The Acadiana Catholic by Acadiana Catholic

The Official Monthly Publication of the Diocese of Lafayette

2009

Acadiana Catholic

April 2011

Volume 27

Number 4

2011 Man-to-Man Catholic Men’s Conference to be one of the best LAFAYETTE The 2011 Man-to-Man Catholic Men’s Conference will be held Saturday, April 30, 2011, at the CajunDome Convention Center in Lafayette, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Keynote speaker for the event will be Notre Dame’s legendary Rudy Reuttiger who will join national personalities Jesse Romero, Father Larry Richards, local Father Larry Richards favorites Father Ted Broussard, Rick Cam-

bre, and Father Bryce Sibley who will serve as master of ceremonies. Early registration is recommended and should be paid by April 10. The $30 Jesse Romero registration fee will include lunch which will be served at the CajunDome. Due to catering deadlines, after April 10, the $30 registration fee will not include lunch. CajunDome concessions will be available for late registrants to purchase. Special features of the conference will include: breakout ses-

sions with Fathers Floyd Calais, Michael Russo, Aaron Melancon and Michael Delcambre. Special entertainment will be featured throughout the day. The Sacrament of Reconciliation Rick Cambre will also be available all day. The day’s activities will conclude with the celebration of Holy Mass preceded by the novena of Divine Mercy. The following biographical information on the speakers was

Catholics Come Home campaign bringing thousands back to the Church LAFAYETTE Catholic parishioners in the state of Louisiana and other US regions are inviting their neighbors, relatives and co-workers back to their church family for Lent using creative television commercials developed by the Atlanta based non-profit Catholics Come Home, Inc. Catholics Come Home.org is an initiative of evangelization to welcome people home to the Catholic Church, and a collaborative effort

between Catholics Come Home® and the Diocese of Lafayette. Lafayette Bishop Michael Jarrell said of Catholics Come Home, “Those who have seen the ads are favorably impressed. I believe the Lord wants us to extend the invitation in every way that we can. I believe he will bless our efforts.” Catholics Come Home, Inc. is a lay Catholic organization which creates and broadcasts media messages that extend a gentle invitation to inactive Catholics and others to

come home to the Catholic faith. “Our invitation is simple,” says President and Founder Tom Peterson: “We are Catholic. Welcome home.” The grassroots Catholics Come Home.org movement is able to air television commercials thanks to the support of thousands of local Catholic families who are eager to share their Catholic faith with friends, relatives, neighbors and coworkers. Nearly 800 commercials will air

Msgr. Harry E. Benefiel, Jr, 90, priest, educator, administrator By Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE They came, two bishops, an honor guard of firemen (he had been chaplain of the Lafayette Fire Department), a large contingent of clergy, friends and relatives, students from St. Edmund’s high school, Eunice. They came from all over to attend the Mass of Christian Burial for Msgr. Harry Benefiel in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Msgr.

Benefiel, 90, died March 13. “We gather to praise, worship and thank God for his gift to us of this person and priest Harry Msgr. Benefiel E. Benefiel, Jr.,” said Msgr. Richard Greene as he began his homily. Bishop Michael Jarrell, principal concelebrant, was joined

by Bishop Glen John Provost of Lake Charles, Father Chester Arceneaux, pastor of the Cathedral, who read the Gospel; Father W. Curtis Mallet, Vicar General; Msgr. Robert Romero, pastor of St. Anthony, Eunice, Vicar of the North Region. In a statement issued before the funeral, Bishop Jarrell said Msgr. Benefiel “faithfully and (Continued on page 32)

taken from the Conference’s website, www.mantomancc.com: “Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger, against all odds on a gridiron in South Bend, Indiana, carved his name into history books as perhaps the most famous graduate of the Rudy Reuttiger University of Notre Dame. The son of an oil refinery worker and third of 14 children, Rudy rose from valleys of discouragement and despair to the pinnacles of success. Rudy captures audiences with his contagious enthusiasm, portraying (Continued on page 4)

Inside this issue Donald Mayeaux, Sr., appointed by Bishop Maurice Schexnayder in 1961, still serving..............6 “Come to the Well” retreat to be held June 24............8 Catholic schools recognize leadership.......................10 Seminarians to be instituted into ministries leading to ordination....... 11 2010 Diocese of Lafayette annual report ................23-26 Opus Christi Magnum event begins 2011 charitable series.............27 Carmelites to celebrate 75th anniversary.............37 Catholic High student named 2011 Louisiana Young Hero.....................39 Woman-to-Woman Catholic Conference details announced......................43

Acadiana Catholic

Page 4 April 2011

2011 Man-to-Man Catholic Men’s Conference to be one of the best

Registration can be done online by going to: www.mantomancc.com and following registration instructions or by printing a registration form to mail in with payment.

Continued from page 3

Catholics Come Home campaign bringing thousands back to the Church

the human spirit that comes from his personal experiences of adversity and triumph. “A gifted and captivating speaker, preacher and retreat master, Father Larry speaks from experience as a pastor of an inner city parish, a high school chaplain, a counselor and an evangelist. His inspirational talks and presentations, always authentic and enthusiastic, have changed the hearts, minds and lives of millions of listeners worldwide. “Jesse Romero, a former nationally ranked kick-boxer, is well known for his powerful, moving talks on Catholic faith. Jesse is committed to keeping the Faith alive by speaking at parishes and Catholic events throughout the United States. “Rick Cambre is a well-known Lafayette businessman, Catholic parish leader, husband and father of seven, including a son in seminary. He will speak on ‘Persevering in Marriage.’”

Continued from page 3

throughout the Diocese of Lafayette for seven weeks beginning March 7 and running through Easter Sunday, April 24. Ads will be seen on major broadcast and cable stations throughout the diocese. In addition to the Diocese of Lafayette, Catholics Come Home.org is launching multimedia campaigns state-wide in Louisiana throughout the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the dioceses of Baton Rouge, and Houma-Thibodaux . The Archdiocese of Boston, and the dioceses of Manchester, NH, Erie, Winona, and Venice in FL are also airing in Lent 2011. By the end of Lent 2011, Catholics Come Home® commercials will have reached over 40 million viewers to date through previous initiatives in 30 (arch)dioceses including: Chicago, Se-

attle, Phoenix, Atlanta and Omaha helping over 200,000 people home to the Catholic Church and increasing Mass attendance an average of 10%, and as much as 18%. “I’m a fallen-away Catholic. Those CCH commercials on TV got to me,” says a recent Catholic returnee named Faith. “Yesterday I went to Confession & Mass. It felt great…Keep those commercials coming…!” In Phoenix and Corpus Christi, where the commercials first aired, it is estimated that 100,000 inactive Catholics and converts came home to the Catholic faith. Commercials direct viewers to Catholics ComeHome.org or to CatolicosRegresen.org (Spanish website) to learn more about the Catholic faith and returning to the Catholic Church. The local campaigns precede the first national campaign to be launched in Advent 2011.

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) 261-5513 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 Acadiana Catholic, April 1999 – Pictured in Washington, D.C., with some of the Immaculate Heart of Mary students are, front row, left to right, Dorsey Foreman, the school’s choir director; Mrs. Floyd Malveaux, an unidentified student, Dr. Floyd Malveaux and Germaine Ozene. Dr. Malveaux is Dean of Howard University Medical School.

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

‘He is not here; he is risen!’

An angel and three women are shown at the empty tomb of Christ in this depiction of Easter morning by German painter Peter von Cornelius. Easter, the feast of the Resurrection, is April 24 in the Latin-rite Catholic Church this year. (CNS/BPK/Bayerische StaatsgemÃ¤lde-Sammlungen/Art Resource)

April 2011 Page 5

Acadiana Catholic

Page 6 April 2011

Half a century of service to the diocese –

Donald Mayeaux, Sr. appointed by Bishop Maurice Schexnayder in May, 1961, still serving on Diocesan Finance Advisory Board By Deacon Thomas Sommers MAMOU On May 29, 1961, Bishop Maurice Schexnayder of the Diocese of Lafayette wrote a letter to Donald Mayeaux, Sr., requesting that he consider serving on the newly formed Advisory Committee for the diocese. “I am inviting a lay representative from each of the 12 deaneries of the diocese to act as an Advisory Committee for the Diocese of Lafayette. Bishop Schexnayder wrote: “I would like to have you serve on this committee. Please let me know if you are willing to accept. I would also appreciate knowing if it would be possible for you to come to Lafayette for a meeting to be held during the second half of the month of June. “With hope that you will accept my invitation, I am, with a blessing, Sincerely yours, +Maurice Schexnayder, Bishop of La-

fayette.” The following day Mayeaux wrote Bishop Schexnayder agreeing to serve in that capacity. The first meeting was held June 26, 1961. So began a 50-year tenure for Mamou businessman, Donald Mayeaux, Sr. During the years following, Mayeaux served with Bishops Gerard Frey, Harry Flynn, Edward J. O’Donnell, and now with Bishop Michael Jarrell. Mayeaux, who was born March 26, 1920, was 41 years old when he became a member of the Bishop’s Finance Advisory Board. His wife, Gladys, to whom he was married for 64 ½ years, died in 2005. Mayeaux is a member of the Board of Directors of Guaranty Bank and also serves as vicepresident of the bank, on the executive and loan committee as well as secretary treasurer.

Bishop Michael Jarrell, left, looks over the original letter from Bishop Maurice Schexnayder to Donald Mayeaux, Sr., right, inviting him to be a part of the Bishop’s Finance Advisory Board in 1961. Photo by Deacon Tom Sommers.

He served as president of the Evangeline Parish Unit of the American Cancer Society for 27 years and during this time he was on the Louisiana State Board for 23 years. He was on the National Board in New York for four years, from 1973-1977. He is the only living charter member of the Mamou Rotary Club which he helped organize in 1950, and served as president from 1954-1955. He was the Rotary Governor’s Representative , under two governors, for two years. Other areas Mayeaux has been active in include service for 21 years on the LSUE Advisory Committee, and chairman from 1983-1984. He was awarded Man of the Year civic award in

1958. He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus in Mamou since 1948, and served as Grand Knight for two years, District Deputy, and Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree KCs. He was the first president of St. Ann’s Church parish council and has been a lay minister since 1977 as well as a reader and altar server. He enlisted in the Army during World War II and was discharged with the rank of major. He has been a member of the American Legion since 1946. He has three sons and one daughter, 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. “God has been very good to me,” he says with a smile.

Acadiana Catholic

OBITUARIES

Sister Dorothy Bachelot, D.C. EVENSVILLE, Ind. Sister Dorothy Bachelot, age 83, died on February, 28, 2011, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville, Ind. Sister Dorothy was born on May 6, 1927, in Crowley, La. She was one of three children born to Eula Istre and Webster Bachelot, Sr. Sister Dorothy had served in her vocation for 65 years. Sister Dorothy attended St. Joseph High School in New Orleans, La., and after graduating in 1945, entered the Daughters of Charity in St. Louis, Mo. After her formation years, she attended St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, Ill., and in 1952, completed her OR post grad training at DePaul University in Chicago, receiving her BSNE. She ministered in many areas in the medical field in various states, and was missioned to Charity Hospital in Lafayette, performing home care, infection control, and employee health in service. Then, in 1983, Sister Dorothy was missioned to the National Hansens’s Disease Center in Carville, La., ministering to residents. In early 2008, Sister was diagnosed with ALS and was missioned to Veronica House in Bridgeton, Mo., in the ministry of prayer. She then came to Seton Residence in Evansville, Ind., in 2009, where she continued in the Ministry of Prayer until the time of her death. Sister was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Webster Joseph, and her sister, Lois Bachelot Landry. She is survived by nieces and nephews, and her

Msgr. Harry E. Benefiel, Jr. LAFAYETTE Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette, for Msgr. Harry E. Benefiel, Jr., 90, who died March 13, 2011 in Lafayette. Interment was at the St. John Cathedral Cemetery. Bishop Michael Jarrell, Diocese of Lafayette, was celebrant,

April 2011 Page 7 with Msgr. Richard Greene, Episcopal Vicar of the South Region for the diocese and pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in New Iberia assisting. Concelebrants were Fathers Kenneth A. Bienvenu and Angelo Cremaldi. (See story on page 3)

Sister Evelyn Eason, MSC OPELOUSAS A Mass of Resurrection at Prompt Succor Nursing Home was celebrated for Sister Evelyn Eason, MSC also known as Sister Simeon recently. She was preceded in death by her mother, Julia Ferretti Eason, her father, Robert Eason, two brothers, Claude and Paul Eason, and one sister, Eleanor Batistella. She is survived by nieces, nephews, many cousins and a host of friends. Sister Evelyn was born August 12, 1920 in New Orleans and entered the Marianites of Holy Cross September 2, 1939. She pronounced first vows August 12, 1941 and perpetual vows on August 12, 1944. As a devoted educator, she taught elementary and secondary schools in Louisiana including Plaquemine, Houma, Ville Platte, New Orleans, Lake Charles, and Eunice. She served as librarian and faculty member at Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans and at Hope Haven and Madonna Manor School in Marrero, Louisiana. Burial was at Our Lady of Holy Cross Mausoleum, in New Orleans.

Sister Claire Saizan, RSCJ GRAND COTEAU Alumni and friends of the Schools of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau were invited to attend the visitation and Memorial Mass Saturday, March 26 for Sister Claire Marie Saizan, R.S.C.J. Sister Saizan, who was 101, died in her sleep on February 16 at Oakwood, retirement community of the congregation at Atherton, Cal. She had asked to be cremated and her ashes buried in the Religious of the Sacred Heart cemetery here. A native of New Orleans, she had taught in many schools of the

Sacred Heart including 36 years in four separate stints at Grand Coteau.

Countess de LaFayette JENNINGS A memorial Mass for the Countess de LaFayette was offered in Our Lady Help of Christians Church here for the Countess and her two young children killed January 22 in an auto accident in France. Principal celebrant of the Mass, on February 22, , offered in French and English, was Bishop Glen John Provost of Lake Charles. Bishop Provost is a member of the National Chaplains’ Committee of the Sons of the American Revolution. The Countess Irasema, a native of Colombia, was the wife of Count Gilbert de Pusy de LaFayette, who was guest of honor in Lafayette, La., a few years ago at the 250th celebration of the birth of the Revolutionary war hero Marquis de Lafayette. The Marquis known as the “hero of two worlds,” fought alongside General George Washington for American independence. The countess and two of her three children, Caroline and Arthur, were killed in the tragic accident near Paris. For the bilingual Mass in Jennings, French sacred Mass was sung by Les Louisianaises and Nancy Tabb Marcantel. A reception after the Mass was held in St. Mary Center across the street

from the church. A scholarship in memory of the deceased has been established at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, for a graduate student in Francophone Studies. Donations can be made at UL Foundation, (337-482-0700).

Mr. Dario Castaño COLOMBIA, S.A. Mr. Dario Castaño brother of Father Jairo Castaño of the Office of Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Lafayette, died March 15, 2011. Mr. Castaño was living in Columbia at the time of his death.

Bennett J. Voorhies, Jr. LAFAYETTE A Mass of Christian Burial for Bennett Joachim Voorhies, 85, who died March 21, was offered in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. His two priest sons were principal concelebrants along with his pastor, Father Harold Trahan. Present in the sanctuary was Bishop Michael Jarrell of Lafayette. Chaplains to the bishop were Fathers Chester Arceneaux, pastor of the Cathedral, and W. Curtis Mallet, Vicar General. Father Thomas P. Voorhies was homilist. Readers were two daughters of the deceased, Jan Lenore Spizale and Claire Louise Marikar. Deacon Art Bakeler read the Gospel and led the gen(Continued on page 17)

Acadiana Catholic

Page 8 April 2011

“Come to the Well” retreat to be held Jun. 24 LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Pro-Life Issues will host a one-day “Come to the Well” retreat on Saturday, June 24, at the Immaculata Center in Lafayette. This special day, which is centered on hope and restoration, will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 5:00 p.m. The registration fee is $40 per person, or $75 per couple. All participants must pre-register through the Office of Pro-Life Issues at (337) 261-5607. “Come to the Well” is a retreat designed for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one—by suicide, accidental death, infertility, miscarriage, illness, stillbirth, SIDS, adoption placement, abortion, or any other loss of life. Those who work in ministries involving reproductive grief and bereavement are also invited. The retreat will be directed by Lyn Holley Doucet, Director for Spiritual Formation at Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House. Ms. Doucet holds a Master’s degree in education from UL in Lafayette and has written several award-winning books, which have earned her national recognition from the Catholic Press Association. Some of her books include Water from Stones (Acadian House Publishers), A Healing Walk with St. Ignatius— Discovering God’s Presence in

Difficult Times (Loyola Press), and Healing Troubled Hearts—Daily Spiritual Exercises (St. Anthony Messenger Press). Guest musicians will include Lisa Roy Sheppert, Michelle Binnings, Lisa Shannon, Benny Littell, Clare Billeaud, Suzanne Babineaux, and others. “Living Scripture” will be enacted by Jeff Aycock , Tina Hebert and Sharon O’Neill. Another special guest for the day will be Dana Manly, who will be on hand to offer art therapy to those who are interested. Ms. Manly hold a Bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion and Wellness from UL in Lafayette, as well as a Master’s of Science in Kinesiology from LSU. Her work has been displayed at Gallery 549, Mello Joy Café in downtown Lafayette, Tsunami Sushi Restaurant, Boulevard Bistro, The Gardenaire, and Symphony Decorator House.

