. We’re Christians, and we run our business on Christian principles. I’ve always said that the first two goals of our business are (1) to run our business in harmony with God’s laws, and (2) to focus on people more than money. And that’s what we’ve tried to do. We close early so our employees can see their families at night. We keep our stores closed on Sundays, one of the week’s biggest shopping days, so that our workers and their families can enjoy a day of rest. We believe that it is by God’s grace that Hobby Lobby has endured, and he has blessed us and our employees. We’ve not only added jobs in a weak economy, we’ve raised wages for the past four years in a row. Our full-time employees start at 80% above minimum wage. But now, our government threatens to change all of that. A new government health care mandate says that our family business MUST provide what I believe are abortion-causing drugs as part of our health insurance. Being Christians, we don’t pay for drugs that might cause abortions, which means that we don’t cover emergency contraception, the morning-after pill or the weekafter pill. We believe doing so might end a life after the moment of conception, something that is contrary to our most important beliefs. It goes against the Bibli-
Hobby Lobby filed a lawsuit Nov. 28 aginst the federal government after its request to be exempt from the HHS mandate was denied. cal principles on which we have run this company since day one. If we refuse to comply, we could face $1.3 million PER DAY in government fines. Our government threatens to fine job creators in a bad economy. Our government threatens to fine a company that’s raised wages four years running. Our government threatens to fine a family for running its business according to its beliefs. It’s not right. I know people will say we ought to follow the rules; that it’s the same for everybody. But that’s not true. The government has exempted thousands of companies from this mandate, for reasons of convenience or cost. But it won’t exempt them for reasons of religious belief. So, Hobby Lobby and my family are forced to make a
choice. With great reluctance, we filed a lawsuit today, represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, asking a federal court to stop this mandate before it hurts our business. We don’t like to go running into court, but we no longer have a choice. We believe people are more important than the bottom line and that honoring God is more important than turning a profit. My family has lived the American dream. We want to continue growing our company and providing great jobs for thousands of employees, but the government is going to make that much more difficult. The government is forcing us to choose between following our faith and following the law. I say that’s a choice no American and no American business should have to make. The government cannot force you to follow laws that go against your fundamental religious belief. They have exempted thousands of companies but will not except Christian organizations including the Catholic church. -- David Green, CEO & Founder of Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. (Hobby Lobby is the largest company to file suit against the HHS mandate and the only one not owned by a Catholic.)
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ACTORS PROTEST BAN ON NATIVITY SCENES AS THEY WALK PAST U.S. SUPREME COURT. Actors dressed as Mary and Joseph and carrying a baby representing Jesus lead other actors portraying the three Wise Men as part of a Nativity scene past the Supreme Court in Washington Dec. 5. The Christian Defense Coalition gathered with actors and animals to demonstrate that such displays are protected by the First Amendment. The event was held in reaction to other courts involvement in the banning of Nativity scenes in some parts of the United States. (CNS photo/Jason Reed, Reuters)
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Bishops urge Catholics to pray for life, marriage, religious liberty WASHINGTON—The U.S. Catholic bishops have launched a pastoral strategy addressing critical life, marriage and religious liberty concerns. The five-part strategy or call to prayer was approved by the bishops in November and is set to begin after Christmas. The overall focus is to invite Catholics to pray for rebuilding a culture favorable to life and marriage and for increased protections of religious liberty. Campaign components include monthly Eucharistic Holy Hours in cathedrals and parishes, daily family Rosary, special Prayers of the Faithful at all Masses, fasting and abstinence on Fridays, and the second observance of a Fortnight for Freedom. The call to prayer is prompted by the rapid social movements and policy changes currently underway, such as the mandate by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that coerces employers, including heads of religious agencies, to pay for sterilizations, abortion-inducing drugs and contraceptives, as well as increased efforts to redefine marriage. “The pastoral strategy is essentially a call and encourage-
“With the challenges this country is facing, it is hoped that this call to prayer and penance will help build awareness among the faithful as well as spiritual stamina and courage for effective witness. We also hope that it will encourage solidarity with all people who are standing for the precious gifts of life, marriage, and religious liberty,” -- Archbishop Cordileone
Call to Prayer & Penance Pastoral Strategy Jan. 6 2013 (Holy Family) - Nov. 24, 2013 (Christ the King) • Monthly Eucharistic Holy Hours • Special Prayers of the Faithful at all Masses • Fasting and Abstenence on Fridays • Family or individual Daily Rosary • Fortnight for Freedom II
ment to prayer and sacrifice—it’s meant to be simple,” said Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of
San Francisco, chairman of the bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Mar-
riage. “It’s not meant to be another program but rather part of a movement for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty, which engages the New Evangelization and can be incorporated into the Year of Faith. Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty are not only foundational to Catholic social teaching but also fundamental to the good of society,” he said. Details of the strategy follow: Starting with the Sunday after Christmas (Feast of the Holy Family) and continuing on or near the last Sunday of every month through Christ the King Sunday, November 2013, cathedrals and parishes are encouraged to hold a Eucharistic Holy Hour for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty. Families and individuals are encouraged to pray a daily Rosary, especially for the preservation of Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty in the nation. At Sunday and daily Masses, it is encouraged that the Prayers of the Faithful include specific intentions for respect for all human life from conception to natural death, the strengthening of marriage and family life, and the preservation of religious liberty at
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all levels of government, both at home and abroad. Abstinence from meat and fasting on Fridays are encouraged for the intention of the protection of Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty, recognizing the importance of spiritual and bodily sacrifice in the life of the Church. The celebration of a second Fortnight for Freedom at the end of June and the beginning of July 2013 is being planned. This Fortnight would emphasize faith and marriage in a particular way in the face of the potential Supreme Court rulings during this time. The Fortnight would also emphasize the need for conscience protection in light of the August 1, 2013 deadline for religious organizations to comply with the HHS mandate, as well as religious freedom concerns in other areas, such as immigration, adoption, and humanitarian services. A website with resources from the USCCB is available at: www.usccb.org/life-marriageliberty.
England pushing to legalize samesex marriage (CNS) -- The British government has expanded its push to legalize same-sex marriage to include allowing same-sex couples to marry in churches. Prime Minister David Cameron said churches would not be coerced into holding weddings for homosexuals. “I’m in favor of gay marriage because I’m a massive supporter of marriage and I don’t want gay people to be excluded from a great institution,” he said. “But let me be absolutely, 100 percent clear -- if there is any church or any synagogue that doesn’t want to have a gay marriage, it will not -- it absolutely must not -- be forced to hold it,” he said. A bill to legalize same-sex marriage will be presented to Parliament in the New Year with the aim of becoming law by 2014. The government has been pushing for same-sex marriage in civil places, but including churches widens the scope of the legislation.
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CHURCH TODAY
Pope says Christmas preparations should include commitment to faith
ONE IN THE LORD
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service (CNS) -- Advent’s liturgical preparation for Christmas calls Christians to renew their faith in the reality of God’s great love and to make a commitment to bringing his love to the world today, Pope Benedict XVI said. Advent, he said, “places before us the bright mystery of the coming of God’s son, the great plan of God’s goodness through which he desires to draw us to himself to let us live in full communion, joy and peace with him.” Addressing an estimated 4,000 people at his weekly general audience Dec. 5, Pope Benedict also asked for prayers for peace in Congo, where continuing ethnic violence and civil strife have led to dozens of deaths and has forced thousands of people to flee their homes. In response to the fighting and “the serious humanitarian crisis” it was causing, the pope called for “dialogue and reconciliation,” and he asked the international community to take action to meet the needs of the Congolese people. In his main audience talk, Pope Benedict continued his reflections on the Year of Faith, which he opened in October. Accepting God’s love and
DECEMBER 17, 2012
Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria
freely choosing to follow his ways “brings a fundamental change in how we relate to the entire created reality. Everything appears in a new light; it is a true conversion. Faith is a change of mentality because God, who has made himself known in Christ and has made his plan of salvation known, draws us to himself,” the pope said. “Faith is accepting God’s vision of reality, allowing God to guide us with his word and sacraments in understanding what we must do, the path we must follow,
how we must live,” he said. “In the midst of many difficulties, Advent invites us once again to renew our certainty that God is present, he entered into the world, becoming human like us, in order to bring to fullness his plan of love,” the pope said. In return, he said, “God asks that we, too, become signs of his action in the world. Through our faith, our hope and our charity, he wants to enter into the world once again and make his light shine in our darkness.”
