The Church Today, April 23, 2018

CHURCH

Volume XLIX, No. 4

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TODAY

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Pope Francis releases new document on ‘the call to holiness in today’s world’

Blessing Box

“Do not be afraid of holiness.

It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy,” the pope wrote in “Gaudete et Exsultate” (“Rejoice and Be Glad”), his apostolic exhortation on “the call to holiness in today’s world,” released April 9.

Read about how easy it can be to become a saint on page 3.

A new approach to feeding the hungry

Deacon Luke LaFleur to be ordained a priest May 19 Luke LaFleur is expected to be ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Saturday, May 19 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral by the Most Reverend David P. Talley, Bishop of Alexandria. Read more about it on page 7.

NSU CSO sustains major damage from tornado A tree uprooted by an F1 tornado fell on the Northwestern State University Catholic Student Center at Holy Cross in Natchitoches during Holy Week, causing severe damage to the building. Damage to the Holy Cross Rectory was also reported. For complete details on the story, go to page 11.

OLPS STUDENTS help their mom Dana Boudreaux filll the Blessing Box at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church where Dana initiated the ministry. Parishioners provide food for the box, while those who need something to eat can come take what they want anytime. See page 9.

April 23, 2018

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CHURCH TODAY

APRIL 23, 2018

Mississippi governor signs bill banning abortions after 15 weeks

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASSASSINATION OF REV. MARTIN LUTHER KING. Churches around the Archdiocese of Atlanta solemnly rang bells 39 times in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. From Atlanta’s Blessed Sacrament Church and the Shrine of Immaculate Conception to Flowery Branch’s Prince of Peace Church, the tolling bells marked Rev. King’s 39 years of age when he was fatally shot in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968. Bryan Stevenson, center, a recipient of the 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize Award, shares a moment April 4 with the Rev. C.T. Vivian and Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory. The 93-year-old Vivian was a close friend and ally of Rev. King during the civil rights movement. (CNS photo/ Michael Alexander, Georgia Bulletin)

Nine-week Knight of Columbus video series highlights ‘Everyday Heroes’ NEW HAVEN, Conn. (CNS) -- A nine-part online video series from the Knights of Columbus is featuring members who are making a difference in their communities.

The “Everyday Heroes” series debuted April 3 and new videos were to appear on a special Knights’ website each Tuesday through May 29. They can be viewed at kofceverydayheroes. org.

“This film series offers a glimpse into the many ‘ordinary’ ways in which the Knights serve those around them,” Carl Anderson, Knights of Columbus CEO, said in a statement. “’Everyday

The

Ascension of the Lord celebrated in the U.S. on Sunday, May 13 (Also Mother’s Day)

Heroes’ are your brothers, friends and co-workers who quietly serve, often over many years.”

Joe Reali, a young Knight who was devoted to the Catholic Church as much as he was to football, is featured in the first video. When a family member became ill, he gave up football to care for her, but he died suddenly of an enlarged heart in 2015. The video features friends and family discussing Joe’s inspiring life and the establishment of a new Knights of Columbus council named in his honor in Woodbury, New York.

The second video looks at the efforts of Knights from the Uni-

versity of Notre Dame who have raised money for charity, including pro-life initiatives, since 1973 by grilling and selling steaks before the school’s football games.

Future videos feature Jose Lebron-Sanabria and his work in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria; Special Olympics athlete Chris Dooley; a group of seminarians who evangelize through song; Canadian Knights who supported a Syrian refugee family; participants in the Knights’ annual Warriors to Lourdes pilgrimage; a former Major League baseball player’s path to faith; and a Knight who died while serving in the Army in Iraq.

(REUTERS) - Mississippi’s governor signed into law March 19 the most restrictive abortion measure in the U.S., which was immediately challenged in court by abortion rights advocates who say it is unconstitutional.

Republican Governor Phil Bryant said he was proud to sign the bill banning abortion after 15 weeks of gestation with some exceptions, according to a statement from spokesman Knox Graham.

“I am committed to making Mississippi the safest place in America for an unborn child, and this bill will help us achieve that goal,” Bryant said.

The law takes effect immediately. Previous Mississippi law banned abortion at 20 weeks after conception, similar to limits in 17 other states.

Abortion rights advocates have said the measure targets the state’s only abortion provider, the Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which provides abortions for up to 16 weeks after conception.

The Center for Reproductive Rights said it had filed suit in U.S. District Court on behalf of the clinic to block the Mississippi law. It said the law violated Supreme Court precedent that a state may not ban abortion before

the fetus can survive outside the womb.

“Politicians are not above the rule of law, and we are confident this dangerous bill will be struck down like every similar attempt before it,” Nancy Northup, the Center for Reproductive Rights’ president and chief executive, said in a statement.

The U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in its 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling. The country’s highest court has since banned the prohibition of abortion before fetal viability, usually seen at about 20 weeks of gestation.

A similar measure banning abortion 15 weeks after conception has been introduced in the Louisiana legislature. The Mississippi law includes an exception in the case of severe fetal abnormality or a medical emergency.

Abortion rights groups say anti-abortion organizations could use the legal case to test the limits of abortion all the way to the Supreme Court.

In 2016, the high court refused to uphold an Arkansas law that banned abortion after 12 weeks’ gestation as well as a North Dakota six-week law.

About 926,200 abortions were performed in the U.S in 2014, down 12% from 2011.

APRIL 23, 2018

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Pope says “Do not be afraid of holiness!”

Pope Francis releases new document on ‘the call to holiness in today’s world”

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service (CNS) -- God calls all Christians to be saints -- not plastic statues of saints, but real people who make time for prayer and who show loving care for others in the simplest gestures, Pope Francis said in his new document on holiness.

“Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy,” the pope wrote in “Gaudete et Exsultate” (“Rejoice and Be Glad”), his apostolic exhortation on “the call to holiness in today’s world.”

Pope Francis signed the exhortation March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, and the Vatican released it April 9.

Much of the document was written in the second person, speaking directly to the individual reading it. “With this exhortation I would like to insist primarily on the call to holiness that the Lord addresses to each of us, the call that he also addresses, personally, to you,” he wrote near the beginning.

Saying he was not writing a theological treatise on holiness, Pope Francis focused mainly on The call to holiness is a personal call, something God asks of each Christian and which requires a personal response given one’s state in life, talents and circumstances.

“We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer,” he wrote. But “that is

Gaudete et Exsultate

Rejoice and Be Glad!

Apostolic Exhoration on The Call to Holiness in Today’s World https://w2.vatican.va/content/dam/francesco/pdf/apost_exhortations/

not the case.”

“We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves,” he said.

He wrote about “the saints next door” and said he likes “to contemplate the holiness present in the patience of God’s people: in those parents who raise their children with immense love, in those men and women who work hard to support their families, in the sick, in elderly religious who never lose their smile.”

Pope Francis also noted the challenges to holiness, writing at length and explicitly about the devil just two weeks after an uproar caused by an elderly Italian journalist who claimed the pope told him he did not believe in the existence of hell.

“We should not think of the devil as a myth, a representation, a symbol, a figure of speech or an idea,” the pope wrote in his exhortation. “This mistake would

lead us to let down our guard, to grow careless and end up more vulnerable” to the devil’s temptations.

“The devil does not need to possess us. He poisons us with the venom of hatred, desolation, envy and vice,” he wrote. “When we let down our guard, he takes advantage of it to destroy our lives, our families and our communities.”

The path to holiness, he wrote, is almost always gradual, made up of small steps in prayer, in sacrifice and in service to others.

Being part of a parish community and receiving the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and reconciliation, are essential supports for living a holy life, the pope wrote. And so is finding time for silent prayer.

“I do not believe in holiness without prayer,” he said, “even though that prayer need not be lengthy or involve intense emotion.”

People throughout the Diocese of Alexandria are called to holiness by their actions in the community.

“The holiness to which the Lord calls you will grow through small gestures,” he said, before citing the example of a woman who refuses to gossip with a neighbor, returns home and listens patiently to her child even though she is tired, prays the rosary and later meets a poor person and offers him a kind word.

The title of the document was taken from Matthew 5:12 when Jesus says “rejoice and be glad” to those who are persecuted or humiliated for his sake.

The line concludes the Beatitudes, in which, Pope Francis said, “Jesus explained with great simplicity what it means to be holy”: Living simply, putting God first, trusting him and not earthly wealth or power, being humble, mourning with and consoling others, being merciful and forgiving, working for justice and seeking peace with all.

The example of the saints officially recognized by the church can be helpful, he said, but no one else’s path can be duplicated exactly. Each person, he said, needs “To embrace that unique plan that God willed for each of us from eternity.”

The exhortation ends with a section on “discernment,” which Is a gift to be requested of the Holy Spirit and developed through prayer, reflection, reading Scripture and seeking counsel from a trusted spiritual guide.

“A sincere daily ‘examination of conscience’” will help, he said, because holiness involves striving each day for “all that is

great, better and more beautiful, while at the same time being concerned for the little things, for each day’s responsibilities and commitments.”

Pope Francis also included a list of cautions. For example, he said holiness involves Finding balance in prayer time, time spent enjoying others’ company and time dedicated to serving others in ways large or small.

And, “needless to say, anything done out of anxiety, pride or the need to impress others will not lead to holiness.”

Being holy is not easy, he said, but if the attempt makes a person judgmental, always frustrated and surly, something is not right.

“The saints are not odd and aloof, unbearable because of their vanity, negativity and bitterness,” he said. “The apostles of Christ were not like that.”

In fact, the pope said, “Christian joy is usually accompanied by a sense of humor.”

The exhortation included many of Pope Francis’ familiar refrains about attitudes that destroy the Christian community, like gossip, or that proclaim themselves to be Christian, but are really forms of pride, like knowing all the rules and being quick to judge others for not following them.

