Acadiana Catholic - December 2010 by Acadiana Catholic

December 2010 Volume 26 No. 12

The Ofﬁcial Monthly Publication of the Diocese of Lafayette

2009

ACADIANA CATHOLIC

December 2010

Volume 26

Number 12

Bishop Jarrell invites all Catholics to join together and “Come Home for Christmas” LAFAYETTE “Evangelization comes in many forms and has various objectives. One aspect of evangelization is the concern over our fellow Catholics who have ceased to participate actively in the life of the Church. What is the right thing to do?” Just a few months ago, Bishop Michael Jarrell posed this question to Acadiana Catholic readers in the opening lines of his column, which may be read in its entirety at www.diolaf.org; it is located under Bishop Jarrell’s Columns, October 2010. In summary, however, Bishop Jarrell went on to discuss several evangelical efforts which are currently in practice—or will be implemented in the very near future—right here in the Lafayette Diocese. One of those efforts is the long-time tradition known as the “Come Home for Christmas” program. The groundwork for this year’s program began in October, when packets were mailed out to all 121 church parishes in the diocese. “A

recent study of inactive Catholics returning to the Church revealed that one reason many Catholics do not return to the Catholic Church is that no one ever invited them. Many say that they feel they were never missed,” Bishop Jarrell stated in an accompanying letter. Therefore, he asked all pastors, administrators, and parish life coordinators to join him in extending such an

invitation to inactive Catholics as the joy of the Christmas season approaches. The promotional packet contained a brief announcement which all church parishes were encouraged to publish in their weekly bulletins, soliciting help from the congregations by asking them to submit the names of inactive Catholics who may be waiting for an invitation

Nathan Comeaux ordained transitional deacon By Kathleen Toups ABBEVILLE Bishop Michael Jarrell ordained Nathan Comeaux to the transitional diaconate in November 21 ceremonies. The ordination to this last step before the priesthood took place in historic St. Mary Magdalen Church here where Father William Blanda is pastor. The new deacon is from St. Marcellus Parish, Rynella. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Comeaux of Broussard and in the ordination ceremony his parents brought up the gifts. He attended New Iberia High School and began his seminary studies at St. Joseph Seminary, St. Benedict He is ﬁnishing his studies at Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, and expects to be ordained to the priesthood in June.

Issuing the call to the priesthood was Rev. Mr. Garrett McIntyre. Presenting the candidate to the bishop was Father Aaron Melancon, director of vocations and director of seminarians. Testifying to the worthiness of the candidate was Father David Kelly of Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans. Reading the scriptures were Mrs. Betty Trahan and seminarian Michael DeBlanc. Deacons to the bishop were Rev. Mr. Jonathan Janise and Rev. Mr. Garrett McIntyre. Bishop Jarrell, in his homily, emphasized they were being ordained to preach, to perform acts of charity and to minister at the altar. Assisting the candidate to vest (Continued on page 42)

to return to the Church. All those whose names are submitted will receive a letter from Bishop Jarrell to let them know that they are most certainly missed, and to extend a heartfelt “Welcome Home!” to further encourage their return. In a letter which pastors were asked to share with their parishioners at Masses during November, Bishop Jarrell also urged all active Catholics to take the program one step further by becoming even more personally involved. “Try to make a personal call to such people and invite them to Mass, at least on Christmas. Offer to pick them up and invite them to go with you. . . .Tell them that the Church needs them and loves them.” In addition to these actions on the parish level, the Lafayette Diocese has also launched its traditional billboard campaign. Along with (Continued on page 7)

Inside this issue Diocesan Advent activities planned ............................5 Stewardship Leadership Day workshop is January 26, 2011 ...........................9 Christmas donations now being accepted for CHILD SMILE project ................10 Upcoming Regional Conferences inviter all to “Come Home” ................ 11 St. Theresa’s to host Hispanic celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe.......................14 Annual Pro-Life Oratory Contest scheduled for Jan. 12 ...........................30

Bishop Michael Jarrell,center, lays hands on Nathan Comeaux, ordaining him to the transitional diaconate. Deacon Garrett McIntyre is on the left. Photo by P.C. Piazza.

Graham Smith to head Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Diocese .......34

PRAY FOR YOUR DEPARTED CLERGY Father Louis H. Boudreaux, Dec. 2, 1974 Father Joseph P. McGill, S.J., Dec. 2, 2009 Father Edmond Daull, Dec. 5, 1949 Father Ferdinand Grimaud, Dec. 6, 1923 Father Robert Kearns, SSJ, Dec. 6, 2008 Father Theodore M.L.C. Van Eyck, Dec. 16, 1936 Father Charles Devirat, Dec. 10, 1946

Father Alphonse Martel, Dec. 10, 1959 Father Joseph V. Monteillard, Dec. 11, 1953 Father Kenneth Morvant, Dec. 14, 2003 Father Justin Mirat, Dec. 23, 1960 Father Alois R. Reznicek, Dec. 23, 1985 Father Josephat A. Demers, Dec. 25, 1957 Father Jules A. Jeanmard, Dec. 25, 1971 Father Albert LeBlanc, Dec. 25, 1987

Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

December 2010 5

Second Sunday of Advent

Third Sunday of Advent Mass for Survivors of Violence, Immaculata Center (Chapel), 2:00 p..m. with reception following in Marian Hall

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Advent Weekday Holy Hour for Vocations, St. Patrick Church, Lafayette, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr Our Lady’s Rosary Makers, Immaculata Center (Katherine Drexel), 9:00 a.m. 12:00 noon. Contact Trista Littell at (337) 261-5607

Advent Weekday Christmas Mass and Social for Seminarians and Parents, Immaculata Chapel and Fusilier Hall, 6:15 p.m.

Father William J. Teurlings, Dec. 26, 1957 Father Ernest Moreau, Dec. 27, 1956 Msgr. F.H. Gouaux, Dec. 28, 1985 Msgr. George A. Bodin, Dec. 28, 1988 Father Hubert A. Lerschen, Dec. 30, 1965 Deacon Roy Melancon, Dec. 30, 2005 Father Joseph J. Windt, Dec. 31, 1979

St. Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church “Food for the Journey” Speaker Series, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Lafayette, 11:30 a.m. lunch, 12:10 - 12:45 p.m. speaker/ Circle of Friends, a group for separated, divorced, widowed or single , Holy Cross Church, Lafayette, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church Bishop’s Conference, Immaculata Center (Jeanmard Conference Room), 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon/ Circle of Friends, a group for separated, divorced, widowed or single , Holy Cross Church, Lafayette, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Advent Weekday

Wednesday

Advent Weekday Vocation Supper for Men, Immaculata Center (Bishop’s Residence), 6:30 p.m.

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Diocesan Offices Closed.

National Night of Prayer for Life, check local church parish bulletins

Advent Weekday “Monthly Manna,” Forest Restaurant, Franklin. Gathering at 11:00 a.m., meal served at 11:30 a.m., followed by speaker at 12:05 p.m./

League of the Sacred Heart Apostleship of Prayer December general intention:

That our personal experience of suffering may be an occasion for better understanding the situation of unease and pain which is the lot of many people who are alone, sick or aged, and stir us all to give them generous help.

Mission intention:

That during Christmas the peoples of the earth may recognize the Incarnate Word as the light that illuminates every person, and that every nation may open its doors to Christ, the Savior of the world.

Friday

Thursday

Saturday

Advent Weekday Estate Planning Seminar, Immaculata Center (Fusilier Hall), 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Advent Weekday DRE/CRE Support Group Meeting, North Region, St. Anthony, Eunice and St. Augustine, Basile. 10:00 a.m.\ Companions Along the Journey (Bereavement Support Group), Immaculata Center (John XXIII), 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.\ Council of Priests Christmas Luncheon, Bishop’s Residence, 11:45 a.m.

Advent Weekday Sign Language Class, Deaf Action Center, Lafayette, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Saint Xavier, Priest

Advent Weekday

Advent Weekday Diaconate Formation Class, Immaculata Center (John XXIII) 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m./ Day of Reflection for Religious Sisters and Brothers, Christian Brothers’ Center, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m./ Engaged Couples Conference, Immaculata Center (Fusilier Hall), 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Advent Weekday Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration, Our Lady of Wisdom, Lafayette, 5:30 p.m./ Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Church Point, St. Martin de Porres Church, Delcambre. For details contact Office of Hispanic Ministry, 261-5544

Advent Weekday Diaconate Formation Class, Immaculata Center (John XXIII) 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Theology on Tap, Tsunami Restaurant, Lafayette, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Advent Weekday

Circle of Friends, a group for separated, divorced, widowed or single , Holy Cross Church, Lafayette, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Advent Weekday Christmas Holidays – Diocesan Offices Closed

Advent Weekday Christmas Holidays – Diocesan Offices Closed/

Nativity of Our Lord

Hispanic Christmas Mass, St. Jules Church, Lafayette, 8:00 p.m. Midnight Mass, Cathedral of St. John, the Evangelist Lafayette, to air on KATC-TV3

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Saint John the Evangelist

Holy Innocents, Martyrs

Fifth Day in Octave of Christmas

Sixth Day in Octave of Christmas New Year’s Holidays – Diocesan Offices Closed

Seventh Day in Octave of Christmas New Year’s Holidays – Diocesan Offices Closed

Registration for University of Dayton Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation Registration through January 6, 2011 Cycle 1 Courses scheduled Jan. 1 - Feb. 13, 2011 For more information go to (email) vicff@udayton.edu, or (web) vic.udayton.edu

George W. Holland, IV (337) 233-7758

Wishing You a Spirit-Filled Christmas Season and a Prosperous 2011! Offering investment strategies that adhere to Catholic teachings by avoiding companies involved in abortion and pornography.

Acadiana Catholic

December 2010 Page 5

Diocesan Advent activities planned Several church parishes throughout the Lafayette Diocese have planned special events and activities during the Advent season. In order to encourage individuals to receive the sacrament of reconciliation in preparation for the Christmas celebration, several penance services have been scheduled. • December 10, Holy Family Church in Lawtell, beginning at 7:00 p.m. • December 13, St. Thomas More Church in Eunice, beginning at 6:00 p.m. • December 14, Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Scott, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. • December 15, St. Joseph Church in Evangeline, beginning at 6:00 p.m. • December 15, St. Augustine Church in Basile, beginning at 7:00 p.m. • December 15, St. Joseph Church in Plaisance, beginning at 6:00 p.m. • December 16, St. Edmond Church in Lafayette, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. • December 20, Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Opelousas, beginning at 6:30 p.m. • December 22, St. Joseph Church in Rayne, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Other Advent events include: • A parish mission with Father Cedric Sonnier at Holy Family Church in Lawtell, beginning at 5:30 p.m. December 8-10 • A healing Mass with Father Manny Fernandez at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Kaplan on Friday, December 10 (call 643-6472 for start time) • A morning of reﬂection presented by Father Clinton Sensat from 9:00-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 11 at St. Leo IV Church in Roberts Cove • A parish mission with Deacon Cody Miller at St. Augustine Church in Basile, beginning at 7:00 p.m. December 13-16 • Nativity of Our Lady Church in New Iberia, Monday, December 13 and Tuesday, December 14 from 6:30 p.m – 7:30 p.m.Father Gilbert Dutel, pastor of St. Edmond Church in Lafayette • A parish mission at St. Joseph Church in Plaisance, beginning at 6:00 p.m. December 1415 For information on other Advent activities which may be scheduled in your area, please refer to your local church parish bulletins.

To report the abuse of children and young people, contact the Diocese of Lafayette Victim Assistance Coordinator, Ms. Carmer Falgout, RN, MSW, LCSW, BCD 100 Coulee Shore Road Lafayette, LA 70503 Phone (337) 235-5749

ACADIANA CATHOLIC

ACADIANA CATHOLIC (ISSN0888-0247) (USPS507-760) is published monthly for $12 per year by the Southwest Press, 1408 Carmel Ave., Lafayette, LA 70501-5306. Periodical postage paid at Lafayette, LA and additional mailing ofﬁces. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Acadiana Catholic, 1408 Carmel Ave., Lafayette, LA 70501-5306 Ofﬁcial Monthly Newspaper for the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana Copyright 2010

Publisher Most Rev. Michael Jarrell, D.D. Bishop of Lafayette

Editor/Director Deacon Thomas R. Sommers (337) 261-5511 tsommers@diolaf.org Marketing Director Business Mgr / Advertising Director Patrick Breaux (337) 235-7704 pat@breaux.com Staff Writer Stephanie R. Martin (337) 261-5512 smartin@diolaf.org Contributing Writer Kathleen Toups Theological Consultants Msgr. H.A. Larroque, J.C.D. Father Curtis Mallet, J.C.L. Vicars General From the December 1987 Acadiana Catholic: The staff of the Ofﬁce of Communications for the Diocese of Lafayette are pictured above. From the left, Lisa Broussard, secretqary; David Mergist, executive producer, Radio/TV; Leah Broussard, data processing, Acadiana Catholic circulation, typesetting; Gerald Dill, vicar for Christian formation and communications; Barbara Gutierrez, editor, Acadiana Catholic; Pat Breaux, director of communications; Kathleen Toups, staff writer; P.C. Piazza, photographer; Ken Cooper, data processing manager. Photo by P.C. Piazza

The Diocese of Lafayette serves eight civil parishes with population of 133,000 Catholics. Published monthly. Deadline for news and advertising copy is noon of the 15th day of the month preceding publication. For renewal subscriptions, the name of your church parish and your address label (if available) are requested. The publisher and editor reserve the right to reject, omit or edit any article or letter submitted for publication. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette and/or the Acadiana Catholic cannot be held liable, or in any way responsible for the content of any advertisement printed in this paper

Diocese of Lafayette Web page: www.diolaf.org

Page 6 December 2010

Acadiana Catholic

December 2010 Page 7

Father John Carville to speak at January’s Red Mass LAFAYETTE Father John Carville, retired priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, will be the speaker at the annual Red Mass on Friday, January 6 at 12:00 noon in the C a t h e d r a l Father John Carville of St. John the Evangelist, Lafayette. Father Carville, M.Ed., S.T.D., was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Baton Rouge in 1963. Presently retired, he had served for 23 years as vicar general for the diocese until 2007. Father Carville has earned an

Bishop Jarrell invites all Catholics to join together and “Come Home for Christmas” Continued from page 3

the “Come Home for Christmas” message, this year’s design illustrates the Holy Family in the nativity scene, to remind us of what a truly spiritual time of year this is as we all prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. These billboards have been erected in various locations throughout the Lafayette Diocese and will remain on display all through the Christmas season. Of course, Christmas is not the only time during which active Catholics must remember to pray for and reach out to their inactive brothers and sisters. In his October 2010 column, Bishop Jarrell also mentioned a new program called “Catholics Come Home” which the diocese is preparing to implement during the Lenten season of 2011; the Dioceses of Baton Rouge and Houma-Thibodaux, as well as the Archdiocese of New Orleans, will also be conducting the same program. “I ask for everyone’s prayers for the success of all of these activities,” wrote Bishop Jarrell. “Those wishing more information about Catholics Come Home should check the website, www.catholicscomehome.org.”

A.A. at St. Joseph Seminary, St. Benedict, La.; a B.A. at Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans; S.T.L. at Gregorian University, Rome, Italy; an M.Ed. at Loyola University, New Orleans and an S.T.D. at Catholic University, Washington, D.C. Father Carville has held several significant positions in the Diocese and has held teaching positions from certain levels of education: preparatory, high school, higher education, adult continuing education, diaconate and seminary. He has written articles for local and national publications and continues to write on spiritual matters for the Baton Rouge diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Commentator. He is a member of numerous professional organizations.

