Acadiana Catholic - February 2011 by Acadiana Catholic

Better Days Ahead. . . A living hope inspired by Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; love.

The Ofﬁcial Monthly Publication of the Diocese of Lafayette 2009

ACADIANA CATHOLIC

February 2011

Volume 27

Number 2

Acadiana and the diocese lose an historic spiritual treasure By Deacon Tom Sommers WASHINGTON It took only a few minutes for fire to race through the historic 155year-old Church of the Immaculate Conception in Washington Friday, January 14. The St. Landry Parish Fire Department received the first alarm at about 9:43 a.m. Other fire departments from Washington, Ville Platte, Opelousas and Leonville were also called out to battle the blaze. Firefighters arrived within three minutes but the church was already engulfed in flames. Deputies from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Department and the Washington police secured the area. There were no injuries reported, although morning Mass had been celebrated just a couple of hours earlier. There has been no official cause given as of press time. Parishioners reported that there had been strange noises coming from the heating system in the back of the church and women who had just finished cleaning the church said that they had seen smoke coming from some of the ducts in the building.

Immaculate Conception Church was established in 1756, and the current building was constructed in 1836. Father Albert Nunez is the pastor of Immaculate Conception as well as pastor of Holy Trinity Church, also in Washington. He has served the two congregations for more than eight years. “As you can imagine, there are a lot of memories for the people here,” he said. “The Church is its people. But there are a lot of memories,” Father Nunez said. Father Nunez said that Mass would be celebrated in St. Joseph Hall, next door to the church. Parishioners were able to safely remove the tabernacle containing the Blessed Sacrament and several of the service books used to celebrate Mass. The rectory, located next door to the church was spared by the quick action of the firefighters, but there was some scorching of the siding, not serious enough to keep the building from being used. A 100-year old live oak was also destroyed. This is more than the loss of an

It took only about 30 minutes for Immaculate Conception Church in Washington to burn to the ground. Photo by Jim Bradshaw. See more photos on page 4.

historic building. Many of those who watched from across the street, as well as their ancestors, were baptized, received their first Communions, were married from Immaculate Conception. Many of the early residents of St. Landry Parish were buried from Immaculate Conception. Before I left the scene, I heard

Immaculée shares her story of genocide, survival, forgiveness and love

Pictured above in the studios of the Ofﬁce of Radio-TV for the diocese are, from left to right: Immaculée Ilibagiza, Rachel Spoon of Lafayette, who traveled with Immacuée to Rwanda in November of 2009 and Belgium in May of 2010; Kathy Lesnar, personal manager to Immaculée and Trista Littell, Ofﬁce of Pro-Life Issues for the Diocese of Lafayette who interviewed Immaculee for “Tell the People,” the diocesan television program. Photo by Deacon Tom Sommers.

By Deacon Tom Sommers LAFAYETTE Fear, anger, despair, revenge, acceptance, forgiveness, peace. These are the emotions that Immaculée Ilibagiza experienced in her three months of hiding in a tiny bathroom with seven other women, the youngest a seven year-old, as they lived through the terror of the Rwandan genocide of 1994 which claimed the lives of over 800,000 people. She tells her story in the book, Left to Tell. Immaculée was in Lafayette recently for a private function in preparation for her Healing and Hope retreat April 15, 2011 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Lafayette. Immaculée was interviewed for “Tell the People,” the weekly tele(Continued on page 15)

one of the parishioners say, and I’m paraphrasing, “The Church is not the building. It’s the people.” And these people will rebuild; the Church cannot be destroyed as long as two or three gather.

Inside this issue Central Regional Conference features keynot speaker and nine workshops .......................5 Diocese launches new website with many improved features ............6 John Michael Talbot visits diocese ..........................10 Celebrate Life banquet is Feb. 11...........................15 ‘Men of God’ silent retreat on the interior life ..................16 Sacred Heart Church to hold parish-based parishbased Bible study ..........32 Catholic students join together to march for life .............................37 Special section on Family Life ministries............23-26

Acadiana Catholic

Page 4 February 2011

Vatican did not tell bishops to cover up abuse cases, spokesman says By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) A Vatican official downplayed a 1997 Vatican letter to Irish bishops about handling cases of clerical sex abuse, saying the letter did not tell bishops to keep the cases secret from the police. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said the letter aimed at ensuring the

bishops fully followed church law for dealing with accusations in order to avoid a situation in which an abusive priest could return to ministry on the technicality of his bishop mishandling the process. The letter, brought to public attention Jan. 17 by Ireland’s RTE television and published by the Associated Press, was written by Archbishop Luciano Storero,

Fire destroys 155-year-old church

Flowers and candles were placed by the church sign by parishioners and friends of Immaculate Conception Church, Washington, the day after the ﬁre. Photo by Jim Bradshaw.

Fireﬁghters stand by what’s left of Immaculate Conception Church after ﬁre destroyed the 155-year-old building January 14. Photo by Deacon Tom Sommers.

then-nuncio to Ireland. The letter summarized the concerns of the Congregation for Clergy regarding proposed Irish norms for dealing with the sex abuse crisis. Archbishop Storero said that according to the congregation, “the situation of ‘mandatory reporting’ gives rise to serious reservations of both a moral and a canonical nature.” Father Lombardi said, “One must note that the letter in no way says that the country’s laws must not be followed.” He told Catholic News Service Jan. 19 that the Vatican “does not have a universal, specific position on mandatory reporting because the laws and situations are so different from country to country.” However, he said, the Vatican has made it clear to bishops that in their policies for dealing with abuse accusations and in concrete situations “they must respect the laws of their country,” including when those laws require the church to report accusations to police or the courts. Some news reports and some groups of sex abuse victims have pointed to the 1997 letter as evidence that the Vatican directly orchestrated the response of bishops’ conferences to the sex abuse crisis and that even in the late 1990s, not everyone at the Vatican was convinced that abusers should be turned over to the police. Father Lombardi objected to the letter being presented as some kind of “proof” that the Vatican wanted to cover up cases of abuse. Instead, he said, the letter demonstrates the seriousness with which the Vatican was taking the need to formulate and adopt comprehensive norms that could re-

spond to the crisis, which already was affecting several Englishspeaking countries. “The letter rightly insists on the fact that it is important that canon law be respected always, precisely to avoid giving the guilty wellfounded reasons for an appeal, therefore obtaining a result contrary to that desired,” Father Lombardi said. The Jesuit also said people have to realize that the letter was written before 2001 when Pope John Paul II issued new norms for dealing with abuse allegations and made the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith – headed by the future Pope Benedict XVI – responsible for overseeing handling of the cases.

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, uses incense during the opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington Jan. 23. The vigil precedes the March for Life, held each year to protest abortion and the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized it across the nation. (CNS photo/Gregory L. Tracy, The Pilot)

Acadiana Catholic

February 2011 Page 5

2011 Regional Conferences of Acadiana “Act Justly, Love Tenderly, Walk Humbly” Y ou hav e be en t ol d, O m an, wh at i s go od, a nd what t he LO R D r e qui r e s of you: O nl y t o do t h e r i ght a nd t o l ove goo dne ss, a nd t o wal k hum bl y wi t h your G o d. ~ M i cah 6: 8

North Region

Central Region

South Region

West Region

Speaker: Rev. William J. Jarema, B.A., M.S., M.Div. Founder/Executive Director Mercy Center Colorado Springs, Colorado

Keynote Speaker: Rev. Floyd Calais Retired Priest Diocese of Lafayette

Speaker: Grayson Warren Brown Liturgical Composer, Recording Artist, Author, Speaker

Keynote Speaker: Roy Petitfils Counselor and Author

Workshop Presenters: Priests of the Central Region

Saturday, February 12 9:00 a.m.—12:00 noon (Registration at 8:30 a.m.)

Saturday, February 26 8:30 a.m.—12:00 noon (Registration at 8:00 a.m.)

Workshop Presenters: Roy Petitfils Sarah Brabant, Ph.D. Msgr. Robie Robichaux, JCL, JV

Saturday, March 19 1:00—3:30 p.m. (Registration at 12:30 p.m.; Mass to follow at 4:30 p.m.)

St. Anthony of Padua Church 310 West Vine Street Eunice

Holy Cross Church 415 Robley Drive, Lafayette

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 2514 Old Jeanerette Road New Iberia

Contact: Jackie Griffin 337-831-2621 Jgriffin@diolaf.org

Contact: Mary Bergeron 337-654-8682 Mbergeron@diolaf.org

Contact: Deacon Jerry Bourg 337-923-4591 Gbourg@diolaf.org

Saturday, April 2 9:00 a.m.—12:00 noon (Registration at 8:30 a.m.) Vermilion Catholic High School 425 Park Avenue, Abbeville Contact: Janeth Harrington 337-258-0073 Jharrington@diolaf.org

www.diolaf.org

Central Regional Conference features keynote speaker and nine workshops

Fr. Calais

Fr. Delcambre

Fr. LeBlanc

LAFAYETTE The Central Region of the Diocese of Lafayette will host the second of four “2011 Regional Conferences of Acadiana” on Saturday, February 26, 2011, from 8:30 a.m.12:00 noon at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Lafayette. Registration will open at 8:00 a.m. Bishop Michael Jarrell and Father Thomas James, SVD, VE, Episcopal Vicar for the Central Region, will lead the Opening Prayer Service, followed immediately by a Keynote Presentation by Father Floyd Calais, Retired Senior Priest of the Diocese of Lafayette. Father Calais’ topic will be “Evangelization”. Following the Keynote presentation, nine individual Workshops will be offered by Priests of the Central Region. Workshop Ses-

Fr. Richard

Fr. Lein

sions will be held from 9:45-10:45 a.m. and from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. Participants will be able to select and attend two of the nine featured Workshops. Catechist Certification and Religion Hours are available for each Workshop. The Registration Fee for this Conference is $10.00 per person. Presenters and topics include: 1) Father Michael Delcambre – “Healing our Sorrow through the Divine Physician” 2) Father Steven LeBlanc – “Fear No More: Jesus our Liberator” 3) Father Louis Richard – “Prayer and Spirituality: Adopting the Mind and Heart of Christ” 4) Father Lambert Lein, SVD – “Our Discipleship Call is to Make A/The Difference” 5) Father Bill Melancon – “Spir-

Fr. Melancon

Msgr. Robichaux

Fr. LaBove

ituality in the Marketplace: It’s your fault!” 6) Msgr. Robie Robichaux, JCL, VJ – “Forgiveness: Life-giving Reality of Easter” 7) Father Keith LaBove – “Keep on Walking” 8) Father Thomas Habetz – “Liturgy: The Dismissal” 9) Father Neil McNeill – “The Challenges of Justice in a Challenging and Changing World” In addition to the Central Regional Conference on Saturday, February 26, 2011, 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 South Regional Conference will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2011, from 1:00-3:30 p.m. (Registration

Fr. Habetz

Fr. McNeill

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. All are welcome and encouraged to attend any or all of the four “2011 Regional Conferences of Acadiana”. 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).

Acadiana Catholic

Page 6 February 2011

Diocese launches new website with many improved features LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese is pleased to announce that it has officially launched a new and improved version of the diocesan website. The site address remains www.diolaf.org. “This is a tremendous opportunity for us to improve communication ministries in our diocese,” said Msgr. Russell Harrington, Chancellor of the diocese. “We are very proud of our new website, and we want to encourage all in the diocese to access this important vehicle for our local Church.” The website is being constructed by Renee Ory, a webpage designer who began developing the site in November, 2010. The new version of the website provides access to a multitude of resources for the people of the diocese. The home page offers a calendar of events, a summary of current news stories from around the diocese, and a menu to help guide viewers in discovering other great features. Among other functions, the Contact Us section of the website offers access to a downloadable version of the Lafayette Diocesan

Renee Ory

Directory. The directory appears as a series of PDF files, containing the complete listings and contact information for all of the diocese’s central offices, church parishes, Catholic schools, Religious Brothers & Sisters, and Institutions & Housing. These files will be updated regularly to reflect the most up-to-date information, and individuals may print them directly to their own printers if they choose. Those who do not wish to download or print

the diocesan directory will find that much information can also be accessed through corresponding sections of the website. For instance, the Parishes section contains a complete listing of the diocese’s 121 church parishes, including links to their Mass times and individual websites if one is established. Likewise, the Schools section provides information on the diocese’s 35 Catholic schools, while the Ofﬁces section focuses on the diocesan departments. This section also gives access to several sub-pages which have been specifically designed to support the various functions of each department. For example, readers of the Acadiana Cath(Continued on page 10)

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 2011

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 February 1998 edition of the Acadiana Catholic, a child places a rose at the foor of the Rachel Memorial at St. John’s Cemetery following a Mass celebrated by Bishop Edward O’Donnell, center. The Mass marked the 25th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade court decision.

The Diocese of Lafayette serves eight civil parishes with population of 331,000 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

Acadiana Catholic

A-V spotlights for February LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese A-V library has two new recommendations for members to consider during the month of February. The first is Conﬁrmation: Rite for Life (DVD #3782), for grade levels 7-12. This program presents a comprehensive explanation of the history and meaning of the sacrament of confirmation through interviews with experts, reflections by young people who have been confirmed, and video footage of actual confirmation ceremonies. The second recommendation is Initiation Sacraments for Young People (DVD #3792). This three-part collection explores the important initiation sacraments of baptism and confirmation, on a level geared toward younger children. The collection also includes a more in-depth look at confirmation and the Holy Spirit for middle schoolaged children. The three parts are: “The New Birth Day Club (Baptism)” for grade levels 1-5; “The Spirit and Confirmation” for grade levels 5-9; and “Who Is the Spirit?” for grade levels 1-4. For information on becoming a member and/or reserving these and other available selections through the A-V library, please contact Lynne Broussard at (337) 261-5674.

Date set for 36th annual Louisiana clergy open golf tournament LAFAYETTE On behalf of the clergy of the Lafayette Diocese, Bishop Michael Jarrell has announced that the 36th Annual Louisiana Clergy Open Golf Tournament will be held on Wednesday, May 18 at Acadian Hills Golf and Country Club in Lafayette. The tournament is open, free of

February 2011 Page 7 charge, to all priests and deacons of all Louisiana dioceses, as well as to all diaconate formation participants and seminarians of the Lafayette Diocese. Golfing will begin at 8:00 a.m., and an optional 9-hole team scramble (“best ball”) tournament will also begin at 1:45 p.m. for those who wish to make an entire day of it. Prizes will be awarded. Those who do not play golf are invited to join the group for lunch at 1:00 p.m. inside the Acadian Hills Clubhouse. The deadline to register for this event is Monday, February 28 for golfers and Monday, April 18 for non-golfers. Registration/entry forms may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Vicar General by telephone at (337) 261-5613 or by e-mail at sthompson@diolaf. org. Additional information regarding the 36th Annual Louisiana Clergy Open Golf Tournament may be requested by contacting: Clergy Open Host Committee, P.O. Drawer 219, Patterson, LA 70392-0219.

Day of Reflection scheduled for March 10 LAFAYETTE The St. Edmond Altar Society (St. Edmond Church, Lafayette) will host a Day of Reflection with Father Jerry Mesley on Thursday, March 10. The retreat will begin with registration in the atrium at 8:15 a.m., followed by the recitation of the rosary inside the church at 9:00 a.m. The day will also include the celebration of Mass at 12:10 p.m., and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and the Way of the Cross will follow the conference. Those who wish to participate in this event must purchase their tickets in advance, no later than March 3. The cost is $9 per person, and checks may be mailed to: St. Edmond Altar Society, C/O 116 Delmar Lane, Lafayette, LA 70506. For additional information, please call (337) 232-2849.

Sacred Heart Church to host Lenten mission VILLE PLATTE Sacred Heart Church will sponsor a Lenten mission beginning Sunday, March 13 featuring lay evangelist Tom Edwards. The topic for Edwards’ presentations will be on evangelization in the world Tom Edwards and in the Church for four consecutive evenings beginning at 6:00 p.m., right after the 5:00 p.m. Mass. Edwards has given presentations for conferences, retreats, and parish missions throughout the United States as well as Europe, Africa and the Czech Republic.