Holiness “is not about swooning in mystic rapture,” but It is about recognizing and serving the Lord in the hungry, the stranger, the naked, the poor and the sick.

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APRIL 23, 2018

The Resurrection and the New Life At the beginning of this month, we celebrated the Mass of the Resurrection, … the Joy of Easter Sunday!

For an Octave (eight days) the Catholic Church celebrated “the Day” of Resurrection … new birth … Easter. And though some entertainers on the television and internet channels joked about this Solemnity of Easter falling on April Fool’s Day, we, who live new life in Christ the Lord … we know the truth of things.

I hope that you know of this new life, this abundant life, this life of grace. This is the gift that only the Lord of life may give.

This is the heart of our faithlife, the heart of the Catholic Church: God so loved the world … His world … His humanity, for all is the Creator’s … that He gave His only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might

I am the VINE; YOU are the BRANCHES (John 15:5)

Most Rev. David P. Talley Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria have eternal life (John 3.16).

In faith, we remembered the Lord’s gift of priestly ministry and Eucharist on Holy Thursday: a new Passover meal … where His broken body becomes food for the journey and His blood poured out becomes a celebration of His Presence and the drink of the new Covenant … that invites all of humanity to rejoice in the Father’s mercy.

WE remembered the anguish and pain and desolation of

Good Friday: Jesus of Nazareth becomes the Lamb of Sacrifice, food for the new Passover meal.

He becomes the Suffering Servant that the prophet Isaiah longed to see (Isaiah 53). By His wounds, we are healed.

Easter Sunday and every Sunday, disciples of the Risen Lord gather together to share in the wisdom of God through a prayerful proclamation of the scriptures. We profess our faith in the Creed, written 1500 years

ago, as the Catholic Church became a light for the whole world.

We pray for the needs of the world and for our community and for the poor and downcast.

Then, we do as the Lord Jesus asked: we celebrate His Presence among us as Emmanuel … by speaking His word through priestly ministry and by calling on the Spirit to be with us and to anoint the gifts and the people with the anointing of the Risen Lord.

Christ the Lord is the new, living Temple, where the realm of heaven and the realm of earth meet. Christ the Lord, Risen and ascended to the right hand of the Father, remains with us until the end of days … in His gifts of the Spirit, Word and Sacrament and in the renewal of our hearts.

Christ the Lord lives…. His humanity and ours now knowing glory of God’s mercy, God’s love … this … as we surrender to Him and His Way of Life … to live a life of praise and service … to do as the single grain of wheat does … as it dies to self and is born again in the harvest (John 12.24).

He is Risen … and He lives … and calls us to life. His YES allows us to say YES … to the Father’s glory.

AMDG Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (For The Greater Glory of God)

Liturgical vestments worn by the bishop One of the aspects that makes our Catholic Liturgy so beautiful is understanding that everything you see, every sound you hear, and every action taken during the Mass has a rich and meaningful tradition that is there to lead us closer to our Lord as we worship and pray. The vestments worn by the clergy are no different, which leads us to this month’s question: “Why does Bishop Talley wear more ‘gear’ than a priest and carry a stick during Mass?”

I am a visual learner, so to help with explaining what is being worn, I have included an illustration here and labeled each of the items (or “gear”) he wears.

But why the extras?

Well I suppose we should begin by first defining who or what a Bishop represents in the diocese.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “…by the imposition of hands and through the words of consecration, the grace of the Holy Spirit is given, and a sacred character is impressed in such wise that bishops, in an eminent and visible manner, take the place of Christ himself, teacher, shepherd and priest, and act as his representative.” (1558) In other words, Bishop Talley represents the great authority of Christ as he shepherds our dio-

Mitre: the peaked hat worn by bishops since 1100. The bishop will take it off when praying. Underneath he wears a small circular skull cap called a zucchetto.

Embracing the Liturgy

Crozier: a tall staff that symbolized a bishop or archbishop’s role as the shepherd leading his flock to salvation, disciplining them and protecting them along the way.

By Deacon Richard W. Mitchell cese. And every good shepherd needs a Shepherd’s Crook or what is properly referred to as a crozier. It, along with his miter are visible signs of our Bishop’s authority as being our shepherd who is tasked with leading us, his flock, to the arms of Christ.

But have you noticed throughout the Mass there are several exchanges between the Bishop and the Master of Ceremonies and altar servers? I mean, what’s with all the taking the miter off, putting it back on, taking it off again, putting it back on… handing off the crozier, getting it back…I must admit, when I first became a Master of Ceremonies, it was a bit confusing and distracting to me, too. I literally had nightmares about either forgetting to get the miter or putting it on him, backwards! I only came to appreciate it when I learned the symbolism behind the actions.

The general rule (with a few exceptions) is the Bishop

wears the miter when he sits and removes it when he stands. Sitting with the miter is a sign of his teaching authority, so it is logical that this is done during the scripture readings. However, when we all stand for the proclamation of the Gospel, he takes off his miter but he then clutches the crozier.

But why? This is a symbol that he, our Bishop, is our shepherd and he is holding his Shepherd’s Crook as The Good Shepherd speaks to us in the words of the Gospel.

After the Gospel, the Bishop does have the option of sitting, putting on the miter and preaching from his chair (again as a sign of authority). You will typically see this at major ceremonial events such as ordinations more so than at daily Mass or Sunday Mass.

So the next time you see Bishop Talley and he is either wearing his miter or holding his crozier, comment on them using

Pectoral cross: Worn around the neck and rests close to the heart.

It may be simple or ornate with semi-precious stones and metals or even hold the relic of a saint.

Bishops, archbishops, cardinals and the Pope wear one even when not in formal vestments.

Ring: a symbol of a bishop’s jurisdiction within the church. It suggests a bishop is wedded to his diocese. the proper terms and he will be most impressed with your liturgical knowledge!

Remember to keep those questions coming by emailing WhyDoWe@ diocesealex.org or mail to P. O. Box 7417, Alexandria, Louisiana 71306-0417.

Chasuble: a cape worn over the other vestments which symbolized the qualities that Jesus embodied. It may be simple or intricately decorated.

Alb: a white garment symbolizing the sanctifying grace of baptism and purity of heart.

APRIL 23, 2018

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Celebrating Easter -- the Octave and the Season Easter is not a day; but a season of 50 days; Are you still celebrating Easter?

By Marcellino D’Ambrosio crossroadsinitiative.com Easter is not a day but a season of 50 days: the octave which is eight days of high celebration beginning on Easter Sunday followed by 42 more days of rejoicing concluding on Pentecost.

Recently someone told me about a conversation that they had had with an Evangelical neighbor.

“We,” boasted the neighbor, “don’t display the cross with Christ still hanging from it like you Catholics do. It seems that you, with your season of Lent, just want to dwell on Christ’s passion. We are Easter people – we focus on his resurrection.”

Of course, the fact that we revere the crucifix doesn’t mean we Catholics don’t believe that he also rose from the dead. But I have to admit, the way we observe Lent versus the way we celebrate Easter often feeds into the misconception of my friend’s neighbor.

Ash Wednesday arrives and our Churches are packed. It is not even a holy day of obligation, and people show up who are seldom seen on Sundays.

During Lent, the ranks of those attending daily Mass swell.

There are Stations of the Cross, Lenten missions, parish fish fries.

Forty days worth of spiritual exercises, penance, and focus on our Lord’s suffering.

Then Easter Sunday rolls around. Bonnets, chocolate, and bunnies, appear.

The next day, however;

during the octave? Then at least read the Mass readings in your personal prayer time, or even better, with your spouse, roommate, or family. Don’t have a missal? You can get the daily mass readings on line or even as a free iPhone or Android app (such as Laudate).

Here are some ideas for a fitting and fruitful celebration of the joy of Eastertide.

Celebrating the Easter Season

churches are virtually empty and everyone returns to business as usual. The candy is gone.

Maybe a few hard-boiled eggs remain.

Easter is a season! -- not just a day!!

This is not the way things went in the Early Church! Lent may be 40 days. But Easter, from at least the early 4th century, went a full 50 days—from Easter Sunday through Pentecost.

The first ecumenical council of Nicaea, the one that gave us the Creed we recite every Sunday, issued a liturgical decree that is still observed till this day in some Byzantine Catholic and Orthodox Churches. As a sign of

rejoicing, the Council prohibited any kneeling in the liturgy until the end of the Pentecost celebration.

I don’t advise Latin Rite Catholics abandon kneeling during Eastertide since for the the Western Catholic tradition, it is a sign of adoration, not just penance as in the East. But we do need to recover the richness of Easter as a season, not just a day’ The Easter Octave First of all, let’s recover the idea of the Octave. In the book of Exodus, God commanded the Israelites to celebrate the greater feasts like Passover for eight

days, with a solemn assembly on the first and the 8th day. So liturgically, we celebrate Easter at highest pitch from Easter Sunday to Divine Mercy Sunday. Each and every day of this Octave is considered a solemn feast (aka a solemnity) in the Roman calendar.

If there is any time to go to daily Mass, the Easter Octave is it! And though the choir leader’s contract may not include leading music during Easter octave Masses, surely the priest or one of the congregation can lead the acclamations and a few songs to make even an early morning Mass share in the festive spirit of the week.

Can’t make it to daily Mass

In my family, we do a few special things to set off the whole Easter season. At the breakfast and dinner table, before saying grace, we employ the Easter greeting used in the Eastern Churches. I say “Christ is Risen.”

The family responds “He is Risen Indeed!”

A few years ago, we discovered the beautiful Marian prayer specific to the Easter Season, Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven Rejoice Alleluia!) We learned it in English and in Latin so we could recite or sing it together before bed each night of the Easter Season.

The atheist philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “If you Christians want me to believe in your Redeemer, you need to look more redeemed!” The recovery of Easter joy is one of the keys not only to our own happiness, but to the new evangelization.