A most Blessed Christmas and a Faith-filled New Year! As the Advent Season draws to a close, we make our preparations to celebrate the greatest event in the history of the world: the Birth of Jesus. No matter how many times we celebrate it, there is always a newness as we contemplate the mystery of the Word Made Flesh. It takes on even greater significance this year because we have begun the Year of Faith. Hopefully, the Christmas celebration will renew us as the people of God. This would be an ideal time to make a resolution to take part more actively in the life of the Church, especially Sunday Mass. The new year will continue to present us with many challenges in the light of the policies of our elected officials. We continue to pursue remedies concerning the HHS mandate regarding health insurance. We also see a growing
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effort to redefine marriage which could potentially pose even greater consequences for us as Catholic Christians. Please continue to follow these situations and pray for an acceptable resolution. These movements pose the most serious dangers of recent times. The timing of the year of Faith and our efforts for the New Evangelization could hardly be more timely. As my eighth anniversary as Bishop of Alexandria, I am constantly reminded of the dedication of our clergy and religious and the great faith of all in the diocese. I continue to be richly blessed in so many ways. Thank you for your prayer and encouragement! May the Lord Jesus continue to bring you and your families the richest of blessing in 2013!
TODAY
Volume XLIII, No. 12 • December 17, 2012 P. O. Box 7417 • Alexandria, LA 71303 churchtoday@diocesealex.org 318-445-6424 Publisher: Editor: Advertising: Circulation:
Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog, Bishop of Alexandria Jeannie Petrus, ext. 255; jpetrus@diocesealex.org Joan Ferguson, ext. 264; joanferguson@diocesealex.org Sandi Tarver, ext. 209; starver@diocesealex.org
THE CHURCH TODAY (USPS 393-240) is published by the Catholic Diocese of Alexandria, once a month, free of charge to members of the parishes in the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana. Out of diocese subscriptions are $20 a year. The office is located at 4400 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria, LA 71303. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, LA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The CHURCH TODAY, P. O. Box 7417, Alexandria, LA 71306 The CHURCH TODAY is a member of the Catholic Press Association. Website: www.diocesealex.org/thechurchtoday To receive a free subscription, call 318-445-6424, ext 255 or e-mail jpetrus@diocesealex.org
PAGE 5 CHURCH TODAY Bishop recommends 10 Prayers for the Year of Faith
DECEMBER 17, 2012
YEAR OF
FAITH
2012 2013
WASHINGTON—Catholics can prepare for the Christmas season and deepen their experience of the Year of Faith by strengthening their prayer lives, says the bishop who chairs the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis. Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin, offers “10 Prayers for the Year of Faith” at the start of the Advent season, a time of prayer, as a way of drawing Catholics more deeply into the Year of Faith. Pope Benedict XVI called for the Year of Faith, which began October 11 and ends November 24, 2013.
1. The Nicene Creed
The Year of Faith is about returning to the foundational teachings of the Church and drawing strength from them. This prayer, which is the official prayer of the Year of Faith, articulates the core of Christian belief.
2. The Lord’s Prayer
Like the Creed, the Our Faith is so central to the faith that it’s said at every Mass. The Year of Faith is also about encouraging the personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Praying the prayer he gave us brings us closer to him.
3. The Hail Mary
Similarly, Mary will always
9. The Angel Prayers
assist Christians and bring them to her son.
4. The Glory Be
This doxology, or short hymn of praise, beautifully captures the essence of our faith in an eternal, Trinitarian God.
5. The Magnificat
The Canticle of Mary in the Gospel of Luke (1:46-55) gives a glimpse of the faith of someone who trusted God so much that he entered the world through her.
6. The Canticle of Zechariah Also found in Luke (1:68-79), this prayer is a vivid testament of faith from someone experiencing God’s goodness at work in the world.
7. The Memorare
Another powerful Marian prayer, the Memorare reminds God’s people that Mary is our mother and that we can turn to her with anything.
8. The Acts of Contrition, Faith, Hope, and Love
Most people know the Act of Contrition from going to confession, but the Acts of Faith, Hope and Love are also wonderful for a Christian’s prayer life. They can all be found in the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Children learn the prayer to their guardian angel, and adults learn the prayer to St. Michael the archangel. Both are helpful reminders of the need to ask for God’s protection and guidance every day.
10. Prayer for the New Evangelization
The purpose of the Year of Faith is to renew and strengthen Catholics in their practice of the faith so that they may inspire the world with their example. This is the New Evangelization. The Prayer for the New Evangelization can be found online: www.usccb.org/prayerand-worship/prayers/newevangelization-prayer.cfm
More prayers for the Year of Faith are available online at: www.usccb.org/ beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/prayerin-the-year-of-faith.cfm Advent resources from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops are available at: www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-resources/advent/
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DECEMBER 17, 2012
Seminary Burses November
Bishop Ron Herzog Episcopal Moderator Radio Maria USA
Fr. Dan O’Connor Fr. Ryan Humphries Fr. Keith Landry Fr. John T. Noone Priest Advisor, KJMJ Priest Advisor, KBIO Priest Advisor, KNIR Priest Advisor, WOLM Alexandria Natchitoches New Iberia Biloxi, MS
One bishop, four priests fill posts at Radio Maria One bishop and four priests in the Southern Region have been named to serve in various capacities in the Radio Maria family. The Most Rev. Ronald Herzog, bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria has been named the Episcopal Moderator for Radio Maria USA. As Episcopal Moderator, Bishop Herzog will serve as the liason between Radio Maria and the bishops of the United States. In the Southern Region, four priests have been accepted to serve as priest advisors to the Radio Maria station in specific listening areas. Priest advisors
are responsible for overseeing the spiritual and liturgical ends of the programming Father Keith Landry will serve as priest advisor for KNIR in New Iberia (1360 AM); Father John T. Noone, priest advisor for WOLM in Biloxi (1360 AM); Father Dan O’Connor, priest advisor for KJMJ in Alexandria (580AM); and Father Ryan Humphries, priest advisor for KBIO in Natchitoches (1360 AM). Priest advisors have not been named yet in the Lake Charles area (KOJO) or the Beaumont, TX area (KDEI).
RADIO MARIA IN ITALY. Pictured are Carlo DiMaggio, US president of RM; Fr. Livio Fanzaga, world priest advisor and co-founder of RM; and Fr. Robert Young, national priest director for RM US. The three were part of the delegation of presidents and priest advisors who attended the World Conference of Radio Maria in Rome Oct. 7-13.
World Conference of Radio Maria More than 70 director-priests and 70 RM presidents took part in the 5th Tri-Annual World Convention of Radio Maria held Oct. 7-12 in Rome. The highlight of the convention was when the delegates experienced the joy of participating as a group in the General Audience of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI who publically greeted Radio Maria. The goal of the Convention was to deepen the Charism of Radio Maria, as a radio of prayer and evangelization, founded on faith in Providence and geared to ecclesial service together with the Bishops and the Pope. Radio Maria, which began in Milan, Italy in 1983, has grown to now 70 stations in 64 countries, spreading the Gospel to millions of listeners in more than 40 languages. The national headquarters for Radio Maria USA is located in Alexandria, Louisiana. The next world-wide conference will be held in 2015. Fall Maria-thon The Fall Radio Maria Mariathon held Sept. 18-22, was the most successful to date, netting more than $145,000 in pledges. According to Father Robert Young, national priest director for Radio Maria, more than 70 percent of the pledges have already been received. “We are so thankful to the many, many generous donors who participated in the Fall Maria-thon,” said Father Robert. “We cannot thank each of you enough for answering Mary’s call to help evangelize others through Radio Maria.” All donations to Radio Maria are tax deductible. For more information, call 318-561-6145 or go to radiomaria.us.
Knights of Columbus Council #9217 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00 Father Adrian L. Molenschot Burse Deacon and Mrs. Rodrick B. Broussard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00 Msgr. Milburn Broussard Burse Dr. Joseph Landreneau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Msgr. Henry Beckers Burse The Belgian-American Club of Louisiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $158.50 Msgr. Hugh Biggars Burse The Belgian-American Club of Louisiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $158.50 Father Jules L. Claes Burse Total this month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$477.00 A Seminary Burse is an invested sum of money, the interest of which is used in perpetuity to help fund the education of men to the priesthood. A Seminary Burse may be named for anyone – bishop, priest, religious, or lay person – by the original donor, and can be added to and allowed to grow. A burse is completed when it reaches $15,000.00 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
VISITING SEMINARIAN DANIEL HART. Deacons Ray Gibson and Ted Moulard visited Seminarian Daniel Hart Dec. 7-9 at St. Joseph Seminary in Covington. Deacon Gibson and Moulard were on retreat at St. Joseph Abbey and decided to visit Daniel, a senior at the seminary.
