CHURCH
Volume XLIV, No. 8
www.diocesealex.org
TODAY
Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970
August 19, 2013
ON THE
INSIDE
Super Kids!
Back to School issue All 8 of our Catholic Schools opened their doors for the new school year last week. Read all about the new programs and new people in our schools throughout the diocese on pgs. 10-11.
‘Little Boo� receives kidney from his mom Little Boo Maddox has undergone another surgery, but this time a new kidney he received from his mom, may be the treatment that could return his life to normal. Read more about it on pg. 17.
Taste of Faith nets $11,000 for seminarian education What do you get when you mix one talented bishop in the kitchen orchestrating the careful chopping, slicing, and mixing of secret ingredients by seminarians, and deacons and their wives? Another successful Taste of Faith event that netted $11,000 for the seminarian education fund. Read more about the seminarians, the deacons, and the Taste of Faith on pgs. 6-7.
NEW READING PROGRAM AT ST. FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL HAS KIDS READING IN PRE-K. Jenny Jeanise, PreK teacher at St. Frances Cabrini School in Alexandria is one of five teachers at the school who will begin teaching Super Kids!, a new reading program designed to engage students in learning to read fluently as early as Pre-K. Read more about the new program on page 11.
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CHURCH TODAY
AUGUST 19, 2013
3 million people attend World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro Pope tells youths to play on Christ’s team, help build up the Church By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service RIO DE JANEIRO (CNS) -- Pope Francis told young people God might have been trying to communicate something in forcing the World Youth Day vigil’s change of venue from a huge field to a long narrow stretch of sand and sea. Addressing as many as 3 million young -- and not-so-young -- people on Rio’s Copacabana beach July 27, Pope Francis said he had prepared a reflection that would have used the original venue, a space baptized “Campus Fidei” or “Field of Faith,” as the starting point. “Isn’t the Lord asking us to say that the real field of faith, the real Campus Fidei, isn’t a geographic place but is us?” the pope told the crowd, which had begun to gather on the beach 12 hours before Pope Francis arrived. The beach, site of events with the pope and pilgrims the two previous evenings as well, became the site of the vigil and the next morning’s closing Mass after several days of unusually heavy rain turned the Campus Fidei into a field of mud and standing water. Hours of music and dancing -- including repeated practices of the dance steps for what organizers hoped would be the world’s biggest flash mob -- gave way in the end to a hush in the crowd and the crash of the waves during eucharistic adoration led by Pope Francis.
Year of Faith
Oct. 11, 2012- Nov.24, 2013
• Learn the Faith • Share the Faith • Live the Faith
Choir sings as pilgrims prepare for the closing Mass of World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro. A choir sings as pilgrims prepare for the World Youth Day closing Mass with Pope Francis on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro July 28. During the service, the pope commissioned an estimated 3 million people in attendance to become missionaries without borders. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) Prayer and the sacraments, he told the young people, are absolutely essential for a growth in faith. One of the pilgrims, 19-yearold Denilson Paulo of St. Mark’s Parish in the Archdiocese of Luanda, Angola, said the vigil was “an encounter with Christ, an encounter with God” and “a time to pray to God that he may watch over the youth here ... the youths of the world.” The result, Paulo told Catholic News Service, must be that
the pilgrims “take this message to those who were not able to come.” The evening’s formal program began with short speeches from young people: a former drug user from Rio, a priest, a man in a wheelchair who had been shot in a robbery, and a female youth minister. They recounted how they came to the faith, then each added a wooden plank to a “church” that was being constructed on the stage. Pope Francis recalled the
story of St. Francis of Assisi, who heard the Lord tell him to rebuild his house. “Slowly but surely, Francis came to realize that it was not a question of repairing a stone building, but about doing his part for the life of the church,” the pope said. Pope Francis said that for the saint, as well as for all of them, it is about “being at the service of the church, loving her and working to make the countenance of Christ shine ever more brightly
in her.” Telling the young people that the church needs each and every one of them to build the church and share the Gospel with the world, the pope turned to the image of the field -- a place where seeds are sown, a place where athletes train and perform, a place where buildings can be constructed. “Please,” he told them, “let Christ and his word enter your life, blossom and grow.” In Jesus’ parables, the seed sown on rocky or fertile ground is the word of God, and the soil is the human heart, he said. “What kind of ground are we?” he asked, the kind where God’s word just stays on the surface, or starts to grow but withers when enthusiasm dies, or “thorny ground” where “negative feelings choke the Lord’s word in us?” Pope Francis told the young people he was confident they were fertile soil, “not part-time Christians, not starchy and superficial, but real.” Turning to one of his own passions and one Brazilians are famous for, Pope Francis spoke of soccer fields, and especially the athletes who train and sweat and train some more. Jesus, he told them, wants you “to play on his team.” “Jesus offers us something bigger than the World Cup,” he said, referring to the soccer championship that Rio will host in 2014. See WORLD YOUTH DAY, pg. 3
AUGUST 19, 2013
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Pope’s remarks on gays does not change church teaching When Pope said “Who am I to judge?” media misinterprets it to mean approval of homosexuality By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -When Pope Francis told reporters July 28, “Who am I to judge” a homosexual person, he was emphasizing a part of Catholic teaching often overlooked by the media and misunderstood by many people. In the words of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the church teaches that homosexual people “must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity” and that “every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.” But the catechism also describes a “homosexual inclination” as “objectively disordered” and homosexual acts as “intrinsically disordered,” because sexuality is “an integral part of the love by which a man and a woman commit themselves totally to one another until death.” The church teaches that any sexual activity outside the bond of marriage between a man and
a woman is sinful. Pope Francis did not change or challenge that teaching. Pope Francis made his comments about homosexuality during a news conference with reporters flying with him from Brazil to Rome. The pope was asked about what has been described as a “gay lobby” in the Vatican, allegedly a group of priests and bishops who work at the Vatican and protect each other. Pope Francis said it was important to “distinguish between a person who is gay and someone who makes a gay lobby.” “A gay person who is seeking God, who is of good will -well, who am I to judge him?” the pope said. “The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains this very well. It says one must not marginalize these persons, they must be integrated into society. The problem isn’t this (homosexual) orientation -- we must be like brothers and sisters. The problem is something else, the problem is lobbying either for this orienta-
tion or a political lobby or a Masonic lobby.” Although the question to the pope was about gay Vatican employees, the pope’s response was not specifically about priests who are homosexual, a question addressed in 2005 by the Congregation for Catholic Education, which was in charge of seminaries at the time. The document was titled, “Instruction Concerning the Criteria for the Discernment of Vocations With Regard to Persons With Homosexual Tendencies in View of Their Admission to the Seminary and to Holy Orders.” The church distinguishes between homosexual acts and homosexual tendencies or orientation, it said. The church, unlike much of the public, does not assume all those with a homosexual orientation are sexually active, just as it does not assume all heterosexuals are sexually active. Men “who practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called ‘gay culture’”
Pope listens to questions from journalists aboard flight back to Rome. Pope Francis listens to a question from a journalist on his flight heading back to Rome July 28. The pope answered questions from 21 journalists over a period of 80 minutes on his return from Brazil. (CNS photo/ pool via Reuters) are not to be admitted to Catholic seminaries or to be ordained, it said, although it did not give a detailed explanation of what exactly constitutes a “deep-seated” homosexual tendency. While excluding their suitability for ordination, it said,
World Youth Day
“such persons must be accepted with respect and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. They are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives and to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord’s cross the difficulties they may encounter.”
Continued from pg. 2
world youTh day will be in Krakow, Poland in 2016. Polish pilgrims in Rio de Janeiro cheer as Pope Francis announces that World Youth Day 2016 will take place in Krakow, Poland. The pope made the announcement at the conclusion of the closing Mass of World Youth Day on Copacabana beach July 28. (CNS photo /Paul Haring) Pope Francis blesses family aT closing Mass of World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro. Pope Francis blesses a family of four during the offertory as he celebrates the closing Mass of World Youth Day on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro July 28. (CNS photo/Sergio Moraes, Reuters)
Jesus offers the possibility of a fulfilling and fruitful life on earth and eternal happiness in heaven, he said, “but he asks us to train, to get in shape” through regular prayer, the sacraments and loving one another. The pope had the young people repeat with him: “Prayer, sacraments and helping others.” Finally, he said, when people’s hearts are prepared to accept the seed of God’s word and people have “worked up a sweat” striving to live a Christian life, “we experience something tremendous: We are never alone, we are part of a family of brothers and sisters, all journeying on the same path: we are part of the church.” Pope Francis said the church they are called to help build is not “a little chapel, which holds only a small group of persons,” but rather a “church so large that it can hold all of humanity.”