Rejoice and be Glad!

The Lord has Risen!

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CHURCH TODAY

APRIL 23, 2018

COME AND SEE WEEKEND. Father Louis Sklar, director of Vocations, brought a group of six high school students to a Come and See Weekend March 23-25 hosted

by St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, La. The one Menard student and five St. Mary’s School (Natchitoches) students said that while they had a preconceived notion of what seminary was like, it all changed when they stepped into the life of a seminarian by participating in Morning and Evening Prayer, daily Mass, and dining in the refectory.

One of the most popular events was a mock Philosophy class, led by Fr. Sam Fontana, where the attendees participated in the interactive class.

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APRIL 23, 2018

CHURCH TODAY

Fr. Ker Texada dies April 9 at age 90 A Mass of Christian Burial for Rev. David Ker Texada was celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, April 13, 2018, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.

Mass was celebrated by his brother priests from the Diocese of Alexandria. Interment followed in Greenwood Memorial Park, Pineville, under the direction of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home.

Father Ker Texada, 90, passed away on Monday, April 9, 2018, at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital.

Father Texada is preceded in death by his parents, David Ker Texada, Sr. and Lillian Angelique Rhorer Texada; along with three siblings, James Rhorer Texada, Sr., Constance Georgia Texada Dalrymple, and Joseph Tevillion Texada.

Father David Texada was born on China Grove Plantation in Boyce, La. on January 3, 1928.

He attended primary and secondary school in Alexandria, St. Joseph Seminary College, Covington and Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. He received a B.A. in history at Louisiana Col-

Rev. Ker Texada 1928 - 2018 lege, a Master of Arts in history from L.S.U., and a Ph.D. in history from L.S.U. He was ordained to the priesthood in New Orleans on May 17, 1980. He served as associate pastor at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church, Chalmette; St. Leo the Great Church, New Orleans; St. Raphael the Archangel Church, New Orleans; and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, New Orleans. In addition to his pastoral assignments in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, he also served as chaplain of the New Orleans Council No. 714 of the Knights of

Columbus.

During his retirement here in Alexandria, Fr. Texada ministered to the residents of Our Lady’s Manor for more than 17 years.

Those left to cherish his memory include James Rhorer Texada, Jr. (Kaye) of Villanova, PA, Joseph Texada Dalrymple (Linda) of Alexandria, LA., Constance Dalrymple Birkholm (Jens) of Solvang, CA., Susan E. Dalrymple of Alexandria, LA, and Elizabeth Dalrymple of Alexandria, LA. Those also left to cherish his memory include nine great-nieces and nephews, James R. Texada, III, Kaye Lynn Texada, Robert Ker Dalrymple, Robert Birkholm, Rachel Dalrymple Chustz, Katherine Dalrymple, Robert Eric Dalrymple, Amy Elizabeth Dalrymple, and Heather Angelique Dalrymple; and 13 great-grand nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be his brother priests.

To extend online notes of condolence to the Texada Family, please visit www.KramerFunerals.com.

PAGE 7

Deacon Luke LaFleur to be ordained to priesthood May 19 Luke LaFleur is expected to be ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Saturday, May 19 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral by the Most Reverend David P. Talley, Bishop of Alexandria.

Deacon Luke is the son of Randal and Theresa LaFleur of Alexandria. He attended Our Lady of Prompt Succor School and Holy Savior Menard Central High School, where he graduated. As a seminarian at the Pontifical College Josephinum, LaFleur was chosen to serve Mass for Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 1, 2017. LaFleur has also served as the arch deacon at the Josephinum this past year, a prestigious post that is voted on by fellow classmates at the seminary.

Deacon Luke LaFleur After ordination, Father LaFleur will celebrate his First Mass on Sunday, May 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Alexandria.

Priests’ organization recommends revisions in way seminarians are prepared for ministry (CNS) -- An organization of 1,200 priests has called for revisions in the way seminarians are prepared for ministry so that the U.S. Catholic Church can better address challenges that include declining membership and falling seminary enrollment.

The Association of U.S. Catholic Priests addressed five areas of concern, saying that priests must get closer to the people they serve and better understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus as envisioned by Pope Francis.

The committee, which includes eight other archbishops and bishops, is reviewing the Program for Priestly Formation, the fifth and most recent edition of which was published in 2006. The committee is expected to submit revisions for a new edition of the guide at the November 2019 USCCB fall general assembly.

The AUSCP represents a minority of the total number of U.S.

priests. Overall, there are 37,959 priests, according to the 2017 edition of the Official Catholic Directory.

“Over the years, I’ve gotten more and more concerned of the distance that exists between priests and people,” said Father Ronald C. Chochol, a retired priest in the Archdiocese of St. Louis and chairman of the AUSCP’s Working Group on Priestly Formation.

He added that the organization’s members have become increasingly concerned that the church has not adequately addressed a series of challenges that have emerged in recent decades because priests are not as closely connected with their parishioners.

“The issue is maybe this system, this model (of formation) is not adequate to the present,” Father Chochol said.

“The issue is for all of us. It’s not just for priests. We know how

crucial the role of priest is to the church. It’s time to step back and see what’s being called for.”

The AUSCP said its comments were influenced by several challenges facing the U.S Catholic Church: the “departure of millions of Catholics from active participation and membership in the church”; the decreasing number of priests and men entering studies for the priesthood; the declining number of church marriages and baptisms; fewer parishes; and the “growing identification of Americans as ‘spiritual’ rather than ‘religious.’”

The working group’s report also questioned the current seminary model used to train priests.

Among the organization’s recommendations was a plan to have seminarians live in parishes while they complete their studies so they can better understand the lives of people they will eventually serve.

MASS OF RENEWAL. The Annual Mass of Renewal for Permanent Deacons was held March 24 in St. Francis Xavier Cathedral to recognize the six deacons who are currently actively serving in the Diocese of Alexandria. The deacons pictured above, were ordained in 2012, making them the first class of deacons to be ordained in the diocese in more than 26 years. The original class, which consisted of 15, has reduced its numbers due to moving away or death. Pictured above who were in attendance at the Mass are (front row) Deacon Greg LeBlanc, Bishop David Talley, and Deacon Gary Schupbach.

Middle row: Deacon Richard Mitchel and Deacon William Travis. Back row: Deacon Mike Young and Deacon Kip Pelto. Deacons not pictured are Deacon E.J. Barre, Deacon L.G. DeLoach, Deacon Todd Marye, Deacon Pat McCusker, Deacon Ted Moulard, Deacon Bill Shaidnagle, and Deacon John Whitehead. Another deacon class has been in formation and will be ordained on the weekends of June 2 and June 16, 2018.

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 8

APRIL 23, 2018

Fr. Taylor Reynolds celebrates Easter Mass on shores of Normandy

By Father Taylor Reynolds This Easter, I had the extraordinary experience of celebrating Mass at the American Cemetery on the famous beach of Normandy, France.

As a canon law student at Santa Croce University in Rome, I knew that I would not be coming home for the Easter break. So I, along with two fellow seminarians from Lake Charles, La -Levi Thompson and Andy Derouin, decided to visit the shores of Normandy where lies one of the only American territories in Europe: the WWII American Cemetery.

For some of you unfamiliar with this history lesson -- the Battle of Normandy, which was part of WWII, lasted from June 1944 to August 1944, and resulted in the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany’s

FATHER TAYLOR REYNOLDS, accompanied by seminarians Levi Thompson and Andy Derouin, both from Lake Charles, celebrated Mass on Easter Sunday on the shores of Normandy, France. control. Code-named “Operation Overlord,” the battle began on June 6, 1944, also known as D-

Day, when some 156,000 American, British and Canadian forces landed on five beaches along a Msgr. Ronald Hoppe (60); Rev. Bob Courville (55); Bishop Emeritus Ronald Herzog, (50)

JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY MASS Friday, May 11 12:05 p.m.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Bishop David Talley

Main Celebrant Bishop Robert Muench Homilist Priests of the Diocese of Alexandria Concelebrants

Rev. Antony Aelavanthara, (50) Rev. Angelo Messina,(50) Rev. Chris Nayak (50); Rev. Joseph Hasieber (45); Rev. Ramji Shoury (40); Rev Abraham Palakkattuchira, (30) Rev. John Pardue, (30); Rev. Scott Chemino, (25) Rev. Kenneth Obiekwe, (25); Rev. Joy Anthony, (20) Rev. Rickey Gremillion, (20) Rev. Bartholomew Ibe, (20) Rev. Marc Noel, (20); Rev. John Brocato, (15) Rev. Wade DeCoste, (15) Rev. Chad Partain, (15) Rev. Abraham Varghese, (15) Rev. Martin Laird (10)

50-mile stretch of the heavily fortified coast of France’s Normandy region.

The invasion was one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history and required extensive planning. By late August 1944, all of northern France had been liberated, and by the following spring the Allies had defeated the Germans -- but at a huge cost -- more than 9,000 soldiers had lost their lives. The Normandy landings have been called the beginning of the end of the war in Europe.

As we approached the area, I couldn’t help but think of how it looked like our own Arlington Cemetery in Washington DC -- a large reflecting pool, American flags waving in the wind, and of course, row after row of white cross memorials, over 9,000, for the deceased soldiers.

As we walked past the large groups of tourists and visitors, we made our way to the point of our destination: the chapel located in the center. We were not just spectators, not just visitors; we were here to offer the greatest prayer for these souls -- the Holy Mass. What an honor for us!

After Mass, I also made a quick trip to Lisieux, France, the home of St. Terese and her recently canonized parents, St.

CHURCH

STS. LOUIS and ZELLIE MARTIN parents of St. Terese of Lisieux.

Louis and St. Zellie Martin.

They are the first couple to be canonized together and they form a new category of saints: Spouses.