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ST. JOSEPH (Marksville) BLESSING OF NEW BAPTISMAL FONT. On Saturday, Oct. 6, a special ceremony of blessing the newly restored baptismal font was held at St. Joseph Church, Marksville. The baptismal font was originally produced by the Daprato Rigali Studios of Chicago, Il., in the 1920’s, the same decade that the current St. Joseph Church building was constructed. The font was purchased from a company in New Jersey and restored by F.C. Ziegler Studio in Tulsa, Ok. With ornate relief work, the restored font blends with the art and architect of the church building, and still has all five of the original statuary: John the Baptist baptizing Jesus atop the font; and, on the sides, the four evangelists with scriptural symbols. The purchase and restoration of the baptismal font has been sponsored by the Parish Altar Society with funds generated from years of hosting garage sales. The first infants have been baptized recently in the font.
RAPIDES RIGHT TO LIFE PARTICIPATES IN PARADE. Sharon Halquist and Donna Domzalski, both members of the Rapides Right to Life, ride on a float with their children and grandchildren in the 2012 Pecan Festival parade held Nov. 3 in Colfax. RRTL, a pro-life group that meets once a month at the Rapides Parish Library, is active in the community working on education, legislation and service projects to restore the right to life in Rapides Parish and Louisiana. For more information, call 445-6868 or go to www.rapidesrighttolife.com. ALTAR SERVER APPRECIATION DAY -- (OLL - Fifth Ward and St. Martin of Tours- Belledeau). Altar servers from Our Lady of Lourdes, Fifth Ward and St .Martin of Tours, Belledeau were recognized Nov. 18 during the Altar Server Appreciation Day at both churches. Pictured are (front row) and . Back row: Leslie Bordelon (youth director for the two parishes), Deacon Ted Moulard, and Fr. Silverino Kwebuza, A.J., pastor.
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DEDICATION OF WINDMILL. Msgr. Johannes M. Timmermans, former pastor of Sacred Heart parish in Moreauville, stands in front of a wood-crafted windmill erected in gratitude for the 34 years of service to the school. Also pictured are Sister Delnise Silvan, Sister Kalen Sarmiento, Father Marc Noel, current pastor, and Sister Sandra Norsworthy, Sacred Heart principal.
DECEMBER 17, 2012
GRATEFUL STUDENTS. Father Marc Noel, pastor of Sacred Heart parish, Mrs. Phyllis Veade and her 8th grade students gather around Msgr. John Timmermans, former pastor of Sacred Heart parish in Moreauville, after a windmill was dedicated in his honor on Oct. 11. Msgr. Timmermans, who is proud of his Dutch heritage, was pastor of Sacred Heart parish for more than 34 years.
Dutch windmill dedicated to Msgr. Johannes Timmermans Sacred Heart School shows gratitude to former pastor for 34 years of service By Jeannie Petrus CT editor Sacred Heart students and teachers gathered outside the school Oct. 11 around a small wooden windmill built in front of the school to dedicate it and to celebrate with the man whom it honors -- Msgr. Johannes M. Timmermans. Msgr. Timmermans served as pastor at Sacred Heart parish in Moreauville for 34 years (19591993). Originally from the Netherlands, Msgr. Timmermans has always been proud of his Dutch heritage and feels a closeness to one of the symbols of his country -- the windmill. “Msgr. Timmermans has done so much for our parish and especially recently, when he donated a lot of his own money to help finance the renovations to the school,” said Karen Moreau, director of Development for Sacred Heart School. “Since he loves windmills and used to have one located in the front of the rectory, we decided to erect a new wooden windmill in front of the school in his honor.” A plaque on the front of the windmill reads, “In Gratitude to Rev. Msgr. John M. Timmermans for his 34 years of service as Pas-
tor of Sacred Heart.” Msgr. Johannes Maria Timmermans was born in 1924 in Made in The Netherlands, the fifth of six children. While in seminary during World War II, the German soldiers occupied the seminary. He survived several terrible experiences. One time, all of the seminarians were lined up. Every
tenth seminarian was shot. Msgr. Timmermans’ seminarian friend, standing next to him was tragically number ten. At the age of 17, he and one of his professors and classmates, joined the underground army against the German Nazis and helped many Jews to escape to England to avoid the concentration camps. Miraculously, he survived many dangerous situations.
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During the dark days of the war, he made a promise to God, that if he would survive the war, he would serve the first five years of his priesthood in the missions somewhere. After the war, he met Msgr. Henry Van der Putten, Vicar General then for the Diocese of Alexandria and a fellow Dutchman who was visiting his alma mater. Msgr. Van der Putten invited him
to come to work in Louisiana, where there would be plenty of missionary work. While waiting for a visa to enter the USA, he worked for two years (1952-1954) as assistant pastor in a dutch town, ravaged by the water flood of 1952 during which more than 2,000 people drowned . Once in the U.S., he spent two years at St. Francis Xavier
DECEMBER 17, 2012
Cathedral and four years at St. Catherine’s in Shreveport, before he was assigned as pastor to Sacred Heart by Bishop Charles P. Greco. “Bishop Greco told me that the facilities in Moreauville were in need of repair and he needed someone to rebuild that parish,” said Monsignor. Bishop Greco told him, “And you, Father Tim, can do it!” Upon arrival at Sacred Heart, Msgr. Timmermans realized that
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the deteriorated condition of the church building was much worse than he had expected. “The walls were bulging,” he said, “and once, after Mass, a chunk of the ceiling archway fell to the ground, only a few feet in front of me.” Between 1960-61, he spearheaded efforts for a complete renovation of the church. “The congregation was so optimistic and supportful,” he said. “I remember one meeting with the building
MSGR VAN DER PUTTEN AND POPE PIUS VI. Msgr. Johannes Timmermans (watching in background) was a young priest when he accompanied Msgr. Van der Putten (kneeling before Pope) to the Vatican, where both were able to meet and greet Pope Pius VI.
MSGR. JOHANNES (JOHN) TIMMERMANS stands in the foyer of his home in Mansura next to a partial collection of windmills and in front of a picture of a windmill that his father made him years ago when he was pastor of Sacred Heart parish in Moreauville. Born, raised, and ordained in Holland, Msgr. Timmermans is proud of his Dutch heritage and feels a closeness to one of the symbols of his country -- the windmill. A windmill was dedicated Oct. 11 in front of Sacred Heart School in gratitude for the 34 years of service of Msgr. Timmermans.
MSGR. TIMMERMANS AND POPE JOHN PAUL II. Representing the Diocese of Alexandria in 1989, Msgr. Johannes (John) Timmermans not only got to meet Pope John Paul II (pictured above), but he also was privileged to concelebrate Mass with him and eight other bishops on St. Peter’s altar in St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome. Celebrating Mass on St. Peter’s altar is a privilege reserved only for the Pope because it is located on the tomb of St. Peter. The Mass was part of the canonization of St. Renzi, the founder of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows.
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committee where we discussed whether or not the renovation project would include central air and heat. It was a major issue, but it was decided that, if we were going to renovate, we would do it right -- A/C and heat were added to the plans.” In 1963, Sacred Heart School faced an uncertain future with the departure of the Daughters of the Cross Sisters because of lack of personnel. Upon Monsignor’s persuasion, he was able to secure the service Our Lady of Sorrows Sisters to staff Sacred Heart Elementary School, that has continued to this day. During his tenure at Sacred Heart, the school has added several new classrooms, a new cafeteria, a chapel, and a new gym. In the 1970s, Msgr. Timmermans donated $30,000 of his own money to install a new wooden gym floor that he had imported from Germany. “For a long time, it was one of the finest gyms around,” he said. “I picked a lot of pecans and skipped a lot meals to save up enough money for that gym floor,” he said. “It was worth every penny.” On Dec. 20, 2012, Msgr. Timmermans will celebrate 60 years as a priest. During those 60 years, he has achieved and experienced many exciting events, including: • replacing the old rectory, constructed in c. 1908, with a modern brick building in 1967. • establishing St. John’s Village, a housing project for senior citizens and the first one built in this region . • directing the Pre-Cana course in Avoyelles for more than 30 years. • constructing four mausoleums in the church cemetery. • concelebrating Mass with Pope John Paul II in Rome on the altar of St. Peter in 1989 during the canonization of St. Renzi, the founder of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows. But despite his many achievements in life, the greatest joy of his 60 years as a priest has been working with the people. “I have loved every minute of my time as a pastor and especially my time at Sacred Heart School,” he said. “I miss that school more than anything,” he said.