Official: Effective November 8, 2010 Father Timothy Richard, has left active ministry as a priest. Effective November 30, 2010 Deacon Thomas J. Richard, has been relieved of current responsibilities as a deacon and parish life coordinator at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Chataignier for reasons of health. Effective December 1, 2020 Donavan Labbé has been appointed pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Patterson for a term of six years. Father Greg Chauvin has been appointed administrator of St. Nicholas Parish, Lydia and sacramental minister for St. Marcellus Parish, Rynella. Father Jude Thierry is appointed associate pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, New Iberia. Father Darren Eldridge is appointed pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Chataignier for a term of six years while remaining pastor of St. Mathilda Parish, Eunice. Bishop Michael Jarrell

Bishop of Lafayette

Acadiana Catholic

Page 8 December 2010

Catholics Can ‘Share in the Care’ of elderly religious

Parishes to conduct annual collection for retired sisters, brothers, priests in religious orders LAFAYETTE Catholics in the Diocese of Lafayette will have the opportunity to “Share in the Care” of senior religious by participating in the annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious (RFR), to be held December 11-12, 2010. The collection is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office in Washington and provides financial support for the day-to-day care of thousands of elderly Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests. Last year, the Diocese of Lafayette contributed $74,852.18 to this collection. In 2010, the Sisters of the Most Holy Sacrament and the Brothers of the Christian Schools received financial assistance made possible by the RFR. Additionally, women and men religious who serve or have served in the diocese but whose institutes are headquartered elsewhere may benefit from this fund. Since 1988, Catholics in the United States have donated $617 million to this initiative. Nearly 95

cents of every dollar is used to aid senior religious. Despite the overwhelming generosity to this fund, many religious communities continue to lack resources sufficient to support retirement and elder care. Of 573 communities submitting data to the NRRO in 2009, fewer than seven percent were fully funded for retirement. Traditionally, religious served for small stipends that did not include retirement benefits. Their sacrifices now leave their religious communities without adequate savings for retirement. Compounding the funding shortage are the rising cost of care and the substantial loss of income that has resulted from the declining number of religious able to serve in compensated ministry. “As the number of wage-earning religious drops, so does income,” explains NRRO Executive Director Sister Janice Bader, a member of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood of O’Fallon, Missouri. “Census projections indicate that by 2019, religious past age 70

will outnumber those under 70 by nearly four to one. We want to do everything possible to help religious communities prepare for the dramatic income reduction that will accompany this demographic shift.” As a result of the 2009 collection, which garnered over $28.1 million, the National Religious

Retirement Ofﬁce was able to distribute more than $23 million in ﬁnancial assistance to 477 communities, representing more than 45,000 women and men religious. By underwriting necessities, such as prescription medication and nursing support, these funds help religious communities provide for the ongoing care of the elderly.

Diocesan Youth Board announces new festival OPELOUSAS The Diocesan Youth Board announces the ﬁrst annual Faith, Love, and You (FLY) Festival. This event will take place on the Opelousas Catholic campus on January 8, 2011. All junior high and high school students are welcome to join youth from throughout the diocese for a day of worship and fun. There will also be workshops held for any parents and youth ministers who would like to attend as well. Christian artists including John Angotti, BLAZZ, and Ayleron will be leading the entertainment for the day. Key speakers include Angotti, Deacon Randy Hyde and Frank Mercadante. There will be a DJ, vendors, concessions, and games throughout the event. Along with the keynotes, workshops and festivities, there will also be an opportunity for adoration, confessions, and Mass. The day’s festivities will begin with registration at 8:00 a.m. and conclude with an evening Mass at 6:00 p.m. The registration fee of $25 includes access to the event, lunch, and a FLY T-shirt. After Dec 1, registration goes up to $30 and the T-Shirt is not guaranteed. An incentive fee for adults is $10. For registration forms or more information regarding the event, please contact the Ofﬁce of Youth Ministry at (337) 261-5551 or email any questions at info@diolafyouth.org.

Certified Recognition Masters www.awardmaster.com

Msgr. Richard Mouton / 1408 Carmel Dr. / Lafayette, LA 70501

Acadiana Catholic

December 2010 Page 9

Stewardship Leadership Day workshop is January 26, 2011 LAFAYETTE C. Justin Clements, noted author and national speaker on stewardship topics in the Catholic Church will be the keynote speaker at the 7th annual Stewardship Day in the Diocese of Lafayette on January 26, 2011. The theme for the day’s presentation is, “Destination: Perfection – A Parish Journey toward Excellence in Ministry.” The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at 1408 Carmel Drive in Lafayette in Fusilier Auditorium of the Immacu-

lata Center. Lunch will be served to guests that day with a donation encouraged but not mandated. The annual event, which has garnered diocesan-wide interest, has been well-attended by pastors, associate pastors, parish administrators, pastoral council members, parish stewardship committee leaders, evangelization ministers, youth ministers, religious education teachers and individuals who are interested in encouraging stewardship formation in their parishes. Topics of the day will center on

St. Pius Elementary to host 2nd annual holiday market LAFAYETTE St. Pius Elementary School in Lafayette will host its 2nd Annual “All Good Gifts” Holiday Market from December 10-11. This twoday event will feature 6,500 square feet of holiday gift merchandise including jewelry, clothing, home décor, art, giftware, custom monogramming and gourmet foods. Concessions will also be available, and 75 door prizes will be awarded. The holiday market is open to everyone; tickets will be $7 at the door, or $5 in advance. Advance tickets may be purchased at the St. Pius Elementary School office, the St. Pius X Church office, Uniformity Lafayette on Kaliste Saloom Road, or online at www.stpiuspto. com/holidaymarket. On Saturday, December 11, the market will feature “Cougar’s Holiday Habitat” which includes eight rotating stations of Christmas activities for children ages 4-12. Tickets for this feature will be $10 in advance and $12 at the door; they may be purchased through the same ticket outlets as the Market. There will be three 90-minute sessions, which will begin at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. The purpose of the holiday market is to gather support for St. Pius Elementary School through a fun community holiday event. For more information on the Market, please contact St. Pius Elementary School at (337) 237-3139, ext 3002, or go online to www.stpiuspto.com/holidaymarket.

steering a parish journey toward excellence in ministry with perfection being their final destination. The title of the Stewardship Leadership Day is taken from the title of Clements’ latest stewardship book currently in production. The first of three presentations by Clements will feature the rationale for and results of the Evansville, Indiana Diocese’s “Excellent Parish Project” which has flourished under Clements’ tutorship. The main body of his presentation will be titled “Leadership for Disciples of Jesus” which begins with the total topic of leadership and ends with the focus on Jesus as the premiere servant leader, model for all disciples. “From Fellowship to Hospitality,” the next featured topic will include best practices, what does “hospitality” actually mean and why it so important for re-energizing a parish community and who is responsible for building

and maintaining parish hospitality. Finally, Clements will cover “The Accountable Parish and Generational Differences” which will be based on recent findings by stewardship researcher Chuck Zech and others regarding shifting attitudes among Catholics in different age groups and ways to determine what accountability means for a parish, how it can be measured and how it relates to stewardship conversion. Attendees will also hear from Mike Van Vranken, a parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Shreveport. His presentation will focus on how Catholics in parishes can help to carry out the “Great Commission” and how many parishes were successful in engaging their people in the life of the church community. People interested in attending can obtain more information and register by calling the Office of Stewardship, (337) 261-5641 or email: cbabin@diolaf.org.

Acadiana Catholic

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Christmas donations now being accepted for CHILD SMILE project LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Justice & Peace is currently accepting gift box donations to be distributed as part of its annual CHILD SMILE project. The gift boxes may be dropped off at the diocesan central offices (Immaculata Center, 1408 Carmel Drive, Lafayette) until December 10. CHILD SMILE began as a special endeavor to collect and provide Christmas presents for children whose parents were incarcerated. Over the years, the generosity of the people in Acadiana has made it possible for the Office of Justice & Peace to collect enough gift boxes so that they may be distributed to children who are struggling under other difficult circumstances as well. Preparing a donation for CHILD SMILE is relatively easy. First, one should decide whether the gift box will be intended for either a boy or a girl, in one of four ages groups—infant-3 years;

4-8 years; 9-12 years; or teenager. Once that is determined, find a sturdy box (shoeboxes work very well) and fill it with appropriate items for the selected gender and age group. Some suggestions for younger children would be toys (small cars, action figures, dolls, stuffed animals), arts & craft items (drawing pads, scrapbooking materials), hard candy, costume jewelry, and t-shirts. Suggestions for teens might include gift cards, CDs or DVD (G rated), nail polish, or clothing accessories. Please refrain from placing any used items in the gift boxes. Also, do not include any perishable food items (such as chocolate), war-related toys, liquids (shampoo, lotion, bubbles, etc.), medicine (cough drops, vitamins, etc.), or breakables (mirrors, snow globes, etc.). Once the gift box has been filled, wrap it in holiday paper, and please included a label to indicate the gender and age group

Through generous contributions of hundreds of persons, Christmas gifts are delivered to children who have a loved one in jail and other children with special needs.

for which it is intended. The gifts will be distributed to children in need at a special Christmas party later during the month of December. For further details on the CHILD SMILE project, please contact the Ofﬁce of Justice & Peace at (337) 261-5545.

To subscribe to the ACADIANA CATHOLIC call (337) 261-5650

December Birthdays Father Thomas Madden, S.J. Dec. 1 Father Kenneth Mayne Dec. 2 Father Clinton Sensat Dec. 5 Father Paul Broussard Dec. 6 Father Jude Obiechina Dec. 8 Deacon Douglas Melancon Dec. 12 Father Godwin Nzeh, C.M.F. Dec. 12 Father J. Thomas Finley Dec. 14 Father Jason Mouton Dec. 17 Father Jules Arceneaux Dec. 18 Deacon John W. Miller Dec. 19 Deacon Thomas Sommers Dec. 19 Father Chanh van Nguyen Dec. 20 Father Paul Patin, S.J. Dec. 20 Father Bernard M. Lebiedz, O.S.B. Dec. 22 Deacon Anthony Ozene Dec. 22 Father Jude W. Thierry Dec. 22 Father Francis Butler, S.S.J. Dec. 23 Father Willard Dugas Dec. 23 Father Joseph McGinley, S.S.J. Dec. 25 Father Louis Richard Dec. 25 Father Stephen C. Ugwu Dec. 26 Deacon Kenneth Soignier Dec. 27 JANUARY, 2010 Deacon Charles Ortego Jan. 2 Deacon Harris Soileau Jan. 4 Father Joseph Stemmann Jan. 4 Father Clair Cazayoux, SJ Jan. 5 Father Jerome Neyrey, SJ Jan. 5 Father Paul Onuegbe Jan. 5 Deacon Michael Yenik Jan. 6 Deacon Francis D. Boudreaux Jan. 7 Father Charles Nicholas Trahan Jan. 7 Father Richard Kalinowski, SVD Jan. 8 Father Martin Leonards Jan. 8 Father Mikel Polson Jan. 8

Acadiana Catholic

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Upcoming “Regional Conferences” invite all to “Come Home” LAFAYETTE Msgr. Russell J. Harrington, VE, Chancellor for the Diocese of Lafayette, sees the upcoming “2011 Regional Conferences of Acadiana” as an excellent opportunity to reach out to all Catholics across the Diocese, including those who may be away from the Church. H e l d in each of the four Msgr. Russell regions of Harrington, VE the Diocese of Lafayette, the “2011 Regional Conferences of Acadiana” will feature a wide variety of speakers and topics. The theme for these Conferences is “Act Justly, Love Tenderly, Walk Humbly,” based on Micah 6:8. The North Regional Conference will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2011, from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon (Registration at 8:30 a.m.) at St. Anthony of

Padua Church, Eunice. The Central Regional Conference will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011, from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon (Registration at 8:00 a.m.) at Holy Cross Church, Lafayette. The South Regional Conference will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2011, from 1:00-3:30 p.m. (Registration at 12:30 p.m.; Mass to follow at 4:30 p.m.) at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, New Iberia. The West Regional Conference will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2011, from 9:00 a.m.12:00 noon (Registration at 8:30 a.m.) at Vermilion Catholic High School, Abbeville. “The theme of the Conferences is so universal,” says Msgr. Harrington. “To ‘act justly, love tenderly, walk humbly’ speaks to all Catholics. Our hope is that these Conferences will strengthen those who are active in their faith, and reach out in a welcoming and healing way to those who may be considering ‘coming home’.” All are welcome and encour-

aged to attend any or all of the four “2011 Regional Conferences of Acadiana”. Registration brochures will be available in January 2011. For more information, please contact Jackie Grifﬁn/North Region (337-831-2621 or Jgrifﬁn@

diolaf.org); Mary Bergeron/Central Region (337-654-8682 or Mbergeron@diolaf.org); Deacon Jerry Bourg/South Region (337923-4591 or Gbourg@diolaf. org); or Janeth Harrington/West Region (337-258-0073 or Jharrington@diolaf.org).

Marriage anniversary Mass scheduled for Feb. 27

Mass, all are invited to attend a reception inside the church parish hall. Couples who wish to be recognized during the Mass must register with the Ofﬁce of Marriage and Family Life Ministry before January 31, 2011. For further registration information, please contact the ofﬁce at (337) 261-5653. A second Marriage Anniversary Mass in honor of couples celebrating 25 or 40 years of marriage is also planned for later in the year. The Mass will be held on Sunday, September 11, with further details to be published in the Acadiana Catholic as they become available.

OPELOUSAS The Lafayette Diocese’s Ofﬁce of Marriage and Family Life Ministry will host the annual Diocesan Marriage Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, February 27, 2011, at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Opelousas. The Mass, which is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m., will recognize couples who have been married for 50, 60, or more years. Bishop Michael Jarrell will serve as the celebrant, and he will present a special certiﬁcate (suitable for framing) to all anniversary couples who pre-register to be recognized. Following the

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sErvicEs

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Page 12 December 2010

Women’s Conference slated for March 26, 2011 SCOTT St. Martin de Porres Church in Scott will host its second Women’s Conference on March 26, 2011. The theme for the conference is “Conﬁdent Women of Faith in Battle.” Presenters are U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley and lay minister Christenia Ventress. Donation is $15.00. Lunch will be provided. Send registration to St. Martin de Porres Church, Women’s Conference, P. O. Box 1347, Scott, LA 70583. For more information call the church ofﬁce at 337-232-1968. All are invited to attend.

A-V spotlight videos for December LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s A-V library has highlighted two special selections for the month of December. The ﬁrst is Celebrating the Church Year for Children. . .Christmas (VHs, #2379). Geared toward grade levels 2nd-

5th, this 15-minute presentation focuses on teaching children what the Christmas celebration really means, as well as the meaning behind traditional Christmas decorations such as the Christmas tree and the Nativity scene. The second spotlight video is Juan Diego—Messenger of Guadalupe (VHS, #3426), for grade levels 1st-4th. In this 33-minute presentation, children learn the true story of how the Blessed Mother chose a hero for a key role in a beautiful miracle that would unite diverse peoples and change the course of history. For information on reserving these and other selection—or on becoming a member of the diocese’s A-V library—please contact Lynne Broussard at (337) 261-5674.

Father Michael Champagne to speak at Theology on Tap LAFAYETTE Father Michael Champagne, cjc, will serve as the guest speaker at the next meeting of Theology on Tap, which is scheduled for Wednesday, December 15 at

Tsunami Restaurant in downtown Lafayette. The gathering will begin at 7:30 p.m., and Father Champagne’s presentation will focus on the Incarnation. Theology on Tap is held in the side bar of Tsunami’s, to the right of the main entrance, and participants are reminded that only drinks may be ordered during the

presentation. Those who wish to make an evening of it by ordering dinner are encouraged to arrive early and do so in the main restaurant. For additional information on Theology on Tap, please contact Mary-Rose Verret (Ofﬁce of Marriage & Family Life Ministry) at (337) 261-5653.

