Catholic Connection

Youth Ministry “Be Renewed” Teen Rally

VOL. 20, NO.8

MARCH 2011

From the Chancellor

by Christine Rivers, Chancellor Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Regular Contributors Bishop Michael Duca Kim Long Fr. Rothell Price Rosalba Quiroz Dianne Rachal

Jessica Rinaudo Christine Rivers Roxie Tabor Mike Van Vranken John Mark Willcox

Featured Contributors John Blank Blake Royall Joann Crone Katie Sciba Jean Dresley Joseph Seyler Diane Freeby Jane Snyder Nancy Miller John Thavis Kelly Phelan Powell John Vining Editorial Board Dianne Rachal Cathy Cobb Christine Rivers Rev. Charles Glorioso Christie Weeks Kim Long John Mark Willcox Kelly Powell The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Service Appeal; mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our Mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family, parish, and diocesan faith community.

For a free subscription, address changes or article submissions: EMAIL: jrinaudo@dioshpt.org WRITE: Catholic Connection The Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 CALL: 318-868-4441

OR 800-256-1542 FAX: 318-868-4609 WEBSITE: www.dioshpt.org The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.

LENTEN INFORMATION

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atholics believe that the Lenten Season is to be a time of penance, fasting and almsgiving in preparation for the coming of Easter. The precepts of the Church include observance of certain days of fast and abstinence. During Lent, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence.

Fasting permits one full meal and two smaller ones. Persons from ages 18 through 59 are to observe the fasting regulations. For Catholics age 14 and older, Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence when the eating of meat is prohibited. Persons with certain health conditions or those for whom the rules of fast and abstinence may pose any (CNS photo/Mike Crupi, Catholic Courier) danger are excused from observance and asked to perform other acts of penance and charity.

REMINDER: Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 13, 2011.

EASTER VIGIL: Sunset on Holy Saturday, April 23, 2011, is at 7:50 p.m.

2011 Confirmation Schedule • Saturday, March 5th – 4:15 p.m.

- Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Shreveport • Wednesday, April 27th – 6:00 p.m. – St. John the Baptist Church, Many • Saturday, April 30th – 4:00 p.m. – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Shreveport • Sunday, May 1st – 9:00 a.m. – St. Mary of the Pines Church, Shreveport • Wednesday, May 4th – 6:00 p.m. – St. Joseph Church, Zwolle

Our Diocese is recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals as a Non-Profit Organization capable of giving Immigration Legal Advice. We offer Immigration Professional Services to LowIncome Families. To find out if you or someone you know qualifies for an Immigration benefit, please contact Mrs. Rosalba Quiroz at 1-800256-1542, ext. 265 or 318-219-7265 or email rquiroz@dioshpt.org

• Saturday, May 7th – 4:30 p.m. – Our Lady of Fatima Church, Monroe • Tuesday, May 10th – 6:00 p.m. – Mary, Queen of Peace Church, Bossier City

• Saturday, May 14th – 1:00 p.m. – St. Joseph Church, Shreveport • Sunday, May 15th – 11:00 a.m. – St. Paul Church, Minden • Sunday, May 15th – 3:00 p.m. – Christ the King Church, Bossier City • Saturday, May 21st – 5:30 p.m. – St. Paschal Church, West Monroe • Sunday, May 22nd – 11:00 a.m.

– Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd, Monroe • Sunday, May 22nd – 5:00 p.m. – St. Matthew Church, Monroe • Sunday, June 5th – 11:00 a.m. – St. Joseph Church, Mansfield • Friday, July 1st – 5:30 p.m. – Sacred Heart Church, Rayville

March 2011

Contents

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From the Chancellor by Christine Rivers..................................... 2 2011 Confirmation Schedule....................................................... 2 Bishop Michael Duca’s March 2011 Schedule............................ 3 Bishop’s Reflection..................................................................... 4-5 Diocesan Students of the Year.................................................... 6 Liturgy Lines: Where the Mass Came From by Dianne Rachal... 6 Second Collection: Catholic Relief Services and Operation Rice Bowl by Fr. Rothell Price................................................. 7 Catholic Charities Update by Jean Dresley................................. 7 Fasting: It’s More Than a Weight Loss Strategy

by Mike Van Vranken............................................................ 8 Celebration of Service by Joseph Seyler.................................... 8 Lent: A Map for the Desert by Katie Sciba.................................. 9 Living the Sacrament: A Natural Family Planning Web Community for Women........................................................ 9 School News..........................................................................10-11 Louisiana March for Life by Roxie Tabor..................................... 11 Youth Ministry by John Vining................................................12-13

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Christ the King Church Launches Free English and Spanish Classes by Nancy Miller..........................................14 Blessed Pier Frassati: Patron of Youth by Kim Long....................14 “Calling Catholics Home” Brings People Back to the Church

by Kelly Phelan Powell..........................................................15 Developers of New App Say It Could Bring Catholics Back to Confession by Diane Freeby.............................................16 iPhone Confession App ‘No Substitute’ for the Sacrament

by John Thavis......................................................................16 St. Vincent de Paul Society in Monroe Steps Out to Serve Others by Joann Crone...............................................17 Slow Down and Listen by John Blank..........................................17 Hispanic Corner by Rosalba Quiroz............................................ 18 News Briefs by Catholic News Service....................................... 19 Around the Diocese................................................................ 20-21 Upcoming Events......................................................................... 21-22 March 2011 Calendar...................................................................23 Celebrating Religious in the Diocese of Shreveport.....................24

Bishop Michael Duca’s March Schedule Board; St. Joseph Seminary, Covington, LA; 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

MARCH 11 Stations of the Cross; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans; 5:30 p.m.

MARCH 12 Diocesan Teen Rally; LSUS University Center, Shreveport; 8:00 a.m.

– 5:00 p.m.

MARCH 4 Catholic Center Staff Retreat, 9:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. – Catholic Center Closed

MARCH 13 Mass; followed by St. Joseph’s Altar; St. Pius X Church, Shreveport; 11:00 a.m.

MARCH 5 Confirmation; Holy Trinity Church, Shreveport; 4:15 p.m.

MARCH 13 Rite of Election; St. Joseph Church, Shreveport; 2:30 p.m.

MARCH 9 Ash Wednesday 12:05 p.m.

Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans

MARCH 14-15 Louisiana Interchurch Conference; Lafayette, LA

MARCH 10 Meeting of Notre Dame Seminary Board & St. Joseph Seminary

MARCH 15-17 Good Leaders, Good Shepherds Program, Scottsville

Conference Center, Scottsville, TX. MARCH 19 Mass; followed by St. Joseph’s Altar; St. Matthew Church, Monroe; 4:00 p.m.

MARCH 21 Presbyteral Council Meeting; Catholic Center; 1:00 p.m.

MARCH 23 Calling Catholics Home; St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, Shreveport; 6:30 p.m.

MARCH 26 Hispanic Ministry Family Lenten Day Retreat; Catholic Center; 10:00 a.m.; concludes with Mass at 4:00 p.m.

MARCH 28-30 Support Group for Bishops, Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House, Lake Dallas, TX.

La Reflexión del Obispo por Obispo Michael G. Duca

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ste 9 de Marzo del 2011, comenzamos la temporada de Cuaresma con la celebración del Miércoles de Ceniza. Ese día estamos llamados a la conversión de corazón con la aplicación de ceniza en la frente.

Esta marca de ceniza es importante porque con la oración que la acompaña, “Recuerda que polvo eres y en polvo te convertirás” definimos la razón de nuestra conversión. La ceniza nos recuerda que este mundo, nuestra vida en la tierra, se terminará un día, por lo que debemos vivir motivados en los valores eternos. Jesus nos ha revelado estos valores y nos llama a seguir los Diez Mandamientos de trabajo por la justicia en el mundo y a cuidar a los pobres. Jesus también nos llama a mantener un discipulado con Él, basado por nuestro Bautismo en la Iglesia y sus desafíos, llamándonos a amar a nuestro prójimo como nos amamos a nosotros mismos.

Aunque creemos esto, es sorprendentemente difícil enfocarnos en estos valores eternos y no en nosotros mismos. Como ayuda en esta Cuaresma, recuerde la Ceniza y el Evangelio del Miércoles de Ceniza y como estos guían nuestro caminar durante la Cuaresma con ofrendas, oración y Ayuno.

El ayuno no es una actividad de auto ayuda o una buena manera de usar la Cuaresma para perder peso. Recuerden las Cenizas. El ayuno en la Cuaresma no es acerca de este mundo, eso es vanidad, nuestra salud, poniéndonos en forma; o, en otras palabras, se trata de mí, de mí y solo de mí. Más bien, el ayuno en la Cuaresma se trata de controlar los apetitos en nosotros de cosas de este mundo que nos mantienen solo enfocados en nosotros mismos.

El ayuno se trata de alejarnos de los placeres de este mundo. Tanto los buenos y legítimos, así como los que son de pecado, para hacer espacio

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en nuestras vidas para actividades más espirituales y tener tiempo de enfocarnos en las necesidades de los demás. El ayuno no es enfocarse en sí mismo, sino de renunciar al enfoque en mí para que pueda poner los deseos DE EL OTRO (Dios) antes que los míos. ¡Recuerden las Cenizas!

Las ofrendas son una manera práctica en la que damos de lo que tenemos, o aun de nuestra necesidad de ayudar al pobre.