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 Dr. Hendry: Thank you so much for the inspirational page (“Explore Your Faith”) in Acadiana Catholic. I always love it...it is so touching and really makes one aware of God’s blessings. I look forward to it monthly. Please forgive the printing but strokes have affected my handwriting, and other things. My gratitude for your page is that I keep you and yours in my daily prayers. Thank you. God bless you for your great gift to us. Sincerely, Catherine W. Kemp Lafayette

Acadiana Catholic

Page 8 February 2011

OBITUARIES

Harold J.A. Comeaux LAFAYETTE A Mass of Christian Burial for Harold James Andre Comeaux, Sr. 88, was offered in Our Lady of Fatima Church here. Mr. Comeaux died January 7. Father Michael Russo, pastor, was principal celebrant. Also in attendance were Msgr. Douglas Courville, St. Martinville; Msgr. Keith DeRouen, Opelousas, and Msgr. Charles J. Mallet, Lafayette, retired. Lectors were Betsy Richard, Mary Crisanti, Michelle Hernandez and Angelle Lege. Eulogists were Andre and Al Comeaux. Born in Abbeville, Mr. Comeaux grew up in Lafayette, a member of St. John Cathedral parish where he graduated from Cathedral high school, earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Louisiana Institute, (now U. of L.) a master’s degree from Louisiana State University; served in the medical corps in World War II and in the Korean War. He was an employee of Wyeth, (now Pfizer) Laboratories for 43 years, earning an award as top salesman for 24 of those years, and recognition for establishing an oral polio program in Acadiana. A dedicated servant of the church, he was on the CCD board of St. John Cathedral Parish, and a member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish since 1964 where he was a member of the school board, chairman of the Stewardship committee and Eucharistic minister. He also was a retreat captain for Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House, Grand Coteau for many years and member of the

Board of Directors. He was a past president of the Third Order of Carmel, Discalced, and past president of the Carmellite Guild. In retirement he was minister to the home bound and a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Shelter for Men. He was recognized at the Bishop’s Ball for a lifetime of service to the church and received the Martin Luther King award from Fatima parish. He was a member and past president of the Serra Club, member of the Knights of Columbus, charter member of Oakbourne Country Club and a proud Ragin’ Cajun fan. He is survived by his wife, the former Adele Pavy, four daughters, Mrs. Carl (Betsy) Richard, Mrs. John (Mary Grace) Crisanti, Mrs. Michelle Hernandez, Mrs. Terry (Angelle) Lege ; sons, Harold James Andre Comeaux Jr., Albert Pavy Comeaux, and seventeen grandchildren,. He was preceded in death by his parents Andre Pierre Comeaux and Emma Blanchard Comeaux and one brother. Interment was in St. John Cemetery.

Arthur Bakeler, Sr. LAFAYETTE A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Lafayette for Arthur Francis Bakeler, Sr., 86, who passed away Friday, January 14, 2011, at his home in Lafayette. Entombment was in Sacred Heart Mausoleum in Broussard. Father Steven LeBlanc, pastor of St. Pius X was celebrant, assisted by Deacon Arthur Bakeler, Jr., Mr. Bakeler’s son. Mr Bakeler was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, serving in the U.S. Navy. He was a manager with Bell-

south for many years before retirement, and was instrumental in the establishment of microwave communications for NASA and Michoud space agencies. Arthur was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Lafayette. He was past president of Woodmen of the World Lodge 98, Senator for the Silver Hair Legislators, State Coordinator for the 55-Alive safe driving course program, and was past Commander of American Legion Post 69. He was also past president of the local chapter of AARP as well as the Golden Age Club, and was past Conventions Coordinator and president for Pelican State. He was very involved with Knights of Columbus and was a former District Deputy and Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus #1286. Mr. Bakeler is survived by five of his children, sons Deacon Arthur F. Bakeler, Jr. and his wife, Janet, and David B. Bakeler and his wife, Barbara, and daughters Elizabeth F. Bakeler, Cynthia M. Bakeler and Tammy Ann Duet, all of Lafayette; thirteen grandchildren; and fourteen greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 63 years, Marie Emilie Mayer Bakeler; one daughter and son-in-law, Deborah Ann Bakeler Best and her husband, Terry W. Best, Sr.; and his only brother Alfred Smith.

Sister Margaret Mary Landry, O.Carm, NEW ORLEANS Sister Margaret Mary Landry, O.Carm, died Thursday, December 30, 2010 at the age of 96 years, in the 77th year of her religious profession. Sister Margaret Mary was born Genevieve Adea Landry, on Jan. 23, 1914 in Rayne, to Adonis

Landry of Jeanerette, and Virginia Schexneyder Landry of Rayne. She entered the Congregation of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on Sept. 5, 1930, made her first profession on Aug. 2, 1933 and pronounced perpetual vows Aug. 3, 1936. Sister Margaret Mary graduated from Mount Carmel in New Iberia, in 1929. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in French and a minor in Latin and History from Loyola University in New Orleans, and earned a Master’s degree in Theology from Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. in 1956. She also received a Master’s degree in English from Catholic University in Washington, DC in 1967. Sister Mary Margaret taught from 1933 to 2000 throughout south Louisiana. Sister Margaret Mary taught children at Cub Corner and adult scripture classes in St. Dominic parish and at the Motherhouse. She received the “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” honor from the Lafayette Parish Council, was awarded the Degree of Paladin Leader and the Devoted Oxnard Teacher award. Sister Margaret Mary, the fourth of nine children was preceded in death by her parents, one brother: Louis O. Landry and four sisters: Mrs. Edes Mier, Mrs. Zena Hamilton, Mrs. Virginia Morris, and Monica Patricia Landry. She is survived by one brother: Dennis Paul Landry of Crowley, and two sisters: Mrs. Delta Morris of Pasadena, Tex. and Mrs. Delia (Dee) Orlopp of Caldwell, Tex.

Leland P. Cormier CARENCRO A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Father Arthur Warren, concelebrated with Father Gregory Cormier, son of (See OBITUARIES on page 17)

www.todaysbestbuy.com

J. ALFRED MOUTON, INC. Eddie Mouton - Broker

REAL ESTATE l RENTALS l APPRAISALS l NOTARY WE NEED LISTINGS!! Let us manage or sell your real estate. We specialize in DOWNTOWN, NORTHSIDE, AND OLD LAFAYETTE properties. We’ve been doing it for over 70 years. CALL US TODAY – We’re eager to serve your real estste needs. Eddie Mouton - Broker 547 JEFFERSON ST. / PHONE (337) 235-8561 After 5 PM & weekends- (337) 233-4336 / (337) 298-1885 LIST WITH US!

Acadiana Catholic

February 2011 Page 9

Acadiana Catholic

Page 10 February 2011

Recording artist and religious community founder visits diocese CROWLEY The number one Catholic recording artist, John Michael Talbot recently completed a tour through Louisiana with a series of special events at various churches in the diocese which included music, meditation and prayer. Deacon Tom Sommers, editor of the Acadiana Catholic, had a chance to talk with John before his mission at St. Michael Church in Crowley. He reflected on several topics concerning his ministry. The following is part of that interview: AC: What can those attending your tour of South Louisiana look forward to when they come to your ministry events? JMT: Three things in particular. First, to praise God in song. Second, to help motivate people into deep prayer and meditation, and third, to call people to a deeper commitment to Christ. AC: What about your upcoming projects? JMT: Well, there are several books in the works – Reﬂections of St. Francis, The World is My Cloister, Blessings of St. Benedict, The Universal Monk – The Way of the New Monastics, as well as sev-

Diocese launches new website with many improved features Continued from page 6

olic can now visit its sub-page to access an online version of the monthly publication, as well as a growing archive of back issues. (The archive will eventually include all back issues from the past several years). Contribu-

Catholic musician and founder of a religious community in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, John Michael Talbot, began a series of Louisiana appearances with an evening of music, teaching and meditation at St. Michael Church in Crowley. Photo by Deacon Tom Sommers.

eral musical projects. AC: What attracted you to St. Francis of Assisi? JMT: I think it was his total commitment to the Gospel. He radically lived the Gospel and he also lived a life of deep, mystical prayer as well as his ministry of “living the Gospel.” Father Gary Schexnayder, pastor of St. Michael Church, welcomed John and his ministry team

to Crowley. People of many Christian denominations were present, as well as people who had travelled from other towns and cities. John Michael Talbot is one of the pioneering artists of contemporary Christian music. He is recognized as Catholic music’s most popular artist with over 4 million sales and compositions published in hymnals throughout the world. His newest album, “Concert Songs,”

tors can find a monthly deadline schedule for submissions, as well as information on how to prepare and submit their press releases. Potential advertisers can review advertising rates, sizes, and vital statistics to help them determine how the Acadiana Catholic can best promote their businesses. Also, for the first time ever, those who wish to receive the Acadiana Catholic directly in their homes can now subscribe

or renew their current subscriptions online. This feature is optional, however, and current subscribers will continue to receive renewal notices by standard mail if they prefer to continue using that method. Bishop Michael Jarrell’s current monthly column—as it appears in the Acadiana Catholic— is also available online. This archive is accessible through the Bishop’s section, along with

is his 52nd album in his 36 years in Christian music ministry. A respected author and inspiring speaker, John Michael’s 23rd book, The Universal Monk - the Way of the New Monastics will be published this Spring 2011 from Liturgical Press. He has facilitated retreats for over 26 years. Talbot leads his very active ministry from the Little Portion Hermitage where he is the founder and minister general of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity. His artistic and humanitarian efforts have been recognized with awards from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the Gospel Music Association, Mercy Corps and the Mother Teresa award. For additional historic and current information, please go to www.johnmichaeltalbot.com and www.littleportion.org to see the community information and associated ministries. Please also visit John Michael on Facebook where he offers daily Gospel reflections and actively communicates with his growing fan base. www.facebook.com/ johnmichaeltalbot Bishop Jarrell’s seasonal messages and any special statements he may issue throughout the year. Although the website is userfriendly and easy to navigate, future editions of the Acadiana Catholic will continue to spotlight various aspects of its content in order to help educate the people of the diocese on how it can best be utilized to meet their needs.

PRAY FOR YOUR DEPARTED CLERGY Bishop Edward J. O’Donnell, Feb. 1, 2009 Father Auguste M. Rochard, Feb. 1, 1933 Msgr. Louis Massebiau, Feb. 1, 1953 Msgr. I. Bede Becnel, Feb. 5, 1993 Msgr. J. Guy Lemoine, Feb. 7, 2002 Msgr. Georges Levasseur, Feb. 7, 1986

Monday

Sunday

February 2011 6

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time World Day for Consecrated Life

Msgr. Joseph Peeters, Feb. 20, 1941 Father Marcel Sigrist, Feb. 21, 1969 Father Donald Hebert, Feb. 22, 2000 Bishop Jules B. Jeanmard, Feb. 23, 1957 Father Armand Hamel, Feb. 24, 1948 Father G. Eugene Veekmans, Feb. 26, 1954 Father Hippolyte W. Chmura, Feb. 26, 1992

Father Armand Cyr, Feb. 8, 1973 Msgr. Olan Broussard, Feb. 8, 1977 Deacon James Guilbeau, Feb. 10, 2002 Deacon Lawrence V. Jacobs, Jr., Feb. 10, 2010 Deacon Edward James Ray, Feb. 13, 1994 Msgr. Bernard W. Neyboer, Feb. 16, 1978 Father Harry J. Pelous, Feb. 18, 1994 Deacon Randy James LeBlanc, Feb. 20, 2008

Tuesday

Weekday “Food for the Journey” Speaker Series, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Lafayette, 11:30 a.m. lunch, 12:10 - 12:45 p.m. speaker Sign Language Class, Deaf Action Center, Lafayette, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday

Friday

Thursday

Weekday Council of Priests Executive Meeting with Bishop, Immaculata Center, 10:00 a.m. Serra Club Appreciation Supper for Religious Sisters, 6:30 p.m., location to be announced

Weekday Diocesan Schools Advisory Council Meeting, Immaculata Center (Katharine Drexel), 2:00 p.m.

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

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mission intention:

That in the mission territories where the struggle against disease is most urgent, Christian communities may witness to the presence of Christ to those who suffer.

St. Cyril, Monk, and Sixth Sunday in St. Methodius, Bishop Ordinary Time Our Lady’s Rosary Makers, Engaged Couples’ Conference, Mandatory Life Skills (Commu- Immaculata Center (Katharine Drexel), nication, Conflict Management, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Time and Money, Child-Rearing Skills, Surviving the In-Laws), Our Lady Queen of Angels, Opelousas, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Marriage Anniversary Mass, Those celebrating 50, 60 or more years with Bishop Jarrell. Our Lady Queen of Angels, Opelousas

February general intention:

That the family may be respected by all in its identity and that its irreplaceable contribution to all society be recognized.

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

Weekday Development Directors’ Meeting, Trinity Catholic School, St. Martinville, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

National Day of Prayer for African American and African Families

League of the Sacred Heart Apostleship of Prayer

Weekday Presidents’ Day, Diocesan Offices Closed

Weekday

Weekday Bishop’s Conference, Immaculata Center (Jeanmard Conference Room), 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Weekday Technology Coordinators’ Meeting, Immaculata Center (John XXIII), 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

St. Scolastica, Virgin Companions Along the Journey (Bereavement Support Group), Immaculata Center, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m./

Weekday Council of Priests Meeting, Immaculata Center (Jeanmard Conference Room), 10:00 a.m.

Weekday

WeekdayDiocesan DRE Meeting, Immaculata Center, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Topic: “Continuation of Revised Roman Missal, Catechetical Materials Presentation.” Presenter: Faye Drobnic, Assistant to the Director of the Office of Worship. RSVP: Lynne Broussard, 261-5674

Weekday

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

Chair of St. Peter, Apostle Sign Language Class, Deaf Action Center, Lafayette, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

St. Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr Vocation Supper for Women, Immaculata Center (Bishop’s Residence), 6:30 p.m..

March 1, 2011: Spring Clergy Regional Meeting (South Region), Our Lady of Perpetual Help, New Iberia, 9:00 a.m. “Food for the Journey” Speaker Series, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Lafayette, 11:30 a.m. lunch, 12:10 - 12:45 p.m. speaker

March 2, 2011: Spring Regional Clergy Meeting (West Region), Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Leroy, 9:00 a.m. March 5, 2011: Diaconate Formation Class, Immaculata Center (John XXIII), 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Weekday

March 7, 2011: Holy Hour for Vocations, St. Patrick Church, Lafayette, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. March 8, 2011: Mardi Gras Holiday - Diocesan Offices Closed

Saturday

Weekday Diaconate Formation Class, Immaculata Center (John XXIII), 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m./ Music Workshop, South Region: “Musical Settings for the Mass”/ Celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life, Mass at 4:00 p.m., Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

Weekday Regional Conference of Acadiana (North Region), St. Anthony of Padua, Eunice

Weekday Diaconate Formation Class, Immaculata Center (John XXIII), 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m./ Music Workshop, West Region: “Musical Settings for the Mass,” St. Alphonsus Church, Maurice, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Weekday Regional Conference of Acadiana (Central Region), Holy Cross Church, Lafayette

Acadiana Catholic

Page 12 February 2011

A conversion story By Bishop Michael Jarrell

January was a very busy month. Among all the meetings, conferences and activities, there was the annual observance of the infamous Roe vs. Wade decision of the U.S. Supreme Court, which in 1973 legalized abortion in this country. Marches and rallies were held in several places in the Diocese of Lafayette. Hundreds of people participated in these marches. The first annual state-wide march was held in Baton Rouge with an attendance of over 3,000. The March for Life in Washington, D.C. was held on January 24 with an attendance in the neighborhood of 200,000 people. Maybe I missed it, but the media did not give this event very much coverage. A march of 200,000 people on any other issue would probably have generated a great deal of media attention. In the midst of all of this, a friend gave

Mass for deceased bishops celebrated By Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE The annual Mass for deceased bishops of the diocese was offered at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist by Bishop Michael Jarrell at the anticipated Mass on January 29. This is in keeping with diocesan law which prescribes the ordinary celebrate Mass for his predecessor. A tradition has been established to include bishops from the diocese

me a book entitled, Unplanned: The Dramatic True Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Leader’s Eye-opening Journey across the Lifeline.(Tyndale House, 2010) The book is about Abby Johnson’s conversion from the pro-choice position to the pro-life position. She worked for nine years for Planned Parenthood at their clinic in Bryan, Texas. She worked first as a volunteer while still in college and later as director of the clinic. I found the book very interesting because it shed light on various aspects of this issue to which I had not given very much thought. Usually I approach abortion as a moral issue, which it is. I am very familiar with all of the arguments and principles based in Catholic moral theology. I have also given a great deal of thought to the legal issue and I am very conversant with that argument. In my pastoral experience, I have counseled women who were contemplating an abortion or who have had an abortion. However, I have had very little experience with people who are active in providing abortions for others. I do not know much about their thought processes and their motives. This book by Abby Johnson reveals her motives and the motives of others involved with Planned Parenthood. She became involved

who served in other places as well. Bishops of Lafayette included Bishops Jules B. Jeanmard, Maurice Schexnayder, Gerard L. Frey and Edward J. O’Donnell; also Bishops Warren L. Boudreaux and Robert E. Tracy who were auxiliary bishops here before being assigned to other dioceses. There are also natives of the diocese who were included, who were bishops in other dioceses, even other parts of the world like Bishop Raymond Caesar from Eunice who served in New Guinea, Bishop Harold Perry of Lake Charles (still part

with that organization because she was truly interested in helping women in crisis situations. Planned Parenthood clinics do provide some very helpful services, such as screening for breast cancer. Mrs. Johnson felt uncomfortable with the abortion side of the clinic’s activities. Her own goal was to reduce the number of abortions. She was able to tolerate her discomfort in view of the genuine help that was being provided for women. She suppressed and rationalized the abortion side for many years. One day in 2009, she was asked to assist in an ultrasound-guided abortion by holding the ultrasound probe. She was able to watch the whole thing on the monitor. At that moment, she was no longer able to deny the voice of conscience that was deep within her. All of the rationalizations fell away as she watched the baby being sucked into a tube and discarded. Within ten days she had resigned her position and joined the Coalition for Life, a pro-life organization. Here is how Mrs. Johnson describes the moments after the abortion: “And I could hear in my memory one of the many arguments I’d had with my husband, Doug,

of Lafayette when he was appointed) who served in New Orleans and Bishop Joseph Francis of Lafayette who served in New Jersey. Relatives and friends were invited to attend this Mass and join in prayers of thanksgiving and sympathy for their service to the Lord and the Church.