South Region to host John Michael Talbot ministry night in New Iberia, Jan. 31, 2011 NEW IBERIA The Regional Pastoral Council of the South Region will host Catholic recording artist, John Michael Talbot, on Monday, January 31 at 6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in New Iberia. This ministry night will consist of an evening of inspirational music, teaching and prayer meditations. John Michael is the founder and general minister of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, the only integrated monastic community with canonical approval by the Catholic Church in the U.S. Talbot has received eight Dove award nominations and one Dove award. He has produced 46 albums, with sales approaching four million records. He has authored 16 books and produced numerous video teachings on ministry to the poor, simple living and Franciscan and religious community living. He is also an accomplished lecturer, teacher and retreat master. He has been honored to perform for Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Pope John Paul II. Prior to his visit to Sacred Heart Church, Talbot will be in the area at the following locations:

John Michael Talbot

January 22: St. Michael Church, 224 West 5th Street, Crowley, beginning at 7:00 p.m. January 26: Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 2125 Union Street, Opelousas, beginning at 7:00 p.m. January 27: St. Pius X Catholic Church, 200 East Bayou Parkway, Lafayette, beginning at 7:00 p.m. January 28: St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 300 Pere Megret St, Abbeville, beginning at 6:30 p.m. January 29: St. Edmond Catholic church, 4131 West Congress, Lafayette, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

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December 2010 Page 13

“Parents for Light” series to feature Reconciliation service with Father Mark Toups LAFAYETTE Father Mark Toups, pastor of St. Lucy’s Catholic Church in Houma and St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Thibodaux, will be the featured speaker at the “Parents for Light” gathering at St. Thomas More Catholic High School on Thursday, December 9. “What do you want for Christmas” will be the topic of Father To u p s ’s talk. The evening begins with Father Mark Toups refreshments and fellowship at 5:30 p.m. Father Toups’s talk will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the STM Chapel, followed by an hour of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Also, there will be several priests on hand to hear confessions during this special night. Father Toups is a very popular and much sought-after speaker. Father Toups was ordained in 2001, and currently serves as a priest for the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux in south Louisiana. There he serves as Director of Seminarians as well as pastor of St. Lucy’s Catholic Church in Houma and St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Thibodaux. In addition, he is a cofounder of ADORE Ministries and also a part-time adjunct faculty member and spiritual director for the Institute for Priestly Formation. He received his Master’s of Divinity from Notre Dame Semi-

nary in New Orleans. A college graduate of Nicholls State University, he is a native of Houma, La. The focus of Father Toups’s presentation will be on the true meaning of Christmas. As John Listi, Director of STM Campus Ministry explains, “Taking time to reﬂect on the true meaning of Christmas before the Blessed Sacrament is something we all need during the very busy Christmas season. The added beneﬁt of receiving the sacrament of Penance during this night will make it truly special.” In addition to STM students, parents, and faculty, guests from throughout the diocese are invited to attend. Listi states, “We especially want to encourage families from our feeder schools, and youth and young adult groups from our owner parishes, to join us. We strongly believe that the mission of St. Thomas More Catholic High School includes the support of our local parish ministry programs as well.” The STM “Parents for Light” is a monthly speaker program begun by parent volunteers to foster the parent-student relationship in Spiritual Formation. Each presentation is followed by an hour of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Remaining “Parents for Light” Speaker Schedule: * January 13, 2011; * February 3, 2011 * March 17, 2011 * One Day Lenten Retreat, – April 9, 2011

St. Mary Magdalen Church announces free Christmas concert

cluding excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, Messe de Minuit pour Noël (“Midnight Mass for Christmas”) by Charpentier, traditional carols, and other sacred anthems. The choirs will be accompanied by the St. Mary Magdalen pipe organ and a chamber orchestra. Both the organ and the church have been extensively renovated since their last concert in 2008. This evening of sacred music is free and open to the public. “Love offerings” will be accepted during the concert from those who wish to support this performance and the church music program at St. Mary Magdalen. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

ABBEVILLE Father William Blanda, pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville, has announced that the date of its annual Christmas concert will be Wednesday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. This concert features the Voices of St. Mary Magdalen Adult Choir, directed by Tommy Guidry, and the St. Mary Magdalen Children’s Choir, directed by Jennifer Melancon. There will be a wide variety of Advent and Christmas music in-

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St. Theresa’s to host Hispanic celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe

ABBEVILLE St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church in Abbeville will host the Hispanic celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Saturday, December 11. The celebration will begin with a special procession at 5:30 p.m., followed by a bilingual Mass at 6:00 p.m.

The Mass will be celebrated by Father Juan Luis Gándara, with Bishop Michael Jarrell in attendance. A reception will also be held inside the Holy Family Center immediately following the Mass, and each family is asked to contribute a potluck dish for the occasion. All are invited to attend this event in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast day is recognized annually on December 12. This year, however, since the date coincides with the Third Sunday of Advent, Bishop Jarrell has granted his approval to observe the feast day on December 11.

Hispanic community invites everyone to participate in Christmas novena LAFAYETTE On behalf of the entire Hispanic community, the Lafayette Diocese’s Ofﬁce of Hispanic Ministry would like to invite everyone to join them in a Christmas Novena, which will take place from December 16-24 at St. Jules Church in Lafayette.

The Christmas Novena is a tradition practiced by many Hispanic-based communities in several different countries throughout the world. Here in the Lafayette Diocese, each night of the novena will be organized by a different group of parishioners in order to represent their own culturally unique way of honoring the tradition. Each night, participants will gather inside St. Jules Church at 7:00 p.m. (with the exception of Sunday, December 19, when the gathering will begin at 5:00 p.m.) in order to pray the novena prayers for that day. Afterwards, the evening’s hosts will treat everyone to a special selection of foods that represent their culture, and also offer a glimpse into some of the other Christmas traditions which they hold most dear. Some of these traditions will include the posadas (a reenactment of Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay in Bethlehem), and the singing of villancicos (Christmas carols). In November, many members of the Hispanic community began their preparations for the Christmas season by taking part in an Advent Retreat, which was

hosted by Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in New Iberia. The retreat was conducted entirely in Spanish by Father Juan Luis Gándara, who focused on the theme of “The Coming of the Lord and the Christian Attitude Towards Advent.” In addition to Father Gándara’s presentation, the retreat included time for prayer and reﬂection, and encouraged participants to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Nativity Pageant at St. Bernard Church BREAUX BRIDGE The 10th annual Nativity Pageant will be held beginning at 6:30 p.m., Friday, December 17, 2010 at St. Bernard Church in Breaux Bridge. The St. Bernard ﬁfth-grade choir will sing Christmas carols, and the youth from the St. Francis of Assisi and St. Bernard parishes will portray biblical characters announcing the depiction of the prophecy, Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity and Epiphany. For more information please contact Emmaline Thibodeaux at 332-5871.

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December 2010 Page 15

ONCOLOGICS

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Vatican spokesman gets pope to clarify remarks on condoms By John Thavis VATICAN CITY (CNS) When Pope Benedict XVI commented in a new book that using condoms to reduce the risk of disease could, in some circumstances, be a step toward moral responsibility, he used the example of a male prostitute. That raised the question: Was the pope deliberately limiting his observations to this particular group? The answer is no, according to Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, who presented the pope’s book Nov. 23 at the Vatican press ofﬁce. Father Lombardi acknowledged confusion over the gender question. He said the Italian version of the book, which translated the pope’s example as “prostitute” using the feminine gender, was an error. The original German used the masculine noun for prostitute, but there was debate over whether the word was being used generically or speciﬁcally. So Father Lombardi took the question to the pope. “I asked the pope personally if there was a serious or important problem in the choice of the masculine gender rather than the feminine, and he said no, that is,

the main point – and this is why I didn’t refer to masculine or feminine in (my earlier) communique – is the ﬁrst step of responsibility in taking into account the risk to the life of another person with whom one has relations,” Father Lombardi said. “Whether a man or a woman or a transsexual does this, we’re at the same point. The point is the first step toward responsibility, to avoid posing a grave risk to another person,” Father Lombardi said. For his part, Peter Seewald, the German journalist who posed the questions in the book, said at the news conference today that “there is no difference between male prostitute and female prostitute” in the pope’s remarks, despite all the controversy over the translations. He added: “The pope indicates that, in addition to the case he cited, there may be other cases in which one may imagine that use of a condom could be a step toward responsible sexuality in this area and to prevent further infection.” Here once again is the key passage on the subject in the book, Light of the World: The Pope, the Church and the Signs of the Times, when Seewald asks the pope whether it was “madness to forbid a high-risk population to use con-

Jesuit Father Joseph Fessio, founder and editor in chief of Ignatius Press, and Msgr. Georg Ganswein, the pope’s personal secretary, watch as a reporter asks a question during a Nov. 23 Vatican press conference on Pope Benedict XVI’s new book. The book is titled Light of the World: The Pope, the Church, and the Sign of the Times.(CNS photo/Paul Haring)

doms.” Pope Benedict replied: “As a matter of fact, you know, people can get condoms when they want them anyway. But this just goes to show that condoms alone do not resolve the question itself. More needs to happen. Meanwhile, the secular realm itself has developed the so-called ABC Theory: Abstinence-Be Faithful-Condom, where the condom is understood only as a last resort, when the other two points fail to work. This means that the sheer ﬁxation on the condom implies a banalization of sexuality, which, after all, is precisely the dangerous source of the attitude of no longer seeing sexuality as the expression of love, but only a sort of drug that people administer to themselves. This is why the ﬁght against the banalization of sexuality is also a part of the struggle to ensure that sexuality is treated as a positive value and to enable it to have a positive effect on the whole

of man’s being. “There may be a basis in the case of some individuals, as perhaps when a male prostitute uses a condom, where this can be a first step in the direction of a moralization, a first assumption of responsibility, on the way toward discovering an awareness that not everything is allowed and that one cannot do whatever one wants. But it is not really the way to deal with the evil of HIV infection. That can really lie only in a humanization of sexuality.” Seewald: “Are you saying, then, that the Catholic Church is actually not opposed in principle to the use of condoms?” Pope Benedict: “She of course does not regard it as a real or moral solution, but, in this or that case, there can be nonetheless, in the intention of reducing the risk of infection, a first step toward a different way, a more human way, of living sexuality.”

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December 2010 Page 17

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Advent: a season of expectation and longing By Bishop Michael Jarrell

Advent is one of the seasons of the Church year and it has its own special flavor and meaning. As a time of preparation for Christmas, it is often called a season of expectation and longing. Two thousand years ago, the Blessed Mother experienced a time of expectation before the birth of her son. As members of the Church, we, too, experience a period of expectation, but with a difference. Mary was expecting the first coming of Jesus. Our expectation is two-fold: the coming of Jesus into our hearts on a daily basis and his definitive second coming at the end of time. Advent and Christmas are based upon historical events, but are not just remembrances of the past. They are honest reminders of our real situation; namely, that we live in the between time, the time between the first coming of the Lord and his

Survey says dioceses getting the hang of new media, but slowly BALTIMORE (CNS) Dioceses are getting the hang of a multiplatform media universe, according to the results of a survey conducted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ofﬁce of Communications. The increase in media awareness is at least evident in those dioceses that responded to the

second coming at the end of time. This event is called the “parousia” which the Catechism of the Catholic Church defines as “the glorious return and appearance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as judge of the living and the dead, at the end of time; the second coming of Christ, when history and all creation will achieve their fulfillment.” (Glossary) It is not known when all this will take place or even exactly what it means. Some things stand to be revealed only at that time. What has been revealed is the reality of heaven. Saint Thomas Aquinas, one of the foremost theologians in the Church taught that in heaven the blessed would experience perfect understanding of all mysteries. They will extend to God perfect praise, they will enjoy the perfect fulfillment of every desire, they will posses God completely and they will exist in perfect community with the saints and the angels. Again referring to the Catechism, heaven is defined as “eternal life with God; communion of life and love with the Trinity and all the blessed. Heaven is the state of supreme and definitive happiness, the goal of the deepest longings of humanity.” (Glossary) In the United States in the 21st century it

survey. Of 189 U.S. diocesan communications ofﬁces surveyed, 89 returned the questionnaire. Among those dioceses that completed the survey, “there is great variation in the use of new media,” said the executive summary of the report, “Survey of Diocesan Media Usage,” which was dated October 2010. The dioceses were queried earlier in the fall. Copies of the report were available at the U.S. bishops’ Nov. 15-18 general meeting in Baltimore. “Some are just entering new

seems that during December there is a disconnect between our lives in society and our “in-church” lives. Outside there is Christmas and celebration. There is not much emphasis on transcendence and eternity. Inside of Church there is Advent and a mood of quiet anticipation of heavenly realities. Christians have always lived in two worlds and that will never change. We should not neglect the season of Advent and the spiritual blessings it offers us, for it expresses the truth of our being far more accurately than the glittering spectacles which surround us. Our focus on the second coming of the Lord keeps our feet on solid ground and ﬁxes our attention on ultimate reality. Our Catholic beliefs are beautifully expressed in the prayer for the blessing of an Advent Wreath contained in the book, “Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers”: Lord our God, We praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: He is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples, He is the wisdom that teaches and guides us.

media, others are immersed in it,” the executive summary said. “Therefore, diocesan needs related to new media will also vary widely.” Of the 89 dioceses that returned the survey – although not every diocese answered every question – 70 said they posted audio ﬁles on the diocesan website, and 72 said they provided video ﬁles. Fifty-one dioceses reported they had a “corporate presence” on Facebook, while 37 said they had such a presence on Twitter and 33 on YouTube. In each in-

stance, it was a majority of dioceses answering the question. By a 6-to-1 margin, dioceses do not use social media for fundraising, although one diocese said it was using a mobile phone app for fundraising.

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our consciences, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world” – C.S. Lewis

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December 2010 Page 19

Nominations coming in from all over the U.S. for longest married couples project

December line-up for Tell the People

San Bernardino, CA Nominations have been submitted from all over the country for the longest married couple project sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encounter, the original faith-based marriage enrichment program in this country. That’s the latest report from Dick & Diane Baumbach and Father Dick Morse, who serve as the North American Weekend Pillar for the WWME movement. They are overseeing the project on behalf of WWME. “What has been amazing is how many younger couples are nominating their parents for the honor,” explained the Weekend Pillar leaders. “We’ve also had folks nominate themselves as well as friends of couples who have been married for many, many years,” they added. Plans call for Scott & Karen Seaborn and Father Tom Griffith, SVD, the United States Ecclesial Team for WWME, to personally present the longest married couple in the United States with special gifts on Feb. 14, 2011. The individual state winners will receive a special certificate of achievement from the Worldwide Marriage Encounter movement. Thus far almost half the states are represented, with a large number of couples being nominated from Missouri. “This project is being done to honor the commitment of married couples and to give hope to younger couples that they can have long and lasting marriages,” the Baumbachs and Father Morse said. Nominations, which are open to all husband and wife couples regardless of faith expression, may be submitted by email, regular mail or by calling a special phone number.

LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Radio/TV Ministry would like to remind everyone to tune in for Tell the People every Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. on KATC TV-3. On December 12, Sue Aymond (Office of Christian Formation) will offer some insight into the Lafayette Diocese’s annual “Come Home for Christmas” campaign. On December 19, Rosie Brown (director, Office of Youth Ministry) will appear to talk about the upcoming FLY (Faith, Love, You) festival. On December 26, Trista Littell (Office of Pro-Life Ministry) will discuss the annual diocesan ProLife Oratory Contest. Also on each episode, Msgr. Richard Greene will sit down with Bishop Michael Jarrell to conduct the “Interview with the Bishop” segments, and Father Michael Champagne will speak on various topics during his segment, “What It Means to be Catholic.”

The contact information for sending in a nomination, which simply requires the name of the couple, their wedding date and where they currently reside plus a phone or email address, is as follows: email dickanddiane66@ bellsouth.net ; regular mail Dick & Diane Baumbach 1430 Scorpious Ct. Merritt Island, FL 32953 and special phone number 321453-2475. Nominations must be received by January 10th, 2011. To learn more about the Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends online, go to wwme.org, or you can call 1-800-795-LOVE (English) and 1-800-599-AMOR (Spanish), or contact the WWME Office at (909) 863-9963.

Upcoming activities for singles LAFAYETTE December activities for singles include the meetings of Circle of Friends on the 14th, 21st, and 28th. The group will meet at 7:00 p.m. on each of these Tuesdays, at Holy Cross Church in Lafayette. On December 14, Father Keith LaBove will address the group on the topic of living wills; a video of Theology of the Body by Christopher West will be shown on December 21; and a Family Feud game night will be held on December 28—participants are encouraged to bring their leftover white elephant Christmas gifts to be used as prizes. For additional information on singles activities, please contact the Office of Marriage & Family Life Ministry at (337) 261-5653, or visit online at www.catholicfellowshipnetwork.webs.com.

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St. Mary Church celebrates All Saints Day with family fair LAFAYETTE The Family Activity Ministry at St. Mary Church, under the guidance of recently appointed coordinator Tiffany Foreman, sponsored an event to celebrate some of the Church’s saints. Thirteen families with children ages three to ten chose a saint to feature and hosted a display in Founder’s Hall. Families participated in the displays which included activities, supplies for books, movie presentations, games and food samplings related to each family’s featured saint. Eleven canonized saints were honored, as well as two Louisiana natives, World War II chaplain Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur of Opelousas and Charlene Richard of Richard who have been recommended for beatification. Ms. Foreman has been a parishioner of the church parish for seven years, is the mother of three children, and has a background in education.

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Page 20 December 2010

Aquinas Institute— registration for spring courses closes on Dec. 10 LAFAYETTE Only days remain to register for the Aquinas Institute’s Spring 2011 courses; the ﬁnal deadline is Friday, December 10, at 12:00 noon. Those who are interested

may contact the Lafayette Diocese’s Ofﬁce of Christian Formation at (337) 261-5674 in order to request an application form. The cost per course is $225 for credit students, and $50 for audit students. Spring 2011 courses include History of Philosophy (PHI 206, 3 hrs) with Mr. Richard Chiasson; Ecclesiology (THE 200, 3 hrs) with Father Clinton Sensat; Philosophy of Human Nature (PHI 240, 3 hrs) with Father Neil McNeill; The New Testament (THE 370, 3 hrs) with Miss Anne-Christian Heinen; and Theology of the Body (THE 490, 3 hrs) with Father Bryce Sibley. For detailed course descriptions and additional information on the Aquinas Institute, please visit online at www.diolaf.org/ aquinasinstitute.

Advent Eucharistic Adoration at St. Mary Church LAFAYETTE The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed on the ﬁrst three Thursdays during the season of Advent at St. Mary Church, 419 Doucet Road, Lafayette. Adoration will be from 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. All are invited to take a break from their busy schedules to rest in silence with the Lord.

“BE FIRE!” By Graham N. Smith

I know, it’s the Christmas season! Go into any store and you’re pounded by that message, with all its displays and tinsel and glitter. And the pre-Christmas sales! Hurry! Christmas is coming! Shop NOW! Before it’s TOO LATE! But drive through most neighborhoods a day or two after December 25th and you’ll see the Christmas trees at the curb and all the discarded wrapping paper and boxes stuffed in the trash. Party’s over, Santa! Isn’t there something more? Oh, here‘s a store that‘s open. Let‘s go see! “Pardon me, ma’am.” I get a salesperson’s attention. “I’m looking for something very special. Something that’s going to bring lots of joy.” “Oh, you’ll love our toy department. Wonderful dolls that walk, little electronic readers that talk to you, all sorts of --” “Well,” I interrupt, “it needs to change the lives of people I give it to.” She looks disappointed but she still wants to help. “Don’t think we’d have that. Maybe a cruise? There’s a travel agent a couple of doors down.” We won’t ﬁnd it there, ei-

ther. Have we missed something? In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, there’s an insistent message about the first Christmas: “Don’t be afraid!” Zechariah hears it when he’s told that his barren wife Elizabeth will have a son who will be mighty in the Spirit and turn many hearts to God. Mary hears it when she learns that she, a virgin, will bear the Son of God. Joseph hears it when he learns in a dream that Mary has conceived by the Holy Spirit and that her son Jesus will save people from their sins. The shepherds, alone with their sheep in the middle of the night, hear it when they’re told the news of great joy that a Savior has been born in Bethlehem who is Messiah and Lord. And the Magi, who saw the heavens proclaim His birth, are overjoyed as they follow His star to the manger where they find the newborn King of the Jews. The Prince of Peace has come, to set the captives free, give sight to the blind, and proclaim a year acceptable to The Lord. And Jesus will tell us, “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom.” (Lk. 12:32) That’s what I want to give for Christmas. You’ll spot the folks who got it, because their faces will be lit with joy even when the tree and tinsel are gone! And they’ll be wanting to give that joy to anyone they can! That’s worth waiting for. I’m so glad it’s Advent!

“Survivors of Violence” Mass scheduled for Dec. 12 LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Ofﬁce of Justice & Peace will host its annual “Survivors of Violence” Mass on Sunday, December 12 inside the Immaculata Chapel in Lafayette. The Mass, which is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., will be celebrated by Bishop Michael Jarrell. Bishop Jarrell will also be present at the reception immediately following the Mass in order to visit with those in attendance. The “Survivors of Violence” Mass is an opportunity for those who have suffered trauma and loss as a result of violent actions to come together in love and support of one another. The Mass itself is also a reminder to these survivors that the community of the Catholic Church is there to offer prayers for peace and comfort in this wounded world. The reception after the Mass will be hosted by the Ladies of Grace, and grief counselors will be on hand to offer consultations and referrals to those in need. For additional information on the annual “Survivors of Violence” Mass, please contact the Ofﬁce of Justice & Peace at (337) 261-5545.

Acadiana Catholic

LETTERS Letters to the editor policy: Letters to the Editor should be pertinent to articles that have appeared in the Acadiana Catholic or to events and issues that are taking place in the Diocese of Lafayette. We seek to provide a balanced representation of opinions. Opinions expressed by our readers do not necessarily reﬂect the position of this newspaper, its staff or publisher. Readers may agree or disagree with its content. We reserve the right to edit for length or clarity and exclude material deemed offensive or inappropriate for this publication. We also reserve the right to exclude material that includes personal attacks on others. Anonymous letters can not be published. Dear Editor: The following is an open letter to our priests. “LOOKING AT THE POSITIVE SIDE” My personal experience with Catholic priests is a very positive one. Having been a Catholic all of my life (73 years), I have met many, many priests and I want to offer them a big THANK YOU! I AM SO VERY GRATEFUL TO THEM. Many of my friends express this same gratitude and appreciation for the work they do. We love them and we want them to know this. Maybe I just missed them, but I haven’t seen many reports about all the wonderful priests who serve the people in numerous, positive ways. There are literally thousands who do good works daily just around the corner and around the world. It seems more often there will appear in the media reports of Catholic priests who have been accused of some terrible wrong. In some cases it was proved true. Priests are human with human failings just like you and I, but they dedicate themselves to following Jesus Christ to the best of their ability. My experience is that the vast majority are doing a very good job. Priests lead and inspire us. They share the Lord with us by teaching His word, by consecrating the bread and wine and offering that wonderful act of thanksgiving called the Eucharist to us. They show us God’s mercy and forgiveness through the sacraments of the Holy Catholic Church and by assisting us through crises in our lives. There are so many ways they work to fulﬁll their calling. Just my being grateful is a gift our priests have helped me realize. We members of the Catholic Church always pray for the wellbeing of our priests. For the past year, we have been praying for them even more intensely since our

December 2010 Page 21 holy father, Pope Benedict 16th, has asked us to do so. We appreciate them so much that this is something we do happily. May these ﬁne men continue to know God’s mercy, peace and love and to share that knowledge with all of us. Sylvia Bonnecarrere Lafayette

Angola trip scheduled for December 19

LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Justice & Peace has organized a bus trip to Angola State Penitentiary on Sunday, December 19. This service is provided free of charge by the Lafayette Diocese, to provide an opportunity for those without transportation to visit family members who are incarcerated in the facility. The bus will depart at 7:00 a.m. from St. Paul Church in Lafayette (located on the corner of Simcoe and St. John Streets). Those who would like to participate in the trip should contact the Office of Justice & Peace at (337) 261-5545 in order to reserve a seat. In order to visit someone in Angola State Penitentiary, the person’s name must be on the inmate’s visiting list, if the person is over the age of 14. All individuals over the age of 14 must be able to provide a current, Louisiana-issued identification card, and all children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Additionally, all visitors must adhere to the dress code—no blue jeans, shorts, sleeveless shirts, or t-shirts are allowed. Ladies should also remember that only wallets are permitted; purses cannot be brought inside.

Faith groups press for congressional action to cut poverty

are in poverty, including one in ﬁve children. Members of the interfaith group, Fighting Poverty With Faith, urged the House to pass the Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act during the House’s lame-duck session after Thanksgiving. The companion bill in the Senate already has been approved by the upper chamber. The bill would make free and reduced-price meals more accessible to children from low-income families during the summer months.

WASHINGTON (CNS) An interfaith group of more than 50 members three years ago pledged to join in an effort to cut U.S. poverty in half by 2020. In that time, the ranks of American poor have only risen. The latest Census Bureau estimates that 44 million Americans

The “Brady Bunch” celebrates

Father James Brady, center, pastor of St. Landry Church in Opelousas, was recently joined by members of his family to celebrate the 5:00 p.m. Mass at St. Landry Church. Father Brady’s brother is a priest and his father is a deacon. Pictured with Father James Brady is, left, Father Edward E. Brady, St. Isadore Parish, Quakertown, Pa. and Deacon Eugene F. Brady, St. Thomas More Parish, Baton Rouge.

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Acadiana Catholic

Page 22 December 2010

The dumbest column I’ve ever read By Father Frank Pavone

Just prior to the recent election in the United States, Cardinal-elect Raymond Burke repeated in an interview a position which is not only consistent with longstanding Catholic teaching, but which expresses a common sense response to the murder of 50 million children in the United States alone since Roe vs. Wade. He said we cannot vote for those who would allow this massacre to continue. I recently read a column which actually tried to portray Cardinal-elect Burke’s statement as being at odds with the Magisterium. The author started the article by describing the statement as a “command … that Catholics vote Tea-publican in 2010.” First of all, if the political parties in America had swapped their positions on abortion, not a word of the message of Cardinal-elect Burke would have changed. The reason is that he is not talking about one or another

party; he is talking about every party. He is not advocating for one or another candidate; he is articulating a standard for every candidate. He is not seeking to influence one particular election; he is teaching the principles that guide every election. The author of the column I read quotes the Second Vatican Council’s statement that “The Church and the political community in their own fields are autonomous and independent from each other.” He then apparently cannot recognize it when the Church exercises her role in her particular autonomous and independent field, namely, to speak the moral truth, regardless of whether it helps or hurts – or appears to endorse or oppose – any particular candidate or party. Yet there is one mistake the author makes that is even worse. He thinks abortion is a “disappearing” issue and has “a vanishing political future.” Did he miss the debate over abortion in health care? Or perhaps he missed the statistics released after the election (by The Polling Company) indicating that 27 percent of voters said abortion funding in the health care law affected their vote and they voted for candidates who opposed the health care law while just 4 percent said abortion funding in the health care law affected their vote and they voted for can-

didates who favored the law. The polling also indicates that thirty percent of all voters said that abortion “affected” their vote with 22% of all voters backing pro-life candidates and only eight percent saying they supported pro-abortion candidates - giving pro-life candidates a net pro-life advantage of 14 percent among all voters. Examined another way, of the Americans who voted based on the issue of abortion, 73 percent picked pro-life candidates while just 27 percent supported abortion advocates. It’s hardly accurate to portray abortion as a “vanishing” issue. And one more point. We have to stop abusing theology to rationalize our lack of courage to end abortion. Abortion is ripping the arms and legs off of babies and crushing their heads. The abortionists themselves call it “dismemberment” and “decapitation.” There can be no neutrality here, and to imply that Church documents say any different is simply an insult to the Church. Comments on this column? Go to www. AskFrFrank.com Fr. Frank’s columns are podcast. See www.PriestsForLife.org/Podcast

Aquinas Institute takes to the road LAFAYETTE Interested in hosting an AI series through your local church parish? The Aquinas Institute has introduced AI Short Courses, speciﬁcally designed for that purpose. Through ﬁve two-hour sessions which are held in the hosting parish, an accredited faculty member will summarize the selected course. Individuals may participate at the cost of $25 per person. AI short courses include Introduction to Spiritual Life, The Ten Commandments, The New Testament, Theology of the Body, The Seven Sacraments, The Book of Revelation, The Bible and the Mass, and many more. Over 25 AI courses are available. For additional information and scheduling details, please contact Lynne Broussard at (337) 261-5674.

Acadiana Catholic

December 2010 Page 23

Acadiana Catholic

Page 24 December 2010

Father Emusa speaks of concern for moral decay in society By Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE Concern for the moral decay which seems to be sweeping this country and the world was the topic of Father Peter Emusa at the November 2 “Food for the Journey.” A native of Nigeria, Father Emusa had visited his home village last year and was upset by the moral decay there. “Even my grandmother was asking, ‘why are they dressing like this?’ I was shocked, so much had changed,” he said, “It’s a problem all over.” “Every crime is a symptom or result of the decay of morality in our world,” he continued. “Think back when you were young, how much love there was. We spoke of the fear of God, of God’s love. When did things begin to change?” Father Emusa said it began to change in Nigeria in 1967, seven years after a civil war ended, the dynamic began to change. “There is no love, no honesty, no trust, God is becoming upset,” he commented. “There is ﬁghting between Christians and Muslims as evidence of this moral decay.” In the U.S., the moral decay “began when we expelled God from our schools, and now we are feeling the results. If we rely only on ourselves we cannot move forward. Children don’t say ‘hi’ and they don’t now how to respond . “Each of us must reﬂect on what we can do to stop this decay from keeping us from God,” Father Emusa continued.

“Another problem is the entertainment industry, TV, radio, reality shows. They are all about the dollar, less clothes, more sex. This is not what we are on earth to do. We will have to give an account of ourselves to God. Reality shows allow the devil to creep into our lives. The absence of God in the entertainment industry is having an adverse effect on us.” As an example, he said a deacon, visiting a prison, asked , “if you had the opportunity to spend time with someone, whom would you choose, The prisoner replied ‘Angelina Jolie.’ He should be using his time to grow closer to God,” Father Emusa said. He suggested we can learn something from the history of the Roman empire. When family values, morals and strong leadership began to decline the empire began to fall apart.. “We all need to turn around and go back to God,” he emphasized. “What can we do as Christians, as a priest, to bring our world back? We cannot allow the world to change us. We must ﬁnd the truth, believe the message of Jesus Christ. We can bring about change if we trust in God we must not allow fear to push us aside,” he continued. “The devil is very active, causing a lot of destruction. A community with no morals or values is ripe for the devil. We have been empowered by Christ and we cannot step aside and let this immorality continue . The family is the best place to bring God in, Father Emusa suggested. “Unnecessary breakups or di-

Father Peter Emusa, center, pastor of the Church of the Assumption in Carencro, was guest speaker for the October “Food for the Journey” speakers series at Crowne Plaza in Lafayette. Pictured with Father Emusa are, Father Thomas James, SVD, episcopal viicar for the Central Region and Mary Bergeron, right, executive assistant for the Central Region.

vorce should be avoided for the lives of children and parents are affected. When we fail, the children fail.”

‘What can we do as Christians, as a priest, to bring our world back? We cannot allow the world to change us. We must ﬁnd the truth, believe the message of Jesus Christ. We can bring about change if we trust in God. We must not allow fear to push us aside.’ Father Emusa noted these problems cannot be solved in one day, “but our country needs us to be about God every day, From our faith we learn that God will never abandon us. With courage and commitment our country can return to the good old days,” he

said optimistically. “We must bring God back into our schools, elect people, not by the color of their skin but what they stand for in the light of God. Our leaders think God is not vital, but God is vital and God has promised never to desert hie people.” “God sees, hears and understands every intention in our hearts, we should not get discouraged. We should live a life of faith and love, do everything for the glory of God, and God will not abandon us,” Father Emusa concluded. Father Emusa, ordained in Nigeria in 1997, is pastor of the Church of the Assumption in Carencro. He was introduced by Mary Bergeron, executive assistant to Father Thomas James, S.V.D., vicar for the Central Region which sponsors the monthly Food for the Journey programs.

Acadiana Catholic

December 2010 Page 25

‘Praise on the Plaza’ lights up Cathedral plaza LAFAYETTE “Praise on the Plaza,” an event that encourages families and gives individuals a chance to gather for prayer, praise and music, was held Oct. 30 in the Cathedral Plaza. Sponsored by the Life Teen Ministry, this event began four years ago at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Beautiful praise and worship music is provided along with personal testimonies and messages to inspire all as they seek to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. People bring their own lawn chairs and open hearts. Usually there are warm drinks provided. At this “Praise on the Plaza,” Father Chester Arceneaux, pastor of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist surprised the crowd with complimentary bowls of his homemade gumbo. The highlight of the evening is fellowship and worship during the candlelight Eucharistic procession. For more information about “Praise on the Plaza,” call the

Mary holds the Child Jesus in “Virgin of the Lilies” by French painter WilliamAdolphe Bouguereau. The Christmas season begins with the Dec. 24 evening vigil commemorating the birth of Christ and ends with the feast of the Baptism of the Lord Jan. 9. (CNS photo/Jerry L. Thompson, Art Resource)

Cathedral of St. John at 337-2321322 and ask for Laura LaHaye or Danielle Huval.

Sarah Kate Rabalais and Greg Boudreaux of Lafayette led praise and worship at “Praise on the Plaza.” Both Rabalais and Broudreaux have led praise and worship for the National Life Teen Movement in the U.S. and Rome, Ireland, Africa, Germany, Mexico and other places abroad. Sarah is the music ministry leader for the 6:00 p.m. Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

In-service for keeping sacramental records LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Archives will host a Sacramental Recording and Retaining In-Service on Wednesday, February 9 at the Immaculata Center in Lafayette. The in-service, which is open to all pastors, parish administrators, and/or their designees, will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, inside Fusilier Auditorium. Registration forms will be mailed to all pastors and administrators during the first week of January; the deadline to return those forms will be January 31, 2011. Questions and inquiries about pre-registration may be directed to Barbara DeJean at bdejean@diolaf.org or Candace Brunet at cbrunet@diolaf.org. Those who are interested may also contact the Office of Archives at (337) 261-5639 or (337) 2615667.

Dioceses boost efforts to stress importance of marriage in modern world WASHINGTON (CNS) Despite a recent Pew Research Center survey that found a growing number of Americans – now 39 percent, up from 28 percent in 1978 – think marriage is becoming obsolete, family ministers across the country say they believe marriage remains a strong institution. “That (survey) says that over 60 percent agree that marriage is not becoming obsolete,” said Bill Boomer, executive director of the Department of Marriage and Family in the Cleveland Diocese. “The majority of ﬁrst marriages still last.” Professional ministers such as Boomer, acknowledged they must come up with ways to impress upon young generations the important role marriage plays in society. They also say the Catholic Church’s view that marriage can only exist between one man and one woman is important to share with modern-day culture.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 26 December 2010

Red Ribbon Week at Rayne Catholic

The community of St. Marcellus Church in Rynella recently celebrated the church parish’s 50th anniversary. Special guests in attendance included former pastor, Father Raymond Robitaille (left) and Msgr. Richard Greene, Vicar of the South Region (right).

Surrounded by law and medical personnel, Bishop Michael Jarrell celebrated the 2010 Annual Red Ribbon Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rayne, with students and staff of Rayne Catholic Elementary. Red Ribbon Week is a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drugfree lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of drug free America.

St. Genevieve School in Lafayette recognized students Ariana Hebert and Regan Gautreau for having a weekend lemonade and cookie sale in their neighborhood, to raise money for the St. Genevieve Church Restoration Project. The girls were able to present Father Curtis Mallet, pastor, with a $50 donation for the cause.

On November 19, before the start of the Thanksgiving break and in honor of the Feast of Christ the King, students of St. Peter School in Gueydan bore public witness to their faith with a procession of the Most Blessed Sacrament through the streets of Gueydan. As they processed, they prayed the Litany to Christ the King, asking that He may reign in their hearts and that they may serve Him with their lives.

The Associates of the Sisters of the Blessed S recommitment ceremony at Our Mother of Me the left, Claudette Sonnier, Margaret Richard Mary Norbert Moline, S.B.S. and Brenda Fra Dame Parish, St. Martinville, St. Edward Paris in Rayne. Associates seek to live the spirit of works of service fortiﬁed by daily devotion of A

Students at Carencro Catholic Scho mance of Poetry Alive, through the s Center for the Arts Touring Arts sch joined actors in the enactment of the p performances are scheduled for the r

St. Joseph Diner recently accepted & Roy that helped provide Thanksgi Acadiana’s low income elderly hous provides 200 meals daily to the nee Gauthier, Preis & Roy director of ma fayette Catholic Service Centers ex Houssaye, St. Joseph Diner director

Acadiana Catholic

Sacrament recently held their annual retreat and ercy Church, Rayne. Pictured above are, from d, Father Richard Wagner, SSJ, pastor; Sister ancis. The Associates have chapters at Notre sh, New Iberia, as well as Our Mother of Mercy St. Katharine Drexel, S.B.S., especially in their Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

ool were recently treated to a perforschool’s participation in the Acadiana hool performance program. Students poem “Casey at Bat.” Three other live remainder of the year.

a donation from local law ﬁrm Preis iving and Christmas food baskets to seholds. St. Joseph Diner currently edy. Pictured from left to right: Holly arketing, Kim James Boudreaux, Laxecutive director, and Autumn dela r.

December 2010 Page 27

Around the diocese Father Gayle Nunez, right, is pictured being insgtalled as pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Washington. Witnessing the signing is Msgr. Robert Romero, left, Episcopal Vicar for the North Region.

The Knights of Columbus, Council #2398 recently organized a pro-life march while praying the Rosary, from St. Francis of Assissi Church to St. Bernard Church in Breaux Bridge. The march took place in October, “Respect Life Month.”

Sarah Brabant, PhD., Professor Emeritus of Sociology at ULL, recently spoke at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church in Duson for educators and individuals regarding grief. Her topic was the same as the title of her book, Mending the Torn Fabric: For Those Who Grieve and Those Who Want to Help Them.

The Catholic High of New Iberia recently paid tribute to veterans with a special assembly in which the entire student body participated. The service focused on the sacriﬁces and selﬂessness of the men and women who chose to put their country’s freedom before their own needs and desires—parents, grandparents, alumni, community members, and faculty members who served in the different branches of the armed forces were recognized and saluted for their service to country. Pictured above are 4th-graders as they sing “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”

Acadiana Catholic

Page 28 December 2010

‘To see with shepherds’ eyes’: Experiencing that ﬁrst Christmas through the eyes and ears and hearts of those who were there Catholic News Service Responding to editors’ requests for a regular sampling of current commentary from around the Catholic press, here is an editorial titled “To see with shepherd’s eyes,” which appeared in the Dec. 18 issue of The Evangelist, newspaper of the Diocese of Albany, N.Y. It was written by Christopher D. Ringwald, editor. Swedish researchers – no, no, this is not about sex! – have developed a technique that achieves the long-sought goal of truly standing in another person’s shoes. We often try, for moral or spiritual reasons, to imagine an issue or event as experienced by a friend, relative or colleague. Now some people have come close. Scientists in Stockholm, according to a recent report in The New York Times, sat a subject and a researcher facing each other wearing special goggles and headsets. The researcher’s pair had tiny cameras inside, and the subject’s goggles displayed that

The Vatican’s Nativity scene is seen after its unveiling in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Dec. 24, 2009. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

image. The person sees exactly what the researcher does and, soon enough, feels as if they are actually in the researcher’s body. What if there were goggles and a headset that could help us go back in time and experience that ﬁrst Christmas through the eyes and ears and hearts of those who were there? How strong would our faith be then? We would be

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like the shepherds, full of wonder, when called by the angel chorus; or like Wise Men, ﬁrm in purpose, when beckoned by the great bright star in the East. Then we would believe in a way not accessible to us. After all, we merely read of the miracle of Christ’s birth some 2,000 years after the fact. Like Thomas, once we saw and touched with our own eyes and hands, then we would lose all doubt. If we saw the infant through whom God came into our midst, oh, then we would be sure and ﬁrm in our faith, ready to be saints on earth. Alas, we have no such goggles. But there are ways we can see and know the great fact of Christmas with fresh eyes and hearts. Perhaps as children we played the shepherds in a parish

play and were moved by the reenactment as we felt the rough robe, held the staff and walked up the aisle. Ritual and theater always awaken our senses and emotions in a way that words alone cannot. If only watching, we can participate vicariously through the young actors. Advent, with its customs and liturgies and hymns, stirs within us the joy and hope that mount as the season’s weeks escalate toward Christmas. As we sing we share in the awe and excitement experienced by those awaiting the Savior two millennia ago: “On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry, reminds us that the Lord is nigh!” Or we could recall times when we were awed by meeting a hero, seeing a great performance or witnessing a true act of selﬂess love. Then transpose that to a different time and setting. Imagine further how Christ may have seen the world about him. Anyone who has ever served as a eucharistic minister has been inspired by the reverence shown, in many forms, by communicants as they receive the consecrated bread and wine. Either way we could beneﬁt from the out-of-body effort. Like the shepherds or three kings, we would hurry to worship and believe; and like Christ we would, we hope, think only of responding to that vast human need for love.

Acadiana Catholic

December 2010 Page 29

Please join us in welcoming Fox NewsÕ Bret Baier to Lafayette!

4th Annual Gala, Silent Auction, & Veritas Lecture Saturday, March 12, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. CAJUNDOME CONVENTION CENTER $59 per person in advance Host of Fox NewsÕ Special Report, Bret Baier is a Catholic school alumnus who will speak on American culture and society. Seating is very limited, so get your tickets today! Purchase online at www.PJPA.org or call (337) 896-6050 ~ Hosted by Pope John Paul II Academy ~

Acadiana Catholic

Page 30 December 2010

Annual Pro-Life Oratory Contest scheduled for Jan. 12 LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Ofﬁce of Pro-Life Issues will host its annual Pro-Life Oratory Contest on Wednesday, January 12, beginning at 6:00 p.m. inside the Immaculata Center in Lafayette. The contest is open to all high school juniors and seniors in the Lafayette Diocese, with a $250 cash prize to be awarded to the ﬁrst-place winner. In order to compete in the event, students must prepare a 57 minute speech based on one of the following topics: the tragedy of abortion; the tragedy of infanticide; the tragedy of euthanasia;

or the tragedy of embryonic stem cell research. The speech must be at least five minutes long, and no props may be used as part of the presentation; however, note cards are allowed so that the entire speech does not have to be memorized. A panel of three judges will judge each speech on four basic criteria: a clear thesis and sense of direction; general sense of confidence and word usage; logical and concise organization; and lastly, eye contact and the ability to make a fluent delivery. In addition to the $250 prize, the 1st-place winner will also receive the opportunity to rep-

resent the Lafayette Diocese at the state level. The state contest will be held on May 1, 2011 at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus State Convention. The 1st-place winner of the state competition will receive a $500 cash prize, along with an all-expense paid trip with a parent/guardian to represent Louisiana at the National Right to Life Convention at the Hyatt Regency in Jacksonville, Florida; the convention will take place from June 23-25, 2011. Students who wish to participate in the Lafayette Diocese’s 2011 Pro-Life Oratory Contest must register with the Ofﬁce of Pro-Life Issues by returning a completed registration form no later than January 7. These registration forms may be obtained by contacting the ofﬁce at (337) 261-5607.

‘MOTHER OF FAIREST LOVE’ BY FATHER WILLIAM HART MCNICHOLS Mary and the Child Jesus are portrayed in the icon “Mother of Fairest Love” by Father William Hart McNichols. The Christmas season begins with the Dec. 24 evening vigil commemorating the birth of Christ and ends with the feast of the Baptism of the Lord Jan. 9. (CNS photo/ courtesy of St. Andrei Rublev Icons)

Acadiana Catholic

A Vacation with the Lord

Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House, Grand Coteau, La. (337) 662-5410 www.ourladyoftheoaks.com

Resting in the Grace of Advent For so many of my friends and acquaintances the holiday season has become one long chore. It is not unusual to hear statements such as, “I can’t wait until the holidays are over.” When the approaching season is mentioned, many women, and I am sure men as well, get a certain look on their faces, a combination of fear, fatigue, dread, and aggravation. Why has this happened? What is going on? The secular world sees Thanksgiving and Christmas as a time to make sales and promote consumption. Companies and stores begin early with their advertisements, and we are bombarded with messages to buy, buy, buy. Television ads show us visions of false perfection and perfect families…and we struggle to recreate these impossible images in our own homes. We try to live up to everyone’s (unrealistic) expectations of the holidays. We can’t blame business for doing what business does, but we can look at our habits, responses, and attitudes. Do we enter this sacred time as Christians, with thankful hearts, looking forward with joy to the coming of the Lord? Or do we simply trudge mindlessly through the endless days of a consuming season, arriving exhausted and over-stimulated at its end? I certainly don’t have all the answers and I struggle as well. But perhaps we can look to the season of Advent to help us out. Advent offers us prayer, repentance, the quieting of our bodies and spirits, and the central hope of the coming of the Savior. While the world is saying,”Merry Christmas,” on December ﬁrst, we have the opportunity to prepare our hearts for the Lord, to become his birthplace here on earth, to shine forth with His light. Here are a few suggestions that may help us as we approach the season of Advent. 1. Plan carefully and be faithful to a prayer time each morning. Set aside this time for yourself as sacred, and stick to it, especially when you have too much to do. You will reap peace, patience, and joy. 2. Use the readings of the day or an Advent booklet to set the tone for the season in your own soul. This is a time of quiet waiting, repentance, and returning to God in new ways. It is an opportunity for re-conversion of heart. 3. Take a hard look at everything you try to do at Christmastime. Pray about leaving some things out. Realize that it is impossible to please everyone and that perfection is an illusion. 4. Put an emphasis on relationships instead of gifting. So many of our children already have too many material things, but they are longing for uninterrupted time spent with their parents and grandparents. Research shows this is true, even for adolescents. 5. Consider the Sacraments: All offer ways of drawing closer to God. I wish you the very best and most holy Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas seasons. Consider scheduling a retreat to help you achieve a new conversion and peace of spirit. Lyn Holley Doucet, Christian Counselor, Spiritual Director

December 2010 Page 31

Wartime romance lasted

LAFAYETTE Many stories around Veterans’ Day, November 11 feature the men, but here’s one about a lady nurse who has recollections of meeting in the Philippines and a marriage which lasted 54 years. Julia (Judy) Harvey from Philadelphia and Jerry Domengeaux met in the Philippines in October, 1945. She was an army Nurse, and he was with the 38th Infantry division from Lafayette. They met on a blind date and ended up with different partners. Both were expecting to be sent to Japan, and they decided to get married. “An old priest tried to discourage us, but everything was moving fast and nothing was certain. We got married, our orders were changed. I put Jerry on a boat to go home, uncertain if I’d see him again. Then married nurses were sent home and we were reunited in Philadelphia. Her Army service incidentally had included service in France, before the European combat ended and her unit was shipped to the Philippines through the Panama Canal to take up the war in the Paciﬁc. Back home there was a culture clash. In Lafayette, incredible as it seems today, there was still a feeling against Yankees. Julia was Irish Catholic with three brothers who had become priests, and a shared faith was a useful bridge for a marriage which lasted 54 years, until Jerry’s death in 1999 at the age of 90. Members of St. John Cathedral parish, Julia was a daily communicant and Eucharistic minister to the

Julia (Judy) Domengeaux

home bound., until illness forced her retirement. Jerry practiced law and was mayor of Lafayette from 1956 to 1960, then served as district judge. They have ﬁve children, 16 grandchildren and a pair of great grandchildren. “We were blessed,” Julia says in retrospect.

December Ordination Anniversaries Father Thomas W. Montelaro Dec. 6, 1975 Father Jose Padinjarepeedika, C.M.I. Dec. 8, 1972 Father Michael Sucharski, S.V.D. Dec. 10, 1983 Father Rex Broussard Dec. 17, 1966 Msgr. L. Michael Herpin Dec. 17, 1966 Father Martin Leonards Dec. 17, 1966 Father Grady Estilette Dec. 18, 1962 Msgr. Richard Greene Dec. 18, 1965 Father Thomas James, S.V.D. Dec. 18, 1969 Father Robert Courville Dec. 21, 1962 Father Jules C. Speyrer Dec. 22, 1945 Father Louis V. LeDoux Dec. 27, 1952 Father Donald Pelous Dec. 29, 1977 JANUARY, 2011 Msgr. J. Douglas Courville Jan. 3, 1976 Father Michael Guidry Jan. 8, 1971

Serra gives seminary check to Bishop LAFAYETTE At their November meeting with Bishop Michael Jarrell at Immaculata Center, the Serra Club presented a check for $500 to Bishop Jarrell for the Seminary burse. Bishop Jarrell hosted the meeting which began with the annual Mass for deceased members, offered in Immaculata chapel. Harold Guilbeau was the server, Lyall Scott was the reader and ministers of the cup were Gerald and Barbara Gerami.. During the breakfast meeting in Marian Hall, Serra president George Arceneaux presented the $500 check to the bishop. Bishop Jarrell thanked the club for its continuing support of vocations through spiritual and financial means. Arceneaux announced receipt of two certificates from the USA Council of Serra International, one was for the 50th anniversary of the club, and the other for exceeding membership goals for the year. He also announced coming events including the annual sisters’ appreciation supper on February 2, 2011, and a Lenten morning of reflection on March 19, 2011; the December 3, 2010, First Friday meeting at St. Pius X Church.

Acadiana Catholic

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Pope says ordaining women is not the church’s choice to make By Rita Fitch VATICAN CITY (CNS) In his latest book, Pope Benedict XVI reaffirmed that the church has “no authority” to ordain women as priests and rejected the idea that the rule was formed only because the church originated in a patriarchal society. The pope said that man did not produce the form of the church, and does not have the power to change it. Christ gave the form of the priesthood when he chose his male Apostles, he said in the book-interview, Light of the World: The Pope, the Church and the Signs of the Times. “The church has ‘no authority’ to ordain women. The point is not that we are saying we don’t want to, but that we can’t,” he said. This requires obedience by Catholics today, he added. “This obedience may be arduous in today’s situation, but it is important precisely for the church to show that we are not a regime based on arbitrary rule. We cannot do what we want,” the pope said. In the book, the pope responded to the argument that ordination was restricted to men only because priestesses would have been unthinkable 2,000 years ago. “That is nonsense, since the world was full of priestesses at the time,” the pope answered. “All religions had their priestesses, and the astonishing thing was actually that they were absent from the community of Jesus Christ.” The pope said there can be no question of discrimination in the church because women perform so many meaningful functions. “Women have so eminent a significance that in many respects they shape the image of the church more than men do,” he said, noting famous religious figures such as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.

Register now for Cycle 1 of VLCFF LAFAYETTE Those who wish to participate in Cycle 1 of the University of Dayton Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) are reminded that registration will close on January 19, 2011. Classes will be conducted from January 23-February 26, and offered topics will include: Images of Jesus; Introduction to Liturgy; Poverty in the U.S. and Around the World; Survey of Catholic Social Teachings; and many more. A complete listing of Cycle 1 courses and their detailed descriptions may be accessed at www.vlc.udayton.edu. Successful completion of VLCFF courses may be applied toward the earning of a Certiﬁcate in Catechesis from the University of Dayton, in partnership with the Lafayette Diocese. Catechists may also participate in the courses

to earn the continuing education hours required by the diocese’s Office of Catholic Schools, and the Lafayette Diocese’s partnership with the University of Dayton Institute for Pastoral Initiative allows its residents to participate at the cost of $40 per course. The VLCFF conducts a total of seven cycles throughout the year, with Cycle 2 currently scheduled for March 13-April 16; registration will open on January 25. Individuals may elect to participate in any cycle they choose, with no obligation to do so in any numerical order, although one should note that offered courses do vary from cycle to cycle. A 2011 calendar—complete with all cycle dates, registration deadlines, and courses—is available at www. vlc.udayton.edu. For additional information about the benefits of the VLCFF experience, please contact the Office of Christian Formation at (337) 261-5550.

Deacon David Hebert, left, a seminarian for the Diocese of Lafayette, served as the deacon of the Mass for the Nov. 20 diaconate ordination of Clint Landry (center, kneeling) at Sacred Heart School of Theology in suburban Milwaukee, where both are preparing for priesthood. Deacon Landry will serve in the Diocese of Fairbanks, Alaska. Bishop Donald Kettler, (seated) of the Diocese of Fairbanks, presided. Also assisting are Father Charles Bisgrove, SCJ (center, standing), and server Justin Kemke (right, kneeling), a candidate for the Priests of the Sacred Heart.

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Milestones of faith: The presence of Catholic Schools in the Lafayette Diocese The following is the 10th segment in a series intended to offer brief highlights in the history of each of the 35 Catholic schools currently in operation in the Lafayette Diocese. 1952: Maltrait Memorial School, Kaplan. The school is named in honor of Father August Joseph Maltrait, who served the citizens of Kaplan from 18961921. It was a dream of his to offer a Catholic education to the young people of the area, and although that dream was not fulďŹ lled during his lifetime, his guidance has not been forgotten. Maltrait Memorial opened on September 2, 1952, with an enrollment of 81 students; originally, only the ďŹ rst three grades were included, but the school dutifully added another grade level each year until students reached the eighth grade. The school was

staffed by the Grey nuns of the Cross, who arrived at the request of Msgr. Gustave Berubeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and supported by the Maltrait Mothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and Booster Clubs. The efforts of these two groups helped the school add a cafeteria and a gym to its grounds. Presently, Maltrait Memorial offers an educational program for children in grades pre-K through eighth, which includes daily religion classes for grades 5-8. The school is especially proud of its library and computer lab, both of which add to the enrichment of the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; educational experience. 1954: St. Peter School, Gueydan. Located in the same civil parish as Maltrait Memorial, St. Peter School in Gueydan was originally established under the name St. Philomena, serving 94 students in four grades during its ďŹ rst year. This school was also

helped out by the Grey Nuns of Holy Cross (later changed to the Sister of Charity of Ottawa), and by 1959 St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s had expanded to the eighth grade level. Lean times did later force the school to cut back to only ďŹ ve grades for a while, and there was even talk of total closure at one point, but the faculty, students, and parents persevered to keep the doors open. The school was also eventually able to re-establish classes through the eighth-grade level. The school came under the direction of the Marianites of Holy Cross after the Sisters of Emmanuel left in 1989. A kindergarten class was incorporated not long after, followed by a pre-K class just a few years later. A new administration building was added to the grounds in 1999, and in 2001 renovations converted the former principalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ofďŹ ce and copy

Maltrait Memorial students participate in poster contest

rooms into a teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lounge and workroom. The school experienced a ďŹ&#x201A;uctuation in enrollment in late 2005, when the community of Gueydan became a temporary home to many of those who found themselves displaced after Hurricane Katrina. Despite the fact that St. Peter School suffered its own damage when Hurricane Rita struck just a month later, both the school and its church community welcomed the opportunity to reach out to these storm victims until they were able to return to their own homes. Recently, St. Peter School bid farewell to Sister Ann Arno, MSC, who was reassigned by her community after 21 years of service to the Gueydan community. Father Jason Vidrine, current pastor of St. Peter Church, assumed duties as principal, and a new advisory council was elected.

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Maltrait Memorial Catholic School of Kaplan 4-H Club members participated in the 4-H Rice poster contest recently. Pictured above are students who participated. Back row, left to right: Bella Doucet, Kaitlyn Bertrand, AshaileĂŠ Brailey, Mary Margaret Meaux, Zanesia Bernard, Colby Fitch, Lori Lange, Kelli Frith and Aimeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bourque. Front row, left to right: Kaigen Pillette, Emily Faulk, Colin Meaux, Chloe Crouch, Parrish Vienne, Daniel Lange, and Ashley Bertrand.

Advent mission: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Strange beliefs about Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; NEW IBERIA An Advent mission will be held Monday, December 13 and Tuesday, December 14, 2010 from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. at Nativity of Our Lady Church, 130 N. Richelieu Circle, New Iberia. Presenter for the mission will be Father Gilbert Dutel, pastor of St. Edmond Church, Lafayette. The public is invited to come and hear two rather strange beliefs about Mary that are offered by St. Augustine, and their application for people in their daily lives.

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Graham Smith to head Catholic Charismatic Renewal In Diocese LAFAYETTE Bishop Michael Jarrell has appointed Graham N. Smith to be Coordinator for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the Diocese of Lafayette. His appointment was effective October 15, 2010. Smith Graham Smith replaces Father Gayle Nunez, who has decided to step down after serving as liaison for the Renewal since August, 1988. Father Nunez is continuing his other duties in the diocese, including serving as pastor of Immaculate Conception

Parish and Holy Trinity Parish in Washington. Graham Smith has served as assistant liaison under Father Nunez since October, 2006 and was appointed by Father Nunez to the advisory team for the Renewal in 2003. The advisory team is made up of lay Catholic Charismatics who meet monthly to plan activities for the Renewal in the diocese and to advise the Coordinator/Liaison. It will maintain that role, according to Smith. With the appointment of Smith as coordinator, Bishop Jarrell has also appointed a board of clerical advisors for the Renewal, which will be chaired by Father Gregory Cormier. The other members are Fathers Bill Melancon, Hampton Davis, and Deacon Reggie Bollich. They will serve as a

resource to provide theological guidance for Smith and the advisory team. “I am honored by this appointment,” said Smith, “and I am deeply grateful for the friendship and encouragement over the past seven years from Father Nunez, Renewal Ofﬁce administrator Ms. Marilyn deMahy, and the wonderful folks who serve on the advisory team. We’re looking forward to a great ﬁre of the Spirit burning in the Diocese of Lafayette.”

OBITUARIES

Marie Jeanmard LAFAYETTE A Mass of Christian Burial in the traditional Latin was cel-

ebrated here In the Cathedral of St. John the Evanagelist for Miss Marie Louise Jeanmard, 99, who died November 19 at a local hospital. Principal celebrant of the Mass was Father Chester Arceneaux, pastor. Miss Jeanmard, who was a niece of the late Bishop Jules B. Jeanmard, first Bishop of Lafayette, is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Blanche Bettis and Mrs. Anna Thibeaux along with several nieces and nephew, grand nieces and grandnephews. Taking part in the Mass were Father Michael Barras, grand nephew of the late bishop, who read the Gospel; Chris and Josh Thibeaux, nephews of the deceeased. Eulogies after the Mass were offered by Msgr. Earl Gauteaux, New Orleans; Father Jay Voorhies, New Mexico; Father Brad Guillory, Lafayette. Also present were Msgr. Harry Benefiel; Fathers Mike Sucharski, and Vic Cohea,. Altar servers were Robert Guchereau, Jim Poche and Mike Breaux. Interment was in St. John Cemetery in Lafayette. Miss Jeanmard was a lifelong resident of Lafayette and was born and lived in her family home her entire life. Marie Louise was a graduate of The Academy of The Sacred Heart at Grand Coteau and lifetime member of The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Altar Society. In the 1920’s, she was presented with the first medal ever awarded by The Academy (received for sportsmanship). She was a recipient of the Bishop’s Medal for her dedicated service. Marie Louise retired from F.W. Woolworth as the bookkeeper in downtown Lafayette after 30+ years of service. She was preceded in death by her parents J. Frank Jeanmard and the former Lucille Perres; and her siblings Monsignor Jules A. Jeanmard and Lucille Traub.

John Burdin Jr. LAFAYETTE A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated November 24, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist for John “J.J.” Burdin, Jr., 68, who died November 21, 2010. The 2006 Lafayette Civic Cup honoree and President Emeritus of the Louisiana Health System (Continued on next page)

Acadiana Catholic Obituaries continued from page 34

was well known for his distinguished professional career as well as his generous humanitarian efforts. He retired as CEO of Lafayette General Medical Center in 2001 after working there for 26 years beginning in 1976. Mr. Burdin was a member of and active in numerous professional organizations, frequently serving as a Board Member and as Chair of the Board of Directors. In addition, he served as a member of the Board of Directors for Crimestoppers, the United Giver’s Fund of Lafayette, Ascension Day School, the Sterling Foundation, Hospice of Acadiana Foundation, the American Heart Association, the American Diabetic Association and on the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the accrediting agency of higher education. He was a widely respected as an active fundraiser for the UL Lafayette Foundation, the United Way, the Lafayette Education Foundation, Hospice Foundation, the Diabetes Foundation, Special Olympics, the Boy Scouts of America, the American Heart Association, several areas schools, and the Bishop’s Charity Gala. He was the recipient of the highly coveted U.S. Senator John T. Tower Distinguished Alumnus Award of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Among other awards and honors were the 2006 Lafayette Civic Cup, the Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award from the Evangeline Area Boy Scouts of America, the Senior Level He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Monique Faulk Burdin, his son, J. J. Burdin III of Houston, Texas, his wife Candice and two daughters, Ava and Colette, his daughter Claire Alvarado of Lafayette, her husband Danny and daughter Elena, three sisters, Vaughan Simpson and her husband Amos, Barbara Renaudin and her husband William, Kathryn Leonard, and her husband Jimmy, his maternal Aunt, Margaret Baudoin and her husband, Edmund, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, J.J. and Helen Burdin and his son, Paul Winston Burdin.

December 2010 Page 35

Dorothy S. Mesley MEADVILLE, PA Dorothy S. Mesler, 87, of Meadville, Pa., died on November 18 at Meadville Medical Center.She was born December 1, 1922, the daughter of Albert Mailliard and Margaret McHenry Mailliard. She married Thomas Mesley on April 11, 1942. She was an active member of

I’ll be

St. Agatha Catholic Church for over 40 years, and was in the church choir. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Thomas, five children: Father Jeri Mesley of Eunice, La., Gene Mesley and his wife Kathy; Rick Mesley and his wife Vicki; Rita Mesley and Dan Mesley and his wife Lana. She leaves 12 grandchildren,

10 great-grandchildren, a sister, Marjorie; and a brother, Richard. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Robert, Lawrence, Kenneth, Paul, and Eugene Mailliard. Her son, Father Jeri Mesley was celebrant of the Funeral Mass with Father Raymond Gramata of St. Agatha Church concelebrating.

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West Region’s 6th annual “Celebrate Youth” held in Mire MIRE The West Region of the Lafayette Diocese recently hosted its 6th Annual “Celebrate Youth” event on the grounds of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Mire. The event was held in order to allow young people from the ages 12-17 an opportunity to come together for fun and fellowship. Msgr. Jefferson DeBlanc, Vicar of the West Region and Pastor of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Church Point, led the opening prayer and meal blessing. Msgr. DeBlanc was also joined by Father Brad Guillory (Associate Pastor, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Church Point), Rosie Brown (Youth Director, Lafayette Diocese), and Janeth Harrington (Executive Assistant, West Region). They all enjoyed visiting with the youth, youth ministers, and chaperones of the region, and Rosie Brown gave a brief presentation on FLY fest, an upcoming Diocesan youth rally to be held on January 8, 2011. Another highlight of the day was the performance of Nick Myers Music, a local Christian band; sound equipment was provided by Louisiana L.I.V.E. The young people also had the opportunity to play games, visit with old and new friends and enjoy a meal together. All those in attendance received souvenirs (Advice Marketing Promotionals of Lafayette) to commemorate the day’s activities. Special thanks go to the Sacre’Coeur Knights of Columbus (council) and Sacre’Coeur Kaycee (auxiliary) of South Crowley; Piggly Wiggly of Church Point; Rayne State Bank; Court St. Leo Catholic Daughters of Roberts Cove; Father Fountaine Knights of Columbus (council) of Estherwood; and Francis Drilling Fluids. Thanks are also extended to all church parishes, parish organizations, and individual donors who helped to make this year’s “Celebrate Youth” such a memorable event.

Local Christian performers, the Nick Myers Band, provided live music for this year’s “Celebrate Youth” event.

The 6th Annual “Celebrate Youth” event was an excellent opportunity for young people ages 12-17 to enjoy a day of fun and fellowship with one another.

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St. Leo presents a Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

On Sunday, December 19, 2010, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will be presented at St. Leo the Great Church in Lafayette beginning at 6:00 p.m. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is a service of scripture and song that dates back to the late 19th century. In this service there are nine scripture lessons which recount the Fall, the promise of the Messiah, the incarnation, and the great commission to preach the Good News. Each lesson is followed by a carol or song that reﬂects on each of the lesson’s message. Pictured above are choir members of St. Leo the Great Church. Back row, from the left: Patsy Bienvenue, Robert Landry, Steven Landry, (Cantor), Krammer Qualls and Rafael J. Henry, AGO director of music and organist. Front row, from the left: Victoria Landry, Lauren Webster, Beverly Harlton, Nalainiae Henry-Guidry and Christina Harris. Choir members not in photo are: Joseph McCarty, Sherri Landry, Sasha Massey, Briana Stutes.

Next Monthly Manna scheduled for Dec. 15 FRANKLIN The Regional Pastoral Council of the South Region of the Lafayette Diocese Lafayette will host its next meeting of Monthly Manna on Wednesday, December 15, at the Forest Restaurant in Franklin. The gathering will begin at 11:00 a.m., with lunch served at 11:30 a.m. ($10 per person). The featured speaker will be Deacon Randy Hyde of St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville. Last month, those who attended Monthly Manna heard from Deacon Cody Miller of St. Joseph Church in Milton. He spoke of the effect of baptism—a unique experience that brings one into the realm of the Spirit—and how that Spirit shapes not only the world in which we live, but also forms our lives to be receptive to the Word of God. Deacon Miller also mentioned 1 Samuel 10:6, “The Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and … and you will be changed into another man.” This reference was to Saul, who failed to use God’s gift properly and instead disobeyed God and lied to cover his offenses. Deacon Miller went on

Deacon Cody Miller, left, was guest speaker at the October Monthly Manna speakers series. Master of ceremonies, was Deacon Jerry Bourg, right

to remind listeners that God does not judge by appearance, or from one’s lofty stature; God looks into the heart. He drew on another example from 1 Samuel, when David was anointed in the midst of his brothers; and from that day on, the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David (16:13). For additional information on Monthly Manna, please contact Deacon Jerry Bourg (Regional Assistant in the South Region) at (337)578-2423.

‘I try to give to the poor people for love what the rich could get for money. No, I wouldn’t touch a leper for a thousand pounds; yet I willingly cure him for the love of God. –Mother Teresa

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Placing his hands in the hands of the bishop, Nathan Comeaux promises respect and obedience to the bishop â&#x20AC;&#x153;and his successors.â&#x20AC;? In the photo below, Deacon Comeaux gives Holy Communion. Photos by P.C. Piazza.

(Photo above) Newly ordained Deacon Nathan Comeaux, second from the left, helps administer Holy Communion at his Mass of Ordination at St. Mary Magdalen Church, Abbeville. Bishop Michael Jarrell is left.

Nathan Comeaux ordained transitional deacon Continued from page 3

was Deacon Theo Landry of St. Marcellus Parish, Rynella. Seminarian servers were William Schambough, Andre Metrejean, Garrett Savoie, Matthew Barzare, Kyle Melancon and Jesse Davis III. Masters of ceremonies were Fathers Kevin Bordelon and Jason Vidrine.

Deacon Theo Landry, left, St. Marcellus Church, Rynella, helps Deacon Comeaux, center, vest in the dalmatic, the vestment of the deacon. Assisting is Father Scott Desormeaux, right, associate pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Church, Abbeville.

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Five seminarians receive ministries in N.O. ceremonies

Incomplete Seminary Burses Your Contributions Help Educate Future Priests PATRICK BROUSSARD is the son of Mr. and Mrs.Steven J. Broussard. He is in his ﬁrst Theology year at Pontiﬁcal North American College, Rome. He is sponsored by St. John Cathedral in Lafayette. CHRIS CAMBRE, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ricky A. Cambre, is in his third college year at Theologicasl College, Washington, DC. He is sponsored by St. Pius X Church, Lafayette.

Instituted as acolytes by Bishop Roger Morin of Biloxi, center, were Garrett Savoie, left and Andre Metrejean, right. The ceremonies took place in St. Rita Church, New Orleans.

REV. MR. NATHAN COMEAUX is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick A. Comeaux. He is in his fourth Theology year at Notre Dame Seminary, New Orlean., and is sponsored by St. Marcellus Church, Rynella. JESSE DAVIS, III is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse E. Davis, Jr. He is in pre-Theology at St. Joseph Seminary College, St. Benedict, La. He is sponsored by Our Lady of Wisdom Church, Lafayette.

Also receiving ministries in New Orleans, were, left to right, Matthew Barzare, Michael DeBlanc, and Kyle Melancon. Bishop Morin is third from the left. Barzare, DeBlanc and Melancon receive the ministry of reader.

NEW ORLEANS Five seminarians from the Diocese of Lafayette have received ministries as they advance toward ordination to the diaconate and priesthood. Instituted into the ministry of acolyte were Andre Metrejean and Garrett Savoie. Receiving the ministry of reader were Matthew Barzare, Michael DeBlanc and Kyle Melancon. The ceremony of institution took place on October 22 at St. Rita Church in New Orleans with Bishop Roger Morin of Biloxi as the instituting prelate. Andre Metrejean is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Todd Metrejean and is sponsored by Our Lady of Wisdom Parish, Lafayette. Garrett Savoie is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Savoie and is sponsored by Our Lady of the Assumption, Mire. Matthew Barzare is the son of

Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel D. Barzare and is sponsored by St. Anthony Parish, Eunice. Michael DeBlanc is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael DeBlanc, Sr. He is sponsored by St. Joseph Church, Parks. Kyle Melancon is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Tim Melancon and is sponsored by St. Pius X Church, Lafayette.

Priests vs. Seminarians basketball game set for Jan. 3 LAFAYETTE The 5th Annual Priests vs. Seminarians basketball game has been scheduled for January 3, 2011. The game is set to begin at 6:00 p.m. inside the St. Thomas More High School gymnasium in Lafayette.

MICHAEL DEBLANC, II, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael DeBlanc, Sr., is in his ﬁrst Theology year at Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, He is sponsored by St. Joseph Church, Parks

(Photos by P.C. Piazza)

Doors will open to the public at 5:00 p.m., and the cost of admission is $5 per adult (18 & older) and $1 per child (ages 5-17). Children under the age of ﬁve will be admitted free of charge. Jambalaya, soft drinks, and other concessions will also be sold during the game, with all proceeds to beneﬁt the seminarians of the Lafayette Diocese.

‘Come and See Event’ FERDINAND, IN The Sisters of St. Benedict,

219 Msgr. Wm. J. Teurlings Burse #1 13,417.00 236 John E. Lee Jr. Burse 9,324.60 239 St. Joseph Burse 9,076.48 242 Lee C. Lavergne Burse 7,079.73 244 Rev. Julian Van Exem Burse #2 12,524.06 248 Msgr. Alphonsus Martel Burse 11,000.00 253 Serra Club Burse 14,534.49 254 Rusty Randol Burse 1,742.76 260 St. Theresa Burse #2 5,697.46 266 Paul and Mary Karre Burse 2,105.00 268 M/M Willie Fournet Burse #2 570.65 271 Msgr. Joseph Van Brero Burse 710.00 272 Msgr. P. Alexandre Borel Burse 1,625.00 274 Msgr. Emery Labbe Burse 6,310.00 278 Msgr. Daniel Bernard Burse 3,674.64 281 Rev. Harry Van Tiel Family Burse 3,969.00 283 Noemie L. Petitijean Burse 1,000.00 284 Msgr. Daniel Habetz Burse 6,590.00 286 P.J. Reiners Burse #2 9,500.00 288 Rev. Oscar Drapeau Burse 2,000.00 290 Rev. P.G.J. Kemps Burse 1,000.00 291 Lucille M. Griffin Memorial Burse 5,000.00 292 Anonymous Burse 10,470.00 293 Msgr. Fernand Gouaux Burse 4,770.00 294 Robert A. Frey Memorial Burse 7,360.00 297 “A Priest” Burse #2 7,400.00 308 Harold/Ruby Moreau Family Memorial Burse 5,000.00 309 Libby Holcombre Memorial Burse 2,000.00 318 Msgr. Marcel Murie 5,260.00 319 Rev. Marcel & Alfred Gaudet #5 1,942.80 322 Rev. Jean Fidele Paradis #2 5,000.00 323 Charlene Richard 3,030.00 326 Fr. Raphael Gauthier #2 3,757.17 327 Msgr. Albert Bacque #2 325.00 330 Rev. Verbis Lafleur #3 6,500,00 332 Ben & Louisa Larriviere #2 3,750.00 337 Colonel, Chaplain Kenneth A. Bienvenu, USAF, Burse #2 13,014.99 340 Rev. James Doiron 2,272.17 346 Msgr. Alexander O. Sigur Memorial 2,250.00 348 Rev. J. Wilson Matt & Mire Families 450.00 351 Rev. Alcide Sonnier Burse #2 11,300.00 352 St. Edmond Church Parish (In memory of Frs. Dowling & Murray, SM) 9,000.00 354 Catholic Daughters #3 10,200.63 355 Gabriel Lucas Seminary Memorial Fund (Morse) 15,000.00 356 Mrs. Louise L. White Memorial Fund 10,110.00 358 Therese Esteves #5 7,516.49 359 St. Peter’s Parish – New Iberia 10,422.35 363 Ramona Crosby Bennerfield Burse 2,125.52 364 St. Jude Burse #2 8,030.00 366 A. Otis and Etta B. Hebert Memorial Burse 5,000.00 367 Bishop Edward J. O’Donnell Burse 3,545.00 368 Rev. J.C. Speyrer Burse 10,000.00 370 Msgr. C. Burton Mouton Burse 10,700.00 375 Msgr. Charles Marin 100.00 376 Bishop Jeanmard Burse 3,464.00 377 Marie Louise FranquesKenneth N. LaCaze Burse 3,000 378 Bishop Gerard L. Frey Memorial Burse 12,522.00 379 Rev. Moise Hebert #2 3,403.61 380 Lay Honorees #7 3,200.10 381 In memory of Mrs. Dorphi Duhon 2,181.50 382 An anonymous retired priest burse #7 7,000 383 James Kerney Bourque Memorial Burse 3,730.00 384 Bishop Schexnayder Mem. Vurse #3 940.19 385 Rev. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse 2,400.00 386 Coignard/Gremillion Burse #2 900.00 387 Gabriel Lukas Memorial Fund (Morse) 194.21

330 355 386 387

MONTHLY DONORS Carroll/Richard Laﬂeur Morese, Immaculate Coinception Charles Coignard Morse, Immaculate Conception

100.00 121.79 200.00 194.21

Ferdinand, Indiana, from January 7 through 9, 2011 will host a “Come and See Event” for single, Catholic women between the ages of 18 to 40. Get to know the Benedictine sisters, share in their community life and prayer, and meet other women who are considering religious life - no pressure, no commitment. For more information or to register online, visit www.thedome.org, or call Sister Michelle Sinkhorn at 800-734-9999, or email vocation@thedome.org.

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December schedule for Tell the People LAFAYETTE The Diocese of Lafayette’s Office of Radio/TV Ministry reminds listeners to tune in to Tell the People every Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. on KATC-TV3. The December 5 episode of Catholics Today will feature Ed Boustany as he talks about the Office of Justice and Peace’s activities during the month of December, namely the annual Angola bus trip, ChildSmile Project, and the Survivors of Violence Mass. Also on the agenda will be Father Michael Champagne, cjc, who will discuss part I of-the Sacrament of the Sick. Bishop Michael Jarrell will speak on the USCCB General Meeting. On December 12, Sue Aymond from the Office of Christian Formation and Christian Education will be featured as she talks about the “Come Home for Christmas,” the annual program aimed at reaching out to Catholics who have been away from the Church. Father Michael Champagne will continue his discussion on the Sacrament of the Sick (Part II). The Mass for Survivors of Violence, celebrated by Bishop Michael Jarrell will be the featured Mass. On December 19, Rosie Brown, director of the Office of Youth Ministry will talk about the upcoming Faith, Love, You (FLY) Festival for junior high and high school students. Father Michael Champagne will begin his series on the Sacrament of Marriage, part I. Bishop Jarrell will discuss holiday Mass obligations. On December 26, Trista Littell from the Office of Pro-Life Issues will discuss the Pro-Life Oratory Contest. Father Champagne will present part II of the Sacrament of Marriage. Bishop Jarrell will discuss the 2010 proof of performance in the Diocese.

Pray for our priests Listed below are the priests for whom Catholics are asked to pray daily. The calendar is sponsored by the Serra Club of Lafayette. Dec. l Pope Benedict XVI Dec. 2 Bishop Michael Jarrell Dec. 3 Father W. Curtis Mallet, JCL, VG Dec. 4 Father Jaison Mangalath, SVD Dec. 5 Father Wilson Matte Dec. 6 Father Dismas Mauk, SVD Dec. 7 Father Kenneth Mayne Father Neil McNeill Dec. 8 Dec. 9 Father Glenn Meaux, S.O.L.T. Father Aaron Melancon Dec. 10 Dec. 11 Father Bill Melancon Dec. 12 Father Mark Melancon Dec. 13 Msgr. Louis Melancon Dec. 14 Father Jerry Mesley Dec. 15 Msgr. Paul Metrejean Dec. 16 Father Henry Miller, SJ Dec. 17 Father Charles Moffatt, SSJ Dec. 18 Father Thomas Montelaro Dec. 19 Father Michael Moody, SVD Dec. 20 Father Randall Moreau Dec. 21 Father Jason Mouton Dec. 22 Msgr. Richard Mouton Dec. 23 Father Jerome Neyrey, SJ Dec. 24 Father James Nguyen Dec. 25 Father Thomas Nguyen Dec. 26 Father Gayle Nunez Dec. 27 Father Godwin Nzeh, CMF Dec. 28 Father Jude Mary Obiechina, CMF Dec. 29 Father Paul Onuegbe Dec. 30 Father Anthony Ostini, SJ Dec. 31 Father Denis Osuagwu, CMF

Eternal Father, we lift up to You these and all the priests of the world. Sanctify them. Heal and

guide them. Mold them into the likeness of your Son, Jesus, the Eternal High Priest. May their lives be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Hispanic community annual picnic

The Hispanic Community recently had its yearly family picnic at Girard Park in Lafayette. Father Jairo Castano, spiritual coordinator for the Ofﬁce of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Lafayette celebrated Mass at the beginning of the day’s event. Families from the community gathered to enjoy good food , music, and fellowship. Cristina LeBlanc is director of the Ofﬁce of Hispanic Ministry and Emily Byers is administrative assistant. In the photo above, food is served to participants. Father Jairo Castano, right, celebrates the opening Mass.

Christians in Middle East pray for Iraqi victims, seek more protection By Judith Sudilovsky RAMALLAH, West Bank (CNS) Hundreds of Palestinian Catholics in Ramallah and Bethlehem attended special Masses in memory of the more than 50 Iraqis killed in an attack on the Syrian Catholic cathedral in Baghdad and called for protection for Christians in the Middle East. In Iraq, Christian leaders met with the nation’s prime minister to discuss the problem of security for Christian places of worship. In front of the altar at Holy Family Parish in Ramallah Nov. 5, members of the Catholic Scouts held signs calling for an end to the massacre in Iraq and the killing of innocents. A sign on one of three ﬂower wreaths propped against the pulpit proclaimed, “To our beloved victims in Iraq, Christians and Muslims.” On the steps of the altar, small lit candles spelled out the words “Iraq” and “Palestine.” Outside the church, Maral Shatara, 20, painted Iraqi ﬂags and crosses on the faces of young Catholic Scouts. Shatara said tensions between Muslims and Christians had not escalated to murder. “I am not afraid, but for sure

we have to be careful. Of course I would prefer that there be more security around the church. Most religions feel that Christians are a good target for them. Our society is better than Iraq, but for sure we have fears,” she said. Father Faysal Hijazen, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Ramallah, read a joint statement from Christian and Muslim residents of Ramallah condemning the attack and calling for respect for human life and places of worship. The statement urged the international community to take action against such attacks. “We are living in a perilous time that is undermining our existence here as well as our religions and our countries,” they said. “We demand the protection of the role of religious worship which has been exposed to vicious attacks in these days by fanatics who have betrayed their religion. It is our duty to turn the eyes of the whole world toward the tragic situation that some of the Christian communities in the Middle East are facing, particularly in Iraq and Egypt. They are burdened with all sorts of hardships, sometimes reaching the point of martyrdom.