Retreat with Immaculée Ilibagiza is April 15-16 LAFAYETTE All are invited to attend a Retreat with Immaculée Ilibagiza on April 15-16 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 2319 Johnston Street, Lafayette. Registration begins at 5:00

April prayer intentions 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.

p.m. Friday with the retreat from 6:00-9:00 p.m. On Saturday, registration begins at 8:00 a.m. The retreat begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. with Mass. There will be an hour break for lunch from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Cost is $75 (Students - $50) which includes both days. Lunch is optional at $7.00 and is highly encouraged for the sake of time. This retreat is expected to sell out. To register online go to www. immaculee.com.

“See the land, her Easter keeping, Rises as her Maker rose. Seeds, so long in darkness sleeping, Burst at last from winter snows. Earth with heaven above rejoices” ~Charles Kingsley

April l Pope Benedict XVI April 2 Bishop Michael Jarrell April 3 Msgr. Ronald Broussard April 4 Father Paul Broussard April 5 Father Richard Broussard April 6 Father Theodore Broussard April 7 Father Keenan Brown April 8 Father Wilbur “Sonny” Brown April 9 Father Francis Butler, SSJ April 10 Father Roger Caesar, SSJ April 11 Father Floyd Calais April 12 Father Corey Campeaux April 13 Father Joseph Campion, SSJ April 14 Father Jairo Castano, SDS April 15 Father Walter Cerbin, SSJ April 16 F ather Michael Champagne, cjc April 17 Father Gregory Chauvin April 18 Father Blaine Clement April 19 Father Gregory Cormier April 20 Msgr. Douglas Courville, JCL April 21 Father Robert Courville April 22 Father Angelo Cremaldi April 23 Father Barry Crochet April 24 Father William Crumley, CSC April 25 Father Hampton Davis April 26 Father Carlos De La Cruz, SJ April 27 Msgr. Jefferson DeBlanc, VE April 28 Father Edward Degeyter April 29 Father Herbert Delauney April 30 Father Michael Delcambre

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.

Acadiana Catholic

April 2011 Page 9

Page 10 April 2011

Catholic school Administrators, Teachers, Achievers/Supporters of the Year named 2010-2011 Administrators of the Year

Acadiana Catholic

Catholic schools recognize leadership

Fred Menard, Rayne Catholic School, Rayne; Myra L. Broussard, St. Michael School, Crowley; Sister Janet LeBlanc, O.Carm, Mt. Carmel School, Abbeville.

Educators of the Year

Colleen D. Robichaux, Notre Dame, Crowley; Gina Istre, Our Mother of Peace, Church Point; Bernadette Jennings, Rayne Catholic, Rayne; Tina Reaux, Redemptorist, Crowley; Megan Ledoux, St. Francis, Iota; Elizabeth Harson, St. Michael, Crowley; David Brou, Adam Conque, Sacred Heart, Ville Platte. Kelli Jordan, Kate Migues, Catholic High, New Iberia; Helen Polk, St. Edward, New Iberia; Margie D. Robertson, St. Joseph, Jeanerette; Ericka Forest, Carencro Catholic, Carencro; Nanette Cook, Cathedral-Carmel, Lafayette; Linda Flugence, Holy Family, Lafayette; Sherry Brown, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lafayette; Loraine Allain, Our Lady of Fatima, Lafayette; Kristen Dunbar, St. Cecilia, Broussard. Amy deBoisblanc, St. Genevieve Elementary, Lafayette; Irene Gauthier, St. Genevieve Middle, Lafayette; Rachel Martin, St. Mary Early Learning Center, Lafayette; Kay Judice, St. Pius, Lafayette; Jim Hightower, St. Thomas More, Lafayette; Kellie Plaisance, Sts. Leo-Seton, Lafayette; Yvette Broussard, Sts. Peter & Paul, Lafayette; Roberta M. LeBlanc, Teurlings, Lafayette. Andrea Vidrine, Tanisha Everett, Opelousas Catholic, Opelousas; Neysa Miller, Angelle Manuel, St. Edmund, Eunice; Tania Arnaud, St. Ignatius, Grand Coteau; Victoria “Vickie” Knott, St. Bernard, Breaux Bridge; Angé C. Latiolais, Trinity Catholic, St. Martinville; Roye Bell Pontiff, Hanson Memorial, Franklin; Sarah Blakey, St. John, Franklin; Ricki Parker, Maltrait Memorial, Kaplan; Tiffany Abshire, Mt. Carmel, Abbeville; Elaine Dillon, St. Peter, Gueydan; George C. Veazey, Vermilion Catholic, Abbeville.

Achiever/Supporter of the Year

Cheryl P. Guidry, Alfred Zaunbrecher, Notre Dame, Crowley; Keith & Denise Meche, Our Mother of Peace, Church Point; Edward Ware, Rayne Catholic, Rayne; Bernadette Cormier, Redemptorist, Crowley; Polly Navarre, St. Francis, Iota; Mark & Kim Bernard, St. Michael, Crowley; JoAlice Soileau, Sacred Heart, Ville Platte; Durk Viator, Catholic High, New Iberia; Angie Cestia, St. Edward, New Iberia; St. Joseph School faculty, St. Joseph, Jeanerette; Blake & Tara Melancon, Carencro Catholic, Carencro; Rob & Toni Eddy, Cathedral-Carmel, Lafayette; Anna Belle Cormier (posthumous award), Holy Family, Lafayette; LaJeanne Malbrough, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lafayette; Allison Broussard, Our Lady of Fatima, Lafayette. Randy Breaux, St. Cecilia, Broussard; Jennifer & Wayne Koenig, St. Genevieve, Lafayette; Susan Hunt Jones, St. Mary Early Learning Center, Lafayette; Christi Hemphill, St. Pius, Lafayette; Jerry Greig, St. Thomas More, Lafayette; Msgr. Robie Robichaux, Sts. Leo-Seton, Lafayette; Lawrence Menard Memorial, Sts. Peter & Paul, Scott; Steven & Laurie Dupuis, Teurlings, Lafayette; Ann Warren, Opelousas Catholic, Opelousas. Chris & Missy Dubois, St. Edmund, Eunice; Amy Taylor, St. Ignatius, Grand Coteau; Monica Domingue, St. Bernard, Breaux Bridge; Ronald James Mitchell, James Donald Broussard, Jr., Trinity Catholic, St. Martinville; Michelle Luke Chauvin, Hanson Memorial, Franklin; Robin Borne, St. John, Franklin; Stacey Bertrand, Maltrait Memorial, Kaplan; Robert “Bobby” Russo, James “Jim” Russo, Mt. Carmel, Abbeville; Brandy Broussard, St. Peter, Gueydan; Patrick & Vickie Patout, Vermilion Catholic, Abbeville.

Pictured above are, from the left, Anna Larriviere, superintendent of Catholic Schools; Sister Janet LeBlanc, O.Carm (Mt. Carmel Elementary); Bishop Michael Jarrell; Myra Broussard (St. Michael School) and Fred Menard (Rayne Catholic). teachers and parents along with By Kathleen Toups technology” Bishop Jarrell said, LAFAYETTE “The computer will never replace Leadership at several levels in Catholic schools of the diocese the human component in our was given recognition at the anschools, indeed in our world,” the nual ceremony on March 13 in the bishop emphasized. Cathedral of St. John the Evange “This is an opportunity to exlist. Bishop Michael Jarrell of press my thanks and my esteem Lafayette presided and presented for all you do,” he continued. the awards. “There is a saying in the Outstanding administrators Church that the reward for a job The top awards presented went done well is the opportunity to to Mrs. Myra Broussard of St. do more. We follow that pretty Michael, Crowley, Sister Janet consistently, not only in Catholic LeBlanc, O.Carm., Mount Carmschools but everywhere else. el, Abbeville, and Fred Menard, Ms. Larriviere noted “there Rayne Catholic. are 35 schools providing academThese awards, announced by ic excellence in a Christian enviAnna Larriviere, diocesan superronment to over 15,000 students, intendent, were in recognition of led by committed and dedicated “administration with dedication leaders who work very hard every and commitment, above and beday to provide a safe and loving yond the call of duty,” she emenvironment for our students.” phasized. She then thanked special leadBishop Jarrell, in his homily, ership groups, the principals, the chose this event to make a starpastors and chancellors, asking tling announcement. In a new to stand for applause from the astechnology program, the diocese sembly, noting “we are grateful will install several hundred comfor their spiritual guidance and putes and terminate all the teachleadership.” ers! He was joking, of course, Also taking part in the scripquickly pointing out the occature service were Father Chester sion was an appropriate time to Arceneaux, pastor of the Catheemphasize the value of teachers. dral, who read the Gospel; Fa“They are a human component in ther Jason Vidrine, who led the Catholic schools who are simply intercessions; and Greg Landry, irreplaceable and will be forevchairman of the diocesan schools er.” advisory board. Father William He reviewed the scriptures Blanda was master of ceremonies. of the day which speak of the Ms. Larriviere was assisted in the special role of St. Paul and the presentations by her staff from other apostles. Today we know the Office of Catholic schools. the computer has a special conSpecial music was provided by tribution to make, “but also we the Cathedral Carmel Choir. need apostles, prophets, priests,

Acadiana Catholic

April 2011 Page 11

Seminarians to be instituted into ministries leading to ordination LAFAYETTE Four Lafayette seminarians will advance in their seminary studies this Spring through the institution of ministries. One will be instituted into candidacy, two into the ministry of acolyte and one into the ministry of William Scahmbough lector. William Schambough, a seminarian for the Lafayette Diocese was instituted into Candidacy for Diaconate and Priesthood on March 31

by Bishop R o b e r t Muench, Bishop of Baton Rouge. He will be ordained to the Transitional Diaconate on May 21, at Brian Harrington the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. Schambough is the son of Mr. Robert Schambough and the late Mrs. Mary Schambough. His home parish is St. Anthony of Padua in Eunice. Brian Harrington and Neil Pet-

tit will be instituted into the ministry of Acolyte at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, Mt. St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Maryland on April 30 by Bishop Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte. Brian’s home parish is the Cathedral of St. Sam Fontana John the Evangelist, Lafayette. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Harrington of Lafayette. Neil Pettit’s home parish is St.

Mary Mother of the Church in Lafayette. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michel Pettit of Lafayette. Sam Fontana, whose home parish is St. Pius X in Lafayette, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Fontana of Lafayette. He will be instituted into the ministry Neil Pettit of Lector in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Mt. St. Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland by Bishop Peter J. Jugis on April 29, 2011.

Ordinations set in May and June

2011 ‘Walk with Christ’ – Good Friday walk

LAFAYETTE Ordinations to the transitional diaconate and priesthood are scheduled for May and June in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist here. Bishop Michael Jarrell will be officiating. On Saturday, May 21 at 10 a.m., William Schambaugh will be ordained a Transitional Deacon. This is the last major step before the priesthood. On Saturday, June 11, also at 10 a.m. in the Cathedral, four young men will be ordained to the priesthood,. They are Rev Mr. Nathan Comeaux, Rev. Mr. David Hebert, Rev. Mr. Johnathan Janise, and Rev. Mr. Garrett McIntyre. Schambough is from St. Anthony Parish, Eunice. He is the son of Robert Schambough and the late Mrs. Schambough. He has been making his seminary studies at Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans. Rev. Mr. David Hebert, from St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Abbeville, has been making his studies at Sacred Heart Seminary, Hales Corner, Wis. Rev. Mr. Nathan Comeaux is from St. Marcellus Parish, Rynella. He has been making his studies at Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans. Rev, Mr. Johnathan Janise is from Sacred Heart Parish, Ville Platte. He has been doing deacon internship at St. Stephen Parish, Berwick, and St. Bernadette, Bayou Vista. Rev. Mr. Garrett McIntyre is from St. Bernadette, Bayou Vista. He has been making his seminary studies at Notre Dame, New Orleans.

VILLE PLATTE The 24th annual “Walk With Christ” will take place this year at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Martin Luther King at 9:45 a.m. and will end at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Buses will begin leaving Sacred Heart Church parking lot at 9:00 a.m. Good Friday services will be at 12:00 noon following a brief break at the conclusion of the walk. The public is invited.

Holy Week schedule from the Office of Hispanic Ministry LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Hispanic Ministry would like to extend an invitation to all those in the Spanish-speaking communities to attend the following services during Holy Week. On Thursday, April 21, the Hispanic community will gather for Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Immaculata Chapel in Lafayette. On Friday, April 22, the Immaculata Chapel will also host

Good Friday services and the Way of the Cross in Spanish, beginning at 5:00 p.m. On Saturday, April 23, members of the Hispanic community are encouraged to attend the Easter Vigil Mass, which will be held at 8:00 p.m. inside the Immaculata Chapel. The Mass will be celebrated in Spanish. A bi-lingual Easter Vigil Mass will also be hosted by Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in New Iberia. It is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. For additional information on year-round activities within the Hispanic community, please contact the Office of Hispanic Ministry at (337) 261-5544.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 12 April 2011

St. Edward School celebrates St. Katharine Drexel feastday

New Iberia March 3 is a special day for students of St. Edward school here. It is the feast of St. Katharine Drexel, foundress of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament who founded this school. The school is named for the late Edward Morrell, brother of St. Katharine who provided generous financial support for the school. Each year on the feast of st. Katharine, students enjoy a series of special events beginning with a memorial Mass offered by Msgr. Ron Broussard, pastor. There is a school-wide recitation of the St. Katharine Drexel novena prayers. Associates of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, a group of lay people who offer spiritual support, are recognized. One of the students, Grace Gonsoulin , was dressed as Katharine Drexel (see attached picture) “Kisses for Katie,” Hershey kisses, are distributed to all the students. It is recalled Katharine Drexel used to give out chocolate candies to all the students.

entire school with a play about Katharine Drexel. A pamphlet on St. Katharine Drexel was distributed to all students. St. Katharine Drexel, who was canonized in 2000, was recognized for her concern for the Negro and Indian missions in the United States. In south Louisiana alone she founded some 40 schools for them. She personally toured the area in the 1920s with the late Bishop Jules B. Jeanmard, first Bishop of Lafayette, selecting school cites. In this area, devotion to her caused the late Bishop Edward J. O’Donnell (Bishop of Lafayette 1996-2002) to describe her as “a secondary patron of the diocese.”

When St. Edward school in New Iberia celebrated the feast of St. Katharine Drexel this year, student Grace Gonsoulin, shown here with principal Karen Bonin, portrayed St. Katharine Drexel. Photo furnished by St. Edward School.

First graders performed a Katharine Drexel pantomime for all the students. The Gifted and Talented students entertained the

Other schools

Mother Katharine also founded Xavier University in New Orleans which was the first university established for African American students. In this area, Carencro Catholic began, was begun for children of Assumption Parish and staffed by Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. It was paired with St. Pierre School to become Carencro Catholic. An outdoor shrine recognizes its origins with Mother Katharine. A public elementary school in Broussard, was named Katharine Drexel after the Lafayette Parish School Board acknowledged the request of parents who wanted to

recall a small rural school which had been established there years before by Mother Katherine.

St. Katharine Drexel celebrations LAFAYETTE The feast St. Katharine Drexel was celebrated March 3. This remarkable woman was the foundress of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and was responsible for many of the Catholic schools in this diocese. Appropriate celebrations on her feast are annual events in Carencro Catholic where an outdoor shrine calls attention to her role as founder, and also at St. Edward, New Iberia, It is named Edward in gratitude to St. Katharine’s brother who helped financially in funding of school. Also named in memory of Katharine Drexel is a public elementary school in Broussard. Area parents petitioned the Lafayette Parish School Board to name this school for Katharine Drexel in gratitude for a Catholic elementary school , now closed, staffed for many years by the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.