(CNS photo/Owen Sweeney III, Catholic Review) No se trata de resolver todos los problemas la manera que el Señor como la opción de los necesitados, de gozar cumpliendo su voluntad. Este sino de dar con un corazón abierto a discipulado requiere una conversación aquellos que lo necesitan. Dar ofrenda no es solo acerca de nuestras hermanas con Dios para que podamos entender Su voluntad y que Él pueda cambiar y hermanos necesitados, sino también nuestros corazones. de que nosotros cambiemos nuestro Podemos, si somos fieles a este corazón para estar menos enfocados en este mundo, en mí, en juntar más cosas camino de ayuno, oración y ofrenda, vernos ante los ojos del mundo como para mí y ayudar a los que sufren para mas pobres, tener menos tiempo para que puedan ser liberados. Recuerden nosotros, que no estamos a la moda, las Cenizas. Dar ofrendas nos ayuda a y hasta un poco desconectados de juntar tesoros en el cielo, el tesoro que los demás. Sin embargo, la realidad perdura y a no buscar las riquezas de es que somos más libres y estamos este mundo. más enfocados en las cosas de valor Finalmente, la Cuaresma es un eterno del mundo venidero. Estamos tiempo de oración. Esta oración no menos enfocados en nosotros mismos, es de alta espiritualidad o de una y además enfocados en el amor y revelación. Recuerden las Cenizas. necesidades de los demás. Si nos Es un tiempo de ser fiel en oración, dejamos guiar durante la Cuaresma de participación fiel en la Misa del Domingo y de confesarse regularmente por esta frase de Recuerda las Cenizas, aprenderemos a juzgar nuestras vidas son todas estas, maneras en las que oramos y desarrollamos la relación que no por las señales de éxito de este mundo, sino por la medida de que tan Dios quiere que mantengamos como fieles hemos sido al discipulado de Jesus discípulos de Jesús. Nos ayudan a no y así ser una parte activa de la Iglesia, el formar nuestras vidas de acuerdo a lo Cuerpo de Cristo. que queremos, sino que confiemos en

Bishop’s Reflection by Bishop Michael G. Duca

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A man receives ashes from Father Joseph Marabe on Ash Wednesday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the season before Easter that calls Christians to prayer, fasting, repentance and charity. (CNS photo/ Gregory A. Shemitz)

his March 9, 2011, we begin the season of Lent with the celebration of Ash Wednesday.

That day we are called to a conversion Rather, the fasting of Lent is about Finally Lent is to be a time of of heart with the application of controlling the grip on us of things prayer. This prayer is not about a ashes on our forehead. This mark of of this world that keep us focused on spiritual high or a new clever insight. ashes is important because with the ourselves. Fasting is about letting go Remember the Ashes. A faithful time accompanying prayer, “Remember of the pleasures, good legitimate ones of prayer, faithful attendance at Mass you are dust and unto dust you shall as well as sinful ones, in order to make on Sunday and regular confession return,” we define the reason for our room in our lives for more spiritual are all ways we pray and develop the conversion. The ashes focus us on the life-giving activities and to have time kind of relationship with God that fact that this world, our very life, will to focus on others’ needs. Fasting is recognizes we are to be disciples of end someday so we should Jesus. Our prayer helps us to live our lives motivated with shape our lives by trusting in “Almsgiving is about eternal values. Jesus has Christ’s teaching as the true revealed to us these values way to joy and fulfillment. , treasure and He calls us to follow This discipleship requires a the Ten Commandments conversation with God so we that will last, not about getting to work for justice in the can learn what His will is for world and care for the poor. rich in this world.” us and He can change our Jesus also calls us to develop hearts. a discipleship with Him not about me, but rather about giving We may, if we are faithful to this that is grounded by our Baptism in the up something that is focused on me so path of fasting, prayer and almsgiving, Church and challenges us to love our that I can put another or THE OTHER appear in the eyes of the world to neighbor as our selves.

(God) ahead of me or my desires. be a little poorer, have less time for While we all believe this, it is Remember the Ashes! ourselves, not quite so stylish, and a surprisingly hard to keep the focus Almsgiving is the practical way little less connected to the in-crowd. on these eternal values and not in which we give from our surplus, But in reality we are freer and more on ourselves. To help us this Lent, or even from our need to help the focused on the eternal values of the Remember the Ashes and remember poor. It is not about solving all the world to come. We are less focused the Gospel on Ash Wednesday that problems of those in need, it is about on ourselves, and instead are focused rightly guides our Lenten journey as having an open heart for those in need. in love on the needs of one another. one of Almsgiving, Prayer and Fasting.

Almsgiving is not about gathering If we keep our to focus this Lent by Fasting is not just a self-help activity more things for me, but letting go Remembering the Ashes we will learn or a good way to use Lent to lose a few so others suffering can be relieved. to judge our lives, not by worldly marks pounds. Remember the Ashes. Fasting Remember the Ashes. Almsgiving is of success, but rather on how faithfully in Lent is not about this world, that about gathering treasure in heaven, we have been a disciple of Jesus and an is our vanity, our health, getting fit; treasure that will last, not about getting active part of the Church, the Body of or, in other words, about me, me, me. rich in this world.

Christ.

gathering treasure in heaven

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Congratulations to the Diocese of Shreveport Catholic School Students of the Year!

Liturgy Lines: Where the Mass Came From

by Dianne Rachal, Director, Office of Worship

5th Grade: Caroline Brown Our Lady of Fatima School

Jesus and his apostles at the Last Supper are depicted at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church in Southampton, NY. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz, Long Island Catholic)

8th Grade: Jefferson Manning St. Frederick High School

12th Grade: Catherine Vanchiere Loyola College Prep

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he Mass began in the Upper Room where Christ gathered his apostles on the first Holy Thursday night. Jesus took bread and wine, gave thanks, and said, “This is my Body . . .this is my Blood. Do this in remembrance of me.” Every Mass celebrated since the Last Supper has followed Jesus’ example.

At the beginning of the second century, Justin, the Martyr, describes the structure of the Mass. Christians gather together on Sunday to hear the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets, followed by an address from the president (presider), then all stand and pray. Bread, wine and water are brought up and the president prays and gives thanks, and the people assent with “Amen!” The Eucharistic gifts are distributed to everyone. This is very similar to the structure of the Mass today. Early Christians met in “house churches” during the persecutions because it was illegal for them to meet in public. Pope Callistus introduced Latin into the Roman liturgy in place of Greek early in the third century.

With the legalization of Christianity

by Constantine in 313 A.D., Christianity emerged as a public religion. The Mass began to be celebrated in Roman basilicas, and became more formal and solemn with processions, vestments, chants, candles and incense. The prayers of the Mass began to be collected into books, the forerunner of Sacramentaries.

As the Church spread across Europe, the architecture of the gothic cathedral emerged. Gallican ritual forms were introduced to the Mass such as more processions and chants and gestures done three times to signify the Trinity, and a fire on Easter eve.

Through the Middle Ages the Mass became something the people came to see, and reception of Holy Communion was infrequent. Exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament emerged as popular forms of piety, with Eucharistic processions through the streets.

In response to Martin Luther and the Protestant reformers, the Council of Trent in the sixteenth century reformed the liturgy with a single, universal Roman Missal. This Tridentine Mass would be the liturgy of the Church for four centuries.

Interest in the scholarly study of the texts and rites of the liturgy in the late nineteenth century set the stage for the liturgical movement that culminated in the reform of the liturgy after the Second Vatican Council. The goal was full, conscious and active participation of the faithful in the Mass. The Church has celebrated the Mass in the vernacular (English) for 47 years. The words we say at Mass will change on the First Sunday of Advent, 2011.

From: Msgr. James P. Moroney, The Mass Explained, Catholic Book Publishing, New Jersey, 2008.

Second Collection: Catholic Relief Services and Operation Rice Bowl

by Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General Announcement Dates: March 20 & 27

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Collection Dates: April 2 & 3

convey to you my prayers that each of you has a spiritually energizing Lent. In this season we prepare to celebrate Our Lord’s saving Passion and glorious Resurrection, we recommit our lives to the Lord through an intentional return to prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Almsgiving is the offering of financial gifts to the poor in the name of God or engaging in consistent acts of charity to those in need in the name of God. A renewed cooperating with God’s grace is the emphasis of Lent. A yearround cooperating with the Lord and assisting the least of His brothers and sisters is the pastoral ministry of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the special activity of Operation Rice Bowl. CRS is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS carries out the commitment of the bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We are motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to cherish, preserve and uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life, foster charity and justice, and embody Catholic social and moral teaching as we act to: promote human development by responding to major emergencies, fighting disease and poverty

and nurturing peaceful and just societies; and, serve Catholics in the United States as they live their faith in solidarity with their brothers and sisters around the world.

As part of the universal mission of the Catholic Church, CRS works with local, national and international Catholic institutions and structures, as well as other organizations, to assist people on the basis of need, not creed, race or nationality.

CRS is always there. Whenever you hear of a global disaster, natural or human in origin, CRS is there offering the compassion and hand of Christ, the Church and you. It’s energizing to know CRS is fiscally responsible, trustworthy and accountable and that roughly 90 cents of every dollar goes for the purpose YOU intended.

Operation Rice Bowl is a special activity of CRS. This is a spiritual activity

for all ages, but it holds special appeal for the young and young of heart. As Jesus’ disciples, we have a responsibility to care for our brothers and sisters in all nations. Operation Rice Bowl is an opportunity during Lent to be a sign of solidarity with our global family.

