The Church Today, May 21, 2018

CHURCH

Volume XLIX, No. 5

ON THE

INSIDE Clergy and Deacon assignments announced For a complete list of clergy and deacon assignments, please see page 7.

www.diocesealex.org

Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970

Festival OF THE

Maypole ST. FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL

Nine deacon candidates to be ordained June 2 and June 16 at Cathedral In two separate Mass celebrations, nine deacon candidates will be ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Saturday, June 2 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and again on Saturday, June 16 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. See page 6 for details.

Vacation Bible School schedule listed Summer is here and with it a lot of area churches offering Vacation Bible Schools to keep your children busy and faith-filled. See page 17.

Thanks for the memories!

After 14 years, the editor of the Church Today is retiring. This May issue will be her last issue. Can you guess the top 10 stories she selected about the people in the diocese that left the greatest impression on her faith during the past 14 years?

-- page 15.

TODAY

OLPS STUDENTS Jackson and Lily 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.

May 21, 2018

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CHURCH TODAY

MAY 21, 2018

Pope asks German bishops to try to find unanimity on Communion question

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service (CNS) -- Pope Francis asked the bishops of Germany to continue working together to find broader consensus on guidelines for allowing a Protestant married to a Catholic to receive the Eucharist.

“Pope Francis appreciates the ecumenical commitment of the German bishops and asks them to find, in a spirit of ecclesial communion, a result as unanimously as possible,” the German bishops were told, according to a Vatican statement.

The pope had invited six German bishops and the general secretary of the bishops’ conference to Rome for a May 3 meeting with top officials from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts.

In February, the Vatican statement said, “more than threequarters of the members” of the German bishops’ conference approved a “pastoral handbook titled, ‘Walking with Christ -- In the Footsteps of Unity: Mixed Marriages and Common Participation in the Eucharist.’”

However, the Vatican said, “a not insignificant number” of bishops, including seven who head dioceses, could not give their assent to the document. “These seven turned to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and the Pontifical

CIBORIA OF HOSTS. An assistant prepares ciboria of hosts for Communion before Pope Francis’ celebration of Mass marking the feast of Pentecost in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican June 4, 2017. Six German bishops met with Vatican officials May 3 to discuss a proposal to allow greater access to the Eucharist for Protestants married to Catholics. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) Council for Legislative Texts.”

Pope Francis invited leaders of the bishops’ conference and some of the bishops opposed to the guidelines to come to the Vatican for a discussion with officials from the three offices.

“Various points of view were discussed; for example, how the question relates to the faith and to pastoral care, its relevance for the universal church and its juridical dimension,” the Vatican statement said, without providing further details.

Cardinal Rainer Maria Woel-

ki of Cologne, one of the seven German bishops who objected to the conference guidelines, participated in the meeting at the Vatican May 3. In his letter to the Vatican, which prompted the meeting, he had asked whether the guidelines were not simply pastoral, but went to the heart of Catholic faith and practice, and whether the German guidelines could have a wider impact on the question of eucharistic hospitality in countries around the world.

The text of the German guidelines has not been made public,

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but it is widely assumed to foresee situations in which a Lutheran married to a Roman Catholic and regularly attending Mass with the Catholic spouse could receive the Eucharist and not only on special occasions like the baptism or first Communion of their child.

The council for Christian unity’s 1993 “Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism” said, the Catholic Church “recognizes that in certain circumstances, by way of exception, and under certain conditions, access to these sacraments may be permitted, or even commended, for Christians of other churches and ecclesial communities.”

At the urging of the council, many bishops’ conferences around the world have published pastoral guidelines that list the occasions on which such eucharistic sharing would be acceptable.

Visiting a Lutheran parish in Rome in November 2015, a Lutheran woman married to a Catholic asked Pope Francis why she could not receive Communion when she went to Mass with her husband.

The pope responded that he could not issue a general rule on shared Communion, but the couple should pray, study and then act according to their consciences.

For the Catholic Church, he said, “it is true that sharing (the Eucharist) is saying that there are no differences between us, that we have the same doctrine,”

which the official Catholic-Lutheran dialogue has yet to prove.

“But I ask myself, ‘Don’t we have the same baptism?’ And if we have the same baptism, then we must walk together.”

“Always refer to your baptism -- one faith, one baptism, one Lord, as St. Paul tells us -- and take the consequences from that,” the pope told the woman. “Speak with the Lord and move forward.

I won’t say anything more.”

At the end of the evening, the Lutheran community gave Pope Francis an Advent wreath and Pope Francis gave the community a gold chalice, similar to the chalices he gives when visiting Catholic dioceses and parishes.

“The conditions of canon law must always be fulfilled,” the text continued. And “the exceptional nature and purpose of the permission should be made clear, and appropriate preparation should be made for the reception of the sacrament.”

For the universal church and in the guidelines offered by different bishops’ conferences distinctions are made between the faithful of the Orthodox churches and the faithful of the Anglican and mainline Protestant churches.

The Catholic Church recognizes the validity of Orthodox sacraments and welcomes members of the Orthodox churches to receive the sacraments in a Catholic Church, although it cautions that their Orthodox pastors and bishops might object.

MAY 21, 2018

CHURCH TODAY

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May 21 -- Mary, Mother of the Church Church adds new feast day to liturgical calendar to honor Mary, Mother of the Church (CNS) -The Catholic Church doesn’t often add new celebrations to its pretty full liturgical calendar, but this year’s new feast day, Mary, Mother of the Church on May 21, has Catholics gearing up to mark the day or at least think a little more about Mary.

The new feast day, which will be celebrated annually the day after Pentecost, was announced in a March 3 decree by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments. The decree said the pope approved the celebration because he thought it might “encourage the growth of the maternal sense of the church in the pastors, religious and faithful, as well as a growth of genuine Marian piety.”

That line struck Father Chuck Barthel, pastor of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish in St. Louis, when he first read it and he has continued to go back to it as he considers the feast with particular significance for his parish.

Gaining a renewed and deeper understanding of Mary’s nurturing and caring side is

something he said the church, especially in today’s climate, could certainly use.

His parish is one of a handful of churches in the U.S., along with a Benedictine Abbey in Richmond, Virginia, named Mary, Mother of the Church. For this year’s celebration of the new feast day, the St. Louis church is not planning anything big, but plans to celebrate on the actual day -- when he said parishioners can “enjoy each other’s company” -- not during Pentecost weekend when there is already a lot going on.

The pastor said he hopes to give parishioners a prayer card for the occasion and the parish will host a hospitality event after the morning liturgy and will have evening prayer that night followed by dessert.

The parish -- where Father Barthel was initially assigned 28 years ago as an associate pastor and now has returned less than a year ago -- was founded in 1971 and initially was staffed by Redemptorist priests. The parish,

A STATUE OF MARY is seen at Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church in the Greektown neighborhood of Detroit in this 2015 file photo. The Detroit Archdiocese is celebrating the new feast day for Mary, Mother of the Church with a May 21 Mass at Old St. Mary’s followed by a May Crowning and procession. (CNS photo/courtesy Archdiocese of Detroit) which opened so soon after the Second Vatican Council, took its

name from the title given to Mary

by Blessed Paul VI in 1964.

Pope asks Catholics to pray the rosary for peace each day in May (CNS) -- Pope Francis prayed that the hopes for peace strengthened by the meeting of the leaders of North and South Korea will not be dashed, and he urged Catholics during the month of May to pray the rosary for peace.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in made a “courageous commitment” April 27 to ongoing

dialogue to achieve “a Korean peninsula free of nuclear weapons,” Pope Francis said April 29 after leading some 30,000 people in praying the “Regina Coeli.”

“I pray to the Lord that the hopes for a future of peace and more brotherly friendship will not be disappointed and that the collaboration may continue bringing good fruits for the beloved Korean people and the whole world,” the pope said.

Noting that May is a month

the Catholic Church dedicates to Mary in a special way, Pope Fran-

cis told the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square that he would begin the month with a visit to Rome’s Shrine of Divine Love and lead a recitation of the rosary there.

“We will recite the rosary praying particularly for peace in Syria and the whole world,” the pope said. “I invite you to spiritually join me and to prolong for the whole month of May praying the rosary for peace.”

Gloria Falcao Dodd, director of academic programs for the International Marian Research Institute at the University of Dayton, Ohio, wrote a paper about this Marian title in 2006. Her research shows that a bishop in the 1100s called Mary, Mother of the Church and Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical on the rosary said that Mary at Pentecost was “in very truth, the mother of the church, the teacher and queen of the apostles.”

And in 1981, the title “Mother of the Church” was given another boost when St. John Paul II had a mosaic commissioned for the outside wall of his papal apartment called “Mater Ecclesiae” (“Mother of the Church”) in gratitude for his recovery after being shot in St. Peter’s Square.

Then, and other times, the pope spoke of Mary as a mediator, or someone who intercedes for us, said Dodd.

That idea of Mary interceding for the church, as a mother does for her children, is important for Catholics to consider, especially as this new feast falls so soon after Mother’s Day, said Dodd. She also said it is key to understand its placement right after Pentecost, noting that at the time of the original Pentecost, Mary “did what a mother would do -- she prayed with and for her children in the upper room.”