Bless the living bishops

Lest we overlook the living bishops who have served or are serving us still we pray for God’s blessing and give thanks for retired Bishops Jude Speyrer, a native of Leonville; Dominic Carmon SVD, from

(Continued on page 41)

Opelousas; Leonard Olivier SVD, from Lake Charles. Still active, our own Bishop Michael Jarrell, (from Opelousas) of Lafayette; and Bishops Glen John Provost (from Lafayette) of Lake Charles; Curtis Guillory SVD (from Lawtell) of Beaumont, Tex.; ; Terence Steib SVD (from Vacherie) now of Memphis,, Tenn.; John Ricard, SSJ (of Baton Rouge) now of Tallahassee-Pensacola, Fla. And also add a new one, Auxiliary Bishop Douglas Deshotel, (born in south Louisiana) now of Dallas. Tex.

Acadiana Catholic

February 2011 Page 13

Page 14 February 2011

Acadiana Catholic

February 2011 Page 15

Lenten Mission planned in Delcambre DELCAMBRE A Lenten mission featuring Father Daniel McCaffrey of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City will take place in Delcambre from March 27 – 30, 2011. The theme of the mission will be “The Four Pillars of the Catechism.” It will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Church, which along with St. Martin de Porres Church is sponsoring the mission. Father McCaffrey has been a speaker in Lafayette for the diocese’s Clergy Study Days. All are welcome to attend any or all of these presentations. For further information, please call (337) 685-4426.

Celebrate Life banquet is Feb. 11

Chad Judice

LAFAYETTE The DesOrmeaux Foundation will hold its Celebrate Life 2011 Banquet Friday, February 11 at 6:00 p.m. at the Petroleum Club in Lafayette. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation’s pregnancy resource center and home for homeless pregnant women. Guest speaker for the event will be Chad Judice, author of Waiting for Eli. February Ordination Anniversaries Deacon Wade Broussard Deacon Joseph Comeaux Deacon James Cormier Deacon Harry Darce Deacon Christopher Doumit Deacon Richard Picard Deacon John Sarkies Deacon Nolton Senegal Deacon Steve Simon Deacon Tam Minh Tran Deacon Harris Bergeron Deacon Timothy Borbas Deacon Jerome Collins Deacon James Davis Deacon Ulysee Joubert Deacon James Kincel Deacon Thomas Lindsey Deacon Albert Marcel Deacon Joseph Trahan

Feb. 12, 2000 Feb. 12, 2000 Feb. 12, 2000 Feb. 12, 2000 Feb. 12, 2000 Feb. 12, 2000 Feb. 12, 2000 Feb. 12, 2000 Feb. 12, 2000 Feb. 12, 2000 Feb. 26, 2000 Feb. 26, 2000 Feb. 26, 2000 Feb. 26, 2000 Feb. 26, 2000 Feb. 26, 2000 Feb. 26, 2000 Feb. 26, 2000 Feb. 26, 2000

Tickets for the event are $50.00 per person and include dinner and a silent auction. Tickets are available at www. desormeauxfoundation. com or by calling (337) 289-9366. A drawing for an eight foot by ten foot playhouse (pictured) will be held that evening. Raffle tickets are $10.00. Details can be found on the website or by calling (337) 2899366.

Immaculée shares her story of genocide, survival, forgiveness and love Continued from page 3

vision program sponsored by the Diocese of Lafayette. Trista Littell, from the Office of Pro-Life Issues interviewed Immaculée in the studios at Immaculata Center in Lafayette. She said that during those 91 days in the tiny bathroom, at a Protestant pastor’s house, she could hear the screams of those being slaughtered outside by members of the Hutu tribe. Most of the casualties were of Immaculée’s tribe, the Tutsis. During the time of her confinement, Immaculée began to have doubts...doubts about God and about good and evil. “I felt like the end of the world had come,” she said during her interview. “I know it was the devil, Satan, who was urging me to just give up...get it over with...open the door and walk out.” She added that she began to wonder if God was listening, or even if he existed. Through continuously praying the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Immaculée at first, while praying the Our Father, began to feel she was lying to God when she got to the phrase, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” “I then began to leave that part out,” she said. But after a time, she began to reflect on those words – “As we forgive those who trespass against us.” “I began to ask God to help me forgive,” she said. Up until that time her prayers had been for vengeance, for the death of those who were killing her people,

but that began to change. “When I prayed the Rosary, I would look at Jesus on the cross and remember his last words, ‘Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.’” “How could I not forgive, if he who bore such pain could forgive those who killed him,” she added. This was the turning point in her journey. “Love one another,” was the message she repeated during her interview. She said that hating only hurts the hater, not the hated. After the war ended and peace was restored, many of the murderers were rounded up and imprisoned. Among these was the man who had killed Immaculée’s family. She had a chance to see him in prison. Many, including the army general in charge of the prison expected Immaculée to slap the killer, or spit in his face, or curse him. But when she saw him, a broken man whom she had known as a successful business man with a family, she forgave him, much to the anger of the army general. “How dare you forgive a killer. Don’t you love your family?” he asked. A year later, she met this same general at the United Nations and he thanked her because up until that day at the prison, he didn’t think forgiveness was possible. The killers became to him human beings, and not the animals he had previously considered them. For further information on the Healing and Hope retreat, please go to www.immaculee.com, or call (337) 278-9257.

THE TRUTH OF THE EUCHARIST REVEALED... See & Hear the Story Unfold! A Powerful Fact-Based-Case for Belief in the REAL PRESENCE in the Eucharist! (Recorded Live at Transfiguration Catholic Church, W. Milton, OH, September 2009)

*DVD includes exclusive interview with Investigative Team! To order the “Science Tests Faith” DVD at the Introductory Price of $10 Including Shipping & Handling... Send payment & order to: Love and Mercy Publications, P O Box 1160, Hampstead, NC 28443 www.loveandmercy.org

Acadiana Catholic

Page 16 February 2011

‘Men of God’ silent retreat on the interior life ST. MARTINVILLE A silent retreat for men has been scheduled from 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 25, through 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 27, 2011 at Our Lady of Sorrows Retreat Center. Sponsored by the Community of Jesus Crucified, the retreat will feature Father Michael Champagne, CJC, as presenter. Men of God retreat is designed to help men better understand and respond to their baptismal call to holiness in their particular states in life. The retreat will be silent and will feature talks by Father Champagne on conversion, the call to holiness, prayer, Sacraments and apostolic action. Retreatants are asked to bring their own towels and toiletries. There is no cost for the retreat,

Registration now open for Cycle 2 of VLCFF

LAFAYETTE Registration is currently open for Cycle 2 of the University of Dayton Virtual Learning Com-

St. Joseph Abbey/ Seminary College alumni annual gathering Our Lady of Sorrows Chapel, St. Martinville

but space is limited. To register, please call Vic Guidry at (337) 824-3045.

Our Lady of Sorrows is located at 420 North Main St., St. Martinville.

munity for Faith Formation (VLCFF). Those who are interested in participating have until Wednesday, March 9 to register for the classes, which will be conducted from March 13-April 16. Due to the Lafayette Diocese’s

partnership with the University of Dayton Institute for Pastoral Initiative, residents of the area may register at the cost of $40 per course. Successful completion of these courses may be applied toward the earning of a Certificate in Catechesis from the University of Dayton—in partnership with the Lafayette Diocese—and catechists may earn continuing education hours as required by the diocese’s Office of Catholic Schools. Some of the courses being offered during Cycle 2 include: Introduction to Catechesis; Media, Faith, and Values; Scripture and Justice; and Vision for Catholic Youth Ministry. A complete listing of available courses, as well as a detailed description of each, may be accessed at www.vlc.udayton. edu. Individuals may participate in

MORE. MORE. MORE. At t o r n E y s

sErvicEs

At BRAdLEy & MOREAu,

any one of the seven cycles conducted by the VLCFF throughout the year; there is no obligation to sign up in any numerical order, although courses will vary from cycle to cycle. Registration for Cycle 3 is scheduled to open on March 15, and an entire 2011 calendar 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.

ExpEriEncE

yOu GEt MORE

thAn juSt BRadlEy and MOREau.

River Ranch - 1318 Camellia Blvd | Lafayette, LA 70508 Oil Center - 900 E. St. Mary Blvd | Lafayette, LA 70503 800.807.5107 | 337.235.4660 | www.bradleyandmoreau.com Attorneys front row: Tim Bradley and Angie Moreau Attorneys back row: Angelle MacDougall, Ferdie Iseringhausen, Jimmie Stagg and Maria Pitre

LAFAYETTE The monks of St. Joseph Abbey and St. Joseph Seminary College extend an invitation to all alumni in the Lafayette and Lake Charles Dioceses to attend the third annual Acadiana Alumni Gathering. The event will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 17, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. Following the evening prayer, a reception will be held for the alumni and their guests inside l’Eveche on the Cathedral campus. Seminarians and their parents are invited, along with all priest alumni. There is no cost to attend, but a basket will be placed at the door for those who wish to make a donation to help defray the cost of the event. Those who wish to attend should RSVP immediately by contacting Vanessa Crouere (Director of Development) at vcrouere@sjasc. edu. Ms. Crouere may also be reached by calling (985) 867-2242 or writing to: St. Joseph Abbey & Seminary College, 75376 River Road, St. Benedict, LA 70457.

Acadiana Catholic

February 2011 Page 17

Acadiana District Theresians to sponsor day of renewal

Pictured are the officers of Knights of St. Peter Claver Ladies Auxillary Court # 54 of St. Martinville. The new officers are: Grand Lady, Sylvia Castillo; Vice-Grand Lady, Margaret Wiltz; recording secretary, Eula Lee; Financial secretary, Melissa Francis; treasurer, Cynthia Hypolite; inner guard, Lorena Wiltz; outer guard, Patricia Porter; mistress-at- arms, Della Mae James; lecturer, Charlar Brew, Jr.; Daughter counselor, Detra Mallery and lady of prayer, Elsie Gardner. Not pictured: chaplain, Father Augustinus Seran, SVD, and board of trustee member, Hilda Charles. Knights of Peter Claver Council # 54 2011 Officers: Grand Knight, Paul Richard Sr.; Deputy Grand Knight, Joseph Wesley Lewis; financial secretary, Harold Houston; recording secretary, Willie Lewis; treasurer, Harry Roberts; warden, Octave Valsin, inner guard, Felton Batiste; outer guard, Joseph Skipper; lecturer, Wilray Cormier; Junior Knight commander, Ambrose Bernard; asst. Junior Knight commander, Lyndon Raymond and Father Augustinus Serran, chaplain.

Archbishop Flynn to give parish mission in New Iberia NEW IBERIA Archbishop Harry J. Flynn, DD, will be visiting New Iberia to conduct a threeday parish mission at St. Peter Church in New Iberia from Archbishop Flynn March 2830. Archbishop Flynn’s presentations will begin at 7:00 p.m. each evening, and the theme of the mission is “Remain in My Love.” Everyone is invited, although seating inside the church is limited and people are urged to come early to get situated. Doors to the church will

open at 6:00 p.m. Archbishop Flynn is the Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of St. Paul- Minneapolis. He had appointed to serve as Coadjutor Bishop of the Lafayette Diocese in 1986, and was installed as the fourth bishop of the diocese on May 13, 1989. He served the people of the Lafayette Diocese until he was reassigned to the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis in 1994.

LAFAYETTE The Acadiana District Theresians will sponsor a day of renewal, “Silence, the Language of God,” with the theme, “Be still, listen, and allow God to speak to you” Saturday, March 19, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. Pius X Church in Lafayette. Speakers for the event are Father Michael Champagne, Sister Fatima Aphiri and Roy Petitfils. Fee for the retreat is $20 for pre-registration, $25 at the door and $10 for U.L. students. Lunch will be provided. For registration information please contact: Tammy Fontenot at (337) 831-1899 or Maggie Baudoin at (337) 988-3755.

OBITUARIES Continued from page 8

Mr. Cormier and pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baldwin, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Carencro for Leland P. Cormier, age 75, who passed away Saturday, January 22, 2011 at his residence in Lafayette.

Interment was in Evangeline Memorial Gardens in Carencro. , will officiate at the services. He was a native of Cankton and a resident of Lafayette for most of his life. Mr. Cormier was a self-employed barber in Lafayette for 57 years and a school bus driver for the Lafayette Parish School Board for 25 years. He was a parishioner of St. Peter Church where he was a lector and extraordinary Eucharistic minister. Mr. Cormier was a veteran of the military having served in the U. S. Army National Guard. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, the former Wenella Courvelle Cormier of Lafayette; two sons, Father Gregory Paul Cormier of Baldwin and Brent Phillip Cormier and his wife Vickie of Lafayette; two grandchildren, Megan Cormier and Miles Cormier. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cyrus Cormier and the former Josephine Kilchrist, both natives of Cankton; and one sister, Goldie Cormier.

February Birthdays Deacon John Thibodaux Deacon Reginald Bollich Deacon David Vaughn Father Michael Arnaud Deacon Paul Eleazar Father Michael Sucharski, S.V.D. Father James L. Lambert, S.J. Father David Broussard Father Mark Thibodeaux, S.J. Father Joseph Brennan Deacon Gerald Bourg Father Patrick Healy, S.S.J. Father Michael L. Thompson, S.S.J. Father Louis Lam Vu

Feb. 3 Feb. 4 Feb. 4 Feb. 5 Feb. 5 Feb. 5 Feb. 11 Feb. 13 Feb. 13 Feb. 15 Feb. 22 Feb. 23 Feb. 25 Feb. 28

Quality building materials with expert advice and friendly service to contractors, builders and homeowners. Lumber & Building Materials Tool Van • Select Hardware & Tools Roofing • Siding • Energy Saving Insulation Moulding • Ceramic Tile and Wood Flooring Computerized Kitchen Design • Counter Tops Devoe Paints • Electrical & Plumbing Equipment Rentals Warehouse Loading • Delivery Free Estimates • Special Orders Welcome

LAFAYETTE

1601 Verot School Rd.

BREAUX BRIDGE 1801 Rees St.

3206 Old Spanish Trail E

NEW IBERIA

RAYNE

VILLE PLATTE

4950 Johnston St.

332-5201

365-7925

334-7567

363-2106

981-1145 984-2110

Building on a Tradition of Service

•

Hwy. 90

Parkview Plaza

www.dougashy.com

Acadiana Catholic

Page 18 February 2011

Effective evangelization: Care first, connect second, share last By Roy Petitﬁls

I often hear people describe other speakers as “tough”, because “they got in the kids’ faces and gave ‘em the TRUTH.” This “truth” is usually a version of the unholy trinity of sex, drugs and alcohol, going to Church and religious affiliation. They usually conclude their endorsement of said speaker with “they didn’t like what he had to say, but they needed to hear it.” I wonder if it was the message the youth didn’t like or if it was the messenger. Had the messenger worked a little harder on his approach and motive would the message have been more palatable? Too often giving young people the

“truth” is confused with an arrogance that has little to do with Jesus’ truth, but rather in the speaker/teacher’s ego need to be right. I know because for many years in ministry, I was that teacher/speaker. What young people need, what every audience needs is someone who LOVES them first. Someone who loves them enough to first understand them, their challenges, their needs, their hopes and their fears. The “truth” youth need to hear is the “real.” People need us to be real with them first and then share a comprehensive reality of the gospel which is broader than sex, drugs, alcohol, church attendance and religious affiliation. I’ve had the privilege of attending a few inservices and workshops facilitated by Mike Patin. He’d start by asking us: “What’s tough about being a teacher? What’s tough about ministering to young people?” I remember how that felt. I thought, “This guy is here for

me, not himself. Even though having been a teacher himself, he doesn’t assume he knows what its like for me and genuinely wants to know about my experience of ministry.” People, especially young people, have a hypersensitive radar for motive. Speakers, teachers and others who wish to influence them must be real with themselves first— about their motive first and message second. They must always ask themselves, “Why am I here? What is God asking me to do?” One answer which is always there (among others) is “to love those in front of me” be they young kids, teens or adults. This was Jesus’ model. When we genuinely care about others first and our message (agenda) second, audiences will reward us with their attention. This is the only way the message stands a chance. And since it’s God’s message of Good News we’re sharing, I’d rather be effective than be right. Wouldn’t you?