PAGE 4 As the months of summer quickly give way to fall many parish and school activities will again be the focus of our attention. Most students have resumed classes and that tends, to dictate much of family life. This fall we are blessed to have eleven men in seminary formation, two in Rome, three in New Orleans and the rest at the Josephinum in Ohio. I have been invited to be the principal celebrant for the opening Mass at the Josephinum on Sunday, August 25. One of the most encouraging signs of the vitality of the Church is the continued increase in men attending
CHURCH TODAY ONE IN THE LORD Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria various seminaries. In several, the enrollment has exceeded capacity! What a great problem to have and a joy to solve. Thank you for your continue prayers and support. We are also considering the possibility of another class for potential deacons. The informational
meeting will be at the diocesan offices on Wednesday, August 28, at 7:00 p.m. The men who were ordained more than a year ago have been a tremendous asset to the parishes they serve and to the diocese. I suspect that others will want to join them.
AUGUST 19, 2013
As you know, the cost of formation, especially seminary formation, is not cheap. On average it costs about $30,000 per year per man. One of the ways we have helped meet that need over the past few years is the annual Taste of Faith dinner. This year, the donations reached a new high, exceeding $11,000. Thanks to all who helped in any way, both in the preparations and serving as well as all who so generously provided financial support. I will not try to single out individual people because I would miss some. Our best estimate is that almost 700 people
were served. It is also the first time that we actually ran out of any food dishes (fortunately not till the very near the end). Again, thanks to all. Please continue to pray for protection during this hurricane season. So far we have been spared. May the coming ‘end of summer’ holiday, Labor Day, give all of your another opportunity to gather in relaxation with your family and friends. May the Lord bless all of you!
Call, send an e-mail to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while Onna Reisetter was my first best friend. We scraped off scabs and mingled our blood as many children did before it became an imprudent way to attain sisterhood. We pinky-pledged our fidelity. My friend had long red hair and her bedroom was filled with Japanese dolls and Spanish fans. Her mother dashed off to other countries for weeks, capturing trinkets to sell in her import store. Even the name Onna was exotic. In contrast, I had two married parents. My mother was a stay-at-home mom. We went to church, ate home-cooked meals, and lived in the parsonage (pastor’s house). I suppose that seemed quirky to Onna whose family didn’t practice any faith. Onna explored my preacher’s kid world with the same wonder I had for hers. Our favorite pastime was riding a bicycle. Not two bikes. Just one. I sat in front, fingertips clinging to the banana seat be-
Catholic By Grace Denise Bossert Freelance
tween my legs, peddling my feet with all my might. Onna clung to the handlebars, steering from behind, her arms wrapped around me. We fought hard to control the bike as I pedaled. Turning corners at break-neck speed was exhilarating. Insanely entertaining. We moved in unison. Our bodies functioned as one. When I heard the Old Testament story of Jonathan and David – how Jonathan believed that his soul had fused with the soul of his new friend – I understood. I was Jonathan; Onna was David. Then it was over. Onna’s
mother packed their stuff, and they moved to an acreage in the country. It was the 1970s, and her eccentric mother wanted to get back to nature (in between jet-setting to India and Central America). The next school year was lonely. Nobody in my class had red hair and wanted to share a banana seat. Then, we moved. If my friend ever returned to Cedar Falls, she wouldn’t know where to find me. I knew that I would never forget her. About ten years ago I searched and found her phone number. I called Onna and asked
if she had lived in Cedar Falls and had a friend who lived on the corner of 2nd & Walnut. She said, “I think so. I remember having a friend with short, dark hair.” We talked for a few minutes, but I quickly realized that, to Onna, I had been one friend in a long list of friends. So much for pinky promises and blood pacts. I hung up the phone and sighed. When I entered the Catholic Church a few months later, God blessed me with the gift of true spiritual friendship. My Catholic friend and I have experienced what many saints called spiritual companionship – a friendship so rooted in Christ that it is tilted
CHURCH
toward heaven and fertile ground for God’s good work. “To grow in friendship is to enter more deeply in the love and friendship of Christ. Such relationships are a primary means through which God’s love comes into the world. Spiritual friendships are eternal. They last forever, because they are forged in the love of one who has laid down his life for his friends” (21 Billy). The Catechism says friendship is a gift from God, a grace. Everyone who finds it finds the elixir of life (Sirach 6). If you haven’t been with your spiritual friend in a while, pick up the phone, send an email. And let grace abound. www.catholicbygrace.blogspot.
TODAY
Volume XLIV, No. 8 • August 19, 2013 P. O. Box 7417 • Alexandria, LA 71303 churchtoday@diocesealex.org 318-445-6424 Publisher: Editor: Advertising: Circulation:
Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog, Bishop of Alexandria Jeannie Petrus, ext. 255; jpetrus@diocesealex.org Joan Ferguson, ext. 264; joanferguson@diocesealex.org Sandi Tarver, ext. 209; starver@diocesealex.org
THE CHURCH TODAY (USPS 393-240) is published by the Catholic Diocese of Alexandria, once a month, free of charge to members of the parishes in the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana. Out of diocese subscriptions are $20 a year. The office is located at 4400 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria, LA 71303. Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, LA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The CHURCH TODAY, P. O. Box 7417, Alexandria, LA 71306 The CHURCH TODAY is a member of the Catholic Press Association. Website: www.diocesealex.org To receive a free subscription, call 318-445-6424, ext 255 or e-mail jpetrus@diocesealex.org
PAGE 5 CHURCH TODAY Where did the Catholic ‘Hail Mary’ prayer come from? AUGUST 19, 2013
“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. (-- Luke 1:28 - The Angel Gabriel spoke these words when he greeted Mary to ask her if she would become the Mother of Our Lord.)
Blessed are you amongst women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. (Luke 1:42 - Elizabeth spoke these words when she heard Mary’s voice and fel her child (St. John the Baptist) leap in her womb.)
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.” (These words were added to the Catechism of the Council of Trent in 1566.)
Many of us may not realize that when we pray the Hail Mary, we are actually quoting Scripture. The prayer incorporates two passages from St. Luke’s Gospel. The first of the two passages is from Luke 1:24 -- “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.” St. Gabriel, the archangel spoke these words to Mary when he appeared to her to ask her if she would be willing to become the mother of Our Lord. Originally written in Koine Greek, the opening word “Hail,” literally has the meaning “rejoice” or “be glad.” This was the normal greeting in the language in which Saint Luke’s Gospel is written and continues to be used in the same sense in Modern Greek. The second passage is from Luke 1:42 -- “Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” Elizabeth, who was Mary’s cousin, spoke these words when she heard Mary’s voice greeting her and she felt her baby (St. John the Baptist) leap in her womb. Her words gave recognition to the holy fruit in Mary’s womb. According to Catholic Encyclopedia, “there is little or no trace of the Hail Mary as an accepted devotional formula before about 1050.” Prayers with beads, similar
to the rosary, may have begun as a practice by the laity to imitate the monastic Liturgy of the Hours, during the course of which the monks prayed the 150 Psalms daily. As many of the laity and even lay monastics could not read, they substituted 150 repetitions of the Our Father (Pater Noster in Latin) for the Psalms, sometimes using a cord with knots on it to keep an accurate count. Gradually, the Hail Mary came to replace the Our Father as the prayer most associated with beads. Eventually, each decade came to be preceded by an Our Father, which further mirrored the structure of the monastic Divine Office. In the 12th century, the rule of the English anchorites, the Ancrene Wisse, specified how groups of 50 Hail Marys were to be broken into five decades of ten Hail Marys each. According to tradition, the rosary was given to Saint Dominic in an apparition by the Blessed Virgin Mary in the year 1214 in the church of Prouille. But only the first two passages from St. Luke’s Gospel were recited. It was not until the 1500s that the petition of praise to Mary -“Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death” -- was added.
The petition first appeared in print in 1495 in Girolamo Savonarola’s “Esposizione sopra l’Ave Maria.” The “Hail Mary” prayer in Savonarola’s exposition reads: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Eleven years later, the sentence was included in the Catechism of the Council of Trent of 1566. The “Catechism of the Council of Trent” says that to the first part of the Hail Mary, by which “we render to God the highest praise and return Him most gracious thanks, because He has bestowed all His heavenly gifts on the most holy Virgin ... the Church of God has wisely added prayers and an invocation addressed to the most holy Mother of God ... we should earnestly implore her help and assistance; for that she possesses exalted merits with God, and that she is most desirous to assist us by her prayers, no one can doubt without impiety and wickedness.”