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NEW RECTORY AT NATIVITY OF BVM. The 90-year-old rectory at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Campti was torn down in March of 2012 and a new rectory was built in its place. The final touches on the new building were finished in November. The new 1800 sq-ft 3 bedroom/2 bath manufactured home will serve as a home for the resident pastor and any visiting clergy, as well as a kitchen and meeting area.
Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary tears down old rectory, builds new one The rectory adjoined to the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Campti was 90 years old. The roof needed replacing, the pillars on the porch were crumbling, there were fire safety issues, and a rodent infestation in the attic and walls. Father Ryan Humphries, pastor, and the Parish Council’s decision to rebuild instead of repairing the old structure proved to be the best and most
economical option. The new 1800-sq-ft 3 bedroom/2 bath manufactured home will serve as a home for the resident pastor and any visiting clergy, as well as a kitchen and meeting area. “There has already been two open houses and there will be an open-house style Christmas party this year, “ said Father Humphries. The doors and windows are all double-paneled and double-
paned, providing great energy savings. The main doors and pastor’s suite is fully handicapp accessible and the floors are all synthetic wood-grain flooring which holds up to wear very well. A large screened front porch can seat a small group. “And the good news is that the building is 89 percent paid off after less than one year,” said Father Humphries. “I want to thank all of
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the people who worked on this project, especially our secretary, Peggy Smith. Special thanks to Pat John, of Regional Construction, who spearheaded the demolition; Carroll Poche of Clayton Homes in Natchitoches, who built and installed the building; Skip Rollins, who built the porch; David Bouchie, of Laamb Heating and Air; Father Irion St. Romain, pastor of Immaculate Conception
in Natchitoches, for providing room and board for Father Humphries during the rebuilding; and to all of the parishioners and friends of the parish who donated the interior furnishings. “The new rectory is spectacular,” said Father Humphries. “But more importantly, the new rectory sends a message to this community that there is a renewed sense of life and activity in this historic parish.”
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Confraternity of Christian Mothers celebrates 90 years at St. Augustine Bishop Ronald Herzog celebrated a special Mass Nov. 4 at St. Augustine Church in Isle Brevelle to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers. More than 75 members of the St. Augustine confraternity were present at the Mass. “I commend the ladies of this community, both past and present, for work you have done in the formation of your children in the Catholic faith,” said Bishop Herzog. “It’s not an easy task. But through this organization, you were able to join together and form a support group of women that has lasted 90 years. Congratulations!” One of its members, Mrs. Frances Elaine Sylvia, delivered the following history of the organization, during the special anniversary Mass celebration: By Frances Elaine Sylvia The first Confraternity was a spontaneous movement that grew out of the needs of Christian mothers during the middle of the 19th century. A group of mothers began to meet to discuss the problems faced in raising their children. They prayed for one another and for their children. Together they found the courage to carry out their vocations as Christian wives and mothers. One of the original mothers, Louise Josson deBilhem, was the
90TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN MOTHERS AT ST. AUGUSTINE - Isle Brevelle. Approximiately 75 ladies of St. Augustine Church in Isle Brevelle gathered together Nov. 4 for a special Mass with Bishop Ronald Herzog, to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers. The organization, that dates back to the mid-1800s, was started by Christian mothers who worked togeter and supported each other in the Christian formation of their children. There are two other confraternities in the diocese: St. Anthony, Natchitoches and Holy Ghost, Marksville. wife of a court official. Under her leadership a conference was held on May 1, 1850 in Lille, France. The mothers received recognition for their organization. This organization grew rapidly throughout France and neighboring countries. Soon over one million women were enrolled as members. Today there are six Archconfraternities of Christian Mothers in the world. They are located in Paris, Rome, Regensburg, Cracow, Einsedlen
and Pittsburg. The Confraternity was brought to the United States by Capuchin Franciscans who came to minister to German immigrants. On January 16, 1881, the Confraternity of Christian Mothers was established in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. It was eventually raised to the rank of Archconfraternity with the right of affiliating other Confraternities with the approval of the bishop of the diocese. Today the St. Augustine
Catholic Church at Isle Breville, Louisiana is one of the 3,500 Confraternities associated with the Pittsburg Archconfraternity. Ninety years ago, under the spiritual direction of Fr. Joseph Baumgartner, the approval was granted for the establishment of our Confraternity of Christian Mothers which led to St. Augustine becoming an affiliate of the Pittsburg Archconfraternity on November 5, 1922. Over the course of our 90 years we have contributed to
the enhancement of spiritual life through community service, visiting the sick, Lenten retreats, assisting in maintaining church facilities, instilling spiritual knowledge in our children and advancing the philosophy that motherhood is a special blessing given to us by our Heavenly Father, We have continued to inspire others with our Catholic faith and belief that it is necessary to set a Christian example for our children; teaching them love of God and family, responsibility for their actions and service to God and neighbor. Within our small community there have been a number of courageous women who have carried the banner of leadership, insuring that the main objective, the Christian formation of our children, is carried out with a firm but loving hand. The members of that first group of St. Augustine Christian Mothers recognized that with the joy that comes with motherhood also comes the questions and uncertainties and doubts. Through this organization they were able to join together and form a support group of women that has lasted through the years. While there is not one member of that original group here today, their impact on the lives of subsequent generations is still evident. While we may have no record of how many members there were or who were the leaders of the initial group of mothers, we owe what we are today to these unnamed women. There is probably no one here today that was born when this organization began. Yet we feel the influence of these ladies through our mother and grandmothers and great grandmothers. The sacrifices they made to keep St. Augustine parishioners united with a common cause, always striving to increase to keep the spiritual connection that is so important to the life of a community is the legacy they have left us. We could ask for no greater gift. God’s greatest gift to all of us was His Son; His second greatest gift was mothers.
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OLPS PARADE OF SAINTS. The annual OLPS 4th grade Parade of Saints processed into church for the 8 a.m. Mass on Oct. 25. Each 4th grade student chose a Saint to dress as, research and report about. Throughout the month of October students read short biographies about their Saints over the school’s intercom system during morning announcements. After Mass, the Saint’s paraded down the OLPS Pre-K/Kindergarten hall for all “little eyes” to enjoy. All parents and church parishioners were welcome to join the celebration.
ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL ALL SAINTS DAY (Bunkie). In celebration of All Saints Day, the 4th grade students at St. Anthony of Padua School in Bunkie were challenged to create a poster on their favorite saint. Pictured are (front row) . Back row:
ST. MARY’S SCHOOL (Natchitoches) KINDERGARTEN INDIANS. Mrs. Gloria Kerry’s kindergarten students got into the spirit of Thanksgiving by making their own Indian head dresses. Pictured are (front row) and . Back row: , and . Absent tribe members:
VETERANS DAY AT OLPS. In observance of Veteran’s Day, each of the 2nd grade classes at Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Alexandria, were visited by several local servicemen and retired General Landreneau. Pictured is Mrs. Judy Smith’s 2nd grade class after their visit with the General.
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ST. FRANCES CABRINI FOOD DRIVE/ CHEER CARDS. In the spirit of Christmas, the students at St. Frances Cabrini School and Our Lady of Prompt Succor collected about 260 pounds of food and personal items for Manna House and distributed more than 200 hand-made “cheer cards” for patients at the Christus Cabrini Hospice. The cards are being presented to Sherrill Phelps, Cabrini Hospice program director.
ST. RITA CELEBRATES ST. NICHOLAS DAY. St. Rita Church celebrated St. Nicholas Feast Day Dec. 6, with a party for the children of the parish. St. Nicholas read to the children the story of St. Nicholas while treats were being left in the children’s shoes. The children were also entertained with songs and games and then enjoyed snacks and a St. Nicholas craft. ST. MARY’S SCHOOL CHRISTMAS GIVING (Natchitoches) Saint Mary’s students recently donated food items for the News Channel 5 Christmas Cheer Food Drive. All the food collected in Natchitoches parish is donated to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana, and is distributed to low income families through member agencies in Natchitoches parish. Pictured at left are and . ST MARY’S (Natchitoches) FBLA members (below) from St. Mary’s School in Natchitoches filled Operation Christmas Child boxes with lots of goodies for boys and girls who are less fortunate. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus .
OL OF LOURDES (Vidalia) YOUTH GROUP (at left) designed a float with the theme “A Cajun Christmas” for the Vidalia Christmas parade held Dec. 2. The youths had a great time riding in the parade.