Its important to be reminded that they are not saints because their daughter was a saint. They both led extremely holy lives -having pursued religious vocations before marriage, had a total of nine children, five of them died at young ages, the other four chose religious vocations, one is now a saint, and both suffered very painful and dreadful diseases which they carried with patience and love.

They are a reminder that the call of spouses is one of holiness and that parent’s duty above all is to make their children saints.

TODAY

Volume XLIX, No. 4 • April 23, 2018 P. O. Box 7417 • Alexandria, LA 71303 churchtoday@diocesealex.org 318-445-6424 Publisher: Editor: Advertising: Circulation:

Most Rev. David P. Talley, 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 Website: www.diocesealex.org To receive a free subscription, call 318-445-6424, ext 255 or e-mail jpetrus@diocesealex.org

CHURCH TODAY

APRIL 23, 2018

PAGE 9

Blessing Box: Feeding the poor has never been easier

By Jeannie Petrus CT editor Feeding the poor has never been easier . . . with a small thing called a Blessing Box. It’s a trend that’s soaring across the country in churches, communities, and even in individual’s front yards.

A blessing box is a miniature food pantry -- receiving food items from those who want to donate, and offering it to those who need them.

“Whether you are taking or giving, you can just go to the blessing box,” said Dana Boudreaux, coordinator of the Blessing Box program at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Alexandria that just started a few months ago. “There’s no lock on it and it is open 24-hours a day loaded with food items for anyone who needs them to take.”

That may seem like a strange concept to get used to -- having food out in the open for any to come out and just take -- but it seems to be working out great.

Boudreaux said she got the idea after attending an A.C.T.S. retreat a year ago. She felt a nudging in her heart to do something to help the poor -- especially in the neighborhood around the school her children attend -- but she was always hesitant about what or how to do it.

“I heard our pastor talk about all the money our parish raised for the ADA (Annual Diocesan Appeal), and I looked around at all the nice cars we all drive our kids

Top 10 Items for a Blessing Box Food Items

Toiletries/Personal Items

Cans of pull-top soup/fruit/veggie

Toothpaste

Cans of pull-top ravioli/spaghetti

Toothbrush

Cans of pull-top Vienna sausage

Socks

Can or pouch of tuna

Shampoo

Package of Ramen noodles

Peanut butter

Soap

Combs or Brushes

spiritual reading.

It was designed by Father Peter Faulk’s mom, Nancy, and built by Mike Waller, who makes many of the Little Free Libraries in the Garden District.

“It looks like a little church with cathedral doors and stained glass windows,” said Tinsley.

“It’s beautiful!”

Inside she keeps prayer books, meditation pamphlets, medals, scapulars, Bibles, and all sorts of spiritual reading materials. “Since I opened the free/used bookstore next to Mary’s Heart Catholic Bookstore, I have lots of free stuff to give away,” she said.

“So it’s easy to keep stocked.”

Tinsley invites anyone who is hungry for the Word of the Lord -- day or night-- to visit the Blessing Box at Mary’s Heart.

Individually wrapped cheese crackers

Fleece Blankets

Breakfast cereal

Knitted Hats or Caps

Individual packets of oatmeal

Wipes

Cans of pull-top meat (Spam)

Diapers

Not far across town, another type of blessisng box appeals to the spiritual needs of the soul.

Tinsley Ducote, owner of Mary’s Heart Bookstore, has opened up a Blessing Box for

through door that closes well, but does not lock.

Publicity for the new ministry was sent to the school, the church, and organizations and it was explained from the pulpit at all of the Masses.

The response from the congregation and the students at school was overwhelming. Parishioners pledged to either donate food each week, donate money each month, or volunteer to re-stock the box a certain number of times a month.

Food and personal items are restocked every morning and every evening.

“When I drop my kids off in the morning, I fill up the box,” she

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY OF SPIRITUAL READING. Call it a Blessing Box or a Little Free Library -- either way, you will find in it, a treasure of spiritual readings, bibles, medals, scapulars, and much more. Visit it at Mary’s Heart Catholic Book Store at 218-C Gus Kaplan Drive in Alexandria.

to school, past these very poor neighborhoods right next to our school and our church,” she said.

“I wondered how we could sit and in the pews and talk about serving the poor when the poor were right outside our door and we were doing nothing.”

So Boudreaux and Chris Bayonne (who also had a similiar idea about starting a Food Pantry at OLPS) asked Father Dan O’Connor, pastor about starting these two ministries. Without hesitation, he gave his approval and the work began.

Steve Gauthier designed and built the cabinet that includes three shelves, an awning to protect it from the rain, and a see-

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said. “When I return to pick them up, it is usually empty, and I have to re-stock. So I know it is being used. We are very happy with the response of the Blessing Box.” The Food Pantry offers a bag of food on the 4th Sunday of every month. You can choose from two bags -- one bag that is filled with items you can cook with (everything you would need to make a meal for a family) or a non-cook bag (assuming you don’t have any means of cooking anything-bread, canned fruit, peanut butter, etc.)

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PAGE 10

CHURCH TODAY

APRIL 23, 2018

Dedicated organist, Estelle Prevost, retires after 57 years of service

By Jeannie Petrus CT editor Faithful and dedicated.

That’s all it takes to describe Estelle Coco Prevost, the 87-yearold organist at St. Peter’s Church in Bordelonville, who recently retired as volunteer organist after 57 years.

Fifty-seven years!

That’s a life--time for some people; that’s longer than many marriages last; and certainly longer than most people stick with a single volunteer job.

Estelle was 13 years old when her first cousin Marietta Guidry taught her to play the organ. It was 1944 and Marietta’s husband was away at war (WWII), so she had plenty of time on her hands to teach Estelle how to play.

“When Marietta could not play at Mass on Sunday, I would step in and take her place,” she said. “Maybe I was not as good as Marietta at the time, but I did my best.”

In high school she was asked to play for special events like May devotions and Benediction.

It wasn’t long before members of the community were asking her to play for funerals and weddings, First Communions, and Confirmations.

“In those days, people would give me $5 or $10 to play at funerals or weddings,” she said.

“But I always gave it back to the church.”

Even in later years, when donations increased to $25, $50 and sometimes even $100, Estelle always gave it back to the church.

She never kept a penny of her earnings from playing the church organ!

Before Estelle knew it, life just happened in Bordelonville -- she got married (Hans Prevost), had two children (Melinda and Mark), and played the organ every weekend for Mass, funerals and weddings.

Several priests have come and gone in the small town of Bordelonville, but her favorite was Msgr. Isidore C. DeCeulaer, who was pastor at Bordelonville for 32 years (1937-1969).

RETIRING AFTER 57 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE. Long time friend and dedicated choir director James Armand (left) presents Estelle Prevost with a plaque of appreciation for her 57 years of volunteer service as the organist at St. Peter Church in Bordelonville. Father Ramji Shoury, pastor of St. Peter Church, celebrated a special Mass in her honor Feb. 24, followed by a recep-

tion hosted by family and friends. Pictured above is Ms. Estelle with a framed Apostolic Blessing from Pope Benedict for her (then) 50 years of service, as she stands next to the old Belgium organ given to her by Msgr. Isidore DeCeulaer who was pastor at St. Peter Church in Bordelonville from 1937-1969.

“Msgr. DeCeulaer was from Belgium and loved having organ music at Mass,” she said. “He had a very old Belgium organ that was handed down to him from his family. Before he passed away, he gave that organ to me because he knew how much I loved and cherished the organ. I still have that organ in my house and would

with such a talented choir director as James Armand and our current faithful choir,” she said.

Seven years ago, (after 50 years of service) she tried to retire, but somehow couldn’t stay away from it. But this time, she says, it is for real.

“I just can’t do it anymore,” she said.

not part with it for anything in the world.”

Over the years, she has also had the honor of playing with a few choir directors but for the past 40 years, she has been playing under the direction of James Armand.

“It is such a pleasure to play the organ, when you are working

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On Feb. 24, 2018, Father Ramji Shoury, pastor of St. Peter Church, celebrated a Mass in her honor, followed by a reception hosted by the parish. A plaque was presented to her by Father Shoury and Armand.

Thank you Ms. Estelle for 57 years of dedicated, faithful service!

APRIL 23, 2018

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 11

Tree uprooted by F1 tornado severely damages NSU Catholic Center in Natchitoches

By Jeannie Petrus CT editor

Celebrating the Feast Day of St. Kateri Tekakwitha

Father Peter Faulk, (pictured here with Deacon Richard Mitchell, Sister Kateri Mitchell, and Father Christian Ogbonna) celebrated a Spanish Mass April 17 at Holy Rosary Chapel in Chopin on the feast day of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American Indian Saint. Immediately following the Mass, a reception was held in the church hall, where a group of Native American dancers performed several Native American dances.

The event was sponsored by the Central Louisiana Kateri Circle.

A tree uprooted by an F1 tornado fell on the Northwestern State University Catholic Student Center at Holy Cross in Natchitoches during Holy Week, causing severe damage to the building.

According to Father Marc Noel, pastor of Holy Cross Church, who was next door at the rectory when it happened said the tree fell on the back end of the building where the kitchen is located, destroying the rear section of the roof and back wall. Part of the tree also landed on the rectory, causing damage to the roof and water damage inside.

“We were lucky that there were no students inside the building at the time,” he said, “so there were no injuries.”

But the day of the storm, Father Marc pointed out, and after the tree had fallen on the center, the rain continued until the Natchitoches area had received more than 7 inches of rain.

“So with a hole in the roof because of the tree on it, the center received substantial water damage on the inside,” he said.

Immediately following the storm that produced winds of 105 mph, the tree was removed and the roof covered with tarps. The

SURVEYING DAMAGE. Father Marc Noel surveys the damage to the interior of the NSU Catholic Student Center after a tree was uprooted by an F1 tornado during Holy Week and fell on the Student Center. insurance adjustor has estimated the damage at approximately $100,000.