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

Acadiana Catholic

April 2011 Page 13

Pastoral Council addresses marriage and politics By Bishop Michael Jarrell

The Diocesan Pastoral Council is an advisory board which makes recommendations to the bishop concerning diocesan policies and pastoral practices. It consists mainly of lay persons, although there is a seat for one priest and one deacon. In recent meetings, the members have expressed interest in two current issues: The Sacrament of Marriage and the political responsibility of Catholics. With regard to marriage, there was concern over the reduced number of marriages in church. In the last 10 years, the number of weddings in the Diocese of Lafayette has decreased by 30 percent. There was no detailed study to determine how this relates to population change or to the number of civil marriages. Yet, there is enough evidence to suggest that this is an area of Catholic life that needs some attention. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops agrees. A few years ago it established

several pastoral priorities and attention to the Sacrament of Marriage was one of them. The bishops have established a National Pastoral Initiative for Marriage, along with a special website which can be found at www.foryourmarriage.org. The website contains plenty of information about marriage which is helpful for married couples, couples planning marriage and people in general. On the positive side, it is encouraging to see how many young people are serious about their Catholic faith and serious about the Sacrament of Marriage. They have seen so much emptiness and negativity in life. They yearn for a world view that promotes hope and enthusiasm. Many have found exactly this in Jesus and His Church. They are interested in learning the Lord’s view of life, including marriage. They are interested in the beautiful and inspiring teachings on the spirituality of marriage offered by the Church. They want something that has meaning and lasting value. The marriage preparation courses offered in our parishes open a new world, a hopeful world, for couples interested in marriage. I was surprised and pleased to learn that the Diocesan Pastoral Council considers this message a priority. I am even pleased that they are urging me to do more to promote the Church’s teaching on marriage.

Sister Kathleen Farrelly, O.Carm., new victim assistance coordinator for diocese LAFAYETTE As part of the diocesan program for the safe environment for the protection of children and young people, Sister Kathleen Farrelly, O.Carm., LCSW, SSWS, has been appointed victim assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Lafayette. The victim assistance coordinator’s duties are: to minister to the victim, victim’s family or other persons affected; to identify professional and other resources and make them available to aid in the care of a victim or other person(s) affected; to make certain that persons recommended to victims/survivors and their families for counseling and other spiritual direction are highly qualified for such assistance. Sister Kathleen may be reached by calling (337) 298-2987.

The issue of politics is a volatile one. The Council believes that the Church should provide more guidance to Catholics when it comes to politics. Every four years, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in the year before the presidential election, publishes a guide for Catholics. The booklet in 2007 was entitled, “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States.” (It is available on line at www.usccb.org, click on Departments, find Faithful Citizenship.) In the document, the Bishops remind Catholics of their responsibilities in a democratic society. I quote, “In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue and participation in political life is a moral obligation.” The Bishops quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “It is necessary that all participate each according to his position and role in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person…as far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life.” (#1913-1915) In their teachings, the Bishops consistently uphold the principle of the life and dignity of the human person. They state, Continued on page 18

Carmelites announce Holy Week schedule LAFAYETTE The Discalced Carmelites of the Monastery of Mary, Mother of Grace in Lafayette, announce the following Holy Week schedule: Passion (Palm) Sunday, April 17 – Mass and Blessing of the Palms, 10:00 a.m. Holy Thursday, April 21 – Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass, 5:30 p.m. Good Friday, April 22 – Friday of the Lord’s Passion Service, 12:00 noon Holy Saturday, April 23 – Vigil of Easter — Mass and Blessing of the New Fire, 11:00 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 24 – Easter Sunday Mass of the Lord’s Resurrection, 10:00 a.m.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 14 April 2011

Rite of Election – Newcomers welcomed to Christ’s Church

By Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE “It is my privilege to welcome you to Christ’s Church,” Bishop Michael Jarrell of Lafayette told the catechumens and catechists assembled for the annual Rite of Election. Bishop Jarrell presided at the traditional ceremonies in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist when 159 candidates and 74 catechumens were received into the church. They represented 40 church parishes from throughout the diocese. The catechumens are seeking the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist while the candidates are seeking to enter the Church. The scripture readings for the ceremony emphasize God does the choosing. In the Book of Deuteronomy (7:6-11) for the first reading, Bishop Jarrell noted the author clearly states that the people of God are such by God’s free choice. In the second reading from Ephesians (1:3-10), St. Paul also repeats the idea that God has chosen us and destined us for adoption . “In the Gospel from St. John (15:12-17) , Jesus speaks to His

disciples and tells them ‘I have called you friends, a choice and a word of welcome,” the bishop explained.. But there is more too it than mere membership. Bishop Jarrell pointed out, “God calls us to be an evangelizing Church. Before He left this earth, He told His disciples they should make disciples of all nations, teaching them all things and baptizing them “It is therefore incumbent upon me today to continue that activity,” the bishop continued. “We try to be an evangelizing church, not only for catechumens and catechist but for Catholics who are not fully practicing their faith.” Bishop Jarrell announced a new program of evangelization. “This Lent we have initiated a new program “Catholics Come Home,” a series of television ads. Some of you may have already seen it by now. It is an invitation to everyone to the full practice of their faith, striving to be the evangelization Church God wants us to be,’” the bishop said. He noted the Gospel from the Mass of the day (First Sunday of Lent, Matthew 4:1-11) Jesus

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

sErvicEs

At BRAdLEy & MOREAu,

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

159 candidates and 74 catechumens were received into the church during the Rite of Election held in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. They represented 40 church parishes from throughout the diocese. The catechumens are seeking the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist while the candidates are seeking to enter the Church asking for Baptism. Photo by P.C. Piazza.

is tempted by Satan, “is also relevant to our ceremony. A battle takes place between Jesus and Satan. Satan has powerful weapons, offering Jesus wealth, fame and power, but Jesus had strong defense, especially sacred scripture. “Every time Satan offers something to Jesus, He counters with a quotation from sacred scripture, from the Book of Deuteronomy, ‘not by bread alone does man live but by every word which comes from the mouth of God...’” The bishop also pointed out that Christ had in his defense the power of the Holy Spirit. “When Jesus was tempted is was not long after His baptism in the River Jordan by John the Baptist and we are told the Spirit of God hovered over him and a voice was heard, ‘this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.’ It was the power of the Holy Spirit which came upon Jesus and enabled Him to have defense against the attacks of Satan. “This Gospel reading is important for us today,” Bishop Jarrell emphasized, “because all of us have these same gifts, first of all sacred scripture. Some of us are very familiar with it, some of us are just beginning. We all need to learn more about scripture to pray

with them, to reflect on them, to use them as they are intended, an instrument of God’s presence in our lives. “We should also rely on the Holy Spirit,” the bishop reminded. “It is that Spirit which gives us strength and power and keeps us close to the Heart of Christ. I welcome you again and urge you to grow closer to the Sacred Heart of Christ, learn of His great love for us, and the destiny of all of us who are called to follow in His path. God be with you,” the bishop concluded. Deacon Tim Maragos of Our Lady of Fatima, and Deacon Jim Davis of St. Genevieve, both of Lafayette, were deacons to the bishop; Father William Blanda, was master of ceremonies. Readers were Sue Rachelle Romero, Nativity of Our Lady, New Iberia; Joseph Payne, Holy Ghost, Opelousas. Cantor was Lisa Trumps. Music director was Karen Melancon, with Kevin Martin, accompanist. Ann Broussard, director of the Office of Christian Formation, and her staff, were in charge of overall arrangements, along with John Schexnaildre, RCIA coordinator and his core of RCIA volunteers.

Acadiana Catholic

April 2011 Page 15

PRAY FOR YOUR DEPARTED CLERGY:

Father James Gelabert, April 2, 1925 Father Edward Fontaine, April 2, 2002 Father Moise Hebert, April 4, 1949 Father O.J. Chauvin, April 4, 1971 Father Edward J. Romagosa, S.J., April 4, 2009 Bishop Robert E. Tracy, April 4, 1980

Monday

Sunday

April 2011 3

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Father Columbian Lesquivit, April 9, 1994 Msgr. Emery Labbe, April 11, 1974 Father Frank C. Krauss, April 12, 1939 Deacon Hieu Tran, April 14, 2010 Father Louis Lam Vu, April 16, 2010 Father A.J. Maltrait, March 20, 1937 Deacon Paul Leonard Meynard, April 23, 2000

Tuesday

Deacon Carl J. Conrad, April 25, 1997 Msgr. Fred Swenson, April 27, 2007 Father Matthias J. Cramers, April 28, 1982 Father Joseph M. LeBerre, April 29, 1939 Father Jean Marie Jammes, April 30, 2007

Wednesday

Thursday

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

That the Church may offer new generations, through the believable proclamation of the Gospel, ever-new reasons of life and hope.

*March 25 - 27, 2011: Knights of Peter Claver, Louisiana State Junior Conference. Lafayette Hilton & Towers, Lafayette April 1-30, 2011: Child Abuse Awareness in the Black Community April 2, 2011: West Regional Conference. “Act Justly, Walk Tenderly, Walk Humbly with Your God” Keymote Speaker: Roy Petitfils. Three workshops. Presenters: Roy Petitfils, Sarah Brabant, PhD. and Msgr. Robie Robichaux, JCL. Catechist credits and hours will be assigned on registration brochure. Contact Janeth Harrington: jharrington@diolaf.org or (337) 258-0073

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

Divine Mercy Night, St. Peter Church, New Iberia, 6:30 p.m. For more information: John Manes, (337) 369-3021

Lenten Weekday Food for the Journey Speaker Series, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Lafayette, 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

intention:

Friday

Lenten Weekday Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. 6:00 p.m. Pre-registration required. Contact (337) 261-5607. Confidentiality respected. Retreat runs through Sunday.

Lenten Weekday Bible Seminar: “A Biblical Blueprint for the Mass” Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Kaplan (April 6 and 13 ) 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Mission

That missionaries, with the proclamation of the Gospel and their witness of life, may bring Christ to all those who do not yet know Him.against because of the Gospel.

Lenten Weekday

Saturday

Lenten Weekday 2011 West Regional Conference. “Act Justly, Love Tenderly, Walk Humbly With Your God. Keynote speaker: Roy Petitfils. Vermilion Catholic High School, Abbeville. Registration: $5. Contact: jharrington@diolaf. org or (337) 258-0073

Lenten Weekday

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

Lenten Weekday

Monday of Holy Week Vocations Holy Hour, St. Peter Church, New Iberia, Deacon Wade Broussard (337) 365-3780

Monday in the Octave of Easter

Lenten Weekday

Tuesday of Holy Week

Tuesday in the Octave of Easter

Lenten Weekday Lenten Weekday Lenten Weekday Registration for University DRE/CRE Support Group Come & See Weekend, St. of Dayton Virtual Learning meeting - North region, Our Lady Joseph Seminary, Covington. Community for Faith FormaQueen of Angels, Opelousas Call (337) 261-5690 for tion online courses, Cycle 4: Companions Along the Journey further information Courses scheduled 5/30-7/3, (Bereavement Support Group), 2011. Email: Immaculata Center, vlcff@udayton.edu 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Web: vlc.udayton.edu Contact Karol Meynard at (337) 261-5607, or Willa or Paulette at (337) 261-5654

Wednesday of Holy Week

Wednesday in the Octave of Easter National Catjholic Education Association Convention and Expo / National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors Conference, New Orleans Morial Convention Center For information go to: www.NCEA.org

Holy Thursday Chrism Mass, Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Lafayette, 10:30 a.m.

Thursday in the Octave of Easter

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion

Friday in the Octave of Easter

Lenten Weekday

Holy Saturday

Saturday in the Octave of Easter

Acadiana Catholic

Carmelites to celebrate St. Joseph LAFAYETTE Spring will be a busy time for the Discalced Carmelite nuns here at the Monastery Mary, Mother of Grace They anticipated the feast of St. Joseph on Saturday, March 19, inviting their friends to anticipate with a private novena, (March 11 to 19) invoking St. Joseph as father, friend, protector, and builder, who compassionately assists our needs. Feast day Mass was at 6:45 am.

Eucharistic adoration

In anticipation of the holy season of Lent, the Carmelites annually have three days of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Sunday March 6, at the 10 am Mass to 4 p.m.; Monday, March 7 and Tuesday, March 8, 6:45 am to 4 p.m. All these events are in anticipation of the celebration Monday, May 16 of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Monastery. Bishop Michael Jarrell will be principal concel-

April 2011 Page 17 ebrant and Msgr. Robie Robichaux, homilist.

Father Lambert Lein, SVD, to speak at May “Food for the Journey” LAFAYETTE The Central Region of the Diocese of Lafayette presents “Food for the Journey,” a monthly lunchtime speaker series designed to help Catholics live out their faith in their daily lives. Our speaker for May will be Father Father Lambert Lein, SVD Lambert Lein, SVD, Pastor of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Lafayette. Father Lambert was ordained for the Society of the Divine Word on August 12, 2000. “Food for the Journey” will be held on Tuesday, May 3, at Crowne Plaza Hotel (formerly “Hotel Acadiana”), 1801 W. Pin-

hook Road, beginning just after 12:00 noon. An optional buffet lunch is available beginning at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $12.00 and includes meal, drink, dessert and tip. All are welcome to come “eat and be fed”. Pre-registration is not required. For more information, please call Mary Bergeron (654-8682) or visit www.centralregiononline.org

Angola trip scheduled for April 10 LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Justice & Peace is coordinating a bus trip to Angola State Penitentiary on Sunday, April 10. The bus will depart at 7:00 a.m. from the parking lot of St. Paul Church in Lafayette. Those who wish to reserve a seat may do so by contacting the Office of Justice & Peace at (337) 261-5545. Individuals who wish to ride the bus must be on the inmate’s visiting list if they are over the age of 14. Additionally, those over the age of 14 must be able to present a current, Louisiana-issued ID; children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an

adult. All visitors must also adhere to the dress code—no blue jeans, shorts, sleeveless shirts, or t-shirts. Only wallets are permitted; women must leave their purses at home.

OBITUARIES Continued from page 7

eral intercessions. He was born to Bennett Joachim Voorhies, Sr. and Louise Pelletier Voorhies on August 30, 1925. Survivors include: his wife of 60 years, Lenore Parkerson Voorhies, four children, Jan Lenore Voorhies Spizale and husband David Joseph Spizale of Lafayette; Father Bennett J. Voorhies, a priest of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, New Mexico, now pastor of Our Lady of the Annunciation Church of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Father Thomas P. Voorhies, a priest of the Diocese of Lafayette and pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Scott; and Claire Louise Voorhies Marikar of Austin, Tex., and one sister, Yolande Voorhies Logan. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 18 April 2011

Thank God it’s Friday (For only 12 more hours…) By Roy Petitfils

A snapshot of my day (mind) last Friday… Perform random act of kindness for a stranger. Feel proud. Hide a box of Girl Scout Cookies from Mindi for my Midnight snack (and as a passive aggressive payback for putting us on a budget). Feel devilishly proud. Leave home to go minister. Make the sign of the cross in front the Church. Make a profane gesture to some jerk who

BISHOP’S COLUMN Continued from page 13

“Our focus is not on party affiliation, ideology, economics, or even competence and capacity to perform duties, as important as such issues are. Rather, we focus on what protects or threatens human life and dignity.” A number of goals are mentioned in the document, including: • Address the preeminent requirement to protect the weak-

wouldn’t let me out of my driveway. Refuse to look at the lady who’s screaming at me for not letting her out of her driveway. Think about handing her my card and a Lexapro. Think: “cards are expensive and I need the Lexapro.” Work hard trying to help people. Drive home committed to being nice to fellow drivers. Open a beer but remember I gave beer up for Lent (since I seldom drink it). Think: “Damn.” Uncork a bottle of wine. Wonder: “What was I thinking giving up alcohol for Lent? No more M&M’s it is!” I resolve (quietly in case I need to change again). As it’s Friday forego the $4 hamburger for $50

est in our midst—innocent unborn children—by restricting and bringing to an end the destruction of unborn children through abortion. • Define the central institution of marriage as a union between one man and one woman and provide better support for family life morally, socially, and economically so that our nation helps parents raise their children with respect for life, sound moral values

worth of boiled Shrimp and Crawfish. Think, “It’s good to be Catholic.” Begin thinking about tomorrow night’s supper. Think, “I should have done the Stations of the Cross.” Ask Mindi what she thinks about tomorrow night’s dinner. Remember that she eats to live, whereas I live to eat. And its 10:00 p.m. and she’s sleeping. Wonder if I’ll be up past midnight to enjoy a leftover link of boudin… Resolve to make it happen. Think about my Cajun Catholicism as I hear my mom’s voice (while she’s mauling a Popeyes fried chicken thigh on Good Friday and

and an ethic of stewardship and responsibility. • Help families and children overcome poverty: ensuring access to and choice in education, as well as decent work at fair, living wages and adequate assistance for the vulnerable in our nation, while also helping to overcome wide-spread hunger and poverty around the world, especially in the areas of development assistance, debt relief and international trade. • Continue to oppose policies that reflect prejudice, hostility toward immigrants, religious bigotry and other forms of discrimination. I was surprised to find that only one or two members of the Council were even aware of the existence of this booklet. I learned that the lay persons are interested in receiving guidance from the Church on social issues and that pastors in the Diocese and I must do a better job making this guidance available.