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Computer technology upgrade Phase I of Menard’s technology enhancement campaign is nearing completion by Jeannie Petrus CT Editor Preparing students for a leading role in 21st century society requires cutting edge technology in today’s classrooms. With that in mind, Holy Savior Menard launched a schoolwide computer technology enhancement campaign, and Phase I of the plan is nearing completion. Since the beginning of the 2012-13 school year, Menard has purchased 15 new computers for the Journalism publications lab, one pod of six new computers for the Media Center, 12 new Promethean Boards, and 10 new laptops for teacher use. In the Journalism publications lab, the 15 new Dell computers will be used by students to design pages of the yearbook and the newspaper. In addition, 15 licenses for Adobe Creative Suite 6 were also purchased for each new computer. Adobe Creative Suite is a set of three software programs, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, that are used to produce the yearbook and newspaper. In the school library, which is currently being renovated into a Media Center, six new Dell desktop computers were added to assist students in research, taking Accelerated Reading (AR) tests, checking RenWeb, locating
books in the library, and general Internet usage. The Media Center director, Ms. Cindy Campbell, also received a new desktop computer with new circulation management software. Twelve new Promethean Boards were purchased for classrooms, and two additional boards will be purchased in December using Tobacco Grant funds made available through the Diocesan Catholic Schools Office. A Promethean Board is an interactive board that replaces the chalkboard and the dry-erase board in classrooms. With its various accessories, the possibilities for collaboration, communication, and interaction among students are endless. The Promethean Board makes learning come alive, encourages students to embrace technology, provides immediate feedback on student comprehension, and gives a new dimension of interactivity to lessons. In addition to each Promethean Board, software and two hours of training is included. All funds toward the technology enhancement campaign were
generated by generous Menard parents. “We are very excited about the response from generous parents who have made this all possible,” said Holly Carbo, director of Admissions who also serves on the technology team. The campaign capitalizes on a recent Louisiana State Tax Credit, enacted by Gov. Bobby Jindal, that gives a 40 percent state tax credit for qualified donations to a school technology program. Carbo said donors are encouraged to consult a tax adviser for complete details. Phase II will pick up when Phase I is completed. Carbo said Phase II will focus more on online subscriptions to educational sites, upgrading cabling, and adding more computers in the classrooms for increased student access. “Our ultimate goal,” Desselle said, “is to graduate students who are proficient when using educational technology in all its forms and who possess the skills to interact with individuals, organizations, and agencies through telecommunications.”
JOURNALISM PUBLICATIONS WORKSTATION. Journalism students who work on the Holy Savior Menard’s yearbook and newspaper work at the new computer pod stations in the Journalism Publications lab. The 15 new computers and Adobe Creative Suite software was made possible by a school-wide computer technology campaign that generated funds from generous parents to upgrade the computer technology at the school.
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Local Catholic school students recognized for academics, leadership HOLY SAVIOR MENARD’S HEISMAN TROPHY FINALISTS
Wendy’s Hesiman Trophy Finalists
Holy Savior Menard seniors, (left) and (right) were recently selected as 2012 State Finalists in the Wendy’s Heisman Trophy Awards. went on to be honored as one of the two state winners in the competition. The Wendy’s High School Heisman Trophy award program, now in its 19th year, has honored more than 250,000 students since it began in 1994. The organization says they seek to highlight the accomplishments of well-rounded young men and women who excel not only in athletics, but also in the classroom and in their communities.
Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Ambassadors
ST. MARY’S (Natchitoches) HUGH O’BRIAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP AMBASSADORS. and of St. Mary’s School, were recently named Ambassadors of the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program, the nation’s foremost youth leadership development organization. The HOBY mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation. Every year over 9,000 deserving high school sophomores from across the country are chosen to participate in HOBY Leadership Seminars. HOBY programs continue to evolve and teach high school students social responsibility, how they can make a difference and what it means to be a global citizen. HOBY programs take place in North and South America, Asia, and Africa.
State judge rules that school voucher plan is unconstitutional By Laura Deavers Catholic News Service (CNS) -- Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal called it “wrongheaded” and a “travesty” that a state judge ruled Nov. 30 that a voucher program passed by the Legislature last spring is unconstitutional. State District Judge Tim Kelley said the state cannot use funds set aside for public education to pay for children in failing schools to attend nonpublic schools. The Legislature passed the program -- known formally as the Louisiana Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program -- during its 2012 legislative session, held from March to June. Kelley’s decision is a “travesty for parents across Louisiana who want nothing more than for their children to have an equal opportunity at receiving a great
education,” Jindal said. “That opportunity is a chance that every child deserves, and we will continue the fight to give it to them,” he continued. “The opinion sadly ignores the rights of families who do not have the means necessary to escape failing schools. This ruling changes nothing for the students currently in the program. All along, we expected this to be decided by the Louisiana Supreme Court.” Jindal vowed to appeal the ruling handed down by Kelley in a 39-page decision following a three-day trial. The suit was filed by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, Louisiana Association of Educators and the Louisiana School Boards Association, and 143 local school boards against the state Department of Education and the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Currently, more than 4,900
“It is disappointing to hear the judge’s ruling on the state voucher program. We will just have to wait and see what happens next in the courts. In the meantime, we will continue to offer all students a quality education in our Catholic schools, regardless of whether or not they are on scholarship.” -- Tommy Roque, superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Alexandria
Louisiana children attending 117 nonpublic schools receive stateissued tuition vouchers. Since Kelley did not issue an immediate injunction to stop the voucher program, students will be able to continue attending the schools they are attending. The program has been successful in Catholic schools throughout Louisiana, providing a quality education to thousands of students who would otherwise be attending failing schools. “The superintendents are unhappy with the ruling and are very concerned about the students,”
said Danny Loar, director of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, the public policy arm of the bishops. He said that he has learned the case is being expedited to the state Supreme Court so there could be a decision this spring. The annual education appropriation, was intended exclusively for public schools. Diverting these funds to other schools is in violation of the state constitution, Kelley said. In its court argument, the state argued that as long as public schools are funded adequately
and equitably, a portion of state education funds could be given to nonpublic schools to provide families with more options for the education of their children. But Kelley ruled that Louisiana’s Act 2, the so-called voucher bill, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 99, which were passed last spring, unconstitutionally divert to nonpublic entities “funds that are constitutionally mandated to be allocated to public elementary and secondary schools.” Kelley added that the act and concurrent resolution unconstitutionally divert to nonpublic entities “local funds included in the MFP that are constitutionally mandated to be allocated” to public schools. Through the Minimum Foundation Program formula, this year the state is providing $3.4 billion in basic state aid for school operations and students statewide.
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Senior from St. Frances Cabrini parish spends Thanksgiving By Jeannie Petrus CT editor While most of us spent Thanksgiving enjoying a feast around a table with friends and family, a high school senior from St. Frances Cabrini parish was working on a school project -- in Gran , a senior at Alexandria Senior High, spent the Thanksgiving holidays (Nov. 18-23) painting pictures with 23 girls at the Hogar Madre Alberina Orphanage in Nicaragua. The trip was her idea as a way to complete a senior project which challenged students to choose a real-life world problem and find a solution to the problem. “I choose “Child Poverty in Nicaraguan Orp es” as my problem,” said . “As part of the solution, I worked with the girls to create works of art to sell for income.” It may seem a little farfetched to choose such a big endeavor for a senior project -- surely there could have been an easier project. But for , mission trips to the orphanage have been part of her life since she was 12 years old. ’s mother, Heidi Wampler, office manager for Cabrini Church, started going on mission trips to Nicaragua in 2000 through the Propagation of the Faith Catholic organization. “After that first year of going, I was hooked,” said Heidi. “I’ve been going every year since then.” Five years ago, when was 12, she was invited by her mom to join her on the mission too, was hooked after that first experience. “This is my third time in five years to go with my mom, but the first time that the two of us went alone (without the Propagation of the Faith group). “It was a little scary this time, because we didn’t have the support of POF, but once we arrived, we felt very safe and comfortable at the same orphana ave always visited,” said . Since her main objective for being there was to complete her senior project, she spent most of her days working with the girls
PAINTING WITH ORPHANS IN NICARAGUA. , a senior from St. Frances Cabrini Church in Alexandria spent the Thanksgiving holidays in Nicaragua working with orphan girls to paint pictures. Her experience was part of her senior project at Alexandria Senior High.
BEST FRIENDS. chats with some of the older orphan girls in Nicaragua about boyfriends, Justin Bieber, and their favorite music. The fruit they are drinking from is a “cocoa” freshly picked from a nearby tree. It is similar to a coconut, but the liquid is clear, not milky like a coconut.
