Catholic Connection

VOL. 18, NO. 10

MAY 2009

> Bishop Friend, Father Carey and Monsignor Moore to Celebrate 50th Anniversaries, p.9 > Catholic Connection Moves to Color, p.2 > Sisters Win Award for Work with Children, p. 10

Most Reverend Michael Duca celebrates

One Year Anniversary

as Bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport p. 12

Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Regular Contributors Bishop Michael Duca Fr. David Richter Kim Long Jessica Rinaudo Missy McKenzie Christine Rivers Lucy Medvec Sr. Martinette Rivers Rosalba Quiroz Katie Scibia Dianne Rachal John Mark Willcox Featured Writers Sr. Patricia Cairns Dcn. Clary Nash Sally Croom Shirley Rivers Dcn. Thomas Latiolais Randy Tiller Dcn. Matthew Long Fr. Mark Watson Fr. Pat Madden Editorial Board Dianne Rachal Cathy Cobb Christine Rivers Felicia Gilliam Christie Weeks Rev. Charles Glorioso John Mark Willcox Kim Long 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.

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 Low-Income Families.

To find out if you or someone you know qualifies for an Immigration benefit, please contact Mrs. Rosalba Quiroz at 1-800-2561542, ext. 265 or 318-219-7265 or email rquiroz@dioshpt.org

Connection Moves to COLOR...

and Saves Money!

I

am so pleased the Catholic Connection magazine has finally made the move to color! What an exciting opportunity and a great blessing.

When we were in the initial planning stages of making the switch to color, the most common response I received was, “How much more is that going to cost?”

To which I happily and proudly responded, “It’s not costing us anything extra; in fact, we are saving money by making the switch!” And so we are. We were able to find a printing service that utilizes UV printers and prints in high volume. This modern printing technology allows us to print in color for a cheaper price.

The only catch? The new printer can only print pages in sets of eight, making our 20page publication impossible. The solution? We will now print 24 pages! That means more news from around the diocese and more national Catholic news.

Moving the magazine to color makes our award-winning publication more contemporary and puts us on the same level as other Catholic publications in our state and across the country.

At the closing of the Catholic Connection’s twentieth year, I can’t think of a better way to honor the publication and the people who read it.

— Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

Upcoming Events From the June 10 - National JustFatih Workshop at Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd. Leading the workshop will be the powerful and dynamic speaker, Jack Jezreel, creator of the JustFaith program. The main focus is on domestic and international poverty with topics ranging from the scriptural background, preferential option for the poor, causes of hunger, racism, nonviolence, consumerism, and third-world issues, to name a few. Participants meet weekly for 30 weeks and also participate in retreats and immersion experiences. 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Barbara Biersmith 318-322-8596. www.justfaith.org June 13 - Alzheimer's Disease - A Family Process Seminar.

An attorney, social worker and geriatric psychiatrist will be in attendance. All are invited!

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Parish Hall. 318-221-5296.

Chancellor Christine Rivers The Catholic Center will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2009, in observance of Memorial Day.

On the Cover: Most Reverend Michael G. Duca, Bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport.

Illustration by Jessica Rinaudo.

May 2009

Contents

Connection Moves to Color by Jessica Rinaudo........2

Sr. Martinette Elected to World Religion Day Board...14

From the Chancellor by Christine Rivers......................2

2009 National Catholic Youth Conference

by Deacon Clary Nash.............................................15

Bishop Michael Duca’s May 2009 Schedule................3 Bishop’s Reflection by Most Rev. Michael Duca..........4-5 Liturgy Lines by Dianne Rachal.....................................6 Second Collections by Fr. David Richter......................7 Parishes Adopt Religious Prayer Partners

by Shirley Rivers.......................................................7 Bishop Spotlight: Most Rev. Michael Duca.................8 Golden Anniversary Celebrations

by Christine Rivers...................................................9 Diocesan Religious to Gather by Sr. Pat Cairns..........10 Schumpert Sisters Receive Award by Sally Croom.....10 School News ..................................................................11 Bishop Duca Celebrates One Year Anniversary

by Randy Tiller.........................................................12-13 Catholic Bishops Applaud Proclamation Aimed at Healing Victims of Abortion....................................14

Family Friendly Helpers by Kim Long..........................15 Diocesan Deacons Take Silent Retreat

by Deacon Thomas Latiolais...................................16 May is Agers Month by Sr. Martinette Rivers..............16 Hispanic Corner / Nuestra Página por Rosalba Quiroz..................................................17 In the Footsteps of Jesus and Paul

by Fr. Mark Watson..................................................18 News Briefs by Catholic News Service.........................19 Around the Diocese.......................................................20-21 Greco Announces Three Education Programs

by Fr. Pat Madden...................................................22 May Calendar.................................................................23 Holy Week in the Diocese.............................................24

Bishop Michael Duca’s May 2009 Schedule May 1, Red Mass, Holy Trinity Church, Catholic Center, 5:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

May 12, Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops Board meeting, May 2, Day of Prayer for Men & Catholic Life Center, Baton Rouge, Women Religious Serving in the 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Diocese of Shreveport, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Ruston, 10:00 a.m.

May 13, St. Joseph Church Circles: 16 & 18 meeting, Family Life Center, St. May 2, Knights of Columbus State Convention Mass and State Convention Joseph Church, Shreveport, 6:30 p.m.

Banquet, Shreveport Convention May 15, Loyola College Prep Center, 5:00 p.m.

Graduation, Riverview Theatre, May 3, Confirmation, St. Paul Church, Shreveport, 7:00 p.m.

Minden, 11:00 a.m.

May 16, Ordination to the Priesthood of Deacon Matthew Tyler Long, May 3, Confirmation, St. Matthew Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 10:00 Church, Monroe, 5:00 p.m. a.m.

May 5, Volunteers of America: Cherish the Children of God Breakfast, May 17, Confirmation, St. Mary of the Pines Church, Shreveport, 9:00 a.m.

Shreveport Convention Center, 8:00 a.m.

May 18, St. Frederick High School Baccalaureate Mass, Church of Jesus May 8, Louisiana Conference of the Good Shepherd, 5:00 p.m.

Catholic Bishops’ Governor’s Luncheon, Governor’s Mansion, May 18, St. Frederick High School Baton Rouge, 12:00 p.m.

Graduation Ceremony, Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd, 6:30 p.m.

May 9, 22nd Anniversary of Hispanic Ministry Mass, followed by reception,

May 21, 50th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood Mass honoring: Bishop William Friend, Fr. William Carey and Msgr. Edmund Moore, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 7:00 p.m.

May 22, Confirmation at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Farmerville, 7:00 p.m.

May 23, Confirmation at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Monroe, 4:30 p.m.

May 24, Confirmation at St. Joseph Church, Mansfield, 11:00 a.m.

May 27, National Association of College Seminaries (NACS) Mass at St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, 3:00 p.m.

May 30, Andrew Dinner, Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd, Monroe, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

May 30, Confirmation at St. Paschal Church, West Monroe, 5:30 p.m.

May 31, Confirmation at St. Clement Church, Vivian, 9:00 a.m.

La Reflexión del Obispo

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ara cuando reciban la revista de Catholic Connection ya casi habré cumplido mi primer aniversario. El año pasado, el 19 de mayo del 2008 nos reunimos en el Centro de Convenciones para ser testigos de mi ordenación e instalación como el segundo Obispo de Shreveport.

En este primer año he progresado en mi estancia en Shreveport; lo se porque ahora conozco a la gente por nombre, se donde están mis parroquias, conozco todos mis sacerdotes y disfruto de poder comprar cangrejos (crawfish) hervidos cuando quiero y lo más importante es que ahora siento que la diócesis es mi hogar.

He alcanzado la mayoría de metas que me propuse para el primer año, excepto por la de establecer un Consejo Pastoral de gente laica de toda la diócesis. Pero espero hacerlo pronto.

Ya he visitado casi todas las parroquias y voy a haberlas visitado todas para el término de mi primer año con el itinerario de confirmaciones.

Al final de mi primer año estoy aun más agradecido por el liderazgo que el Obispo William Friend le dio a esta diócesis por más de 20 años. Tenemos planeada una Misa este mes el 21 de mayo, en la Catedral para la celebración del aniversario de sus 50 años de ordenación al sacerdocio. Recordaremos sus años de servicio así como los 50 años de servicio del Padre William Care y el Monseñor Edmundo Moore. La Misa

será a las 7:00 p.m. seguida por una recepción en el Centro Católico. Por favor vengan y demuestren su aprecio y amor por el servicio que el Padre Carey y el Monseñor Moore le dieron a la Diócesis y a la iglesia.