(Continued on page 20)

April Birthdays Deacon Tuan Anh Nguyen

Father Daniel Bastianelli, SSJ Msgr. Ron Broussard Father Hernando Ramirez, SJ Father W. Curtis Mallet Father Joseph Campion, SSJ Father Bryce Sibley Father Richard Sutter, LC Deacon James A. Kincel Father Raymond Jones, SVD Father Gregory Cormier Father Jose Padinjarepeedika, CMI Father Grady Estilette Father Austin Leger

April 2 April 4 April 5 April 7 April 7 April 10 April 11 April 17 April 18 April 21 April 26 April 26 April 27 April 27

Acadiana Catholic

April 2011 Page 19

Looking forward to priesthood – a deacon’s reflection (Part I) Rev. Mr. G.K. McIntyre Nearly eight years ago, I began the formal process of pursuing a vocation to the priesthood. In a little over three months, my pursued vocation will be realized. As I approach the end of my seminary career, though, I find myself thinking more about the beginning of it and the years leading up to this point.

My path to the seminary, although I did not know it at the time, began when I was twelve. Even at this early age, I had a profound experience of hearing the Lord calling me to serve Him at the altar. I knew God was going to provide for me and continue to lead me where He wanted me to go. The years that followed can best be described as a similarity

Incomplete Seminary Burses Your Contributions Help Educate Future Priests MICHAEL RICHARD is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Richard. He is in pre-Theology (first year) at St. Joseph Seminary College, St. Benedict, La. He is sponsored by St. Bernard Church, Breaux Bridge. GARRETT SAVOIE, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Savoie, is in Second Theology at Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans. He is sponsored by Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Mire. WILLIAM SCHAMBOUGH is the son of Mr. Robert Schambough and the late Mrs. Schambough. He is in his thrird Theology year at Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, and is sponsored by St. Anthony Church, Eunice.

Bro. Brian Webre is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Webre. He is in his ‘10-’11 Academic Year and is in his novitiate with the Community of Jesus Crucified, Lafayette.

ALEX ALBERT, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Albert, is in his fourth college year at St. Joseph Seminary College, St. Benedict, La. He is sponsored by Our Lady of Wisdom Church, Lafayette.

Photos by P.C. Piazza (except Michael Richard)

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. Griffin Memorial Burse 5,000.00 292 Anonymous Burse 10,470.00 293 Msgr. Fernand Gouaux Burse 4,770.00 294 Robert A. Frey Memorial Burse 7,360.00 297 “A Priest” Burse #2 7,400.00 308 Harold/Ruby Moreau Family Memorial Burse 5,000.00 309 Libby Holcombre Memorial Burse 2,000.00 318 Msgr. Marcel Murie 5,260.00 319 Rev. Marcel & Alfred Gaudet #5 1,942.80 322 Rev. Jean Fidele Paradis #2 5,000.00 323 Charlene Richard 3,030.00 326 Fr. Raphael Gauthier #2 3,757.17 327 Msgr. Albert Bacque #2 325.00 330 Rev. Verbis Lafleur #3 7,100.00 332 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. Peter’s Parish – New Iberia 10,422.35 363 Ramona Crosby Bennerfield Burse 2,125.52 364 St. Jude Burse #2 8,030.00 366 A. Otis and Etta B. Hebert Memorial Burse 5,000.00 367 Bishop Edward J. O’Donnell Burse 3,545.00 368 Rev. J.C. Speyrer Burse 10,000.00 370 Msgr. C. Burton Mouton Burse 10,700.00 375 Msgr. Charles Marin 100.00 376 Bishop Jeanmard Burse 3,964.00 377 Marie Louise Franques Kenneth 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 3,930.00 384 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 MONTHLY DONORS 330 Carroll/Richard Lafleur 330 Carrol/Richard Lafleur

100.00 100.00

to the life of the Blessed Mother as I “pondered these things in my heart.” While I knew I was too young to go to the seminary, I kept that possibility in the back of my mind and focused on my state in life. It was not long before I began getting my hands on every bit of information on the faith that I could find. I prayed with the Scriptures, studied the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and asked plenty of questions. I knew that knowledge of God would lead to love and service of Him. Eventually, I would be asked to demonstrate that love through a willingness to serve. Even with God gently tugging and urging me to go seminary (more clear to me now than it was then), it still took much effort and struggle for me to make my decision. When I finally did, I experienced another profound moment of God’s grace, this time letting me know He approved of my ‘yes.’ At that time, I remem-

bered another similarity to the life of Our Lady when she proclaimed her ‘yes’ and the Spirit of the Most High overshadowed her. God is constant and remains faithful! My time in seminary can be described in many ways. I have tons of great memories, met many amazing people, and, more importantly, have grown to know myself better and my God whom I serve. The seminary is challenging. At the seminary, not only are we challenged to be better disciples of the Lord, but at the same time we must learn how to be good shepherds of God’s holy people. This is no small feat for a young man not many years out of high school. In fact, I would imagine that just as a father grows with his family, the priest continuously learns what it means to be the shepherd to his family. Part II of Deacon Garrett McIntyre’s reflection will be published in the May 2011 edition of the Acadiana Catholic.

Seminarian Mark Miley instituted as Reader Mark Miley (kneeling) of the Diocese of Lafayette, was instituted as a Reader March 2nd at Sacred Heart School of Theology in suburban Milwaukee. Bishop Kevin Vann of the diocese of Fort Worth presided at the institution Mass. Sacred Heart is North America’s largest seminary specializing in the formation of men over 30, with 34 U.S. and Canadian dioceses, including Lafayette, Fort Worth and Lexington, using it for the formation of seminarians.

Seminarian David Hebert (center), served as deacon for a Mass celebrated by Bishop John Gaydos, D.D., of Jefferson City, Mo. Bishop Gaydos and his vocation director were visiting the Milwaukee-area seminary. Deacon Hebert, one of four Lafayette seminarians at Sacred Heart, will return to the diocese and be ordained to the priesthood this summer.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 20 April 2011

ROY PETITFILSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; COLUMN Continued from page 18

stuffing other items from the buffet in her foil lined purse) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Baby, Jesus didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have boudin on the cross.â&#x20AC;? Feel guilty, because dispite the evident hypocrisy, I know thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some merit to what she said. Admire momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s piety, paradoxical as it may be. Think: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I should be more pious.â&#x20AC;? Resolve to think more about that next week when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not meat-deprived.

Start preparing evening soliloquy (prayer). Wonder if my Friday fast will pay off on the scale tomorrow. Think: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the least God could do.â&#x20AC;? Feel twinge of guilt and remember the people of Japan. Resolve to play with the boys all day tomorrow. Open an email telling me a recent talk was unclear and unCatholic. Think: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t this person know who I am?â&#x20AC;? Remember: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I grew up in a trailer.â&#x20AC;? Think: â&#x20AC;&#x153;They may be right.â&#x20AC;? Get a call from a recent host saying my words changed their life. Obsess about the first call. Call three friends hoping theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll tell me Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a good person. Remember: â&#x20AC;&#x153;God loves me in my mess.â&#x20AC;? See God grin at me in my mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye. Resolve to do better tomorrow. Hear alarm go off to remind me its boudin timeâ&#x20AC;Ś Pray: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank you Lord for boudinâ&#x20AC;Śand for my faithâ&#x20AC;Śand for loving the complete mess that I am. Amen.â&#x20AC;? Roy Petitfils strives to be a man after Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own heart. He is passionately in love with his bride Mindi and adores his two boys Max and Ben. He is also a sought-after counselor and speaker. Read more about him and his other writings at bigbaldspeaker.com. Roy can be reached at bigbaldspeaker@gmail.com.

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

â&#x20AC;&#x153;BE FIRE!â&#x20AC;? By Graham N. Smith

We â&#x20AC;&#x2122; r e all troublemakers, you k n o w . Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the label weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get if we really get serious about following Jesus. When Paul and Silas preached in Thessalonica, it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t long before an angry mob came after them. Not finding Paul and Silas, they dragged some local believers before the magistrates, shouting, â&#x20AC;&#x153;These people who have been creating a disturbance all over the world have now come here . . . They all act in opposition to the decrees of Caesar and claim instead that there is another king, Jesus.â&#x20AC;? (Acts 17:1-7 NAB) Other translations say Paul and Silas had â&#x20AC;&#x153;turned the world upside down.â&#x20AC;? (KJV) Well, yeah, they did. And we should, because we do follow another king, the King of Kings. Our citizenship is in heaven. (Phil. 3:20) Acting that way can get you into trouble just about anywhere. Part of the problem is that we belong to a â&#x20AC;&#x153;kingdom of servants.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all,â&#x20AC;? Jesus said in Mk. 9:35. He used stronger words in Mt. 20:27: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.â&#x20AC;? If that makes you think of

cruel taskmasters flogging away, forget it. We arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t to â&#x20AC;&#x153;lord it overâ&#x20AC;? those under our authority. (Mk. 10:42-43) In this kingdom, we must serve each other (Gal. 5:13) and we must be willing to submit to lawful authority over us. (Rom. 13:1-7) Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true even if the â&#x20AC;&#x153;authorityâ&#x20AC;? is someone I ask to take charge of a specific job, such as setting up for a meeting. If Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m helping to put up the chairs and tables, I need to look to that person for direction. He serves me by telling me where they go. I serve him by obeying. That way, the job gets done quickly and we can get on with the meeting. Otherwise, we get confusion, delay and stress. My wife Donna gave me another example from a retreat trip she made with several other ladies. Knowing that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be on the road for hours, they gave one person the authority to choose their lunch stop. She served them by making the choice. They served her by agreeing to abide by her decision. That relieved the rest of them of having to look for a place and debate the possibilities, which made the ride much more pleasant. (And they liked the place she chose!) But you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t serve someone who wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let you do it. Would you want to sing in a choir where nobody wants to follow the Director? Not pretty. Now, what if we all start living each day like weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really part of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;kingdom of servantsâ&#x20AC;? that Jesus proclaims? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wear your â&#x20AC;&#x153;troublemakerâ&#x20AC;? T-shirt. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll know!

Acadiana Catholic

Cathedral to host prayer service for hurricane season

April 2011 Page 21 Thomas James, SVD, VE, Episcopal Vicar for the Central Region of the Diocese of Lafayette. The intention of the service is to provide an opportunity for prayer and awareness prior to the start of the 2011 hurricane season, which begins on June 1. For more information, please contact the Cathedral at (337) 232-1322, or call Mary Bergeron at (337) 6548682. Information may also be obtained online at www.centralregiononline.org.

Aquinas Institute announces Summer 2011 courses

Father Chester Arceneaux

LAFAYETTE The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette will host a prayer service before the Start of hurricane season, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 19. This event is supported by the Lafayette Diocese’s Central Region, and all are invited to attend. The non-Eucharistic prayer service will be led by Father Chester Arceneaux, rector of the Cathedral. Father Arceneaux will be joined by Very Reverend

LAFAYETTE The Aquinas Institute has announced the Summer 2011 courses. They are: THE 390 Spiritual Theology, 3 credit hours – Father Michael Champagne, cjc. Description: This course will provide an in-depth introduction of Spiritual Theology, which can also be termed the Theology of the Interior Life or the Theology of Christian Perfection. The nature of Christian holiness will be treated especially as it involves the integral operation of the theologi-

cal virtues, the moral virtues, and gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Sacred Scriptures, and Spiritual Theology by Jordan Aumann, OP, will provide the principal materials for the course. Day and Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Location: Our Lady of Fatima, Knight Hall Auditorium, 2319 Johnson Street, Lafayette. Classes begin: June 7, 2011; classes end: August 18, 2011 Summer 2011 registration, preregister now at www.diolaf.org/ aquinasinstitute New and current credit students may call the Office of Christian Formation for a registration application from May 2 – 6, 2011. If space is available in the class, the Office of Christian Formation will fax or mail an application form with instructions for registering by mail. All audit students may call the Office of Christian Formation for a registration application from May 9 – 13, 2011. Registration will close Monday May 16, 2011 For registration information call the Office of Christian Formation at (337) 261-5674. Cost: $250.00 credit, $75.00

Audit. For more information go to: www.diolaf.org/aquinasinstitute.

Lenten programs to be presented by St. Leo Church LAFAYETTE St. Leo the Great Church, 300 West Alexander Street in Lafayette, will present two Lenten musical programs in April. A Lenten musical cantata entitled, “Touched by the Christ,” will be presented on Thursday, April 14, 2011, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The theme is on the followers of Jesus as they reflect on his final days. Music is by Lloyd Larson with narration by David Burke. The second event is the Office of Tenebrae which will be presented on Wednesday, April 20, 2011, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Tenebrae is the Latin word for shadow or darkness and is a service taken from the Liturgy of the Hours. The choir of St. Leo’s will also sing Lenten selections that reflect the agony of Christ, along with the Lamentations of the Prophet Jeremiah. Admission is free to both events.

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

Acadiana Catholic

Page 22 April 2011

Monthly Manna schedule for April 13

Deacon Jerry Bourg, left, and Father Greg Chauvin, right.

FRANKLIN The next meeting of Monthly Manna is scheduled for Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at the Forest Restaurant in Franklin. The gathering will begin 11:00 a.m., with lunch served at 11:30 a.m. at the

cost of $10.00 per person. The speaker will be Ed Boustany, the Lafayette Diocese’s Director of the Office of Justice & Peace. In March, those who attended the Monthly Manna gathering heard from Father Greg Chauvin, pastor of St. Nicholas Church in Lydia. Father Chauvin’s presentation focused on God’s “Divine Plan” and included references to Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. Through this text, Father Chauvin believes that every human being can discover that the meaning of life is revealed in one’s vocation, the dignity of marriage, and the marital act itself. Father Chauvin elaborated that marriage remains as a sign in the world to reveal the love of Jesus for the Church. The human body – man and woman, sex and marriage – exists for us like road maps to help us understand that the meaning of being a person is

Hispanic extraordinary ministers commissioned

Commissioning of Hispanic extraordinary ministers of Communion took place recently during the 6:00 p.m. Hispanic Mass at Our Lady of Wisdom Church in Lafayette. These extraordinary ministers serve at Spanish Masses at Our Lady of Wisdom, St. Jules Church in Lafayette, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church in Abbeville, and Our Lady of Mercy in Henderson.

to love and give yourself in love to another. In the life of a priest or consecrated religious—or even a single person—a multitude of others may be embraced through service to them. The Monthly Manna program is an ecumenical lunchtime speaker -series sponsored by the Regional Pastoral Council of the Lafayette Diocese’s South Region. For further details, please contact Deacon Jerry Bourg (Regional Assistant) at (337) 578-2423.

Louis Hebert named CEO of Hospice of Acadiana LAFAYETTE The Board of Directors of Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. announces the appointment of Louis “Buzzy” Hebert, Jr. to the position chief ex-

ecutive officer. Hebert started with Hospice of Acadiana, Inc. in 2002 and currently serves as interim chief executive officer. Prior to that position, Hebert was human resources director/chief compliance officer/HIPAA privacy officer. Before joining Hospice of Acadiana, Inc., Hebert served as an assistant administrator for a local hospital and has served as a director for several major medical entities. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) and went on to receive his Registry in Respiratory Therapy in 1979 from the University of Chicago Hospital and Clinics. Hebert presently holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Tulane University.

Vietnamese Ministry offers Lenten activities

Several Lenten services have been announced by the Office of Vietnamese Catholic Ministry. In Lafayette the following services will be provided: Sunday Masses will be celebrated at St. Jules Catholic Church on Macon Street with Father Joseph Tran (Thien Sai), SVD, pastor of St. Lawrence Church, Mowata, as celebrant. Mass will begin at 2:00 p.m. preceeded by the Stations of the Cross. April 22, 2011 • Retreat- 7:30 p.m. with confession 30 minutes before service (7:00 p.m.) • Good Friday Service at 7:00 p.m. April 24, 2011 • Easter Sunday Mass at 2:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Van Tu at (337) 981-

2873 Abbeville: April 18 - 20th, 2011 (Chapel, 515 Edwards Street, Abbeville) • Easter preparation service at 7:00 p.m. Guest speaker : Father Bay from Houston, Texas. April 21, 2011 (Chapel) • Holy Thursday Mass at 6:00 p.m. April 22, 2011 (Chapel) • Good Friday service at 3:15 p.m. • Veneration of the Cross with Stations of the Cross April 23, 2011 (VN Hall, located at 1201 Lafite Road, Abbeville.) • Easter Saturday Mass at 8:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Hau Doan at (337) 2886133.

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

April 2011 Page 23

Diocese of Lafayette Financial Report for the Fiscal Year of July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010

Acadiana Catholic

Page 24 April 2011

Incoming Funds The figures used in this report are audited by the Certified Public Accounting firm of Broussard, Poche, Lewis and Breaux, LLC. Under “Incoming Funds,” readers must note that contributions from the Annual Bishop’s Opus Christi Magnum are not included, as this income is given directly to the agencies which make up Lafayette Catholic Service Centers, Inc.; this corporation reports to its own board and is audited separately. Funds raised through Opus Christi Magnum efforts also help Opelousas New Life Center and several small charity outreach centers across the diocese. Also, the “Outgoing Funds” section does not include the activities of the Consolidated Deposit and Loan Program (CDLP). The CDLP is our “bank” in which parishes and other diocesan entities deposit their excess revenues at good interest rates. These funds are then available on demand so that the CDLP may utilize them to provide loans at very favorable rates to parishes building new facilities or for other needs. It is not a part of our operating budget. RECEIVED

Represents the origins of all diocesan funds

PARISH ASSESSMENTS $5,766,274 This is the major source of diocesan income. The assessment rate ranges from 1% on parish income to 15% (only 24 pay 15%). Parishes in turn are relieved of financial burdens under diocesan auspices. BISHOP’S SERVICES APPEAL $2,300,273 This is the once-a-year appeal for the support of diocesan projects. This annual pledge and gift is your way of supporting the diocese as you support your own parish every week. RECEIPTS GENERATED BY OFFICES & PROGRAMS $1,572,726 Some offices generate income for the support of their programs. This helps offset the cost, although in almost all instances, the diocese makes up the shortfall between income and expenditures. RECEIPTS GENERATED BY AGENCIES $3,209,259 Agencies generate income from grants and donations to cover the total cost of their operation. Grants are mostly from external sources, such as Religious Grants and Federal/State Grants. LEASES $ 279,694 Generous people sometimes give property to the diocese. Some of it is sold, and some is leased. INVESTMENT INCOME $ 538,226 Specified funds are limited in their expenditures by the intention of the donors. Others are disbursed in line with our judgement. Fiscal responsibility requires adequate reserves so that in a financial emergency, we would be able to pay our employees, protect their retirement benefits, and maintain skeleton services for a reasonable time.

Total

$13,666,452

PARISH ASSESSMENTS

BISHOP’S SERVICES APPEAL

RECEIPTS GENERATED BY AGENCIES

LEASES

RECEIPTS GENERATED BY OFFICES & PROGRAMS

INVESTMENT INCOME

GENERAL STATISTICS FOR THE LAFAYETTE DIOCESE Total Population Catholic Population Diocesan Priests (Active) Religious Order Priests Seminarians Deacons (Permanent) Brothers Sisters Parishes Missions

627,285 307,991 134 46 27 76 21 145 121 30

High Schools Students Parish Schools of Religion Elementary Schools Students Parish Schools of Religion Social Services Total Assisted Baptisms Marriages Funerals

10 3,605 6,121 30 11,249 18,150 153,803 4,087 1,067 3,306

Your contributions help to support and promote the works and ministries that define the presence of the Catholic Church throughout all areas of the diocese.

Acadiana Catholic

April 2011 Page 25

Outgoing Funds PROGRAMS/SERVICES

OFFICES

Represents ongoing responsibilities that are more properly listed as programs than as offices

Represents the total cost of operating the various offices of the diocese

EXECUTIVE OFFICES Residence of Bishop Tribunal ADMINISTRATION Chancellor Archives Auxiliary Services Information Technology General Plant Mgr. & Maintenance CLERGY & RELIGIOUS Vicar for Priests Permanent Deacons Seminarians &Vocations Ongoing Formation of Priests Minister to Priests Religious Brothers & Sisters

Total

139,446 85,157 146,467 328,671 667,367 1,367,108

8,973 130,317 880,807 114,214 31,046 25,541 1,190,899

502,556 102,894 605,450

141,044 138,134 257,303 372,312 288,263 1,197,055

156,037 110,220 105,832 372,089

67,036 254,347 284,538 605,921

52,127 109,576 92,142 60,572 314,417

Total

COMMUNICATIONS Acadiana Catholic Radio &Television

Total

COMMUNITY SERVICES Institutions &Housing Justice & Peace Maternity &Adoption Migration &Refugee Persons with Disabilities

Total

FAMILY SERVICES Marriage & Family Life Pro-Life Youth Ministry FORMATION Campus Ministry Catholic Schools Religious Ed & Christian Formation PASTORAL SERVICES Vicar General Hispanic Ministry Black Catholic Ministry Liturgy

Total

STEWARDSHIP Vicar General Fiscal Administration Parish Finance Building & Renovation Development (BSA) Human Resources Safe Environment Finance SECRETARIAT ASSISTANTS Communications Community Services Family Services Formation

Total

$ 163,451 194,418 357,869

Total

Total Office Totals

DIOCESAN Priests’ Health Care Priests’ Retirement Chaplains & Hospital Ministry Needy Parishes & Institutions Diocesan Assessment & Contribution Priests’ Council & Committee Expenses Bishop Discretionary &Poorest Poor Account Capital Outlay Special Diocesan Costs Holy Rosary Plant Account

658,904 604,187 270,831 297,329 274,643 31,071 2,960 404,295 328,557 46,600

Programs/Services Total AGENCIES

Represents the disbursements of agencies working in the diocesan family of apostolates

Society of the Propagation of Faith Lay Evangelization Grant Account Drug-Free Grant Account OCS Technology Account Persons with Disabilities Account Migration Agency Account School Clearing Account Hurricanes Katrina & Rita Account Aquinas Institute

1,677 2,443 40,866 44,271 265,342 58,988 2,158,433 21,092 24,599 Agencies Total

2,617,710

ALLOCATIONS/DESIGNATED FUNDS

Represents funds used for the continuity of vital ministries and services of the diocese

General Fund Investments

Total Office & Program Disbursements Allocation to Designated Funds Total Agency Disbursements

457,749 Total

Grand Total

85,943 247,940 156,828 92,903 311,226 182,890 55,016 284,838 1,417,585 68,516 69,878 67,223 65,507 271,124 7,699,517

2,891,476

ALLOCATION TO DESIGNATED FUNDS

TOTAL AGENCY DISBURSEMENT

TOTAL OFFICE & PROGRAM DISBURSEMENT

457,749 10,590,993 457,749 2,617,710

$13,666,452

Acadiana Catholic

Page 26 April 2011

Keeping the Faith The operation expenditures of the Lafayette Diocese help the people of Acadiana live, keep, and share their Roman Catholic faith in many ways.

November 2010: Newly ordained Deacon Nathan Comeaux helped administer Holy Communion during his Mass of Ordination at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville. Photo by P.C. Piazza

August 2010: Parish BSA representatives were invited to the annual BSA Workshop & Ministry Fair. Each year, the workshop features speakers from various diocesan offices, as well as displays which offer information on all the ministries and services the offices provide for the people of the diocese. Photo by P.C. Piazza

October 2010: Surrounded by law and medical personnel, Bishop Michael Jarrell celebrated the 2010 Annual Red Ribbon Mass at St. Joseph Church in Rayne. The students and staff of Rayne Catholic Elementary also participated as part of the school’s Red Ribbon Week activities, to show their support for the creation of a drug-free America.

February 2010: St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville hosted the diocesan Marriage Anniversary Celebration Mass, in honor of couples who celebrated 50, 60, or 60+ years of marriage. Bishop Jarrell presented special certificates to all those who participated. Photo by Don & Jan Photography

December 2010: Each year during the Christmas season, the Lafayette Diocese utilizes billboards such as the one above to promote the “Come Home for Christmas” program, which reaches out to inactive Catholics and encourages them to return to the loving arms of the Church.

July 2010: Through the RISE program (sponsored by the diocese’s Central Region), local high school students learned a hands-on lesson in “Rising in Service to Everyone.”

June 2010: During a workshop sponsored by the Office of Christian Formation, Dr. Mike Carotta (former executive director of the National Catholic Education Association Department of Religious Education) targeted the concerns of Catholic high school religion teachers, department heads, and administrators regarding the new high school curriculum framework unaminously approved by the U.S. bishops.

Acadiana Catholic

LETTERS Letters to the editor policy: Letters to the Editor should be pertinent to articles that have appeared in the Acadiana Catholic or to events and issues that are taking place in the Diocese of Lafayette. We seek to provide a balanced representation of opinions. Opinions expressed by our readers do not necessarily reflect the position of this newspaper, its staff or publisher. Readers may agree or disagree with its content. We reserve the right to edit for length or clarity and exclude material deemed offensive or inappropriate for this publication. We also reserve the right to exclude material that includes personal attacks on others. Anonymous letters can not be published. Dear Editor: First, a note of appreciation is in order for the still relatively new “Explore Your Faith Series” inspirational page of your periodical. I think these types of real life stories tend to truly foster people’s hope and trust in our Good LORD and His wonderful promises There are a few excellent resources that I’ve come across in recent times related to Bible reading/study. As Father Richard Greene reminded Catholics some thirty years ago via his newspaper articles and sermons regarding the official teaching or position of the Church:: “The Church ‘forcefully and specifically exhorts all the Christian faithful…to learn the ‘surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ’ [Phil.3:8] by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures. ‘Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ’ [quoting St. Jerome].” It goes on to state: “Let us remember, however, that prayer should accompany the reading of the sacred

April 2011 Page 27 Scripture, so that a dialogue takes place between God and Man. For, ‘we speak to Him when we pray; we listen to Him when we read the divine oracles’ [quoting St. Ambrose].” (The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Article #3, Section IV, Paragraph 133; The Second Vatican Council Documents, “The Dogmatic Constitution On Divine Revelation,” #25.) The Church has provided some very good resources to help Catholics read and study the Bible. For instance, The One Year Chronological Bible allows one to go through the Bible in 365 days via daily readings of about four or five pages each. Also, Jeff Cavins and Dr. Tim Gray have recently written an excellent book titled Walking with God: A Journey through the Bible which is a great companion to Bible reading/study that offers invaluable scholarly insights into the stories of Scripture which helps it all come together so well. Peter Kreeft’s You Can Understand the Bible gives short summaries of each book of the Bible that also contain keen insights into the main messages or core lessons of the particular books. Finally, Praying the Names of God and Praying the Names of Jesus both written by popular author Ann Spangler. I can’t recommend these five resources enough. I believe the information contained in the contents can help us to better understand the Love Story about God’s creation, re-creation (redemptive restoration), and intended relationship to (and plan for) His dear children or people who were created in His very image. Sincerely, Steve Neef, Lafayette

A-V spotlights for April LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Audio-Visual library has four spotlight recommendations for the month of April. The first is The Proud Tree (#2568), a 30-minute video which is available in either VHS or DVD format. Geared toward children in the age group K-4th grade, the video tells the story of the Crucifixion from the viewpoint of Rex, the tree which was used as the cross that Jesus carried to Calvary. Rex, proud and ungrateful, learns a lesson from the humble Jesus in this new and memorable telling of a familiar story. Happy Easter (#2564) is also available in either VHS or DVD format. This 30-minute video for levels K-4th grade tells the story of “Davey,” who is dealing with the recent death of his grandmother. He is despondent until he sees an Easter play and learns the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of

eternal life for all. For adults, the A-V library recommends The Cross of Christ (#3812) and The Passion of Christ (#3813); each of these selections consists of two 50-minute DVDs. The Cross of Christ focuses on the cross as the ultimate symbol of love in the world, delving into its mystery and highlighting its representations of God’s unconditional love and vulnerability. In The Passion of Christ, Father Ron Rolheiser, OMI, offers new understanding and encouragement in how we can give our lives to the world, and also how to give our death to the world. Scripture references are used to emphasize that for our sake, Jesus endured his suffering without resentment or bitterness. To reserve these and other available selections through the diocese’s A-V library, please contact Lynne Broussard at (337) 261-5674.

Opus Christi Magnum event begins 2011 charitable series

Pictured above are, front row, left to right: Kim Boudreaux, Beth Ardoin, Tracy Neuner and Bishop Michael Jarrell. Back row, left to right: Father Chester Arceneaux, Jerry Vascocu, Bill Fenstermaker, Ann Fenstermaker, Frank Neuner, and Pat Trahan.

LAFAYETTE Opus Christi Magnum (OCM), translated as “The Great Works of Christ,” is the primary fundraiser benefiting Lafayette Catholic Service Centers (LCSC). Ann and Bill Fenstermaker opened their home recently, for the first event of the 2011 Opus Christi Magnum series hosted by Tracy and Frank Neuner and IberiaBank with Senator Mike Michot serving as the 2011 OCM chair. The evening’s event began with an opening prayer lead by Bishop Michael Jarrell, followed by a brief overview of Lafayette Catholic Service Centers from executive director, Kimberly Boudreaux. Randall Karr, a former resident of St. Michael Center for Veterans, proceeded with a testimony of his experience with Lafayette Catholic Service Centers. Karr offered insight of all that is available to residents of St. Michael Center for Veterans, explaining the program as so much more than just a place to sleep at night. With the help he received through LCSC, Randall Karr is currently living independently in Lafayette. Following the demonstration of how human lives are truly being affected, Father Chester Arceneaux shared a spiritual message of how we are called to serve

the Lord by caring for those less fortunate. Beth Ardoin, the 2012 OCM chair-elect, gave closing remarks before a cocktail reception. Lafayette Catholic Service Centers’ mission is to provide human services, which reflect Gospel values and the Church’s commitment to preserve, enhance, and support human life with a special concern for the poor, the hungry and the homeless of Acadiana. These vital services are provided to the Acadiana community through St. Joseph Diner, the Msgr. Sigur Service Center, St. Joseph Shelter for Men, St. Michael Center for Veterans, the New Life Center, the Bishop O’Donnell Transitional Housing program and Shelter Plus Care. Opus Christi Magnum’s 2011 series will continue with five scheduled dates throughout the year; including, May 24th, September 6th, and September 22nd. Visit www.catholicservice.org for more information regarding OCM. April Ordination Anniversaries

Fr. Ambrose Akalawu, CSSp April 17, 1971 Fr. Jaison Mangalath, SVD April 17, 1999 Fr. Henry Broussard April 22, 1972 Fr. Jerry Mesley April 24, 1973 Fr. Thomas Nguyen April 28, 1969

Certified Recognition Masters www.awardmaster.com

Acadiana Catholic

Page 28 April 2011

Order of Malta to sponsor Mass of Healing with Anointing of the Sick LAFAYETTE The knights and dames of the of the Order of Malta in Lafayette are sponsoring a Mass of Healing and Anointing of the Sick on Wednesday May 11, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 419 Doucet Road, Lafayette. Father Harold J. Trahan, pastor, will be the celebrant and Father Hampton Davis, chaplain, will be the homilist. In the 1960s, Vatican II renewed the Seven Sacraments and restored the original intent of the Anointing of the Sick, (Latin: Unction Infirmatis). The revision’s intent, said Pope Paul VI in 1975, was “to lead to a wider availability of the sacrament and to extend it – within reasonable limits – even beyond cases of