-- ages 4-17 -- to create paintings to sell. During the course of the week, the orphan girls created 23 canvas paintings and 60 notecard paintings (that are available for sale through Cabrini Church.) All painting supplies, notecar canvases were supplied by and her mother. But the other things she experienced -- when she was not painting with the girls -- will be the biggest part of her senior project paper.
or toys. • They have 3 sets of clothes -- three tops with three bottoms (skirt, shorts, or pants) That’s their entire wardrobe! • Once a month, they are given a few necessary toiletry items (shampoo and soap) that they hide under their pillow for safe-keeping. • Almost every meal consists of red beans and rice and some local vegetables. • They have running water, but it is limited, and showers are
“The whole experience opened my eyes -- like it does every time I go -- to the simple way they live every day, said . “They are all friends with each other and they are always so happy.” Some of the observations she’ll include in her written senior report are: • They don’t have iPhones or iPads; they don’t go to McDonald’s 4-5 times a week; no car or their own bedroom; and they don’t have a closet full of clothes
always cold. She also plans to include a few of her most memorable experiences: • Once at the hotel where we were staying, I ran outside and washed my hair in the rain. It had been three days since I had water to wash my hair, so when I saw it was raining, I did what I had to do!” • Another time I asked about a large yellow fruit I saw hanging on a tree. The next thing I knew one of the girls climbed a tree and
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holidays in Nicaragua working with girls in orphanage retrieved a “cocoa.” We cut the top off, inserted a straw, and enjoyed a fruit drink right then!” • The young girls loved to play with my blonde hair, which I thoroughly enjoyed. • The older girls (same age as me) spoke English well, so we were able to talk. They were interested in if I had a boyfriend and whether or not I knew Justin Bieber. They knew all of his songs and sang them all in English. •Although I loved being with all of the girls, Alexandra was my favorite. She was 7 years old, but was so tiny, she looked like she was about 4. She followed me around everywhere. • All of the girls (ages 4-18) liked to play with my iPad. They loved watching video on YouTube and playing games like Angry Birds. • Chicken was a rarity at meal times since there was no refrigeration available. So every day on our way to the orphanage, Mom and I stopped by the market and
bought 20 whole chickens to cook that day for the girls and the entire staff. • The only milk the girls ever drink is powdered milk (again due to lack of refrigeration), so the we also purchased cases of powdered milk for the girls during their stay. • Personal hygiene products for the older girls sell for 50 cents for a box of 12, yet the girls were rationed only a few a month. So we purchased cases of personal hygiene products as well. The people at the market thought we had some type of serious problem. • Another day, we treated all the girls to pizza and soft drinks, a welcomed rarity to their daily diet of red beans and rice and powdered milk. They were especially happy to get to drink a carbonated soda. • I cried when I had to leave. The girls had become my close friends and I gained much more from this experience than they ever could. The trip itself was paid for by themselves, but some of the extra
simple toys, and used jewelry,” said Heidi. “We also had cash from the Silver Coin collection and f S children.” senior project is due in April, when she will present a slide show, and a paper to a panel of three teachers. Soon after that she’ll graduate from high school, followed by attending college in the fall to pursue a degree in business. hough college may keep busy for the next four years, she still plans to return to Nicaragua again soon to visit the girls at the orphanage. “It was a Thanksgiving I’ll never forget,” she said, “and an experience I will treasure forever.” SO LOVABLE. The young girls at the Hogar Madre Alberina Orphanage in Nicaragua were so lovable. said they loved to play with her blonde hair and liked to follow her everywhere she went. purchases for the girls were paid for through a special collection by
St. Frances Cabrini School’s annual Silver Coin Collection drive and from Cabrini Church VBS children. “Before the trip, we packed a suitcase full of “hotel” shampoo bottles and soap, as well as clothes, paint supplies, flip flops,
One of the completed paintings.
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Pope launches Twitter account, tweets to more than 1 million followers
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -Pope Benedict XVI launched his very own Twitter account, sending a short inaugural message to his more than 1 million followers. “Dear friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through Twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless all of you from my heart,” it said. His tweet -- 139 characters -- went viral as the number of followers of @Pontifex and its seven other extensions grew by more than 5,000 new people an hour, a Vatican official said. Tens of thousands of followers retweeted the messages in the short minutes after they were posted. After the pope gave his catechesis and blessing to those gathered for the general audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall, an announcement came over the speakers saying the pope was about to make his first tweet. Officials placed a small wooden desk in front of the pope, and staff from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications placed a small tablet computer on top. The pope put on his glasses as Thaddeus Jones, a U.S. official at the council, showed him the screen that already had the message prepared and loaded. The pope, with a tap, sent the greeting, which in English was just one character shy of the site’s 140-character limit. Archbishop Claudio Celli, the council president, then showed the pope his @Pontifex accounts, which had amassed 1 million followers in the 10 days before the first tweet. The pope had difficulty in navigating the site after pressing a screen button with a determined push, which the archbishop then remedied with a more practiced tap. About 45 minutes later, after the pope left the audience hall, the first pair of tweets in a Q&A format was sent by Vatican officials. While the pope sees and approves each tweet, all tweets after his inaugural message are sent by Vatican staff. The pope personally answered three questions from three different continents that were culled from tens of thousands
POPE SENDS FIRST TWITTER MESSAGE DURING GENERAL AUDIENCE AT VATICAN. Pope Benedict XVI is assisted by Thaddeus Jones of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications as he sends his first Twitter message during his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Dec. 12. (CNS photo/ Paul Haring)
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of queries and comments tagged with the #askPontifex hashtag. The first question was “How can we celebrate the Year of Faith better in our daily lives?” The pope’s answer was posted two minutes later: “By speaking with Jesus in prayer, listening to what he tells you in the Gospel and looking for him in those in need.” About three hours later, the next pair was sent: “How can faith in Jesus be lived in a world without hope?” “We can be certain that a believer is never alone. God is the solid rock upon which we build our lives and his love is always faithful.”
The last pair of Q&A tweets was to be sent out later in the day. Msgr. Paul Tighe, secretary of the social communications council, said they wanted to stagger the tweets so people waking up in later time zones would have something appearing near the top of their newsfeed. The monsignor said he sifted through thousands of questions tweeted after the Vatican announced plans for the pope’s new account. Though many were crude or hateful, “there were some wonderful, touching questions, very honest and very genuine,” he told Catholic News Service Dec. 12.
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Catholic teens warm up to 40-day spiritual workout with free app STEUBENVILLE, OH— Catholic youth have a new, free resource to keep them on their toes when it comes to their faith: Bob Rice’s 40-Day Spiritual Workout app, created exclusively for them. “Making a commitment to the 40 Day Spiritual Workout brings a person into prayer, Scripture study, quotes from saints, and spiritual reflections,” says Bob Rice, catechetics professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville, who created the content for the app. A sought-after speaker and musician with several popular CDs to his credit, Rice serves as music ministry leader for four of
the Steubenville summer youth conferences and is a recognized leader in the youth ministry movement. His new app uses lively
graphics and colorful design to illustrate a daily message. The theme for Day 6, “The Perfect Prayer,” discusses how Jesus taught the disciples to pray the
CARDBOARD BOX CITY. Sacred Heart Church in Moreauville and Mater Delorosa Church in Plaucheville recently held their 1st annual Cardboard Box City night. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness and money for the poor and homeless in our communitiies. The high school youth were asked to raise donations and pledges before the event and they also collected donations at the Masses during the weekend. The youth had to make and decorate a cardboard box house to sleep in for the night. They were only allowed a box, pillow, blanket, and their clothes. They participated in activities during the night such as a scavenger hunt, singing around the campfire, and storytelling. A “Soup Kitchen” was set up for their meals. The two church youth groups raised over $2000 that will be given to Manna house in Alexandria which is an organization that helps to feed the needy. The youth hope that this money will help encourage those in need during this special time of the year.
Our Father. “This prayer is wonderful not only because of the simplicity of its words, but also because of what it represents,” the devotion reads, explaining the prayer in sections. At the end, the “Cool Down” recommends praying an Our Father. The 40-Day Spiritual Workout is packed with daily devotions geared especially toward teenagers. Occasional stories help them connect the devotions to their personal lives. Users can let their youth minister and friends know their progress via email or Facebook. “When I was a youth minister, I found that teens would come
off the youth conference experience with great enthusiasm, but not know what to do next, especially when it came to daily prayer. This 40-day Bible study is ideal for a newly-committed Catholic or anyone who wants to learn more about the faith and get into a rhythm of prayer,” said Rice. The new app is available for iPhone iTouch, and iPad. For those who want to do the workout on their computer or other mobile device, they can access it through email. To download the free app, or to sign up to receive the daily email version, visit 40days.steubenville.org.