And at Jesus’ crucifixion, when he publicly announced to the disciple John, “behold your mother” about Mary. John, symbolizes all of us, the church, Dodd said.

Auxiliary Bishop Gerard W. Battersby of Detroit said Mary’s presence at the foot of the cross and with the early church at Pentecost, is an example of what it means to be a disciple.

He said this image of a mother with her children “on this pilgrim journey” is important for the church today, especially as the pope is calling Catholics to a new evangelization and to unleash the Gospel message.

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History is written backwards. This statement reads kind of funny. Still, truth is, most history is written through the lens of hindsight.

When an event happens, like the birth of a child or your graduation from high school or a tragedy experienced by a parent or a joy that lights up the human heart…when such an event takes place and is noticed…photos are taken and stories are shared…and it seems obvious what the experience means to you.

But over time, as life is lived and a perspective is given through those years of living, it is only after looking back at all the events of your life…that experiences like the birth of a child or the suffering of a loved one comes into focus.

Even the inspired Gospels of God’s Good News carry this sense of being put together through a wisdom born of faith and hindsight.

We know the story of the engagement of Joseph and Mary.

CHURCH TODAY

MAY 21, 2018

The Age of the Church I am the VINE; YOU are the BRANCHES (John 15:5)

Most Rev. David P. Talley Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria We enjoy the accounts of the birth of Jesus during the season of Christmas. When do you suppose these accounts of the Lord Jesus were put down on scrolls?

What about the story of the teenage Jesus remaining in Jerusalem while Mary and Joseph and their village neighbors headed back to Nazareth after the feast of Passover? When was that committed to papyrus, in pen and ink?

What about the beauty and power of our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount? Was there a reporter there, writing down his every word? And the many parables we have of his wisdom…was there

a writer from the Jerusalem Post taking down all for publication?

When Jesus of Nazareth was present on this good earth, He was the focus, though he spoke always of the Father. His preaching and healing and teaching and exorcizing and feeding and forgiving and loving….those men and women that experienced the man from Galilee and the signs he worked while in their midst… were touched personally…as he lived with them. Stories of these signs were talked about, but chances are, there was no one in the crowd taking notes for an article or a column….and no one

could see what his future held in store for him or them.

It was only after what we remember as Holy Thursday… the gift of his sacrificial love in the new Passover (Eucharist)… and the mandatum unto humility and service, in the washing of the feet…. It was only after the betrayal and the arrest and the show-trial and the torture and the Cross…..It was only after his death, when all hope was lost by his followers…it was only with the Resurrection, and the encounter with the Risen Lord…that his life’s purpose came into focus.

Through the teaching of the Ris-

Our Gestures at Mass This month’s questions revolved around the gestures we make upon entering the Church and during the celebration of the Mass. So this article will be dedicated to explaining a few of the actions most of us have done a thousand times, but may have never really understood why.

So, upon entering a Catholic Church, we touch the Holy Water located in the font and bless ourselves with it by making the sign of the cross. This gesture is done as a renewal of our baptismal covenant, those promises we made to reject sin and turn to the Lord by being a disciple of Jesus.

We do this as we enter, to prepare ourselves to receive Jesus in the Eucharist and then again as we exit the church to remind ourselves we are representative of Jesus as we enter into society.

Generally, our next gesture is to genuflect (or bending one knee to the floor) before entering into the pew. But why?

Well since we believe that Jesus is truly present in the Holy Eucharist, and most of our church parishes have a tabernacle (a special place the hosts consecrated

Embracing the Liturgy

By Deacon Richard W. Mitchell

at Mass are kept which is distributed to those in the hospital or homebound), we are genuflecting towards Jesus to respect and honor His presence.

Psalm 95:6 states: “Enter, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD who made us”.

Since some are not physically capable of genuflecting, a profound bow or some other form of reverence is certainly acceptable.

However, if there is no tabernacle or if the tabernacle is empty (such is the case on Good Friday), there is no need to genuflect, for Jesus is not physically present.

As Mass begins and if the priest chooses the Penitential Act that begins with “I Confess…”, about half way through we strike our breast as we say: “through my fault, through my fault, through

my most grievous fault…” If you recall above, part of our baptismal promises are to reject sin. However, we are indeed sinners so this gesture is to acknowledge to one another that we have indeed failed and are asking for mercy.

As Mass moves along, we participate in the Liturgy of the Word. Part of the Liturgy of the Word is the proclamation of the Gospel where we both stand and make the sign of the cross on forehead, lips, and heart. We stand out of respect for the Gospel readings are the words of Jesus.

The sign of the cross is in itself an outward sign of our redemption in and through Jesus. As we make the cross on our forehead, we are asking Jesus to be in our thoughts and purify our mind; on our lips as we ask Jesus to be in the words that we speak and help

us to spread His Good News; and in our hearts with the desire to strengthen our love for Him and our neighbor.

Hopefully understanding the significance of these few gestures

CHURCH

en Lord and through the hindsight born of faith and the Spirit… the Gospels of God’s Good News were written down. And, they were written for us and for all, that we might come to believe in all that the Father has given us in the Son. Ascension – Pentecost – and the Age of the Church. The Gospels record the word of the Risen Lord…as He says I am with you always, until the end of the age (Matthew 28. 16-20). Though the Risen Lord ascended, leaving this good earth and His movement of believers, he is with us as Emmanuel, in the Spirit given at Pentecost. In fact, as we remain as branches on the living Vine of Life (John 15.5), we are members of His living Body….His Church.

And as members of the Church of central Louisiana, we are to announce His Good News, as missionary disciples.

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

will help prevent them from just becoming a habit and instead give you a better appreciation for “Why?” we do these things and ultimately help you come to Embrace the Liturgy!

TODAY

Volume XLIX, No. 5 • May 21, 2018 P. O. Box 7417 • Alexandria, LA 71303 churchtoday@diocesealex.org 318-445-6424 Publisher: Editor: Advertising: Circulation:

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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.

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MAY 21, 2018

CHURCH TODAY

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Why do we crown Blessed Mother Mary during the month of May? The origins of the May Crowning are hard to pinpoint, although the devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary originates in the earliest days of the church.

Concerning the significance of the month of May, toward the end of the 18th century, Father Latomia of the Roman College of the Society of Jesus (in Rome) instituted the practice of dedicating this month to our Blessed Mother.

His desire was to promote devotion to Mary among the students as a way to counteract infidelity and immorality.

From Rome, the May devotion spread throughout the Jesuit colleges, and eventually throughout the whole church.

Pope Pius VII in 1815 granted a partial indulgence for participating in either a public or private devotion honoring Mary during the month of May; Pope Pius IX made the indulgence plenary in 1859. (This particular indulgence is no longer listed in the present Enchiridion of Indulgences, although numerous devotions to our Blessed Mother are, such as the recitation of the rosary or the Litany of Mary.)

May probably seemed most appropriate because the liturgical calendars, former and present, mark several feast days honoring our Blessed Mother: May 12: Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles May 13: Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament May 13: Our Lady of Fatima May 24: Mary, Help of Christians May 31: Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces May 31: The Visitation The May devotions also were energized by the four au-

thenticated apparitions of our Blessed Mother.

• In 1830, Mary appeared to St. Catherine Laboure and instructed her to have the Miraculous Medal struck with the inscription, “Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”

• In 1846, she appeared to the children of La Salette, France, and tearfully lamented the lax practice of the faith.

• In 1858, she appeared to St. Bernadette at Lourdes, identifying herself as the “Immaculate Conception.”

• Finally, she appeared to the three children at Fatima May 13, 1917, where she instructed the people to pray the rosary daily for peace.

Regarding the crowning, the image of Mary (as well as Jesus)

wearing a gold crown is found in the earliest forms of iconography, especially in the Eastern Churches.

In the West, the pious practice of publicly crowning an image of the Blessed Mother gained popularity in the 19th century. In Rome, the image known as Salus Populi Romani — of our Blessed Mother holding the Child Jesus — is enshrined at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Tradition holds that St. Luke painted the image. Pope Clement VIII (1592-1605) added two crowns to the icon, which were at some point later lost.

Nevertheless, on Aug. 15, 1838, the Feast of the Assumption, Pope Gregory XVI with great solemnity, again added the crowns, and thereupon the practice of crowning the image of the Blessed Mother became popular,

especially during the month of May. In more recent times, Pope Paul VI, in his “Letter on the Occasion of the First of May” (promulgated April 30, 1965), noted not only the venerable tradition of May devotions to Mary, but also their importance: “It is precisely because the month of May is a powerful incentive to more fervent and trusting prayer, and because during it our petitions find their way more easily to the compassionate heart of Our Blessed Lady, that it has been a custom dear to Our Predecessors to choose this month, dedicated to Mary, . . .”

Considering the plight of so many Christians who face persecution throughout the world, all of us should use this month for fervent prayer for them.

Also, the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship, to help celebrate the Marian Year declared by Pope St. John Paul II in 1987 to prepare for the new millenium, issued a ritual, Order of Crowning an Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which captures the significance of this pious practice: “The queen symbol was attributed to Mary because she was a perfect follower of Christ, who is the absolute ‘crown’ of creation.