Operation Rice Bowl invites us to: pray together; fast in solidarity with those who hunger; learn about the joys and challenges in the lives of our brothers and sisters around the world; and give sacrificial contributions to support those in need.

Please give generously to the Catholic Relief Services Collection. Give a little Louisiana lagniappe to the Lord and His poor ones; take a Rice Bowl and calendar home and spend the days of Lent in union with the least of His brothers and sisters.

For more information: http://orb.crs.org.

generosity of our benefactors.

We would like to express our gratitude to all who make this work possible.

First and foremost, we would like to thank Bishop Duca for establishing Catholic Charities of Shreveport and for his generous support; Sr. Patricia Cairns for her guidance and work in our development; our donors for their

kindness and generosity to the poor in our area; and all who have prayed for our continued growth in our effort to serve the poor and vulnerable in North Louisiana.

We have recently moved into our new offices in the former rectory of St. Catherine of Siena, and since then we have been experiencing a series of problems with our telephones. We hope to have this situation resolved soon. If you would like to contact Catholic Charities in the meantime, please call the Catholic Center (318-868-4441) and they will be able to direct you to our new number or give us your message. Thank you for your patience during this time of transition. We ask that you continue to keep our work in your prayers.

Catholic Charities Update

by Jean Dresley, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of Shreveport

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atholic Charities got off to a strong start in our first six months of service to our community.

Since opening in August 2010, Catholic Charities of Shreveport has helped more than 100 people within our diocese. Most of our work so far has been focused on emergency assistance, helping people with their basic needs such as utilities, food, or rental assistance. Such help has been critical for our clients, especially during the bitterly cold weather we’ve had in recent months. Of course, we can only provide these services through the

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Fasting: It’s More Than a Weight Loss Strategy by Mike Van Vranken

Celebration of Service

by Joseph Seyler

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friend once told me that they had tried fasting many times, but it never helped them lose weight. Doing something for the wrong reasons seldom provides the benefits we are seeking. Fasting as a weight loss strategy is a perfect example.

Ash Wednesday of 2011 falls on March 9. For Catholics, it is a day of fast and abstinence. But, why

specific lifestyles. Along with the story of the Beatitudes in Chapter 6, he gives specific instructions for us “ ...when you pray”, and “ ... when you give” and “...when you fast.” We can possibly assume that Jesus was placing fasting on an equal level with praying and giving. We might even suppose that as much attention should be given to fasting as it is to praying and giving.

So, why is fasting associated with Lent in particular with Ash Wednesday and Good Friday? We know that Jesus fasted for 40 days before beginning his public ministry. We use the 40 days before Easter to spiritually and physically prepare for the annual commemoration of the death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus. We also know that following that resurrection, Jesus called all of us to “ ...make disciples and ...teach.” (Matthew 28: 19-20) Our Lenten exercises help (CNS photo/Dave Crenshaw, Eastern us prepare for our own public Oklahoma Catholic) ministry each year. Through fast? What is the purpose? fasting, we have the opportunity References to fasting are found to renew ourselves spiritually. It throughout sacred scripture. It has is a discipline that takes our focus been said that biblical fasting is from one of our world’s most refraining from food for a spiritual basic needs and moves that focus purpose. Reading the Bible on to God himself. We could also seems to help us understand that say that it is a form of worship fasting is to be a normal part of a - offering our bodies as a living relationship with God. And, while sacrifice is holy and pleasing to we can study those Old Testament God. (Romans 12:1) Finally, verses pertaining to fasting, Jesus fasting is a very humbling way to had something to say about it remind us of our dependency on himself.

God. Matthew’s gospel tells the story As we approach the Trinity this where the disciples privately asked Ash Wednesday, let’s remember Jesus why they could not cast out the power and importance of the a certain demon. Jesus’s response practice of fasting. We can use this included “this kind does not go sacred activity to forget this world out without prayer and fasting.” for a moment and go deeper into Wow! There must be some the world of our creator and God. dynamic power that comes with Enhancing our relationship with fasting. the risen Jesus through fasting Earlier in that same gospel, may bless our lives in ways we’ve Jesus gives us a pattern of three never imagined.

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Camille Meehan, Chuck Meehan and Sherrey Kenney at the Celebration of Service Banquet as St. Joseph Church, Shreveport. (Photo by Olivia Hardy).

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n February 5th, St. Joseph Church in Shreveport offered a “Celebration of Service” Mass and dinner for all those who have answered the call to service in our community. “We wanted to honor those volunteers who tirelessly give of themselves to serve those in need,” said Jane Snyder, Outreach Coordinator at St. Joseph Church.

“Many do so humbly and quietly without the need for recognition or praise. They represent the hands and feet of Christ.”

Over 150 people attended the Mass celebrated

by Father Karl Daigle, pastor, Fr. Thomas Elavunkal and Deacon Bill Roche. Fr. Karl preached that our weekly celebration of the Eucharist is the source and “center point” of our service to the world, to which we are called to return to again and again as its salt and its light. “As we begin to open our hearts to Christ, we begin to open ourselves to giving . . . and as we give to others, we find that the light of Christ burns brighter in our hearts.” The prayers of the faithful were offered by members of the congregation representing some of the many expressions of our Catholic community’s response to Christ’s call: Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities, Just Faith, Hope for the Homeless, Vita, Meals on Wheels, Christian Services and St. Joseph Carpenters.

We prayed for the Church, the diocese, those in financial distress, those who are hungry, the victims of violence, shut-ins, the homeless and those who have died.

The liturgy was followed by a sit-down dinner in the Family Life Center, put together by Susan Prest. The meal ended with the blessing of throats in honor of St. Blaise’s feast day earlier in the week.

Fr. Karl thanked Just Faith for organizing the first of what will be an annual celebration of our response to Christ’s call: “Your light must shine before others, so that they may see the good you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matt. 5:16.

Lent: A Map for the Desert

by Katie Sciba

Emily Angelotti, puts together an Operation Rice Bowl at her home in Centreville, VA. The donation bowl sits in the center of her family’s table each year during Lent. Coordinated by Catholic Relief Services, Operation Rice Bowl encourages people to learn about hunger and poverty and make donations to help those in need. (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)

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ent is upon us! Much like New Year’s resolutions, it’s common for the faithful to list the sacrifices and good intentions for the next 40 days.

“What are you giving up?” The question buzzes every year around Ash Wednesday; and as common as the question come the answers soda, Facebook, dessert, hogging the remote. Whether it’s any of these or something new, choose a fast that will genuinely challenge you, something you know you can’t do without God’s help.

Aimed at uniting yourself with Christ and his 40 days in the desert, fasting is definitely an individual experience, but ask your family what you can sacrifice together as well – speaking negatively at the dinner table or watching TV in the evenings, for example.

Fasting is a great gift to offer God during Lent, though we all know it can be tough to stick with our original intentions. Each time you feel yourself starting to crack, ask Christ for strength and persistence: St. Paul wrote, “...we [do not have] a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sinning.” (Hebrews 4:15).

But as the saying goes, “Nature abhors a void,” so when fasting from something all too time-and-self-consuming, that gap has to be filled with a Lenten alternative. What will you do with all that time you’re not spending updating your Facebook status?

This is where prayer and almsgiving boldly step in. Lent calls for fasting, sure, but it also calls for doing and prayer is

certainly active. The Catechism notes that “prayer and Christian life are inseparable” – how true! Attend Mass during the week in addition to Sundays, read the Bible, pray the Rosary or a Chaplet of Divine Mercy, or try maintaining a prayer time before your day starts! Whatever you do, keep yourself close to Christ; how can you accomplish anything in Lent (or in life) if your heart is far from Him? Just as prayer is an inward conversion towards Christ, almsgiving expresses love for Christ through loving other people. An example of almsgiving is the classic rice bowl, and few realize that it actually ties in fasting and prayer as well.

As a family (or an individual), considers sacrificing eating out during Lent, then add the money you would have spent at Cheddar’s or Burger King to your rice bowl. The almsgiving is directly related to your fast and, knowing that the poor will directly benefit from it, you can take the time with your family to pray for them. It’s common to offer the day’s loose change, but taking the rice bowl to a deeper level will help you and your family realize the weight of the sacrifice. And, as with any offering whether it be giving someone a cup of coffee or a snack from your lunch (almsgiving doesn’t have to be monetary!), do so happily, eager to share your blessings with others.

Check out Matthew 6 at the start of your Lenten efforts for Christ’s word on fasting, prayer and almsgiving. And while sharing your personal and familial offerings during this time isn’t sinful,

consider keeping them to yourself – after all, “Your heavenly Father who sees you in secret will reward you.” Lent provides the ideal opportunity to stretch yourself spiritually and to sacrifice with humility.

Not only will you grow in prayerful generosity and discipline, but you’ll also set the example for others to follow – spouse, children and friends. These offerings of fasting, prayer and alms are meant to further prepare our souls for Christ’s Resurrection and they don’t have to stop on Easter Sunday, either; use the time to develop your connection with Christ to keep strong the whole liturgical year.

Living the Sacrament: A Natural Family Planning Web Community for Women

(Information provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops/ Natural Family Planning)

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n fall 2010, five NFP users decided to find a solution to the lack of support that women who use NFP in their marriages often experience.

Their solution is an NFP user web community for women called Living the Sacrament. Women visiting this web community can expect to chat with others who are striving for holiness. Members use a variety of NFP methods and current membership includes several women who are NFP instructors. Site hosts honor and support the teachings of the Catholic Church and encourage members to do the same. In addition to information on NFP, there are spaces for parenting advice, prayer requests and questions about faith and marriage. For more information contact: www.livingthesacrament.com.