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CHURCH TODAY
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Deacon Taylor Reynolds N.A. Pontifical College, Rome, Italy
Daniel Hart N.A. Pontifical College, Rome, Italy
Austin Burns Pontifical College Josephinum, Ohio
Justin Ward Pontifical College Josephinum, Ohio
Joseph Desmoine Pontifical College Josephinum, Ohio
Dale Meade Pontifical College Josephinum, Ohio
Gus A. “Dutch” Voltz, III Notre Dame Seminary New Orleans
AUGUST 19, 2013
Brian Seiler Pontifical College Josephinum, Ohio
Carlos Burgos Notre Dame Seminary New Orleans
Luke Lafleur Pontifical College Josephinum, Ohio
Derek Ducote Notre Dame Seminary New Orleans
It’s back to seminary for 11 men from the Diocese of Alexandria
SEMINARIANS AND DEACONS COOKING FOR TASTE OF FAITH. More than 700 people attended the 2013 Taste of Faith benefit dinner held Aug. 8 at St. Rita Holy Family Center, by the Diocese of Alexandria. Bishop Ronald Herzog, along with a hard-working crew of seminarians, and the deacons and their wives, prepared and cooked several entrees, to please and feed the crowd. The meal was free, but donations were accepted. More than $11,000 was donated for the Seminarian Education Fund. Pictured are (at right) Seminarians Derek Ducote, Dutch Voltz, and Joseph Desmoine. (Middle) Deacons Ray Gibson and Kip Pelto, and (at left) Seminarians Austin Burns and Brian Seiler (kneeling), and Joseph Desmoine, Derek Ducote, Dale Meade, Dutch Voltz, Luke LaFleur, and Justin Ward.
The 2013-15
Diocesan Directories are in. If you ordered one, come by and pick it up.
CHURCH TODAY
AUGUST 19, 2013
Seminarian Burses July Donations Knights of Columbus Council 9217. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00 Father Adrian L. Molenschot Burse Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Crooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Dr. Joseph Landreneau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00 Mrs. Edna Rabalais Burse Mr. and Mrs. Louis Mathews, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Deacon and Mrs. Rodrick Broussard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50.00 Monsignor Milburn Broussard Burse Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Danielson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Mr. Robert R. Hicks, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Ms. Lydia C. McNeely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Dr. Joseph Landreneau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00 Monsignor Henry Beckers Burse Mr. and Mrs. Robert Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00 Father Jamie Medina-Cruz Burse Mr. and Mrs. Robert Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200.00 Father Daniel Corkery Burse Mr. and Mrs. Edward Crooks, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000.00 Father Michael P. Kammer Burse Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,700.00
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Thinking about becoming a deacon? Attend the informational meeting Aug. 28 to learn more An informational meeting for those interested in the vocation of a permanent deacon will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. in the main conference room at the St. Joseph Catholic Center, 4400 Coliseum Blvd. in Alexandria. The qualifications for the permanent diaconate include: must be at least 35 years old at the time of ordination, must have wife’s consent (90% are married) and can be married, but can’t marry or re-marry after ordination). Wives of married inquirers should attend the information meeting Aug. 28. Father Julian Peters, OSB, from St. Meinrad School of Theology and Father Dan O’Connor, diocesan director, will explain the program and the application process. A light supper will be served. Applications will be considered this fall and the new class will begin in spring 2014. RSVP to Father O’Connor at
frdan@olpschurch.org or (318) 445-9748, ext. 205. The four dimensions of formation -- Human, Spiritual, Intellectual, and Pastoral -- are learned throughout the five-year formation process that consists of Aspirancy, Candidacy, and PostOrdination. In the Aspirancy and Candidacy stages, the men and their wives are required to attend classes. Once a month, an instructor
from St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana comes to Alexandria to teach the aspirants philosophy and the theory of ministry. A psychological exam will also be done at this time. The next four years include the formal study of theology for the Candidates. Church history, the Sacraments, Preaching, Moral Theology, and Scripture are some of the courses the men and their wives will study in classes held from September to June. After the Candidate passes the theology curriculum and the psychological exam, the Bishop makes a final determination of his readiness for ordination. Just as priests and bishops are ordained, a deacon is the third order in the Sacrament of Holy Orders. After ordination, the deacon becomes incardinated into the Diocese of Alexandria. The Bishop assigns the deacon to a parish or charitable ministry.
Number of permanent deacons growing; but many are retiring By Mark Pattison Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) -While the number of permanent deacons keeps growing, those ordained to the permanent diaconate are steadily reaching retirement age, with a need to replenish their ranks, according to a study released Aug. 6 on the diaconate. There are more than 18,000 permanent deacons in the United States, including more than
15,000 who are active in ministry, according to the study conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. However, more than twothirds of active deacons -- 68 percent -- are at least in their 60s, with 25 percent of all deacons at least 70. Thirteen percent of U.S. dioceses have a mandatory retirement age of 70 for deacons; 80 percent mandate retirement at age 75.
“The statistics are encouraging,” said an Aug. 6 statement by Archbishop Robert J. Carlson of St. Louis, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. “But they also alert us to the fact many of the deacons will soon reach retirement age. This suggests a need for bishops to recruit a greater number of men to join the ranks of the permanent diaconate.” Of the 195 U.S. dioceses and
eparchies, only two have no permanent deacons. Of those that do, CARA received information from 145, or 75 percent, or them, and extrapolated the data to provide a nationwide picture. According to the CARA survey, by Mary L. Gautier and Carolyne Saunders, most permanent deacons work for a living at their job or profession. Only 21 percent derive income from full-time ministry. Of that number, 22 percent
serve in a parish ministerial position, 12 percent are in a parish nonministerial position, 15 percent are in a diocesan position, 15 percent serve in prison ministry, 14 percent serve in hospital ministry, 8 percent are entrusted with full-time pastoral care of a parish, and 5 percent work for a social services agency. Seventy-eight percent of dioceses responding to the survey have a plan for the placement and ministry of deacons.
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CHURCH TODAY
AUGUST 19, 2013
Bishop Speyrer, founding bishop of Lake Charles diocese, dies at age 84 The Most Reverend Jude Speyrer, S.T.L., D.D., 84, the founding bishop of the Diocese of Lake Charles, died on Sunday, July 21, in Opelousas. He was consecrated and installed as the first bishop of Lake Charles on April 25, 1980. Pope John Paul II appointed him to lead the new diocese on January 29, 1980. The Mass of Christian Burial was held July 31, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Bishop Glen John Provost was the celebrant and priests of the Diocese were concelebrants. He
was interred in New Bethany Cemetery on the grounds of Saint Charles Center in Moss Bluff. Bishop Speyrer Bishop Speyrer is survived by a sister, Alice Louise Finley of Arnaudville, and a brother, Oscar Speyrer and his wife Faye of Opelousas, and a multitude of nieces and nephews. The Bishop-emeritus served as the shepherd of the local church of Southwest Louisiana until Dec. 12, 2000, when Pope John Paul II accepted his request for retirement. He was named Administrator of the Diocese by
the College of Consultors after his retirement, serving until Feb. 21, 2001, when his successor Bishop Edward K. Braxton was installed. Bishop Speyrer was born on April 14, 1929 in Leonville, La. – one of 12 children of Emelie and Antoine Speyrer. He entered St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, La. at the age of 13 and graduated in 1947 with an associate of arts degree. He then entered Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in May 1949. In Sept. 1949, he
Bishop Jude Speyrer 1929-2013 was sent to the Pontifical North American College in Rome for further studies, transferring to
ST. MARTIN (Lecompte) DAY CHAPEL REMODELED. St. Martin parish in Lecompte recently completed renovations to the Day Chapel in the church. The renovations included painting the walls, installing a new ceramic tile floor, building a new altar by a parishioner, refurbishing the pews by another parishioner, and adding an arch behind the altar. Father Pedro Sierra-Posada celebrates weekday Masses in the chapel, Tuesday – Friday at 8 a.m.
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the University of Fribourg in Switzerland in 1950. He was ordained to the diaconate in 1953 and graduated from the University of Fribourg with a Licentiate in Sacred Theology in May 1953. Lafayette Auxiliary Bishop Maurice Schexnayder ordained him to the priesthood on July 25, 1953 in St. John Cathedral in Lafayette. He celebrated his first mass in his hometown church of St. Leo the Great in Leonville. His first assignment was as assistant pastor of St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas. He was later assigned as assistant chaplain to Our Lady of Wisdom Chapel at the University of Southwestern Louisiana as well as associate editor of The Southwest Louisiana Register, the newspaper of the Diocese of Lafayette.