64 couples honored at diocesan marriage anniversary celebration OPELOUSAS Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Opelousas recently hosted the annual Diocesan Marriage Anniversary Celebration. A total of 64 couples from throughout the diocese registered to participate, all of whom will be celebrating marriage anniversaries of 50, 60, or 60+ years some time in 2011. The longest-married couple to be recognized was Frances and George Oldenburg, who are celebrating 72 years of marriage. The Marriage Anniversary Mass was celebrated by Bishop Michael Jarrell. He was assisted by con-

mortal illness.” This should not be confused with the Last Rites, (Latin: Unction in Extremis) which is the last anointing and is indeed done only for those who are at the point of death. The Anointing of the Sick celebrants Father Jude Halphen (Director, Office of Marriage & Family Life Ministry) and Father O’Neal Landry, as well as Deacon Samuel Diesi. Father William Blanda was also present to serve as Master of Ceremonies. Music was provided by organist Deborah Duhon and cantor Dave Domingue, and the ceremony included an opportunity for the married couples to renew their wedding vows. Bishop Jarrell presented each couple with a special certificate in honor of their anniversary before the conclusion of the Mass, and a reception followed inside Our Lady Queen of Angels church hall. A second diocesan Marriage Anniversary Celebration for couples celebrating 25 or 40 years of marriage is scheduled for Sunday, September 11. The celebration,

properly understood is the Sacrament which asks God for healing of body, mind and/or soul which is reserved to a priest to confer. It is intended for those baptized persons who are seriously ill, chronically ill, or weakened by old age. For the healing of the soul, the sacrament forgives sins and restores sanctifying grace. For healing of the body and mind, the sacrament places the condition of the sick person in the hands of God for a cure. The Church believes that God will heal every person according to His divine will and wisdom. Members participate in that divine will, through this sacrament. The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta is the oldest lay religious order in

the Catholic Church. The Order of Malta has provided care to the sick and served as defenders of the Faith since 1099 AD. In the daily prayer of the Order of Malta, an important verse states: “Be it mine to practice charity towards my neighbors, especially the poor and the sick.” One of the ways the knights and dames of the Order put this concept into practice is by sponsoring Masses of Healing and the Anointing of the Sick in most major cities where they are located. This will be Lafayette’s first Mass of Healing sponsored by the Order of Malta, with the intent to be an annual celebration of the Sacrament. To learn more or reserve a position, please call (337) 988-0560 or email annointingmass@gmail. com

which will begin at 2:00 p.m., will be hosted by St. Mary Church in Lafayette. Couples who wish to have their marriage anniversaries recognized during the ceremony must register no later than August 26. Registration forms may be accessed online at www.diolaf.org, under the Office of Marriage & Family Life section.

ioners, told the Asian church news agency UCA News that persistent distribution difficulties in the city have meant that “people must stand in line for three hours to buy a slice of bread,” so parishioners reach out not only to the homeless but also to the elderly and to nursing mothers for whom the endless lines would be too arduous. The ongoing efforts of the parishioners form a natural extension of charitable activities in which the church was already active, reported the Asian church news agency UCA News. Violent aftershocks – as strong as magnitude 6 March 24 – and the continued disruption of gas supplies forced parishioners to cook meals with propane. Food was supplied by a variety of organizations, including Caritas Japan, food banks and ecumenical groups.

Catholics in Sendai deliver food to people hit by Japanese disasters SENDAI, Japan (CNS) Despite the post-tsunami chaos, parishioners of Kita Sendai Catholic Church have been busy delivering food aid to victims of the deadly quake and tsunami. Hiroko Haga, one of the parish-

Acadiana Catholic

April 2011 Page 29

Cyber bullying topic of St. Leo-Seton School program

LAFAYETTE Sts. Leo Seton Catholic School in Lafayette began its journey of preventing bullying on campus in 2006. SLS was one of the first schools in the Diocese to be trained in the Olweus Bully Prevention Program. This is a pro-active school-wide program which includes staff, parents, and community participation. Along with weekly lessons taught by teachers, continuous training for staff is available. While attending the National Girls Bullying Conference in San Antonio this past summer, Mrs. Heather Stemmans, assistant principal, Mrs. Lucie Hebert, first grade teacher, and Mrs. Lettie Guilbeau, school counselor heard featured speaker, Dr. Sameer Hinduja’s presentation on ‘Safe Social Networking Among Adolescent Girls.’ Dr. Hinduja is an associate professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida Atlantic University. He received his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University and is the co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center in Florida. For the past several years, Dr. Hinduja has traveled around the world giving presentations to tens of thousands of educators, counselors, law enforcement officers, parents, and youth on how to prevent and address the consequences of the misuse of technology. He has written numerous papers, reports, and grants on this topic. Dr. Hinduja has presented at over 30 conferences, including the International Bullying Prevention Conference in Seattle. He, along with his colleague, Justin Patchin, have published the award winning book, Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying.

Sameer Hinduja shares his research about social networking and cyberbullying during his recent visit to Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic School.

In addition to the school-wide bully prevention program, on-going education is made available to parents and the community. SLS is committed to being proactive in building quality in the lives of its students and our SLS families. With such a broad and current range of information, Dr. Hinduja was invited to share his research about social networking and the prevalence of cyberbullying and its impact on our society during a recent PTC meeting. He followed this with separate presentations to our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Dr. Hinduja’s presentations offered adults and students alike a wealth of valuable up-to-date information, education, and methods for cyberbullying prevention. For more information, visit the Cyberbullying Research Center at http:///www.cyberbullying.us.

Altar servers outing scheduled for Jun. 18 LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Vocations & Seminarians will host an Altar Servers Outing on Saturday, June 18. The event will be held on the grounds of Teurlings Catholic High School

in Lafayette, with registration to begin at 8:00 a.m., followed by the celebration of 9:00 a.m. Mass with Bishop Michael Jarrell. The “Altar Servers of the Year” will be recognized at this time. Lunch will be provided for all participants, and other fun activities for the day will include games and a waterslide. The day will conclude with a brief reflection on priestly and religious vocations, and on ways to discern these calls. Packet information will soon be mailed to all church parishes in the diocese. The deadline to register is Tuesday, May 31, and additional information may be obtained by contacting Betty Bias at (337) 261-5536.

St. Mary Altar Society to elect officers LAFAYETTE The St. Mary Altar Society will elect new officers and plan for the next year at their meeting on April 12, 2011 in Founder’s Hall, 419 Doucet Rd., Lafayette.The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. following the Lenten retreat. All women of the parish are invited.

Annual Mothers’ Day of Reflection LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Marriage & Family Life Ministry will host its annual Mothers’ Day of Reflection on Wednesday, May 4. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., inside the Immaculata Center in Lafayette. This year’s retreat will be conducted by Father Michael Champagne, native of Leonville and Superior of the Community of Jesus Crucified in Lafayette. In addition to his presentation, Father Champagne will celebrate a special Mothers’ Day liturgy for the participants. The cost of this year’s Mothers’ Day of Reflection is $35 per person, which includes a catered lunch and supplies. Those who wish to attend must pre-register with the Office of Marriage & Family Life Ministry no later than noon on Monday, April 18. Due to limited space, registrations will not be accepted at the door on the morning of the retreat. For further details, please call (337) 261-5653.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 30 April 2011

Milestones of faith:

The presence of Catholic Schools in the Lafayette Diocese The following is the final 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. 1982: St. Thomas More High School, Lafayette. For nearly 30 years now, STM has served a total of 12 owner-church parishes in the area surrounding southwest Lafayette. The school has achieved three-time Blue Ribbon recognition from the U.S. Department of Education and is also proud to claim national championships earned by its debate team, dance team, and cheerleading squad. STM has also earned state championships in athletics, speech, and debate. This four-year high school offers its students a choice of three curriculum tracks: AP and Honors, College Prep, and Regular. The school meets all requirements of the Louisiana Department of Education, the Lafayette Diocese, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In 2006, the 25-acre campus acquired an additional 20 acres of adjoining prop-

erty in order to ensure that STM will continue to be able to grow and expand to meet the needs of its student body. 1991: St. Mary Early Learning Center, Lafayette. When this school first opened its doors under the director of Renee McAlister, the campus consisted of only two classes, one for 4-year-olds and one for 3-year-olds. Today, those classes have expanded to include three classes of 4-yearolds, and five each of 3-year-olds and 2-year-olds. St. Mary Early Learning Center is housed within Boumans Hall (named in honor of its founder, Father Albert Boumans), was specifically built to accommodate Lafayette’s first Catholic preschool, as well as the CCD program for St. Mary Church. 1995: St. Pius Elementary School, Lafayette. Although the school itself is less than 20 years old, the vision of existence goes back more than 40 years. When the church parish of St. Pius X was being established in 1968, it was the order of Bishop Maurice

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

Schexnayder that the founders obtain at least 10 acres of land which could someday be used to build a Catholic elementary school to serve this eastern part of Lafayette. The required land was subsequently donated by the late Dr. Louis Leonpacher. Construction on the school actually began in 1993, under the direction of Msgr. Richard Mouton. Upon opening in 1995, the campus consisted of only a preschool class for children ages 3-4. By 1997, however, accommodations had expanded to include three kindergarten rooms, and planning began to construct a brand new facility which would allow for even further expansion. This facility was completed in August 2000, and the school began to add one grade per year until 2005, when it was able to house grades pre-K through eighth. 2006: St. John Berchmans Academy, Grand Coteau. For nearly two centuries now, the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau has provided a Catholic education to many girls. In 2006, the academy’s educational horizon expanded with the establishment of St. John Berchmans School for boys. The school first opened with classes for grades pre-K through second grade, but has since expanded to accommodate students through the eighth-grade level. 2008: Sts. Peter & Paul School, Scott. Sts. Peter & Paul School in Scott is the newest Catholic school in the Lafayette Diocese. Now in its third year of operation, the school offers classes in grade levels pre-K through

fifth. Presently, plans are being considered to expand the school by adding a sixth-grade class in time for the 2011-2012 school year.

Spelling Bee winners

St. John Elementary (Franklin) fourth grader Koby Boudreaux, left, placed first in the third/fourth grade division, and Emilyann St. Blanc placed first in the fifth/sixth grade division at the Regional Spelling Bee held at the Immaculata Center in Lafayette. Photo furnished by St. John Catholic School.

Hanson Students of the Year

Students of the Year for Hanson Memorial High School in Franklin were recently announced. Pictured above are: Dr. Vincent Miholic, principal; Alexandra Hebert, 8th grade student of the year; Carolyn Higdon, 12th grade student of the year; and Ms. Mary Pecot, guidance counselor. Alexandra is the daughter of Kevin and Lisa Hebert. Carolyn is the daughter of John and Sheri Higdon.

Acadiana Catholic

April 2011 Page 31

Who is Baby Joseph and why should I care? By Father Frank Pavone

The world has taken notice of a 14-month old baby from Canada whose family has been fighting the medical establishment since October to help their child breathe. Moe and Sana Maraachli were refused a tracheotomy for their son because the apparently fatal neurological disease that the child has renders further intervention “futile.” Working with many others, we at Priests for Life arranged to have the baby transferred to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center in St Louis, and I went on the medical jet to pick up the baby and his father on Sunday night March 13. Now, the child has another chance at getting better care, and the family another chance at maximizing the time they can spend with their child. A lot of media has accompanied the

event. One reporter who was not too interested in covering the story asked, “Who the hell is Baby Joseph and why should I care?” The short answer is, Baby Joseph is all of us. After all, the problem underlying this case is not simply one particular hospital or the Canadian medical system. The problem is a philosophy of life that says that how valuable you are depends on how well you function. The problem is a philosophy of medicine that says that if someone is going to die anyway, there’s no benefit in prolonging life. The problem is a philosophy of suffering that says we can actually determine what somebody else’s level of happiness is, and measure their misery, and that if they don’t have the good sense to eliminate it, we can step in and do so against their wishes. If we don’t think that we and our loved ones will be affected by this philosophy when it comes to our own medical challenges and decisions, we should think again. It’s happening every day, often with subtle or not so subtle pressure from medical professionals, who, instead of rendering medi-

Ladies of Grace exemplification

The Knights of Peter Claver Fourth Degree Ladies of Grace, Mother Katherine Drexel Chapter 7, recently exemplified five new members in a ceremony which was held at Holy Ghost School in Opelousas. Those in attendance included (L/R): Gracious Ladies Mary Butler, Lorraine Marks, Cynthia Singleton, Hilda Wiltz (National Lay Board Member), Jacqueline Simien-Guillory (Supreme Outer Sentinel), Paula Jordan, and Danielle Belson. Photo submitted by Cynthia Singleton

cal judgments, render value judgments. Doctors are not supposed to judge for us the “meaning” or “value” of extending the life of a loved one, or our own life. Rather, they are supposed to judge for us whether a particular treatment or intervention will have certain effects on a loved one or on us. They need to leave it to us, in consultation with our family and clergy, to determine what meaning or value we find in the situation. This is what the parents of Baby Joseph, together with Priests for Life and many others, are trying to say. Baby Joseph’s parents, who want to care for him no matter how long or short his life may be, were told that this life wasn’t worth extending. It’s time to draw a line in the sand and tell the medical profession that this is not their role. “Life not worth living” belongs to a philosophy that led to one of the world’s greatest holocausts, which ended with the declaration “Never Again.” Our efforts on behalf of Baby Joseph can actually be summarized by those two words.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 32 April 2011

Msgr. Harry E. Benefiel, Jr, 90, priest, educator, administrator Continued from page 3

with great devotion ministered to the people of God of the diocese which included what is now the Diocese of Lake Charles. He was much beloved and highly respected wherever he served as pastor, administrator, or Catholic high school principal. Greatly valued for his expertise and management skills, Msgr. Benefiel and his decades of priestly service will be long remembered as a tremendous gift from God to all of us.” Bishop Jarrell said in his statement. In his homily, Msgr. Greene recalled years of friendship and spiritual bonding, “his incessant zeal for bringing people to church to Jesus.” As an example he cited an uncle who had a lifelong friendship with Msgr. Benefiel, who was reconciled with the church before death. Obituaries described Msgr. Benefiel as “an avid golfer.” Msgr. Greene announced that the host committee of the 18th Louisiana Clergy Open had decided to honor the former priest golfer at its forthcoming tournament in May at Acadian Hills. “We had hoped to

surprise Harry,” he said. The tournament still will be dedicated to Msgr. Benefiel. Msgr. Greene assured the family of “our continuing support and prayers, knowing with all certainty your uncle was a wonderful person and a truly outstanding priest.” Singing the Mass was the choir of St. Pius X Church directed by Karen Melancon. Readers were Carolyn Jourdan and Judy Mahtook. Servers were Robert Guchereau Jr.. George Jourdan and J.D. Morein Born in Kenner, La. Benefiel earned a B.A. from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (ULL) in Lafayette before serving in the Coast Guard, Pacific Theater, in World War II. He earned an M.S. in Business Administration from LSU, then headed the Department of Commerce at McNeese State University, Lake Charles. He made his seminary studies at Boston College and St. John’s Seminary, Little Rock, Ark. He was ordained for the Diocese of Lafayette on May 21, 1960 and had pastoral assignments at

60 :FBST Celebrating

i(PPE /FXTw

from the Missions

St. John’s Cathedral, principal of Landry High School, Lake Charles; first pastor of St. Pius X, Lafayette; pastor of St. Anthony, Eunice ; Sacred Heart Broussard. As an educator he was associated with three schools, Landry High, Lake Charles, St. Edmund, Eunice, and St. Cecilia, Broussard. He was made a monsignor in 1970 . He held the following administrative positions: diocesan fiscal affairs coordinator, vicar for management and finance, diocesan consultor, coordinator for health affairs, chairman of building review board, member of diocesan finance board, parish review board, clergy welfare committee, property and liability insurance, health insurance, parish boundaries, new parish development, Holy Rosary Board of trustees. He was also a member of the Lafayette Parks and Recreation Commission. An avid golfer, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Memorial donations may be made to St. Edmund High School, Eunice. Interment was in St. John Cemetery in Lafayette.

Stewardship called ‘practical spirituality’ that follows Jesus’ example EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (CNS) If you think stewardship is just a fancy way a parish asks for more in the collection basket, Father Daniel Mahan, invites you to think again. “Stewardship is much more important than money, much more valuable than silver or gold,” the priest from Indiana said during the recent stewardship conference of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Min-

neapolis.. “Holiness is our goal. Stewardship is a practical spirituality that gets us there.” Stewardship calls people to imitate Jesus in his generous self-giving, he added, “and when we do that, we become more Christ-like. We grow in holiness.”

Opelousas Catholic Students of the Year

Opelousas Catholic School recently announced its “Students of the Year” for the 2010-2011 school year. Based on their outstanding academic achievements and strong leadership qualities and character traits as shown through their presentation of personal portfolios and interviews, these students were selected. From left are Courtney Arceneaux, 12th grade; Camille Arceneaux, 8th grade; and Mcall Thibodeaux, 5th grade. Courtney and Camille are sisters and are the daughters of Thomas and Stephanie Arceneaux of Opelousas; while Mcall is the daughter of Buck and Lace Thibodeaux of Washington.