She is the Mother of the Son of God, who is the messianic King. . . . Elizabeth greeted the Blessed Virgin, pregnant with Jesus, as ‘the mother of my Lord.’ Mary is the perfect follower of Christ. The maid of Nazareth consented to God’s plan; she journeyed on the pilgrimage of faith; she listened to God’s Word and kept it in her heart; she remained steadfastly in close union with her Son, all the way to the foot of the Cross; she persevered in prayer with the Church. Thus, in an eminent way, she won the ‘crown of righteousness,’ ‘the crown of life,’ ‘the crown of glory’ that is promised to those who follow Christ.”

Although we are fast approaching the end of May, nevertheless, let us be sure to honor our Blessed Mother in our hearts and our homes. The recitation of the family rosary each day, images of our Blessed Mother, having a special shrine in our yard, and having our own family May Crowning are wonderful ways not only to foster devotion and faith, but also to draw us closer to the heart of Our Savior.

Source:catholicstraightanswers. com

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CHURCH TODAY

MAY 21, 2018

Deacon candidates to be ordained June 2, 10 a.m., St. Francis Xavier Cathedral

Lawrence Feldkamp

William Aldridge

Darrell Dubroc

Bill L. Endris, Jr

Stephen Gramigna

Lawrence Feldkamp is a retired Food Service Administrator with the United States Department of Justice. He is a member of St. Frances Cabrini Church.

He and his wife Carol will soon be married 50 years. They have two children.

William Aldridge is the Senior Project Manager and Vice President at Ballard CLC and a retired colonel with the Louisiana National Guard after 29 years of service. He is a member of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Alexandria where he serves as a lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, homebound minister, and teaches RCIA, Confirmation, and CCD. He and his wife Renee have been married 29 years and have two children.

Darrell Dubroc is a retired COO from CLECO and CEO and partner with Consolidated Energy Holdings, LLC. He is a lifetime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Fifth Ward, where he has served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, a lector, and a member of the finance and parish councils. He currently serves as the chairman of the Diocesan Finance Council.

He and wife Charlotte have been married 36 years and have 4 children and 2 grandchildren.

Bill Endris is a member of Saint Michael the Archangel Church in Leesville, where he has been active in prison ministry as well as the homebound, nursing home, and hospital ministries. He is a retired Director of Finance from the Vernon Parish School Board and is currently employed as an accountant with the Vernon Parish District Attorney’s Office.

He and his wife, Florence Wilson Endris, have been married 48 years and have three sons and five grandchildren.

Stephen Gramigna is a retired Sergeant First Class in the US Army, where he worked as an Electronic Maintenance Technician with Cymstar Services, Ft. Polk, La. He is a member of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Leesville where has served as a lector, usher, acolyte, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, and homebound ministry.

He and his wife Veronica have been married 38 years, have one daughter, the late Angela Williams; & three grandchildren.

Deacon candidates to be ordained June 16, 10 a.m., St. Francis Xavier Cathedral

Thomas Robichaux

Steven E. Newbury

Paul Sunderhaus

Luke White

Thomas Robichaux is vice president and estimator for Ratcliff Construction Co., LLC. He is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pineville and is chairman of the Diocesan Building Review Committee.

He and wife Marika have been married 43 years and have three children and five grandchildren.

Steven E. Newbury is a retired sergeant and combat veteran in the United States Army. He is a member of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Natchitoches where he is currently involved in the ministry to the poor of Natchitoches, pro-life ministry, and CCD education.

He and his wife Jennifer have been married for 19 years and have three grown children AlanMicheal, Robert, and Heather.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Sunderhaus was a physician in the United States Army ending his military career at Ft. Polk. He is a member of St. Frances Cabrini parish where he serves as a trustee and member of the finance and parish councils, and numerous other ministries in his parish and community.

He and his wife Mary Kay have been married 29 years and have two daughters, Jessica and Gillian. Mary Kay and Paul have committed their spiritual lives to being Benedictine oblates.

Luke White has been an active member of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral for the past 17 years, serving as a member of the Parish Council, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, a lector, and an altar server. He has been affiliated with Application Data Systems, Inc. of Southaven, MS. since 1987, and employed for the past 16 years as an account executive.

He and his wife, Sammie Campo White, have been married for 39 years, and have three children and six grandchildren.

A deacon is an ordained minister of the Catholic Church. Deacons are the third order, or groups, of ordained ministers in the Church: bishops, priests, deacons.

As ministers of the Word, deacons proclaim the Gospel, preach, and teach in the name of the Church.

As ministers of the Sacrament, deacons baptize, lead the faithful in prayer, witness marriages, and conduct wake and funeral services.

As ministers of Charity, deacons are leaders in identifying the needs of others, then marshaling the Church’s resources to meet those needs.

MAY 21, 2018

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 7

Clergy Assignments effective July 1, 2018 On May 1, the memorial of St. Joseph the Worker, Bishop David Talley announced the clergy assignments for 2018-19.

“On this memorial of St. Joseph the Worker, I want to share with you the changes of priest and deacon assignments that will take effect on July 1,” he said. “I ask that you remember in a special way our priests and deacons, who serve tirelessly in assisting me as I seek to care for the flock of the Lord, the boys and girls and teens and men and women of our diocese. Please pray for and support these brothers of mine,” he said.

The assignments of those ordained in May and June will be published at a later date.

Rev. Remi Owuamanam,S.M.M.M. transferred by the Super General of his order to a new assignment in California, effective July 1, 2018 Rev. Jack Michalchuk Granted an extension to work outside of Diocese of Alexandria

Rev. Dan Cook Re-appointed Chaplain for Manna House, Parochial Vicar, Nursing Home ministry for St. Frances Cabrini Church, Sacramental minister, Missions of St. Margaret Mary, Gorum and St. Cyril, Flatwoods

Rev. Stephen Scott Chemino Re-appointed Pastor St. Anthony of Padua Church, Bunkie

Rev. Michael Craig Scott Pastoral Administrator, St. James Memorial Church, Alexandria, remains Pastor, St. Rita Church, Alexandria and Vicar Forane of the Central Deanery

Rev. Dale Meade Pastor, St. Mary Church, Winnsboro and St. John Mission, Columbia.

Rev. Brian Seiler Pastoral Administrator, Our Lady of Lourdes, Winnfield and St. William Chapel, Olla

Rev. Jose Robles-Sanchez Pastor St. Juliana Church, Alexandria

Rev. John Wiltse Pastoral Administrator, St. Mary’s Assumption, Cottonport

Rev. Derek Ducote Parochial Vicar Our Lady of Prompt Succor Alexandria

Rev. Daniel Hart Chaplain, Holy Savior Menard Central High School and Parochial Vicar, St. Rita Church

Permanent Deacon Assignments

Deacon Richard Mitchell Director, Office of Permanent Diaconate. He remains Vice Chancellor of the Diocese of Alexandria, Deacon for Pastoral Ministry, St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, and contact for Office of Divine Worship.

Deacon Ted Moulard Deacon for pastoral ministry, Holy Ghost Church, Marksville and St. Richard Chapel, Hickory Hill

Deacon Micheal Young Deacon for pastoral ministry, St. Augustine Church, Isle Brevelle and St. Anne Chapel, Old River

Deacon Clifford “Kip” Pelto Retiring from active ministry

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CHURCH TODAY

MAY 21, 2018

Facebook rejects Steubenville’s ad of Jesus as ‘excessively violent’ content.”

The university said the San Damiano Cross image was one in a series of ads it posted to Facebook March 29 to promote two of the school’s online master’s degree programs -- in theology and in catechetics and evangelization.

The San Damiano Cross is the large Romanesque rood cross that St. Francis of Assisi was praying before when he is said to have received the commission from the Lord to rebuild the Catholic Church. The original cross hangs in the Basilica of St. Clare in Assisi, Italy. Franciscans cherish this cross as the symbol

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio (CNS) – The Franciscan University of Steubenville said March 30 in a blog post that an administrator of its Facebook page noticed one of its ads had been rejected because it contained “shocking content, sensational content, excessively violent content.”

“What was the offending image?” the blog post asked. “The San Damiano Cross. Jesus in glory, reigning from his cruciform throne. This is what the monitors at Facebook consider excessively violent, sensational and shocking.”

The blog post at https://bit. ly/2GAGlRj includes a screen capture of the message of rejection from Facebook: “Your image, video thumbnail or video can’t contain shocking, sensational, or excessively violent

of their mission from God. “Indeed, the crucifixion of Christ was all of those things,” the blog post said. “It was the most sensational action in history: man executed his God. It was shocking, yes: God deigned to take on flesh and was “obedient unto death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8) “And it was certainly excessively violent: a man scourged to within an inch of his life, nailed naked to a cross and left to die, all the hate of all the sin in the world poured out its wrath upon his humanity,” it added.

THE FRANCISCAN UNIVERSITY OF STEUBENVILLE, OHIO, said this ad for its Facebook page featuring the San Damiano Cross was rejected by Facebook because the image of the Crucifixion had “excessively violent content.” (CNS photo/University of Steubenville)

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CHURCH TODAY

MAY 21, 2018

PAGE 9

Jesuit Retreat House offering diocese a silent retreat for men Our Lady of the Oaks Jesuit Retreat House in Grand Coteau is offering the men of the Diocese of Alexandria a Silent Retreat from August 23 -26, 2018.