AUGUST 19, 2013
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Campus Ministry initiates Stay Rooted project to help college students Campus Ministries (which includes college ministry programs at LSU-Alexandria, Louisiana College, and Northwestern State University) has initiated a project, titled Stay Rooted. According to Lynn Ray, coordinator of Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Alexandria, 75-80 percent of high school seniors will leave the Church after graduation. “We want to change that statistic in the opposite direction,” she said. The focus of the project is to help young Catholics in high school ‘stay rooted’ in their Faith and to provide them with the necessary tools to do so, as they transition to college life. “The vision of Stay Rooted will be to meet these young people in their respective Catholic high schools with information on the campus ministry programs at each of the state universities,” said Ray. “We want them to know what kind of faith and social activities are available at college Catholic Centers, and that there is a new and vibrant faith community waiting for them when they go off to college.” Some of the tools they plan to incorporate into the project are utilizing social media like Facebook, email, and Twitter, “Through the use of social media, we can follow up on their progress and give them encouragement,” said Ray. “It is an excellent way to help them adjust
parents meeting to ask questions about how to juggle campus life and still stay rooted in their faith,” said Ray. “It was the most successful Meet and Greet we’ve participated in at LSU-A, so far.” Campus Ministry Leadership Institute (CMLI)
CAMPUS MINISTRY TEAM. Jacob Hardy, president of the Jacob Society at Louisiana College; Lynn Ray, coordinator of Campus Ministries; and Matt Scalfano, president of the LSUA CSO, attended the CMLI in Mobile.
As a way to keep the staff focused on centering Christ in their ministry, Ray and two LSUA students attended the Campus Ministry Leadership Institute (CMLI) June 20-25 at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., thanks to a grant from the Catholic Extension. Ray, along with Matt Scalfano, president of the LSUA Catholic Student Organization; and Jacob Hardy, president of the
Catholic Jacob Society at Louisiana College, formed a “team” at the institute. The five-day institute is designed to produce effective leaders who work collaboratively to develop and implement successful Catholic Campus Ministry programs on college campuses, both private and public. CSO AT THE QUAD. More than 200 students and parents attended the Meet and Greet Aug. 12 as part of LSU-A’s student orientation. CSO students met with new students and their parents who asked questions about how to juggle campus life and still stay rooted in their faith. Campus Ministry has initiated a new project, Stay Rooted, to addres this issue.
and to stay connected to a faith community.” Welcome to the Center Dinner The LSU-A Catholic Student Organization (CSO) will host a Welcome to the Center Dinner on Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 6 -8 p.m. at the Center. All new students and their parents are invited, said Ray. At the recent student orientation sponsored by LSU-A, the CSO set up a table in the quad area to meet and greet the new students and their parents. More than 150 students and 90 parents attended. “It was awesome to see so many young people and their
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Catholic schools have help getting ready for first day of school
landscaping, repainting the com- its original condition.” 150 volunteer at Menard to According to Desselle, the help prepare for opening day mon areas used by students, and More than 150 parents, students, teachers, and alumni showed up on Saturday, July 27 at Holy Savior Menard Central High School to volunteer their time and talents to do a little sprucing up of the building before school starts. Some of volunteers spent the entire day doing routine tasks such as cleaning, organizing, and moving furniture; but most of the volunteers tackled larger projects such as pressure washing the exterior of the school, cleaning out
hauling away broken equipment and trash. Another summer project at Menard includes renovation of the campus chapel. Repairs have been made on the chapel this summer to eliminate the leaking problem that has plagued the chapel for years. “As far as I know, the leaking roof has been a major problem for many years,” said Principal Joel Desselle. “The building has had limited repairs over the years and now we are trying to restore it to
sheet rock has been replaced and new insulation installed. Further plans include sprucing up the altar, completely repainting the interior, installing new doors, building a covered walkway, and re-painting the cross on top of the chapel. “To my knowledge, the cross on top of the chapel had never been painted since it was built,” he said. The 15-20 foot cross was painted gold.
Sacred Heart School begins plans for 4 new classrooms By Karen Moreau Sacred Heart School
ST. MARY’S (Cottonport) NEW RELIGION CLASSROOM. St. Mary’s in Cottonport remodeled an old storage building into a new religion classroom. The room is complete with wireless access, a new Smartboard, new desks and chairs and even brand new books. A new storage room was also added to the gym, where tables, chairs and athletic equipment will be stored.
The 2013-15
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As Sacred Heart School continues to grow, the school plant is in need of additional growth as well. With the approval of Bishop Herzog for construction, Fr. Marc Noel’s vision for Sacred Heart School is to launch a new Capital Campaign. With the help of principal Sr. Sandra Norsworthy, assistant principal Darcy Bordelon, along with director of Development Karen Moreau this
year’s capital campaign is titled, “Advancing Toward a Greater Future.” The new classroom building that will consist of two sections of seventh and eighth grade, new restroom facilities, and a new library/media center. The building will be named in memory of former beloved teacher, Sr. Marisa Ricci, OLS. July 18-19 SHS held a Common Core workshop led by Kelly Juneau from Calcasieu parish. This was in addition to the Common Core in services that were held in Baton Rouge last school year. SHS is also very proud to an-
nounce the new athletic director for this upcoming school year. It is faculty member Marvin Guillot. Mr. Marvin will also be coaching football with fellow faculty member, Joel Tassin. They are both very enthusiastic about this year’s athletic program and continue to need the help and support of the SHS parents to make the program a success. Assistant principal Bordelon, custodian Alfred Patton, along with the faculty and staff, have been working all summer cleaning and preparing the school for the first day.
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Dates on school calendar require consideration of many factors Why don’t Catholic schools follow the same holiday schedule as public schools? By Jeannie Petrus CT editor Now that kids are all back in school, parents can exhale a sigh of relief, knowing their kids are in the classroom again. But when the first holiday rolls around, parents of young children start to scramble again. What am I going to do with the kids while they are out of school? Finding child care arrangements during the school year when students are out for a holiday, often presents hardships on working parents. Thomas Roque, superintendent of Catholic Schools said he understands the concerns of parents and the hardships it places on parents when schools are out for holidays. But several factors determine the dates that school starts and ends, and when schools
close for holidays. “It can get very complicated, because we have state guidelines that have to be met, as well as goals we want to accomplish as a Catholic school,” said Roque. At the beginning of the school year, each principal submits a detailed calendar to the superintendent indicating the dates for the start and end of school, holidays, staff development days, the last day for seniors, and graduation. Principals take into consideration state mandated “instructional minutes,” diocesan required staff development meetings, holidays, and bus transportation schedules. According to the Louisiana Handbook for Nonpublic School Administrators, “Each school
shall adopt a calendar that includes at least 175 days consisting of 330 minutes of instructional time. Instructional minutes are the time devoted to teaching students in the classroom. It does not include such things as recess, lunch, change of class time, parent-teacher conferences, Mass, or assemblies. “What this means is that we are required by state law to have
a minimum of 5.5 hours of teaching per day,” said Roque. “A regular 7-hour school day (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.) allows for the 5.5 hours of teaching, as well as time for lunch, recess, Mass, etc.” According to Roque, all Catholic schools in the diocese, not only meet the required instructional minutes, but far exceed them. “We add 30-40 minutes of additional instructional minutes to each day, so that through the course of the year, we have enough minutes to spare, in case we have to use them for weather days or other emergencies.” A frequent question of parents is “Why can’t the Catholic Schools follow the same holiday schedule as the public schools?” For the most part, most public and non-public schools sched-
ule basically the same week off for Thanksgiving, two weeks at Christmas, a week at Easter, and and additional 5 days in civil holidays. For many parents, though, it’s that week of Easter that is different from the public schools. Years ago, both public and non-public schools observed the Easter week at the same time. “It started out as a Christian holiday because we were celebrating the Ressurection of Christ, which begins on Easter Sunday,” said Roque. When public schools started having LEAP tests, the teachers wanted more time to prepare for the test, so the public schools moved the Easter holiday to a week BEFORE Easter and called it “Spring Break.” As a Catholic school system, See SCHOOL CALENDAR, pg 15
Cabrini School implements SuperKids reading program in PK-2
SUPERKIDS READING AT CABRINI SCHOOL. Mrs. Jenny Jeanise, one of five Pre-K - 2 Cabrini teachers who will be teaching SuperKids, engages in the story of Little Red Riding Hood. An iPad app for SuperKids is also available.
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Stand aside IronMan, Superman, and Captain America, -- The SuperKids are here! But you won’t find these SuperKids running around with flying capes or leaping from a tall building in a single bound. SuperKids is a comprehensive core reading program for PreK-2 that effectively teaches children how to read, so by the time they leave the primary grades, they are fluent readers. St. Frances Cabrini School is the only school in the diocese and one of only 8 schools in the state that will be implementing the highly acclaimed program. “We’re very excited to be offering this very effective reading program at Cabrini,” said Liz
Hines, curriculum coordinator and director of development for Cabrini school. “We’ve seen how effective it is in the classroom and how much fun it is for the children.” SuperKids, a product of Rowland Reading Foundation, is completely aligned to the Common Sore State Standards, built on systematic phonics, balances all five essential elements of reading, integrates reading, writing, spelling, and grammar, and combines all of this with fun. The program consists of a Happily Ever After program for pre-kindergarteners. and the SuperKids Reading Program for students in kindergarten through the second grade.
The program engages the child in the story using visual, auditory, oral, and writing skills. “Instead of just teaching a child words to sound out to learn to read, SuperKids uses visual pictures, story-telling, games, and sound to stimulate learning and reading comprehension,” said Hines. “It’s amazing to watch when it is being taught. The students are totally engaged!” The program will begin this fall in grades Pre-K - 2nd Grade, and is being offered only at St. Frances Cabrini School. Another service being offered this fall at Cabrini School will be free after-school tutoring, for two hours, two days a week. “When local tutoring centers are charging $45 an hour for after-school tutoring, we feel this will be an added benefit for a parent who wants extra help for his/ her child, but can’t afford it,” said Hines. SuperKids was started as an initiative to make Catholic schools, Centers for Reading Excellence, said Hines.
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OUR LADY OF SORROWS (Moreauville) CONFIRMATION. , from Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Moreauville, was confirmed April 4 by Bishop Ronald Herzog. Pictured are , Bishop Herzog, Philomena Antoine, and Father Martin Laird. OUR LADY OF LOURDES (Fifth Ward) and ST. MARTIN OF TOURS (Belledeau) youth and a group of parents visited Baton Rouge July 18, including the La Art and Science Museum, and the new and Old State Capital. Those who attended were (front row) and buza, pastor;
. Back row:
, Father Silverino KweDeacon Ted Moulard, and .
Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church (Mansura) and Our Lady of Sorrows (Moreauville) hosted a week-long summer camp for primary, middle, and secondary school-aged children. Accompanying the volunteers from the two churches were 3 religious sisters, 2 religious brothers and a religious priest from the Alliance of the Holy Family International. The theme of the camp was ‘Alive in the Spirit.’ The children prayed and assisted at the Holy Mass in church then played games, danced and sang, did arts and crafts, and watched live puppet shows in the church hall. Camp ended with a day of summer games out on the playground in the beautiful sunshine. Each day the children and volunteers offered prayers for the healing of ‘Lil Boo’ Maddox. Everyone, child and adult alike, had a wonderful time for which we give thanks to God.
Eucharistic Miracles of the World Exhibit Several parishes in the diocese will be hosting the Vatican International Exhibit of Eucharistic Miracles of the World during September. The exhibit includes beautiful color display panels that tell the story of more than 100 church-approved miracles of the Eucharist. Sept. 13-15 Sept. 16-18 Sept. 20-22
Sacred Heart, Moreauville (for public) Friday, Sept. 13th 4-9pm Saturday, Sept. 14th 10 am-8pm Sunday, Sept. 15th 7am-7pm Sacred Heart, Moreauville (for school children) St. John the Baptist, Moncla Friday, Sept. 20th 4-9pm Saturday, Sept. 21st 10am-9pm Sunday, Sept. 22nd 9am-5pm
Sept. 24-30
Sts. Francis and Anne, Kolin Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sept. 24-26th: 8:30am-12noon (in addition) Wednesday,Sept 25th 5p-7p Friday, Sept. 27th 5p-7p Saturday, Sept. 28th 3p-7p Sunday, Sept. 29th 2p-6p
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Summer Vacation Bible Schools St. Martin Catholic Church (Lecompte) VBS. More than 100 students and chaperones were involved in Vacation Bible School at St. Martin Catholic Church in Lecompte, July 14-18. The theme this year was Everywhere Fun Fair. STS. FRANCIS & ANNE (Kolin) VBS. Sts. Francis & Anne Church in Kolin had about 25 kids attend their Vacation Bible School held June 2428. Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped make A Radical Ride on the Wings of Prayer with Amazing Angels and Super Saints a success.
(Middle left) SACRED HEART (Pineville) VBS. Kingdom Rock was the theme of Sacred Heart’s VBS, held July 1519. (At left) OL of LOURDES (Winnfield) VBS. Sixteen students participated in the Vacation Bible School held June 1821 at OLL Church in Winnfield. (Below) VBS -- HOLY GHOST CATHOLIC CHURCH (Marksville) and ST. RICHARD MISSION (Hickory Hill) held A Radical Ride on the Wings of Prayers VBS July 22-26 for students ages 5-13. More than 48 students enjoyed the weeklong event filled with bible study, arts, crafts, and games. One parent, whose children attended three other VBS events this summer, said that the Holy Ghost/St. Richard’s VBS was the BEST they attended. The gymnasium, classrooms, and the computer room at Holy Ghost was filled all week with the laughter of children.
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Catechists to be commissioned Sept. 15 on Catechetical Sunday This year, the Church will celebrate Catechetical Sunday on September 15, 2013, and will focus on the theme “Open the Door of Faith.” Those whom the community has designated to serve as catechists will be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith. Why do we celebrate Catechetical Sunday? In 1935, the Vatican published On the Better Care and Promotion of Catechetical Education, a document that asks every country to acknowledge the importance of the Church’s teaching ministry and to honor those who serve the Christian community as catechists. For the first few years after Catechetical Sunday was established, national catechetical congresses were held in conjunction with the celebration. Beginning in 1971, the USCCB’s Department of Education began producing materials to help parishes celebrate the event at the local level. When the Committee on Catechesis, now named the Com-
mittee of Evangelization and Catechesis, was named by the Conference as a standing Committee, it continued to publish Catechetical Sunday materials each year. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated the third Sunday in September as Catechetical Sunday.
catechists are formally commissioned by the Church. It is only fitting that we set aside a day to highlight this ministry and invite the entire church community to think about our responsibility to share our faith with others.
What Does the Word “Catechetical” Mean? The word might be more familiar than you think. Many Catholics have used the word “catechism” for years, and they know it has something to do with the compendium of the Church’s teachings. The root word, “catechesis,” is from a Greek word meaning “to echo, or resound.” Catechesis is the act of resounding or bringing the Church’s teachings to the world. A catechist is one who teaches in the name of the Church.
How are parents, the primary catechists of their children, recognized on Catechetical Sunday? Parents are truly the primary catechists of their children. They prepare the soil and plant the first seeds of faith. On Catechetical Sunday, we not only highlight the work of catechists in parishes and schools, but we also commend parents and guardians and encourage them to take seriously their role of making their Catholic households a place where faith is passed on to the next generation. This is why the rite of blessing of catechists used on Catechetical Sunday includes an optional blessing of parents and guardians.
Why do we have a special day set aside to commission catechists? Catechesis is a distinct and special ministry in the Church. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church makes clear, “Catechesis is intimately bound up with the whole of the Church’s life . . . her inner growth and correspondence with God’s plan depend essentially on catechesis” (no. 7). This ministry of teaching in the name of the Church has a profound dignity, which is why
Where can I find resources on teaching the faith to children of all ages? The best place locally to find free resources for teaching the faith is the Office of Religious Formation and Training located in the St. Joseph Catholic Center at 4400 Coliseum Blvd. For assistance in locating resources, contact Emily Ann McCullough at 318-445-6424, ext 251 or by e-mailing her at emccullough@diocesealex.org.
SEPT. 21 CATECHIST WORKSHOP. The Office of Religious Formation and Training is offering a workshop in Basic Teaching Skills for all catechists, especially new ones on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the large conference room of the Diocese of Alexandria office on Hwy. 28 West. The cost is $10, including lunch. Registration is required by Sept. 16 by calling 318-445-6424 ext. 251 or by emailing emccullough@diocesealex.org
School calendar Continued from pg. 11
we celebrate the Easter season DURING Easter, and not before,” said Roque. In addition to the week after Easter, Catholic school students also get Good Friday off as well (and some schools even get off Holy Thursday). All in all, it is the principal of each school who determines the school calendar dates, and is approved by the superintendent. “A lot of time and considerations go into the making of a school year calendar,” said Roque. “I stand behind the principals, in whatever they think is best for their school, as long as they meet the required instructional minutes.”
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OLPS opens its doors this fall without Sister Virginia Lee Sister V. Lee leaves OLPS after 41 years; moves to McCullough Hall in San Antonio By Jeannie Petrus CT editor For the first time in 41 years, the doors of Our Lady of Prompt Succor School opened to welcome the students back to a new school year -- but without the presence of Sister Virginia Lee Vanderlick. A week before school was to start, Sister Virginia Lee, 85, was prepared to teach religion and to serve as the school’s president for her 42nd year. But after she fell while going to an eye doctor appointment, she was sent to the hospital, where it was discovered that she had a blood clot in her right leg and cellulitis in her left leg. After 41 years of service at OLPS -- 30 years as principal and the last 11 as president and religion teacher -- and 61 years in Catholic education, Sister Virginia Lee was told she could not return to work and that she could no longer live by herself. “I always said that I would never leave this place until Kramer (Funeral Home) came to get me,” she said with her familiar quick quip. “I guess God had other plans.” On Aug. 8, family members drove Sister to the Congregation of Divine Providence (CDP) Mother House in San Antonio, where she checked in to McCullough Hall Nursing Center. McCullough Hall is non-
THE VANDERLICK SISTERS. Sister Cecile Clare and Sister Virginia Lee Vanderlick, both CDPs and real-life sisters, celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2012 with a Mass celebrated by Father Dan O’Connor, pastor of OLPS. profit, skilled nursing care facility, owned and operated by the Sisters of Divine Providence. Most of its residents are retired members of the Divine Providence community. Sister Virginia Lee’s reallife sister, Sister Cecile Clare Vanderlick has been a resident of the facility since 2005. For the past few years, she has been asking her sister to quit teaching and to join her at the facility. In a recent phone interview, Sister Virginia Lee said she is
happy where she is. “I am in a room a few doors down from Sister Cecile Clare,” she said, “and we sit at the same table at lunch. So now we don’t have to call each other several times a day. We get to talk and visit with each other in person, now, every day. But, according to Sister Virginia Lee, “they keep us busy around here.” “I feel like I’m back in the convent again,” she laughed. “We have time for prayer, meals,
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physical therapy and occupational therapy, and opportunities for Mass. We (the Sisters) are so fortunate to have a facility like this. They (the doctors and nurses) are taking very good care of me and Sister Cecile Clare, and all the other Sisters.” Meanwhile, back at Prompt Succor school, Principal Jo Tassin is trying to keep things going as usual without Sister around. “We miss her,” she said. “The staff, parents, and students were surprised to learn that she would not be returning this fall. We all miss her.” And since it all happened so fast (from the time she fell to the time she left for San Antonio), there was no time for anyone to say goodbye to her. “We plan to put together a collage depicting her 41 years of
service at our school and displaying it in the hallway.” said Tassin. “We have her address and I know the students and staff will be sending her lots of cards and letters.” Her powerful prayers, her quick laugh, and her quick steps around school will be missed. “Up until a few years ago, Sister Virginia Lee didn’t walk -- she ran,” said Tassin. “We even have a yellow traffic sign in the hall that says ‘Nun Crossing.’” But Sister Virginia Lee didn’t like to waste time. There was always something to do.” Like baking cookies with her sister, Sister Cecile Clare Vanderlick, at 5 o’clock in the morning. “For years, sister and I, woke See SR. VIRGINIA LEE, pg. 20
SR. V. LEE AS MARDI GRAS QUEEN. Sister Virginia Lee leads the OLPS Mardi Gras parade in a decorated golf cart.
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Little Boo Maddox gets a new kidney from his mom Boo’s latest surgery may be the one that returns his life to normal By Jeannie Petrus CT Editor Boo Maddox received a kidney from his mom July 29, in a surgery that could be the one that returns his life to normal. Dr. Mikel Prieto, a transplant surgeon and surgical director of kidney transplantation at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., removed a kidney from Boo’s mom, Renee, and successfully transplanted it in Boo during a 7-hour surgery. “Boo and Renee are both during great,” said Boo’s father, Robert Maddox, during a phone interview a week after surgery. “Boo is getting stronger with each day.” Dr. Prieto told a reporter he believes Boo will regain his childhood now, and one day soon, start school again. Renee was discharged from the hospital July 31 and Boo a week later. But the family doesn’t plan to head home to Alexandria until late September or early October. “Our only problem left is (Boo’s) pancreas,” said Robert in a recent (Alexandria) Town Talk article. “That will take time to heal.” Nine-year-old Robert “Boo” Maddox, was five years old and a student at Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Alexandria, when he contracted the H1N1 flu. For the past almost four years, Boo has been in and out of hospitals. At the beginning of his diagnosis, he spent a record 500 days at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, where he fought fiercely for his life. He suffered infections. His organs failed, including his kidneys. He received transfusions.
CELEBRATING AFTER SURGERY. A day after receiving a kidney from his mom, Alexandria resident Boo Maddox smiles for the camera with his family at his bedside. Dr. Mikel Prieto, a transplant surgeon and surgical director of kidney transplantation at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., said he believes the new kidney will give Boo a good chance of regaining his childhood and maybe even return to school soon.
When he was finally released from Children’s Hospital in November 2011, he continued with hospital visits for dialysis and check-ups. Children’s Hospital then sent Little Boo to the Mayo Clinic, where there are kidney and pancreatic specialists. He first journeyed to Mayo in January 2013 and has been there continuously since April. Since his admittance to the Clinic, Dr. Prieto has been working closely with Boo. “He’s a wonderful kid,” Prieto said. “When I first met him, he’d been so sick for so long... it was very sad to see how much he’d gone through.” In May, Boo told his father, “Dad, I think I’m ready to go to
heaven.” Robert, who has completely put his faith and trust in God throughout this entire ordeal, said he was prepared to hear his son say that.” “After all he’s been through all these years, I could completely understand him feeling that way,” he said. Robert told his son that that decision rests with God. But in June, Dr. Prieto approached the Maddox family with some startling news. “I know what’s wrong with your son, and I am going to fix him,” Robert remembers him saying. One of the main problems was a fistula, an artificially connected artery under Boo’s skin
that enabled a high blood-flow access point where he could easily receive dialysis treatments. It had increased pressure in Boo’s
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lungs causing high pulmonary hypertension. Doctors removed the fistula. Another problem was blockage in his vena cava, veins that return de-oxygenated blood from the body into the heart. This too was removed. Suddenly, Boo was a candidate for a new kidney. Both Robert and Renee were perfect matches for a kidney transplant, but doctors chose Renee since Robert had had kidney stones in the past. Robert said his wife, and mother of their five children, never gave it second thought when she was asked to be the donor. “Either of us would have done it,” said Renee. Throughout the entire fouryear ordeal, the family has remained close and have given all the credit to the healing hand of God. “The most important thing I’ve learned through all of this is to have faith in God,” said Robert. “Time after time, I’ve seen God pull us through things that we were told were ‘impossible.’ “Well, I’ve learned that nothing is impossible with God.”
PREPARING FOR SURGERY. Robert Maddox stands by his son, Robert, Jr (Boo) while nurses prepare him for a kidney transplant July 29. Boo received a kidney from his mom, Renee, during a 7-hour surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The transplant was performed by Dr. Mikel Prieto.
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Aug. 24 - Benefit for St. Mary’s Residential Training School David Magee to put on spectacular ‘mind-reading’ performance at Paragon Casino “Think of an actor,” he tells a young lady from the audience, “and I’ll tell you who you are thinking about.” “Now, look at me, and hold out your hands. Don’t look away,” he adds. After a few brief moments of mental concentration, he says, “Died Too Young,” --- “Rebel with a Cause”.... James Dean “Yes!!” she says. “James Dean! How did you do that?!!!” His name is David Magee, the mentalist. He reads people’s minds. And he’s coming to Central Louisiana. St. Mary’s Residential Training Facility will host “An Evening with David Magee” on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville. The events will include a dinner and a show by David Magee and special guest, Burton Gilliam (Blazing Saddles), and a silent auction. “David Magee is the college buddy of one of the parents of two of the St. Mary’s residents and has very generously offered to put on this fund-raising event
for St. Mary’s,” said Sister Mavis Champagne, administrator of St. Mary’s. “We are thrilled that he has agreed to put on this fundraiser for us.” David Magee is an amazing mentalist, illusionist, and magician. (Check him out at davidmagee.com) He has been continuously acclaimed as one of America’s top “sleight of hand” artists and manipulator of the human mind. David’s many national TV appearances have left audiences and talk show hosts asking the question he hears the most, “How is this possible?” David began his career with Corporate America as a spokesperson, appearing at trade shows and corporate product launches, encompassing all industries, for more than 15 years, introducing their new products and services. He continuously draws record crowds as a he combines his amazing slight of hand demonstrations with the company’s information. His corporate list of clients reads like a Who’s Who of Fortune 500 companies. Several years ago, while en-
An Evening with David Magee Saturday, Aug. 24 7:00 p.m. Paragon Casino Resort Marksville, LA Tickets: $75 for adults $50 for children, 12 and under Silent Auction to feature Signed Sports Memorabilia To purchase tickets, call
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tertaining at an event, David was given the title of “The Entertainer’s Entertainer” by Hall of Fame
2013-2015
Diocesan Directories are in!