Por la guía, que en mayor parte dio el Obispo Friend, nuestra diócesis tiene un fundamento financiero sólido que no tiene deudas mayores. Yo llegué a la diócesis y encontré nuestras familias parroquiales fuertes y vibrantes. Para los números de familias que tenemos es impresionante la presencia de comunidades en las parroquias, y he encontrado un compromiso profundo de fe en muchos de nuestros feligreses.

Siento que una de nuestras oportunidades en el futuro será darles a conocer a otros el gozo de nuestra fe – que es evangelizar. Deberíamos empezar a creer que una de las marcas de un buen católico es poder nombrar una persona, o más, quien a través de nuestro testigo decidió creer en

4 Catholic Connection May 2009

Cristo y en la Iglesia Católica. Ya que nuestras parroquias no van a crecer mucho en número de católicos que lleguen a nuestra área, necesitamos crecer invitando a otros a la Iglesia Católica. Yo creo que ahora cuando una de nuestras parroquias crece, con frecuencia otra parroquia pierde miembros. Necesitamos crecer y organizar nuestra diócesis de manera que cada parroquia se haga más fuerte y vibrante, sin que lo haga a expensas de otra parroquia.

Al completar este primer año más me doy cuenta de los retos y de las esperanzas para el futuro de la diócesis. Desde el principio he estado impresionado con nuestras parroquias y el buen trabajo que hacen pero ahora estoy más consciente de que tan bajos están nuestros números. Por ahora cada parroquia esta cubierta por un sacerdote. Tenemos capellanes en los hospitales católicos y no veo problemas inmediatos con el personal en estas parroquias. Pero la verdad completa es que no hay sacerdotes extras para mover de una parroquia a otra. Sospecho que en un futuro cercano, si no cambian las cosas en lo que cabe a la disponibilidad de sacerdotes en nuestra diócesis, tendremos que desarrollar maneras creativas para asignar a nuestros sacerdotes de manera que se puedan cubrir todas las parroquias de la diócesis. Esto significa para ustedes, los feligreses, que serán llamados a compartir en el apoyo y manejo de sus parroquias en maneras nuevas. Tendremos que estar abiertos a cambio de horarios y expectativas para mantener nuestras familias parroquiales y la presencia Católica viva en toda la diócesis.

Estos nuevos retos no aparecerán todos a una vez si no probablemente lenta y consistentemente en los próximos cinco años. Yo haré lo que pueda para invitar a otros sacerdotes a servir en nuestra diócesis, pero a fin de cuentas la responsabilidad de nuestra Iglesia esta en todos los que puedan tender una mano. Necesitaremos acrecentar nuevas vocaciones al sacerdocio y comprometernos a trabajar juntos para el crecimiento de nuestras parroquias, esto con el apoyo ministerial de nuestros sacerdotes.

No les tengo miedo a estos retos porque causarán que decidamos más claramente lo que es más esencial para nuestras comunidades parroquiales y nos guiarán a enfocar nuestros esfuerzos en los elementos más importantes de nuestra fe. Los tiempos difíciles pueden ser un tiempo de renovación. Los tiempos difíciles pueden ser también tiempos de división así es que seré honesto acerca de nuestros retos, visitaré las parroquias afectadas por el cambio e incluiré cuantas voces sean posibles en nuestra decisión para el futuro.

Al final de este primer año me supongo que mi luna de miel ya se acabó porque aún la luna de miel se acaba y es tiempo de que llegar al centro de mi vocación y predicar la BUENA NUEVA de Jesucristo. Para animar a toda la diócesis a recordar que fuimos bautizados no solo para nuestra salvación personal, sino para ser evangelizadores del de otros, a ser CRISTO en el mundo. Yo llevaré a cabo mí mas profundo deseo de ser su Pastor, a guiarnos a través de tiempos difíciles con un constante gozo y fe que no habrá problema tan grande como nuestro que Dios es aun más grande. Continuaré ESPERANDO EN EL SENOR y actuaré sabiendo que enfrentaremos los retos futuros de nuestra diócesis, es decir LA IGLESIA DE CRISTO los enfrentará, no solamente para sobrevivir si no para prosperar.

– Obispo Michael G. Duca

Bishop’s Reflection

grows, often another parish loses members. We need to grow and organize our diocese in a way that each parish becomes stronger and more vibrant, but not at the expense of another parish.

As I complete this first year I am more aware of the challenges and the hopes for the future of the diocese. From the first I have been impressed with our priests and the good work they do but I am now more aware of how precarious our numbers are. For now, every parish is mostly covered by a priest. We have chaplains in our Catholic hospitals and I see no immediate problems with staffing parishes. But the full truth is that there are no extra priests to move around.

I suspect that in the near future, if nothing changes with regard to the available priests in our diocese, we will have to develop creative ways to assign our priests so that we can cover all the parishes of our diocese. This will mean that you, the parishioners, will be called upon to share in the support and management of your parishes in new ways. We will have s you receive this month’s Catholic Connection I will to be open to changing schedules and expectations to keep have almost reached my one-year anniversary. On our parish families and the Catholic presence alive across the May 19, 2008, last year we were gathered at the Convention Center to witness my ordination and installation breadth in our diocese. These new challenges will not appear all at once, but probably slowly and consistently over the as the second Bishop of Shreveport. In this first year I have next five years. I will do what I can to invite other priests to made progress in my move to Shreveport; and I know this serve in our diocese, but in the end the responsibility for our because I now recognize people by name, know where my parish churches are, know all my priests, enjoy being able to Church rests in all our able and willing hands.

We will need to encourage new vocations to the priesthood buy boiled crawfish when I want, and most importantly I now from our parishes and be committed to working together feel like the diocese is my home. for the building up of our Churches with and supporting the I have achieved most of my goals for the first year, ministry of our pastors. except for establishing a Pastoral Council of lay people from throughout the diocese to advise me. I still hope to “I feel strongly that one of our accomplish this soon. I have visited almost every parish church and will have visited all of them by the time I end my opportunities in the future will be for us first yearly confirmation schedule.

At the end of my first year I am even more thankful for to let others know of the joy of our the leadership that Bishop William Friend gave to this faith – that is to evangelize.”

Diocese for over 20 years. We have planned a Mass this month on May 21, at the Cathedral for the celebration of I am not afraid of these challenges because they will cause his 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. We us to more clearly decide what are the essentials of our parish will remember his years of service as well as the 50 years of communities and guide us to focus our efforts on the most service by Father William Carey and Monsignor Edmund important elements of our faith. Difficult times can be a time Moore. The Mass will be at 7:00 p.m. with a reception of renewal.

Difficult times can also be times of division so I following at the Catholic Center. Please come and help will be honest about our needs and challenges, visit parishes me show our appreciation and love for his service and the affected by change and include as many voices as possible in services of Father Carey and Monsignor Moore to the our decisions for the future. diocese and the Church.

At the end of one year I suppose that my honeymoon time Due largely to Bishop Friend’s guidance, our diocese has is over.

But even a honeymoon gets old and so it is time to a solid financial foundation and no major debt. I arrived in take on the core of my vocation to preach the GOOD NEWS the diocese and found our parish families strong and vibrant. of Jesus Christ; to encourage the whole diocese to remember For our numbers we have an impressive presence within that we were baptized not just for our personal salvation, but the city communities where our parishes are located, and to be evangelizers of the Gospel to others, to be CHRIST I have found a deep commitment of faith in many of our in the world.

I will more deeply carry out my desire to be parishioners. your Shepherd; to guide us through challenging times with I feel strongly that one of our opportunities in the future a constant and joyful faith that no problem is so great that will be for us to let others know of the joy of our faith – that our God is not greater still.

I will continue to HOPE IN THE is to evangelize. We should believe that one of the marks of LORD and act knowing that what ever challenges our diocese a good Catholic is to be able to name one person, or more, will face in the future, we, that is CHRIST’S CHURCH, will who through our witness decided to come to believe in Christ not only survive but also prosper. in the Catholic Church. Since our churches most probably are not going to grow by large numbers of Catholics moving –Most Reverend Michael G. Duca into the area, we will need to grow by inviting others into the Bishop of the Diocecse of Shreveport Catholic Church. I think that now when one of our parishes 5

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With praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God The Diocese of Shreveport joyfully announces and invites you to attend the Ordination of

Matthew Tyler Long to the Sacred Order of the Priesthood through the imposition of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit by

Most Reverend Michael G. Duca

Bishop of Shreveport

Saturday, May 16, 2009 10:00 a.m.

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans 939 Jordan Street Shreveport, Louisiana Reception follows in the Multi Room

The Diocese of Shreveport invites you to A Celebration of the Eucharist On the Occasion of the Fiftieth Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood of

Most Reverend William B. Friend Bishop Emeritus of Shreveport

Reverend William H. Carey and

Reverend Monsignor Edmund J. Moore Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans Shreveport, Louisiana May 21, 2009 • 7:00 p.m.

Reception following at the Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport

Liturgy Lines: Sing to

the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, Pt. 2 Participation

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ithin the gathered assembly, the role of the congregation is especially important. “The full and active participation by all the people is the aim to be considered before all else, for it is the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful are to derive the true Christian spirit.”

Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 14.

The USCCB statement on music in the liturgy, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, considers the human voice to be the primary liturgical instrument. All other musical instruments serve to support this primary instrument. “Of all the sounds of which human beings, created in the image and likeness of God, are capable, voice is the most privileged and fundamental.”

Singing is one of the primary ways that the assembly of the faithful participates actively in the liturgy. “The people are encouraged to take part by means of acclamations, responses, psalms, antiphons [and] hymns . . .” SC, no. 30. The musical formation of the assembly must be a continuing concern in order to foster full, conscious, and active participation.

So that the holy people may sing with one voice, the music must be within its members’ capability. Familiarity with a stable repertoire of liturgical songs rich in theological content can deepen the faith of the community through repetition and memorization.

The quality of our participation in sung praise comes less from our vocal ability, and more from the desire of our hearts to sing together of our love for God. Participation in the Sacred Liturgy both expresses and strengthens the faith that is in us.

Part 3 of this series will look at the music for the Liturgy.

From Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, USCCB, Nov. 14, 2007 and Sacrosanctum Concilium, Second Vatican Council, 1963.

– Dianne Rachal, Office of Worship

6 Catholic Connection May 2009

Second Collections Home Missions Appeal Announcement Dates: May 10 & 17 Collection Dates: May 23 & 24

T

he wind chill was negative 50 degrees. Fr. Scott Garrett, my classmate, pastor of Holy Rosary Church on Alaska’s southwest coast was disappointed in having to cancel his flight to the King Salmon village’s St. Theresa Mission. Out of prudence, the 48-year-old Fr. Garrett had to remain on the ground: “If it were only 20 degrees below, I’d fly. But I can’t take any chances.”

The local people of this, geographically speaking, largest parish in the world fondly remember their last pastor, Fr. Jim Kelley, who died when the plane he was piloting to a remote village crashed on Palm

Sunday a few years ago.

Only seven of the 21 rural parishes in the Anchorage archdiocese have a resident pastor.

Fr. Garrett flies to places with names like Clarke’s Point, Egegik, Igingig and Chignik Bay. The people there do not have easy access to the sacraments, catechesis or Mass.

The Catholic Home Fr. Scott Garrett, from the Archdiocese of Anchorage, Missions collection prepares Mass in the kitchen of a local parishioner. aides dioceses like Administering the Sacraments in mission territories often require adapting to unique locations and situations.

Anchorage, remote places whose people I invite you to keep in mind these may not host a priest for months on mission dioceses and contribute end. Your donations to the Home toward their needs.

Missions collection assist Catholics How well did the diocese do? in such areas. Our Diocese of Infirm Priests $58,544.74 Shreveport receives much more – Fr. David Richter, Vicar General than we contribute to this collection.

Parishes Adopt Religious Prayer Partners St. John the Baptist Church Opens Heart to Sisters of the Destitute

spring.

When Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Many received their letter from Sister Vassallo indicating that their prayer partner was Sister Jess Maria Padinjareveettil, a nurse at Sisters of the Destitute pose with CCD student, Jolie Soignier, Christus during the covered dish lunch at St. John the Baptist Church.

Schumpert Hospital, pastor ister Marilyn R. Vassallo, C.S.J., Fr. Joe Martina thought the idea Coordinator of Religious for was great. He suggested that the the diocese, recently initiated the Adopt-A-Religious Prayer Partner religious education teachers invite Program. Each church and religious Sister Jess Maria and her community of sisters to visit St. John’s and education program was assigned a member of the Diocese of Shreveport attend Mass one Sunday.

Clergy as a prayer partner this Sister Jess Maria graciously

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accepted the invitation and she and members of her community of sisters attended the 10:00 a.m. Mass at St. John’s on Sunday, March 15th.

The sisters were greeted warmly by the CCD children and parishioners.

The Mass Intention was also offered for their community, the Sisters of the Destitute.

Afterwards, a luncheon was held in their honor at the church hall so that the children and parishioners could get to know the sisters.

Parishioner Ernest Rodrigues, who is known throughout the diocese for his handmade crosses, did not let the opportunity pass without making special crosses for the sisters.

Plans are being made for the sisters to make a return visit; meanwhile, St. John the Baptist parishioners and children continue to pray for Sister Jess Maria and her community.

– Shirley Rivers 7

Bishop Spotlight:

H

Most Rev. Michael Duca

ow were you called to the priesthood?

My vocation to the priesthood came in a quiet way. I just started thinking from an early age, around 5th grade, that I wanted to be a priest. I thought it would be a good life and that I could help people. Why I had that thought must have been a grace from God but it

challenging part is that I am able to be a sign of Christ in everything that I do.

I enjoy being able to meet a person who is sick, a person who is celebrating, who is struggling, who is hopeful and who may be hopeless and be able to bring the power and love of Christ to them. I can do this by my words that flow out of my prayer life and connection to Christ. But even more effectively I can bring Christ’s sacraments as a source of healing and strength. It is such a joy to continually see Christ working and to have the words and hope of Christ that can bring comfort and meaning to even the darkest moments of life. In the end the priesthood and being a bishop is rewarding because you are called to live a deeply involved life and to live it in service of others.

Who has been a role model for you personally?

My role models have always been the faithful parish priests of my life, notably my first pastor Msgr. John Gulczynski and the associates that formed me at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish where I grew up.

I would say every faithful parish priest and now, especially, the priests of our seemed very ordinary at the time. Then diocese who get up every day to do the over the next years of grade school and service of God’s people are role models through high school I kept thinking about for me. being a priest. I thought about other Tell us about a hobby or activity vocations but I kept coming back to the that you enjoy in your free time. feeling that I wanted to be a priest. Along One activity that I enjoy is fishing the way I spoke with priests I respected and relaxing around water. I also like about the vocation, I joined discernment little projects, like converting my groups in high school with other young old vinyl records from high school men who were thinking about the same to a digital format. I am trying to vocation. In my senior year of high school put all my photos on the computer. I I decided to go into the seminary. In like to fiddle with broken things and this whole journey the most important fix them. I enjoy being with people thing I now realize is that I was allowed especially during important moments to imagine being a priest, I was allowed of their lives. I also enjoy cooking. to think about it and consider it as a good Now the rumor has gotten around choice. No one ever told me that it was that I am a great cook. I am not. I crazy or that it was a stupid decision. I am good at a few basic things and was never forced but always supported in fairly good at using a crock pot. I what I felt God was calling me to do. would like to learn to bake but I What is the most rewarding part of am also interested in losing weight your priesthood so far? and the two seem contradictory at The most rewarding and also the moment.

8 Catholic Connection May 2009

“In this whole journey the most important thing I now realize is that I was allowed to imagine being a priest, I was allowed to think about it and consider it as a good choice. ”

Golden Anniversary Celebrations

Bishop William Friend, Father William Carey and Monsignor Edmund Moore to celebrate 50th anniversary to the priesthood

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May 21st Mass at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans honors Bishop William Friend, Father William Carey and Monsignor Edmund Moore on their fiftieth anniversary of priestly ordination. Other special anniversaries this year are: 45 years--Father Edmund “Larry” Niehoff and Monsignor Earl V. Provenza; 40 years—Father Philip F. Michiels; 35 years—Father Patrick J. Madden; 20 years—Fathers Joseph Howard Jr. and Joseph Martina Jr.; 15 years— Father Job Edathinatt Scaria, CMI; 10 years—Father Gary Bernhardt, OFM.

William B. Friend • Ordained to the priesthood May 7, 1959, for the Diocese of MobileBirmingham • Served in parish ministry and as Catholic school teacher/ administrator in Alabama and Florida • Joined research faculty, University of Notre Dame, becoming director of educational research • Returned to Mobile as vicar for education and superintendent of schools • Appointed chancellor, Diocese of Mobile, continuing other duties • Ordained titular Bishop of Pomaria and Auxiliary Bishop of AlexandriaShreveport 1979 • Appointed Bishop of AlexandriaShreveport in 1983; Bishop of Shreveport 1986 • Retired as Bishop of Shreveport 2005

William H. Carey

Edmund J. Moore

• Ordained to the priesthood May 30, 1959, for Diocese of Brooklyn

• Ordained to the priesthood June 6, 1959, for the Diocese of Alexandria

• Served as parish priest and university professor in New York

• Served parishes in Shreveport, Monroe, Pineville and Cottonport

• Accepted into Chaplain Corps, U.S. Naval Reserve, stationed in California

• Appointed pastor in 1971 for St. Clement, Vivian and later Jesus the Good Shepherd, Monroe

• Assigned to posts at Catholic colleges/seminaries in California and Texas • Worked in hospital chaplaincies/ pastoral care in Texas, Wisconsin and north Louisiana • Incardinated into the Diocese of Shreveport 1989 • Assisted diocesan ministries in the Tribunal, health affairs/ethics and mission coordinator; served as pastor of various parishes • Retired from full-time ministry in 2003, continued in service as senior priest

• Worked as coordinator of diocesan evangelization program • Honored as a Prelate of Honor with the title of Monsignor, 1989 • Assigned Dean of Eastern Deanery, serving for over 10 years • Assisted with diocesan ministries in the Tribunal and chaplain at St. Frederick High School • Retired from full-time ministry in 1997, continued in service as senior priest

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Diocesan Religious to Gather

Religious will meet with bishop and share experiences

Pat Cairns, CSJ and Sister Rose Marie McDermott, CCVI. “When religious gather good things can happen,” says Sister Marilyn Vassallo, Diocesan Coordinator for Religious. “There’s so much to do, and scattered efforts sometimes are fruitless. If we can understand better what’s being done, offer to help one another, and build together, more will benefit from our work here in the diocese,” concludes Sister Marilyn.

Sr. Marilyn Vassallo, CSJ, Sr. Rose Marie McDermott, CCVI, Fr. Gary Bernhardt, OFM, “This time together affords me Bishop Michael Duca, Sr. Patricia Cairns, CSJ and Sr. Nancy Brossette, SFCC are another opportunity to say to the members of the planning committee for Religious Gathering. religious of the diocese how blessed “This should be a great day for he theme, “Called and Sent,” we are to have you ministering here. says it all. Religious priests, all involved,” states Sister Nancy I’m delighted to participate in the day brothers and sisters will come Brossette, SFCC, Chair of the Planning and to have the chance to remind together on May 2 to share thoughts Committee. “We look forward to the all religious of how graced their call on religious life today and the call to enthusiasm of being together. This ministry. The event will take place at St. event should provide an enjoyable day to religious life can be if they open themselves to the Spirit’s nudge to Thomas Aquinas Church in Ruston. of reflection and sharing among the Bishop Michael Duca will deliver the religious of our diocese. We hope to see bring Christ’s love to a world in need,” says Bishop Duca. keynote address to the group. This will you there,” adds Sister Nancy.

The event is sponsored by the Office be followed by a conversation with the Members of the Planning Committee for Religious.

Bishop. The event will start at 9:30 a.m. include Sister Nancy Brossette, SFCC, — Sr. Patricia Cairns, CSJ and end with lunch.

Father Gary Bernhardt, OFM, Sister

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Schumpert Sisters Receive Award Child Abuse Group awards "Champions for Children"

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r. Rose Marie McDermott and Sr. Sharon Rambin of CHRISTUS Schumpert Health System, have received the Champions for Children award from Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana. The award was presented March 6 at the “Kids Are Worth It” conference in Baton Rouge.

The Sisters were recognized for their efforts to raise funds for a new center for victims of child abuse in north Louisiana and east Texas. The Cara Center, 1700 Buckner Square, dedicated March 17, provides space rent-free for Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana and Gingerbread House.

The three agencies provide complementary services to take care of child abuse victims and foster efforts to stop the growing problem. Cara Center, which

10 Catholic Connection May 2009

opened in 2000, is a joint effort of CHRISTUS Schumpert Health System and LSUHSC-Shreveport and provides medical services.

Gingerbread House helps children through the legal process and provides counseling. PCAL provides education and prevention services.

Staff of all three agencies began moving into the new building earlier this month. The new facility is safe, spacious, kidfriendly and fully equipped to provide investigative and medical services as well as confidential counseling and support for children and families.

Centralization will mean less stress on the children and more efficient handling of their cases, local child abuse experts said.

– Sally Croom, Christus Schumpert

Sr. Sharon Rambin and Sr. Rose Marie McDermott at Run with the Nuns II, a charity event to raise money for Cara Center. Both sisters received the "Champions for Children" Award. Photo by Jessica Rinaudo.

School News

Top: St. Joseph students purchased leaves on the Lenten Tree to honor loved ones.

Left: Sr. Pat Rhoten thanks St. Joseph students for their donation.

St. Joseph School

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s part of their 2009 Lenten Project, St. Joseph students collected coins for their “Coins for Change…Growing in Spirit” campaign. Students collected $1,460 to donate to the Ursuline Sisters of Mount St. Joseph, in Mount Maple, Kentucky, to help offset costs to replace trees damaged in a major ice storm in January 2009.

Sister Pat Rhoten, an Ursuline sister who teaches at St. John Berchmans, attended the St. Joseph School Mass on Friday, April 3rd, to personally thank the students for their generosity. “In today’s news, you mostly hear the bad things about what children are doing,” said Rhoten. “With your generosity, St. Joseph students have proven them wrong.”

In addition to turning in their coins, students could also purchase “leaves” on the Lenten Tree in memory of or in honor of family members, friends and faculty.

St. John Berchmans Cathedral School

– Lucy Medvec, Dir. of Development

Our Lady of Fatima School

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rs. Horrell and Mrs. Sistrunk’s Pre K-4 class at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School collected nonperishable items and canned goods for the Saint Joseph’s Altar Food Drive at St. Matthew Church. They collected 64 cans total and won a Johnny’s Pizza party for collecting the most donations!

— Erin Horrell

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fter winning first place at the Science Olympiad regional competion in Monroe, St. John Berchmans Cathedral School Science Olympiad team went on to win first place in the state competition at Southeastern University in Hammond, LA on April 4. The team will represent Louisiana at the National Science Olympiad competition in Augusta, Georgia, May 14-16.

Members of the team: 8th graders: Crystal Bordelon, Nathan Cowart, John Fenton, Remi Hatten, Kim Le, Steven Stringfellow.

7th graders: Rachel Bonk, Connor Brooks, Tori Brooks, Drew Fenton, Morgan Murray, Andy Nguyen, Sophia Simon. 6th graders: Chris Fenton, Joseph Ligon. Alternate: Erin Ducote.

— Jo Cazes, Principal 11

Cover Story

Bishop Michael G.Duca celebrates

One Year Anniversary

as Bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport

by Randy Tiller

design by Jessica Rinaudo

n May 19th, 2008 thousands of people came together to watch a momentous Catholic event. With all the excitement and enthusiasm of a world class premier: the red carpet, the colorful streamers, the special Catholic groups of men and women known as the Knights of St. Gregory, the Knights of St. Peter Claver, the Ladies and Knights of the Holy Sepulcher, 4th degreed Knights of Columbus and others; the wonderful choir and musical accompaniment; the Apostolic Nuncio, the long line of visiting archbishops and bishops, priests and deacons of our diocese, and last but not least, Bishop-elect Michael G. Duca processed to the altar. In the context of celebrating Mass and after the laying on of hands and ordination ceremony, Bishop Michael G. Duca, emerged from the group and took the podium.

He was humbled and honored to become

12 Catholic Connection May 2009

the shepherd of the diocese and said, “in order to be a shepherd one must have a flock.” The flock had turned out in record numbers to witness the event. He went on to say how he wanted to build up the Catholic Church in North Louisiana and that meant building up schools and Catholic education; that meant building parishes and increasing congregations; that meant increasing vocations to the ordained priesthood and vowed religious in the diocese; that meant evangelization to the unchurched and the marginalized and that meant taking care of the poor and the least of our brothers and sisters.

I remember hearing myself say, “wow, wasn’t that everything that the faithful in North Louisiana prayed for in a new bishop for the past 18 months!” Through the grace and intercession of the Holy Spirit and our “Hope in

the Lord” our prayers had been answered.

True to his word, Bishop has traversed the diocese to the tune of 20,000 plus miles. The last few years had seen a decline in enrollment, a decrease in financial support, and a further deterioration of the physical plant of Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament School. Bishop moved the operations and financial responsibility of the school under the diocesan department of schools in his desire to build up Catholic education. He has had one-on-one meetings with most of the priests and deacons in the diocese and personally attended the annual priests’ retreat. This has proved beneficial in formulating a vision and direction for the future of the diocese. By reestablishing the Presbyteral Council, the lines of communication and consultation with the priests have been improved.

Vocations awareness has certainly increased with more vocations activities being hosted both by the Bishop and the Director of Vocations.

He also attended and participated in numerous celebrations including the Poor Man’s Supper, Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations, Hispanic Masses, St. Joseph Altars, annual appeal functions in the deaneries, various youth and young adult rallies, a Taste of Shreveport, dedication of Cara, and so many more.

During the first year since Bishop’s Episcopal Ordination we begin to see the seeds of his vision and direction already taking root throughout the diocese as he goes about shepherding the flock.

Bishop’s busy schedule is published in the Catholic Connection each month.

Happy First Anniversary, Bishop Michael G. Duca!

13

Catholic Bishops Applaud Sr. Martinette Elected to World Religion Board Jessica: Congratulations on Proclamation Aimed your recent election to the World at Healing Victims of Religion Day (WRD) Board and Abortion Planning Committee. What is your

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ATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement commending Governor Bobby Jindal for a proclamation naming April 2009 “Abortion Recovery Month.” In the statement, LCCB President, New Orleans Archbishop Alfred Hughes renewed the Catholic Church’s offer of “assistance and reconciliation” to not only women and families affected by abortion but to all those suffering from abuse.

In his proclamation, Governor Jindal stated that he was dedicating this month “Abortion Recovery Month” for a twofold purpose: to encourage and promote healing opportunities (for women) and to enlighten society to the aftermath of abortion in individuals and families.

Below is the complete text of the statement from the LCCB: A Statement from Most Rev. Alfred C. Hughes, Archbishop of New Orleans, on behalf of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops: The Catholic Bishops of Louisiana commend Governor Jindal for proclaiming April 2009, “Abortion Recovery Month.”

We recognize that nationally we also observe April as “Prevent Child Abuse Awareness Month.” The two are sometimes interrelated. We are strongly committed to measures that protect our children and provide a safe environment for them. We also note that abortion not only abuses but takes the life of a child and causes lingering wounds, especially for the mother, who too often is an adolescent herself.

The Catholic Church renews her offer of assistance and reconciliation through such programs as Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries and our Victim’s Assistance Coordinators to those who have suffered through abortion or abuse. We support all efforts to bring healing to those who suffer because of these tragedies.

May the reconciling grace of the Risen Lord be with those who work to promote the safety, dignity and respect for human life.

14 Catholic Connection May 2009

position and how will you use it to improve this program?

Sr. Martinette: I’m one of the seven board members who will also be on the planning committee for future WRD events. I shall work with many Interfaith Groups as well as our Catholics. Of the Sr. Martinetter Rivers and Bishop Michael 600 churches in our area, few want to discuss the development Duca at World Religion Day. of religiousness across the life various religions, will have a WRD course. My hopes are that can observed every year in order to change through dialogue and accomplish goals of education, personal contact. communication, via exhibits, music, JR: How is this significant for song, dance, spirituality pertinent Catholics? to the group, cultural foods and SMR: The goal of our religion arts. To offer information about is to promote feelings of love, origins, beliefs, religious feasts, in a brotherhood, compassion and fully respectful manner without the forgiveness. All should be of intent to convert or proselytize. one heart and mind and there JR: How can others get involved? should be no animosity between SMR: Visit our website at: www. us. Belonging to a multi-faith worldreligiondayshreveportbossier. organization such as this gives me org or contact me at 318-797-0213 or a chance to share with others the martinetterivers@aol.com. importance of people of many faiths I would like to see all our working together. My three years Catholic churches represented in of working experience with 17 2010. Barbara and Pat Pledger, different beliefs and keeping strong Jane and Michael Himel from St. in my own Catholic Faith has been Catherine’s work with me and are a rewarding experience. Each on my planning committee for group has its own truths to share Catholics. with each other. It’s amazing how JR: Anything else you would like similar some of us are. to say about the WRD Program?

JR: What other religions do you SMR: I was honored to be work with? nominated by Islam leader, Dr. SMR: Baha’i Faith, Buddhism, Khurshid Khan. I feel in my heart Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, we can show other groups how Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, to live and see the common bond Unity, Eckanar, Wicca, Church among all people and that we of Christ, Scientist, Church of appreciate each other and are not Latter day Saints, and Unitarian in competition with anyone. The Universalism and others. During belief dimension forms the core of the past few years I have spoken in all world religions. Its Theology, some 17 churches about aging and or religious belief, is at the heart WRD participation. of faith. We experience spiritual JR: What is the mission of WRD? connectedness because of God SMR: To foster world peace, and Church. That would be the harmony and understanding, I, message I would like to convey to (we), the members representing all our people.

2009 National Catholic Youth Conference Kansas City Conference themed "Christ Reigns"

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his year’s theme for the 2009 National Catholic Youth Conference is “Christ Reigns.”

NCYC is the largest national gathering of Catholic teens in the United States.

It is estimated that over 25,000 will attend this year’s conference. Three days packed full of fun, gatherings, workshops, dances and concerts, with a closing Mass that surpasses all expectations.

If you would like to get an idea of this event please visit http://ncyc. nfcym.org/# and watch the 2009 Promo Video under “Now Showing.”

This year’s NCYC will be in Kansas City, MO, November 19-21, 2009.

WHO IS INVITED: High school youth that are looking to do something that will enrich their lives.

This will be an experience that they will never forget as long as they live. I can assure those that choose to attend

will not go home the same person. They will grow in excitement for their Catholic Faith as they celebrate the gift of life and each other and their chosen faith. This will be an opportunity of a lifetime to meet thousands of youth. They will be able to share beliefs and experiences that will empower them to take a larger, more active role in their faith development. Their Catholic Faith will become their faith and not just their parents’ faith.

Your diocesan representatives are working hard to keep the cost down so any Catholic high school student can

attend. The Conference registration is $195 plus shared room and travel expense. If you are interested please contact Deacon Clary Nash at the Catholic Center at 318-219-7303 or email cnash@dioshpt.org. You can find the registration forms and more information on the diocesan website http://www.dioshpt.org/. Go to Ministries and find Young Adult Ministries. You will be glad you did!

– Deacon Clary Nash

Family Friendly Helpers: Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Patron Saint of Youth

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t first glance it’s easy to criticize our youth, both with our own families and youth at large.

We find fault with so many of their thoughts and ways. Assigning blame in any situation isn’t the solution. Prayer, communication and modeling a good, moral, ethical and Catholic way of life are all steps in a positive direction. As adults we know that we have recourse to many patrons in our vocation as parents and family– St. Anne, St. Joseph, the Blessed Mother herself!

Did you know that our young people have a saint that prays just for them?

Here are some facts about St. Aloysius. He was born into a noble family and his father wanted him to become a military hero. Aloysius was exposed to life in the royal courts and army camps – a society of fraud, dagger, poison and lust. At an early age he experienced a spiritual awakening and prayed for extended periods of time. By age 11 he was teaching poor children about faith, fasting three days a week and other penitential practices.

At 13 he traveled to Spain and acted

as a page in the court of Philip II. The more of court life he saw, the more disillusioned he became. He sought relief in reading about saints. A book about the experience of Jesuit missionaries in India gave him the idea to enter the Society of Jesus, where he learned to temper his religious fervor with care of himself so that he lived a more balanced spiritual life.

In 1591 a plague struck Rome. The Jesuits opened a hospital and many cared for the sick and infirm. Aloysius caught the disease himself. Even after recovery he suffered from fever and was extremely weak. He persisted in prayer and died within the octave of the Feast of Corpus Christi when he was just 23. His feast day is June 21. Wouldn’t that be a great day to celebrate with and for our youth!

There’s even a chaplet to Aloysius.

(A chaplet is a devotion of prayers and the prayer beads that accompany that devotion.)In ministry and in life I have learned that many times people are “only waiting to be asked” and perhaps this is true with our youth…everyone needs a friend!

Like many saints he has several areas under his patronage including AIDSHIV sufferers and their caregivers, students and the blind.

A prayer in honor of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, the patron of youth: Dear St. Aloysius, you were a faithful follower of Christ in the Society of Jesus.

You steadily strove for perfection while generously serving the plague stricken.

Help our youth today who are faced with a plague of false cults and false gods.

Show them how to harness their energies and to use them for their own and others’ fulfillment, which will redound to the greater glory of God. AMEN. – Kim Long, DRE 15

Diocesan Deacons Take Silent Retreat

Live the Seven Wonders of Aging During May, Senior Month

The seven wonders of aging are my suggestions for you as you age gracefully. They will not only open your body, heart, mind and spirit, but will touch your ageless soul.

The 21st century has been called the age of the continuously developing mind, and as we age we can continue to develop our mental abilities. May has been given to us elders each year to walk down memory lane. I truly believe that From left: Deacon Thomas Latiolais, Deacon our intelligence improves as we Jeff Chapman, Fr. Joseph Tetlow, SJ, Deacon age, therefore we should be more Verdine Williams, Deacon Clary Nash, Deacon Michael Straub and Deacon Harold Dean. enthusiastic agers than we were last year. As I age I certainly have he deacons of our diocese took time out for an annual retreat. Six a passion for learning new things.

I encourage you to continue using of our deacons traveled together your mental powers as long as you to Monserrat Jesuit Retreat House can, because learning new things in Lake Dallas, TX during Lent. Jeff will keep your mind active.

Chapman, Harold Dean, Tom Latiolais, There is an aging databank Clary Nash, Mike Straub and Verdine inside each of us, filled with the Williams attended a silent retreat on experiences we have deposited the beautiful grounds just northeast of Dallas. Father Joseph Tetlow, SJ was the throughout the years. Let’s analyze and sort out our life data and see retreat director. The spiritual exercises what it has written on our souls. The of Saint Ignatius Loyola were used picture of our life is like a puzzle during the retreat to open our minds to which takes shape gradually as we the love and mercy of God and the life come to understand that it is the of Jesus Christ as well as His passion, masterpiece of our life. death and resurrection. Mass was Can you imagine how much celebrated daily and the deacons took richer, stronger and faithful we could advantage of spiritual direction offered be if we opened our minds, bodies, by the Jesuit priests at the facility. spirits, hearts and souls to these Silence is an important dynamic mysteries and wonders of aging? of a retreat. The deacons and other I find all that happens to an aging retreatants were encouraged to set person rejuvenates the spirit of aside the electronic devices to which others in some way. all of us are so attached. During the Elder years can be the most retreat the news takes care of itself and creative, fruitful and fulfilling time the Lord takes care of those attending. of our lives. Although it may be a Meals were served cafeteria style and period of decline, it’s also one of new the food was plentiful and delicious. vision. There is something desirable The retreat house had a wonderful about us because of age, and no one bookstore and a comfortable library can touch it. We are connected to overlooking the lake. The telephone God in a different, spiritual way, that number is 940-321-6020 and their web makes us a tantalizing alive ager in site is www.montserratretreat.org for communion with God. further information regarding group Priests and sisters are no different and individual retreats and many special because for them, to age with grace programs also held at the retreat house.

– by Deacon Thomas Latiolais demands its own kind of surrender.

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16 Catholic Connection May 2009

Perhaps the greatest gift we can give to others as we age is our presence and patience.

May is the month to really take the time to experience harmony in every aspect of your life. It speaks to us about the diversity in aging, which is its hallmark. I can assure you that there is no one way or right way to age. Savor the moment because three things in life once gone, never come back: time, the words we say and the opportunities that pass us by. God helps us to savor these moments and embrace them as we age. Do not let an opportunity slip by. Grasp every moment you can savor. We must live the mystery and wonder of our aging life that God calls us to.

We don’t have to grow old, but if we give up on our beliefs, values and goals, we will. The years have wrinkled my skin but not my enthusiasm.

– Sister Martinette Rivers Spiritual Gerontologist The Seven Wonders of Aging: 1. The wonder of an aging body, mind, spirit and heart while living in an ageless soul.

2. The Wonder of living and aging with a positive attitude.

3. The Wonder of joyful humor and laughter in our lives.

4. The Wonder of a courageous, adaptable and forgiving heart.

5. The Wonder of aging as spiritual gratitude.

6. The Wonder of being a good listener with a loving heart.

7. The Wonder of aging in mystery and wonder.

Hispanic Corner

Nuestra Página Celebrando 22 Años de vida católica hispana en la diócesis.

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esde 1987 hemos tenido servicios parroquiales en nuestra Diócesis.

Cuenta la historia nos que a la primera misa en español asistieron unas 15 personas. Esa pequeña comunidad que solo contaba con una misa de vez en cuando ha crecido y se ha expandido a ocho comunidades a través de la diócesis.

La mayoría de estas comunidades no solo cuentan con misa semanal, sino que la mayoría de ellas también tiene clases de formación para niños y adultos, un grupo de liderazgo y coordinadores de los diferentes ministerios pastorales.

Este 9 de mayo estaremos celebrando 22 años de servicio a los hispanos católicos de la diócesis. Tendremos participación de las ocho comunidades activas que incluyen: Oak Grove, West Monroe, Farmerville, Ruston, Mansfield, Bossier City y Shreveport. Esperamos contar con la presencia de algunos de los primeros católicos hispanos que invitaron a otros a unirse a ellos y al Padre Mario Vizcaino quien animó al entonces Obispo William B. Friend a comenzar servicios a los hispanos.

En esta ocasión y en compañía de nuestro nuevo Obispo Michael G. Duca, tendremos una celebración y misa solemne en el Centro Católico de Shreveport. Ven a participar del Programa con toda tu familia y a reunirte como los primeros cristianos

Misas Bossier City: Christ the King 425 McCormick St. Bossier City Domingo 3:00 p.m.

Representante: Marilú Rodriguez Tel: 318-286-1492 Farmerville: Our Lady of Perpetual Help 600 E. Water Street, Farmerville Sábado 7:00 p.m.

Representante: Maria Lopez Tel: 318-285-9145 Mansfield: St. Joseph 305 Jefferson Street, Mansfield 2do

católicos hispanos lo hicieron hace 22 años.

Te esperamos para que vengas a convivir con toda la comunidad hispana católica, una excelente comida mexicana y además con música en vivo y muy buena compañía.

Esta celebración está dedicada a todos los hispanos católicos de nuestra diócesis, especialmente a los que comenzaron el proyecto en 1987. El objetivo que tuvieron hace 22 años de practicar y acrecentar su fe católica sigue adelante.

Programa de la Celebración: 4:00 p.m. pláticas familiares 4:45 procesión al auditorio 5:00 Misa solemne 6:15 Recepción y música Recordamos con sincero agradecimiento y cariño por su incansable servicio a: Obispo William B. Friend – 1987-2007 por comenzar el ministerio Sra. Carmen Taylor – 1987-1991 por su tiempo como voluntaria La Sra. Lisa Milazzo – primera coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano 19912001 Hna. Dolores Sanchez – primera Directora del Ministerio Hispano 2001-2008 Al Padre Mario Vizcaíno – por su presencia y apoyo 1987-2009 Y a todos los sacerdotes que han ofrecido la misa en español.

Domingo 2:00 p.m. y 3er Martes 6:30 p.m.

Representante: Teresa Pérez Tel: 318-871-8037 Minden: St. Paul 410 Fincher Road, Minden Viernes 7:00 p.m.

Representante: Margarita Bratton Tel: 318-377-9684 Oak Grove: Sacred Heart 201 Purvis St, Oak Grove Domingo 5:00 p.m.