Rucks Family Foundation will host conference and youth event LAFAYETTE In an effort to raise community awareness about the hidden dangers of internet pornography, its addictive forces, the social consequences on society, and the practical measures that offer significant hope to those struggling in a culture saturated with pornographic images, the Rucks Family Foundation will host two events in April, 2011. The first event will be a youth retreat on April 7, 2011 beginning at 6:00 p.m. entitled “The Naked Truth.” It will take place in the Mardi Gras Ballroom at the Cajundome, located at 444 Cajundome Blvd in Lafayette. This program is for college and

high school aged students and is meant to educate them regarding the dangers inherent in pornography. The lineup of speakers for the event include Heath Evans, fullback for the New Orleans Saints, along with Mark Houck and Damian Wargo, two young men professionally known as “The King’s Men.” Houck and Wargo have themselves experienced a struggle with pornography addiction. They now help hundreds overcome this difficult battle through their follow-up programs, formation, and accountability groups. They will share their stories and address the real crisis that exists in recognizing and developing

authentic masculine and feminine roles in today’s culture. The King’s Men offer powerful testimony and meaningful ways in which to restore God’s plan for sexual integrity to a secular culture devoid of truth. The next day, April 8, a conference entitled “Unveiling the Social Consequences of Pornography and the Path to Freedom” will take place at the Petroleum Club of Lafayette. Speakers for this event will include Heath Evans, Dr. Peter Kleponis, Dr. Mary Ann Layden and The King’s Men, Mark Houck and Damian Wargo. This will be a one-day conference from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Heath Evans will begin the event with a 15-minute address to the participants. Dr. Kleponis will speak on the Anatomy of Pornography and the myth that pornography is a “harmless past-time.” Mark Houck will give a personal sharing from his own struggle with pornography addiction. Mary Ann Layden will speak

about the effects of pornography on women and children from her experiences as a psychotherapist. Her expertise includes the treatment of victims and perpetrators of sexual violence, sexual addictions and those in the sex industry. She has lectured extensively on childhood sexual trauma, sex addiction and sexual exploitation. Damian Wargo will share personal stories and discuss The King’s Men’s accountability groups, real, practical solutions and ways to overcome pornography addiction leading to a future of hope, healing and freedom. His talk will help the participants how to aware of the importance of being involved in noble battles. A panel discussion with questions and answers will conclude the day’s program. For further information concerning either event, please contact Margaret Rucks at (337) 2328460.

Acadiana Catholic

February 2011 Page 19

Incomplete Seminary Burses Your Contributions Help Educate Future Priests MAX HARRINGTON is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Harrigton. He is in pre-Theology at St. Joseph Seminary College, St. Benedict, La. He is sponsored by Our Lady of Fatima Church in Lafayette.

REV. MR. DAVID HEBERT, the son of Mrs. Doris Jane Hebert and the late Mr. Aristide Hebert, is in Fourth Theology at Sacred Heart School of Theology, Wisconsin.. He is sponsored by St. Mary Magdalen Church, Abbeville. MATT HEBERT is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hebert. He is enrolled at Saint Joseph Seminary College, St. Benedict, La., and is sponsored by St. Mary Magdalen Church, Abbeville. REV. MR. JOHNATHAN JANISE is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James P. Janise. He is in Fourth Theology at Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans. He is sponsored by Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Ville Platte.

REV. MR. GARRETT McINTYRE, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael McIntyre, is in Fourth Theology at Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans. He is sponsored by St. Bernadette Church, Bayou Vista.

Photos by P.C. Piazza (except Matt Hebert)

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 15,034.49 254 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. GrifďŹ n 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Priestâ&#x20AC;? 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 LaďŹ&#x201A;eur #3 6,800,00 332 Ben & Louisa Larriviere #2 3,750.00 337 Colonel, Chaplain Kenneth A. Bienvenu, USAF, Burse #2 13,614.99 340 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. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parish â&#x20AC;&#x201C; New Iberia 10,422.35 363 Ramona Crosby BennerďŹ eld 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. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 3,964.00 377 Marie Louise FranquesKenneth N. LaCaze Burse 3,000.00 378 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 Rev. Raymond Robitaille #2 11,000 383 James Kerney Bourque Memorial Burse 3,730.00 384 Bishop Schexnayder Mem. Vurse #3 940.19 385 Rev. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse 2,600.00 386 Coignard/Gremillion Burse #2 1,000.00 387 Gabriel Lukas Memorial Fund (Morse) 194.21

253 330 331 337 376 382 355 385 386

MONTHLY DONORS Serra Club of Lafayette Carroll/Richard LaďŹ&#x201A;eur Carroll/Richard LaďŹ&#x201A;eur Rev. Kenneth Bienvenu Halina Kozeill Anonymous Morese, Immaculate Coinception George/Sandra Bakowski Foundation Charles Coignard

500.00 100.00 101.00 600.00 500.00 4,000.00 121.79 200.00 200.00

Missing your ACADIANA CATHOLIC? Call (337) 261-5650 INVENTORY MANAGEMENT API VALVES â&#x20AC;˘ ANSI VALVES ACTUATORS & GEARS â&#x20AC;˘ CONTROL VALVES RELIEF VALVES â&#x20AC;˘ ORIFICE FITTINGS

Licensed Louisiana Contractor - License #25656 1 0 #PY -BGBZFUUF -" 1IPOF 5PMM 'SFF 'BY

www.lasafety.com

Vocation Awareness Sunday Mass celebrated By Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE Celebration of National Vocation Awareness Week, January 9-15, opened at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist at the 9 a.m. Sunday Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Jarrell. Father Chester Arceneaux, pastor, was concelebrant. The week had been set aside by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops to emphasize the importance of the priesthood and religious life in this country. Seats were reserved in the Cathedral for seminarians and religious and their parents. Parents of some of them brought up the Offertory gifts. Two transitional deacons assisted: Rev. Mr. Nathan Comeaux read the Gospel, Rev. Mr. Michael Hebert was assistant to the bishop. Melodie Thibodeaux was cantor; Tom Niel was organist and master of ceremonies was George Jourdan. Bishop Jarrellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homily was February Ordination Anniversaries Deacon Wade Broussard Deacon Joseph Comeaux Deacon James Cormier Deacon Harry Darce Deacon Christopher Doumit Deacon Richard Picard Deacon John Sarkies Deacon Nolton Senegal Deacon Steve Simon Deacon Tam Minh Tran Deacon Harris Bergeron Deacon Timothy Borbas Deacon Jerome Collins Deacon James Davis Deacon Ulysee Joubert Deacon James Kincel Deacon Thomas Lindsey Deacon Albert Marcel Deacon Joseph Trahan

on the Gospel of the day, the Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist. He noted the Baptism of Christ confirmed the mission of Christ as priest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a person of prayer; prophet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one who speaks about God, and King â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one who leads. Priests are ordained for these roles with special rights and duties. By Baptism, the laity are also conformed to Christ, and have the same rights and duties of learning and teaching the faith, and leading others by example, the bishop pointed out. After the Mass, there was a reception in the Cathedral Center. Ben and Aimee Harrington, parents of seminarian Brian Harrington, were in charge of arrangements.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 20 February 2011

STM Hopefest scheduled for Feb. 19

For further information, contact Lance Strother by telephone at (337) 988-3700, or e-mail at lancestrother@stmcougars.com/.

“Junk in Your Trunk” garage sale fund raiser and family fun day

LAFAYETTE The junior class of St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette is sponsoring the fourth annual Hopefest on Saturday, February 19. This familyfriendly event with food, music, and games for all will be held from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. at Parc International. The cost of admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Proceeds will benefit the STM Options program and Lafayette Catholic Social Services.

LAFAYETTE Faith House of Acadiana will be hosting its First Annual “Junk in Your Trunk” community-wide garage sale at Cajun Field in Lafayette, Feb. 9, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a fund raiser to benefit the women and their children of our community who are affected by domestic violence. “Junk in Your Trunk” garage sale is a one-stop selling and / or shopping opportunity for anyone interested in loading the trunk and backseat of their car, bed of their truck, utility trailer – with whatever items from home that they would like to sell. Those interested in being vendors should arrive at Cajun Field on Saturday, February 19, 2011 between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. to register their vehicle for a $20 fee. Participants will then drive to a designated spot in the parking lot to set up their own mini-garage sale. Whatever profits participants make they keep! In conjunction with this event, Faith House will also be hosting

its Second Annual Family Fun Day. Over 20 safe games and activities will be offered for families to enjoy. Refreshments will be sold and entertainment will be provided by DJ Adrion Guidry and live music from rock-n-roll

“BE FIRE!” By Graham N. Smith

Some mornings, when I go to pray I feel like a bottle of root beer that’s been left uncapped overnight. L o o k s great but not worth much. Tastes pretty flat. I’m sure I’m not the only person since Pentecost who’s had that experience. Even young Timothy, St. Paul’s protégé who served for years as Bishop of Ephesus, must have had days when he didn’t feel quite up to the job. “I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands,” Paul urged him. “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” (2 Tim. 1:6-7) Tradition reports that Timothy was beaten and stoned to death after preaching the Gospel to a procession of pagans who were carrying idols. Timothy chose to heed Paul’s advice, “stir into flame” the gifts God had given him, and make a difference by living out his faith by the power of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Raneiro Cantalamessa, preacher to the papal households of John Paul II and now Benedict XVI, has written a great deal about the importance of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

sensations, “One Trick Pony”. Both events will be held at Cajun Field and are FREE for the public to attend. For more information, please contact Faith House at 337-2679422 or find them on Facebook.

that we all receive in baptism and confirmation. In “Sober Intoxication of the Spirit”, he points to the very clear teaching of Vatican II (Lumen Gentium 12) that these Gifts, sometimes called “charisms”, are given “to make the faithful fit and ready to assume the responsibilities of renewing and building up the church.” We’ve all got these Gifts, although chances are we’re stronger in some of them than in others. But how are we responding? “Serve one another with whatever gift each of you received,” St. Peter tells us. (1 Pet. 4:10) “Sacraments are the gifts given to all for each one’s use,” writes Fr. Cantalamessa, “while the charisms are gifts to each one for the use of all.” Letting the Holy Spirit guide us to where we can be used is a matter of “real conversion”, according to Fr. Cantalamessa. If we don’t do that, despite our Gifts we can be like a Christmas tree, he writes, “good for nothing and discarded” as soon as the holiday is over. But, if we obey the Spirit’s leading, we can be like trees planted along streams and produce abundant fruit. So, if your spiritual life feels like yesterday’s root beer, look around! Join a prayer group! Volunteer to help out at the parish! Chances are good that the pastor is always looking for willing hands and hearts! And above all, ask the Holy Spirit to stir you into flame (and shake things up!)

Certified Recognition Masters www.awardmaster.com

Acadiana Catholic

February 2011 Page 21

North region to host military Mass on Feb. 17 GRAND PRAIRIE On Thursday, February 17, Our Lady of Mercy Church in Opelousas will host a special Military Mass for all members of the military, as well as their families. The Mass, which is sponsored by the North Region of the Lafayette Diocese, will begin at 6:30 p.m., with retired military chaplain Father Richard Vidrine as the main celebrant. All military families—especially those with loved ones who are currently serving abroad—are invited and encouraged to attend.

Father Richard Vidrine

Last August, representatives of the West Region also organized a Military Mass, which was hosted by St. Michael Church in Crowley. It was on this occasion that Deacon Jim Kincel read aloud “A Call to Covenant Between the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana and the Archdiocese of Baghdad, Iraq.” The document outlines a commitment on the part of both dioceses to “build the kingdom of February Birthdays Father T.J. Hebert Deacon John Thibodaux Deacon Reginald Bollich Deacon David Vaughn Father Michael Arnaud Deacon Paul Eleazar Father Michael Sucharski, S.V.D. Father Kenneth Howard, SSJ Father James L. Lambert, S.J. Father Michael Keith Landry Father David Broussard Father Mark Thibodeaux, S.J. Father Joseph Brennan Deacon Gerald Bourg Father Patrick Healy, S.S.J. Father Michael L. Thompson, S.S.J. Father John S. Desormeaux (extern) Father Anderson De Sousa, SVD Father Louis Lam Vu Father Andrew Whitman, SJ

Feb. 2 Feb. 3 Feb. 4 Feb. 4 Feb. 5 Feb. 5 Feb. 5 Feb. 11 Feb. 11 Feb. 11 Feb. 13 Feb. 13 Feb. 15 Feb. 22 Feb. 23 Feb. 25 Feb. 26 Feb. 26 Feb. 28 Feb. 28

God that is blind to our borders, supports our mutual growth by following gospel value, and respond to God’s invitation to be a people unified in our diversity.” The Covenant was signed by Bishop Michael Jarrell and Archbishop Jean Sleiman as a step toward twinning the two dioceses. The concept is similar to that of several cities here in Acadiana that have twinned with cities abroad, to form a bond that honors a shared heritage and other common links. The idea of twinning the Diocese of Lafayette with the Archdiocese of Baghdad was first broached by Mrs. Elaine Richard, parishioner of St. Peter Church in Grand Prairie, following her son’s death in April 2008. US Army Sergeant Joseph A. Richard III was killed in the line of duty during his third deployment to Iraq. While he was stationed overseas, Joe often told his mother how sad he was that it was so difficult for him to practice his faith, since there was no Catholic priest assigned to his base at the time. This prompted Elaine to share her own philosophy to comfort him. “Joe,” she told him, “you know the time of Mass. As an altar server for many years, you know the time of the Consecration and the Elevation. Close your eyes and be still; unite yourself to the sacrifice of the Mass, for at this time, all of heaven and earth are united in the Eucharist! Know that as I receive the Eucharist, I receive it for you, and this Communion—along with all the graces earned—are offered for you, and through Him we shall ‘meet in the Eucharist’!” Originally, the military officers who delivered the news of Joe’s death also assured Elaine that a Catholic priest had administered the Last Rites before he died. Elaine received this news as a great gift of faith and hope in an otherwise dark time; however, as days passed, there was much confusion as to whether or not this had really been the case. Through her efforts to find a definitive answer, Elaine eventually contacted Archbishop Sleiman. Although the archbishop was not with Joe at the time of his death, he offered comfort to Elaine by reminding her that, “your own prayers and the desire [for him] to have a Catholic funeral or even the

In October 2010, local couple Joe (left) and Elaine (right) Richard travelled to Rome in order to meet Archbishop Jean Sleiman (center), with whom they have formed a close friendship.

last sacraments are agreed by our merciful God.” As Elaine and the archbishop continued to exchange e-mails, she learned more about the plight of the Iraqi Christians. She was struck by the similarities of these people and her son—those who experience martyrdom on a daily basis, and the Catholic solider who defended them. She contacted the Diocese of Lafayette, hoping to share her story with Bishop Michael Jarrell and present her idea for twinning the two dioceses. “I am so grateful to Bishop Jarrell for embracing the concept, and for his great wisdom and compassionate understanding of the need by giving his blessing for the Military Masses,” stated Elaine. “Soldiers and their families need support during deployments, to help them cope with that separation and loss of family life. . .it is here that the Church,

through the sacraments and the richness of Grace, can bridge the open wound that deployment can create in families. We—the Church, as the Body of Christ— can help to heal this wound by uniting them in prayer in the Eucharistic Heart of Christ.” In October 2010, Archbishop Sleiman invited Elaine and her husband to join him in Rome, where he was to participate in the closing Mass of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East. The Richards attended the Mass and were able to meet their dear new friend face to face for the first time. “We in America have given to Iraq the best and most precious gifts we have—our children,” said Elaine. “May the sacrifices of absence from their families and the blood they have shed for a people they never knew before be the impetus for peace.”

Acadiana Catholic

Page 22 February 2011

Diocese hosts annual celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. LAFAYETTE The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette recently played host to the diocese’s annual Mass and Award Ceremony Celebration in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The procession into the Cathedral included a special Afro-centric Processional Cross, which the Knight and Ladies of St. Peter Claver Acadiana District IV recently donated to the Office of Black Catholic Ministries. Bishop Michael Jarrell was celebrant of the Mass, while Deacon Jim Kincel read the Gospel and Father Jason Mangalath, SVD, served as homilist. Father Mangalath is presently assigned as Pastor of Holy Ghost Church in Opelousas. “I am so humbled and honored to be asked to be the homilist for such a distinguished event,” said Father Mangalath. As a commendation to those who would later be honored with the 2011 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, he added, “You have come out of yourselves—the reason some-

Bishop Michael Jarrell, left, congratulates the recipients of the 2011 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award. This year’s recipients included a total of 71 individuals, representing 42 church parishes and two mission chapels from throughout the diocese. Names of the honorees will be published in an upcoming edition of the Acadiana Catholic. Photo by P.C. Piazza.

one pointed their finger at you and said ‘you are to receive this award tonight’ is because you came out of yourself, made yourself available—and may I add, you made yourself a gift to the communities from which you come.” Bishop Jarrell presented the awards immediately following the Mass. This year’s recipients included a total of 71 individuals, representing 42 church parishes and two mission chapels from throughout

the diocese. Additional honorees included Geralyn Shelvin, who was nominated by the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, Little Theresa Court #11, as well as Linda Cormier (posthumous) and Mary Figaro, who were nominated by the Office of Black Catholic Ministries. Other participants in the Mass included the 2010 facilitators of the African American Youth Congress, who represented the younger generations

by serving as lectors. Musical contributions to the ceremony were coordinated by Mr. Francis LeBlanc of Abbeville. The Office of Black Catholic Ministries would like to extend its special thanks to Bishop Jarrell, Father Mangalath, Deacons Jim Kincel and Anthony Ozene, Sr., Francis LeBlanc, and the 2010 AAYC facilitators for their participation in this year’s Mass and ceremony. Special thanks are also extended to the Cathedral staff, Joseph Walker (photographer), the OBCM Planning Committee, members of the AACYC Committee, Brenda Menard, the diocesan Offices of Worship and Radio/TV, and all participating church parishes. Those interested in viewing the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass and Award Ceremony should check their local listings for Acadiana Open Channel (AOC). AOC will be airing the Mass at various times throughout February, in honor of Black History Month.