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School News

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5 1. St. Joseph Celebrated Catholic Schools Week

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t. Joseph School celebrated Catholic Schools Week, “Catholic Schools, A+ for America,” during the week of January 30- February 4 with a variety of activities. The school held its open house on Sunday, January 30, and on Tuesday, February 1, welcoming a multitude of new families to St. Joseph School. On Monday, January 31, St. Joseph School hosted its annual kickoff celebration featuring distinguished guests Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover, Superintendent Sr. Carol Shively, and special guest speaker, Arthur Carmody, IV. Mr. Carmody is a St. Joseph School alumni (Class of 1999) and former college football star from the University of Louisville.

Other activities from the week included a flag ceremony, competing in the Religious Scholars Bowl, a special ceremony welcoming 5th graders to St. Joseph’s middle school, and a presentation by John Vining, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Shreveport. Pictured: Arthur Carmody, Vice Principal Nia Mitchell, Principal Susan Belanger, Sr. Carol Shively and Fr. Karl Daigle.

2. Jesus the Good Shepherd Students Held Living Rosary During Catholic Schools Week

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esus the Good Shepherd 5th and 6th graders participated in a living rosary during Catholic Schools Week. The moving rendition of the rosary was made even more special by the colored lights the children used to signify each decade.

Celebrating the rosary and praying as a school family is one more wonderful tradition that makes Jesus the Good Shepherd School, and Catholic schools as a whole, stand out from the crowd.

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3. Wes Ely Spoke to Loyola College Prep Students About Service to Others

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r. Wes Ely spoke to the Loyola student body during Catholic Schools Week about the importance of service to others and in the community. Dr. Ely, a 1981 graduate of the school, is a Professor of Medicine for Pulmonary and Critical Care at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

Dr. Ely, who has done extensive work in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, told the students “suffering is all around us” and “you can make a difference ... if you so choose.” He left the students with a simple message of the three degrees of mercy: (1) works of mercy (by acts and actions) (2) words of mercy (“if I cannot carry out a work of mercy, I will assist by words” and (3) prayer (“if I cannot show mercy by works or words, I can do so by prayer”).

4. St. Frederick Students Participated in “Groundhog Job Shadowing Day”

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n February 2, St. Frederick High School students were welcomed by area businesses and employers for Groundhog Job Shadowing Day programs. The event was designed to give students an opportunity to “shadow” adults during their daily work activities. The experience inspired students to be enthusiastic about their studies by showing them how education can be translated into rewarding futures.

Pictured: Nicholas Leehy shadowing teacher Gina Gardner.

5. Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Academy Students Dressed for Success

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uring Catholic Schools Week, OLBSA students dressed for success! Students were invited to dress as what they want

Louisiana March for Life by Roxie Tabor

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Cynthia Vaught, Miki and Matt Sciba and baby Mary, Ben Broussard, Brittany Pike and Roxie Tabor traveled to the Louisiana March from the Diocese of Shreveport.

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7 to be when they grow up. We are going to have a community full of successful doctors, lawyers, teachers and more. Our students truly are dressed for success!

6. Our Lady of Fatima Students Had Sock Hop

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ur Lady of Fatima students danced and sang at the Fatima Sock Hop which kicked off Catholic Schools Week. The admission cost for each student was a pair of socks that Our Lady of Fatima School collected and gave to the residents at a local nursing home.

7. St. John Berchmans Students Hosted Religion Scholars Bowl

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n Thursday, February 3, St. John Berchmans School hosted the second annual Religion Scholars Bowl Invitational. Participating schools included St. John Berchmans, St. Joseph, Our Lady of Fatima, Jesus the Good Shepherd and St. Frederick’s seventh and eighth grades.

The grade level teams, from 3rd-8th grades, competed in one written round and three oral rounds of questions.

Teams also performed a dramatic interpretation of an assigned scripture reading. The teams with the most points were awarded medals and all the participants were given certificates of participation.

Bishop Duca handed out all the awards to the contestants.

The sixth grade team came in first, the seventh grade team took second and the third place went to the eighth grade team.

The Scholars Bowl was moderated by John Mark Willcox.

We were fortunate to have Sr. Carol Shively, Fr. David Richter and Dianne Rachal as judges for the competition.

n January 22nd, the 38th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, three thousand Louisiana Pro-Life Supporters marched a little less than a mile from the old Capital to the steps of the current Capital Building with a strong message for Louisiana public officials: Louisiana loves life at all stages including the unborn.

The crowd was orderly and respectful, led by a large contingency of Knights of Columbus and a group of young adults holding a Banner for Life. All ages and ethnic groups were represented with a large portion of young adults who enthusiastically demonstrated their stance against laws that allow abortion. Signs proclaimed “Gathering the PeopleBuilding a Culture of Life”, “Marching for an Abortion Free Louisiana”, “Defend Life”, “Pray to End Abortion” and “Jesus Forgives and Heals.”

Bishop Robert J. Muench of Baton Rouge led the program with quotes from the Bible and a prayer. Gene Mills, Director of Louisiana Family Forum encouraged the participants with statistics that indicated a decline from 20,000 abortions annually in the state in the 1980s, to about 6,000 reported abortions this year. That matches with our local estimates of approximately 2,400 here in the Diocese of Shreveport. While it is encouraging that the numbers are reduced, it is still very disturbing to know thousands continue to die.

As you prepare for Lent this year please pray for the Intercessions of Life given by the United States Conference of Bishops for March: March 6 (9th Sunday in Ordinary Time): For all who have had, or been responsible for, an abortion: That through the penitential grace of the Lenten season they will find the courage to seek God’s forgiveness and healing; We pray to the Lord.

March 13th (First Sunday of Lent): For those caring for elderly family members: That God will help them persevere in love and reward them for their sacrifices; We pray to the Lord.

March 20th (Second Sunday of Lent): For all expectant mothers: That the announcement of their pregnancy will be greeted with joy and thanksgiving by their families; We pray to the Lord.

March 27th (Third Sunday of Lent): For families with young children: That parents provide loving witness to the sanctity of every life by their words and actions; We pray to the Lord.

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Youth Ministry Celebrating Youth in the Diocese of Shreveport

by John Vining Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries

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s I sat down to write an article for the Catholic Connection, my mind kept wandering to the colors of spring. Have you ever really stopped and noticed the flowers during this time? When the cold snaps have lifted, you can see extraordinary blossoms. I used to have rose bushes in my front and back yards in Arkansas. I would spend a certain amount of time pruning, but little else. I was amazed when the bush survived the winter; even more when it produced such exquisite petals! Sadly, I usually didn’t notice the rose bush until its change was evident. The rose was being renewed

ABOUT JOSH BLAKESLY Josh's Christian music journey began in 1992 while he was involved with a high school peer ministry team. During that time he saw the power of God at work in the lives of teens as they were transformed into believers and lovers of Jesus Christ.

He vowed to be “sold out” for Christ and to use his gift of writing music to glorify God. In a world where well-produced secular music is dominant, he has dedicated himself to making

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Photos: Left: Diocesan teens attend Steubenville South; Above: Diocesan Teen Rally 2010; Top Right: St. Jude Youth Group; Bottom Right: Diocesan youth attend NCYC in 2010.

before me all along, but I couldn’t see it.

I think God works that way in our lives. We tend to have a spiritually dormant season where it looks like nothing is happening, and then spring comes! God moves in our lives and our change is evident to everyone.

As I look around the diocese, I see much potential for renewal. Since I moved down here, I’ve encountered people with amazing abilities, big hearts and generous natures. So far these people have put their talents to work. The youth leaders and I are working hard to renew the youth of the diocese. We prayerfully meet and come together to discern the direction the Youth and Young Adult ministry will go.

We invite our teens to LSU-Shreveport on March 12 at the

quality contemporary Catholic music. In addition, he's committed to spreading the Gospel through dynamic speaking and personal testimony.

In 1993, Josh was a praise and worship leader for the papal visit at World Youth Day in Denver, CO. He has led music for over 10 years at various Steubenville Youth Conferences throughout the U.S. He has worked as a musician with the Catholic Heart Work Camps and the Life Teen Camps. He has contributed songs to several compilation albums, including Steubenville’s Out of the Jungle, and the spiritandsong CD Live It! His music focuses on a true communion with the living God while stressing that blessings really do come to those who wait on the Lord. He does so through an innovative blend of pop and rock tracks that are truly inspired.

In addition to composing and recording music, Josh serves as young adult coordinator and assistant music director at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Alexandria, LA. He travels many weekends to other parishes throughout the U.S. doing concerts, conducting workshops for musicians, speaking at youth rallies and conferences and leading praise and worship.

University Center for a diocesan wide teen rally. “Be Renewed” is our theme and our scriptural text is found in Ephesians 4:22-24, “That you should put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created in God’s way in righteousness and holiness of truth.”

Our featured worship leader and keynote speaker will be Josh Blakesley. Not only that, but we will have his entire band! Josh is a tremendous talent who brings a spiritual quality that we need.

The atmosphere will be great. Josh will minister to us in the theater at the University Center and will do a wonderful job for us. Please see his biography in the sidebar for information.

In addition to Josh’s presentations, Fr. Matthew Long, who currently serves at Jesus the Good Shepherd Church and St. Frederick High School in Monroe, will lead the afternoon sessions. Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General, Bishop Michael Duca and Blake Royall, Youth Minister at St. Jude Church, will also lead breakout sessions. Some of the topics covered will be: “I’m Catholic, What do I Say?,” “Immersing Yourself in Christ,” “Developing a Prayer Life” and “Living the Sacramental Life.”

Priests will also be on hand for the sacrament of reconciliation.

Middle and High schoolers are invited to attend. The event is open to everyone, not just Catholics, so bring a friend!

A special part of this year’s event is a strong Lenten component. There will be living stations and a corporal works of mercy component. Teens are asked to bring one health and beauty item to supplement the ministy of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

I can think of no better way to start off the Lenten and Easter seasons than through a spiritual renewal event. So invite a teen today! If you need additional information please contact John Vining at 318-868-4441, or your local parish.

The ministry doesn’t end there either. We have two other high impact events in the works for the youth. June 11th is our Diocese’s 25th birthday! Diocesan celebrations build unity and community. A single thread is not very strong, but a multitude of them is! Our largest event coming up happens this November!

National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), a gathering of thousands of Catholic youth, is being held in Indianapolis, IN Nov 17-19. I urge you to prayerfully consider each and every one of these events. Lastly, please pray for your parishes and your diocese. Together we will see great things.

Top 10 Reasons to Join Your Parish Youth Group!

by Blake Royall, Youth Minister at St. Jude Church, Bossier CIty

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... The Ninja Game: Don't know what it is? Come learn more about this popular game played in youth groups around the nation!

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... Awesome conferences and trips.

... You can hear the word of God as it applies to your life, right now. ... Those awesome hand motions that go along with the songs.

... The chance to develop friendships that can last a lifetime. ... Why not?

... Where else can you watch someone eat a dog-food flavored jellybean? ... There is an awesome, loving, caring and accepting group of people just waiting for you.

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... All the insane games and activities your youth minister comes up with. ... You are not the future of the Church; You ARE the Church, NOW.

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Christ the King Church Launches Free English and Spanish Classes

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: Patron of Youth and World Youth Day by Kim Long, DRE, St. Mary of the Pines Church

by Nancy Miller, Christ the King

Fr. Rigo Betancurt teaches Spanish class at Christ the King Church in Bossier City.

A Catholic man kisses the coffin of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati at St. Benedict’s Church in Sydney, Australia. The body of Blessed Pier Giorgio was placed in a closed coffin and arrived in Sydney from Turin, Italy, for World Youth Day. (CNS photo/Daniel Munoz, Reuters)

hrist the King’s Pastoral Council identified a need in their community: the English and Spanish communities should share and integrate their activities, cultures and languages. Fr. Rigoberto Betancurt, through his “Good Leaders, Good Shepherds” program, has cited “United in Diversity” as an approach to parish life. Thus the class “One Gospel, Two Languages” has begun.

Using the Gospel for upcoming Sundays, both English and Spanish are taught simultaneously. Fr. Rigoberto Betancurt, Danny LeMoine (who is enrolled in the Diaconate Program), and wife Linda LeMoine, Ricardo Rivera (also in the Diaconate Program) and wife Wanda, Dr. Jerry Shiplov and Ann Kittler team teach. Fr. Rigo begins with a Spanish grammar lesson and then the students read the Gospel out loud. From the reading corrections are made in pronunciation. Ann Kittler assists with English grammar questions as she is a retired teacher.

The class is open to the public. It is every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. This class is for those who speak very little English/Spanish and those who have more knowledge of the languages. There is no charge for the class.

We invite people from the English and Spanish communities to come and share their culture and daily lives with each other through language.

Come and let’s be “United in Diversity”.

magine my surprise when researching a saint for youth and young adults I found that Blessed Pier has a FACEBOOK page! Well he does. His life story is at once classic and contemporary.

Born in Turin, Italy in 1901 to a nonreligious family in an atmosphere of affluence, he was open to God’s call from an early age. His parents misunderstood and disapproved of his piety and intense interest in Catholicism. These misunderstandings were painful to Pier throughout his life.

Prayer formed the basis of his day. He offered the rosary daily, praying on his knees. At times his father would often find him asleep kneeling by his bed. As a boy Pier attended Jesuit school and was granted rare (in those days) permission to receive daily communion. He spent entire nights in Eucharistic adoration, so devoted was he to God. But he wasn’t interested in being extreme in his devotions; instead he sought his entire life to balance contemplation and action!

In 1922 he was drawn to the Fraternities of St. Dominic. He became a tertiary at the age of 21 choosing the name Girolamo (Jerome) after his personal hero, Girolamo Savonarola, a fiery Dominican preacher and reformer during the Renaissance in Florence.

Pier was handsome, vibrant and natural.

These traits drew people to him. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, riding, skiing and mountain climbing.

He had a wonderful sense of humor and seldom passed up the opportunity to play a practical joke. Though he grew up in privilege he never used that status against anyone. Instead, he lived simply and gave

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away many of his possessions. He set his faith into action through political activism during the Fascist period in World War I Italy. He studied hard and long in school for he was not a particularly good student. It is said that he contracted polio from the poor, the very people he sought to serve.

Pier died on July 4, 1925. The Frassati parents, who had no idea what Pier had been up to, were amazed to see thousands of people crowded outside their mansion on the day of their son’s funeral Mass and burial. The poor, lonely and those who Pier had touched came to pay homage to this model of a Christian way of life.

Pier’s mortal remains were found incorrupt in 1981 and were transferred from the family tomb in Turin to the Cathedral of Turin.

He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1990 who said, regarding contemporary saints, “Do not be afraid of the saints of the new millennium;” and about Pier, “Behold the man of the eight beatitudes who bears in himself the grace of the gospel, the Good News, the joy of salvation offered to us by Christ!” He is the patron for youth and past World Youth Days.

Here are two quotes from Pier: “You ask me whether I am in good spirits. How could I not be so? As long as faith gives me strength I will always be joyful!”

“I urge you with all the strength of my soul to approach the Eucharist Table as often as possible. Feed on the Bread of the Angels from which you will draw the strength to fight inner struggles.”

There isn’t anything I could add to that second quote; instead I shall endeavor to take his words of spiritual wisdom to heart!

“Calling Catholics Home” Brings People Back to the Church

by Kelly Phelan Powell

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lmost anyone who’s driven through Shreveport-Bossier in the past seven years has seen the blackand-white “Calling Catholics Home” billboards, but many have no idea what they mean or what, exactly, they advertise.

Basically, they serve as invitations to Catholics who have been away from the Church, for whatever reasons, to renew their relationships with the Church and their faith. Representatives from every Catholic church parish in ShreveportBossier form the group of dedicated volunteers who administer this proactive program that aims to reacquaint, recatechize and heal old wounds.

Kathy Snelling, a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church for 25 years, serves as the coordinator of the Calling Catholics Home (CCH) program. It began when a popular priest transferred away from St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Shreveport, and its congregation wanted to find a way to increase their membership without drawing people away from other parishes.

Members Millie Prasifka and Claude Rives had an idea, based on a book called Catholics Coming Home: A Journey of Reconciliation: a Handbook for Churches Reaching Out to Inactive Catholics, to try to connect with so-called “lapsed Catholics.” Snelling, who had been the RCIA director at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, has been involved since the program’s inception. “Millie decided to make a Shreveport-Bossier effort,” she explained.

When Prasifka became ill with cancer, Snelling assumed the leadership role.

The Catholics Coming Home program has very specific methods and curricula for its program, but the ShreveportBossier group wanted to chart its own course based on the needs of its members.

So they changed their name to Calling Catholics Home, and in the first two years, the six-week-long series had around 50 attendees. Lay people predominantly run the program and they endeavor to prepare themselves for almost any circumstance, situation or need an attendee may have.

“Everyone has experienced a deep, deep hurt in their lives,” Snelling said, “and everybody needs that smile and friendly

Representatives from area churches work together on the Calling Catholics Home program.

Standing (L to R): Jane Snyder, St. Joseph Church, Shreveport; Mary Kay Townley, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans; John Carrigan, Holy Trinity Church; Robbie Ponseigo, St. Mary of the Pines Church; Mary Chauvin, Sacred Heart Church, Shreveport; Deacon Harold Dean, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church; Seated (L to R): Paul Caplis, Mary, Queen of Peace Church; Margie Ainsworth, Holy Family Chapel, BAFB; Ann Kittler, Christ the King Church; Mary Walker, St. Jude Church; Kathy Snelling, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.

greeting. Everybody’s seeking. Everybody’s on a different journey with their faith.”

This year, the six-week Calling Catholics Home series begins on Wednesday, March 2, one week prior to Ash Wednesday. During the first week’s meeting, they welcome the attendees, share personal stories and watch a video (they are currently in the process of producing their own video). In subsequent weeks, Sr. Marilyn Vassallo, Director of Canonical Services, lectures about changes in the Church since Vatican II; Bishop Michael Duca talks about the Mass; and other speakers discuss the Nicene Creed and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. “A lot of people haven’t been catechized since they were confirmed, so it’s a real eyeopener for some of them,” Snelling said.

Donations from each parish fund the Calling Catholics Home program, and they spend much of the money on advertising costs, including 11 junior billboards, four larger billboards and two digital billboards through Lamar Advertising Company, which gives the group a special price as a nonprofit organization. The first year, Rives paid for the billboards out of his own pocket.

Luckily, community interest ensures that Calling Catholics Home gets some advertising free of charge. In their inaugural year, they got front-page coverage in the Shreveport Times, and last year, KTAL Channel 6 ran a 30-minute segment during which they interviewed the volunteers. They also advertise in church bulletins. While publications and radio stations are very supportive, Snelling

said, the billboards are their most effective advertising tool.

Parishes in Shreveport-Bossier have members representing Calling Catholics Home. Currently, they are: Margie Ainsworth, Holy Family at BAFB; Deacon John Basco, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans; Paul Caplis, Mary, Queen of Peace; Sandy Chapman, St. Pius X; John Carrigan, Holy Trinity; Mary Chauvin, Sacred Heart of Jesus; Deacon Harold Dean, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament; Ann Kittler, Christ the King; Robbie Ponseigo, St. Mary of the Pines; Kathy Snelling, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton; Jane Snyder, St. Joseph; Mary Kay Townley, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans; and Mary Walker, St. Jude.

The Calling Catholics Home team is always looking for enthusiastic, committed new volunteers. Call Snelling at 318-798-1887. In addition to donations, they need baby sitters, talented, experienced public speakers and people willing to make or furnish refreshments for the attendees.

This year’s program will take place on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans from March 2 – April 6.

If you know a Catholic who might be interested in attending the six-week series and renewing his or her relationship with the Church, direct them to Jane Snyder at St. Joseph Church, 318-865-3581 or jsnyder@stjosephchurch.net or www. callingcatholicshome.com. “We don’t know the full impact of it,” Snelling said.

“We never will.”

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Developers of New App Say it Could Bring Catholics Back to Confession

iPhone Confession App ‘No Substitute’ for the Sacrament

by John Thavis Catholic News Service

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by Diane Freeby, Catholic News Service

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OUTH BEND, IN (CNS) -- Can modern technology help strengthen our faith? Some techno-savvy Catholics from South Bend think so.

In his message for the 2011 World Communications Day, Pope Benedict XVI said it’s not enough to just “proclaim the Gospel through the new media,” but one must also “witness consistently.” The developers of “Confession: A Roman Catholic App” for Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch think their product helps people do both.

Brothers Patrick and Chip Leinen and their friend Ryan Kreager said feedback has been positive. The app, reportedly the only one with an imprimatur, is designed to help people make a better confession.

Given in this case by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, an imprimatur is an official declaration by a church authority that a book or other printed work may be published.

It declares the published work contains nothing offensive to Catholic teaching on faith and morals.

“The app is really built for two kinds of people,” Kreager explained. “For Catholics who go to confession regularly, it gives the user information. They enter their name, age, their sex, their vocation and their last confession date, and it generates an examination of conscience based on that information.”

Centered on the Ten Commandments, the examination would be different for a young mother than for a teenage boy, for example. The examinations were provided by two different priests, the app developers said.

In addition to helping Catholics who already make use of the sacrament of reconciliation, Kreager said the confession app is helping another group of people.

“It’s also for people who’ve been away from the church and want the opportunity to go to confession,” he told Today’s Catholic, newspaper of the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese. “You go to the examination of conscience and it literally walks you through, step by step, your confessions as you’re in the

16 17 Catholic Connection March 2011

A woman holds an iPhone in Rome Feb. 9 with a new confession application. A Vatican official said the new app can help Catholics prepare for confession, as its developers intended, but that it cannot substitute for the sacramental encounter between a penitent and a priest.

(CNS photo/Tony Gentile)

confessional.”

Patrick Leinen said that during testing, a man who hadn’t been to confession in 20 years used the app and made his way back to the sacrament.

Serving as a kind of digital notebook designed to help people remember the various prayers as well as to list the sins they want to confess, the confession app provides several versions of the act of contrition, including one in Latin.

Melanie Williams, a 17-year-old junior at Marian High School in Mishawaka, said going to confession is an important part of her life. A fan of technology, she appreciates the customized examination of conscience.

“It makes me evaluate my personal situation in life,” she said, noting how easy it is for her to understand and remember the sins she wants to confess. “My favorite part is definitely the inspirational quote that pops up after you have gone to confession. Each time I feel like it really tells me what I really need to hear at that moment. It is a great motivational tool after a good confession!”

In addition to customizing each user’s list, everything is password-protected for privacy.

“Once you go to confession, all that information is wiped out,” said Kreager.

“All it’s going to remember is personal data like your name, age and date of last confession.”

The three developers of the confession app named their company Littleiapps.

Little “i” as in “I must decrease and he

ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A Vatican official said a new iPhone application can help Catholics prepare for confession, but cannot substitute for the sacramental encounter between a penitent and a priest.

“Confession: A Roman Catholic App” for Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch was recently released as a way for Catholics to prepare for and participate in the sacrament of penance. Some recent press reports, however, have suggested that the application could replace in-person confession.

“It’s essential to understand that the sacrament of penance requires a personal dialogue between the penitent and the confessor, and absolution by the confessor who is present,” Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, told reporters.

“This is something that cannot be replaced by any application. One cannot speak of a ‘confession via iPhone,’” he said.

Father Lombardi said the new application could be useful in helping people make an examination of conscience. In the past, he noted, Catholics would sometimes use written questions and answers to prepare for confession, and that’s something that could be done today with the aid of a digital device.

The application, developed by a small firm in Indiana, is based on the Ten Commandments. It was designed in part for people who have been away from the church and want the opportunity to go to confession. must increase,” explained Chip Leinen.

They say they hope to create more Catholic apps in the future.

“I think it has the potential to bring many teens back to the faith and confession,” said Williams, adding that she knows kids who haven’t been to confession in years for various reasons.

“I think this app will be a wonderful helper for teens to encourage them to go to confession. They won’t have the excuse that they don’t know how to go to confession anymore!”

St. Vincent de Paul Society in Monroe Steps Out to Serve Others

by Joann Crone, St. Vincent de Paul

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wenty-three years ago the Eastern Deanery Society of St. Vincent de Paul started doing a Saturday soup kitchen for 100 shut-ins, delivering hot meals to their homes. December 25 fell on a Saturday last year, and members of SVdP spent Christmas Day doing just that.

Over 40 joyous and wonderful volunteers young and old showed up to prepare and deliver meals. Many churches, both Catholic and Protestant, are part of our weekend meals-on-wheels program including St. Matthew Church, Our Lady of Fatima Church, St. Lawrence Church, St. Paschal Church, Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd, First United Methodist Church, McGuire Methodist, Forsythe Avenue Church of Christ, Grace Episcopal Church, St. Paul’s Methodist Church and Chase.

We have never missed a Saturday in the 22 years we’ve served the needy of

our community. There are seven routes in Monroe and West Monroe. We receive names from the Ouachita Council on Aging and area churches.

It was a humbling experience to see faces with such joy and surprise as they received their meals and gifts. On Christmas I took a different route and at every stop we listened to the people.

I think the visits meant as much as the meals.

One man was blind and lived alone and

really got around well. One lady and her daughter lived in the front room because it was the only room with heat. Everyone we saw made all of us have the best Christmas ever. We got so much more than we gave.

It was the best way to celebrate Christ’s birthday and really see how rich we are and how blessed we are to be the servants of the poor. Thanks to all the great St. Vincent de Paul volunteers in the Diocese of Shreveport! We are truly blessed to be part of this great organization.

Slow Down and Listen

I wanted to share my experience, albeit an abbreviated version, with you because

by John Blank, St. Jude Church I felt the need to ask everyone to consider ecently, my wife and I attended the pace at which life seems to go – the annual St. Jude parish mission. breakneck, and then ask, “What’s wrong This year, the mission featured with this picture?”

Deacon Glen Harmon and his wife Linda.

When we are jetting through our days, Now, I am like everyone else these days in and fail to take the time to slow down terms of demands on my time and talents: and “fuel” up with God’s word, or even there are too many, and not enough of “talk” with God, I think we have a real either to go around. However, prior to propensity to miss much of what was the mission, my wife and I looked at each really meant for us to experience. I equate other during the Saturday evening Mass it to when we were kids. Then we could and said, “…We’re going.” play for what must have seemed like hours My wife and I will be celebrating our on end, but in actuality were only maybe a 15th wedding anniversary this year, so I couple of hours. We would ask ourselves, think by now we know each other pretty life, and how I have, at times, let things “Will this day ever end?” We waited on well. However, for that to happen, the get out of control or not focused on the time to catch up to our wants and needs, way it happened, well…let’s just say that I “right” priorities, or missed opportunities. “Boy I can’t wait to drive, or go off to knew right then that a power greater than The mission was an experience that college, or get a job…” We were carefree, me was at work, and no I don’t mean my caused me to self-evaluate. Yeah, we and time slowed down for us, allowing wonderful bride. “self-evaluate” a lot in life, but this time I us to enjoy what God had to offer in its For the next four nights, I sat and really took a deep breath, which in and of entirety. As we got older, time caught up listened for 90-minutes each night to a itself was something of a change of pace, and passed us, and we somehow got lost. man and his wife recount their various and looked at who I am versus who God Now we sprint to try to catch time and trials and tribulations and how those wants me to be. Did I come up with some that won’t happen unless we, with the help events had been influenced by God, how miraculous set of “answers?” Honestly, of God, make time slow down enough for God had established His presence in no. However, the fact that I took the time us to find its wonders through Him again. their lives in such a way that their lives to stop and think about my existence, Maybe God is telling you it’s time to were blessed beyond even their own I believe WAS a step toward finally downshift a little and see his graces as comprehension. beginning to “listen” to God, when he tries only you can. Take the time to “look” and I left every night, reflecting on my own to speak to me. “listen!”

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Hispanic Corner

Misas

por Rosalba Quiroz

Bossier City: Christ the King Church 425 McCormick St. Bossier City Sábado 7:00 p.m.

Domingo 3:00 p.m.

Lunes 7:00 p.m.

Confesiones 45 minutos antes de Misa Marilú Rodriguez Tel: 318-286-1492

Retiro Familiar De Cuaresma

“Amor, Perdón y Servicio a la Familia”

Farmerville: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 600 E. Water Street Farmerville Sábado 7:00 p.m.

Rev. Al Jost Tel: 318-243-0115 Mansfield: St. Joseph Church 305 Jefferson Street Mansfield 2do Domingo 2:00 p.m. y 3er Martes 6:30 p.m.

Juanita Ibarra Tel: 318-872-5390

Sábado 26 de Marzo, 2011. Centro Católico, 3500 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104 de 10:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.

Minden: St. Paul Church 410 Fincher Road Minden 2do y 4to Viernes 7:00 p.m.

Margarita Bratton Tel: 318-377-9684

Estas son algunas de las actividades que tendremos: - Reflexiones (adaptadas a cada edad)

- Almuerzo

- Confesiones (con varios sacerdotes)

- Vía Crucis

- Actividades para niños, jóvenes y adultos - Santa Misa

Para cualquier pregunta y para dar el número de participantes, hable con su coordinador, su sacerdote o la oficina del Ministerio Hispano Teléfono: 318-219-7265 La Diócesis pagará todo el costo de este retiro, incluyendo la comida.

Calendario Diocesano Mes de Marzo 2-3 Retiro de coordinadores del Estado de Luisiana, Houma Thibodaux, LA. 4 Retiro para el personal del Centro Católico. El Centro Católico estará cerrado.

9 Miércoles de Ceniza, comienzo de la Cuaresma.

12 Retiro Juvenil (En Ingles, para muchachos de 13-17 años). Favor de comunicarse con su coordinador para más información y participación.

Oak Grove: Sacred Heart Church 201 Purvis St Oak Grove Domingo 5:00 p.m.

Feliciano y Rosa Alviso Martinez Tel: 318-428-2137 Ruston: St. Thomas Aquinas Church 810 Carey Ave. Ruston 2do y 4to Domingo 2:30 p.m.

Soledad Broyles Tel: 318-243-1958 Shreveport: St. Mary of the Pines Church 1050 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop Shreveport Domingo 1:00 p.m.

Carmen Bradford Tel: 318-455-2300 West Monroe: St. Paschal Church 711 N 7th Street West Monroe Domingo 2:30 p.m.

Lorena Chaparro Tel: 318-651-9136

13 Rito de Elección para candidatos a los Sacramentos 22-30 Visita del Padre Francisco Javier Varela a varias de las comunidades para realizar confesiones.

26 Retiro Familiar de Cuaresma. Centro Católico, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

18 19 Catholic Connection March 2011

Rosalba Quiroz, Directora del Ministerio Hispano 318-219-7265 • Rev. Al Jost, Coordinador de La Vicaría del Este • 318-243-0115

News Briefs by Catholic News Service

Rome Diocese Launches Site Dedicated to John Paul II’s Beatification

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Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York, the new president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, celebrates Mass with staff of the conference at its Washington headquarters.

(CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)

USCCB President Outlines Policy Priorities for New Congress

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ASHINGTON (CNS) --At a “time of difficult economic and policy choices,” the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offered the new Congress an outline of the bishops’ priorities for the coming legislative year.

In a letter mailed to all members of the Congress Jan. 14, Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan of New York expressed hope that “this newly elected Congress will advance the common good and defend the life and dignity of all, especially vulnerable and poor persons whose needs are critical.” He described the priorities he outlined as “an agenda for dialogue and action. From our experience and our tradition, we offer a distinctive, constructive and principled contribution to the national dialogue on how to defend human life and dignity, promote and protect marriage and family life, lift up those who experience economic turmoil and suffering, and promote peace in a world troubled by war and violence,” he said. Archbishop Dolan said the USCCB’s public policy concerns for the 112th Congress will include defense of unborn children, the disabled and the terminally ill; support for marriage as the “faithful, exclusive, lifelong union of one man and one woman”; budget, tax and entitlement policies that fairly “allocate the burdens and sacrifices” among all Americans; and achievement of a health care system that is truly “universal and life-affirming.”

OME (CNS) -- The Diocese of Rome launched a new website dedicated to the beatification and canonization of Pope John Paul II. Published in seven languages, the site www.karol-wojtyla.org - offers news updates and background information on the late pope and his sainthood cause, as well as a live webcam of his tomb in the grotto of St. Peter’s Basilica. The website also announced that the beatification ceremony in St. Peter’s Square May 1, Divine Mercy Sunday, will be open to the public and no tickets will be required to attend.

The evening before the ceremony, April 30, there will be a prayer vigil at Rome’s ancient Circus Maximus racetrack, it said. The website offers the diocesan-approved prayer asking for graces through the intercession of Pope John Paul in 31 languages, including Chinese, Arabic, Russian and Swahili. A miracle after Pope John Paul’s beatification would be needed for his canonization, which is a church declaration that the person is a saint and worthy of universal veneration.

Pope John Paul II Named Patron of World Youth Day

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AMADRID (CNS) -- The future Blessed Pope John Paul II will be the official spiritual patron of World Youth Day 2011, which will be Aug. 16-21 in Madrid. The Vatican announced Jan. 14 that Pope Benedict XVI would beatify his predecessor, the pope who founded World Youth Day and presided over many of its largest gatherings around the world. The same day the Vatican announcement was made, about 200 representatives of bishops’ conferences and youth groups were meeting in Madrid to prepare for the August gathering.

Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, told the representatives in Madrid the news of Pope John Paul’s upcoming beatification.

Auxiliary Bishop Cesar Franco Martinez of Madrid, general coordinator of World Youth Day 2011, then announced that the future Blessed Pope John Paul would be one of the official patrons of the gathering. The other patrons are Sts. Isidore, Maria de la Cabeza, Teresa of Avila, Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, John of the Cross, John of Avila, Rose of Lima and Rafael Arnaiz.

www.karol-wojtyla.org offers news updates and background information on the late Pope John Paul II and his sainthood cause, as well as a live webcam of his tomb in the grotto of St. Peter’s Basilica.

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Around the Diocese

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encounter and gifts they possess. The combined councils found the retreat very engaging, informative and enjoyable. t. Jude Catholic Church held their After lunch, Randy Tiller, Director of annual youth retreat January 28-30.

Mission Effectiveness for the Diocese Forty students ranging from 6th grade of Shreveport, discussed policies for the through high school spent the weekend councils and fielded questions from the at Lake Bistineau State Park while members. The day proved to be a very growing closer to each other and their meaningful and spiritual time and the Lord, Jesus Christ. councils left with a renewed sense of 2. Eastern Deanery Held Day of their call and mission.

1. St. Jude Church Held Youth Retreat

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Reflection

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he pastoral and finance councils of St. Lawrence Church, Catholic Campus Ministry at ULM and Our Lady of Fatima Church joined together on Saturday, January 15 at OLF for a Day of Reflection led by Sr. Marilyn Vassallo, CSJ. Sr. Marilyn presented the topic, “The Emerging Role of Laity in the Changing Church” emphasizing “Who in the world is Jesus?” and “Collaboration - cooperating with the enemy.” Sr. Marilyn also spoke on the function of the councils along with challenges they

20 21 Catholic Connection March 2011

3. Clergy Formation on the Third Edition of the Roman Missal

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everend Monsignor Andrew Wadsworth, Executive Director of the Secretariat of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL), presented formation on the changes to the priests’ parts of the Mass on Monday, January 31. Msgr.

Wadsworth is a priest of the Archdiocese of Westminster, England and a contributor to the ICEL DVD: Become One Body One Spirit in Christ. Priests

from the Diocese of Shreveport and surrounding dioceses attended.

4. Cathedral of St. John Berchmans PSR Service Project

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n Wednesday, January 26, Cathedral PSR children and parents got together for a potluck dinner and to bundle caps, socks and gloves that were collected for the Hope House. It was a fun night of family fellowship. Our children and parents all enjoyed decorating and assembling the bags. Hope House volunteers from the Cathedral, who feed over 50 hungry individuals every other month, brought all our donations to hand out to the homeless.

5. Msgr. LaCaze Recieves “Spirit of Mardi Gras” Award

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he Krewe of Gemini awarded Msgr.

Carson LaCaze the Captain’s Spirit of Mardi Gras medal for his ongoing service to the membership of the Krewe of Gemini. Msgr. LaCaze has been the

Upcoming Events

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6 Chaplain for the Krewe of Gemini since its inception in 1989. The recognition went to Msgr. LaCaze for his service to the Krewe and his recent honor of celebrating his 54th anniversary as a priest. As Chaplain he provides spiritual service to the membership, assists in the annual Mardi Gras Mass that is the spiritual start of the Mardi Gras season and the Blessing of the Floats before each parade.

6. Fr. Mark Celebrated Birthday

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n January 23 Fr. Mark Watson celebrated his 50th birthday with Mass and a potluck lunch with over 300 attending. His church family joined his family, who flew in and drove from all over to attend his celebration. Fr. Long had a portrait commissioned of Fr. Mark to hang in the hall. The JGS school children made him a special birthday hat and card.

He asked that in lieu of gifts donations be made to the Msgr. Moore Scholarship fund for students who would like to go to Jesus the Good Shepherd School. It was a joyous day and everyone had a great time!

MARCH 2 - APRIL 6: CALLING CATHOLICS HOME During the 2011 Lenten season, parishes throughout the diocese are taking the opportunity to welcome back those who were “once Catholic” by beginning the program “Calling Catholics Home.”

Please join us for informal sessions and an update of the Catholic faith. The sessions are conducted in a supportgroup format. Everyone is welcome.

Please keep this program in mind while visiting with friends and family who might be fallen away Catholics.

This six week program will take place at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans on Wednesdays, March 2 - April 6, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. For more information, contact Jane Snyder at 318-865-3581, or go to www.callingcatholicshome.com.

MARCH 12: DIOCESAN TEEN RALLY This diocesan-wide Teen Rally is for middle and high school students. Featuring keynote speakers Josh Blakesly and Fr. Matthew Long, the event is themed, “Be Renewed.”

The rally will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the LSUS University Center. For more information, contact your parish youth minister, or John Vining at the Office of Youth Ministry, 318-868-4441, jvining@dioshpt.org.

MARCH 13: RITE OF ELECTION The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion for those coming into the Catholic Church will take place Sunday, March 13 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, 204 Patton Avenue in Shreveport.

MARCH 13-15: LENTEN MISSION AT ST. MARY OF THE PINES Rev. S. Scott Cemino, Vicar General of the Diocese of Alexandria, will speak on “Lent 2011: Who Do You Say That I Am?” at 6:30 p.m. each evening.

Babysitting will be provided each night.

There will also be confessions each night, starting at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

The talks will draw from personal encounters with Jesus as detailed in the New Testament scripture passages. Parallels will be drawn with an application of Catholic faith for individuals of all ages. The talks hope to benefit Catholics, students, families and all who struggle to define their faith in Christ in our time.

For more information, call St. Mary of the Pines Church, 318-221-0238.

MARCH 13: ST, JOSEPH ALTAR AT ST. PIUS X CHURCH St. Pius X Catholic Church is having its annual St. Joseph’s Altar on March 13. Bishop Michael Duca will be our celebrant at the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Food will be served from 12:00 noon till 4:00 p.m. We would like to invite everyone to come to Mass in our new church sanctuary and join us in the celebration of our St. Joseph’s Altar.

MARCH 14-17: LENTEN MISSION AT ST. JOSEPH CHURCH IN SHREVEPORT “Lent - A Journey into God” will be presented by Fr. Philip Dabney, CSSR and Fr. Patrick Keyes, CSSR. The mission will be offered at 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mon. - Thurs. For more info, call the church at 318-865-3581.

Continued on page 22.

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Upcoming Events

Juniors and Seniors who will address the issues of abortion, infanticide, euthanasia MARCH 18 - 19: MUSIC or fetal stem cell research in a 5-7 minute WORKSHOP ON NEW presentation, which does not have to be ROMAN MISSAL SETTINGS memorized.

RESCHEDULED Due to inclement Deadline for entering the contest is weather, the Music Workshop originally April 8. The local contest, now in its 23rd scheduled February 4-5 is rescheduled year, will be held on April 12 at 7:00 p.m. for March 18 and 19, 2011 at the Catholic at the Catholic Center, 3500 Fairfield Center. The schedule remains the same with Avenue, Shreveport. The contest is open GIA presenting 2:00 - 4:15 p.m. and OCP to the public at no charge. Local prizes from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. on Friday; WLP from are: First Place - $150, Second Place 10:00 a.m. – noon and CMAA from 1:00 $100 and Third Place - $50. The first place -3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Lunch is provided winner will represent the Shreveport/ on Saturday.

Bossier area in the state contest.

The state contest will be held in ONGOING THROUGH MARCH Kenner, LA on April 29 at the Louisiana 30: COMMUNITY GRIEF GROUP Knights of Columbus Convention. The St. Jude Church in Bossier City has a state winner will represent Louisiana at community grief support group for adults the national contest. and teens experiencing the loss of a loved For additional information and entry one. The group will continue to meet on blanks, please contact Susan Flanagan at Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m.- 8:00 944 Unadilla St., Shreveport, LA 71106, p.m. The group meets in the Church or call 318-861-6879.

Rectory dining room. Free community meal provided. Daycare is available.

ONGOING: NEW MASS TIMES For more information contact Laurie ADDED AT ST. JOSEPH CHURCH Nussbaum at 318-549-1082 or St. Jude SHREVEPORT At the beginning of Church at 318-746-2508. the year, St. Joseph Church in Shreveport reinstated the 5:45 p.m. Evening Mass on APRIL 8 & 12: PRO-LIFE ORATORY Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There DEADLINE AND CONTEST The will now be an 8:15 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.

National Rite to Life is sponsoring its evening Mass Monday thru Friday. Log on annual Pro-Life Oratory Contest. The to www.stjosephchurch.net for complete competition is open to all high school Mass times.

Lenten Reconciliation Services: Western Deanery

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ent is a 40-day liturgical season of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter. Let us also approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation this year in a way in which our attention to Christ and His World may be broader and deeper. If your parish is not listed on the schedule please call for date and time.

March 23: St. John Berchmans Catholic School, 8:15 a.m.; Loyola College Prep, 9:30 a.m.; Mary, Queen of Peace Church, 6:00 p.m.

March 29: St. Jude Church, 6:30 p.m.

April 4: Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 5:30 p.m.

April 6: St. Mary of the Pines Church, 6:00 p.m.

April 7: St. Pius X Church, 6:30 p.m.

April 9: Christ the King Church, 10:00 a.m.

April 11: Holy Trinity Church, 5:00 p.m.

April 12: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 6:30 p.m.

April 13: Sacred Heart Church, Shreveport, 6:00 p.m.

April 14: St. Joseph Church, Shreveport, 6:30 p.m.

2 0 1 1 D i o ce s a n s t e w a rd s h i p Appe a l

I / We would like to contribute to the Diocesan Stewardship Appeal with a yearly pledge of: $10,000 $7,500 $5,000 $3,500

$2,500 $2,000 $1,500 $1,000

Please send monthly reminders to:

$800 $750 $650 $500

$400 $350 $300 $250

At this time I / we are enclosing:

$200 $150 $100 $_______

$_____________

Print Name_ _______________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________

Diocese of Shreveport The Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 www.dioshpt.org

City______________________________________________________State_________Zip Code____________ My / Our Church Parish______________________________________________________________________ Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ You may make a credit card payment online at: www.dioshpt.org (Click on Stewardship)

22 23 Catholic Connection March 2011

MARCH 2011 SUNDAY

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MONDAY

TUESDAY

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WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

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Confirmation, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport, 11am

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9 Ash Wednesday

First Sunday of Lent Rite of Election, St. Joseph Church, Shreveport, 2:30pm Daylight Savings Time Begins

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Second Sunday of Lent

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Good Leaders, Good Shepherds, Scottsville, TX, through March 17

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Presbyteral Council Meeting, Catholic Center, 1pm

FRIDAY

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Calling Catholics Home Begins, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 6:30pm

Saint Perpetua and Saint John of God, Saint Felicity, martyrs religious

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Rite of Election will take place on March 13 at St. Joseph Church in Shreveport.

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Catholic Center Retreat, Catholic Center Closed World Day of Prayer

Saint Katherine Drexel, virgin

Saint Casimir

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Deadline for the April Catholic Connection Vocations Board Meeting, Catholic Center, 12pm

Saint Patrick, bishop Music Workshop,

Catholic Center, 2pm-9pm

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the Church

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25 The Annunciation of the Lord

Lent Reconciliation Services: SJB School, 8:15am; Loyola, 9:30am; Mary, Queen of Peace, 6pm

SATURDAY Confirmation, Holy Trinity Church, Shreveport, 4:15pm

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Diocesan Teen Rally, LSUS University Center, 8am-5:30pm

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Music Workshop, Catholic Center, 10am-3pm

Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary

26 Hispanic Ministry Family Lenten Retreat Day, Catholic Center, 10am - 4pm

Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo, bishop

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Third Sunday of Lent

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Spring Break for Catholic Schools through April 3

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Lent Reconciliation Service: St. Jude Church, 6:30pm

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DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

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Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

Celebrating Religious in the Diocese of Shreveport

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re ligio us Mem be rs o f e re h e dio ce se w t in s ie it n u c omm h e M as s . h o nore d at t

as one of ge lini, OLS, w n A a n ti is Cr Sr. ss . ri ng th e M a th e re aders du

24 Catholic Connection March 2011

anuary 23, the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans hosted the annual Jubilee Celebration for men and women religious serving in the Diocese of Shreveport. Bishop Michael G. Duca was the main celebrant.

Our Jubilarians this year are Sister Mary Blandine Fleming, CCVI (60 years), Sister Pasquina Tamagnini, OLS (60 years), Sister Angelita Laws, OSF (50 years) and Sister John Mary Jackson, SSF (50 years).

Sr. John M ar y Jack so n, Sr. Bl andi ne Fleming and Sr. Pasq ui na Tam agni ni ce lebrate d re ligio us anni ve rs ar ie s.

lo ca l re ligio us Mem be rs of e gi fts brough t up th communit ie s uc a . n to Bish op D for C ommunio

h e re d a r se ve rs g at lt a d n a s t s Pr ie n in pre p a rat io r a lt a e h t d n a ro u r is t. f or t h e Euch a