Father Marc said that, for now, all CSO activities have moved to the Holy Cross Hall across the street, where many ac-

tivities are already scheduled.

Plans are underway to repair the student center. This will be an opportunity to also make a few improvements while the construction is being done.

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Applicants must meet the following criteria: • Strong Practicing Catholic • Masters Degree, preferably in Education • Minimum of 5 years experience in Education (preferably Catholic Education) • Credentials meet Non-Public School Certification for State of Louisiana • Demonstrated Leadership Ability • Availability on or before July 1, 2018 Inquiries and applications may be sent to: Saint Anthony of Padua Parish Principal Application Committee 409 Saint John Street Bunkie, Louisiana 71322

Deadline for Application Packet: May 1, 2018 The schools of the Diocese of Alexandria admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

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CHURCH TODAY

ST. GENEVIEVE CHURCH (Brouillette) LIVE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. The CCD students at St. Genevieve Church in Brouillette performed the out-

Jesus Risen from the Dead

APRIL 23, 2018

door Live Stations of the Cross on March 27 for family, friends and the community. The stations were under the direction of Janice Brevelle, DRE.

The Last Supper

Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL (Plaucheville) LIFE OF JESUS PROJECT. Students in Mrs. Rhiannon Moreau’s Kindergarten class were given a project to work on with their families. Using eggs, they had to depict a moment of Jesus’s life. They had to search for the bible passage and discuss with their families what it meant. They then gave an oral presentation of their projects.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL (Moreauville) WASHING OF THE FEET. The 7th and 8th grade students at Sacred Heart School in Moreauville presented The Easter Triduum and Living Stations of the Cross March 28 for the parents and the Sacred Heart Church community. Pictured are students doing a reenactment of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA (Bunkie) CATECHETICAL QUIZ BOWL CHAMPIONS! Congratulations to the St. Anthony School Quiz Bowl Team, made up of 6th and 7th graders, who won the Catechetical Quiz Bowl Championship April 14 in a fierce battle.

APRIL 23, 2018

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 13

ST. FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL (Alexandria) LIVING STATIONS OF THE CROSS. The 6th grade students at St. Frances Cabrini School performed Living Stations of the Cross March 29 after Mass. portrayed Jesus and portrayed Mary.

HOLY GHOST CHURCH (Marksville) DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY. Holy Ghost Church in Marksville celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday with the DM Chaplet and Adoration. Pictured are Father Abraham Varghese, pastor; Darrell Dubroc, deacon candidate; and altar servers

DRAMATIC PICTURE OF JESUS ON THE CROSS was taken before a storm on Holy Thursday by Father John O’Brien, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Natchitoches shortly after the new cross was erected. The same cross was blessed and dedicated on Divine Mercy Sunday after the 10 a.m. Mass with many of the CCD students present. The cross is located on the corner lot adjacent to the church.

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 14

SACRED HEART STUDENTS PRACTICE CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY. On April 11, Sacred Heart School’s seventh grade classes collected numerous boxes of canned goods and delivered them to Manna House under the direction of Marvin Guillot and Miss Nicole Cancel. When they arrived, the students sorted and helped organize the Manna House pantry.

APRIL 23, 2018

On the same day, the group also delivered numerous toiletries that they had collected to the VA Nursing Home under the direction of Marvin Guillot, Nicole Cancel, and Karen Moreau. The students visited and prayed with the Alzheimer’s patients and thanked the veterans and the medical staff for their service.

Gift from adopted children on Mother’s Day Continued from page 15 who quickly responded to the messages of support. Here are some of the responses: “This is one of the most loving, unexpected surprises I have ever received in the mail. Thank you, Olivia, for your beautiful heart and for loving on birth mothers! What a sweet, sweet reminder from BraveLove.”

“Just the little oomph of happiness I needed. Thank you to the dear girl who wrote me. And thank you @joinbravelove for including me.”

“As a birth mom, I received one of these letters. Honestly, it came at the perfect time. On the 15th my birth son will be one, and it’s been a struggle for me. But when this letter came in the mail, it was so wonderful and just made my whole week! Truly appreciated it. Thank you!!!”

Later in January, BraveLove decided to feature several of the letters from Olivia and her classmates on a set of greeting cards it offered for sale as a Valentine’s Day promotion, which continue to be available on the website www.bravelove.org.

Each card features one of the

letters, plus space for the sender to add words of encouragement for the recipient. Olivia’s letter also is featured in an ongoing campaign which encourages people to send messages of encouragement on the BraveLove website so they can be seen by birth mothers and

others viewing the site.

BraveLove executive director Laura Bruder said the letters reached not only the birth mothers who were their intended recipients, but more than 20,000 people on Facebook alone. Olivia said she has been periodically receivMelanie Blanchard, Broker Donald Baker, Agent Edwin “Beau” Barnes, Agent Robert Tassin, Agent Licensed in Louisiana, USA Phone: 318-473-8751 3306 Giamanco St. Alexandria, LA Website: bakeragproperties.com

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ing postings of 10 to 15 responses from BraveLove for the past two months.

“Not every day do I receive emails from eighth-graders. So when Olivia’s message popped in my inbox, I knew this was going to be special,” Bruder said.

“Since then, I’ve continued to be amazed by the impact this simple act of kindness has had on birth mothers and families nationwide.

It’s Olivia, the parents, her classmates, the teachers and principal who have together made this beautiful effort possible.”

CHURCH TODAY

APRIL 23, 2018

PAGE 15

A special gift from adopted children on Mother’s Day Letters to adopted children’s birth mothers draw grateful response

By Tim Puet Catholic News Service COLUMBUS, Ohio (CNS) -- A suggestion that started with an Ohio Catholic school student’s dream has resulted in a nationwide response of support for the birth mothers of adopted children and gratitude from the mothers themselves.

The student, Olivia Oyster, is an eighth-grader at St. Mary School in Delaware. She is the oldest of three sisters -- one of whom, 3-year-old Gianna, was adopted by Olivia’s parents, Greg and Stacy Oyster, after a local woman gave birth to the child.

“One night in early November, I dreamed that I was in school proofreading a bunch of letters that kids at school had written to birth mothers thanking them for the courage it took to make the decision to allow their child to be adopted,” Olivia told the Catholic Times, newspaper of the Columbus Diocese.

“From our own experience with Gianna, I realize it takes great strength to do this,” she explained. “I know that birth mothers go through a lot that most people don’t realize and deserve active support and the gratitude and reassurance that they did what was best for the child. This dream

happened a couple of times and I wasn’t sure what to do about it, so I talked to my mother.”

“I said it was probably God asking her, and it was her choice whether or not to obey what he was asking,” Stacy Oyster said.

“She took it upon herself to do the rest, and it’s amazing what has happened. It surely was a message from God, and Olivia’s making the right choice has resulted in lots of blessings.”

Olivia was familiar with an organization known as BraveLove, which her mother had been following on social media.

BraveLove, a Dallas-based nonprofit organization founded six years ago by an adoptive mother, is not an adoption agency or a pregnancy resource center, but is primarily dedicated to advocating through media content and messaging that adoption is a loving option for those in unplanned pregnancies.

“I emailed BraveLove about my dream on Nov. 21,” Olivia said. “They emailed back the next day saying that having my classmates write letters to birth mothers was a great idea, and encouraged me to get in touch with my principal, Mrs. (Gina) Stull, about it. I emailed her the next day and she gave her permission for me to do this.”

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OLIVIA OYSTER, an eighth-grader at St. Mary School in Delaware, Ohio, holds letters of support to birth mothers of adopted children that she and her classmates wrote. Olivia said the idea for the letters came from a dream she had that she was “in school proofreading a bunch of letters that kids at school had written to birth mothers thanking them for the courage it took to make the decision to allow their child to be adopted.” (CNS photo/courtesy St. Mary School) It was decided Olivia would talk to the seventh- and eighthgrade classes at the school Dec. 11 and 12, show them a video from BraveLove, then ask them to write the letters.

She worked with teacher Reilly Polletta on wording that everyone would use and “would be most meaningful” to the mothers, Olivia said.

Polletta said she was thrilled to be involved because her young-

est brother is adopted.

“That made it extremely meaningful for me,” she said. “I have so much respect for the way Olivia took action. It’s amazing, both on a personal level for her and on how she educated her classmates. All of us have learned more about adoption and gained so much insight about the birth mothers of adopted children and feel tremendous gratitude for them.”

More than 50 letters were written and sent in a package to BraveLove just before the school’s Christmas break.

Olivia’s letter read: “Dear Birthmother, I want to begin my expressing my absolute gratitude for you and your brave decision. Adoption is a topic that is very close to my heart, because my little sister was adopted. You are so brave, and selfless. I am praying for you! -- Olivia.”

Another said: “Dear Birthparent, The most important thing for you to know is that you absolutely made the right decision by making an adoption plan for your child. No matter what anyone says, you did not give up or take an easy way out, you thought from the bottom of your heart about how to give your child the best possible life. Always know you are supported and loved, even if just by me. Sincerely, Adoption Supporter.”

BraveLove received the letters Dec. 27, photocopied them, and mailed them Jan. 3 to 260 birth mothers across the nation, Continued on pg. 14

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 16

CDA SCHOLARSHIP WINNER. was the CDA 12th grade scholarship winner for the Catholic Daughter Court Padre Pio #2141 from Cottonport. She is pictured with Sue White, Regent and Irma Andress, Scholarship Chairman.

CDA OF THE YEAR. Diane DeBlieux Vienne was presented the Catholic Daughter of the Year Award by the Regent of CDA Court #1372, Natchitoches, Adele Scott. Diane is a longtime member of the Court, volunteers as a Pink Lady at the hospital, served on the Bereavement Committee at church and is a Eucharistic Minister for the Minor Basilica, faithfully taking communion to the sick and home bound. Involved with and committed to the Sisters of Divine Providence, she attends many of their celebrations and activities. Diane also attends missionary trips twice a year to Honduras and is involved extensively in Operation Christmas Child.