If you ordered a 2013-2015 Diocesan Directory, please come by the St. Joseph Catholic Center to pick it up. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed daily: 12 noon-1:00 p.m. Closed all day Friday. If you did not preorder a directory, it can be purchased for $20. each. If you ordered one to be mailed, it has been mailed.
Baseball Pitcher and friend, Nolan Ryan due to the fact that he is constantly requested by top
celebrities and acquaintances to perform at their events. David appears at private NFL, NHL, MLB, and NBA events as well as events with recording artists, actors and many others in the entertainment industry. NFL legend Terry Bradshaw says, “My family and I are huge fans of David’s but more importantly he is a great friend. He is one of the funniest people I have ever met! When you meet David or see him perform, you will understand why so many people fall in love with his grace and kindness, as he takes your breath away and absolutely blows your mind! Last year, in another St. Mary’s silent auction, David donated items such as a Nolan Ryan autographed baseball and a Terry Bradshaw autographed football. The silent auction is expected to have similar items again this year. Tickets are $75 per person; $50 for children 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets, or to sponsor a table, call 318-445-6443, ext 2102.
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AUGUST 19, 2013
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Sept. 26 - Benefit for Women’s Resource Center Actor Stephen Baldwin to speak at Gala about his committed faith in Hollywood The Women’s Resource Center (a pregnancy help medical clinic) in Natchitoches, will host its annual Celebration of Life Fund-raising Gala on Thursday, Sept. 26 at the Natchitoches Events Center. Actor/director Stephen Baldwin will be the guest speaker. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a Meet & Greet and photos with Stephen Baldwin (for sponsors and guests only) with hors d’oeuvres, followed by the program that starts at 6:30 p.m. Baldwin has made a name for himself as a celebrity without compromising his values and committed Christian faith. His radical faith and out-spoken
charm will challenge and encourage anyone to make a difference where you are by taking a bold stand and living it out. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased by calling 318-3578888 or online at www.wrcfriends.com Sponsorships are also available: • Diamond Level - $5,000 or more. Includes a reserved table for 8, admission for two plus six complimentary tickets; reserved parking, a DVD of Loving the Bad Man with Stephen Baldwin; and autographed book The Unusual Suspect by Stephen Baldwin, and listed in publicity, program, and signage.
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• Platinum Level -- $1,000 or more. Includes admission for two plus four complementary tickets; autographed book by Baldwin, reserved parking, and listed in publicity, program, and signage. • Gold Level -- $500. Includes admission for two plus two complimentary tickets and listed in publicity, program, and signage • Silver Level -- $250. Includes admission for two and listed in publicity, program, and signage. Sponsorships ma be corporate, individuals, churches, businesses, organizations, etc. For more information, call the WR Center at 318-357-8888.
Actor-Director
Stephen Baldwin Thursday, Sept. 26 6:30 p.m. Natchitoches Events Center Natchitoches, LA Tickets: $25 each Sponsorships Available To purchase tickets, call
318-357-8888
New USCCB video explains Rite of Marriage A new video, “Saying I Do: What Happens at a Catholic Wedding,” introduces viewers to the Rite of Marriage and answers frequently asked questions about Catholic marriage. The video is intended for engaged couples, their families and people involved in marriage preparation, and anyone with questions about Catholic weddings. “This will be a valuable addition to marriage preparation programs. The Catholic Rite of Marriage is profound and beauti-
ful and I hope that engaged couples and their families will take this opportunity to learn more about it,” said Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth. The video includes a brief overview of the sacrament of marriage and an explanation of the three forms of the Rite of Marriage. It answers basic questions such as when and where Catholic weddings can be held and how non-Catholic clergy can
participate in the ceremony. “The video is a great way to help people to visualize the Catholic way of celebrating weddings,” said Father Daniel Merz, USCCB’s associate director of Divine Worship. “It’s good to get these images in our heads rather than more secular ones that really don’t reflect Christian marriage.” The 22-minute video is available on the homepage of the For Your Marriage website: www.ForYourMarriage.org
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AUGUST 19, 2013
Two families share how to nurture the faith from birth thru preschool Parents’ hearts swell with joy when their babies and young children respond to their love. What better time to introduce the faith and help these little ones begin to know God. In this one-of-a-kind handbook, mothers and authors, Michele E. Chronister and Amy M. Garro share with parents how to place Christ at the heart of the home, the “domestic Church.” Recognizing that every family is unique, Chronister and Garro draw on their own family experiences and those of other families to provide parents with a variety of methods, examples, and activities for nurturing faith and creating a harmonious family. A delightful surprise for parents, Faith Beginnings also includes journal pages to record details of the child’s baptism, the first prayers the child learned, parish activities in which the family participated, details of the baptism, and more. With chapeters about topics like prayer, baptism, Mass, and
Sr. Virginia Lee Continued from pg 16 up at 4 a.m., said our prayers, went to Super I to get groceries and were back at home to bake cookies at 5 in the morning,” she said. “We did this every Saturday for years.” The two sisters baked cakes and cookies to take to friends who were ill, in the hospital, or just needed a little cheering up. When her knees wouldn’t cooperate and she needed a little assistance walking, she pushed a grocery cart around school to help her walk and to help carry her classroom books and supplies. “The grocery cart was my ‘office,’” she said. “Whatever I needed to teach religion or whatever I needed for my day, was right there in that grocery cart.” Father Dan O’Connor, pastor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church said he was sad to hear that Sister Virginia Lee would be leaving. “She’s been such a positive influence at our school for so long. She was teaching her third generation, the grandchildren of those who were her first students at Prompt Succor School. She will be greatly missed.”
Faith Beginnings: Family Nurturing from Birth Through Preschool by Michele E. Chronister and Amy M. Garro Paperback, 137 pages ISBN: 9780764-822315 $14.99 To order, go to: www.liguori.org
the liturgical year in the home, the authors enthusiastically lead parents through the rediscovery of their own faith as they share it with their children. Parents are given concrete examples showing them first how to use sensory learning and, as their child grows, richer learning styles to pass on the faith. Families will make memories as they create simple prayer boxes and “books,” have a saint’s
feast day party, or set up a nativity scene, using the simple instructions in the book. As parents lead their children closer to God using Faith Beginnings as their guide, they will find that they, too, are growing in confidence, faith and virtue. About the Authors Michele E. Chronister received her B.A. and M.A. degrees in theology from the University of
Notre Dame. In graduate school, she had the opportunity to work with preschoolers in a catechetical setting through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. She lives in Missouri with her husband and daughter. Visit Michele on her blog: Welcometomydomesticmonastery.blogspot. com. She is also the author of Handbook for Adaptive Catechesis: Serving Those with Special Needs (Liguori, 2013). Amy Garro received her B.A. in theology from the University of Notre Dame and served as a teacher in a Catholic school. During her university experience, she trained and worked as
BOOK
REVIEW an assistant teacher at a local day care and learned about catechizing to young children. She also completed an internship in parish youth ministry, where she was mentored to adapt catechetical programs and tools. For more information about Faith Beginnings, go to www. liguori.org. eBook will be available soon!