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Jan. 6 Feast of the Epiphany (visitation of the magi) How much do we really know about the 3 ‘wise men” who brought gifts to Baby Jesus? By Jeannie Petrus CT editor We see them in every Nativity scene and in every Christmas play. Songs and poems have been written about them. Scripture calls them “magi,” but were they also kings, astrologers, priests, or wise men? What do we really know about these three men who visited the Christ child and brought him gifts? Not a lot actually. So much of what we attribute to the story today has been embelished over the years. Take a minute to take the quiz on this page and test your knowledge about these mysterious men and the part they played in the Nativity story. 1. False. Scripture tells us they were from the East, which means they were Gentiles, and not Jews. Scripture does not tell us how many there were. Since it does say there were three gifts, many assume that there were three. Some scholars believe there could have been between 2 and 8 magi. 2. False. In Matthew 2:1, it calls them “magi.” Magi were priests, serving an ancient priesthood, astrologers, interpreters of dreams, and government officials who had the authority to elect the Parthian king. Because they served in these roles and had such amazing knowledge, they were considered to be ‘wise.” There is no evidence that they were ever kings.
40 days old. Why? Because, Matthew’s Gospel tells us that after magi departed, an angel warned Joseph to flee to Egypt, since Herod would seek to kill Jesus. According to Scripture, Joseph left that very night and went to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15). This would have left no time or opportunity for the presentation in the temple, which we know happened.
3. False. Scripture never mentions their names. Traditional names for them first appeared in the 4th century. 4. False. The star was really a star and not a comet. It was clearly supernatural. The magi were also astrologers and they noticed a new and unusual star. 5. True. Matthew 2:2 says, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw His star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” 6. False. Scripture makes no mention of how long they traveled or their mode of transportation. The magi could have seen the star months or even a year before Jesus was born and started on their trip. We do know that a camel ride between Jerusalem and Bethlehem would have taken 4-6 hours. They are always pictured on camels, because that was the usual mode of transportation for long trips. They could have walked on foot, for all we know. 7. True. Matthew 2:1 says, “In the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem.” 8. False. Based on Luke’s Gospel 2:21-24, and Matthew’s Gospel 2:7 and 2:16, Jesus was between 41 days and 2 years old when the magi arrived. The magi had to come after Jesus’ presentation in the temple, that is, after Jesus was
9. True. Matthew 2:11 says,” and on entering the house they saw the chid with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him Homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Three Wise Men Quiz True or False? 1. They were three men who travelled from the East.
T
F
2. The three wise men were not only ‘wise’ but kings as well.
T
F
3. Their names were Jaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.
T
F
4. The star was not actually a star, but a comet.
T
F
5. They believed the star would lead them to the newborn king of the Jews.
T
F
6. It took them three days by camel to travel to Bethlehem.
T
F
7. Before visiting Jesus in Bethlehem, they stopped in Jerusalem.
T
F
8. They arrived in Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born.
T
F
9. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myhrr.
T
F
10. They were warned in a dream not to return to Herod.
T
F
10. True. Matthew 2:12 says,”And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.” The Visitation of the Magi is important to the story of Jesus’ birth because it reveals an epiphany of our Lord. The word epiphany comes from a Greek verb which means “to reveal.” All of the various events celebrated by the Feast of the Epiphany are revelations of Christ to man. Through this account, God reveals the identity of Jesus as Messiah and King of the Jews to these Gentile magi in fulfillment of the prophet Simeon who said, Jesus would be “a light of revelation to the Gentiles.” (Luke 2:31).
DECEMBER 17, 2012
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Theatres offer viewers decent movie choices for Christmas Life of Pi has religious theme By John Mulderig Catholic News Service (CNS) -- Religious themes are central to director Ang Lee’s visually artful screen version of Yann Martel’s best-selling novel “Life of Pi” (Fox). Indeed, this exotic 3-D fable bills itself as a story calculated to make the agnostic reporter (Rafe Spall) to whom its unlikely events are recounted “believe in God.” Regardless of whether it has that effect on audiences, Catholic moviegoers will certainly welcome its positive portrayal of their faith, and the presence in the tale of a sympathetic priest. The fact that the earnest spiritual quest of its protagonist results in his simultaneous adher-
ence to Hinduism, Christianity and Islam is, however, problematic to say the least. All the more so, since screenwriter David Magee’s script implicitly upholds this ultra-tolerant but illogical stance. Concern over youthful viewers’ reaction to this interreligious will-o’-the-wisp is the major element precluding endorsement of Lee’s picture for any but adults. Played in adulthood by Irrfan Khan but portrayed for most of the running time in his 17-yearold persona by Suraj Sharma, he is an Indian-born Canadian known formally as Piscine Militor Patel -- but called Pi for short. As flashbacks under the guise of memories being shared with the unnamed -- and unbelieving
MOVIE
REVIEW
LIFE OF PI. Suraj Sharma and a fierce Bengal tiger named Richard Parker are seen in the movie “Life of Pi.” Rated PG. -- journalist reveal, Pi was bred in the picturesque former French enclave of Pondicherry. Growing up contentedly amid the natural beauty of the area, Pi was fascinated by the wondrous creatures that inhabited the zoo his parents (Adil Hussain and Tabu) owned. Discovering God in varied
manifestations during the initial stages of the quest referenced above, Pi also made a less exalted discovery by falling for a local girl. So when Mom and Dad announced, shortly afterward, they were moving the family to the Great White North, Pi was crushed.
Upheaval turned to tragedy when the freighter carrying Pi’s family -- as well as some of the animals from their former zoo -sank in a terrible squall. Pi was the only human survivor. But his endurance was immediately put to a further test when he found himself forced to share a small lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. Not for the impressionable or the poorly catechized, this psychological parable, whose meaning cannot be explained without spoilers, also becomes somewhat taxing as the rigors of the lad’s unusual ordeal begin to rub off on viewers.
Rise of Guardians destined to become classic By John Mulderig Catholic News Service (CNS) -- What better way to spend a few hours over the holidays than in the company, not only of Santa Claus himself, but of the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and the Sandman? Courtesy of the delightful 3-D animated adventure "Rise of the Guardians" (Paramount), moviegoers of almost all ages can do just that. Based on books by William Joyce, the film focuses on the destiny of the legendary bringer of winter, Jack Frost (voice of Chris Pine). Free-spirited and mischievous, youthful Jack is also lonely and uncertain of his purpose in
life. Until, that is, he's invited to join the Guardians, a force made up of the mythical characters listed above. The Guardians' mission is to protect children against the machinations of the Bogeyman, aka Pitch Black (voice of Jude Law). As the initially reluctant Jack is introduced to his newfound comrades, we discover a new slant on each traditional persona. Thus Santa, alias North (voice of Alec Baldwin), is a hardy Cossack type with a heavy Russian accent, while everyone's favorite seasonal rabbit (voice of Hugh Jackman) turns out to be a boomerang wielder from Down Under. (Parents of a certain age will recognize a play on a famous line
from "Crocodile Dundee.") The elusive distributor of quarters under children's pillows (voice of Isla Fisher) is portrayed as half-human, half-hummingbird. She's at least human, and feminine, enough that Jack's shining teeth (and, by implication, his appearance in general) set her a bit aquiver, though only in the vaguest, most innocent way. As for the chap who makes all our eyelids heavy, he's presented as a mute but cheerful and endearing sprite. In his feature debut, director Peter Ramsey, working from a script by David Lindsay-Abaire, pits the hope and wonder championed by the Guardians against the fear and self-doubt that arm Pitch
RISE OF THE GUARDIANS. North (Alec Baldwin) welcomes Jack Frost (Chris Pine) in this scene from the animated movie “Rise of the Guardians.” with his most effective wiles. The result is a tenderhearted and touching family movie -- one, moreover, that's entirely free of objectionable content. This is, though, a struggle
between the battling archetypes of good and evil over the fate of the world's children. So there are portions of the action that might be too dark and scary for the smallest members of the clan.