Carencro Catholic 5K race and Fun Run

Carencro Catholic School students, parents, and community members recently participated in the school’s first annual 5K race and 1 mile Fun Run. The day’s theme was “Seek Peace and Pursue It” and included a health fair on the campus grounds. Photo submitted by Carencro Catholic School.

www.todaysbestbuy.com

J. ALFRED MOUTON, INC. Eddie Mouton - Broker

REAL ESTATE l RENTALS l APPRAISALS l NOTARY

Subscribe or read more online at www.onefamilyinmission.org

The Society for the Propagation of the Faith …A Pontifical Mission Society 70 West 36th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10018 (212) 563-8700 1-(800) 431-2222 MISSION@propfaith.org www.givetothemissions.org

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!

Page 34 April 2011

Acadiana Catholic

Children’s

The Israelites complain to Moses, test God By Joe Sarnicola

A Proud Sponsor of Children’s News:

Dr. Hendry • Jacobs • Yale

Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry A Professional Dental Corporation

John A. Hendry, D.D.S. Leslie Jacobs, D.D.S. Joseph Yale, D.D.S.

185 South Beadle Road Lafayette, LA (located off Kaliste Saloom Rd.)

Acadiana Catholic

April 2011 Page 35

Acadiana Catholic

Page 36 April 2011

A Vacation with the Lord

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

St. Mary Magdalen Church will hold Tenebrae service

Listening with the Heart

In our busy and hectic world, we often feel pressured to make decisions quickly. As we try to discern the best choices for ourselves, our co-workers and our families, we are often left wondering if we are doing the right thing. We flounder without clear guidelines for decision-making. St. Ignatius of Loyola was deeply concerned about the way a person decided an issue. He knew that Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will is manifest within us, and could be approached by the careful sorting of our feelings, experiences, thoughts, and desires. His seminal work in this area gave birth to the Ignatian principle of discernment. Father Mark E. Thibodeaux, S.J., a local Jesuit priest, has written a new book entitled, Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Voice Within: The Ignatian Way to Discover Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Will. In this informative book, Father Thibodeaux explores in depth the promptings of the false spirit, which is the voice that leads us away from God and causes desolation, sadness, and disquiet within us, and the true spirit, which leads us toward God and instills peace, joy, and a closeness to Christ. Using real- life stories and Ignatian principles, he provides tools to broaden our understanding of the work of the spirit within us and to bring light to our decision-making. We learn to listen, not just with the mind and intellect, but with the heart as well. This book is widely available and may be just the tool you are looking for as you face lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choices. ********************************* To provide further information in the areas of discernment and listening to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice, Robin Hebert and Lyn Holley Doucet will host a day- retreat at Our Lady of the Oaks on Tuesday, May 17, from 9-3. To sign up for Listening with the Heart, go to ourladyoftheoaks.com and download a registration sheet, writing the title of the retreat and its date upon it. Mail it in. The cost of the retreat is $25.00 and space is limited, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t delay. ********************************** We at Our Lady of the Oaks wish you a blessed Lent and urge you to consider making a retreat in the Ignatian tradition. As Reneeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Taylor said in our last article, Jesus is leaving his light on, just for you. We invite you to come home to Our Lady of the Oaks. Lyn Holley Doucet Christian Counselor, Director of Spiritual Formation Our Lady of the Oaks

A Tenebrae service will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville in preparation for the Paschal Triduum and Easter Sunday celebration. Tenebrae is a Latin word meaning â&#x20AC;&#x153;shadows,â&#x20AC;? a reference to the extinguishing of candles and the dimming of lights in the church. Photo furnished by St. Mary Magdalen Church.

ABBEVILLE St. Mary Magdalen Church will present a Tenebrae service on Sunday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the church. Tenebrae is a Latin word meaning â&#x20AC;&#x153;shadows,â&#x20AC;? a reference to the extinguishing of candles and the dimming of lights in the church. The Tenebrae service is among the oldest liturgies known to the modern church. The chants for Tenebrae are some of the most poignant melodies in Western liturgical music. The Voices of St. Mary Magdalen Choir and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choir will sing selections both a cappella and accompanied by organ and violin. With its themes of lamentations and abandonment, Tenebrae is associated with the hours of darkness. It promises to be a beautiful service in preparation for the Paschal Triduum and Easter Sunday celebration. St. Mary Magdalenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s version of the service

differs from the form of the ancient rite, but does preserve the liturgical drama of extinguishing of candles and dimming of lights in church thus increasing the darkness during the Tenebrae lessons. The presentation of psalms and scripture readings recalls the ancient form of the service. Celebrant of the service will be Father William Blanda, pastor. Chanters will be Fathers Thomas Habetz and Barry F. Crochet. The choir is under the direction of Tommy Guidry. The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choir is under the direction of Jennifer Melancon. Everyone is invited to attend.

To subscribe to

Please call (337) 261-5650

Peace of of mind Peace mind

that follows you wherever you go.

NATIONWIDE CELLULAR SYSTEM â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always on the move! While we wanted the safety and security of a PHGLFDO DOHUW V\VWHP FRQYHQWLRQDO V\VWHPV VLPSO\ GLGQÂˇW Ă&#x20AC;W RXU OLIHVW\OH Now, with Acadian On Callâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new nationwide cellular/GPS system, we can IHHO VHFXUH QR PDWWHU ZKHUH RXU WUDYHOV WDNH XV Âľ

AcadianOnCall.com 1.800.259.1234 AcadianaCatholic9.75x3.25v4.indd 1

2/23/2011 10:14:10 AM

Acadiana Catholic

April 2011 Page 37

Carmelites to celebrate 75th anniversary May 16, 2011

LAFAYETTE Seventy-five years, three quarters of a century, is a good measure of age, or of longevity or prayers for the Church and the community. The Discalced Carmelites of the Monastery of Mary Mother of Grace will be celebrating 75 years in Lafayette with a Mass of Thanksgiving on Monday, May 16 at 5:30 p.m. Bishop Michael Jarrell of Lafayette will be principal celebrant. Msgr. Robie Robichaux will be homilist. The Carmelites first monastery

in Lafayette was the former Martin residence on College, now University Avenue, a site now occupied by Lafayette Parish Government. The late Bishop Jules B. Jeanmard, first Bishop of Lafayette, who had invited the nuns to Lafayette, was the celebrant of their first Mass in 1936. Homilist was Father Sam H. Ray, S.J., director of Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House, Grand Coteau. For a time, Bishop Jeanmard, who lived only a block or so away from the Cathedral, was the first chaplain.

In time the community of nuns outgrew the first location and the present monastery on Carmel Avenue (named for the nuns) was built and occupied. Bishop Jeanmard, although in failing health, was able to officiate at the dedication of the new structure in 1957. The first prioress, Mother Dolores Caillouet and Mother Theresa Margaret Hermes, co-founders of the monastery in Lafayette, are buried on the monastery grounds. The anniversary celebration will

note their long tenure and succeeding prioresses. Through the years the monastery has attracted hundreds of the faithful to novenas and other special events and distinguished visitors – cardinals, bishops, prelates of other rites, but mostly the ordinary laity who have come to know the monastery as fountain of prayer. Historic pictures and more about the 75-year history of this Carmel will be published in the May Acadiana Catholic.

Eat out on May 4 to earn “Dimes for the Diner” LAFAYETTE The 11th annual fundraiser known as “Dimes for the Diner” will be held on Wednesday, May 4. Citizens are encouraged to dine out at their choice of several local restaurants that have agreed to donate 10% of the day’s total sales in support of St. Joseph Diner. St. Joseph Diner is a part of Lafayette Catholic Service Centers and has been helping to feed the needy in Acadiana since 1983. In 2010, the diner was responsible for serving over 50,000 meals to the poor and homeless in the area. The diner also oversees efforts to provide bread and commodity boxes to low income seniors, and to distribute food baskets to those in need during the Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas seasons. These services would be impossible without the support of the community, and the generosity of all the local businesses that participate in “Dimes for the Diner” each year. Local schools can also contribute by encouraging their students and staff to collect dimes throughout the month of April.

All monetary donations will also be used to help feed the hungry of Acadiana. Restaurants that have confirmed their participation in this year’s “Dimes for the Diner” fundraiser are: Charley G’s Chris’ Poboys (all locations) Fat Pat’s Bar & Grill iMonelli Nimbeaux’s Restaurant Picante Mexican Restaurant Romacelli (both locations) Antoni’s Italian Cafe BJ’s Pizza & Deli Olde Tyme Grocery Dean-O’s Village Café Village Market Bailey’s Restaurant Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro City Club Bar & Grill Lagneaux’s “King of Seafood” Restaurant Another Broken Egg Great Harvest Bread Co. Chic Fil A (Ambassador & Louisiana Ave. locations) Other restaurants may be added prior to the actual fundraising event on May 4. For the most upto-date list, please visit online at www.catholicservice.org.

Sherrie Mudge, at the podium, recently facilitated the catecthist retreat which was sponsored by the Office of Christian Formation for the diocese. The retreat is held in a different region of the diocese each year.

Discalced Carmelite nuns of Mary, Mother of Grace Monastery, Lafayette. (File photo)

Acadiana Catholic

Page 38 April 2011

St. Patrick Church celebrates with St. Paddy’s Day breakfast

St. Patrick Catholic Church, Lafayette, recently celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with its 12th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, held this year at The Petroleum Club. Pictured enjoying the festivities are Father Keith LaBove, pastor of St. Patrick, and Father Thomas James, SVD, VE, Episcopal Vicar for the Central Region. Also present were Msgr. Robert Angelle and Msgr. Charles Mallet.

Operation Rice Bowl: a Lenten tradition of sacrifice & support LAFAYETTE “As Jesus’ disciples, we are called to care for our brothers and sisters in need both around the corner and around the world. This Lent, I encourage your faith community to participate in Catholic Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl as one way to fulfill this obligation to reach out beyond our own community boundaries.” In early February, Bishop Michael Jarrell addressed these words to the pastors, administrators, and parish life coordinators in every church parish within the Lafayette Diocese. His letter went on to encourage them all to utilize the resources from Operation Rice Bowl to enrich their parish’s Lenten activities, and simultaneously show their support for this worthy cause. Since 1975, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has utilized Operation Rice Bowl as a Lenten program that allows U.S. Catholics to extend a helping hand to others around the world. Each Lent, an estimated 13,000 faith communities participate in Operation Rice Bowl to raise money and awareness for the less fortunate. With the assistance of the funds generated by Operation Rice Bowl, CRS strives to make a difference in countries like Haiti, Senegal, and Honduras—just to name a few—where more than half of the overall population lives in dire poverty. CRS dedicates 75% of all funds raised by Operation Rice Bowl to develop and support various programs designed to alleviate these very issues. The remaining 25% of the funds are used to support local anti-poverty programs within the area in which the money was raised. Last year in the Lafayette Diocese, total donations to Operation Rice Bowl fell just shy of $22,000. That means that the people of the diocese contributed not quite $16, 500 to international anti-poverty efforts, while a little more than $5,400 was applied toward the continued operation of 13 local food banks, soup kitchens, and service centers. However, Operation Rice Bowl is about more than simply donating money to a worthy cause. It is also about embracing our global community through prayer, education, and sacrifice—

praying with our local families for the well being of others throughout the world, learning about the cultural differences and struggles faced by our international neighbors, and fasting to strengthen our solidarity with those who have no choice but to do without. “Your prayers and contributions during the season of Lent do make a difference,” Bishop Jarrell concluded in his letter in support of the program. “On behalf of all those who benefit from your participation in Catholic Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl, I thank you for your continued support.” Additional information and resources related to Operation Rice Bowl may be accessed online at www.orb.crs.org.

Come and See Retreat scheduled for Apr. 15-17 COVINGTON St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington will host a Come and See retreat during the weekend of April 15-17. The retreat is open at no cost to all men from high school age and up, and serves as an opportunity for them to meet with the faculty and seminarians of the college as they pray about a priestly vocation. Transportation to Covington will be provided, and those who are interested in participating should contact Father Aaron Melancon (Director of Vocations, Lafayette Diocese) at (337) 2615690 to sign up. Registration is encouraged as soon as possible.

Acadiana Catholic

April 2011 Page 39

Catholic High student named 2011 Louisiana Young Hero NEW IBERIA Ty’riana Wilson, a senior at Catholic High of New Iberia, has been chosen as one of the “Louisiana Young Heroes” for 2011. Out of 141 nominees throughout the state of Louisiana, Ty’riana is one of only eight students to receive this year’s honor; she will be recognized alongside the other recipients in special ceremonies hosted by the governor’s mansion and the Marriot in Baton Rouge on April 20. The Louisiana Young Heroes program is presented by Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB), in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, and underwritten by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana and ExxonMobil. Now in its 16th year, the program recognizes the achievements of outstanding students in grades 7-12; these students have proven themselves through excellent classroom performance and service to their community while overcoming personal adversity. Ty’riana was nominated for

the Louisiana Young Heroes program by Jamie Nelson-Hebert, Development Director for Catholic High of New Iberia. “My history with Ty ’ r i a n a goes back five years, when a 12year-old African American girl walked into my Ty’riana Wilson principal’s office, declaring that she wanted to attend Catholic High School and would do anything within her power to register,” Ms. Hebert wrote in the nomination letter. It was only the tip of a very touching story. When Ty’riana was in second grade, she lost her mother—a young woman in her 20’s— very suddenly to cancer. She was taken in by her 70-year-old grandmother and, despite suffering abuse from the hands of another family member, continued to persevere. By the time she

was in middle school, Ty’riana had set her hopes on enrolling at Catholic High, because she was so certain such an opportunity would help her achieve a better life for herself as well as for her grandmother. On that day in the principal’s office, Ty’riana’s obvious determination convinced Ms. Hebert to help this youngster along. She became Ty’riana’s anonymous sponsor, thus paying the girl’s tuition so she could attend CHS just as she dreamed. “Ty’riana would write a ‘thank you’ note to both her sponsor and to me, deliver it to me, and beg me to tell her who her benefactor was,” Ms. Hebert recalled. “Year after year, she told me that she only wanted to know so her benefactor would be proud, know how well she was doing, and that she was going to make them proud and become a great success.” After serving as a feature speaker at CHS’s senior retreat this past fall, Ty’riana finally learned that Ms. Hebert has been the one to sponsor her all along.

Throughout her high school career, Ty’riana has maintained honor roll status despite additional responsibilities that could have distracted her. She began working at the age of 16, in order to help support herself and to save money to provide for her college education. She has helped to care for her great-grandmother, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and even became the primary caregiver for both her great-grandmother and her grandmother after her grandmother suffered a heart attack in the fall. “To say we are excited for this young lady is an understatement,” stated Ms. Hebert. “Many of us here at Catholic High feel that our lives have been made so much richer from having watched her grow [and] touch the lives of so many of our students—both younger and older than she—and watched her do whatever it has taken to work her way to attain her goal of getting a college education so that she can make a better life for herself and for her grandmother!”

Acadiana Catholic

Page 40 April 2011

Confirmation at St. Margaret, Estherwood

St. Mary Magdalen Cub Scouts receive awards

Cub Scout Pack 326 is pictured above with their leaders and Father William Blanda, pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville. Photo furnished by Cub Scout Pack 326.

The Sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated at St. Margaret Church, Estherwood on March 16, with Bishop Michael Jarrell conferring the Sacrament on candidates from Estherwood, Morse, Lyons Point, Midland and Mermentau. After the celebration, newly confirmed and their families and friends gathered for a reception under the “bigtop,” a tent set up in St. Margaret’s parking lot. Father Donald Pousson is pastor.

St. Francis School students of the year

Eighth grade student Emily Navarre, daughter of Emile and Polly Navarre and fifth grade student Brennan Stanley, son of Robert and Cherie Stanley, were selected as St. Francis School Students of the Year for school year 2010-11. This selection is based on academics, citizenship, and service. Pictured above are, from left to right, Cindy Habetz, SFS principal; Brennan Stanley, Emily Navarre, and Father Mikel Polson, SFS chancellor. Photo furnished by St. Francis School.