According to Jason Lavergne, one of the coordinators of the retreat for the diocese, “This is the first time a weekend has been reserved at the Retreat House strictly for the Diocese of Alexandria. It’s a retreat house in Grand Coteau, LA and anyone can go at any time, when there are openings.”

Jason said he attended a silent retreat there 3 years ago with other men from the area and was so impressed, he wanted to offer and share the experience with others in the diocese. So, he wasable to book the weekend of August 23-26 in hopes of inspiring the men of the Diocese to carve out some time to get away, to

disconnect from the their hectic days, and spend some quiet time with a bunch of prayer warriors as they collectively honor and worship the Lord.

Registration for the retreat began May 4, 2018. To register, contact one of the three coordinators (listed below) and they will send you an application form.

You will need to fill it out and then return the form with a $25 non-refundable deposit.

At the end of the retreat, participants will be asked to make a “retreat offering.” The suggested retreat offering is $260 for the weekend, but be assured that all are welcome, regardless of their ability to pay.

Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House was built by the Diocese of Lafayette in 1938 and was donated to the Society of Jesus. The Jesuits have administered and cared

Job Opening: Publications Manager

Office of Evangelization and Communications Diocese of Alexandria The Publications Manager performs necessary duties to advance the mission and vision of evangelization; continuing Christian formation; communicating the activities of the diocese through journalistic media (print and visual). The Publications Manager coordinates and co-leads a Communications Advisory Committee to strategize concepts for an effective evangelization and communication model for the Diocese of Alexandria. The Publications Manager will work with the Digital Media Manager to integrate and advance the communication efforts of the diocese.

Key Responsibility: Producing the Church Today monthly publication • develops and researches news and feature articles • interview, write, edit, layout, write the headlines and captions • photography for the articles • manage the publication schedule and meet set deadlines • maintain good media relationship with all churches & schools • follows all code of ethics and journalist style as set in the CPA and the CNS Stylebook • recruite and manage writers (freelance volunteers) Minimum Qualifications: • BA Journalism or Mass Communications and/or 3-5 years of editorial experience in a publishing environment or equivalent.

• Demonstrated ability and enthusiasm for managing relationships at al levels of the organization.

• Editorial, writing, and storytelling experience, preferred across all channels of communication – printing, web, digital, and social.

• Familiarity with News Service stylebook, excellent spelling and grammar skills.

• Strong interpersonal, collaborative and organizational skills.

• Strong project/time management and multitasking abilities.

• Creative problem-solving ability and excellent analytical skills.

• Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications: • Practicing Catholic or appreciation for working within a Roman Catholic diocesan environment.

Qualified applicants should send resumes to David Brook, dbrook@diocesealex.org or P.O. Box 7417, Alexandria, LA 71306.

Our Lady of the Oaks Jesuit Retreat House in Grand Coteau, Louisiana for the house since that time.

For over 70 years now, this oasis of prayer has been helping to form the spirituality of people in all walks of life. This village is home for the Jesuit Order (Society of Jesus) in Louisiana and is also the place where dedicated Sacred Heart Sisters have educated young women for many years.

Grand Coteau is not only beautiful, it is holy ground.

Based on the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, a 15th century Basque Saint and founder of the Jesuit Order, Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House offers conference style retreats for men, women, and couples. The retreats, directed by Jesuit Priests

and thoroughly trained lay directors, are based on St. Ignatius of Loyola’s famous Spiritual Exercises. Mass, Reconciliation, Way of the Cross, and the Rosary are also featured during the retreat experience.

The room capacity is 51, and most of the rooms have private baths. The colorfully landscaped grounds include a library and a newly renovated chapel. Most retreatants rave about the food… the coffee is always hot and snacks are available at all times.

Built in Spanish mission style, the facility features an enclosed courtyard with the peaceful sounds of a flowing fountain

and lots of seating area. Old oaks grace this central patio and squirrels and birds make themselves at home — to the delight of those who visit. For more information contact: Jason Lavergne 318-446-0217 jasonlavergne@aol.com Gary Bonnette 318-793-9063 gbonnette@suddenlink.net Kenny VanBuren 318-484-3686 vanburen4@suddenlink.net ourladyoftheoaks.com

PAGE 10

CHURCH TODAY

JUBILARIAN MASS. Twenty-one priests of the Diocese of Alexandria were honored at a special Jubilarian Mass May 11 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral for priests celebrating significant anniversaries this year. Those honored were Msgr.

Ronald Hoppe (60); Rev. Bob Courville (55); Bishop Emeritus Ronald Herzog, Rev. Antony Aelavanthara, Rev. Angelo Messina, Rev. Chris Nayak (50); Rev. Joseph Hasieber (45); Rev. Ramji Shoury (40); Rev Abraham Palakkattuchira, Rev. John Pardue, (30); Rev. Scott Chemino, Rev. Kenneth Obiekwe, (25); Rev. Joy Antony, Rev. Rickey Gremillion, Rev. Bartholomew Ibe, Rev. Marc Noel, (20); Rev. John Brocato, Rev. Wade DeCoste, Rev. Chad Partain, Rev. Abraham Varghese, (15); and Rev. Martin Laird (10).

MAY 21, 2018

LOUISIANA SUMMIT ON MODERN SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING. Father John Wiltse (far left) and Thomas Roque, Sr., superintendent of Catholic Schools (far right), stand with Gov. John Bel Edwards and his wife Donna, before the start of the Louisiana Summit on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking held in Zachary, La. May 7-9. Representatives of the Vatican once again traveled to Louisiana — a year after coming to bless Louisiana’s new home for teen victims of human trafficking — this time to work alongside global, national and local leaders to study and find solutions for human trafficking. “The problem is growing in the world,” said Bishop Marcel Sanchez Sorondo, the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. “We need to eradicate human slaves and human trafficking.” The summit, which included leaders from around the world, focused on how different entities, from law enforcement, to public officials and religious groups, can independently and collaboratively work together to combat human trafficking.

EDICTAL CITATION Since the whereabouts of the respondent in this case, Pamela Patterson (nee Lee), are not known . . . I hereby cite her through this medium to appear in person or through her Procurator at the Diocesan Tribunal in Alexandria to clarify certain issues regarding her marriage to Stephen Brundrett.

Anyone with any knowledge of the whereabouts of Ms. Patterson, or having other relevant information, is asked to inform this Tribunal as soon as possible.

Given at the Diocesan Tribunal in Alexandria, Louisiana, on May 1, 2018. /s/ Peter Faulk _______________________ Reverend Peter Faulk, J.C.L. Judge /s/ Patricia N. Thomas ______________________ Mrs. Patricia N. Thomas Ecclesiastical Notary

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CHURCH TODAY

MAY 21, 2018

PAGE 11

Plan of action created for developing worship space safety Workshops give parishes -- large and small -- tools to make their own plans

By Jeannie Petrus CT editor It’s a scary situation we hope we never have to encounter -what to do if an active shooter enters church while we are at Mass.

What do you do? Duck under the pew? Run for the door?

Try to be a hero and grab the guy?

Do you have a gun? Or is it in the car? What do you do?

The same situation happened just six months ago in a small town in Texas.

On Nov. 5, 2017, a 26-yearold male barged into a small Baptist Church in Sutherland, Texas opening fire on the defenseless congregation, killing 26 people and injuring 20. It was the deadliest mass shooting in Texas and the 5th deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.

The next day, the phone in CFO David Brook’s office rang off the wall. Pastors from around the diocese were calling with concerns that if it could happen in Sutherland, Texas... it could happen here.

Are we prepared for something like this?

It is a terrible thing that we even have to be discussing this, but it is the world we live in, and we MUST be prepared and we MUST feel safe in, -- of all places

WORSHIP SPACE SAFETY WORKSHOPS. David Brook, Chief Financial Officer for the Diocese of Alexandria, presents a portion of the Worship Space Safety Workshop to the Natchitoches Deanery May 15 at the St. Anthony of Padua church hall. The plan of action was developed by Brook and Tim Ledet, an investigator for the Louisiana State Police.

-- our churches.

After discussing it with Bishop David Talley, it was decided that a safety plan should be developed for use in the Diocese of Alexandria.

Tim Ledet, an investigator for the Louisiana State Police, was contacted to lend his expertise in creating a plan.

“The plan we came up with has been accepted by the bishop, accepted by the Presbyteral Council, and is scalable (workable) for any size parish,” said Brook. “We think it is a good plan.”

Workshops are being conducted throughout May in the

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four deaneries to present the plan to the pastors and parish representatives.

“The workshops presented the pastors and the parish reps with the tools for putting together their own plan for their parish, no matter how large or small,” said Brook.

The plan has two major parts: creating a Planning Team and creating a Safety Team.

The Planning Team is responsible for coming up with the comprehensive plan that covers these five areas -- prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery.

The Planning Team does a walk-through of the church building and identifies potential threats and hazards, assesses the probabilities, and prioritize the threats/ hazards. The team puts their findings together in the form of goals, objectives, and courses of actions, and finally writes the plan into a comprehensive, yet easy to understand document to share with the Safety Team.

When the plan is complete, it should be simple, and easy to implement,” said Brook. “It’s primarily about how to handle an active shooter, but can be used to handle all types of threats, haz-

ards, and dangerous situations -from characters walking into the church to people hanging around the parking lot.