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CHURCH TODAY
DECEMBER 17, 2012
Training Program for CCD and DREs
DIOCESAN
Sacred Heart Christmas Play
The Johannes Hofinger Conference (an outstanding training program for DREs and CCD teachers) will be held Jan. 3-5 in New Orleans. It also includes a clergy day as well. If anyone from the diocese would like to attend, please contact Emily Ann McCullough at 445-6424. If we register as a group, we can receive a discount. For more information, go to www.hofingerconference.org. -- Fr. Joy, director of RFT office.
BRIEFS
Sacred Heart School in Moreauville will present a Christmas play on Thursday, Eec. 20 at 6 p.m. at the mari Center in Marksville. Sacred Heart students in grades pre-K through 8 will perform the Christmas story onstage. Offerings are accepted at the door. The production is directed by Karen Moreau, director of development and stewardship.
Amicus Club Rodeo
Holy Spirit Retreat The annual Holy Spirit Women’s Retreat will be held Jan. 25-27, 2013 at the Lafayette Hilton. Leading the retreat will be Deacon Larry Oney, Michelle Moran, and Fr. Joe Krafft of Notre Dame Seminary. Register online at www.ccrno.org or call 504-828-1368. This retreat is sponsored by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans.
New Catholic Foundation officers Msgr. Carson LaCaze, chair of the Board of Directors of the Catholic Foundation announces the election of six new members of the board during the Foundation’s annual meeting. Those elected to the board include Rob Antoon of OL of Prompt Succor, Alexandria; Eliza Brittan Behrendsen and David Bouchie of Immaculate Conception Basilica, Natchitoches; Joel Desselle of St. Mary’s, Cottonport; Chuck Descant of St. Anthony of Padua, Bunkie; and Deacon Mike Young of St. John the Baptist, Cloutierville. In welcoming the new board members Msgr. LaCaze said their presence on the Board will “bring new insights and outreach possibilities” to the Foundation. The Catholic Foundation administers funds whose income goes to designated Catholic parishes and schools within the Diocese of Alexandria. For more information please call Joe Hebert at 318.487.9222.
KC COUNCIL # 1134. Charles Thiels, Bo Vets, and Patrick Kelly, from KC Council #1134, present a check to Sister Nell Murray of St. Rita Church in Alexandria, to help out a family in the community who is in need of assistance.
Go to www.diocesealex.org for Mass Schedules
for • Christmas • New Year’s
Marriage Prep The next Strong Foundations: A Marriage Preparation Program for Catholic Couples one-day workshop will be held Sunday Jan. 27, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Pineville from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The presenters for this workshop are Mandi Chapman and Holly Carbo. To register or for more information, visit www.comprehensivetherapygroup.com or call 318.445.1651. Additional 2013 dates for the Strong Foundations: Marriage Prep workshop include May 26, July 21, and Oct. 20.
CDA COURT BISHOP DESMOND # 1459. Helen Candalora, Mable Aillet, Gail Randall, and Susie Medlin stand with Father Craig Scott while he draws the winners of the CDA annual Raffle held Nov. 25. Winners are 1st place: Heidi Wampler, $200; 2nd place: Mary Wilmore, $100 gift certificate to Logan’s Steakhouse; and 3rd place: Kay Guillory, $50 gift certificate from Mary’s Heart Catholic Bookstore.
Louisiana Life March The Louisiana Life March will be held Jan. 12, 2013 in Baton Rouge again, but this year at a new time -- 1 - 3 p.m. March participants will gather at noon behind the Old State Capital (100 North Blvd) and then begin marching at 1 p.m. After marching 0.8 of a mile, participants will gather on the steps of the State Capital and begin prayer inspiration by religious, government, and community leaders from 1:50 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Following the march, Life Ministry Mobilization Area will be open to find out how to get involved. For more information, go to www.prolifelouisiana.org/LALifeMarch.
The annual PRC Amicus Club Rodeo will be held Jan. 18-19 at the Rapides Parish Coliseum. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18 and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19. Tickets are $15 per person. Children 12 and under get in free with a coupon they will receive from school. All proceeds from the rodeo benefit St. Mary’s Residential Training Facility.
Mardi Gras dance St. Martin, Lecompte will be hosting a Mardi Gras Dance on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. featuring “Ronnie Bryant and Friends.” A cash bar and free horsd’oeuvres will be available. Admission is $25 a couple or $15 single. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Come join us for an evening of fun. For more information you may call the Church Office at 776.9480.
Catechist Convention
KC COUNCIL #9217 (Belledeau). Joe Arno, Vince Lacombe, Leonard Assmann, Kermit Laborde, Joseph Gremillion (Grand Knight) Amos Lacombe, and Raleigh Guillory, all members of KC Council #9217, cooked and served 110 bowls of chicken and sausage gumbo for the LSU-A students on Nov. 7.
Mark your calendar now for the 2013 Catechist Convention: A Day of Learning and Renewal sponsored by the Diocese of Alexandria’s Office of Religious Formation and Training. All pastors, religious ed leaders, CCD teachers, RCIA & Confirmation leaders, youth ministers are invited to attend the one day event on Feb. 2 from 8:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. (lunch included) at the St. Rita Holy Family Center. Cost is $15. To register, call 318-445-6424, ext 221 or email cnorris@diocesealex.org by Friday, Jan. 25.
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DECEMBER 17, 2012
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December -- January Monday
Tuesday
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PENANCE SERVICE 5:30 p.m. St. Martin of Tours, Belledeau
Wednesday
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PENANCE SERVICES
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PENANCE SERVICES
Thursday
Friday
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Saturday
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PENANCE SERVICE
5:30 pm St. Joseph, St. Joseph 6:00 p.m. 6 pm Sacred Heart Mary, Mother of Jesus, 6 pm St. Anthony, Bunkie Moreauville Woodworth 6:30 pm St. Joseph, Marksville 6:30 pm OLPS, Alexandria 6:30 pm OLS, Moreauville
Miracle in Bethlehem Sacred Heart Play 6:00 p.m. Mari Center, Marksville
PRAY FOR FR. J. THOMAS
24 For list of Vigil Masses for Christmas, go to www.diocesealex.org
PRAY FOR FR. A THOMPSON
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PRAY FOR FR. J. TIMMERMANS
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PRAY FOR FR. A. TRAVIS
Sunday
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PENANCE SERVICE 3:00 p.m. and after 4:00 pm Mass St. Francis of Assisi, Waterproof
23 FOURTH WEEK ADVENT
PRAY FOR FR. A. VARGHESE
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PRAY FOR FR. V. VEAD
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PRAY FOR FR. A. VELEZ
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For list of Christmas Masses, go to www.diocesealex.org THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS EVE
CHRISTMAS DAY
PRAY FOR FR. N. VIVANO
PRAY FOR FR. J. XAVIER
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For list of Vigil Masses for the Feast of Mary, go to www.diocesealex.org
JANUARY
1
For list of Masses for the Feast of Mary, go to www.diocesealex.org
FEAST of the HOLY FAMILY PRAY FOR FR. R. YOUNG
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PRAY FOR FR. K. ZACHARIAH
PRAY FOR FR. A. AELAVANTHARA
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PRAY FOR FR. T. ALLEN
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PRAY FOR FR. R. BORDELON
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TRAINING PROGRAM for DREs & CCD TEACHERS -- New Orleans THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
NEW YEAR’S EVE
SOLEMNITY of MARY, MOTHER OF GOD NEW YEAR’S DAY
PRAY FOR FR. S. BRANDOW
PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG
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PRAY FOR FR. W. COURVILLE
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8
PRAY FOR FR. J. CUNNINGHAM
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PRAY FOR FR. D. BRAQUET
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PRAY FOR FR. FERREOLUS D’CRUZ
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PRAY FOR FR. J. BROCATO
10
PRAY FOR FR. W. DECOSTE
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FIRST SATURDAY
PRAY FOR FR. A. CATELLA
PRAY FOR FR. S. CHEMINO
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PRAY FOR FR. D. DEJESUS
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Louisiana Life March 1:00-3:00 p.m. Baton Rouge
SOLEMNITY of the EPIPHANY PRAY FOR FR. D. CORKERY
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S.A.L.T. RETREAT -- Maryhill Renewal Center FEAST of the BAPTISM of the LORD
PRAY FOR FR. B. DESHAUTELLE
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PRAY FOR FR. P. FAULK
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AMICUS CLUB RODEO -- Alexandria
ORDINARY TIME PRAY FOR FR. J. FERGUSON
FIRST FRIDAY
PRAY FOR FR. T. FEY
PRAY FOR FR. R. GARRIONE
PRAY FOR FR. J. GOOTEE
PRAY FOR FR. R. GREMILLION
PRAY FOR FR. J. HASIEBER
PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG