Catholic Connection May 2013

Vol. 22, No. 10 May 2013

Lifelong Catechesis Faith formation and opportunities for all ages

May 2013 1

from the editor

Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Contributors Shelly Bole Cathy Cobb Bishop Michael Duca Katy Goslee Kim Long Fr. Matthew Long John James Marshall Theresa Mormino John Parker Fr. Rothell Price

Rosalba Quiroz Dianne Rachal Jessica Rinaudo Sr. Martinette Rivers Katie Sciba Jane Snyder Mike Van Vranken John Mark Willcox Patricia Zapor

Editorial Board Kim Long Fr. Matthew Long Kelly Phelan Powell Dianne Rachal Christine Rivers Mike Whitehead John Mark Willcox Mission Statement 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.

Subscriptions & Address Changes Contact: Jessica Rinaudo, Editor Email: jrinaudo@dioshpt.org Write: Catholic Connection 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 Call: 318-868-4441 Fax: 318-868-4609 Website: www.thecatholicconnection.org

The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.

The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’s Protecting God’s Children program. Classes are offered every second Wednesday of the month at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. To report child sexual abuse by a cleric or church worker in the Diocese of Shreveport, call Glennda Lawson.

Hotline is 318-294-1031 and your local law enforcement agency.

2 Catholic Connection

by Jessica Rinaudo

W

ith the rising costs of printing and delivery, the Catholic Connection has had to make some adjustments in its printing schedule.

In order to save money on delivery costs that have more than doubled over the past few months, we have opted to “piggy back” our publication delivery with another publication. By doing this we are able to save a substantial amount of money each month and still deliver a quality publication to your mailbox.

The only change you will notice with this transition is publication delivery time.

Whereas before the Catholic Connection usually arrived in your mailbox at the end of the month, it will now arrive at the end of the first week of the month. For example, instead of arriving April 30, your May issue will be arriving around May 6 or 7.

To adjust to this new timeline, we have extended our copy deadlines and have

asked our writers and contributors to submit information as early as possible so you will know about upcoming events a month ahead of time.

We are also continuing to work hard to make our publication relevant and informative to all of our readers. We have recently added two new members to our Editorial Board, Vocations Director Fr. Matthew Long and Deacon Candidate and veteran writer Mike Whitehead. We look forward to sharing many of their great ideas and knowledge in our future issues.

The Catholic Connection is a Stewardship Appeal funded ministry and we do our best to make sure your donations are used wisely. As always, we appreciate your continued support of the official monthly magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Shreveport and Bishop Michael Duca.

bishop’s may calendar MAY 3 Twenty-First Annual Red Mass; Holy Trinity Church, Shreveport; 9:00 a.m.

May 4 Crawfish Boil; Little Flower of Jesus Church, Monroe Confirmation; Our Lady of Fatima Church, Monroe; 4:30 p.m.

MAY 5 Confirmation; St. Matthew Church, Monroe; 10:30 a.m.

Confirmation; St. Joseph Church, Shreveport; 3:00 p.m.

MAY 6-8 Visit Bishop Emeritus William B. Friend; Coral Springs, FL MAY 10 Migrant Workers’ Mass; Dawson Farm, Delhi; 7:00 p.m.

MAY 11 Rosary in the Field; Glenn & Ellen Kinsey’s Lake House, Shreveport; 6:30 p.m.

MAY 13 St. Frederick High School Baccalaureate Mass; Jesus the Good Shepherd Church, Monroe; 5:00 p.m.

St. Frederick High School Graduation; Jesus the Good Shepherd Church, Monroe; 6:00 p.m.

MAY 16 Loyola College Prep Baccalaureate Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 6:30 p.m.

MAY 17 Loyola College Prep Graduation; RiverView Hall and Theater, Shreveport; 6:30 p.m.

MAY 18 Lectors’ Retreat; Catholic Center Confirmation; St. Paschal Church, West Monroe; 5:30 p.m.

MAY 19 Confirmation; St. Mary of the Pines Church, Shreveport; 9:00 a.m.

MAY 20 Presbyteral Council Meeting; Catholic Center; 1:00 p.m.

MAY 22 Year of Faith Parish Visit; St. Lawrence Church, Swartz, 6:00 p.m.

MAY 25 Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Commencement Ceremony; Centenary College’s Gold Dome, Shreveport; 10:00 a.m.

Re-Dedication of St. Joseph Church; Zwolle; 4:00 p.m.

MAY 26 Sr. Martinette Rivers, OLS’ 60th Anniversary of Religious Life Mass; St. Joseph Church, Zwolle; 11:00 a.m.

contents

may 2013

columns Handing on the Faith Begins at Home by Bishop Michael G. Duca........................... 4-5 Mike’s Meditations: Who Needs You? Get Involved in Your Church

by Mike Van Vranken.................................................................................................6 Second Collections: Diocesan Priests Retirement Fund by Fr. Rothell Price .......6 Domestic Church: Spiritual Motherhood by Katie Sciba.................................................7 Ways to Share in Spiritual Maternity by Katie Sciba ................................................7

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School News ...........................................................................................................8 Appeal Ministries: Slattery Library by John Mark Willcox ...........................................9 Moveable Feast: Pentecost Picnic by Kim Long ....................................................9 Documents of Vatican II: Apostolicam Actuositatem by Dianne Rachal ..........10 Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People

Year of Faith Saint: St. Damien de Veuster of Molokai, SSCC by USCCB............10 Navigating the Faith: Sacrament of Marriage by Cathy Cobb ..........................11 Vocations Corner: Veneration of the Cross by John Parker.................................14 Vocations Corner: The Most Difficult Step by Fr. Matthew Long .........................15

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Senior Spirituality: May is Senior Month by Sr. Martinette Rivers, OLS ....................15

features Lifelong Catechesis: Faith Formation and Opportunities for All Ages

by Jessica Rinaudo ................................................................................................... 12-13

news Catholic Charities Update by Theresa Mormino....................................................16 Catholic Cooperation and Hospitality byJane Snyder.........................................16 Sr. Bernie Barrett: A Lumen Christi Award Finalist! by Katy Goslee.......................17

17 on the cover

Living the Eucharist by Shelly Bole...........................................................................17 University of Dallas Course.....................................................................................17 Loyols Gets New Principal by John James Marshall................................................18 'Shepherd in Combat Boots' Awarded Medal of Honor

by Patricia Zapor .......................................................................................................18

Across the Globe by Catholic News Service...........................................................19

Boston Cardinal Says All Feel 'Deep Sorrow' for Victims of Explosions; Pope Names Panel of Cardinals to Advise on Vatican Reform

Vatican News and Notes by Catholic News Service..............................................19 Hispanic Corner by Rosalba Quiroz ........................................................................20 Around the Diocese ...............................................................................................21 Upcoming Events....................................................................................................22 May Calendar ........................................................................................................23 Picture of the Month by Gary Guinigundo .............................................................24

Felicia Gilliam teaches 2nd grade Parish School of Religion at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans (Photo/Jessica Rinaudo)

May 2013 3

LA REFLEXIÓN del obispo

por Obispo Michael G. Duca

Entregar la Fe Comienza en Casa

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sto les entrego como lo más importante que yo también he recibido: En Primer lugar les he dado a conocer la enseñanza que yo recibí. Les he enseñado que Cristo murió por nuestros pecados, como dicen las Escrituras…. 1ª Cor. 15: 3-4 Vemos en la primera carta a los corintios que San Pablo les está entregando a los nuevos creyentes en Corinto la fe en Jesus, que a su vez le fue entregada a él. Este trabajo de entregar la fe ha estado siempre en el corazón de la misión de la Iglesia. De hecho somos Católicos hoy, creemos en Jesús y en Su Iglesia porque se nos ha sido entregada la fe.

Me he puesto a pensar sobre la fe que me fue entregada a mí personalmente. Comenzó antes que pudiera hablar cuando me llevaron mis papás a Bautizar y recibí la gracia santificante que me envolvió eternamente con el amor de Dios en Su gracia salvífica.

Me enseñaron mis oraciones a temprana edad, aprendí las respuestas a cientos de preguntas del Catecismo Baltimore, fui a Misa diaria en la Primaria Católica y me fui formado como Católico en todas estas oportunidades, así como con otras muchas influencias de las religiosas, los sacerdotes y otros programas de mi parroquia. Aun así, y aunque son muy valiosas todas estas influencias, se que la influencia más importante y duradera fue el ejemplo de mis padres y la manera en que ellos entreveraron nuestra fe Católica en el hogar y en mi vida diaria. Ellos fueron los que me entregaron la fe. Todas las demás oportunidades fueron de ayuda y de formación pero solamente porque fueron adiciones que se construyeron sobre la base de la fe que me fue entregada por mis padres. Últimamente he estado considerando la mejor manera de que podamos entregar/ pasar la fe a nuestros hijos. He pensado en dos ideas y las quiero compartirlas con ustedes.

Por supuesto que espero entregar la fe a través de nuestras Escuelas Católicas y en nuestras Escuelas de Religión Parroquiales.

Pero cuando considero como hacer nuestros 4 Catholic Connection

(CNS photo/Henrietta Gomes)

programas de educación religiosa más efectivos para pasar la fe, me doy cuenta que debemos comenzar por padres de familia. Todo lo demás que hagamos como diócesis o parroquia solo será exitoso o de ayuda si los niños están viviendo la fe y aprendiendo sobre la fe en sus hogares. El solo mandar a un niño a la Escuela Católica o la Escuela de Religión Parroquial no es suficiente. Creo que es muy necesario tener una participación activa por parte de los padres. Esto puede parecer mucho para los papás que piensan que no califican para enseñar. Pero en realidad no es difícil porque no se trata de enseñarles teología, sino de mostrarles la manera en que vivimos nuestra fe Católica. Entregamos la fe en la familia, por ejemplo, en nuestras tradiciones anuales de fe (la corona de adviento, el nacimiento), orando juntos como familia, haciendo la Misa Dominical una prioridad y haciendo visibles las decisiones en la familia basadas en nuestra fe Católica. La fe es entonces entregada primero por medio del ejemplo y la enseñanza de los papás y después fortalecida por los programas parroquiales para todos los miembros de la familia. No aprendemos solamente de la fe convirtiéndonos en Católicos más inteligentes, estudiamos para llegar a conocer a JesÚs y tratar de ser más fieles discípulos y mejores Católicos cada día.

Está claro que nuestros padres y la familia son los primeros que nos entregan la fe, también está claro que mientras que es importante entregar el contenido de

la fe (oraciones, enseñanzas y prácticas sacramentales), será un conocimiento vacío a menos que nuestros hijos desarrollen una fe viva y de oración que los ayude a conocer y a tener un verdadero encuentro con Jesucristo por medio de: la oración, los Sacramentos, las Escrituras y como miembros del Cuerpo de Cristo, la Iglesia. Necesitamos entregar una fe viva que solo podrá ser entregada si verdaderamente creemos en Cristo y en Su Iglesia. Lo que significa que el trabajo de entregar la fe es también una cuestión de conversión personal y de ser testigos de Cristo en nuestras vidas diarias. Si como adultos, nuestra fe Católica no es importante y no es el centro de nuestras vidas, si creamos nuestra propia versión de lo que significa ser Católico, entonces ¿Cómo esperar que nuestra fe Católica en Jesucristo sea importante paara nuestros hijos?

Estos dos pensamientos nos dan un camino para hacer cambios en nuestros programas de educación religiosa y en la manera que entregamos/pasamos la fe a nuestros niños. No será suficiente solo que la diócesis establezca un programa nuevo o que la parroquia haga cambios. No, la verdadera respuesta es más personal porque para que entreguemos la fe con más eficacia, debemos entender que cada uno de nosotros es responsable de enseñar la fe a nuestros niños y el éxito será, en gran parte, cuando demostremos por medio del ejemplo en la manera que vivimos nuestra fe y en como esta entreverada en la vida diaria también de nuestras familias.

bishop’s reflection

by Bishop Michael G. Duca

Handing on the Faith begins at home

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or I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures...” 1Cor. 15: 3-4 We see in 1 Corinthians that St. Paul was handing on the faith in Jesus that was handed Bishop Duca on to him to the new believers in Corinth. This work of handing on the faith has always been at the heart of the Church’s mission. In fact, we are Catholics today and believe in Jesus and His Church because the faith has been handed on to us.

I have been thinking about how the faith was handed on to me. It began before I could speak when I was brought to the waters of Baptism by my parents and I received sanctifying grace that bound me eternally to the love of God and His redeeming grace. I was taught my prayers from an early age, I learned the answers to hundreds of questions from the Baltimore Catechism, attended daily Mass at Catholic grade school and was formed as a Catholic in all these opportunities, as well as in so many other influences from the nuns, priests and others in the parish. Yet, even though I value all these influences, I know my most important and lasting influence was my parents’ example and the way they wove our Catholic faith into our home and our daily lives. They were the ones who handed on the faith to me. Every other opportunity was helpful and formative, but only because they were able to build on the foundation of faith that was handed on to me by my parents.

Recently I have been considering the best way for us to hand on the faith to our children. I have some insights shaping my thinking and I want to share them

(CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)

with you.

Of course we hope to hand on the faith through our Catholic Schools and in our Parish Schools of Religion. But when I consider how to make our programs of religious education more effective in handing on the faith, I realize we must begin with the parents. Anything else we do as a diocese or church parish will only be successful or helpful if children are living the faith and learning about the faith in their homes. Just sending a child to a Catholic School or to Parish School of Religion is not enough. I believe a more active involvement of parents is needed. This may seem overwhelming to parents who think they are not qualified to teach. But this is not hard because it is not about teaching theology, but more about the way we live our Catholic faith. We hand on the faith in the family, for example, by our yearly traditions of faith (advent wreath, manger scene), by praying together as a family, by making Sunday Mass a priority and by making visible decisions in the family based on our Catholic faith. The faith is handed on first by the example and teaching of the parents and then reinforced by parish programs for all members of the family.

We do not just learn about the faith to become smarter Catholics, we study to come to know Jesus and to try to become a more faithful disciple and a better Catholic every day.

If it is clear our parents and family

are the first ones to hand on the faith to us, it is also clear to me that while it is important to hand on the content of the faith (prayers, teachings and sacramental practices), this will be empty knowledge unless our children develop a prayerful and lively faith that helps them come to know and truly encounter Jesus Christ in: prayer, the Sacraments, the Scriptures and as members of the Body of Christ, the Church. We need to pass on a living faith that can only be handed on if we truly believe in Christ and in His Church. This means the work of handing on the faith is also a matter of personal conversion and witnessing of Christ in our own daily lives. If, as adults, our Catholic faith is not important and central to our lives, if we create our own version of what it means to be Catholic, then why should we expect our Catholic faith in Jesus Christ to be important to our children?

These insights provide a pathway for changes to our religious education programs and the ways we hand on our faith to our children. They reveal that it will not be enough just for the diocese to create a new program or the parish to make superficial changes. No, the real answer is more personal because to effectively hand on the faith, we must understand that each of us is responsible for teaching the faith to our children and our success will, in great part, be rooted in the example of our lived faith and the way it is woven into our families’ daily lives.

May 2013 5

mike’s meditations

by Mike Van Vranken

Who Needs You? Get involved in your church

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n an attempt to slow down your busy life, have you ever considered doing less for your church? Has your quest for a more leisurely pace even tempted you to stay away from Mass?

Paul spent a lot of his energy using the human body to help describe our role in the Body of Christ. “But as it is, God placed the parts, each one of them, in the body as he intended. If they were all one part, where would the body be?” (1 Corinthians 12:18-19 NAB) Paul’s message was simple: the Christian family is a very large, diverse group with many unique talents, skills and gifts. When any of us chooses not to be involved in the Body of Christ (which includes our local church worshipping God and striving to bring Jesus to the world together), we are choosing to bury our unique talents and keep them from the rest of the body.

When that happens, we stifle the effects our own gifts could have on God’s perfect plans.

An active role in our Church helps us take advantage of the many opportunities that manifest each day to love other people.

Active participation in Sunday Mass will certainly nourish us with the real presence of Jesus. Additionally, the greeting you give to the person sitting next to you may be the only interaction with another person they have all week.

Does this leave you asking: What can I do?

• Every Church needs greeters, singers, lectors and sacristans.

• Every Church needs people to specifically pray for the needs of other members on a daily basis.

• Every Church needs people to help with meals on wheels, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, grieving parishioners, mission trips, adult religious education, youth religious education, finances, groups such as singles, youth, married couples, and to provide fellowship activities for everyone.

• Every Church needs to provide hospitality and welcome visits to new members, Bible study leaders, child-care, hospital visits, pro-life messages and events, evangelization activities, and the list goes on into infinity.

Who needs you to go be active in your local church? God does, you do, and the rest of the Body of Christ does. Don’t wait for someone to invite you. Call your pastor and ask where your gifts are most needed. If your life still seems too busy, look for other areas to cut back. We all need you to be involved to make the Body of Christ complete. You make a difference. We need you now!

Mike has a teaching ministry (www.mikevanvrankenministries.org) and serves as an adjunct professor for the Diocese of Shreveport’s Greco Institute.

6 Catholic Connection

second collection

by Fr. Rothell Price

second collections

Diocese of Shreveport Retired Priests Fund

Msgr. Carson LaCaze and Fr. Ken Williams

Announcement Dates: May 12th & 19th Collection Dates: May 25th & 26th had the opportunity to visit with one of our retired priests recently. One of his insights captured my heart. He said, “I was wonderfully prepared through seminary formation to be a priest and servant of the Lord and His people. I was completely unprepared for retirement.” He had the profound grace of active priestly ministry to the people of God and all the joys and bonds of friendship and affection which are a natural part of that ordained ministry. Now he adds to that joy the unique cross of no longer being immersed in a life of active service and sustained contact with God’s flock. I came away from that encounter inspired that even in their senior years with decreased mobility and the unique crosses senior citizenship entails, these men hold fast to their relationship with God and their unflagging concern for the people of God. Your generous and grateful participation in the Diocese of Shreveport Retired Priests Collection is part of our ongoing care for our spiritual heroes. As age and circumstance permit, they continue to feed His lambs through prayer and limited, yet enthusiastic, sacramental participation and outreach to those in need.

Bishop William Friend continues to serve the Lord and His people. English and Spanish speakers know they can count on the sentimental and spiritual heart of Msgr. Murray Clayton. Msgr.

Franz Graef continues to minister to the people of God. Msgr.

Edmund Moore continues the ministry of grandfatherly presence at Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish and School. Fr. Walter Ebarb and Fr. Roger McMullen continue to bless the Church with Masses. Fr. John Kennedy prays for the people of God. Fr. Joseph Puthuppally continues to respond to calls for Mass coverage. Fr. Patrick Scully is engaged in beach ministry. Fr. Kenneth Williams is traveling the length and width of the diocese helping out as his strength permits.

There are many who have surpassed retirement age but still serve. Fr. Larry Niehoff continues to carry the needs and concerns of Desoto Parish in his ministry to the St. Joseph and St. Ann communities. Msgrs. Carson LaCaze and Earl Provenza are everywhere burying, baptizing and marrying Catholics in Caddo parish. Fr. Richard Lombard still prepares annulment cases and keeps up with former parishioners.

We are grateful for these men who continue to raise a spiritual ruckus to the glory of God and for the salvation of souls. They remind me of Moses whose arms had to be supported by Joshua and Aaron so God’s people could triumph. Help us help them. Give generously to the Diocese of Shreveport Retired Priests Collection.

Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General, is the Director of Special Collections

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domestic church

by Katie Sciba

Spiritual Motherhood Nurturing yourself and others through Christ-centered living

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was 22 when people started wishing me a happy Mother’s Day. Just a month shy of my wedding and two years away from having our firstborn, I chuckled over the whole thing with my friends who received similar salutations from total strangers.

We figured they were just erring to presume we (CNS file photo/Nancy Wiechec) were moms so they could bid us well on Mother’s Day; but, what I failed to consider then was that my own call to motherhood wasn’t going to wait for me to have children. It was a prompting in my soul to be answered right then – not as a biological mother, but as a spiritual mother.

The call to motherhood is universal among women. It doesn’t matter if you’re married, single, with or without children, a housewife or professional; we each possess the innate gift to nurture, a defining characteristic of being a mother.

We teach, we care for the sick and friends in need, we have an undeniable softness to our nature; all of which are founded on the inclination to nurture. Taking this gift beyond its basic implication of encouraging growth or development in something, Catholic women especially have the ability to cultivate holiness both in themselves and in others, which St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross called “spiritual maternity.” The whole object of spiritual maternity is to grow in holiness by performing our day-to-day actions out of love for God over our own gratification.

Of course, how to go about this varies per situation, but it could be doing chores and other tasks cheerfully instead of begrudgingly, offering a patient ear to the woebegone, being a firm witness of the Catholic faith when there is no one else,

or being totally present without distraction to loved ones.

And if you’re still at a loss as to how to approach this relatively new idea, look no further than the collection of thousands of success stories brought to you straight from Heaven. One of the greatest gifts we’ve received as spiritual mothers is the example of countless women saints who constantly accepted God’s grace to do his will – St. Therese of Lisieux in her small acts of love, St. Elizabeth of Hungary and her devotion to the poor, St. Monica and her unrelenting prayers for her family, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and her dedication to Catholic education.

Of course, I would be completely remiss if I failed to mention the highest among all saints, the Blessed Virgin Mary – the very embodiment of both biological and spiritual maternity. Set apart among women, Mary always points her children to obey Christ and to humbly and eagerly participate in God’s will. Prime examples of Mary’s spiritual maternity are her instructions to “do whatever [Jesus] tells you” in the Gospel of John and her obedience in being a “handmaid of the Lord” in Luke at the Annunciation of Christ. In Mary lies the very mission of spiritual maternity as beautifully and simply described by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: “Mary’s greatness consists in the fact that she wants to magnify God and not herself.” A humble woman pours herself out adoring God in serving others and unselfish love for God’s perfect will.

Katie Sciba is the author of thecatholicwife.net. She lives in Shreveport with her husband, Andrew, and three sons, Liam,Thomas and Peter.

Ways to Share in Spiritual Maternity Spiritual Maternity is accessible to every woman! With love of God at its core, you can achieve it for yourself and nurture it in others, too. Simply put, spiritual maternity is Christ-centered living.

Unplug Distractions

When you’re with friends, family, children, or with God in prayer, turn off any device that would keep you from being totally invested in your company. Nothing conveys love quite like undivided attention.

Turn That Frown Upside Down

Perform any and all tasks with eagerness and a smile, especially the ones you dislike. “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7) and you’ll be setting a positive, virtuous example for anyone who sees you.

Offer Sound Advice

If someone comes to you with a problem, listen patiently and prayerfully. Give advice based on what you think Christ and Mary would do.

Fortify Your Soul

You can’t give what you don’t have. In order to help others grow in holiness, you have to pursue it yourself. Read Scripture, pray the Rosary, and read stories of the saints for inspiration.

May 2013 7

school NEWS < Our Lady of Fatima Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s K-4 Jr. Beta Club sold shamrocks for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and raised $408. Our goal was $200 and we more than doubled that! > St. Joseph School 8th Graders took a field trip to NASA in Houston in April.

Students were able to experience the space program first hand.

^ Jesus the Good Shepherd School has 15 fifth and sixth graders advancing to the state Social Studies Fair competition in Lake Charles on May 13.

To advance, the students must have placed 1st or 2nd in their division in the district competition. Jesus the Good Shepherd is very proud of these students and wishes them the best of luck at state!

^ St. John Berchmans School sixth graders participated in a three week STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) curriculum module that was developed by the Cyber Innovation Center. The CIC is developing a 12-module, STEM Elective curriculum and St. John Berchmans School was picked to be the pilot school for the first module in the program.

> On March 23, 60 Loyola College Prep students traveled to Northwestern State University in Natchitoches to compete in the Northwest Louisiana Literary Rally. Here, students take tests in various subject areas to earn points, medals and the chance to compete in the state competition. Loyola students performed outstandingly! We sent students to test in 27 subject areas, and we earned state competition spots in 24 events. In 19 events we had the student who earned the 1st place score, higher than any other private or public school in Caddo Parish! Loyola also placed 1st in the Sweepstakes category, meaning we scored higher overall than any other school in our district. State Rally participants traveled to Baton Rouge on April 20 to compete in the next level.

8 Catholic Connection

^ St. Frederick High School senior, Randi Domingue, is a National Merit Finalist who has earned 48 hours of college credits. By facilitating a modified block schedule, students at St. Fredâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s can begin their college studies while also earning high school credits. Randi is a member of Jesus the Good Shepherd Church.

appeal ministries

by John Mark Willcox

Slattery Library Your extensive local Catholic library is located inside the Catholic Center

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ince 1989, the Slattery Library has provided our diocese with the only Catholic research library located within this entire region of our nation.

Named for Msgr. Edmund Slattery, then president of Catholic Church Extension Society, our Library was a generous gift by Catholic Extension to Bishop Friend to assist with the burgeoning interest in adult education in our diocese. Since that time, Msgr.

Edmund Slattery became the Bishop of Tulsa and the library which carries his name has bolstered the mission of Greco Institute and provided the faithful of our diocese with the very best in research material, periodic book reviews and an excellent Catholic periodical collection.

Each year, your Appeal donations help to subsidize the cost of Slattery Library and provide a part-time Librarian to help run this wonderful gift.

Slattery Library is a great location for small group meetings of those interested in literary pursuits and reading clubs.

There is also an extensive library of movies and audiobooks or digital video or audio disks, all made possible by your support of our Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal.

John Mark Willcox is the Director of Stewardship & Development. To give to the annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal that supports ministries like these, visit www. dioshpt.org/stewardship/stewardship.html.

moveable feast

by Kim Long

Pentecost Picnic

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od is full of surprises. I sat down to write one thing and it seems that God wanted something else entirely.

Pentecost Sunday (this year May 19) is celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday and is the end of the Easter season. It celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. You can read this amazing account in the second chapter of the book of Acts. The prayer with which we are all familiar begins, “come Holy Spirit and kindle the hearts of your faithful and stir up in them your love.” It almost sounds like instructions from a recipe – stir up in them your love. Pentecost is a wonderful “end cap” to the season of joy and feasting (both physical, as well as spiritual); a day when red is the preferred color of vestments, liturgical linens and lay people’s clothes. We encourage everyone to wear red and what we end up with are shades that range from light pink to orange to bright red. The tonal quality of it reminds us of our humanity – each of us different, yet blended together, representing our willingness to be open to the Spirit and BY the Spirit.

I came across my dog-eared copy of To Dance with God by Gertrude Mueller Nelson. Noted inside the front cover is the date, May 1989. I purchased it soon after coming into full communion. Thumbing through there is a turned down page in lieu of a proper bookmark. The section on Pentecost is inspiring and holds up after all this time. Here is a quote, “Life in the Spirit is different. The Spirit wells up from the center of our very being. It founds us and breathes into our actions, the enthusiasm of love and genuine creativity. We cannot see the Spirit, but we can see and feel its effects.”

Life in the spirit is different! If we open to the spirit of God, the will of God, the love of God, in other words, if we embrace the message of Easter, then we cannot help but reach Pentecost changed!

For Pentecost take a walk out doors and watch the wind blow through the trees, revel in the beauty of creation and your place in it.

Find a quiet spot and spend some time with God in prayer. Pack a lunch, gather your dear ones and head out for a picnic. Don’t be in a hurry, be still and know that He is God. In addition to the recipes below, try making a Pentecost Cake! The idea here is to decorate a cake with a symbol of the great feast of Pentecost. Begin with a sheet cake

This Pentecost cake was made with love by Kim and decorated by her godchildren.

and ice in white. Decorate with red flames (they hovered over the apostles), outline a dove in red and have gold rays around it to suggest divinity, seven of some small shape (flames, doves) to represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit ( wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord), or 12 strawberries or other fruit to suggest the fruits of the Holy Spirit (charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, long-suffering, mildness, faith, modesty, constancy and chastity).

Twelve-Fruit Salad Ingredients: • 12 kinds of fresh fruit (Some possibilities are strawberries, blackberries, bananas, melon, kiwi, blueberries, apples, oranges, mangos) • Sugar • Lemon juice Directions: Wash, hull, peel, slice fruit as necessary.

Cut into bite sized pieces. You can either mix all the fruit together in a large bowl or place them on a bed of greens. Sprinkle with a little sugar and lemon juice if desired.

Curry Mayonnaise Ingredients: • 1 cup mayonnaise • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder • 1 teaspoon honey • 2 tablespoons lime juice Directions: Combine ingredients and serve over fruit salad.

Recipes from A Continual Feast by Evelyn Birge Vitz

May 2013 9

Vatican II Documents of

Year of Faith Saint: May 2013

Apostolicam Actuositatem

Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People

charitable works and social aid. Laity evangelize by the witness of their Christian

by Dianne Rachal life and their good works. The laity renew “ n its desire to intensify the apostolic the temporal order by bringing the world activity of the People of God the Council into harmony with the principles and values now earnestly turns its thoughts to the of Christian life.

Christian laity.” AA 1 When lay people follow the great The Second Vatican Council approved a commandment to love God and one’s decree on the laity, Apostolicam Actuositatem, neighbor, and to do unto the least, they on November 18, 1965. The document express solidarity with all humanity. Charity, speaks of the “apostolate” of the laity; mercy, justice and social assistance on a local eventually this term was replaced with and global scale should not only alleviate “ministry.” The laity have a “special and suffering, but also eliminate the unjust indispensible role in the mission of the systems at the root of human suffering.

Church,” and their ministry is integral to Lay people exercise their ministry in their vocation as Christians. Current realities the Church and in the world: Church call for even greater lay participation in communities, the family, the young, ministry: increased population, advances in the social environment, national and science and technology, globalization and the international spheres. Nourished by the scarcity of priests. liturgy, the laity engage in the ministry of The mission of the Church is to spread spreading the Word of God, catechetical the kingdom of Christ to the entire world, instruction and administration of Church thus bringing salvation to all people. To be goods. Lay people infuse Christian spirit a Christian is to participate in this mission. into their communities: social environments, Initiated into work places, the Mystical schools, clubs Body of Christ and leisure at Baptism and activities. strengthened by “There the the Holy Spirit witness of their in Confirmation, life is completed the laity witness by the witness to Christ the of their word.” world over.

AA 13 Apostolicam Adequate Actuositatem training of addresses the lay people is spirituality of lay “When lay people follow the great commandment to love indispensable people, which is if ministry is God and one’s neighbor, and to do unto the least, they express solidarity with all humanity.” essentially union to attain full with Christ. efficacy. AA 28 This union is maintained primarily through Apostolicam Actuositatem ends with an active participation in the liturgy, meditation exhortation to the laity to respond to the call on scripture, living the Beatitudes, of Christ to carry the Church’s apostolate developing their charisms and following the into the world: “He (the Lord) sends them example of Mary. on the Church’s apostolate, ... doing their The specific objectives of lay ministry full share continually in the work of the are: 1) evangelization and sanctification, Lord, knowing that in the Lord their labor 2) renewal of the temporal order, and 3) cannot be lost.” AA 33

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10 Catholic Connection

(CNS photo)

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t. Damien of Molokai was born in Belgium in 1840 to a poor farmer and his wife. At the age of 13 he quit school to help his parents on the farm; when he was 19, he entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Damien’s older brother, Pamphile, was also a priest in this congregation and had offered his service to the care of the lepers on the Island of Molokai.

When he fell ill and couldn’t go to the mission, Damien volunteered to take his place. The saint offered to stay in the leper colony permanently - he built schools, churches, hospitals and coffins. He was later joined in his work by the Franciscan Sisters of Syracuse, led by St. Marianne Cope.

St. Damien contracted the disease himself, but continued to serve the mission until his death in 1889. He was buried in the local cemetery under the same Pandanus tree where he had first slept upon his arrival in Molokai. His remains were exhumed in 1936 at the request of the Belgian Government and translated to a crypt of the Church of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts at Louvain. from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops & vatican.va

Navigating the Faith Sacrament of Marriage

by Cathy Cobb, DRE, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church

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wenty-six years ago, my husband Alan and I celebrated the Sacrament of Matrimony with Msgr. Murray Clayton, declaring our consent before God and God’s Church, surrounded by our families and friends. We promised to be true “in good times and in bad.” In a culture of throwaway words and planned obsolescence, we took a great leap of faith in reciting those vows. On that joyful day, we were focused on the celebration of the wedding; in the intervening years we have learned much about the making of a marriage.

The Church recognizes the depth of faith involved in Christian marriage by raising it to the dignity of a Sacrament. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the Sacrament of Matrimony, much like Holy Orders, is directed toward the salvation of others; it contributes to our personal salvation precisely through our service to others (1584). “Faith,” says the Second Vatican Council, “is that by which a person freely and totally commits him/herself to God.” In the same way, married Christians make a free and total commitment to God and to one another.

This total commitment leads married couples to an intimate familiarity with the Paschal Mystery – over and over again, we are invited to die to ourselves and are raised to new life. This universal Christian theme of dying and rising comes to life in very particular ways for married couples. When we were first married, my husband and I had to die to a carefree self-centeredness but we discovered a whole new life as a couple. After we were blessed with children, we again had to stop planning our lives around our own wants and needs as the wants and needs of our children rose to the forefront. These transitions were not always simple, and rarely easy. This sort of dying is a painful process, and this sort of rising is always surprising and delightful. Sharing life with another person means truly exploring the furthest reaches of human existence. Faith in Christ smoothes out the journey and offers a shared vision for navigating those moments – good and bad.

Sadly, not all couples are able to sustain a marriage. In my ministry as a lay advocate for the Diocese of Shreveport, I have seen

first-hand the heartbreak and anguish that results when engaged couples fail to prayerfully consider what marriage entails, or when married couples lose hope that things will get better. Christian couples are in need of support all along the way. Solid marriage preparation – through pre-Cana, mentoring couples, and caring pastors – helps build communication skills between couples and invites them to prayerfully consider their level of commitment to God and one another. The parish community along with family and friends must offer support and encouragement to couples, which may be difficult to find elsewhere in today’s society.

I vividly remember seeing our assembled friends and family rise and turn smiling towards us as my dad and I processed up the aisle on my wedding day. There have been so many days when the memory of that “cloud of witnesses” has sustained me – moments when I knew that these beloved folks remained in solidarity with my husband and me in moments of joy or sorrow. Their love and support always brought hope when I felt my own spirit failing.

Our children are the greatest blessing of our shared life. Raising children has also challenged us, though, not only to become more articulate in our faith, but also to live it out every single day under their constant (and sometimes withering!) scrutiny. Sharing our lives with them has taught us so many lessons in God’s generosity, unconditional love, and boundless mercy. Their love has taught us how to love them back, lavishly and non-possessively. The Catechism states that “the family home is rightly called ‘the domestic church’, a community of grace and prayer, a school of human virtues and

of Christian charity” (1653). Now that our kids are grown and have moved away, we are challenged not to cling too tightly and to ensure that our marriage continues to “radiate a fruitfulness of charity, of hospitality and of sacrifice (1654).”

Christ himself provides the grace needed to sustain marriage and family life for those who turn to him. “Christ dwells with them, gives them the strength to take up their crosses and so follow him, to rise again after they have fallen, to forgive one another, to bear one another’s burdens, to ‘be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ,’ and to love one another with supernatural, tender and fruitful love (1642).” Regular participation in Mass and reception of Eucharist nourishes and rekindles that gift of grace.

It is overwhelming to look back over the last 26 years and realize the many ways that this grace has inspired us to persevere through the peaks and valleys of life. What a generous and transformative gift! I can barely recognize the old self that I was on my wedding day, and I am grateful that my husband has weathered these transitions with gentleness and a healthy dose of humor.

My parents, who have been married for over 55 years, demonstrate the mellowness of heart and joy that can lie ahead for my husband and me as the years unfold. My brother, who is a Roman Catholic priest, reminds me that all of us – single or married, with or without children – are called to achieve our fullest dignity by serving one another. My children, who are still discerning how God is calling them to spend their lives, remind me of God’s imagination and creativity in blessing all of His children, each of whom He has created and found to be “very good.”

One of the prayers of the faithful from the Rite of Marriage asks that the couple “may have divine assistance at every moment, the constant support of friends, the rich blessing of children, a warm love reaching out to others and good health until a ripe old age.” Let us all continue to pray that our God will always bless Christian couples who embark on this sacred journey of faith, hope and love.

May 2013 11

Lifelong Catechesis Faith formation and opportunities for all ages

by Jessica Rinaudo, Editor ^ Theology on Tap events are Catholic educational opportunities for young adults.

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uring the Year of Faith, the Holy See has urged us to grow and help others grow in faith. One of the best ways to do that is through catechesis.

While the term “catechesis” may seem a bit daunting, what it really means is passing on the teachings of Christ and our Catholic faith.

“Catechesis also involves the lifelong effort of forming people into witnesses to Christ and opening their hearts to the spiritual transformation given by the Holy Spirit.” The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Most people experience catechesis in their lives without knowing it. Parish School of Religion, the Rosary, regular attendance of Mass and reading the Bible are all different ways the faith is passed on to us.

Catechesis usually begins with our families when we are children and continues to nurture our faith throughout our school years, adulthood and into our senior years.

Our needs for faith formation change as we age, and there are plenty of opportunities out there to meet those needs.

There is a common conception that Catholic education begins with first Communion, but in many ways it begins well before that.

“Sometimes our relationships with others

and Jesus is a little like follow the leader,” said Shelly Bole, diocesan Director of Catechesis.

“Young children mimic their parents: the parent makes the Sign of the Cross and the child copies it. When parents regularly participate in Mass, express sorrow through the Sacrament of Confession, exercise or laugh often, they show by example that these things are of value.”

Leading by example is one of the primary ways we teach our children the faith. For a more hands on approach, our Domestic Church columnist writer Katie Sciba suggests giving children their own rosary to touch, feel and ask questions about. If your child asks a question you can’t answer, do the research and you can both catechize yourselves in the process!

Parish School of Religion (PSR) or Growing in Faith Together (GIFT) classes at church are often the first formal Catholic education children experience. Megan Funk, who is the Religious Education Assistant at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans and in charge of their PSR program, says their classes start with Pre-K4 and go all the way up through eighth grade. Megan encourages parents to start their children in the classes as soon as possible.

“I would put your children in right

away,” said Megan. “This is your faith and while teaching your child starts at home, it is important to build on what you need to know, what your child needs to know.

They need to be in a classroom that has the materials to help them learn, which will in turn help you learn. Putting them off is just hindering them from learning their Catholic faith and becoming a stronger Catholic. And we have fun!”

Materials vary from class to class, but Megan says Pre-K4 students do crafts and learn about what God made, while second graders prepare for first communion and reconciliation and the older fifth to sixth graders learn about biblical and Church history. “By the time you get to eighth grade you’ve learned the history of the Church, the prayers of the Church, the whole gamit of what the Church and the Bible are and represent,” said Megan.

In many ways it is easy to discontinue faith formation after PSR stops in eighth grade.

It becomes more difficult when you have to actively seek out ways to build your faith and education. Many churches have youth groups where high schoolers can share in fellowship, go on mission trips and foster faith in one another.

The Diocese of Shreveport also offers

Ways to Grow In Your Faith Pick up a book or magazine!

The YouCat breaks down the Catechism of the Catholic Church in easy to understand ways, while Catholic Digest is full of concise information on the Catholic faith.

12 Catholic Connection

Connect with a group at your church. Most churches have a youth group, Bible study group or even groups for fellowship.