“It is important to share the existence of a plan with the congregation so that everyone knows what to do in the event of a situation,” said Brook.

The Safety Team should be made up of individuals who are prepared to act before first responders arrive in an emergency.

Safety team members could be parishioners who are first responders (police, fire, EMS, military, etc), medical professions (doctors and nurses, etc), or counselors and social workers. Other team members, (who may be greeters, ushers, staff members) may have special duties like monitoring or making calls for help.

Once the Safety Team is assembled, it receives initial training and then ongoing training.

“There are so many little things that could have been done to prevent the shooting in Texas had they been better prepared,” said Brook. “It’s a shame that we have to do this, but if we can put forth the effort on preparation and training, I think it will make a big difference in keeping our people safe and feeling safe while at Mass.”

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CHURCH TODAY

MAY 21, 2018

HOLY SAVIOR MENARD CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL (Alexandria) 2018 GRADUATES.

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH (Winnsboro) SENIOR SUNDAY. St. Mary Catholic Church in Winnsboro held Senior Sunday on May 6 to honor its graduating seniors.

Students were presented with gifts from St. Mary’s and were honorees at a reception in the church hall immediately following Mass.

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL (Plaucheville) 2018 GRADUATES. Fourteen students from St. Joseph School in Plaucheville graduated May 15.

MAY 21, 2018

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 13

Congratulations Seniors of 2018!

ST. MARY’S SCHOOL (Natchitoches) SENIOR CLASS OF 2018.

Congratulations to the St. Mary’s Senior Class of 2018 who graduated Monday, May 14.

ST. JAMES MEMORIAL CHURCH (Alexandria) SENIOR MASS. The 2018 high school SACRED HEART (Moreauville) BACCALAUREATE MASS. Sacred Heart Church in Moreauville held graduates who attend St. James Memorial Church were recognized at the 10 a.m. Mass on a Baccalaureate Mass on Sunday, May 6 for the graduating seniors.

May 6.

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 14

MAY 21, 2018

Results of CT Readership Survery and Social Media Usage Survey Informal survey provides some feedback from small sample of readers An informal Readership Survey of the Church Today and Use of Social Media Survey was conducted Feb. 19 – March 30.

Participants were asked to fill out a survey that was printed in two issues of the Church Today, cut it out, put postage on it, and mail it in; or they could go online and fill out the survey. Ninety-three participants filled it out in the Church Today and mailed it in; 85 completed the survey online.

Now, to put a lot of stock in a survey with a return of about 2 percent would not make sense.

So, let’s make it clear from the start that it is not a scientific survey. I’m sure there were flaws in the survey questions, the survey tool, data tabulation, and data interpretation. It’s not a perfect study.

So, think of it as a small sampling of our audience, just to see, on a small scale, what the people in the Diocese of Alexandria have to say about the Church Today and their Use of Social Media.

The surveys came from all over the diocese, even far away places like Tallulah, Leesville, Winnsboro, Plaucheville, Simmesport, Ferriday and everywhere in between. We heard from all ages – the youngest was age 27 and the oldest was age 92.

Church Today The small sample survey showed that 94 percent of you almost always read the Church

Feedback from Small Sample of Readers How often do you read the Church Today?

How often do you go to the Website?

94% Almost Always 71% Rarely/Never

Do you follow DOA on Facebook Have you read the Church Today online?

Do you follow DOA on Instagram?

Do you follow the Bishop on Twitter?

25% 13% 5% 4%

• Based on responses from 178 people who answered the survey Today every month. Fifty-two percent say they read it cover to cover while 34 percent read most of the articles.

An average of 1.5 people read the newspaper per household.

Overall, the majority of readers find the Church Today interesting, informative, easy to read, and a good mix of local, national and world news (3.7/4 rating). Readers however indicated a slight desire for more stories about understanding and living out the Catholic faith (3.2/4) Readers indicated they want more interaction with the paper in the form of a Catholic crossword puzzle, and quizzes to learn more about the faith (67 percent).

There was almost no interest in additional color or adding more pages (2 percent).

Another solid statement was that the readers want to keep the newspaper format (85 percent) and to continue to have it mailed to their home (89 percent).

Advertising A majority of the respondents were not interested in advertising.

However, eleven people indicated they were interested in advertising and wrote in their email address to be contacted.

Social Media Usage When it comes to Social Media, a little less than half (45 percent) consider themselves to

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be average users. Fifty-five percent use Facebook, 30 percent YouTube, 16 percent Instagram, 9 percent Twitter, and 9 percent Snapchat.

Seventy-one percent say they rarely or never go to the Diocese of Alexandria website; and 22 percent say they go a few times month.

When that 22 percent do go to the website a few times a month, they are going to the photo gallery (31 percent); churches (11 percent) Mass schedule (11 percent) and to contact someone at the diocese (7 percent).

Most find the website interesting, informative, and helpful in finding answers, but lacking in easy to read, easy to navigate, and

well organized. (Note: The diocesan website averages 5,000 visits each month and is currently in the process of being redesigned.)

Tara Whitehead, the religion teacher at St. Mary’s High School in Natchitoches, graciously agreed to distribute the survey to 80 of her high school students.

For the most part, most of the students were not regular readers of the Church Today, nor were they regular users of the diocesan website or diocesan social media.

But we wanted feedback from a younger group to see what they thought about the Church Today and their ideas about their use of Social Media.

The students were given copies of the Church Today, the opportunity to use their phones to get on the DOA Facebook page and the DOA website, and then to answer the survey.

Forty-five of the students wanted to keep the newspaper format; 35 wanted to change to a magazine format.

Of the 80 students who answered the survey, eight students said they had read the Church online before; two students said they follow the DOA Facebook page, and one followed the diocese on Instagram.

Fifteen of the 80 students indicated they would go to the diocesan website on a regular basis to read the Church Today online.

MAY 21, 2018

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 15

So long, farewell after 14 years as editor of the Church Today!

Looking back at the Top Ten stories (and the people behind them) that inspired my faith!

By Jeannie Petrus CT editor In case you haven’t heard the news yet, – I am leaving the Church Today office as editor effective with this issue!

I am calling it “retiring” although I don’t think that’s the right word. I’m too young to retire (I think); but too tired to continue doing this job as the Lone Ranger. It’s a lot for one person to do every month without a break!

Now, don’t get me wrong – I LOVE MY JOB! Always have and always will. Let’s just say that I am closing one chapter in my life and opening another.

I am super excited about what God has planned for me next!

I look forward to sleeping past 5:15 a.m. and not having to make that 45-minute drive from Melrose near Natchitoches to Alexandria every day. I look forward to spending more time at St. Anthony Church in Natchitoches helping Father John O’Brien with his ministries, volunteering more at Radio Maria, freelancing for the CT, . . . and spending a whole lot more time with my five precious grandchildren.

On the other hand, I will sadly miss the people I’ve met in the diocese through the stories I’ve written for the paper.

What beautiful, beautiful people we have here in this diocese.

I have found there are those in the diocese who ask (demand) to have a picture or story about them in the paper and there are those who have a story to tell

Jeannie Broussard Petrus 2004-2018 1994-2004 1989-1994

1978-1989

THE ROSARY LADIES. Flita Chenevert (forefront) and her sister Elia Rigby show the beads they get from the “rosary plant” (aka Jacob’s Tears) that they use to make rosaries. I could listen to Ms. Flita talk about the rosary all day. but are too humble to talk about it. Those are the stories I love.

So, for my farewell column, I wanted to thank those of you whose story and faith inspired me the most. I feel blessed to have met you, interviewed you, and shared your story with others.

• Father Dan Corkery – I wrote a feature about Fr. Corkery because he retired after 54 years as a priest. I was in awe of the work he did at St. Mary’s in Winnsboro years ago and the strength of his Irish Catholic faith. I love and admire him so much. Thank you Fr. Corkery!

• Flita Chenevert – aka “the Rosary Lady” in Marksville. I loved talking to Ms. Flita about the Rosary and how she hand made them from beads she grew from a rosary plant in her back yard. For years after the interview, I used what I learned from her to teach my CCD kids about the Rosary and how to make a rosary out of rosary plant beads.

My CCD kids always loved that lesson and asked for beads to take home so they could grow a rosary bead plant. Thank you Ms. Flita!

• Marilyn Carroll – a nice lady who called me one day to

FR. DANIEL CORKERY (far left) catechized the Catholics and Protestants alike in Winnsboro in the 60s.

ask if I could help her identify what kind of rosary she had. To make a long story short, it was a St. Michael Chaplet – which at the time, I knew nothing about.

It turns out that this lady, who was growing in her own faith journey, ignited a whole new interest in praying chaplets. I bet you didn’t know that did you, Marilyn? Thank you, Marilyn for your quiet evangelizing spirit!

• Coach Wally Smith – Not just an amazing cross country coach, father, husband, teacher, etc., but an amazing man of faith. I wrote several stories on Coach Smith over the years because of the many cross country state championships he inspired students to win. My interview in your kitchen watching you flip pancakes for the cross country kids was fun, but listening to you talk about your commitment to God, and your faith after Jenny. . . I am in awe of you. God bless you and Becky. .• Msgr. Joseph Susi – When I first started working at the diocese, he kind of scared me. He was always so stern and serious.