CATHOLIC YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD. Knights of Columbus Council # 9418, of Fifth Ward/ Moncla, presented its 2018 Catholic Youth Leadership Award to , both seniors from the Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences. Making the presentation is CYLA council chairman Ken Ducote and council chaplain Father Kurian Zachariah.

COUNCILL 1134. John Morovitch, District Marshall and diocesan coordinator for KC Bishop Greco Council 1134, presents Bishop David Talley with a check for the Retired Priests Fund. Council 1134 hosts a breakfast once a month for part of the year where they collect donations.

This year’s effort was for the Retired Priests Fund.

APRIL 23, 2018

CDA COURT NOTRE DAME #1452 members from Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church present a $500 check to Mrs. Jo Tassin, OLPS principal, to use as needed at the school. The ladies of the CDA Court work very hard throughout the year to raise money through their Circle of Love Program in the areas of youth, family and education. Pictured are Susan Singleton, treasurer; Elsie Campbell, regent; Jo Tassin, OLPS principal; and Linda Gauthier, CDA district deputy. The CDA members were also busy this month preparing and serving a meal at the LSU-A Catholic Student Center and preparing and serving a meal for the OLPS Church Senior Community.

KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER LADIES AUXILIARY COURT #268 visited the Manna House March 19 to present a check to Jessica Viator, executive director. Pictured are (from left) Mary Roque, Betty Ray, Theresa Felds, Jessica Viator, Cathy Brown (Grand Lady) Ruth Keller, Angela Davis and Roxanne Barnes. Following the presentation, the ladies assisted in meeting and greeting the clients as they came in and helped serve meals.

KC COUNCIL 4010 EARNS STAR COUNCIL DISTINCTION. Knights of Columbus Council 4010 of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Mansura has earned the distinction of Star Council, one of the organization’s top awards, for the 2016-2017 fraternal year. The organization’s headquarters, located in New Haven, CT, made the announcement. The award recognizes overall excellence in the areas of membership recruitment and retention, promotion of the fraternal insurance program, and sponsorship of service-oriented activities. In announcing the local winner of the Star Council Award, Carl A. Anderson, chief executive officer of the organization, said, “Please accept my sincere congratulations upon attaining this prestigious award. Your dedication to the Order is seen in the high standard of excellence you have achieved. At the same time, I encourage you to carry forward this enthusiasm to meet the

challenges that will face the Knights of Columbus in the years ahead. May this award be a reminder and an inspiration to the members of your council to continue to promote the ideals of Columbianism for the good of the Church, your community, and the Order.” Thad Rabalais, head of the loca council said, “Receiving the Star Council Award is quite an honor for us. We’re extremely proud of this accomplishment.” The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic lay organization. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Church, their communities, families and young people. With more than 1.9 million members in over 15,000 councils around the world, the Knights of Columbus annually donates more than $177 million and 75 million hours of service to charitable causes. Please visit www. kofc.org for more information.

APRIL 23, 2018

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 17

CDAs turn tragedy of Florida shooting into Prayer Blanket ministry

By Jeannie Petrus CT editor It was the first thing they heard on the news when the ladies from CDA Court 2072 returned to their homes from Ash Wednesday services Feb. 14, 2018.

Fourteen students and three staff members at Marjory Stoneman High School in Parkland, Florida had been gunned down at school by a former student.

“We were shocked and stunned,” said Melody McGee, Regent of the Bishop Greco Court from Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Pineville. “We tried to make sense of it -- such a senseless act, -- but we just couldn’t.”

Then Gail Deville, one of the CDA members, came up with an idea -- an idea that not only gave purpose to what they were feeling, but would also honor those who died for years to come -- a Prayer Blanket that they would make and send to Marjory Stoneman High School.

The ladies quickly formed a committee and went to work planning and doing a little research for the project. The school’s colors, they found out, were maroon and silver and the mascot was the eagle.

Melody contacted Monogramania through Facebook which was quickly answered by the owner of the company, Aydin Basli. He was so moved by their plans, he offered to do the entire monogramming project for free!

Melody, Pat Paul and Peggy O’Neal went to Monogramania in the Alexandria Mall and left the sketch and design in the hands of the manager, Michelle Rodriguez.

When the monogrammed part of the blanket was completed, it read:

Gail, the originator of the idea, tied the first knot and they prayed the prayer to Mary, Undoer of Knots. With each knot, a prayer was made in memory of one of the victims -- over and over, until all 84 knots were tied.

On March 26, Bishop David Talley blessed the prayer blanket in his office after hearing the story of the project from Melody.

“It is a beautiful gesture by the members of the CDA Court,” said Bishop Talley. “I’m sure the

Marjory Stoneman High School 02/14/2018 In Memory of: Alyssa Alhadeff Martin Duque Anguiano Scott Beigel Nicholas Dworet Aaron Feis Jamie Guttenberg Chris Hixon Luke Hoyer Cara Loughran Gina Montalto Joaquin Oliver Alaina Petty Meadow Pollack Helena Ramsay Alex Schachter Carmen Schentrup Peter Wang “On Eagles Wings”

(with Eagle Mascot on both sides)

__________________

“It was a LOT of monogramming and a huge project for Monogramania, so we are very appreciative for the beautiful work that they did for us,” said Melody.

On the back of the blanket is

BLESSING THE PRAYER BLANKET. Deborah Deorosan stands next to Bishop David Talley after he blessed the prayer blanket made by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court 2072 for the victims of the Marjory Stoneman High School shooting Feb. 14 in Florida. The CDAs are sending the blessed Prayer Blanket to the school where the principal said he is honored to receive this “great tribute to our school.” a patch that reads: Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Bishop Greco #2072 “You are covered in Prayers”

With the monogramming complete and the materials cut and assembled, the members of the court gathered together to tie the ends of the blanket.

school will be honored to receive this very special gift.”

Melody said she has contacted the principal at Marjory Stoneman High School and he has said he is honored to receive this “great tribute to our school.”

He told Melody it would be displayed prominently in the school.

It’s time for

P L A N T I N G

• • • • •

Vegetable plants & seeds flower bed plants & seeds lawn fertilizers fire ant killer garden supplies

2914 N. Bolton Ave. Alexandria, LA

442-2325

PAGE 18 The Knights and Ladies of the EQUESTRIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF JERUSALEM attended Mass March 24 at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception celebrated by Father Bruce Miller, JCL, KCHS, as part of their annual Spring Gathering. A Dutch Treat luncheon was held at Merci Beaucoup Restaurant immediately following the celebration.

CHURCH TODAY

APRIL 23, 2018

CHURCH TODAY

APRIL 23, 2018

PAGE 19

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month How the Diocese of Alexandria works to prevent child abuse The Diocese of Alexandria requires mandatory participation in the VIRTUS® sexual abuse awareness program for clergy, employees and commissioned volunteers.

The Office of Safe Environment oversees the implementation of the diocesan program, “A Safe Environment for the Protection of Children and Young People.”

The office provides education resources for children, clergy, religious, and laity (employees and volunteers) in the prevention of and recognition of child abuse. This office is also responsible for processing criminal history checks on all clergy, religious, and laity who have contact with minors.

In the Diocese of Alexandria, adults must attend an initial “live” sexual abuse awareness training session, called VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children, which are held throughout the diocese by trained facilitators. This is a special 3-hour training that teaches adults in the Catholic community to create safer environments and

become part of the solution to prevent child sexual abuse. This training is required for all clergy, religious, employees, and volunteers who regularly work with children.

The training provides adults with awareness of the issues surrounding child sexual abuse and some important steps that we can all take for the protection of children. Attendees learn about the warning signs of potential sex of-

How to Report Sexual Abuse of a Minor by a Cleric or Church Worker/volunteer of the Diocese of Alexandria First call your local law enforcement agency and/or the

Louisiana Child Abuse Hotline 1-855-452-5437 Then, call the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator

Dr. Lee Kneipp, Clinical Psychologist (318)-542-9805 Resources • Prevent Child Abuse – Louisiana: www.pcal.org • National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: www.missingkids.com • U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops - Secretariat of Child & Youth Protection: www.usccb.org/scyp • VIRTUS: www.virtus.org • Diocese of Alexandria: www.diocesealex.org

Safe Environment Office Program Coordinator Mrs. Pam Aymond Delrie (318) 445-6424 x 213

fenders and unsafe situations that could place a child or a vulnerable adult at risk for abuse. At the session adults learn how to respond if they should suspect abuse and how to make a report in the State of Louisiana and in the Diocese of Alexandria. Participants are provided with a copy of the Diocese of Alexandria’s Code of Pastoral Conduct. They also are provided with the diocesan website whereby they may view/download our Diocesan Policy for the Protection of Minors.

It is required that children and young people be trained in areas such as inappropriate touching, relationships and personal safety. All school-age children in our diocesan Catholic school religion classes or in church parish

religious education classes shall be trained.

Parents must be given an opportunity to “opt out” of their child’s participation when the lessons are taught by completing an Opt Out Form and returning it to the Pastor or DRE. Catholic Schools do not participate in the “opt out” opportunity.

The church has made significant progress in dealing with clerical sexual abuse of minors, but must continue to be vigilant because healing is a long-term process. Part of the challenge is to incorporate the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People into the fabric of church life.

Since the abuse crisis came

to the forefront in 2002, dioceses have taken unprecedented steps to confront the issue, assist the victims, seek forgiveness, ensure the safety of minors and restore credibility.

Overcoming being hurt by someone in the Church can be a long process – sometimes a lifelong process – say experts in dealing with victims of clergy sexual abuse. But the Catholic Church throughout the United States stands ready to help victims obtain professional counseling.

And besides help in recovering from past wrongs, the Church hopes the damaged relationship between abuse victims and the Church might also be healed.

Dioceses throughout the United States have officials who function as victim assistance coordinators, offering a point of contact for the reporting of sexual abuse by clergy or other church employees.

While other diocesan officials will investigate and determine what action should be taken in regard to an employee named in a complaint – and civil authorities will determine possible charges – the victim assistance coordinator offers help to the survivor of abuse.

For more information, contact our Safe Environment Office Program Coordinator, Pam Delrie at 318-445-64244, ext. 213.

Virtus announces change in re-certification A new five-year re-certification Virtus video titled “Keeping the Promise Alive” is now available online for account users to access.

The video may be accessed through the User’s online VIRTUS account (as was the former re-certification videos), and is assigned to every User Account that has been in the VIRTUS “system” for at least five years.

Completion of this re-certification module is required, as was past re-certification modules.

Please note that this refresher video does not replace the cur-

rent requirement of reading the monthly VIRTUS bulletins.

Keeping up with the monthly bulletins is necessary to continue to maintain Virtus certification.

The length of the video is approximately 30 minutes and is interactive. There will be several

pauses during the video whereby a question will be asked. The User must choose an answer in order to proceed.

For more information or any questions, contact Pam Delrie, Safe Environment, at 318-4456424, ext 213.

PAGE 20

CHURCH TODAY

Daughter shares personal experience as Alzheimer’s caregiver in new book Becoming an Alzheimer’s Caregiver: What I learned from caring for my mom

by Amy Neuzil Prospect Press “I’m a nurse, not a writer,” said Amy Neuzil.

Yet Neuzil has used her medical background and personal experience to pen a candid and compassionate book, “Becoming an Alzheimer’s Caregiver: What I Learned from Caring for My Mom” (Prospect Press, 2017). It came about, she believes, “as the answer to a prayer.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, someone in the United States is diagnosed with the disease every 66 seconds. In many cases, the individual’s family members and friends become their caregivers. Neuzil’s mother, Dolores, first began showing signs of mild memory loss in 2001, occasionally repeating herself.

Two years later, she was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment, and the diagnosis was changed to Alzheimer’s disease in 2006.

“While we were saddened by the news, neither my dad, my sisters or I were surprised by the changed diagnosis,” Neuzil recalled. “Mom’s cognitive abilities were declining slowly, but declining nonetheless.” By 2006, she said, it had become obvious that her moth-

er need more care than her family could provide at home. After a lengthy hospital stay, “we moved Mom to a nursing home. She spent several weeks there, and we realized almost immediately the choice we made for her was not a good one.”

That’s where the prayer came in. “I made a promise to myself and to God that if we were shown the way, I would try to do something to help other Alzheimer’s caregivers,” Neuzil explained. “I truly believe God said, “if you open your heart and ears, here’s the solution.’ That was five and half years ago, and Mom still lives at the nursing home we moved her to in March 2012.”

Next came the tough part, said Neuzil: “Living up to that promise I made God when I had never written anything longer than what was required at school,

and that was a long time ago.”

Featuring a forward by Dr. Robert Keyes of The Christ Hospital Health and Aging Center, “Becoming an Alzheimer’s Caregiver” introduces readers to the basics of the disease, including testing, how to talk with doctors, when and how to seek further help, choosing the right facility for a loved one and thinking about end-of-life decisions.

Neuzil also offers practical and personal advice on dealing with day-to-day concerns such as communication challenges, hygiene and safety.

“If you can figure out how to communicate at least part of the time, it can make such a difference,” she said.

“If definitely requires adaptability.”

For Neuzil, being able to pick up on her mother’s nonverbal clues (facial expressions and body language) has been particularly helpful, especially as she has entered the later stages of Alzheimer’s.

“When you’re having trouble deciphering what your loved one is trying to communicate, scan for the clues,” she advises. “It takes practice to be able to take in the surroundings while listening to your loved one, who might be making little to no sense with their words. But it really does help make sense of things when their words don’t.”

APRIL 23, 2018

BOOK REVIEWS

Living with Christ Psalms and Prayers for Times of Sickness

Living with Christ Psalms and Prayers for Times of Grief

Illness can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for both the sick person and their loved ones. When illness disrupts our lives, we often struggle to find the words to pray. In this booklet, you will find beautiful psalms and prayers as you pray to God for help, comfort, and strength. They also serve to remind us of the hope and peace that God provides.

In this booklet, you will find beautiful psalms and prayers as you pray to God for help, comfort, and strength.

An affordable, portable, and convenient format.

Offers both traditional and modern prayers to uplift and comfort those who are sick.

Can be used for personal prayer and reflection, or in a group setting.

A thoughtful gift for the sick and their loved ones.

A helpful resource for pastors to share with parishioners.

32 pages 6.375” x 6” $3.95 www.todaywithchrist.com

As we mourn the loss of a loved one, we know the Lord of life remains by our side as we work through our grief and give thanks for the lives of those we have lost. When death upsets our lives, we often struggle to find the words for prayer. In this booklet, you will find beautiful psalms and prayers that offer comfort and healing as you grieve.

An affordable, portable, and convenient format.

Offers both traditional and modern prayers to uplift and comfort those who are grieving.

Can be used for personal prayer and reflection, or in a group setting.

A thoughtful gift for friends and family who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

A helpful resource for pastors to share with parishioners.

32 pages 6.375” x 6” $3.95 www.todaywithchrist.com

APRIL 23, 2018

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 21

Inspiring, fact-based sports story comes to life in Miracle Season

By Sister Hosea Rupprecht Catholic News Service (CNS) -- Make sure you have your tissues handy when you go to see “The Miracle Season” (Mirror).

As he did with 2011’s “Soul Surfer,” director Sean McNamara once again brings a tragic, but ultimately inspiring, fact-based sports story to the big screen in a film parents and older children can enjoy together.

Caroline “Line” Found (Danika Yarosh), setter and captain of the Iowa City West High School girls’ volleyball team, was the ensemble’s pulse. Having led her teammates to the state championship the previous year, 2011 found Line, now a senior, hyping their prospects for a repeat win.

After they triumph in their first game, her dad, Ernie (William Hurt), hosts a party in the family barn to celebrate. But tragedy strikes when Line dies in a moped accident on the way to visit her terminally ill mom, Ellyn (Jillian Fargey), in the hospital following the get-together.

Even though she’s on screen for such a short time, the audience gets a glimpse into the kind of person Line was. A friend to everyone, her cheerful outlook on life was clearly contagious.

The devastation caused by Line’s death only increases when Ellyn dies the following week.

Grief throws the players into

MOVIE

REVIEW

THE MIRACLE SEASON. This fact-based sports drama follows the Iowa City West High School girls’ volleyball team after they lose their captain and star player (Danika Yarosh) to a moped accident. Thrown into near-paralysis by grief, under the wise direction of its coach (Helen Hunt) the ensemble pulls together thanks to the encouragement of the deceased player’s father (William Hurt) and the leadership of her best friend (Erin Moriarty). The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. (CNS photo/Cate Cameron, LD Entertainment) near-paralysis.

The team’s coach, Kathy Bresnahan (Helen Hunt), looks to Line’s best friend, Kelly (Erin Moriarty), to step into her pal’s shoes and provide the lacking leadership. Nobody, including Kelly, wants to fill Line’s position. She only agrees to take it over when encouraged by Ernie

to do so.

A physician, Ernie is, of course, undergoing his own terrible journey of bereavement. But he tries to be strong for Line’s friends, especially Kelly. In one particularly poignant scene, Ernie tells her, “I may be the surgeon, but you’re the healer out there.”

Ernie even displays sufficient

grace in his loss to confide to a friend, with regard to Line, that he “can’t blame God for wanting her back. She’s a keeper.” Oscarwinner Hurt gives the movie’s most authentic performance.

With Kelly taking up the fallen mantle, the team slowly gets its act back together. They decide to “win for Line.” They

post a banner with those words on it in the locker room, and touch it on their way to the court. But the pressure to succeed soon takes its toll. It’s only after Ernie delivers his most powerful bit of advice that everyone can move forward.

Unfortunately, screenwriters David Aaron Cohen and Elissa Matsueda delay this positive twist too long to keep the audience engaged, instead dwelling on the preceding tragedy with no redemption yet in sight.

Many viewers will know from the news that the story ends well. But the audience would have been better served by a script that focused on living like Line rather than winning for her.

Unlike “Soul Surfer,” which kept the buoyant faith shared its protagonist, Bethany Hamilton, and her family center stage, here the characters’ religious beliefs are largely sidelined. In the end, nonetheless, this salute to Line’s legacy offers uplifting entertainment suitable for a broad audience.

The film contains one instance of innuendo. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counsel

VIRTUS

Counsel is a Gift of the Holy Spirit which moves the

Upcoming Virtus sessions are:

soul to choose what is most conducive to the glory of God and to its own salvation. Through this Gift, we learn how we can best please God. By following the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, we receive true interior peace and spiritual consolation. This Gift is especially necessary for superiors, whose duty it is to guide others, for here natural prudence does not suffice.

• May 1 – Tuesday, 6 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria.

• May 10 – Thursday, 6 p.m., St. Mary’s Assumption School, Cottonport • June 12 – Tuesday, 6 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria.

To register, go to www.virtus.org

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 22 Grief Support Group

The Family Life Commission at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Alexandria is currently offering grief support meetings on Wednesdays from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. in the Lourdes Room for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Anyone (of all faiths) seeking healing through Jesus is welcome. Meetings are facilitated by parishioners Beth Ponthier and Dana Boudreaux. Remaining dates are April 18, and 25; and May 9. For more information contact the church office at 445-3693.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

In honor of World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Alexandria will host a Holy Hour for Vocations (Adoration and Benediction) on Sunday, April 22 from 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Join us in prayer for all Catholics to embrace their vocation, and for religious vocations within the Church.

Taste of St. Joseph’s Food Fest

Join us at St. Joseph Church Hall in Cheneyville for a Taste of St. Joseph’s Food Fest on Saturday, April 28 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Sample home cooked meals and desserts from a variety of cuisines. Tickets are $12 for adults/ $6 for children 6-12. Water, soft drinks, beer and wine available for purchase. For more information, call Celia Halbert at 318-481-1041 or Kim Harper at 318-279-2646.

Cabrini Crawfish Boil

The annual Cabrini Crawfish Boil will be held Saturday, April 28 from 5:30 – 9 pm. At the St. Frances Cabrini Activities Building. Tickets are $50 per person and are available at www.cabrinischool.com and in the school office. All proceeds of this event will go to the support of the mission of St. Frances Cabrini School.

KC Fish Fry The Knights of Columbus Council 3200 will host a Fish Fry on Friday, May 4 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Plates are $8. All proceeds will benefit the Permanent Diaconate program. For more information call Deacon Richard – 318-445-6424, 206.

Run, Baby, Run The Women’s Pregnancy Resource Center in Natchitoches will hold its annual Run, Baby, Run 1 Mile and 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 5 at the Natchitoches Parish Library. Check-in at 8 a.m.; 1 mile starts at 8:30 a.m., 5K at 9 a.m. Cost is $20/$25 for 1 mile; $25/$30 for 5K; and virtual runners $15. Children under 5 are FREE! To preregister go online at www.wrcfriends.com. All proceeds benefit the Women’s Resource Center.

DIOCESAN

BRIEFS St. Cecilia Chorale Concert

The St. Cecilia Chorale will present a concert titled Mary, Full of Grace on Sunday, May 6 at 3:30 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Mansura. The concert is free and open to the public; but donations from the concert will be used toward the purchase of a new organ.

Catholic High School Graduations

Graduation dates have been set for the three Catholic high schools: May 14 -- St. Mary’s School, Natchitoches May 15 -- St. Joseph High School, Plaucheville May 16 – Holy Savior Menard, Alexandria

Sacred Heart Parish Fair

Tickets are now on sale for the Sacred Heart Parish Fair (Pineville) May 18-20. Weekend tickets include crawfish boil on Friday and chicken dinner on Sunday.

Games and activities include a 1 mile Fun Run and 5K race, Poker Race, talent show, silent auction, carnival games. For more information, contact Melanie Dupre’ at dupre.melanie@gmail.com or 318—613-6959.

KC Crawfish Boil

The Knights of Columbus 4156 will host a Crawfish Boil on Saturday, May 19 from 12 noon until after the Vigil Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Leesville. Plates are $15 for 3 lbs or $25 for 5 lbs. All proceeds will benefit the Permanent Diaconate program. For more information call Charles – 337-208-1548.

St. Mary’s Super Hero 5K Run

Due to inclement weather on the day of the originally scheduled event on April 14, St. Mary’s Residential Training School has rescheduled its Super Hero Challenge 5K and Fun Run for Saturday, May 26 in Downtown Alexandria. For more information contact Tamara McNulty at 318-445-6443 ext 2144.

Women’s Retreat Immaculate Conception Church of Dupont is hosting the 2nd annual Women’s Retreat on Saturday June 9 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Registration fee is $25 and includes lunch. The Gals from Everyday Missionaries is helping co-ordinate the event. Registration forms are in the church or at www.everydaymissionairies.com. Deadline to register is June 3. For more information call 359-5542.

Church Today News Deadlines Next issue: May 21 Deadline for news: Friday, May 11

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APRIL 23, 2018 St. Martin Church: Event 2018

St. Martin Catholic Church in Lecompte will hold its annual Event 2018 June 1-3. The Event begins Friday, June 1 with a dance featuring “Ronnie Bryant and Friends from 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. in the Church Hall. Doors open at 7 p.m. A cash bar and free hors d’oeuvres will be available.

Admission is $15 per person and may be purchased at the door. Saturday, June 2 will feature Family Night beginning with Bingo at 6:30 p.m. in the Church Hall. Concessions will be available. On Sunday, June 3, a Fried Fish dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $8 a plate. A Sweet Shop will be available also. A Live Auction beginning at 12:30 p.m. will top off the day. Please join us for a weekend of food, fun, and fellowship! For more information, contact the Church Office at 318-776-9480 or Kathy Monroe at 748-7645.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land - July

Join Father Emilio Garreaud, national priest director for Radio Maria, as your spiritual director for a 9-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land, July 30-Aug. 7, 2018. Visit the places where Jesus lived, performed miracles, and preached to the people. Enjoy a boat trip on the Sea of Galilee, a visit to the Church of the Nativity where Christ was born the Garden of Getsemane, and so much more. The cost is $2,990 from Houston or New York. To receive an information packet with an application, please call 1-844400-9559 or email at info@nativitypilgrimage.com.

Pilgrimage to Ireland - October

Heart of Ireland -- Take a spiritual adventure through our Catholic Heritage in the Emerald Isle. October 1-10, 2018 with Fr Kenneth Michiels. Pilgrimage Highlights include: Killarney and Ring of Kerry, Cathedral in Cobh, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, Kylemore Abbey, Gothic Church and Gardens, Croagh Patrick, St Patrick’s Holy Mountain, Shrine of St Kevin, Clonmacnoise, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College and Books of Kells. To receive an information packet with application please contact St Michael the Archangel in Leesville 337-239-2656.

Pilgrimage to Holy Land - November

The Equestrian Order of The Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Southeastern Lieutenancy, is offering a pilgrimage to the Holy Land Nov. 5-15, 2018. The trip departs from Newark, non-stop to Tel Aviv, and includes first class hotels, private motor coach transportation, breakfast and dinner and all fees and taxes. A local guide will be our leader throughout the trip. Cost is $4,150 per person, double occupancy. You do not be a member of the order or even Catholic to join the pilgrimage. For more information contact Roz or Pierre Allemond at 318-452-6443 or e-mail us at eohsjalexandria@gmail.com, or go to sleohs. com, and at the news/events dropdown, click pilgrimages.

CHURCH TODAY

APRIL 23, 2018

PAGE 23

April - May Monday

Tuesday

23

Wednesday

24

25

Grief Support 6:15-7:15 p.m.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church (Lourdes Room), Alexandria

Thursday

Friday

26

Saturday

27

Sunday

28

29

Cabrini Crawfish Boil 5:30-9:00 p.m.

St. Frances Cabrini Taste of St. Joseph Food Fest 5:30-8:30 p.m.

St. Joseph Church, Cheneyville

St. Mary’s ACTS for Women Retreat -- Maryhill Renewal Center PRAY FOR FR. A. PALAKKATTUCHIRA PRAY FOR FR. B. PALLIPPARAMBIL

30

Deadline to apply for ARETE scholarships

PRAY FOR FR. R. RABALAIS

MAY

PRAY FOR FR. J. PALLIPURATH

1

2

VIRTUS Training 6:00 p.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Center Alexandria

PRAY FOR BISHOP D. TALLEY

7

8

PRAY FOR FR. C. RAY

PRAY FOR FR. J. PARDUE

3

National Day of Prayer

PRAY FOR FR. T. REYNOLDS

9

Grief Support 6:15-7:15 p.m.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church (Lourdes Room), Alexandria

10

VIRTUS Training 6:00 p.m.

St. Mary’s Assumption School, Cottonport

PRAY FOR FR. C. PARTAIN

4

PRAY FOR FR. T. PAUL

5

KC Fish Fry 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria

Run, Baby, Run 5K Run 8:00 a.m.

Natchitoches Parish Library, Natchitoches

FIRST FRIDAY

FIRST SATURDAY

PRAY FOR FR. J. ROBLES SANCHEZ PRAY FOR FR. E. RODRIGUEZ HERNANDEZ

11

Jubilee Anniversary Mass 12:05 p.m.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. G. POOKKATTU

6

St. Cecilia Chorale Concert 3:30 p.m.

St. Paul the Apostle Church, Mansura

PRAY FOR FR. J. RYAN

12

13 MOTHERS’ DAY

SOLEMNITY of the ASCENSION of the LORD PRAY FOR FR. C. SCOTT

14

GRADUATION St. Mary’s School, Natchitoches

PRAY FOR FR. B. SEILER

15

GRADUATION St. Joseph School, Plaucheville

PRAY FOR FR. R. SHOURY

16

GRADUATION Holy Savior Menard, Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. P. SIERRA POSADA

17

PRAY FOR FR. L. SKLAR

18

PRAY FOR FR. I. ST. ROMAIN

19

Priest Ordination 10:00 a.m.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Crawfish Boil 12 noon St. Michael the Archangel Church, Leesville

PRAY FOR BISHOP D. TALLEY

20

Adult Confirmation 2:30 p.m.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Parish Fair PENTECOST SUNDAY PRAY FOR MSGR. S. TESTA

21

PRAY FOR FR. K. TEXADA

22

PRAY FOR FR. J. THOMAS

23

PRAY FOR FR. A. THOMPSON

24

PRAY FOR MSGR. J. TIMMERMANS

25

PRAY FOR FR. A. TRAVIS

26

St. Mary’s Super Hero Challenge 5K/Fun Run (rescheduled from April)

PRAY FOR FR. G. UZONDU

27 SOLEMNITY of the MOST HOLY TRINITY

PRAY FOR FR. A. VARGHESE

PRAY FOR FR. V. VEAD

PRAY FOR FR. N. VIVIANO

PRAY FOR FR. G. VOLTZ

PRAY FOR FR. J. WILTSE

PRAY FOR FR. J. XAVIER

PRAY FOR FR. K. ZACHARIAH