‘I’m Committed’ is theme for Mr. & Miss MLK Pageant LAFAYETTE Named as 2011 Miss MLK Queen is Dalanie Duhon, a 17-year-old junior at Northside High School where she maintains a 3.5 GPA. She is the daughter of Charles and Donna Duhon and a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Lafayette. Among many school and community activities, she participates in Student Council Report, L.I.N.K Crew, Talent Search Program, Speech and Debate Club, Gifted and Talented, acting, African American Youth Congress Facilitator, and many others. Dalanie plans to attend a Louisiana University and major in Law. All Kings and Queens receive an all-expense-paid trip to Selma, Ala. the first weekend in March for the Commemoration of the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March. The National Pageant takes place at this event.

Pictured above: 2011 Mr. Pre-Teen King, Jayiris Maze of Abbeville; 2011 Miss PreTeen Queen, Aliko Leblanc of Cecilia; 2011 Miss MLK Queen, Dalanie Duhon and 2011 Miss Teen Queen, Markeithia Zeno of Lafayette.

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

GLOBALLY-DIVERSIFIED INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS - ACTIVE RISK MANAGEMENT Offering investment strategies that adhere to Catholic teachings by avoiding companies involved in abortion and pornography.

Acadiana Catholic

Love

February 2011 Page 23

Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. (1 Cor 13: 4-8)

The following is a condensed reflection written by Father Jude A. Halphen, PhD, Director of the Office of Marriage & Family Life Ministry. To read the reflection in its entirety, please visit the Acadiana Catholic section of the diocese’s newly launched website at www.diolaf.org. I’ve read 1 Cor 13 more times than I can remember when performing weddings. For a while, this “Love Chapter” went out of style, as couples preferred more “innovative” weddings, but when they decided to do away with powder blue tuxes in favor of the more traditional black (Thanks be to God!), they also began to request 1 Cor 13 again for their weddings. Often, couples choose this text without really thinking about what it says and does not say. They know it’s about love, and that seems appropriate for the more romantic setting of a wedding. Yet, when I

meet with couples to discuss their choice of 1 Cor 13, they are often startled when I affirm their choice but then add, “You know, there’s no romance in this passage. If anything, it’s anti-romantic.” What do I mean by this statement? I mean that 1 Cor 13 has little to do with the feelings of being in love, with the fairy tale “and they lived happily ever after” wishes that accompany a wedding. Romance says, “Oh, that couple looks so beautiful. I’m sure they’ll have a wonderful marriage. Look, they’re so much in love.” 1 Cor 13 says, first of all, that love requires patience. The text adds, “Love is not jealous or boastful or proud” (13:4). By natural inclination, people are these things, but love is not. You don’t hear the violins playing as the couple rides off into the sunset celebrating their lack of jealousy, boastfulness, or pride. In fact,

more than half of the descriptions of love in 1 Cor 13 are negations. They tell us what love is not., and, though it’s not mentioned, they imply that the sort of love envisioned in this passage is not romantic but realistic. Sacrificial. Christ-like. Don’t get me wrong. I think romance is just great, but romance will only take us so far in any relationship. The kind of love celebrated in 1 Cor 13, however, can take us all the way, “for better or for worse, till death do us part.” This is true, not only for a marriage, but also for a family, for friends, and for the Church. Let us examine some of the aspects of love noted in 1 Cor 13. A while back, I read a fascinating book by James Gleick called Faster: The Acceleration of Just About Everything (Pantheon, 1999), in which he shows how our lives have been sped up by technology and the cultural shifts it has

spawned. He supplies an illustration that I found particularly telling and ironic: “[One doesn’t buy] deep-blue denim jeans with their dye stiff as tin, resigned to wearing them for a year before achieving a faded ‘look.’ One buys them prewashed, prefaded, and maybe prepatched at the knees or seat. Who can wait for nature to take its course?” Gleick is right, I think. Most of us would agree that our lives are governed to a great extent by a need for speed, but there is a substantial downside to this obsession. For one thing, it makes us quite impatient. We want what we want, and we want it NOW! If we send an email to a subordinate on the weekend, we expect a prompt response by iPhone or Blackberry. If we’re forced to wait in line in a store, we grind our teeth with frustration, and if people in our lives don’t act as we’d like them to act, we want change . . . immediately. Love, on the contrary, is patient; that’s the first quality mentioned in 1 Cor 13. Patience (Continued on Page 26)

When roses represent more than romance by Stephanie Martin Valentine’s Day is nearly here, and any florist will likely attest to what a busy day it is for them. It is the perfect holiday for sending flowers to loved ones, after all—to remind them of how much they are loved, just as we are reminded of that fact when someone sends them to us in return. So, of course the gesture is thoughtful and romantic, but can there sometimes be a spiritual tie-in to the gift as well? Consider the story of St. Juan Diego. In the year 1531, it was a heartfelt gift of flowers that helped to forever notarize this humble peasant as a messenger of the Blessed Mother of God. She appeared to him on a remote hillside in Mexico, and asked him to travel to Mexico City with a message for the bishop that a church should be built in that spot. Juan Diego obediently delivered the message, but the bishop

did not believe him, so he returned to the hill and apologized to the Blessed Mother for his failure. Upon her insistence, however, he returned to visit the bishop a second time, and repeated the same request as before. The bishop then suggested that Juan Diego ask the Blessed Mother to somehow prove that the message was from her, and the peasant went back to the hill once again to report this. The Blessed Mother responded by sending Juan Diego to gather flowers from the hilltop, which she then instructed him to present to the bishop as the proof that had been requested. Juan Diego did as he was told, and when he spilled the flowers from his cloak to show the bishop, they were both amazed to find an image of the Blessed Mother emblazoned in the folds where the flowers had been nestled. Today, that image is embraced by the faithful as Our Lady

of Guadalupe, and a basilica in her honor does indeed grace the very spot she chose on the hillside. Moreover, Juan Diego—the simple man who acted on her behalf—is now recognized as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church for his role in conveying her message. Perhaps the flowers he delivered to the bishop weren’t the most significant evidence overall, but they do still represent a very tangible connection to the Blessed Mother, simply because she chose to send them. It is similar, in a way, to those who pray for the intercession of St. Thérèse of Lisieux; many will often ask the “Little Flower” to send them a sign in the form of a flower. Indeed, when they do receive such a gift from an unexpected—and sometimes even anonymous—source, they find themselves comforted by the reminder that, whether or not they ultimately receive the answer

Photo by Stephanie Martin

they wish, their prayers have been heard. Another sign is the scent of roses that some people have experienced while deep in prayer, even when there were no actual roses in the vicinity. It is commonly believed that the scent indicates the presence of the Blessed Mother, which once again reinforces the ideal that we are never alone as long as we are able to open our hearts to the power of prayer. Think about it, the next time you send or receive flowers. In addition to being a beautiful gift from a very caring friend, there might just be a little heavenly reminder included in there, too.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 24 February 2011

Marriage anniversary celebration to be held Feb. 27 by Stephanie Martin OPELOUSAS The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Marriage & Family Life Ministry will sponsor a Marriage Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, February 27 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Opelousas. The Mass, which will honor couples who have been married for 50, 60, or more years, will be celebrated by Bishop Michael Jarrell at 2:00 p.m. Bishop Jarrell will also recognize all couples who have pre-registered with a special certificate in honor of the love and commitment they have shown one another. The Marriage Anniversary Celebration is a long-standing tradition in the Lafayette Diocese which was rejuvenated by Mrs. Ailleen Kidder (former director of the Office of Family Life Ministry) in 1985. Though such celebrations had previously existed in the area, the habit had tapered off until Bishop Gerard Frey requested that Mrs. Kidder oversee the planning of an all-encompassing diocesan event to mark the occasion. Thus it was that he celebrated the first official

Last year’s Marriage Anniversary Celebration for couples celebrating 50, 60, or more years of marriage was hosted by St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville. A total of 57 couples were honored. Photo by Don & Jan Photography

Marriage Anniversary celebration for the Lafayette Diocese on Sunday, April 28, 1985, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. More than 100 couples—representing approximately 70 church parishes throughout the diocese—were honored for 25, 50, 60, or more years of marriage.

The event filled the Cathedral to its capacity, and so the next year a larger church was selected to host the celebration, which actually began another important part of the tradition. Each year since, various church parishes have been chosen to host the celebration, allowing its joy to rotate through the

entire diocese rather than remaining in one central location. Just last year, however, the tradition underwent another transformation when Bishop Michael Jarrell requested that the celebration be split into two separate events—one to honor couples who have been married 50, 60, or more years, and one to honor those who have been married 25 or 40 years. The reason for this was to more easily accommodate the large crowds of family and friends who also participated in the Mass to honor the married couples. This year, the Mass to honor couples celebrating 25 or 40 years of marriage is scheduled for Sunday, September 11, with further details pending. In the past, some have questioned why only certain anniversary years (25, 40, 50, 60, and 60+) are recognized. According to Mary-Rose Verret (Programs Coordinator, Office of Marriage & Family Life Ministry), this is also to help manage and accommodate the number of couples who register to participate and be honored each year.

How to stay married--eight steps that help lead the way by Rev. Jude A. Halphen, PhD Getting married is easy. Staying married is hard. Staying happily married is even harder. Prevention is the key so that you don’t wake up one day asking yourself “Should I stay married?” A few steps on your part toward improving your marriage will work wonders towards making your marriage strong, secure and content. Step 1: Agree that divorce is not an option and will never even be mentioned. If you must stay in your marriage, you will be far likelier to work at the quality of your marriage. Do not use the word even as a threat or as a joke. Step 2: Communicate with your spouse. Regular dialogue, quick conversations during the day or debriefing at night will keep the lines of communication open. Step 3: Fight with your spouse. That might sound contradictory but a good, clean fight will clear the air and help move com-

munication to a deeper level. Keep the fight fair and be sure to reassure your spouse of your love and commitment. Step 4: Keep complaints to yourself. Do not join in husbandor wife-bashing when friends or family indulge. Show a healthy respect for your spouse by not airing your dirty laundry in public. Not only will your spouse feel bad if he should hear, but the friends you have complained to have long memories. Write in a journal if you are feeling the need to vent. Step 5: Have separate interests and hobbies. By leaving the relationship for some alone time, you come back reenergized and renewed. You will have more to share if you have some time for yourself. Step 6: Go on dates, even after you have been married for years and especially if you have children. Carve out time for just you two, making couplehood a pri-

All couples who pre-register through the Office of Marriage & Family Life Ministry will be honored during the celebration with a special certificate.

ority. Try new things together, take a class, find favorite places that you can revisit again and again and create memories together. Step 7: Cultivate family and friend relationships too. Keeping a strong group of friends or maintaining family ties offers stability and allows your relationship to grow in context with other relationships.

Step 8: Work on you. There is very little you can do to change him or her. By working on your idiosyncrasies, bad habits and annoying traits, you have taken the first positive step. Marriage is not a contract but instead it is a covenant. You can’t keep score and expect your marriage to flourish.

Acadiana Catholic

February 2011 Page 25

Important tips on dating your spouse throughout married life by Rev. Jude A. Halphen, PhD Below are some important tips that may help you in keeping the LOVE in your marriage that once swept you off your feet.

Accept the reality of love and relationships. Love is a commitment. Both of you should decide and commit to love one another despite what happens and whatever difficulties life should bring. If you are truly committed, there is no turning back and no giving up. You are not bound by the feeling you may be experiencing now; you are bound by your commitment of loving each other throughout your lifetime. 2

Rediscover your true feelings. Perhaps you can still remember how you first felt for your special someone. Go back to those first few dates, those first few nights out, and those first fun times together. Can you recall these times and these feelings? Everything about your partner was great! Right? Think back to those times, and rediscover what made you like your partner in the first place, and what sets your special someone apart from all the other love interests around. What did you love most about your partner? The answers to these questions will lead you back to the reasons why your partner became a special someone in your life. Don’t just think about these reasons; try to let your heart go over these as well. With these, you will then be able to look at your partner in a new light, and in pretty much the same way when your heart was still pounding like crazy with the other’s mere presence alone. 3

Time together and time apart. It is important that you spend quality time with your partner. You might have taken your special someone for granted over time. Your work might have taken most of your time, leaving you less to spend with your partner. Giving due time for both of you to go out, have dinner, and have fun, will do good to your relationship. Both of you might have just missed out doing the fun part

in your relationship. As important as having a good time together, you and your partner should also learn to spend time alone, as well as with your set of friends and your family. Having other forms of social contact, even when you are in a relationship, will also take out the monotony and routine of having just the two of you together. Having the time together and the time apart will give you the balance needed in your social life. Being a social person, you not only belong in a relationship with your partner in love, but you also belong in a relationship with your group of friends.

if possible, eliminated from the relationship. Many relationships crumbled with pride hammering its way through, imposing itself on top of the relationship.

share the same love for the sport. 8

Talk, talk, and talk. Communication is key. Both of you should always find time to talk – whatever topics 5 Surprise your partner. may come up. The subjects of your Every once in a while, it conversation are not as important is also nice to give your spe- as the process of being able to talk cial someone a gift that you know about anything. your partner would love. Give speBeing able to talk about cial cards even on ordinary days anything is important in a relationand pen in your love messages, ship. It shows that each is conand poems if you can. cerned about what the other has to Never ever miss the chance say, and values the other’s opinions to surprise your partner. Your bet- of whatever topics they may be. ter half will be happy with the reBe open about your feelaffirmation of your love. It will be ings as well. Letting the other greatly ap- know what one is feeling will preciated, and make the other person understand 4 Have you may very you better. It should be a two-way realistic well have communication so that each will expectations of to prepare benefit from the talk. your partner. yourself for Both of you 9 a surprise Travel. Going to other are persons with coming your places would not only redifferent backway, too! If fresh your minds from the grounds. Each of your partner months of work and pressures you was brought loved the in the office, but it will also give up uniquely in gesture so your relationship a refreshing exdifferent family much, most perience. Being in another place settings. It is exlikely your which is completely beautiful, as pected that soonpartner will an exotic island, and together exer or later, both repay in kind, periencing the beauty of the place of you will evand who for the very first time, would mark entually collide knows, even that moment as a special one in on issues that more than you your memories. Having such Photo by Cathy Bourque one handles quite happy memories together will be expect. 6 differently from the other. something you can talk about in Engage in a common Also remember that each hobby. Having a common years to come. Drawing upon such person is complex. One continu- hobby would give both of you a happy memories would bring both ally grows and will at different chance to do together the things of you back to happy times, and points in life change traits, views, you love, and at the same time pro- will make your relationship stronperspectives, and demeanors. This vide for an opportunity for conver- ger. should be one fact that you must sation. keep in mind. Accepting this, you Pray, and let God be It will be a fun time where 10 will be able to understand your both of you can just enjoy what the center of your repartner more, and you will be more you are doing, sharing things and lationship. Pray! Make God lenient in your dealings with one ideas about your favorite hobby. the center of your relationship. another. This will be one way of putting in Abide by what the bible teaches Human as we are, one will more enjoyable activities in your about love and relationships. commit mistakes, and will perhaps daily lives. Having a good relationat one point in time hurt the othship with God makes you spirituer for the actions, or inactions of 7 ally stronger. Any temptation that Play a common sport. one. Your harsh words toward your may come your way, you will have Engaging in sports is partner due to minor mistake or era good way to exercise and more strength to be firm in your ror will be hurtful. Your inaction to feel good. Both of you will become principles and say no. Being faithshow your care, and to make the fit and healthy, and will have twice ful to your partner will give you a other feel special will upset your the fun doing it together. clean heart and a clean mind. With partner. Scheduling sports activities all the clutter taken out, and conForgiveness is the answer. will provide an alternative to your centrating only on your special Each should learn to forgive the usual weekend routines, and will someone – you are most likely to other of the mistakes made. Pride be also a good way to meet with have a happy and peaceful relashould be put to a minimum, and each partner’s set of friends who tionship.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 26 February 2011 (Continued from Page 23)

is the ability to wait, often for a long time, for what you want. It assumes a sense of peace in waiting, the very thing that often departs when we’re forced to wait for someone. According to 1 Cor 13:4, love is “not jealous.” What does it mean to be jealous? In this instance, it poisons relationships and damages our hearts. It can lead us to treat people poorly or to overlook the blessings in our own lives. The more we are gripped by a desire for the things of others, the less we are able to be thankful for our own lives. Such jealousy keeps

us from loving others . . . and even from loving God. When I first begin reading the description of love in 1 Cor 13:4-8, I’m encouraged, but not especially troubled. I try to be patient and kind. And I’m not especially jealous or boastful. Okay, I can struggle with pride, but I’m not usually rude. Then I come to the simple statement that love “does not demand its own way,” and I feel as if I’ve just received a punch in my emotional gut. Why? Because I like to demand my own way. I like my own way. I tend to think my own way is best. So, all of a sudden, love seems pretty dog-

gone hard. Love feels contrary to my very nature, but this verse does not call us to superficial tolerance of anything and everything, as if we didn’t have any investment in truth or justice. Rather, we are to be people of love who do not seek our own selfish gain. Love forgives. To be sure, sometimes forgiveness can be a long and painful process. But if we are to be people of love, and if we want our relationships to be

shaped by love, then we must ask for the grace to forgive and to wipe the slate clean. 1 Cor 13 sees love and truth as profoundly connected. How does love rejoice with the truth? True love desires what is best for another, and the best will always be based on truth.

Happy Valentine’s Top 10 Dating Don’ts Day by Rev. Jude A. Halphen, PhD

by Rev. Jude A. Halphen, PhD

1. Don’t be late for a date. Make sure you leave early enough to deal with traffic delays or other things that could delay you. Being late only shows that you don’t respect the other person’s time and sets the date off on the wrong foot.

1. Do relax and have fun. Dating is supposed to be fun, so make it fun. Choose activities that you both love so you can relax, laugh, and enjoy. If you think dating is miserable, then don’t do it.

2. Don’t chase someone. Don’t phone, text or email them more than once a day unless you are in a conversation with them and they are replying. Being desperate is a huge turn off.

2. Do groom yourself before your date. Make sure you are freshly showered, have fresh breath, and wear an outfit that flatters you. Save your crazy outfits for when you get to know the person better.

3. Don’t date people you think will use you. If you have money, don’t tell the other person. If a man comes on too strong for sex early on, shut him down and move on. You want someone who wants you for you, not what you can do or give. Once these types of people get what they want, they’ll only move on to their next target.

Top 10 Dating Do’s

3. Do listen. Listening is more important than talking. Ask your date lots of questions and hone in on similar interests. Don’t brag about yourself constantly, because that is the ultimate turn-off. 4. Compliment your date. If you think your date looks nice, say so. Don’t focus on your dates imperfections; focus on good points. If it looks like your date took time to get ready, compliment the effort. 5. Be positive. Don’t complain during your date. Nobody wants to hear how miserable you are. A poor attitude can destroy a date faster than anything. 6. Be honest and upfront. If the date didn’t click, tell your partner that you will have to think about it and that you will contact him/her again if you are interested. 7. Be proactive. You need to take the initiative to meet people to date. Smile, be friendly, and make eye contact. This will show people you are available and will increase your chances of being asked out.

4. Don’t lie to your date. Don’t over exaggerate your income, education or what you do. These lies will eventually come out and then you will appear as a dishonest loser. 5. Don’t come on too strong. If you are anxious to get married right away, that’s okay. However, constantly talking about serious commitment issues such as marriage and children on a first date can scare your date away. 6. Don’t sit around and wait for his or her call. Stay busy. There is nothing more pathetic than someone who immediately drops routine for someone just met. Your goal is to have a fulfilled life to which another person can add. 7. Don’t get drunk or use drugs on your date. What kind of an impression are you making if you are incoherent when you first meet? Your date will think you are like that with all people.

8. Do date creatively. Don’t go to the movies where you can’t talk or get to know your date better. Go to dinner, bowling, and then a movie; or go horseback riding, hiking, or to an arts or music festival.

8. Don’t flirt with others while on a date. This may seem like common sense but nothing will end your date faster than you hitting on your date’s friend.

9. Do let your friends and family know you are dating. You never know when someone you know may try playing matchmaker for you. It may or may not work out but you should be open to meeting someone new.

9. Don’t have sex with someone until you are married. Marriage grounds the relationship in commitment and shows to the other the significance of trust in your relationships. If it was meant to be, it will be, and part of the fun of dating is the thrill of the chase.

10. Do be polite and use manners. Offer to pay for all or half of the date even if you are a woman. Say please and thank you and be respectful of the other person’s feelings.

10. Don’t give out too much personal information on a first date. Keep your home address and telephone number confidential until you get to know your date better and make sure you always meet in a public place.

Acadiana Catholic

February 2011 Page 27

Acadiana Catholic

Page 28 February 2011

CRS’ Operation Rice Bowl begins Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17 BALTIMORE, MD Millions of Catholics in the United States are gearing up to participate in Operation Rice Bowl, Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) annual program to raise awareness of global hunger. Starting Ash Wednesday, Catholic parishes and schools from more than 12,000 communities will use symbolic rice bowls as the focal point for their Lenten observance. “Although in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti much of our focus is on the desperate needs there, we cannot forget that every day thousands of children around the world die from hunger and its conse-

quences,” says Beth Martin, program manager for Operation Rice Bowl. “It is because of programs like ORB and our ongoing support for long-term development that we are able to respond swiftly in emergencies like Haiti.” Operation Rice Bowl provides 40 opportunities to learn about, pray for and help those who don’t have enough to eat. Participants make the small sacrifice of preparing simple, meatless recipes each week and putting the money they otherwise would have spent on a big meal into symbolic rice bowls. That money goes to support CRS’ mission to fight global hunger and poverty. “Through Operation Rice

Bowl, we read personal stories of people who have been able to improve their lives with CRS’ help,” Martin says.”Women receive small loans to start their own businesses; farmers receive training and communities install wells that bring clean water to

families.” With a calendar suggesting daily reflections and prayer, as well as concrete ways to act, participants can observe Lent in both a spiritual and practical way. Every year, Catholics raise about $6 million through Operation Rice Bowl, 75 percent of which is used to fund hunger and poverty projects in 40 countries. The remaining 25 percent stays in U.S. dioceses to support food pantries and soup kitchens. Since its beginning in 1975, ORB has raised more than $191 million to fund CRS’ development projects. With active participation in almost every diocese in the U.S., many communities and families have adopted Operation Rice Bowl as a way to observe Lent.

Acadiana Catholic

February 2011 Page 29

Catholic Squires, Boy Scouts, attend retreat

St. Anthony Junior Daughters and Junior Knights

Catholic Squires, Scouts and leaders attended a Catholic retreat at Camp Avondale recently. There were 26 Squires and Scouts and 14 adults in attendance for this event.

By George Martin La. State Squires chairman CLINTON, LA The Louisiana State Squires Circle just completed a Catholic retreat for Squires and Scouts. The event was held at Boy Scout Camp Avondale in Clinton, La. There were 26 Squires and Scouts and 14 adults in attendance for this event. State Friar, Father Keith Landry was present the entire weekend and worked with the young men and celebrated Mass on Saturday by one of the lakes at camp. The Squires had separate activities part of the day, while the Boy Scouts worked on their religious emblems from the Catholic Committee on

Scouting. Later in the day they came together and talked about their activities from that morning and shared ideas as the counselors. Father Keith asked and answered questions to give these young men more support in their faith. They also worked on a service project at camp and were able to have some free time for fellowship and fun with their Catholic friends from across the state. They hiked for 45 minutes and prayed the Rosary as they hiked around the lake. Each young man was given a book, How Come? Catholic Apologetics for Cajuns, written by Knight Ed Comeaux. The book is a great tool to understand and help defend the faith.

RCIA training scheduled for 2011 The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Christian Formation would like to remind everyone of the series of RCIA workshops currently scheduled for 2011. All of the workshops will be held on a Saturday, from 9:0010:30 a.m., and will be facilitated by John Schexnaildre, RCIA Consultant for the diocese. There is no cost to participate, and the schedule is as follows: Mar. 26 “Mystagogy” / St. Mary Church, Lafayette Jun. 18 “Ongoing RCIA Process” / Sacred Heart Church, Broussard 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.

St. Anthony Catholic Church (Lafayette) Junior Daughters Court #166 and Junior Knights Council #166 are a Catholic youth organization of the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary. Activities for members at St. Anthony include monthly Mass turnout, involvement in the Black History youth Mass, retreats, volunteering at St. Joseph’s diner, “Brown Bag” Project to feed the hungry, attendance at the annual state picnic, volunteering to assist the elderly at parish functions. Members take part in activities at the Diocesan level by assuming major leadership roles in the African American Catholic Youth Congress and serving as facilitators at the event. Juniors from St. Anthony participate enthusiastically in Jr. KPC State/District Conferences and Junior National Conventions. Pictured are newly installed ofﬁcers of St. Anthony Catholic Church Junior Knights and Junior Daughters. Ofﬁcers include Jr. Grand Lady, Allison Marcel; Vice Jr. Grand Lady, Whitney Smith; secretary, Shelby Paris: treasurer, Dailynn William; mistress at arms, Christa Williams; outer guard, Alyssa Mouton; inner guard, Angel Siner; Jr. Grand Knight Bradley Williams; sergeant at arms, Dontravon Brown; deputy Jr. Grand Knight Brandon Shelvin, Jr. and Domingue Williams. Jr. Daughter counselor is Lady Shirley Williams. Assistant counselors are Lady Cheryl Smith and Lady Sadie Boudreaux. Jr. Knight commander is Dr. Chris Williams. Also pictured after the installation Mass are Father Lambert Lein, S.V.D., pastor and Deacon Al Marcel.

0OF 'BNJMZ *O .JTTJPO “The help received from the Propagation of the Faith is literally our ‘lifeline.’” This seminary rector in India is speaking of the financial help that supports the education of young men preparing to serve as priests. “Daily the seminarians pray for the great sacriﬁces made for them year after year. We continue to ask God to bless you and the important contribution you make toward the Church in India.” Through a Gift Annuity with the Propagation of the Faith, you can help the Church’s missionary work, supporting, for example, the education of mission seminarians well into the future. A Gift Annuity can also provide you with income for your lifetime at a favorable rate of return. Please write for information; your inquiry will be kept in strict conﬁdence. The Society for THE

PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH

yB 1POUJm DBM .JTTJPO 4PDJFUZ Rev. Msgr. John E. Kozar, National Director, 70 West 36th Street, 8th Floor, NY NY 10018

Please send me information about your Gift Annuity program  Enclosed is my gift for the Missions today $_______

Name ____________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________ City__________________________State_________Zip____________________ www.givetothemissions.org

www.onefamilyinmission.org

Acadiana Catholic

Page 30 February 2011

Deacon Sommers’ topic for Jan. Monthly Manna – Persecution of Christians FRANKLIN In January Monthly Manna welcomed Deacon Tom Sommers, editor of the monthly publication, Acadiana Catholic. He began with several quotes from Scripture. From the Gospel of John, Deacon Sommers read, “If the world hates you … it hated me first.” “…If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.” St. Paul tells us, “…all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Just a few of the Bible passages that assure us that if we are followers of Jesus, we can expect to face hostility, ridicule, false accusations and even death. Pope John Paul II warned Christians to be ready each day to give the “supreme testimony of blood for the sake of truth and justice,” in the presence of modern-day Herods. If we are to live the Gospel by our actions then we must be ready to make whatever

sacrifice we may encounter. In communist countries living conditions for Christians remain difficult. Those who refuse to submit to the communist party often experience arrests and detentions. Arrest of clergy and lay people – both Catholic and non-Catholic – affect the lives of Christians living in these countries. Just ninety miles from our shore, the Cuban government maintains rigid control over all religious and political expressions that may seem hostile toward the government. Of the thirty-nine countries in which Christians have undergone persecutions, half of these attacks have taken place in Africa. In these countries, clergy – religious - and laypeople - have lost their lives for the simple reason that they did not abandon their communities when faced with extreme dangers. When one speaks about Christians giving their lives for the sake of the Gospel, one tends to think about the persecutions of Imperial Rome in the early days of the Christian Church. Whereas

Deacon Tom Sommers, left, was the guest speaker at the Monthly Manna Speakers luncheon held in Franklin at the Forest Restaurant. Deacon Jerry Bourg, right, Regional Assistant for the South Region, introduced Deacon Sommers to the ecumenical gathering.

the 20th century may have been the most striking in the annals of Christian martyrdom. According to Antonio Socci in his book, The New Persecuted about 45 million Christians have given their lives, in the last century, because of their faith in Jesus. “Faith is not about sweet ‘feelings’. Real faith is a lot tougher and more difficult than feelings. Faith is about a certainty of something underlying all that surrounds us and a dogged acceptance that this life is part of an eternal pilgrimage that has trials, its moments of highs and its moments of lows – of being on the mountaintop and of walking in

the valley of the shadow of death. Faith is not the avoidance of trouble, it is facing it head on and then finding holiness.” “Faith is not up for debate. It doesn’t make any difference what anyone thinks. If faith could be broken by mindless criticism then it wouldn’t be faith. “We are so fortunate to live in a country where we can practice our faith openly without reproach. Let us remember in our prayers those who are less fortunate. We have the promise of Jesus that the gates of hell will not prevail against his Church, against God’s people. We know this to be true – because Jesus is the Way – the Truth – and the Life.” The Regional Pastoral Council of the South Region of the Diocese of Lafayette will host its next meeting of Monthly Manna on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at the Forest Restaurant in Franklin. The gathering begins at 11:00 a.m., with lunch served at 11:30 a.m. at the cost of $10.00 per person. This month the presentation will feature Deacon Jeff Trumps, Chief Financial Officer for the Diocese of Lafayette. Deacon Jerry Bourg is the Regional Assistant in the South Region; please contact him for more information on Monthly Manna at 337-578-2423.

Salve Regina Rosary Group celebrates 10 years

On January 11, 2011, the Salve Regina Rosary group, joined by St. Leo The Great Rosary Group, Leonville, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a Mass followed by a breakfast at the home of Patrick and Margaret Barnaba, founders of the rosary group. Celebrant for the Mass was Father Kenneth Domingue, pastor of St. Leo the Great and St. Catherine Churches in Leonville, and St. Jules Chapel in Prairie Laurent.

Acadiana Catholic

February 2011 Page 31

New OCP Mass settings are only a click away PORTLAND, OR Christian Newswire Church leaders everywhere can now preview, compare and download new Mass settings, from the convenience of their computer screens. In anticipation of the November 27, 2011 implementation of the new Roman Missal, leading liturgical publisher OCP has begun exclusive online publication of several new Mass settings. These digital editions allow composer manuscripts to be delivered directly to the customer. “When the new English translation of the Roman missal was begun in 2002, we knew there would come a day when a number of new and revised Masses would need to be published within a very short period of time,” says Tom Tomaszek, OCP’s Director

of Artists and Repertoire. “Advances in publishing technology have given us a unique opportunity to facilitate a direct connection between the composer and the customer.” The online settings will join the extensive variety of styles available at OCP.org/NewMassSettings, which also offers a number of resources to introduce the revised Order of Mass. Parish leaders and musicians can access the page to comparatively review Mass settings and ultimately find the right styles to engage their parishioners and liturgical assemblies. “The new translation has been a long time coming, so now, there is almost a choice-overload as far as new settings are concerned,” says Angela Westhoff-Johnson, Director of Music at St. Mary’s

Sts. Leo-Seton students qualify for Duke U. Talent Search Identification program LAFAYETTE Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic School recently announced the 4th- and 5th- grade students who qualified to participate in the 2010-2011 Duke University Talent Search Identification Program. These students had to score at the 95% level or higher on a subtest of their achievement test, such as the SAT. The 4th- and 5thgraders who achieved this honor are: 4th grade: Courtland Ancelet, Maddux Benoit, Kelby Boyer, Ethan Brooks, Bailey Broussard, Jabari Broussard, Jordan Broussard, Noah Broussard, Tate Buller, Ty Fernandez, Cade Habetz, Jolie Hidalgo, Haley Kober, Tori LaBiche, Lain Letchworth, Annie Quebedeaux, Catherine Richard, Jordan Richard, Colten Sonnier, Zachary Thibodeaux, and Madison Vidrine. Fifth graders were: Troie Acker,

Rhys Bellman, Madison Grossie, Mariah Harris, Konner Knight, Caney Lejeune, Tatiana Mora, Amber Nguyen, Josh Primeaux, Joshua Roy, Hayden Theriot, and Elizabeth Trouard. Sixteen 7th-graders were also invited to participate in this year’s Duke University Talent Search Identification Program. To qualify, these students had to score at the 95th percentile or higher on a grade level standardized test from the last 2 years. As 7th-graders, these students were also invited to take the high school SAT or ACT this year. They are: Brandon Alleman, Marie Bordelon, Meghan Broussard, Shallon Broussard, Eliana Carrier, Claire Daigle, Chaney Dodge, Luke Gossen, Noah Harris, Evan Huesers, Taylor Kimble, Alex Lee, Emily Roy, Hayden Stropola, Matthew Viator, and Jacob Zaunbrecher.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Portland, OR). “Being able to listen, test and compare different styles in one place -- plus the convenience of being able to print out exactly what you need, when you need it -- is priceless.” OCP has expanded online convenience beyond just the Mass settings. Solo instrument parts, accompaniments, mp3 playlists, dialogs, Prayers of the Faithful and additional verses for Gospels and acclamations are all also available for select Masses. Because new digital edition Masses will be added in the coming months, visitors are encouraged to bookmark OCP.org/NewMassSettings, and check back regularly.