AUGUST 19, 2013
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Despicable Me 2 is sweet animated sequel of popular comedy hit By John Mulderig Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- The transformative power of both romantic love and family affection is showcased in the sweet animated sequel “Despicable Me 2” (Universal). Co-directors Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin’s follow-up to their 2010 feature makes for a thoroughly endearing comedy and provides morally suitable entertainment for family members of all ages. Once again, the plot centers on Gru (voice of Steve Carell), the never very wicked and now thoroughly reformed villain whose conversion was charted in the last outing. Gru’s change of heart was brought about by the three little orphan girls -- Margo (voice of Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (voice of Dana Gaier) and Agnes (voice of Elsie Fisher) -- who are now his adoptive daughters. So it’s no surprise that early scenes find him
MOVIE
REVIEW
‘Despicable Me 2’. Animated characters Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, Margo, voiced by Miranda Cosgrove, Agnes, voiced by Elise Fisher, and Edith, voiced by Dana Gaier, are seen in the movie “Despicable Me 2.” The Catholic News Service classification is A-I -- general patron age. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. (CNS photo devoting himself to fatherhood and to starting a respectable busi-
ness making jams and jellies. Preserves will have to wait,
however, once the super-secret Anti-Villain League -- AVL for short -- comes calling in the person of Agent Lucy Wilde (voice of Kristen Wiig). Lucy and her boss, Silas Ramsbottom (voice of Steve Coogan), want to enlist Gru’s help in identifying the perpetrator of a crime of global significance and in foiling his plan for world domination. As Gru and Lucy pursue their crusade together, Gru’s initially antagonistic attitude toward his new partner gradually gives way to softer feelings, especially after she intrepidly rescues him from a disastrous blind date. Romance blooms, much to the satisfaction of the girls. They’ve been
concerned from the outset that their much-loved dad is lonely. Additionally, Margo in particular feels the absence of a maternal influence in her life. Much of the comedy in the previous picture arose from the misadventures of Gru’s multitude of diminutive, Twinkie-like minions. Here, they continue to supply laughs as they quarrel comically among themselves and mumble incomprehensibly but amusingly in a nonsense language voiced by Renaud and Coffin. “Despicable Me 2” resorts to some potty humor that grown-ups may not welcome, as when the achievements of Gru’s inventive sidekick Dr. Nefario (voice of Russell Brand) are honored with a 21-fart-gun salute. And the cartoonish violence and threatening situations that arise as the story unfolds might upset the smallest and most easily frightened youngsters. Still, a warm-hearted spirit prevails throughout the overwhelmingly innocent proceedings. The film contains occasional, mostly mild scatological humor and a few perilous situations. The Catholic News Service classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.
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PAGE 22 Holy Ghost Parish Mission
Holy Ghost Church in Marksville and St. Richard Chapel in Hickory Hill will host a Parish Mission Aug. 26-28 from 6-8 pm. each night. The mission will be held at St. Richard Chapel on Aug. 26 and 27, and at Holy Ghost Church on Aug. 28. Dr. D. Jayanand from Bangalore, India will be the mission speaker. Every one is invited attend.
Beginning Experience Widowed, separated or divorced? Don’t know where to turn? Struggling with grief or loss? Beginning Experience is registering now for a weekend away toward a lifetime of change at Maryhill Renewal Center - Pineville, LA for Sept. 20-22. Program helps grieving single-again persons emerge from the darkness of grief into the light of a new beginning, and move into the future with renewed hope. Cost is $185, which includes two nights’ lodging and meals. To register, or for more information, call Anna at (318) 452-2678 or Rose at (504) 920-0770.
Marriage Prep Program Strong Foundations: A Marriage Preparation Program for Catholic Couples will host a one-day workshop on Sunday, Oct. 20 at our Lady of Prompt Succor Divine Providence Center in Alexandria from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The presenters for this workshop are Mandi Chapman and Holly Carbo. To register visit www.comprehensivetherapygroup.com or call 318.445.1651.
Women’s Charismatic Conference The Diocesan Service Committee of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Alexandria is hosting the 8th Annual Women’s Catholic Charismatic Conference on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Maryhill Renewal Center in Pineville. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m. Speakers are Aggie Neck, Dr. Deregal Burbank, and Tracy Simpson. Fr. Ron Matthews, our spiritual director, will celebrate Mass Saturday at 9 a.m. This spirit-filled
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AUGUST 19, 2013 lowing the hour-long presentation. Judice will share the story of his son, Eli, born with Spinal Bifida, a condition accompanied by numerous medical challenges, including the possibility of never being able to walk. He and his wife, Ashley, refused to abort their son. Judice will tell of their journey from the time of their son’s diagnosis in the womb to raising Eli, who is now four years old. The story of faith, hope, and the power of prayer has a strong pro-life, pro-love message.
Win a free trip to Holy Land, Medjugorje You could win a 10-day trip for two to the Holy Land or an 8-day trip for two to Medjugorje in the Radio Maria Immaculate Conception Sweepstakes. To enter, you must fill out an official entry form, available at Radio Maria on Washington Street. A $10 donation is recommended, but not required. All entries must be received by Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013. The pilgrimage offer expires on Dec. 15, 2014. For more info, call 318-561-6145.
CDA COURT NOTRE DAME # 1452 members Helen Feduccia and Donna Young, present a check to Bishop Herzog for the Seminarian Education Fund.
Job opening in Child Nutrition Office Substitute Child Nutrition Technician needed for diocesan Catholic school cafeterias in Avoyelles, Natchitoches, and Rapides Parish. Position is on an ‘as needed’ basis only; could lead to permanent full-time position. Person must be available to report to work upon short notification. Must be available between the hours of 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. M-F. If interested contact the Diocese of Alexandria Child Nutrition Office at (318) 445-6424 ext. 232.
Waiting for Eli author to speak Oct. 7 Chad Judice of Lafayette, author of “Waiting for Eli: A Father’s Journey from Fear to Faith,” will speak Monday, October 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Saint Anthony of Padua Church. The event is free and open to all denominations. Books will be available for purchase and signing fol-
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FOURTH DEGREE KNIGHTS Larry Feldkamp, Knights of Columbus’ district coordinator for the Alexandria diocese, presents an Excellence in Religious Education check to the Bishop on behalf of the State Fourth Degree Knights for the diocesan religious education program.
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August - September Monday
Tuesday
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School starts: St. Mary’s, Natchitoches
Wednesday
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21
Thursday
Friday
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VIRTUS Training 5:30 p.m. St. Juliana Church, Alexandria
Saturday
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Illuminated Rosary 8:15 p.m. St. Joseph Church, Marksville PRAY FOR FR. J. RETNAZIHAMONI
PRAY FOR FR. J. ROBLES-SANCHEZ
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27
VIRTUS Training 6:00 p.m. Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches
PRAY FOR FR. E. RODRIQUEZ
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Permanent Diaconate Information Meeting 7:00 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria
2
PRAY FOR FR. L. SKLAR
3
PRAY FOR FR. J. RYAN
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VIRTUS Training 6:00 p.m. Sacred Heart Church, Moreauville
PRAY FOR FR. S. SOARES
4
PRAY FOR FR. I. ST. ROMAIN
Illuminated Rosary 8:15 p.m. St. Joseph Church, Marksville
9
PRAY FOR FR. A. THOMPSON
10
PRAY FOR MSGR. J. TIMMERMANS
11
PRAY FOR MSGR. S. TESTA
5
LABOR DAY PRAY FOR FR. J. THOMAS
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An Evening with David Magee 7:00 p.m. Paragon Casino Resort, Marksville
PRAY FOR FR. C. SCOTT
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PRAY FOR FR. R. SHOURY
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SEPTEMBER
Illuminated Rosary 8:15 p.m. St. Joseph Church, Marksville
Holy Ghost Parish Mission -- Marksville PRAY FOR FR. P. SIERRA-POSADA
PRAY FOR FR. J. ROY
Sunday
PRAY FOR FR. A. TRAVIS
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Illuminated Rosary 8:15 p.m. St. Joseph Church, Marksville
PRAY FOR FR. K. TEXADA
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7
FIRST FRIDAY
FIRST SATURDAY
PRAY FOR FR. A. VARGHESE
PRAY FOR FR. V. VEAD
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PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG
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8
PRAY FOR FR. A. VELEZ
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Catechetical Sunday
Eucharistic Miracles of the World Exhibit, Sacred Heart, Moreauville 4:00-9:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. PRAY FOR FR. N. VIVIANO
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PRAY FOR FR. J. XAVIER
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PRAY FOR FR. R. YOUNG
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PRAY FOR FR. K. ZACHARIAH
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Illuminated Rosary 8:15 p.m. St. Joseph Church, Marksville
PRAY FOR FR. A. AELAVANTHARA
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PRAY FOR MSGR. R. BORDELON
PRAY FOR FR. S. BRANDOW
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Catechist Workshop 9:00a.m.-3:00 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria
Beginning Experience -- Maryhill Renewal Center Eucharistic Miracles of the World Exhibit, St. John the Bapt., Moncla 4:00-9:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. PRAY FOR FR. D. BRAQUET
PRAY FOR FR. J. BROCATO
PRAY FOR FR. A. CATELLA
PRAY FOR FR. S. CHEMINO
PRAY FOR FR. D. CORKERY
PRAY FOR FR. R. COURVILLE
PRAY FOR FR. J. CUNNINGHAM