But after I wrote a three-part series on the life of this 91-year old priest, I learned that underneath that seriousness was a heart of gold and a deep-filled soul of faith. I learned how much he loved being a priest and how hard it was for him to earn his way to becoming a priest – that’s why he worked so hard to try to raise money for the education of priests through the burses. But most of all, Msgr. Susi taught me to love the Mass. So many times, it was just he and I in the chapel at the chancery celebrating daily Mass and those were the best Masses – I’ll never forget him.

Editor of Church Today Journalism teacher at Menard Public Relations instructor at Louisiana College Director of Publications and Desktop Publising instructor at Northeast Louisiana University

• Josh Blakesley. Josh, I don’t think our diocese appreciates the profound gifts of music that you share with the rest of the world. You are right here in our diocese and I don’t think people know that you are better known elsewhere than you are here. So Josh, for your unbelievable talent, the messages you’ve shared with young people all these years, for the beautiful CDs you and your awesome band produce, for your faith in God that you’ve shared with the young people of not only our diocese, but with the rest of the world -- Thank you.

• Robert & Renee Maddox – Little Boo Maddox was a 6-yearold at Our Lady of Prompt Succor when he contracted the H1N1 virus. The story that unfolded over the next several years in that family was truly, truly miraculous and at the same time, truly, gutwrenching and devastating. The faith journey of Robert & Renee (Boo’s parents) made me cry then, and makes me tear up even now, as I think about it. I haven’t heard from Boo’s family in a while. Hope Boo is doing well.

• Father Robert Young, O.F.M. As a volunteer at RaSee FAITH, pg 16

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 16

MAY 21, 2018

Dr. Edward Sri to head FOCUS staff training

IZZIE used her own birthday money to give to Manna House. But after interviewing this 9-year-old at the time, I was deeply touched by her amazing faith.

Faith of the people Continued from pg 15 dio Maria for the past 14 years, I wrote stories about Radio Maria for the Church Today many times. Father Robert Young came to Radio Maria in February, 2012 as national priest director and started a program called Will of God: the Writings of Maria Picaretti. He led such a simple life and wanted no luxuries, and yet found happiness in prayer and getting to know God through the simple things in life. I try every day to be more like him.

• Isabella “Izzie” Antee -- a 9-year-old at the time I wrote the story about how she raised money for Manna House. Born with a rare anonmaly, she had 16 surgeries in her short life.

Even though her parents were not regular church goers, she insisted on going to church every Sunday and attended several churches of different denominations over the years. But it wasn’t until Izzie attended a Catholic Church for the first time, that she said, with tears in her eyes, “this is where God wants me.”

Izzie, I enjoyed the interview with you so much. You are God’s special angel here on earth and I want you to know I believe in you and your amazing faith.

• Angie and Andy Dixon – There have only been one or two interviews that I couldn’t hold back the tears in and yours was one of them. Angie and Andy Dixon lost their son Adam on May 16, 2014 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. They were good parents and he was a good son. They just didn’t know that he suffered for years from severe depression. Since his death, Angie and Andy have done everything

they could to educate other parents on the signs of teen depression. Their story touched my heart so deep. Their faith was so strong through this. My heart still aches for you, Angie and Andy, and for any parent that has to go through this. I love what you are doing now. Keep the faith. Stay strong.

By the time you read this, I’ll be sipping on a cool beverage on my boat dock on Cane River, or playing with the grandkids in the back yard. I can promise you I won’t be sitting inside looking at my computer.

I’d like to hear from you anytime. You can always reach me at jpetrus33@yahoo.com.

I’ve been blessed to have this job for 14 years. It’s been fun.

As 600 young missionaries converge later this month to start New Staff Training with the Fellowship of Catholic University students (FOCUS), the organization will welcome well-known Catholic theologian and author Dr. Edward Sri as Vice President of Formation.

Dr. Sri helped found the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) with Curtis and Michaelann Martin in 1998.

His continued involvement over the years has assisted with the growth of the apostolate. Finishing up its 20th anniversary year, FOCUS has more than 660 missionaries serving on 137 U.S. and international campuses and five

DR. EDWARD SRI, who helped found the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) will serve as vice presidenrt of Formation.

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

parishes.

“Dr. Sri has had profound influence upon the growth and development of FOCUS,” said FOCUS CEO and Founder Curtis Martin. “Having him come aboard as VP of Formation signals a dramatic investment in our staff, our leadership and continued improvement in our formation efforts. We could not be more thrilled. We are excited about the anticipated impact Dr. Sri’s presence will have upon FOCUS’ efforts to serve campuses, parishes and the wider Church in evangelization and forming missionary disciples.”

In this new role, Dr. Sri will oversee the integrated develop-

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

ment of all formation aspects of various initiatives in the apostolate, including staff training, curriculum, mission trips and retreats. He will also oversee the training, resources and workshops FOCUS makes available for alumni, parish leaders and all Catholics who desire to grow as missionary disciples.

“FOCUS is recognized as one of the most impactful organizations at the front lines of evangelization and raising up missionary disciples in the Church today,” said Dr. Sri. “It is an honor to serve these young people and the thousands of graduates and friends of the apostolate who are now leaders on campuses and in parishes, dioceses and other ministries. I pray that as we continue to expand and deepen our formation, the Lord will bless their generous efforts and help them bear more fruit for evangelization.”

Dr. Sri’s new role with FOCUS begins July 1, 2018. He will continue to teach occasional classes at the Augustine Institute, where he taught for the last 12 years and served as the content director for several of the Institute’s faith formation programs, including Symbolon, Beloved, Forgiven and Opening the Word.

“I am thrilled that Ted has accepted this role to oversee all of our formation efforts,” said FOCUS President Craig Miller. “His leadership has always been present in FOCUS.”

CHURCH TODAY

MAY 21, 2018

PAGE 17

Vacation Bible School Summer Schedules CENTRAL DEANERY • June 11-15 Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church, Alexandria Our Lady of Prmpt Succor Church in Alexandria will host Vacation Bible School “Shipwrecked” June 11-15 from 8 a.m. -12 noon. The cost is $15 per child. Registration forms are available at the church office, through OLPS school ad OLPS Flocknotes. Children will enjoy great programming, outdoor games, bible stories, arts and crafts, and amazing praise and worship singing, along time with great musicians. For more information, email Michelle Lemoine at mblemoine1@gmail.com.

• June 18-22 Mary, Mother of Jesus, Woodworth Mary, Mother of Jesus Church in Woodworth will host Vacation Bible School June 18-22 from 8 a.m. -11:30 a.m. for kids entering Pre-K through 6th grade. Upper classes can attend as assistants to instructors. Cost is free to parishioners; and $25 per family for non-parishioners.

Registration forms are available at the church office or you can call the church office and have one emailed to you. For more information or to register, call 318-487-9894.

• July 16-20 St. Rita Church, Alexandria Get ready for “Splash Canyon” Vacation Bible School July 16-20 at St. Rita Church in Alexandria from 8 a.m.

-12 noon for kids entering PreK - 6th. The cost is free for St. Rita parishioners and $25 for non-parishioners. Registration forms are available at the church office, or you can register online at www.strita.org. Registration deadline is June 30 to ensure that you have a VBS t-shirt. For more information, contact Courtney Brinkman at 318-445-7120.

• July 16-20 Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Pineville Come join the “Rolling River Rampage” Vacation Bible School at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Pineville, July 16-20 from 8 a.m. -12 noon in the Activities Building for ages K-6. 7th & 8th graders are invited to be helpers. Registration forms are in the back of church. Free and open to the public. For more information please contact Cheryl Paul at 318-308-5026.

• July 23-27 St. Frances Cabrini Church, Alexandria Think of how much fun you’ll have playing “Superhero Saints” at the Vacation Bible School at St. Frances Cabrini Church in Alexandria July 23-27 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. for ages PreK 3 (must be potty-trained) - 6th grade.

7th -12th graders are invited to be counselors. The cost is $100 per child for the week which includes breakfast,, lunch, a snack and a t-shirt. Registration forms are available at the school or church or you can download the form on the website at www.cabrinischool.com. For more information call Liz Hines at 318-448-3333.

NATCHITOCHES DEANERY • June 4-8 St. Anthony of Padua, Natchitoches St. Anthony of Padua Church in Natchitoches will host “Parachuting with the Angels” Vacation Bible School June 4-8, from 9 a.m. - 12 noon for kids entering PreK -6th grade. The cost to attend is free, but registration is required; Enrollment is limited. Registration will be held after all the Masses the weekend of May 26-27 and June 2-3. Registration forms are also available in the back of the church.

• July 16-20 Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception The MB of the Immaculate Conception will host a VBS July 16 - 20 from 9 a.m. - 12 noon at St. Mary’s School for students in PreK - 6th Grade. The cost is free.

Registration forms will be available in the back of church.

For more information, call the church rectory.

AVOYELLES DEANERY • June 4-8 St. Joseph Church, Marksville St. Joseph Church in Marksville will host its VBS June 4-8 from 9 a.m. - 12 noon in the St. Joseph Church Hall for kids ages 5-10. The cost is FREE. Registration forms are available in the office and in the back of the church. The deadline to register is May 25. For more information, call 318-253-7561.

