Acadiana Catholic
A Vacation with the Lord
Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House, Grand Coteau, La. (337) 662-5410 www.ourladyoftheoaks.com
Lyn Holley Doucet Director of Spiritual Formation, Our Lady of the Oaks Faithful Love In our area of the country it is not unusual to know couples who have been married for 40, 50, even 60 years. The faithfulness that characterizes an enduring marriage shines for me in a world of instant potatoes and instant gratification. There are usually struggles in any marriage, but the fidelity and commitment of each partner can spell the difference in a union that flourishes and one that fades away. As couples grow old together, illnesses and frailty become problems. Eventually and sadly, one spouse loses the other to death. In my work as a grief counselor I often heard from a long-married person newly widowed, “I feel like I have lost half of myself!” This darkness of deep loss is one important place where the promises of our Catholic faith meet the longings of the grieving heart, bringing the assurance that faithful spouses will meet again in a world beyond suffering. When I think of other examples of faithfulness, I think of Mary Magdalene, one of my favorite women in all of scripture. We hear much about Peter’s three denials and the doubting of Thomas. The story of Mary Magdalene’s faithfulness also takes its place as a prominent scriptural theme during the celebration of the Easter season. All four Gospels report that Mary Magdalene was present in unwavering love at the cross, the tomb, and the resurrection. Most of the disciples ran away in fear, but she remained. And she found on that first Easter Sunday the place where the promises of faith meet the grieving heart. “He is risen!” Perhaps you are grieving or struggling with the commitments and challenges of your life. Come on retreat with us at Our Lady of the Oaks and find the God of faithful love. His faithfulness is a living promise to all generations.
Vermilion Catholic students attend District Rally
Vermilion Catholic High School students recently attended the District Rally at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Of the thirty-six students participating, nine placed first, five placed second, eleven placed third, five placed forth and four placed fifth. The students who placed first-third will attend the State Rally which will be held at LSU on April 21. Photo submitted by Vermilion Catholic High School
May 2012 Page 27
Opelousas Catholic earns continuing accreditation
OPELOUSAS Principal Perry Fontenot has announced that Opelousas Catholic School earned continuing accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), an accreditation division of AdvancED. This action was taken at the AdvancED Accreditation Commission meeting. Opelousas Catholic School has been accredited since 2007. SACS CASI provides nationallyrecognized accreditation, the purpose of which is continuous school improvement focused on increasing student performance. To earn accredi-
ment.” In related news, Opelousas Catholic School recently sponsored a special exhibit of Christian art different from what one would encounter in our native culture and everyday experience. “ICON: Through the Sacred Windows” was an exhibit presenting the viewer with numerous examples of Byzantine iconography from the 1700’s to the present day. While we are accustomed to seeing works of art from Western Europe, these works of art are characteristic of the Christian world of the east. In the west we are accustomed to our statues. If we see a religious painting, it is often a scene that used realism
Opelousas Catholic School students are shown viewing and studying the various Byzantine iconography on exhibit at the school. Photo submitted by Opelousas Catholic School
tation, schools must meet SACS CASI’s high standards, be evaluated by a team of professionals from outside the school, and implement a continuous process of school improvement. Accreditation is granted on a fiveyear term. SACS CASI accreditation is recognized across state lines, which not only eases the transfer process as students move from accredited school to accredited school but also assures parents that the school is meeting nationally accepted standards for quality and successful professional practice. Dr. Mark Elgart, President/CEO of AdvancED, the parent organization of SACS CASI, stated, “SACS CASI Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school on the primary goal of creating lifelong learners. Opelousas Catholic School is to be commended for engaging in this process and demonstrating a commitment to continuous improve-
to convey the message. If one were to travel anywhere from Greece to Russia, these would be the religious images one would see. Following a disciplined approach, the images that emerge are both mystical and inviting. Christ and saints stare back at us. Their gaze seems to challenge us to renew our resolve to live the Gospel so as to join them in eternity. The exhibit was on display in the school’s conference room and chapel and included numerous examples from Russia that span the last three hundred years. Also included in the exhibit were works by two local iconographers, Faye Drobnic of Lafayette and Barbara Wiltz of Opelousas. Both have studied the art of iconography through the Prosopon School of Russia. By attending satellite workshops given by teachers traveling from Russia, they have been trained in this ancient and timeless art.