St. Pius offers timeline video study LAFAYETTE St. Pius X Catholic Church in Lafayette will offer an in-depth look into the Bible utilizing The Great Adventure Bible Timeline

video program, featuring renowned Catholic bible teacher, Jeff Cavins. This program is an immensely rich study, which covers salvation history from its beginning in Genesis through the coming of Christ and the establishment of the Catholic Church. This 24-week seminar will be presented in 8-week increments, the first running from Wednesday February 16 through Wednesday April 18 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. These sessions will be held at Bayou House, 309 E. Bayou Parkway, directly behind St. Pius X School. Baby sitting is being provided. A $30 donation is requested to cover the cost of materials. For more information and to register contact Beverly Galantowicz, 408-3269 or cajun.cookie@ hotmail.com. Online registration is also available: Log on to stpiusxchurch.net, select Parish Ministries, select Bible Study, then select Wednesday Mornings. Simply fill in and submit the form and you will be registered.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 32 February 2011

Sacred Heart Church to hold parish-based Bible study training NEW IBERIA The Bible and the Virgin Mary: Presenter Training Matt Leonard and Rob Corzine of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology will be at Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in New Iberia, LA, (Diocese of Lafayette) on April 2, 2011, to present “The Bible and the Virgin Mary”, the newest of the dynamic Journey Through Scripture series. Join us for Presenter Training as we discover: • How Catholic beliefs about Mary are grounded in the Scripture – both the Old and New Testaments. • Learn why Mary is the “New Eve,” “Ark of the New Covenant,” and our “Queen Mother.” • See how Catholic prayers and devotions are rooted in Scripture • Learn to answer common objections and grow in your devotion to Our Lady The “Bible and the Virgin Mary” is part of the dynamic Journey Through Scripture Bible study series, which combines live presentation, multimedia, small group discussion and some outside reading. Its goal is to help aver-

age Catholics grow in knowledge of the Scriptures while deepening understanding of the riches of the Catholic faith. You don’t need an advanced degree or any academic expertise. The training is suited to faithful Catholics living an active sacramental life who want to grow in their knowledge of the Bible. Since its inception only a handful of years ago, thousands of Catholics around the world have begun using and presenting Journey Through Scripture. Founded by best-selling author, speaker, and professor, Dr. Scott Hahn, The St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology is a non-profit research and educational institute that promotes life-transforming Scripture study in the Catholic tradition. The Center serves clergy and laity, students and scholars, with research and study tools — from books and publications to multimedia and on-line programming. For more information about the St. Paul Center, visit SalvationHistory.com. Seeking to make solid, exciting Catholic Bible studies available everywhere, The St. Paul Center

travels around the country offering Journey Through Scripture training at the invitation of a diocese, parish or group. This one-day Bible study on April 2nd is open to everyone and will both enrich you personally as well as equip you with all the materials you need to present the study yourself, including Presenter Notes, PowerPoint presentations, Student Outlines and Notes, and more. So come out and join us for “The Bible and the Virgin Mary” because as St. Jerome said, “ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of

Christ”… and his Mother. Bible Study Presenter Training date is: Saturday, April 2, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $50 per participant and includes refreshments and lunch. For information or to register contact: Mark Lasseigne, (337) 519-5566 or go to mark.lasseigne@ raymondjames.com or contact Dru Provost at (337) 364-8537, or sacredheartdrf@bellsouth.net The web address for St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology is www.salvationhistory.com

St. Anthony church,Krotz Springs,concluded a successful “Gifts for the Baby Jesus’ drive which took place in Advent. New or gently used items for infants thru age 5 were donated by parishioners of the parish for charity. The items were delivered to the New Life Center in Opelousas. Pictured above, are, back row, second from right is Social Justice chairperson, Mrs. Brenda Mistrot with parishioners and children of the parish. Center, back row, is the New Life Center representative, Michelle Hinman, accepting the gifts for the children of the Center.

St. Mary, Port Barre, forms new parish council

St. Mary Church in Port Barre recently installed the members of its newly formed pastoral council. Pictured above from left to right are: (back row) Glenn Pickney, Polly Pickney, Gabriel Sonnier; (front row): Ruby Fontenot, Dene Pickney, Father Godwin Nzeh, CMF (administrator), Felicia Sonnier, and Patricia Davis.

Acadiana Catholic

February 2011 Page 33

Page 34 February 2011

Acadiana Catholic

February 2011 Page 35

Acadiana Catholic

Page 36 February 2011

Discover Faith Acadiana Catholic is an international, award-winning publication honored by the Catholic Press Association. Acadiana Catholic includes: The Bishop’s Column World News Briefs Youth Focus Around the Diocese Local and National Columnist Parishes in Focus School News Children’s Section Thought of the Month Friends of Acadiana Explore Your Faith Calendar of Events

Subscribe today to receive the only Catholic voice in Acadiana! Name: Address: City: State:

Zip:

For only $12,00, you will receive Acadiana Catholic for an entire year! Mail this fform to: Acadiana Catholic, Attn: ttn: Subscri Subscription Subscrip tion Dept. 1408 408 Carmel A Avenue, venue, Laf Lafayette, afa af fay ayette, L LA 70501 You Y ou ma mayy also email: clantier@diol clantier@diolaf.or clantier@diola af.o af f.org

Acadiana Catholic

February 2011 Page 37

Catholic students join together to march for life LAFAYETTE Teurlings Catholic High School in Lafayette recently hosted its biennual March/Rally for Life, while extending an invitation for other Catholic schools in the diocese to join them. The event, which has been ongoing for about a decade, has become a cherished tradition to all those who participate to show their respect for the value and sanctity of life. It is always scheduled for the latter part of January, so that it closely coincides with the National March for Life in Washington, DC. The national march is held in conjunction with the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, so that pro-life supporters from all religious faiths throughout the country may prayerfully protest this tragedy. Members of the Knights of Columbus escorted the entire student body of Teurlings Catholic—along with students from several visiting schools—as they marched from the Teurlings campus to the Immaculata Center on Carmel Avenue. Many of the students held homemade signs with pro-life messages, and each

school was represented by a special pro-life themed cross that they also carried during the procession. Upon arriving on the grounds of the Immaculata Center, the students were greeted by Bishop Michael Jarrell, Teurlings principal Michael Boyer, and other staff members from the diocesan central offices. When Bishop Jarrell addressed the students, he pointed out that although 38 years of legalized abortion is a dismal reality, other injustices in this country have been overcome despite even longer standing—he cited slavery and the struggle for women’s suffrage as examples. Later, Karol Meynard (Director, Office of ProLife Issues) also reminded the students that they are survivors of the abortion era, and as survivors, they must not lose hope that change can be achieved. Other highlights of the rally included a presentation by Cherie Garret, a mother of two Teurlings students and a mental health professional who works with the diocese’s Project Rachel team

Bishop Michael Jarrell, right, warmly greeted the students at Immaculata Center for the Pro-Life Rally held on the grounds. Photo by P.C. Piazza.

to promote post-abortion healing. Hannah Stuart, a student from Opelousas Catholic School, treated everyone in attendance with an acappella performance of a song she wrote, entitled “Beat On.” Lastly, Teurlings graduate Danielle Cottonham shared her personal reflections on being an

adopted child. Danielle stressed that although she has never met her birth mother, she feels the love behind the woman’s decision to place her for adoption, thus giving her the opportunity to be raised by two loving parents rather than ending her life by abortion.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 38 February 2011

Father de Souza talks about little-known shrine to Our Lady By Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE A little known shrine to Our Lady in Brazil was the topic for the January Food for the Journey talk by Father Anderson de Souza. S.V.D. Father de Souza, who is an associate pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Lafayette, is from Brazil. He gave an informative power-point presentation about the shrine to Our Lady of Aparacida, on the Paraiba River near Sao Paula, Brazil. An image of Our Lady was found by some fisherman trying to catch enough fish to celebrate the visit of a politician. At first they were unsuccessful in their fishing. So they prayed, then they caught the head of the statue, then the body in their nets, then a quantity of fish. How or why the statue was in the river is unknown, but it is believed to have been carved by a Benedictine Brother Agostinho de Jesus. At first the statue remained in the home of one of the fisherman, but the number of pilgrims kept increasing so the local priest built a church which became known as the “Old Basilica.” The village was named “Aparacida,” and in 1928 Pope Pius named “Our Lady of Aparacida” as “Holy Queen of Brazil,” and its official patron. The need for a larger shine became obvious and construction

Father Anderson Luis de Souza, SVD, center, was the featured speaker at the January “Food for the Journey” Speakers’ Series at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Lafayette. Pictured with Father de Souza is Father Thomas James, SVD, left, and Mary Bergeron, right.

on the “New Basilica” was began in 1955. It is second in size only to St. Peter’s in Rome and has a capacity of 70,000 persons. The “Footbridge of Faith,” was inaugurated in 1972 to connect the old Basilica to the New Basilica. In the shape of an “S” it pays homage to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Aparacida, (The “S” is for “Senhora” or “ Nossa Senhora” in Portuguese) On Sundays it is filled with visitors. Many of the visitors cannot read, but are constant in their faith and trust in our Lady to answer their prayers and cure their sicknesses. Father de Souza noted the Archdiocese of Aparacida was erected in 1958 by Pope Pius XII to give pastoral and administrative independence to the Ba-

ls should have more than fre a r e n u sh flowers. F • Lasting Memorial Video • Children’s Room • Full Color Memorial Folders • Memory Tables & Boards • Personalized Caskets • Cremation Services • Special Music

“Comfort with one phone call.”

1011 Bertrand Drive • Lafayette • (337) 235-9449 www.delhommefuneralhome.com Serving you from Lafayette, Maurice, Broussard, and Scott

silica. Prior to this it was under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Sao Paulo . Three of the

ordinaries of Aparacida have been cardinals and attended sessions of Vatican II council. The shrine has also had the privilege of visits by Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI who opened a Latin American bishops conference there in 2007. The feast of Our Lady of Aparacida is October 12. Father de Souza was introduced by Mary Bergeron executive assistant to regional vicar Father Thomas James, S.V.D of the Central Region which sponsors Food for the Journey. In her introduction, Mrs. Bergeron said Father de Souza had been quite active with youth activities sponsored last summer by the Central Region.

Home school student places first in diocese oratory contest

Pictured above are the judges and participants in the 2011 Pro-Life Oratory Contest

LAFAYETTE The Office of Pro-Life Issues congratulates Christina Mary Zeringue for her second consecutive win in the diocese’s annual Pro-Life Oratory Contest. Home schooled through Iron Will Enterprises, Christina is in her senior year of high school; she lives in Church Point with her parents, Karen and Brent Zerringue, and is the fifth-born of their 11 children. After taking first place in last year’s contest, Christina competed this year with a new presentation entitled “Fortune: The Quest for Happiness in the Abortion Debate.” She will go on to represent the Lafayette Diocese at the state level of competition later this year. Last year, Christina’s

presentation also earned her first place at the state level. The Office of Pro-Life Issues would like to thank all of this year’s contest participants, which included a total of four high school juniors and seniors. The office would also like to thank this year’s judges: Dee Daigle, Crystal DeMoura, Kathleen Godchaux, and Sandy Hindelang.

“I sought to hear the voice of God And climbed the topmost steeple, But God declared: ‘Go down again - I dwell among the people.’” — Cardinal John Henry Neuman

Acadiana Catholic

Rayne Catholic School donates Coats for Kids

Fifth grade students of Mrs. Pam Broussard at Rayne Catholic School gathered coats for needy children before the Christmas holidays and donated them to the Coats for Kids project.

St. Peter School students learn about vocations

February 2011 Page 39

Pray the rosary daily on the Acadiana CW LAFAYETTE Residents of the Lafayette Diocese who may have been wondering what happened to the daily broadcast of the rosary will be pleased to know that they may now tune in to the local Acadiana CW channel for the program. The English version of the rosary airs at 4:00 a.m. and is immediately followed by the French version. The CW is a sister channel of KATC TV-3. It may be found on digital antenna 3.2, Direct TV Ch. 4, LUS Ch. 21, and Cox Ch. 10. The corresponding CW channel for other local cable providers is as follows: Charter Communications 15 Allen’s TV (Grand Coteau) 61 Allen’s TV (Morgan City) 63 James Cable/Communicom 2 KTC Pace 10 Suddenlink (New Iberia) 6 Suddenlink (Ville Platte) 11 Although KLFY TV-10 no longer broadcasts the rosary on weekdays, the program will con-

tinue to air at 5:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The rosary is also broadcast KDCG TV-22 (Cox Ch. 9) Monday-Friday. The French version begins at 6:30 a.m. and is immediately followed by the English. The rosary segments were filmed and produced by the Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Radio/TV Ministry.

Tell the People February schedule

Gueydan’s St. Peter Catholic School joined schools and parishes throughout the United States for the National Vocations Awareness Week January 9-15, 2011. Each day throughout the week, students and faculty prayed for vocations and listened attentively to a presentation about different religious vocations, followed by questions. Students enjoyed hearing from Father Jason Vidrine, pastor of St. Peter Church in Gueydan about the call to the Sacred Priesthood, Brother Mark Bordelon, OSB, about the call to religious life for men, Emily Byers about the call to consecrated life, and Sister Fatima Aphiri, OLS, about the call to religious life for women. Pictured is Brother Mark Bordelon, OSB speaking to the students.

LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Radio/TV Ministry would like to remind viewers that Tell the People airs every Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. on KATC TV-3. On the February 6 program, Jackie Griffin (Executive Assistant to the Episcopal Vicar of the North Region) will be on hand to provide further details about the upcoming North Regional Conference of Acadiana. Ms. Griffin will also appear on Tell the People on February 13 in order to discuss the Military Mass which will be held at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Opelousas on February 17. On February 20, Mary Bergeron (Executive Assistant to the Episcopal Vicar of the Central Region) will appear to tell viewers more about the Central Regional Conference of Acadiana. The February 27 episode of Tell the People will feature “The Life and Times of John Michael Talbot” and offer a follow-up of his recent Acadiana tour. Each episode of Tell the People will also include a segment of “What It Means to be Catholic” with Father Michael Champagne, CJ, and “Interview with the Bishop” with Msgr. Richard Greene, VE, and Bishop Michael Jarrell.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 40 February 2011

New apologetics book penned by local author LAFAYETTE A local author has published a new book entitled How Come? Catholic Apologetics for Cajuns. Catholic apologetics is the defense of the Catholic Faith. It should be every Catholc’s duty to be able to defend the teachings of his or her faith. For instance, if asked by a non-Catholic, “Are you saved?” Would you know how to answer? Or “Do Catholics worship Mary? Do Catholics follow the Bible? Isn’t the Catholic Church the ‘Whore of Babylon, mentioned in the Book of Revelation?” Written in every-day language, this book is both humorous and informative, using history, Scripture, the writings of the early Church Fathers and common sense to show that the Catholic Church is truly the Church founded by Christ over 2,000 years ago. It uses the Catechism of the Catholic Church to show what Cathiolics really believe. This work covers the Bible, the Church, the Sacraments, the

A Vacation with the Lord

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

In Praise of Silence

Blessed Virgin Mary, the papacy, purgatory, idol worship, the clergy abuse scandal and more. The book even includes popular Cajun recipes just for fun. All proceeds will benefit the Knights of Columbus, Council 7557 in Broussard. The work has been granted a Nihil Obstat by Msgr. Richard Mouton, STD, as well as an Imprimatur by Bishop Michael Jarrell of Lafayette. The book is now available at Crossroads Bookstore, Acadian Religious Bookstore, other Catholic bookstores and amazon.com. Pklease also visit howcome@ kc7557.com for more information.