• July 9-13 St. Anthony of Padua, Bunkie St. Anthony of Padua in Bunkie will host its VBS July 9-13 from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. for kids entering PreK - 4th grade. The cost is FREE. To register call Karson Coulon at 318-305-0667. Come join us for a week of fun!

• July 15-19 Sacred Heart, Moreauville Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Moreauville will host a “Shipwrecked” Vacation Bible School on Sunday, July 15 - Thursday, July 19 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. for kids PreK 3 - 6th grade. Students in 7th grade and up are welcome to come as teen helpers. The cost is $15 per child; meals are included each night. Registration forms are available at the front entrance of the church or you can call Andre Spruill at 318-359-7542 and she can email you a registration form.

There will be no June issue of the Church Today

The Sacramental Issue!

Ordinations • Confirmations • First Communions

Coming out July 16, 2018 For more information, contact Joan Ferguson joanferguson@diocesealex.org 318-445-6424 ext 264

PAGE 18

CHURCH TODAY

MAY 21, 2018

SACRED HEART (Moreauville) MAY CROWNING. For Sacred Heart School’s May Crowning held May 4. was chosen to crown the Blessed Mother Mary and (right) was chosen to be the flower girl. is the daughter of Michael and Sara Venable. is the daughter of Joshua and Schelita Wages. Thank you to all who participated in the beautiful devotion and to Sr. Lizbeth Gutierrez and Mrs. Katie Freeman for coordinating the event.

OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR (Alexandria) MAY CROWNING. The May Crowning Court at Our Lady of Prompt Succor School (selected by their peers) Three siblings from second grade were also choosen to help the court present the crown of flowers.

May Crowning was held May 4 with Mass celebrated by Father Dan O’Connor, pastor.

ST. FRANCES DE SALES (Echo) MAY CROWNING. The students at St. Frances de Sales Church in Echo held a May Crowning May 13 (Mother’s Day).

ST. FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL (Alexandria) MAY CROWNING. St. Frances Cabrini School held its May Crowning on Friday, May 4 with Father Chad Partain as the principle celebrant. students brought bouquets of flowers and placed them before her.

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA (Bunkie) MAY CROWNING.

MAY 21, 2018

CHURCH TODAY

EXEMPLIFICATION CEREMONY. The Monsignor Henry A. Thompson Chapter #27 had an Exemplification Ceremony April 28 when five ladies were exemplified. Those ladies are (from left) Gwen Milo, Delores Battiste, Mildred Price, Felicia Aaron and Shelia McDaniel. Congratulations to these ladies.

PAGE 19

1ST ANNUAL ACIES OF LEGION OF MARY “UNDOER OF KNOTS CURIA” was held at St. Juliana Catholic Church March 28. Pictured are (left side, front row) Janice Reed, Delores Brown, Irma Bayonne and Valerie Bandy. Back row: Monica Nicholson, Father Martin Laird, and Billy Duplechain. Pictured on right side, first row: Gwen Milo, Sylvia Martin, Patricia Jeanpierre-Hicks, Ethel Dixon, and Father Remi Owuamanam. Back row: Arthur Ashduogwu.

ST. MARY’S ASSUMPTION (Cottonport) CDA CONTEST WINNERS. St. Mary’s Court Padre Pio #2141 sponsored an Educational Contest with the theme “Finding Joy in My Life”. Educational contest winners from St. Mary’s Assumption School were recognized at the Children’s Mass recently.

HOLY SAVIOR MENARD CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1968 50-YEAR CLASS REUNION. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Holy Savior Menard Central High School, the Class of 1968 held its 50-year Class Reunion with almost 40 members returning. The Class of 1968 was the first senior class that attended the school to graduate.

TASTE OF ST. JOSEPH FOOD FEST was held April 28 in Cheneyville. Parishioners sampled home cooked meals and desserts from a variety of dishes.

DA CRAWFISH BOILING CHAMPIONSHIP. More than 6,900 lbs. of crawfish were cooked, peeled and eaten during the Da Crawfish Boiling Championship, sponsored by St. Joseph Church to raise money for the St. Joseph ACTS chapter. More than 1,000 people attended the event. Out of the 43 judges, there were five final judges --Marksville Mayor John Lemoine, Parish Librarian Theresa Mayeux, Avoyelles Sheriff Doug Anderson, DOC Attorney Elizabeth Desselle, and Rev. Brian Seiler. Pictured are members of the committee who put the event together -- (from left) Scott Coco, Glenn Leger, John Dauzat, Nancy Desselle, and Rhett Desselle, event coordinator.

PAGE 20

CHURCH TODAY

MAY 21, 2018

Mom writes about childbirth from ‘a specifically Catholic point of view’

By Laura Kilgus Catholic News Service (CNS) -- Mary Haseltine, a mother of five boys, a certified birth doula and childbirth educator, wants every woman and her baby to be blessed with “a healthy, happy and, yes, holy birth.”

In her debut book titled “Made for This: The Catholic Mom’s Guide to Birth,” Haseltine draws on St. John Paul II’s theology of the body to show that childbirth is an essential part of who God created women to be, body and soul.

With real-life stories from many moms and practical tips -- including preparing for birth, making informed choices, helping fathers embrace their role in the birth room, and encountering

the work of labor -- the book published by Our Sunday Visitor is a guide for navigating the physical and spiritual dimensions of pregnancy and birth.

Expectant mothers will find the tools they need to approach birth as a gift, and to recognize God’s work in the experience.

Haseltine said she had never planned on writing a book, but from the start of her motherhood and after she gave birth to her first son, she knew there needed to be a book like this to share the experience.

“God made it very clear to me about two years ago that this was what he was asking of me,” she said in an interview with Rhode Island Catholic, newspaper of the Providence Diocese. “There are a lot of secular books out there on birth, many of them great, but

there hasn’t up until this point been a book about childbirth that approaches it from a truly wholeperson perspective -- body, mind, heart and soul.

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“As Catholics, those of us who are called to marriage are called to be open to life and that by necessity means being open to birth.”

To her, it made sense “to have a book out there that approached birth from a specifically Catholic point of view -- one that discussed God’s design of the body, how the theology of the body from St. John Paul II applies to birth, what the Catholic Church and saints had to say about it, and that walked women through birth in every aspect of who they are and integrated the truths of our faith throughout.”

She added that there are so many choices when it comes to birth and unfortunately in the United States, a lot of the common protocol and procedures before and during birth are not truly evidence-based and do not respect the dignity of the mother and baby.

“As Catholics, that should matter to us. As Catholics, we need to do our best to promote a culture of life not only before birth but during and after birth as well,” Haseltine said. “Honoring the design of birth and helping women have beautiful, evidencebased, respectful births for them and for their children in what is a profoundly important time in their life is all a part of building that culture of life and a culture that truly respects womanhood and motherhood.”

“Made for This” already has

had an impact on women and families, according to the author.

It is currently featured in the top 20 new releases for books written

by Christian women.

“So many have written to me or mentioned how they wish this book had been around for their first births, whether that was just a short time or decades ago,” Haseltine said. “People have been really surprised with just how comprehensive the information is.

“Choices before and during birth, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual preparation for birth, how to bring your faith into the birth room, choosing your provider and place of birth, choices for your newborn, cesarean birth, even miscarriage and stillbirth, naming your baby, and so much more are all covered from a Catholic perspective. It was really important to me that I put in as much helpful information as I could.”

As she prepared the book, she depended on the intercession of Mary, she noted.

“I reflected a great deal on what the birth of Christ was like, both from church teaching and from my own imagination, and how as our heavenly Mother she truly desires each of her daughters to have a beautiful, healthy and holy birth, too,” she explained. “Her prayers are so powerful not only when it comes to birth -- and writing about it -- but for every aspect of motherhood.”

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CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 21

Earth’s mightiest heroes unite in Avengers: Infinity War

By John Mulderig Catholic News Service (CNS) -- Strong pro-life values are embedded in the towering, richly complex Marvel Comicsbased adventure “Avengers: Infinity War” (Disney). While this often-dazzling, sometimes-dizzying epic is safest for grown-ups, its positive moral lessons may lead at least some parents to deem it acceptable for older teens as well.

The film’s ethical stance can first be read through the principal aim of its outsized villain, slaughter-loving tyrant Thanos (Josh Brolin). He cherishes a longstanding scheme to bring his version of harmony to the universe by wiping out half its population, thus freeing up scarce resources for the survivors.

This maniacal goal is based on Thanos’ sincere -- but obviously wildly misguided -- assessment of the fate that befell his place of origin, Saturn’s moon Titan, whose civilization was destroyed, according to his account, by overpopulation. Foreseeing a similar outcome for the cosmos as a whole, Thanos believes his theoretically laudable purpose: to establish a sustainable paradise, will justify his cataclysmic methods.

Fortunately, neither the Avengers nor the Guardians of the Galaxy agree. So they team up to thwart him.

MOVIE

REVIEW

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR brings together the most powerful heroes across the universe (starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Robert Downey Jr., Benedict Wong and Mark Ruffalo) to battle environmentalist dictator who believes overpopulation is destroying the universe and so wants to wipe out half of the universe. It is an exciting, humorous spectacle and has a strong moral, redemptive worldview with some heartfelt moments, but it sometimes gets lost in its own scale and includes some negative elements, including occultism, human sacrifice, intense violence, and some foul language.