Redemptorist students celebrate All Saints Day

Redemptorist Catholic School, Crowley, ﬁfth grade teacher, Mrs. Dianna Istre, gave her students the opportunity to honor their favorite saints recently. Students researched and wrote essays about their chosen saint and then were allowed to dress as their saint for a school Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Crowley. Pictured above are, back row, left to right, Patrick Cormier, Justin Morgan, Logan Aguillard, Logan Hebert, Father Matthew Higginbotham, pastor; Ethan Lowery, Steven Callahan and Emily Zaunbrecher. Middle row, left to right, Craig Domingue, Mackenzie Habetz, Meredith Raspberry, Payton Mouton, Chloe Von Sibley, Tristin Robinson, Matthew Foster, Anna Duplechain, Bailey Thevis and Gracie Richard. Front row, left to right, Jaysa Marceaux, Isabel Credeur, Riley Regan, Jackie Richey, Hailey Schexneider, Magdalene Arsement, Bailey Matthews and Bryant Bertrand.

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Poverty workshop – ‘A day of inspiration, reﬂection and celebration By Deacon Tim Maragos LAFAYETTE For ten years, the Lafayette Diocese’s Ofﬁce of Justice & Peace has sponsored an annual Poverty

Workshop, in support of the many volunteers throughout the diocese who work to serve the poor and needy in their church parishes and surrounding community. In that light, they continue a tradi-

In the photo above, Coleen D’Aquin, left, was presenter for the workshop on “Inspiration.” To her left are, Sammy Fontenot and Dr. Gail Bonhomme who also made presentations In the photo below, oparticipants were encouraged to share with others how God has worked in their lives and in their ministries to the poor.

tion which dates back far longer than the last decade—all the way to the very beginning of the Church. This year, nearly 130 participants gathered for the workshop as they celebrated: • the dedication of Catholics who quietly and constantly give so that others might have • the commitment of volunteers who meet the poor every day and seek to bring the love of Christ • the faith that underlies their works The workshop was dedicated to those who serve, explained Justice & Peace director Ed Boustany. “It was planned as a day of inspiration, of reﬂection, and of celebration,” he said. “We wanted to recognize the challenging work these volunteers do, and to help them deal with the frustration of working in an area where there can seem to be little progress made.” To address this frustration, the biblical quote from Deuteronomy 15:10-11 was put at the top of the ﬂyer announcing the workshop. It read, “Give generously and be ungrudging when you do so, for on this account the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake. Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.’” “The people in parishes throughout the diocese who work

to serve the poor are some of the most humble and dedicated people I have had the pleasure to meet,” observed Boustany. “Our Poverty Committee wanted to make sure that these volunteers were encouraged and renewed in the work they do.” To accomplish that goal, the workshop was aimed at inviting those in attendance to recall what originally motivated them to work in this ministry, in the hope that renewed inspiration would be felt. They were then asked to reﬂect on how this work had changed not only those they have served, but the volunteers themselves. They were invited to consider how God has worked in their lives, through the work they have done and the people they have met. Workshop presenters included Dr. Gail Bonhomme, Sammy Fontenot and Colleen D’Aquin (Inspiration), Rev. Michael Delcambre (Reﬂection) and Rev. Jaison Mangalath (Celebration). Lastly, the attendants were invited to celebrate the small victories they have achieved, along with their faithfulness, regardless of the amount of success. Poverty Committee chair Lena Charles recalled the words of Mother Theresa, who reminded her sisters that God calls us to be faithful, not successful. The workshop closed with a prayer service and then with remarks and a blessing from Bishop Michael Jarrell.

U.S. bishops elect Archbishop Dolan new president of USCCB BALTIMORE The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) elected Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York as their new president and Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky vice president at their annual Fall General Assembly. Archbishop Dolan, who succeeds Cardinal Francis George of Chicago as president of the USCCB, was elected 128-111 on the third ballot in a run-off with Bishop Gerald Kicanas of Tucson, Arizona. Archbishop Kurtz was elected 147-91 on the third vice presidential ballot in a runoff with Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap., of Denver. Archbishop Dolan and Archbishop Kurtz begin their three-

year terms as president and vice president at the conclusion of this week’s meeting. The bishops elected Bishop Michael B r a n s field of WheelingCharleston, West Vi rg i n i a to serve as USCCB t r e a s u r e relect of the Archbishop Timothy Dolan USCCB in a 123-114 vote over Bishop Paul Bradley of Kalamazoo. As Archbishop Kurtz is vacating the office of treasurer to assume the vice presidency, the bishops affirmed by acclamation that Bish-

op Bransﬁeld assume the ofﬁce immediately. The bishops voted for the chairmen-elect of six committees who will begin their three-year chairmanships in November 2011. The bishops elected: • Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for Military Services to chair the Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance in a 138-105 vote over Bishop Randolph Calvo of Reno, Nevada. • Bishop Joseph McFadden of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to chair the Committee on Catholic Education in a 120-118 vote over Coadjutor Bishop David O’Connell of Trenton, New Jersey. • Bishop Denis J. Madden, auxiliary bishop of Baltimore, to

chair the Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs in a 125-113 vote over Bishop Ronald Gainer of Lexington, Kentucky. • Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin, to chair the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis in a 137-102 vote over Bishop Paul Coakley of Salina, Kansas. • Bishop Daniel Conlon of Steubenville, Ohio, to chair the Committee on Child and Youth Protection, in a 146-92 vote over Bishop Patrick Zurek of Amarillo, Texas. • Archbishop Edwin O’Brien of Baltimore to chair the Committee on International Justice and Peace in a 145-93 vote over Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn, New York.

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St. Cecilia honors veterans

St. Francis students visit ﬁre department

The St. Cecilia School (Broussard) family gathered recently to express their gratitude for the dedication and sacriﬁces made by all veterans to retain the rights of freedom in our nation. The opening prayer of the outdoor assembly was led by seventh grader, Luke Broussard followed by the presentation and raising of the American ﬂag by members of Boy Scout Troop 55. Malea Cordosa, SCS sixth grader shared a poetic meditation saluting all of those noble and the brave heroes who served with honor, dignity and devotion. Patriotic songs were led by the fourth graders, Mrs. Claire Carluen and Mr. Brandon Granger accompanied by Ms. Beth Hebert on the piano. After the ceremonies a reception was held for the veterans in the school cafeteria. Pictured above are some of the participants in the ceremony.

The St. Francis School Kindergaten class in Iota had a visit from the Iota Fire Department. The ﬁremen demonstrated some of the gear worn, resources of water, and other materials used in putting out a ﬁre. Firemen Chris LeDoux and Chris Short are pictured here with Miss Megan LeDoux’s Kindergarten class.

Sacred Heart Elementary announces 4-H ofﬁcers

School celebrates Red Mass

Sacred Heart School in Ville Platte recently hosted its annual Red Mass; local judges, attorneys, law school professors and students, and government ofﬁcials were invited to attend as the Mass was offered for divine guidance and strength during the coming term of Court. The Red Mass is one of three annual traditions at Sacred Heart School; a Blue Mass is also celebrated in honor of law, enforcement, ﬁre department, and military personnel,and a White Mass is offered in honor of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, medical and nursing students, and other health care professionals.

Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic School celebrates Grandparents’ Day

First graders entertained their grandparents by singing a song from The Wizard of Oz.

LAFAYETTE Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic School recently greeted over 800 grandparents for its 2010 “Fall Harvest” Grandparents’ Day. Visiting from as far away as California, grandparents milled around campus with their grandchildren visiting classrooms, the library, the new junior high build-

ing, the art studio, the gym and points in between. During this time, grandparents also delighted in the delicious brunch buffet organized by parent volunteers and community supporters. Following the visits and meal, grandparents were entertained by musical renditions presented by each grade, PreK – 8th, singing songs of the fall season. Pictured are 1st graders singing the scarecrow’s song from the Wizard of Oz, “If I Only Had a Brain.”

RCIA training scheduled for 2011 The Lafayette Diocese’s Ofﬁce of Christian Formation has scheduled four RCIA workshops for 2011. All of the workshop will be held on a Saturday, from 9:00-10:30 a.m., and will be facilitated by John Schexnaildre, RCIA Consultant for the diocese.

Sacred Heart Elementary School of Ville Platte recently held election of officers for 4-H. Serving as 4th-6th grade officers for the 2010-2011 school year are, left photo: Alyson Fontenot, service leader; Catherine Poche, vice president; Caroline Fontenot, president, Bailey Odom, secretary/treasurer and Julien Vidrine, reporter. Officers for 7th-8th grade, right photo are: Torian Veillon, service leader, Andee Lee Fontenot, vice president; Megan Morein, president; Caroline E. Duplechin, reporter and Laura Manuel, secretary/treasurer.

Sts. Peter & Paul students perform work of mercy

Corporal works of mercy were done by the third, fourth, and ﬁfth grade students at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Scott as they cleaned up the Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in preparation for All Souls’ Day.

There is no cost to participate, and the schedule is as follows: Jan. 15 “Puriﬁcation & Enlightenment” Sacred Heart Church, New Iberia Mar. 26 “Mystagogy” St. Mary Church, Lafayette Jun. 18 “Ongoing RCIA Process” Sacred Heart Church, Brous-

sard Aug. 27 “Sponsors and Dismissal” Holy Ghost Church, Opelousas In addition to the training, these workshops will provide an opportunity for various church parishes to meet and share their best practices involving the RCIA process. To register, please contact Lynne Broussard at (337)261-5674.

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Page 48 December 2010

Acadiana Catholic

Violence against Egyptian Christians raises concerns, says worker

A Coptic Christian cleric shows empty bullet cartridges found June 1 after the previous day’s clash between Muslims and Christians at the Abu Fana Monastery near the city of Minya, Egypt. One Egyptian Muslim was killed and four Christians were wounded during a clash over disputed land near the monastery. (CNS photo/Nasser Nuri, Reuters)

JERUSALEM (CNS) Episodes of violence in Egypt that left Christian houses and businesses burned and ransacked have raised concerns among Egypt’s Christian community, said a Christian worker. The Nov. 28 elections have been seen as a possible reason for the increased violence, said the Christian, who asked that his name not be used for his safety. “The situation is confusing. At the same time, we will (soon) have elections, and many harmful activities are taking place. The government wants to reduce the impact of the Muslim Brotherhood, and that is provoking some people to attack Christians,” he told Catholic News Service. Christians “have started to be worried. People feel something wrong in the air. They are taking more care, being more reserved, and avoiding contacts with Muslims,” he said. “It is not a very safe or healthy attitude toward each other,” he added. “We want to overcome this. If it continues this way, it can be catastrophic.” Christians, mostly Orthodox, make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s 83 million – predomi-

December 2010 Page 49 nantly Muslim – population. In a Nov. 18 report published in Washington, the U.S. Commission on International Reli-

gious Freedom expressed concern that incitement to violence in Egyptian media and government-funded mosques is con-

tributing to increasing sectarian tensions between Muslims and Christians in advance of parliamentary elections

St. Genevieve Church an historic treasure, is slated for resoration LAFAYETTE Parishioners and friends of St. Genevieve Church are committed to raising $1,800,000.00 for the interior restoration of one of Lafayette’s oldest Catholic churches through the “It’s Our Turn Now” campaign. Over the past two years, a capital campaign committee representing the parish has met to outline the feasibility, costs and implementation of the project. Conrad Schmitt Design Studio and local architect Gene Sellers, Jr. have been retained for the work. The 81 year-old church will undergo extensive repair and improvement. A successful “It’s Our Turn Now” campaign will fund plaster repair; fiber glassing of walls; and the application of new colors, finishes, glazes and decorative stencil designs in the sanctuary, proscenium walls, cry room and sacristy. Other improvements will include marble flooring, upgraded electrical and lighting system, handicap accessibility, all new pews, a Johannus digital organ from Holland, sound system, altars, pulpit and sanctuary furniture. The original Baptismal Font, Stations of the Cross, and Msgr. Teurlings’ historic chair will be restored. St. Genevieve was built in 1929 as a mission church of St. John’s Cathedral on the other side of the

Pictured above are Father W. Curtis Mallet, JCL, pastor and the St. Genevieve Church “It’s our turn now! “ Capital Campaign chairs Sandra Mathieu and Ashton Chiasson.

city’s busy railroad tracks. Built in a time of great financial struggle, this parish today is one of the largest and most vibrant in the diocese. St. Genevieve Church has witnessed thousands of baptisms, Holy Communions, marriages and funerals, touching many lives throughout Acadiana. In the past 80 years, western and eastern wings were added to the Flemish influenced structure in 1938 and a new church hall was built in 1994. This is the first major campaign for restoration. The project will begin immediately after Easter 2011 and the plan is to conclude in time to celebrate Christmas that same year. Masses and services will be moved to the

St. Genevieve Middle School at 1500 E. Willow Street on the Corner of Willow Street and Teurlings Drive. The Mass schedule will remain the same in the new location. Members of St. Genevieve Church extend an invitation to interested parties to be a part of the “It’s Our Turn Now” Campaign through a ﬁnancial gift. Memorial opportunities for particular components of the interior restoration are still available. Commemorative gifts in celebration of special anniversaries are gratefully encouraged and accepted. For more information or to have a Campaign Packet mailed, call the St. Genevieve Rectory at 337234-5147.

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Bishop afﬁrms timeline for implementation of new missal in US WASHINGTON (CNS) Catechetical preparation to implement the new translation of the Roman Missal next Advent is proceeding in U.S. parishes “with much enthusiasm and wide acceptance by both clergy and laity,” according to the outgoing head of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship. Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli of Paterson, N.J., who concluded

a three-year term as chairman at the close of the bishops’ fall general assembly Nov. 15-18 in Baltimore, afﬁrmed the timeline for implementation of the new missal and disputed what he called “a report surfaced through some segments of the Catholic press.” The 36-page report, whose source has not been made public, is titled “Areas of Difﬁculty in the Received Text of the Missal”

Our Mother of Peace Students of the Year nomineess

and cites what it said are problems of mistranslation, omission and repetition in the missal translation that received “recognitio,” or conﬁrmation, from the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments in August. The report is believed to have been sent to English-speaking bishops’ conferences around the world. “The critique that has circulated has necessarily failed to take into account the ﬁnal version of the text, which incorporates some corrections issued by the congregation since transmittal of the full text to the English-speaking conferences of bishops,”

Bishop Serratelli said in a Nov. 18 statement. In addition, he said, the ﬁnal review and copy-editing process has uncovered “some minor questions of consistency, typographical errors and layout” that are being addressed by the congregation.

“I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying, toys not included.”

– Bernard Manning

Fifth grade Student of the Year nominees (left photo) are, left to right, front row, Victoria Cates, Paige Chavis, Celeste Collins, Conner Gothreaux, Abbey Higginbotham, Ciara Lavergne and Tyler Marks. Back row, Sarah Sarver, Shawn Arabie, Collin Brouillette, Emily Castille, Dylan Landry, Mallory Little, Kyle Lyons, Tori Marks and Gracey Russell. Eighth grade Students of the Year nominees (right photo) are (left to right) (front row) Bryson Duplechain, Claiton Johnson, Jacques Wimberley (back row) Harley Bellard, Hannah Stanford, Hallie Dodge, Emily Miller. Not shown: Coryn Comeaux.

CHURCH POINT Every year Our Mother of Peace chooses a 5th and 8th grade student as Student of the Year. Candidates must maintain a 3.5 grade point average or higher in the current school year and the two previous school years. Candidtates must also put together a portfolio about themselves and their activities and achievements since Pre-K. These portfolios will be judged

and scored according to certain requirements. They will also go through an interview with a panel of judges and scored based on different interview requirements. The 5th and 8th grade student with the highest number of points will be chosen as Our Mother of Peace’s Student of the Year. These 2 students’ portfolios will then be sent on to the Diocese to Our Mother of Peace at the Diocesan level.

VCHS Beta Club represented Vermilion Catholic School of Abbeville as they lived out the Beta theme for the year: “Beta A Volunteer State of Mind,” when they helped for the Boys & Girls Club Halloween party. Twenty-four Beta members added to the success of the event by working the game booths and donating treats. At the event, Beta members were able to meet with VC alumni and Mayor of Abbeville, Mark Piazza from the VC Class of 1975. Pictured in the inset, left to right: VCHS Beta Club president, Courtney Nash; VCHS Beta Club secretary, Jansen Trahan and Mayor Mark Piazza. Pictured are members of the VCHS Beta Club that helped work game booths for the event.

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