Commissioned char coal drawings by Louisiana ar tist

All proceeds from the sale of these prints benefit the Catholic church

Limited Edition 14”x11”

Call 337.660.1300 dsmith@homefurn.com

Some people are concerned about attending a silent retreat. Often, I hear them say, “Oh! How could I not talk for three days?” I used to feel this way. I enjoy conversation and consider myself extroverted, so I thought a silent retreat would difficult for me. Now, I am a, “silence convert!” I love the restful quiet of retreat as I put down my burdens and let go of worry and hurry; my soul opens up and finds new life in the stillness. We don’t have to recollect a great deal to realize that our world is filled with noise. The other day, I was having a medical test. As I filled out the paperwork in the waiting room, the television blasted out, “The Price is Right.” Contestants screamed and music blared; I couldn’t think and had a hard time completing the paperwork accurately. I wondered why we seem to need noise- makers everywhere in our modern, American culture. Consider whether, in all our noisiness (and the rushing about that accompanies it), we are missing the tender and quiet voice of God as he speaks within our hearts. He longs to draw near to us, receiving our undivided attention, for he made us for himself. And so often, we are just not available to his presence, lost to our gadgets and engaged in our constant busyness. In the silence of retreat, our hearts calm down and we slow our pace. We hear the sounds of nature: the song of birds, the chittering of the squirrels, and sometimes the splashing of the rain. We listen to the soft rustle of the wind in the mighty oaks. We begin to open our eyes and hearts to simple gifts: to red and gold sunset, hot coffee and long walks. We hear talks that speak to us of the love of God, present in the moment, the here and now. And those who have attended retreat often report that they deeply experience this love— and the tender care of God — while visiting Our Lady of the Oaks. Do you long to draw closer to God in this new year? Do you want to calm your heart and find peace and healing? Consider attending a retreat at Our Lady of the Oaks. Come and listen to the sweet sounds of silence. Lyn Holley Doucet Christian Counselor and Director of Spiritual Formation: Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House lyndoucet@aol.com

Acadiana Catholic

February 2011 Page 41

Sacred Heart High School seniors recognized by Wendy’s Heisman Program

St. Francis student donates hair to “Locks of Love”

Left to right are Christopher Sylvester, Lyndsey Schexnayder and Luke Lemaire, Sacred Heart School guidance counselor.

VILLE PLATTE Lyndsey Schexnayder and Christopher Sylvester, seniors at Sacred Heart High School were recently named school winners for the prestigious Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. These students were chosen for their outstanding excellence in academics, athletics, and community/school leadership. The Wendy’s High School Heisman celebrates the achievements of the nation’s top high school seniors both in and out of the classroom. Just as the collegiate Heisman is known for being the highest award in college football, the Wendy’s High School Heisman award is recognized as the most esteemed award at the high school level because it encourages future leadership by acknowledging well-rounded students. “These students are an inspiration to those around them and will honorably represent their school in the next stage of Wen-

dy’s High School Heisman award judging,” said Archie Griffin, the only two-time winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy and Wendy’s High School Heisman program spokesperson. One male and one female from each high school are selected as school winners from the nearly 55,000 applicants nationwide. “On behalf of Sacred Heart School, we are extremely proud to celebrate the outstanding athletic and scholastic achievements of Lyndsey and Christopher with this prestigious award,” said Mrs. The U.S. aborTion raTe has been on a general decline Diane Fontenot, SHS Principal.” for the past 30 years.

U.S. abortion rate

Abortion rate per 1,000 women ages 15-44 29.3%

25.0%

19.6%

20 19.4% 16.3%

15 ‘73

‘77

Source: Guttmacher Institute

‘81

‘85

‘89

‘93

‘97

‘01

‘05

The abortion rate has been on a general decline for the past 30 years. (CNS graphic/Emily Thompson)

Ray-chelle Miller, sixth grade student at St. Francis Catholic School, Iota, donated 18 inches of hair to “Locks of Love”, which is a public non-proﬁt organization that provides hairpieces to ﬁnancially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from medical treatment for various illnesses.

Notre Dame Student of the Year CROWLEY Notre Dame High School of Acadia Parish has selected Han-

nah Claire Miller Student of the Year. The daughter of Bonnie Miller of Crowley, Hannah is a member of Campus Ministry, Student Council, Beta, 4-H, Peer Tutoring and the state champion Lady PIO softball team. Hannah is president of the Acadia Parish Jr. Leadership Club, Chairman Hannah Claire Miller of Acadia Parish Food & Fitness Board, Acadia Parish 4-H Ambassador and is co-chair of the state Food & Fitness Board. She works with Food for Families Drive, Acadia Parish Courthouse Beautification, Farmers Appreciation Banquet and the Pro Life March and Rally. She is a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where she serves as lector, commentator and extraordinary Eucharistic minister.

Bishop’s Column: A conversion story Continued from page 12

about abortion. ‘When you were pregnant with Grace, it wasn’t a fetus; it was a baby,’ Doug had said. And now it hit me like a lightning bolt: He was right! What was in this woman’s womb just a moment ago was alive. It wasn’t just tissue, just cells. That was a human baby—fighting for life! A battle that was lost in the blink of an eye. What I have told people for years, what I’ve believed and taught and defended, is a lie.” One strong feature of the book was her years’ long relationship with the Coalition for Life. Members of the Coalition stood outside of the abortion clinic which she directed where they prayed and witnessed for the pro-life cause. Mrs. Johnson noted that some of the demonstrators were kind and prayerful and they reached out to her in a spirit of friendship. She absolutely rejected those who were strident and confrontational, but she conversed with some who seemed genuinely interested in her welfare. She even

made friends with some of them. It was to these people that she reached out after she could not tolerate the abortion activities in the Planned Parenthood clinic. I think this is a good lesson for all who are involved in the pro-life movement. Prayerfulness and charity towards all are the most effective means of protest. This is a conversion story. It is a story of a well-intentioned, but misguided college student immersed in a pro-choice environment. In the book, she does not excuse herself or pretend to be a hero. She expresses shame for her moral blindness and her muting of the voice of conscience. I wonder how typical her story is. I give her great credit for her conversion. She gives great credit to God, to her faith-filled and loving parents and to the pro-life witnesses who reached out to her in a spirit of love. The book is a very moving testimony which puts flesh on an issue that is sometimes simply a theoretical discussion.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 42 February 2011

Milestones of faith:

The presence of Catholic Schools in the Lafayette Diocese

The following is the 12th 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. 1960: Redemptorist Cathoic School, Crowley. When Redemptorist Grade School first opened its doors under the guidance of Father Elmer Toups, C.Ss.R., the campus consisted only of a cafeteria and four classrooms which housed grades 1st-3rd. Another building was added four years later, providing space for classes through the 8th grade level as well. The school remained under the leadership of the Redemptorist Fathers until June 2003, and during that time many additions and improvements continued to be made. This included the construction of a multipurpose building which was completed in 1991 and eventually provided room for restroom facilities, a teachers’ lounge, a pre-K classroom, and a computer lab. A new sports facility was also completed in time

for the 2000-2001 school year, allowing students to enjoy an air-conditioned gym for various school functions. By 2009, every classroom on the Redemptorist Catholic campus was equipped with Interactive Smart Boards and computer workstations to provide a technological advantage on the academic front. Additionally, students have many opportunities to participate in various clubs and youth activities as sponsored by the school and the Church; these include girls’ and boys’ basketball and track, girls’ volleyball, boys’ football, and a drama department, just to name a few. 1967: Notre Dame High School, Crowley. Although the roots of Catholic education in Acadia Parish can be traced back to the 1800’s, Notre Dame High School was established through the consolidation of St. Michael School in Crowley, St. Joseph School in Rayne, and St. Francis School in Iota. Presently, the school is owned by a total of eight contributing church par-

ishes: St. Michael and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Crowley; St. Joseph, Rayne; St. Joseph, Iota; St. Lawrence, Mowata; St. Leo, Roberts Cove; St. John the Baptist, Lyons Point; and Immaculate Conception, Morse. It is the only Catholic high school in Acadia Civil Parish. At the present time, Notre Dame High consists of approximately 440 students in grades 912. Since its establishment, the school graduated more than 4,000 students, providing an academic education which also embraces the importance of Catholic values. The school is accredited by the Louisiana State Department of Education, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). 1967: Vermilion Catholic High School, Abbeville. During the very same year, the sole Catholic High school of Vermilion Civil Parish was also established. Originally, the school was staffed with a mixture of lay persons, the Sisters of Mount Carmel, and diocesan priests, but as time pro-

gressed, the administration and staff was completely turned over to the laity. Since its inception, Vermilion Catholic has always been dedicated to upholding high academic standards, an effort which was recognized when the United States Department of Education awarded the school the Presidential Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Award in 1996. The school is also pleased to support a strong campus ministry program, as well as extra-curricular activities such as the Beta Club, National Honor Society, and various student athletic teams. Vermilion Catholic High School is accredited by the Louisiana State Department of Education, and also affiliated with the National Catholic Education Association, the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Louisiana Association of Principals, the Association for the Supervision and Curriculum Development, and the Louisiana High School Athletic Association.

Acadiana Catholic

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. Feb. l Pope Benedict XVI Feb. 2 Bishop Michael Jarrell Feb. 3 Father Richard Sutter, LC Father Brian Taylor Feb. 4 Feb. 5 Father Donald Theriot Feb. 6 Father Mark Thibodeaux, SJ Feb. 7 Father Paul Thibodeaux Father Jude Theirry Feb. 8 Feb. 9 Father George Thychery Feb.10 Father Charles “Nicky” Trahan Father Clint Trahan Feb.11 Feb.12 Father Harold Trahan Feb.13 Father Joseph Sai Tran, SVD Feb.14 Father Gene Tremie Feb.15 Father Stephen Ugwu Feb.16 Father George Vaniyepurackal Feb.17 Father Richard Vidrine Feb.18 Father Jason Vidrine Father Thomas Voorhies Feb.19 Feb.20 Father Thomas Vu Feb.21 Father Richard Wagner, SSJ Feb.22 Father Arthur Warren Feb.23 Father Daniel White, SJ Feb.24 Father Andrew Whitman, SJ Feb.25 Father Lawrence Abara Feb.26 Father Ambrose Akalawu, CSSp Feb.27 Father Joseph Alexander Msgr. Robert Angelle Feb.28

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.

February 2011 Page 43 loaded at www.acadianatheresians.com. The link is: http://www. acadianatheresians.com/ 2011dayofrenewal.htm Mail registration form and check to: Acadiana Theresians / PO Box 51625 / Lafayette, LA For more registration information, please contact: Tammy Fontenot at 337-831-1899 or Maggie Baudoin at 337-988-3755.

Vocation supper for young men is Feb. 23 LAFAYETTE A vocation supper will be given for young men on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Bishop Michael Jarrell’s residence at Immaculata Center in Lafayette. The deadline to register is Feb. 21. To register, please call the Vocations office at (337) 261-5690.

IT’S ALL ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE ®

Acadian HomeCare Acadia-St. Landry Home Health

Acadiana District Theresians announce a day of renewal 2011 LAFAYETTE The Acadiana District Theresians will host a day of renewal on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at St. Pius X Church in Lafayette, from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Speakers for the event will be Father Michael Champagne, CJC; Sister Fatima Aphiri and Roy Petitfils. The theme for the day of reflection is “Be still, listen, and allow God to speak to you. Registration fee is $20 per individual if received before March 11. After March 11, fee is $25 at the door, $10 for ULL students. Registration forms can be down-

It is customary that the pastor, a deacon or a religious accompany the candidate(s) to the vocation supper. A sponsoring pastor/deacon/religious may bring one or two candidates. If the young person is under 18 years of age and is the only candidate sponsored, then a parent or other family member over the age of 18 must also attend the vocation supper. Space is limited to 15, so early registration is recommended.

Baton Rouge HomeCare Bunkie HomeCare Eunice Community Home Health

To date, there are approximately 37.5 million persons over the age of 65 in the United States. Today, about 3.7 million are in need of intermittent care in their homes to avoid an unnecessary re-hospitalization or even worse, premature institutionalization.

Feliciana Home Health Franklin HomeCare Jeff Davis Home Health Kaplan HomeCare Louisiana HomeCare Louisiana Home Health

The needs of patients is our top priority. Our comprehensive home care services centers around the unique needs of each patient. Putting the patient first has helped us become a leading resource for physicians and families for those needing home care.

Marksville HomeCare Nursing Care St. Landry HomeCare Stanocola Home Health Ville Platte Home Health Welsh HomeCare

420 West Pinhook Road Lafayette, LA 70503 Toll Free: 1.866.LHC GROUP Phone: 337.233.1307

LHCgroup.com

Acadiana Catholic

Page 44 February 2011

Catholic lawyers should help laity solve moral/legal questions By Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE Catholic lawyers should be involved in helping the laity solve the legal and moral dilemmas which face us today, according to Father John Carville, homilist at the annual Red Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist here. Bishop Michael Jarrell was principal celebrant at the Mass which marked the opening of the 2011 court season. Father Carville, a priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, recently retired after serving as Vicar General and other major diocesan positions. He conceded that the laity are often confused about the correct moral view on certain legal cases. “For example, there are immigration issues, the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ homosexuality rule, just decided somewhat; legislation about gay marriages as well as the decades old issues of capitol punishment and divorces that are still trying to find a healthy consensus among the American people,” Father Carville pointed out.

“The question I pose to you,” Father Carville asked, “why don’t we hear more from the Catholic legal profession about what kind of laws are needed to address these issues? The second Vatican Council asked the laity to assist and address the signs of the times. Our bishops have an obligation to teach morality. However at times, the teaching of some of them is not too grounded in utility. No reference intended, of course, to our presiding bishop here,” he hastened to point out. Father Carville pointed out, “good morality has to be based on a sound evaluation of true facts and circumstances. The moral determination has to be expressed in laws that are just, fair and enforceable and where Church moral teaching and civil laws overlap, also politically possible. In the evaluation of facts and circumstances, in the formulation of laws which reflect our best legal training, experience and political wisdom your expertise is needed,” he told those in attendance. “Without it the moral teaching will be inef-

Father John Carville

fective and politically confused.” Father Carville recalled a recent example in the Bush-Kerry presidential campaign. “When President Bush was seeking a second term in the presidency and came out campaigning against Senator John Kerry, the questions of the candidates’ positions on abortion became an important campaign issue. Senator Kerry did not handle the issue too well although he opposed abortion. He would not force his views on others. Bush had no such scruples and came across actually better because of his opposition to abortion. “But the issue didn’t end there. Other politicians were forced to state their position on abortion and things were confused by the voting public and some American bishops. Father Carville related how the

Congressman was told he could not receive Communion and his answer was typical in that he did not like abortion but did not want to vote against the wishes of his voters. The Catholic bishops discussed the issue and decided each bishop could have the freedom in his own diocese to apply the teaching as he saw fit. The Louisiana bishops have issued a statement addressing the moral issues of the day from poverty to capitol punishment which seeks to give some guidance on these issues. The readings were given by Judge Richard T. Haik, Sr. of the Western District of Louisiana and Chief Judge David Blanchet of the 15th Judicial District. The Gospel was read by Deacon Timothy Maragos of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, member of the Lafayettte Parish Bar Association. Priests of the diocesan tribunal were invited to concelebrate with Bishop Jarrell. These included Father Curtis Mallet and, Father James Brady. Also taking part were Father Chester Arceneaux, pastor; Msgr. Richard Mouton, Msgr. Charles J. Mallet. Master of ceremonies was Father William Blanda. Cantor was David Domingue. Tom Niel was organist. Special music was provided by the Gospel Choir In Jesus Name directed by Harold D. Register, Jr. Bringing up the Offertory Gifts were Nicole Morrow, president of the Lafayette Parish Bar Association and Craig Morrow. After the Mass, the Lafayette Parish Bar Auxiliary hosted a luncheon in the Cathedral Center, sponsored by the Knight Company.

Acadiana Catholic

February 2011 Page 45

How Did Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Begin? Saint Valentine Valentine was a holy priest in Rome, who, with St. Marius and his family, assisted the martyrs in the persecution under Claudius II. Since he was caught marrying Christian couples and aiding any Christians who were being persecuted, Valentine was arrested and imprisoned.

He was sent by the emperor to the prefect of Rome, who ordered him to be beaten with clubs and beheaded. He was executed on February 14th, about the year 270. In 496 AD Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom.

Archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to Saint Valentine. He is a patron of lovers and of young couples. His Feast Day is February 14th.

Page 46 February 2011

Acadiana Catholic

î &#x152;ank you! The overwhelming generosity of Catholics in the United States has helped Catholic Relief Services move earthquake survivors from destruction and despair to transitional shelter and new hope for a better life.

Follow the progress of our work in Haiti at crs.org/emergency/haiti/index.cfm

Marie Claude Calixte and the transitional shelter that CRS built for her. Photo by Benjamin Depp for CRS

heartfelt

Care

With over 30 years in clinical and diagnostic cardiology, heartfelt care is what Acadiana has come to expect from a physician like

Dr. William Guillory.

William R. Guillory, MD Louise Frederick, APRN

Our Lady of Lourdes and Heart Hospital of Lafayette are proud to welcome Dr. Guillory and advanced practice nurse, Louise Frederick, into the Lourdes family of medical specialists.

Effective January 31, 2011, William Guillory, MD & Louise Frederick, APRN will be located in the new Lourdes Medical Office Building. 4809 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy, Suite 430

Now accepting new patients. For an appointment, call 337.991.9261.