Action packed entertainment for adults and teens, but not young viewers. Rated PG-13.

To gain the necessary power to accomplish his plan, Thanos needs to collect a set of supernatural gems called the Infinity Stones which, once assembled, will give him control over all reality. So the array of good guys -- who are too numerous to name but include,

perhaps most prominently, Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Dr. Strange and Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord -- make it their business to stop him.

Throughout the ensuing struggle, Thanos’ opponents consistently refuse to sacrifice any-

one on their side for the sake of their larger objective, a principle embodied in the motto “We don’t trade lives.” Thus co-directors (and brothers) Anthony and Joe Russo’s mesmerizing saga drives home the message that the common good is not to be achieved at

the price of any individual’s innocent life, much less those of a multitude.

Less substantial, but perhaps more surprising, than this theme of ends and means is a fleeting reference to Jesus that some will find ultimately faith-affirming, others too frivolous in tone.

On a purely aesthetic level, an outstanding cast in top form, together with clever self-parodying dialogue in Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely’s script make the two-and-a-halfhour-plus run time pass quickly.

And then there’s the unthinkable wrap-up, a denouement so shocking it will certainly draw gasps of surprise -- and may even leave devoted fans of the Marvel universe beside themselves with frenzy.

The film contains much harsh but mostly bloodless violence, a couple of mild oaths as well as several crude and numerous crass terms. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults.

The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

VIRTUS Upcoming Virtus sessions: • June 6 -- 6:00 p. m., Sacred Heart Church, Pineville, (Youth Center) • June 12 -- 6:00 p.m., St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria • July 24 -- 6:00 p. m., St. Paul Church, Mansura (Community Center) To register, go to www.virtus.org

CHURCH TODAY

PAGE 22 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.

May 31: St. Rita -- Movie Night St. Rita (the movie) is the story of the beloved patron of hopeless situations, and will be the free movie that will be shown on Thursday, May 31 from 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at St. Rita Church Holy Family Center. Bring the whole family to enjoy free hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks, while watching this great movie about St. Rita! Movie night is hosted by CDA Court Bishop Desmond.

June 2-3 Christos Encounter Seminars A Christos Encounter Seminar series will be held in three weekend sessions this summer by Jim and Christy Gootee and the Two Hearts Team. Dates are June 2-3, July 14-15, and Aug. 4-5. All seminars will be held at Maryhill Renewal Center from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday. Weekends are progressive and each weekend costs $150. You can get a room for $40 extra. To register, email Christy at christyg4God@ou.

June 5: Post Abortion Bible Study Series

An 8-week Bible study, “Forgiven and Set Free,” will be held every Tuesday from 12:15-1:15 p.m. at the Cenla Pregnancy Center, 1254 MacArthur Dr., Alexandria. The series begins June 5. Find healing and wholeness in this post-abortion Bible study which effectively ministers God’s healing grace. This is a confidential study offered in a safe and understanding environment. Facilitator will be Cindy Blanchard. *Individual peer counseling available upon request.* For more information or to register, contact Claire Lemoine at Claire.lemoine@cenlapc.com or call 318-314-3061.

DIOCESAN

BRIEFS ment tools and more. No charge for the weekend experience. For more information contact Sister Mary Frances: smfwynn@aol.com or call (978) 724-3213.

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.

St. Martin Church: Event 2018 St. Martin Catholic Church in Lecompte will host its annual ‘Event 2018’ June 1-3, this year in memory of Ottis Monroe. Friday night starts with a dance featuring the music of Ronnie Bryant and Friends from 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. in the church hall. Admission is $15 per person/$25 per couple. Saturday Family Night starts at 6:30 p.m. with Bingo, concessions and a Sweet Shop. Sunday is a Fried Fish dinner ($8 per plate) from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. with a Sweet Shop and Raffle/Live Auction. For more info, call 318-776-9480 or Kathy Monroe at 318-748-7645.

MAY 21, 2018 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. 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. 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.

Pilgrimage to Holy Land - January 2019

Join Magnificat Travel and Father Martin Laird as the spiritual director for a 10-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land Jan. 28-Feb. 6, 2019. Come as we follow in the footsteps of the Lord to see the Mount of the Beatitudes, Nazareth, Gethsemane, Via Dolorosa, Holy Sepulcher, Dead Sea Scrolls, Cana, the Sea of Galilee and so much more. For more information, call 337-291-1933 or email info@holytravels.org or visit the website at www.holytravels.org.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land - July Join Father Emilio Garreaud, national priest director for Radio Maria, as your spiritual director for a 10-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land, July 30-Aug. 7, 2018. To receive an information packet with an application, please call 1-844-400-9559 or email at info@nativitypilgrimage. com.

CDA COURT BISHOP GRECO #2072. Edna Smith, Becky Burton and Nita St. Andria, Catholic Daughters of America and parishioners of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Pineville present Bishop David Talley with a check for the Seminarian Education Fund. Court 2072 raises money every year by holding cake sales and holding an annual raffle.

June 8-10: Come and See

Do you wonder if God is calling you to a deeper encounter with Him? Wonder what it’s like to be completely given to God as a nun? St. Scholastica Priory in Petersham, Massachusetts will have a “come and see” Monastic Experience Weekend June 8-10 and again Oct. 5-7, 2018.

Single Catholic women ages 18-40 years are invited to experience life in a house of contemplative Benedictine nuns. Participants will join in the daily balance of prayer, work and study, and have the opportunity to talk to others who have been called to a religious vocation. Listen to conferences on monastic life and prayer, learn discern-

VETERANS APPRECIATION RECOGNITION in Baton Rouge at the 2018 State Conference coordinated by Assembly 27. Veterans received hot dogs, chips, hats and prizes. Thanks to Sir Knight Melvin Edwards, Frederick Edwards (Melvin’s brother) and Faithful Navigator Tommy Milo. In attendance were Supreme Knight James Ellis, Supreme Navigator Lawrence Sylvester, Supreme Comptroller Stephen Randall among others.

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CHURCH TODAY

MAY 21, 2018

PAGE 23

May - June Monday

Tuesday

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Wednesday

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Thursday

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Friday

24

Saturday

25

Sunday

26

27

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

SOLEMNITY of the MOST HOLY TRINITY PRAY FOR FR. A. VARGHESE

28

PRAY FOR FR. V. VEAD

29

PRAY FOR FR. N. VIVIANO

30

PRAY FOR FR. G. VOLTZ

PRAY FOR FR. J. WILTSE

31

Movie Night “St. Rita” 5:30-8:00 p.m.

St. Rita Church Holy Family Center, Alexandria

JUNE

1

PRAY FOR FR. J. XAVIER

PRAY FOR FR. K. ZACHARIAH

2

3

Ordination Permanent Deacons 10:00 a.m.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria

Christos Encounter Seminar -- Maryhill EVENT 2018: St. Martin Church, Lecompte

MEMORIAL DAY PRAY FOR FR. A. AELAVANTHARA

4

PRAY FOR FR. W. AJAERO

5

Post Abortion Bible Study 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Cenla Pregnancy Center, Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. J. ANTONY

PRAY FOR FR. S. BRANDOW

6

7

VIRTUS Training 6:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Youth Center, Pineville

FIRST FRIDAY

FIRST SATURDAY

PRAY FOR BISHOP D. TALLEY

PRAY FOR FR. D. BRAQUET

8

9

PRAY FOR FR. J. BROCATO

Women’s Retreat 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Immaculate Conception Church, Dupont Come and See -- St. Scholastica Priory, Petersham MA

10

VBS: St. Josph Church, Marksville, 9 a.m. - 12 noon VBS: St. Anthony of Padua Church, Natchitoches, 9 a.m. - 12 noon Cenla ACTS: Retreat for Women -- Maryhill Renewal Center PRAY FOR FR. S. CHEMINO

11

PRAY FOR FR. D. COOK

12

VIRTUS Training 6:00 p.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. D. CORKERY

13

PRAY FOR FR. J. CUNNINGHAM

14

PRAY FOR FR. W. DECOSTE

15

PRAY FOR FR. D. DEJESUS

16

Ordination Permanent Deacons 10:00 a.m.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria

VBS: Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church, Alexandria, 8 a.m. - 12 noon PRAY FOR FR. J. DESIMONE

18

PRAY FOR FR. D. DUCOTE

19

PRAY FOR FR. P. FAULK

20

PRAY FOR FR. J. FERGUSON

21

PRAY FOR B. DESHAUTELLE

17 FATHERS’ DAY

PRAY FOR FR. T. FEY

22

PRAY FOR FR. W. GEARHEARD

23

PRAY FOR FR. J. GOOTEE

24

VBS: Mary, Mother of Jesus Church, Woodworth, 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

STEUBENVILLE SOUTH Catholic Youth Conference, Alexandria PRAY FOR FR. R. GREMILLION

PRAY FOR FR. D. HART

PRAY FOR FR. J. HASIEBER

PRAY FOR BISHOP EMERITUS R. HERZOG

PRAY FOR MSGR. R. HOPPE

PRAY FOR FR. R. HUMPHRIES

PRAY FOR FR. B. IBE