ABBEVILLE Cub Scout Pack 326 of Abbeville was recently awarded the Pope Paul VI National Catholic Quality Unit Award. This prestigious award recognizes a Scout unit for service to its charter organization, work towards rank advancement and Scout religious emblems, and adult religious training. Pack 326 is chartered to St. Mary Magdalen Parish and Knights of Columbus Council 2281. Several members of the Pack also earned religious medals:. Scouts who received the Light of Christ Medal:

Brock Bourque, Hunter Fontenot, Reed Guarino, Ryan Kirkpatrick, Slade Lester, Joshua Listi, Jacob Noegel, Seth Noegel, Jude Roger, Nathan Savoie, Philip Savoie, and Ian Waskom Scouts who received the Parvuli Dei (Children of God) Medal: Austin Bourque, Zachary Broussard, Chase Guidry, Emile Hebert, Luc Hebert, Jack Henry, Matthew Romero, Luke Roger, and Stuart Sonnier The Pack, family members, and friends celebrated National Scout Sunday at Mass on February 6th at St. Mary Magdalen.

Those within the Lafayette Diocese may participate in the VLCFF at the cost of $40 per course, and course credits may be applied toward a Certificate in Catechesis from the University of Dayton, in partnership with the Lafayette Diocese. Catechists may also use these online courses to fulfill the continuing education hours required by the diocese’s Office of Catholic Schools. The VLCFF conducts a total of seven separate cycles throughout the calendar year, with courses varying from cycle to cycle. Some courses being offered during Cycle 3 are: Advanced Catholic Social Teaching; Introduction to Practical Morality; and Sacraments. A complete list of Cycle 3 courses— along with detailed descriptions— is accessible through www.vlc. udayton.edu. Information on other cycles and future courses may also be accessed through this site. For further details regarding the benefits of the partnership between the University of Dayton Institute for Pastoral Initiative and the Lafayette Diocese, please contact the Office of Christian Formation at (337) 261-5550.

LAFAYETTE Registration is now open for Cycle 3 of the University of Dayton Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF). Registration will close on April 27, and the classes will be conducted from May 1-June 4.

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

Our Mother of Peace raises funds for Miles Perret Cancer Services

April 2011 Page 41 Dr. John Bruchalski, founder of the Tepeyac Family Center in Fairfax, Va., is seen in a 2009 file photo in Washington. Bruchalski recently completed a two-week, 15-state speaking tour at 23 medical schools and universities, where he shared his own journey from being an abortion provider to becoming a pro-life obstetrician and gynecologist and encouraged students to challenge those who think pro-life doctors have no place in medicine. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

2010-2011 Mr. & Miss Redemptorist

Kristie Carline of the Miles Perret Cancer Service Center visited with students at Our Mother of Peace Catholic School in Church Point. Over the past three years, Our Mother of Peace students have raised nearly $9,000.00 for the Miles Perret â&#x20AC;&#x153;Change for Milesâ&#x20AC;? program. The center offers free resourses, programs, and hope for individuals, as well of their families, who are fighting cancer. For more information on Miles Perret Cancer Services go to www.milesperret.org or call 337-984-1920.

Vermilion Catholic students deliver meals to homebound

Following a Redemptorist Catholic School Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Crowley, 8th grade students, Luke Arsement (left), and Theresa Schmid (right), were announced as the 2010-2011 Mr. & Miss Redemptorist. Pictured presenting the students with their awards are Carl LeJeune, RCS principal and Father Matthew Higginbotham, IHM pastor. Photo furnished by Redemptorist Catholic School.

Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools Office

Curriculum Coordinator The Diocese of Baton Rouge has thirty-two schools in eight civil parishes, with strong Catholic identity the focus in all schools. The district is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and ACT and Terra Nova standardized test scores are above state and national averages. Catholic schools in the Diocese of Baton Rougeâ&#x20AC;Ś

Evangelize Hearts, Educate Minds and Embrace the Future

Under the direction of teacher Ferne LeBlanc (Home Economics) and Reba Broussard (senior Theology), students at Vermilion Catholic High School in Abbeville have adopted Project Casserole, which will allow them to cook and deliver meals to the homebound. Approximately 25 people will receive the meals, along with prayer cards to remind them that they are being remembered daily in the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; prayers. Pictured above is Pat Hebert as he receives his meal from members of the Vermilion Catholic senior class. Photo submitted by Vermilion Catholic High School.

6JG %CVJQNKE 5EJQQNU 1HĹżEG UGTXGU VJG EQOOWPKV[ D[ UWRRQTVKPI UEJQQNU VJTQWIJ RQUKVKXG EQOOWPKECVKQP RTQOQVKQP QH GHHGEVKXG EWTTKEWNWO CPF KPUVTWEVKQP TGURQPUKDNG EQQTFKPCVKQP QH TGUQWTEGU CPF CEMPQYNGFIGOGPV QH QWVUVCPFKPI UGTXKEG CPF CEEQORNKUJOGPV 6JG EWTTKEWNWO EQQTFKPCVQT KU TGURQPUKDNG HQT RTQOQVKPI EQNNCDQTCVKQP COQPI UEJQQNU HQT EWTTKEWNWO OCRRKPI CUUGUUOGPV CPF KPUVTWEVKQP 6JG RQUKVKQP KU HWNN VKOG YKVJ GKVJGT C QT OQPVJ UEJGFWNG Applicants must meet the following criteria: 1. Practicing Catholic /KPKOWO QH ĹżXG [GCTU QH VGCEJKPI QT CFOKPKUVTCVKXG experience in Catholic education /CUVGTU &GITGG %WTTKEWNWO +PUVTWEVKQP 2TGHGTTGF &GOQPUVTCVGF #DKNKV[ HQT 1TICPK\CVKQPCN /CPCIGOGPV %QNNCDQTCVKQP 'ZEGNNGPV 9TKVKPI %QORWVGT 5MKNNU 6. Availability prior to or on July 1, 2011 #HVGT UWDOKVVKPI VJG QPNKPG CRRNKECVKQP HQTO YYY EUQDT QTI OCKN TGUWOG VTCPUETKRV U CPF VJTGG NGVVGTU QH TGEQOOGPFCVKQP to &GCEQP ,QUGRJ 5EKOGEC %CVJQNKE 5EJQQNU 1HĹżEG P.O. Box 2028 Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028 Deadline for application: April 15, 2011 The schools of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

Page 42 April 2011

Catholic High Jr. Beta Club members participate in Jr. Beta Day

Members of Catholic High of New Iberia’s Junior Beta club recently took part in Jr. Beta District Day at Iberia Middle School. Participating students included (L/R) Mac Duhe (4th place, Social Studies), Hailey Blanchard (4th place, Math), and Jon Michael Judice (2nd place, Public Speaking). Jon Michael will also compete at the Jr. Beta State convention, which will be in Lafayette’s CajunDome May 5-6. Photo submitted by Catholic High—New Iberia.

Rayne Catholic girls donate “Locks of Love”

Over 20 students from Rayne Catholic School donated locks of their hair to the “Locks of Love” project which donates hair for wigs to be used for children undergoing chemotherapy and illnesses that result in hair loss. Photo by Rayne Catholic School.

Sacrted Heart School places in Quiz Bowl

The Sacred Heart (Ville Platte) Varsity Quiz Bowl team recently competed in the Louisiana Association for Academic Competition State Quiz Bowl Tournament at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. This tournament is comprised of the top high school quiz bowl teams from across the state. SHS won games up to the quarter finals round in its division eventually losing to Haynes Academy of New Orleans. Shown in the photo are: (left to right) Alexis Fontenot, Catherine Briley, Christopher Sylvester, Taylor McCaulley, Abby Enicke and Mrs. Julia Fontenot. The Sacred Heart School Quiz Bowl participants are coached by Mrs. Julia Fontenot.

Acadiana Catholic

Notre Dame receives high marks in evaluation

Notre Dame High School in Crowley recently hosted the Quality Assurance Review Team of AdvancED SACS CASI for its five-year evaluation. The Review Team met with faculty, students, advisory council members and community representatives, looked at evidence, surveys and test scores to determine Notre Dame’s accreditation status. At the end of the process J.W. Cook, SACS CASI chairperson, read the final report to a capacity crowd; the school achieved the highest possible marks in each of the seven areas of study, and the overall Highly Functional score extends Notre Dame’s accreditation through 2016. Photo submitted by Notre Dame High School.

St. Peter School, Gueydan students collect “Change for Miles”

St. Peter School of Gueydan students gathered recently, for the “Change for Miles” dumping day. Representatives from Miles Perret Cancer Services were present, including Hunter Perret, the brother of Miles. Once each student dumped their bottles of change into the moneybags, the Miles Perret representatives were greatly surprised at the number of bags for such a small school. The total amount raised was $ 4,421.71. Photo furnished by St. Peter School.

National Honor Society inductees

Due to their outstanding scholastics and service along with their exceptional character and leadership qualities, ten Opelousas Catholic high school students were recently inducted into the National Honor Society. Pictured above are: (front, L/R) Elizabeth Bragg, Alexis Ardoin, Ashley Robert, Megan Richard, and Victoria Peck. (Back, L/R) Gabe Stelly, N’Kendra Kimble, Benjamin Hargroder, Celeste Quebedeaux, and Peyton Taylor. Photo submitted by Opelousas Catholic School

Acadiana Catholic

April 2011 Page 43

Woman-to-Woman Catholic Conference details announced

LAFAYETTE Authentic femininity will be the theme of the first annual Woman-to-Woman Catholic Conference scheduled on October 15, 2011, at the Cajundome Convention Center in Lafayette. Johnette Benkovic, host of E W T N ’s Women of Grace Series, will Johnette Benkovic be the featured speaker. According to Michelle Roberts, one of the conference organizers, there is an acute need for this type of conference. “We have reached the point today where people are thirsting for opportunities to learn how they can live out their faith day in and day out. The success of the Divine Mercy Conference and the Man-to-Man Catholic Conference confirms this. Our society

has, for too long, allowed overt anti-Christian ethics to take center stage and Christians are now fighting back. We can no longer allow our children to be subjected to the hyper-sexualization and moral relativism that society is preaching. We must work together in order to turn the tide. If this generation misses the opportunity to return to our Godgiven roles then the opportunity is lost.” The choice of Mrs. Benkovic as the inaugural speaker is ideal. Mrs. Benkovic is the founder and president of Living His Life Abundantly International, Inc., a Catholic evangelization apostolate with outreach in television, radio, print, and Web communications. She is the founder of Women of Grace and executive producer of “Women of Grace,” a program televised on EWTN that discusses contemporary issues from a Catholic perspective. Mrs. Benkovic will discuss the beauty of authentic feminin-

ity and the unique role God has ordained for women. According to Mrs. Benkovic, “The salvation of the world depends on women. As women, God desires that we live out the fullness of our authentic femininity so that we can be those women of grace in our day and time, imaging our Blessed Lady that leads this nation, this culture, our children, our families back to truth.” Conference organizer Letitia Peyton states that sponsors are needed to help defray the cost of the conference and keep ticket prices affordable. “As with any conference of this size, donations are necessary. The cost of the conference will be about $35,000 and ticket sales will cover half the cost,” states Peyton. “Our goal is to raise $25,000, which would allow us to host the event and have seed money for next year’s conference. We expect between 800-1,000 women to attend, so the initial impact on our area will be immense.” “We hope that those who are

in the position to donate will feel called to do so after learning about this opportunity. Like the Man-to-Man Catholic Conference, the Woman-toWoman Catholic Conference has partnered with the Community Foundation of Acadiana. Any donations, therefore, are tax-deductible. Women ages 18 and above are invited to attend the conference. Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. and the day will culminate with Holy Mass, celebrated by Fr. Edmund Sylvia, Theological Adviser to Women of Grace. Tickets are $40 and includes a catered lunch. If you would like to learn more about the conference, purchase a ticket or make a donation to The Woman-to-Woman Catholic Conference please visit their website at www. catholicwomensconference.org or contact Michelle Roberts at mroberts97@gmail.com or 337356-6971.

“As the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love.” John 15:9 In Loving Memory of Reverend Monsignor Harry E. Benefiel, Jr. (1920 -2011)

ST. EDMUND CATHOLIC SCHOOL

High School Junior High Elementary 230 North Third Street Eunice, LA 70535

St. Edmund Catholic School accepts student applications for admission to any grade regardless of race, creed, or national origin.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 44 April 2011

Lent: a time to say ‘no” to ourselves says Father Dutel By Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE “Lent is a time to learn to say ‘no’ to ourselves,” Father Gil Dutel told the March ‘Food for the Journey’ audience. Father Dutel, pastor of St. Edmond Church, Lafayette, appropriately chose the season of Lent as the topic for his March 1 talk at the monthly “eating-meeting” at the Crown Plaza Hotel. He also commended the Central Region of Acadiana which sponsors Food for the Journey, noting the variety of spiritual/ educational programs which are a regular bill of fare in the region which includes church parishes in the civil parish of Lafayette and portions of St. Martin. “We give thanks” he pointed out, “to have been blessed with the leadership of regional vicar Father Thomas James, S.V.D. and executive assistant Mary Bergeron. He recalled such outstanding events as the Mercy Sunday programs, publication of schedules for missions, opportunities for

the suffering, death and Resurrection of Christ. This is the road to perfection,” Father Dutel pointed out, “The practice of suffering, as the example of Christ’s life teaches us, His suffering and death lead to the resurrection, and the glory of Easter.” Mrs. Bergeron announced the April 4 Food for the Journey speaker will be Father Keith LaBove, pastor of S. Patrick Church, Lafayette.

Prayers before the start of hurricane season Father Gilbert Dutel, center, was the guest speaker at the March “Food for the Journey” speakers’ series at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Lafayette. Pictured above with Father Dutel are Father Thomas James, SVD, left, Regional Vicar for the Central Region and Mary Bergeron, right, Regional Assistant to Father James.

confessions in Lent and Advent and other useful programs. Returning to his topic of Lent, Father Dutel noted Pope Benedict XVI in his just issued papal letter for the 2011 season of Lent, stresses that prayer, fasting and alms giving should be the chief characteristics of our Lenten

practices. “Christ tells us to love ourselves,” he continued, “and so we must learn how to say ‘no’ to ourselves, especially to sin. Almsgiving is reaching out to others who have a legitimate need, It is the ability to see that anything we don’t need may be of use to others. Lent is a time to reorder our lives, to give the Lord priority, to be certain He is at the heart and center of our lives.” Father Dutel recalled how Baptism, and early Lenten customs of imposing ashes, and public penances facilitated conversions or a return to the church. The RCIA program now used in many churches has some origins in these customs. “All of these lead up to Holy Week and the celebration of the Paschal Mystery, which recalls

Several church parishes throughout the Lafayette Diocese will be hosting special services to promote prayer and awareness before the start of the 2011 hurricane season. All are invited to attend. In the West Region, St. Frances Cabrini Mission Chapel in Kaplan will host a Mass at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 26. In the North Region, St. Mathilda Church in Eunice will host an Ecumenical Prayer Service, the same time and date. Lastly, those who live in the diocese’s South Region may choose to attend an Ecumenical Prayer Service at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Four Corners. This service will also be held on May 26, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Those within the Central Region are encouraged to attend a special prayer service sponsored by the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on May 19. For further details, please refer to the article on Page 12.

Acadiana Catholic

April 2011 Page 45

Page 46 April 2011

Acadiana Catholic

April 2011 Page 47

CAregIverS LIKe THeSe mAKe Up oUr NeTWorK:

Shannon guidry, rN; Henry Kaufman, mD; gene Brierre, mD; Sister Hilda mallet, Spiritual Advisor; maitland Deland, mD

Lourdes Cancer Network Armed With Knowledge. United In Hope. As Acadiana’s first cancer network, Our Lady of Lourdes has spent the last 25 years building an alliance of the best and brightest oncology specialists in the region. Our continued success is the result of unwavering determination to give every single one of our patients a fighting chance to win against the life-threatening disease. Lourdes is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and offers the most vast and technologically advanced array of cancer services in Lafayette — all of which are linked by a board-certified nurse practitioner dedicated to guiding patients on their journey through cancer to wellness. We are

an alliance. We are Lourdes Cancer Network. And we are determined to fight the good fight. preveNTIoN & SCreeNINg / ADvANCeD ImAgINg TeCHNoLogY / meDICAL & SUrgICAL oNCoLogY perSoNALIZeD pATIeNT eDUCATIoN / SpeCIALIZeD NUrSINg CAre SoCIAL & SpIrITUAL SUpporT / INpATIeNT & oUTpATIeNT TreATmeNTS To find out more information on our oncology services, please call us at 337-289-4310.

611 St. Landry St. Lafayette, LA 70506 / www.lourdes.net