Representantes: Feliciano y Rosa Alviso Martinez Tel: 318-428-2137

Calendario Diocesano del Mes de Mayo Mayo 1 – Día mundial de oración por los derechos humanos Mayo 9 – Celebración del 22 aniversario de la presencia del Ministerio Hispano en la Diócesis. Toda la familia esta invitada a participar en el Centro Católico de 4-8 p.m.

Habrá Pláticas, Misa, Comida y música.

Mayo 10 – Celebración del Día de las Madres (Recordemos a nuestra madre terrenal este día con agradecimiento por ser parte de nuestra vida. Dale un momento de felicidad, si aun la tienes y si no la tienes dale un momento de oración.

Mayo 16 – Ordenación de Matthew Long al sacerdocio de nuestra Diócesis 9 a.m. en la Catedral de San Juan Berchmans en Shreveport.

Mayo 19 – Primer Aniversario de la instalación de nuestro Obispo Michael G. Duca Mayo 24 – La Ascensión del Señor a los cielos; después de 40 días de su gloriosa resurrección Mayo 31 – Día de Pentecostés (La venida del Espíritu Santo Sobre los Apóstoles)

Ruston: St. Thomas Aquinas 810 Carey Ave, Ruston 2do y 4to Domingo 2:30 p.m.

Representante: Soledad Broyles Tel: 318-243-1958 Shreveport: St. Mary of the Pines 1050 Bert Kouns Ind Lp., Shreveport Domingos 1:00 p.m.

Representante: Carmen Bradford Tel: 318-671-9111 West Monroe: St. Paschal 711 N 7th Street, W. Monroe Domingo 2:30 p.m.

Representante: Lorena Chaparro Tel: 318-651-9136

Rosalba Quiroz, Directora Interina del Ministerio Hispano 318-219-7265 • Blanca Belaire, Secretaria 318-219-7257 Rev. Al Jost, Coordinador de La Vicaría del Este • 318-243-0115 17

In the Footsteps of Jesus and Paul A pilgrimage where Christianity was born and developed

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n March 22 a group of parishioners from the Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd and Grace Episcopal Church returned from a unique pilgrimage which took us to the lands where Christianity was born and began its early growth.

We traveled to Egypt, Israel, Turkey and Greece. The pilgrimage was both a visit to the lands where Jesus was born, ministered, suffered, died and rose as well as a journey to important cities in the life of St. Paul.

We began the pilgrimage at the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Egypt was one of the important centers of Christianity in the ancient world. In the latter part of the first century Egypt was evangelized by groups from Jerusalem. Alexandria of Egypt became one of the centers of early Christianity.

From Port Said our ship left for the port of Haifa in Israel. Over a three day period we experienced Israel/ Palestine including the Church of the Nativity and the Shepherd’s Field in Bethlehem.

During our day near the Sea of Galilee we visited Tagha which is the traditional location for the calling of the disciples and the feeding of the 5,000. We visited the Church of the Fish and the Loaves; the Chapel of the Primacy where Peter three times professed his devotion to the risen Christ; and Capernaum where Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, John and later Matthew. In Capernaum we also visited the house of Peter. We renewed our baptismal promises at the River Jordan and we spent time on the Mount of Beatitudes.

We visited various sights in Jerusalem. These included the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the courtyard outside of the Upper Room where Jesus ate the Last Supper with his disciples.

In the Church of the Holy Sepulchre we saw the places where Jesus was crucified, prepared for

18 Catholic Connection May 2009

Kim Bowes, Christopher Clarke, Margaret Rivoire, Elaine Elias and Fr. Mark Watson celebrate Mass in the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem.

burial and buried. Later we saw where Peter denied Jesus and the House of Caiaphas where Jesus was tortured before taking up his cross. We also visited the site where Mary was born and the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed a lame man.

The rest of the pilgrimage was a visit to important cities in the journeys of St. Paul. Our first stop was the ancient Christian city of Antioch of Syria. Antioch was one of the earliest cities in which Christians settled when persecution forced them from Jerusalem. In fact the Book of Acts tells us that it was in Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.

We continued on to Tarsus, the hometown of Paul where we saw the ruins of Paul’s family home.

From Tarsus we traveled to Perga, Ephesus, Athens and Corinth.

Ephesus is where many scripture scholars believe that John the Evangelist lived until he died. Ephesus is also home to the church in which the Council of Ephesus was held in 431. At this council Mary was given the title Theotokos or Mother of God. A tradition holds that Mary lived in Ephesus and her home is located in

the city.

The three Masses that our group celebrated were the highpoints of the trip. We celebrated the Mass of Christmas at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. I reflected on the importance of praying for peace between Israel and Palestine as Bethlehem is located in the Palestinian Occupied Territory. We next celebrated the Mass of the Resurrection in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In this Mass we reflected on the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. Finally, in Antioch we celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Cave, a cave in which St. Peter hid Christians in the first century.

During the Mass I was able to imagine with ease early Christians celebrating Mass together in that holy place.

The pilgrimage had an impact on all who participated. It will certainly shape the way I imagine events in the life of Jesus as I read the Scriptures and how I portray the life of Jesus in my preaching. The pilgrimage will help me make the saving mysteries of our faith come alive.

– Fr. Mark Watson, Pastor, Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd

News Briefs by

Catholic News Service

Women

in Tulsa Diocese consecrated as spiritual mothers of priests

TULSA, Okla. (CNS) -- Following a recommendation by the Vatican Congregation for Clergy, 33 women from the Diocese of Tulsa were consecrated as spiritual mothers of priests during a special Mass at Holy Family Cathedral. They are the first spiritual mothers to be consecrated in the United States, said Father Mark Kirby, a Tulsa priest who directs a cenacle for priests in the diocese. “Mary is the model for those whom God has called to serve the church by living as spiritual mothers of priests,” Bishop Edward J. Slattery of Tulsa told the women during the March 24 Mass. “With Our Lady, the Pope Benedict XVI breathes into chrism oil as he celebrates the Holy Thursday spiritual mothers of priests have as the heart of chrism Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican April 9. (CNS photo/Emanuela their vocation the call to live a life of constant De Meo, Catholic Press Photo) prayer and adoration while making a conscious At Chrism Mass, Pope sends sacred oils to effort to love generously and freely,” he said. quake-stricken archdiocese Each of the women was presented with a medal VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In a sign of solidarity with those struck and a certificate signifying their dedication to a by a devastating earthquake and a series of tremors and aftershocks, particular priest, who was described to them but Pope Benedict XVI donated a portion of the sacred oils he blessed not named. The priests who expressed interest to the Italian Archdiocese of L’Aquila. During a chrism Mass in St. in having a spiritual mother do not know her Peter’s Basilica April 9, the pope said he hoped the oils used in the identity, either. The women were asked to spend sacraments of baptism, confirmation, ordination and the anointing of time daily in adoration and intercessory prayer the sick would “accompany a time of rebirth and reconstruction and directed toward their adopted priest. heal wounds and encourage hope” in the city and province of L’Aquila.

Papal social encyclical should “Because of the very serious damage caused by the earthquake, our dear brother, Archbishop Giuseppe Molinari, will not be able to gather be published in May, says cardinal with his priests to celebrate the chrism Mass,” the pope said. “I wish VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI’s to send these sacred oils as a sign of deep communion and spiritual first social encyclical is already completed and closeness” to the archbishop and his priests, he said. L’Aquila’s should be ready for release in early May, said a cathedral was one of countless buildings that were damaged or top Vatican official. The original aim had been destroyed by the earthquake April 6. The tremors left more than 275 people dead, more than 1,000 injured and tens of thousands homeless. to have the encyclical on social justice issues ready for publication in 2007 to coincide with the Pope mourns migrants who drowned trying to 40th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s encyclical on reach Europe human development, “Populorum Progressio” VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Too many people fleeing extreme poverty (“The Progress of Peoples”), said Cardinal and war die crossing the Mediterranean from Africa in search of a Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical better life in Europe, Pope Benedict XVI said. During his midday Council for Justice and Peace. “Naturally, recitation of the Angelus prayer April 5, the pope remembered the however, with the research and revisions estimated 200-300 people who drowned a week earlier in the sea necessary to create and have a text that would off the coast of Libya when stormy weather caused the sinking of respond to today’s current situation, well, it got the boats attempting to transport them to Italy. “We cannot resign behind schedule a little bit,” he told reporters ourselves to such tragedies, which unfortunately keep occurring,” March 20. “The encyclical is already ready and the pope said. The problem of the poor and oppressed trying to enter we hope it will be published in early May,” he Europe through Italy and other Mediterranean countries is so large said. He said the new papal encyclical will offer that it “makes ever more urgent coordinated strategies between the “a beautiful response” to the new realities and European Union and African states,” the pope said. Pope Benedict also the changes that have occurred since the last called for “the adoption of adequate humanitarian measures so that papal encyclical on Catholic social teaching, these migrants do not turn to unscrupulous traffickers,” who charge “Centesimus Annus” (“The Hundredth Year”), hundreds of dollars for places on overcrowded, unsafe boats. was published in 1991 by Pope John Paul II. 19

Around the Diocese...

Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans

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hrism Mass took place on April 7 in the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. Priests and deacons from across the diocese were present to reaffirm their commitment to their vocation. During Chrism Mass, Bishop Duca blessed the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens and the Sacred Chrism, used for ordinations and baptisms.

Pictured at left, Bishop Duca breathes the sign of the cross over the Sacred Chrism while Deacon John Basco assits.

Walk for Justice on Good Friday

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ood Friday, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul sponsored the Walk for Justice. This event brings together both Catholics and Protestants to unite the suffering of Christ with the suffering that exists in the world today. Pictured below: Bishop Duca holds the cross as Fr. Pike Thomas sings behind him.

Washing of the Feet on Holy Thursday

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n Holy Thursday, April 9, Bishop Duca participated in the Washing of the Feet at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. This ritual is done in observance of Jesus washing the feet of his twelve aposltes during the last supper.

Monroe Schools Portray Living Stations of the Cross

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tudents from Our Lady of Fatima School and Jesus the Good Shepherd School produced a Living Stations of the Cross for fellow students, parents, parishoners and friends of the school on Holy Thursday. Each performance was attended by many and proved to be a blessing to all in attendance.

Pictured at right: Our Lady of Fatima’s production of Stations of the Cross. At station 10, Jesus is stripped of his garments. Jesus is portrayed by Triston Lefleur, Roman soldiers are J.T. Brown, Cameron Byrd and Linus Paragus.

20 Catholic Connection May 2009

JGS Youth Group World Hunger Banquet

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he youth group at Jesus the Good Shepherd held a World Hunger Banquet on March 29.

Youth group members and adults were divided into three groups to proportionally represent the differing levels of developed countries in the world: 10% in the wealthiest, most developed countries (U.S., Italy, Norway), 30% in the second level of the developed world (Russia, Poland, Hungary), and 60% in the developing world (third world).

Pictured at left: Members of the third world pass around a bowl of rice as they prepare for their small meal of a dole of rice and a cup of water which symbolizes the daily meal for people in the developing countries of the real third worlds (Kenya, Chile, Rwanda, Senegal, Ethiopia, Philippines, Bolivia).

– Allison LeBlanc, Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd

St. Pius X Child Development Center Wins Award

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t. Pius X Child Development Center was recently chosen as the First Place winner in The Time’s Reader’s Choice poll for best childcare center in Shreveport.

Also, Susan Lanier and Ruth Burdges recently received their Child Development Associate credentials from the Council of Professional Recognition in Washington, DC for having satisfactorily demonstrated competence in working with young children through an assessment by the CDA National Credentialing Program. The assessment involved completing 120 hours of continuing education in child development, an oral and written assessment and compilation of a complete resource file to be used in the childcare setting.

Living Stations of the Cross at Forsythe Park

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ictured below: Living Stations of the Cross were portrayed in Forsythe Park in Monroe during Holy Week.

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Lenten Revival at Little Flower of Jesus ather Paul Whittington, O.P. of Chicago, Illinois delivered the sermon for the Lenten Revival at Little Flower of Jesus Church, Monroe, LA..

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Greco Announces Three Education Programs Catholic Biblical School Information Sessions

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n Saturdays, May 30th and July 18th information sessions and a lecture introducing the Bible will be offered by Jim McGill

at the Catholic Center at 9:00 a.m. and repeated again at 1:00 p.m. The Greco Institute and the School of Ministry of the University of Dallas are collaborating to offer a course at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. The course will be the first year of the fouryear curriculum of the Catholic Biblical School. The CBS began in Denver nearly 30 years ago and has grown

around the nation. Now it is coming to the Diocese of Shreveport.

The CBS program is intended for adults who want to deepen their knowledge of the Bible. No special educational background is required.

All adults are welcome, but it may be especially helpful to those in catechetical, liturgical or social ministries. Is this the year for you to begin a serious Bible study? For more information, call the Greco Institute, 318-219-7266 or the School of Ministry, 1-888-447-4777, or http://www.udallas. edu/ministry/cbs/ applicationinfo.cfm

LIMEX Information Sessions

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n Thursday evening, April 30th there will be a LIMEX information session at St. Pascal Parish in West Monroe at 6:00 p.m. For the past four years a small group of students has been working through the Loyola Institute

for Ministry Extension (LIMEX) program. In May they will receive their Masters Degrees or their Certificates. We hope to begin another LIMEX program in the fall of this year. In four years, you could have a Masters Degree in theology!

For those working on certificates, undergraduate credit is available.

For more information, come to the information session, or check out the website at www.lim.loyno. edu/extension, and especially, the Prospectus. You may also contact Fr. Pat Madden, pmadden@dioshpt.org.

School of Ministry

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reco Institute continues to work with the School of Ministry to offer courses that lead to a Masters Degree in theology. There is a possibility that classes will be offered in Shreveport in the fall semester this year. Courses for this program are also available online. For more information about this program contact the School of Ministry, 1-888-447-4777, or http:// www.udallas.edu/ministry/programs. cfm. If you are interested in attending a fall class in Shreveport, contact Fr. Pat Madden, pmadden@dioshpt.org. – Fr. Pat Madden, Director of Greco Institute

2 0 0 9 D i o ce s a n s tew 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

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 Catholic Connection May 2009

May 2009 All events are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Day of Prayer for Human Rights

Knights of Columbus State Convention

Red Mass, Holy Trinity Church, 9am

Day of Prayer for Religious in the Diocese

Joseph the Worker

Confirmation, St. Paul, 11:00am Confirmation, St. Matthew, 5:00pm

Athanasius, bishop & doctor

Catholic Connection Deadline for June Issue

22nd Anniversary of Hispanic Ministry Mass, Catholic Center, 5pm

Loyola College Prep Graduation, Riverview Theatre, Shreveport, 7pm

Deacon Matthew Long's Ordination to the Priesthood, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 10:00am

World Day of Prayer for Vocations 4th Sunday of Easter

Mother's Day

Editorial Board Meeting, Catholic Center, 10:00am

6th Sunday of Easter

Western Deanery Priests Meeting, 10:30am Nereus & Achilleus, martyrs; Pancras, martyr

5th Sunday of Easter

Confirmation, St. Mary of the Pines, 9am

LA Conference of Catholic Bishops, Baton Rouge

Protecting God's Children, Catholic Center, 6:00pm

Our Lady of Fatima

Bishop Michael St. Frederick Duca's First Baccalaureate Mass Anniversary of and Graduation, Jesus the Good Shepherd Episcopal Ordination Church, 4:30pm Bernadine of Siena, priest

John I, pope & martyr

Matthias, apostle

Isidore

Bishop Friend's, Msgr.

Moore & Fr. Carey's 50th Anniversary, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 7:00pm

Day of Prayer for Unborn Children & Parents

Second Collection: Home Missions

Confirmation, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 7pm

Confirmation, Our Lady of Fatima 4:30pm

Ascension Thursday

Rita of Cascia, religious

Ascension of the Lord Confirmation, St. Joseph, 11am Home Missions Confirmation, St. Clement, 9am Pentecost Sunday

Memorial Day, Catholic Center Closed

Bede the Venerable, priest & doctor; Gregory VII, pope Mary Magdalene

Andrew Dinner, Jesus the Good Shepherd Church, 11:00am

Philip Neri, priest

Augustine of Canterbury, bishop

Jewish Observance: Shavuot

Confirmation, St. Paschal, 5:30pm

23

DIOCESE

OF

3500 Fairfield Ave.

SHREVEPORT •

Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

Holy Week in the Diocese

24 Catholic Connection May 2009