Attend diocesan sponsored events like youth rallies, guest speakers and Greco Institute courses. Most are free or have a nominal fee.

catechetical opportunities for youth and too young for PSR programs and they young adults. On March 2, the annual couldn’t afford babysitters so we allow them Encounter Youth rally was held for all middle to bring their children with them to our and high school youth from across the get togethers,” said Mike. “We meet for diocese. two hours. The first hour we eat and share “We try to cover a broad spectrum of fellowship and the second hour we discuss Catholic teaching at every rally, such as issues of faith.” Some of the topics they’ve giving to those in need, evangelization discussed are lectio divina, scripture, raising through speakers and education through faithful children and strong marriages. breakout sessions,” said John Vining, As a supplement to parish groups like diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult these, the diocese offers Theology on Tap Ministry. “Even with food we try to get the events for young adults scattered throughout Knights of Columbus involved because it the year. “These events are meant for people gives them exposure and the youth may want to come in and have a safe place to talk to join the Knights when they get older.” about things Catholic. It’s a way to reinforce Additionally, every other year, young area Catholics come together and travel to the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) where they join together with over 23,000 other young Catholics. It’s a unique opportunity, especially in our area with a small Catholic population, for kids to get around those like them.

John really urges all middle and high school aged people to become involved with the youth groups in their home churches. That is the easiest and most frequent way for them to encounter and increase their faith.

Likewise, young adults are encouraged ^ Events like the diocesan Youth Rally bring to seek out groups in their home churches. together young Catholics for worship and If your church doesn’t have a young adult learning together. group, consider starting one. Deacon Michael Straub and his wife host an Adults faith throughout their lives,” said John. with Young Children Group for the members During these meetings, guest speakers come of Mary, Queen of Peace Church in Bossier in and give talks on Catholic topics. In the City. past subjects have covered the New Roman The group rose from a need at the Church. Missal, apologetics, works of mercy and proA couple of people approached Mike’s wife life ministries.

Pam and said there was nothing available at There are also many ways for adults of all the church for them. Pam, in return, turned ages to continue forming their faith. to him. Together they started inviting couples Kim Long, the Director of Religious and their children to their home once a Education (DRE) at St. Mary of the Pines month.

Church in Shreveport, started on her path to “Their children are still Catholicism as an adult. After encountering

Put your kids in PSR or GIFT classes at your church. They will learn their faith, and you will likely learn things with them along the way.

Visit the Slattery Library at the Catholic Center and check out a book, movie or CD.

RCIA, she started attending Greco Institute courses that are offered for free by the Diocese of Shreveport. “It’s given me access to the kind of caliber of information you would normally only see in a graduate program. And we’re so fortunate to have it at our disposal,” said Kim. In her role as DRE, Kim encounters people of all ages who are unsure about growing in their faith.

“Learning as an adult is very different than learning as a child,” said Kim. “First I ask people, ‘When’s the last time you were in a religious education class?’ Almost, without fail, the answer would be, ‘When I was confirmed in sixth, seventh or eighth grade.’”

Kim encourages adults to try a number of options depending on their time and interests. She recommends Greco courses, attending missions at the parish, parish retreats, or even subscribing to a Catholic magazine. There are all different kinds of opportunities for different interests. For many people, it’s difficult to find the time to sit in a class. Magazines offer education at your own pace.

Likewise, Dianne Rachal, diocesan Director of Worship, said the diocese often brings in national, well-known speakers for all Catholics to see and learn from. Dianne also encourages people to check out the Slattery Library at the Catholic Center. There is a wealth of literature, movies and audio resources for anyone who wants to borrow them.

And remember, any time you are preparing to receive a sacrament is a great time to re-invest in your faith and educate yourself.

Both marriage preparation and baptismal formation are times to ask questions of your pastor, deacon or DRE and learn the importance of these sacraments as you, your fiancé, your family and your children move forward in faith together.

Be an example. Often the way people learn about being a faithful Catholic is by witnessing others.

May 2013 13

vocations corner

by John Parker, Seminarian

Veneration of the Cross A seminarian's reflection of Holy Week

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appy Easter! Christ is risen! He is truly risen! Alleluia! bit ridiculous. I, being an all or nothing type of man, wanted to Alleluia! May the joyful shout spring from each and look completely ridiculous, so I decided to go barefoot—much every heart, mouth, stone and tree, from all things to the chagrin of all, no doubt! I shuffled forward like the rest of created by the Risen One! I hope and pray that the joy of this them, feeling like a cross between St. Francis of Assisi and Mr. Easter season rests within each of your hearts for the remainder CEO of a Fortune 500 Company, looking utterly ridiculous in of this joyous time – remember, it’s still Easter until Pentecost! my suit without shoes. I reached the Cross, practically trembling And now, in regards to far more somber matters, I feel in anticipation, and delicately – awkwardly – planted a kiss at the edge of the glass. I quickly shuffled away to my seat, having compelled to give you a taste of my experience this past Holy touched that sacred relic. I knelt and watched the beautiful Week. As a first year seminarian, I had the unique privilege diversity of our Church process forward and venerate that which to enter into the solemnity of our Lord’s Passion from the binds us all together. The young and younger, the beautiful perspective of a Benedictine Abbey. Put simply, it was the and more beautiful, the tall and most beautiful and moving taller; everyone paid his or her experience of my life. I sat in my respects to the saving Cross. usual pew, three rows from the Once all who could walk had front – just far back enough to be seen as acceptably pious. My completed the veneration, Fr. seminarian brothers and I were Charles and Fr. Jude picked up all in our black suits, the church the sizable relic and carried it to was standing room only, and it the front pew just a half a dozen was hot! I was between two of feet from me; they simply would my brother seminarians, packed not allow a single soul to go so tightly together that our without venerating the Wood. elbows were rubbing. My good A blind man rose to his feet and friend Henry, a jollily rotund groped for the relic. He kissed Hispanic man, was sitting beside it. The pair of priests moved me, further adding to the heat along the pew. An old woman, (CNS photo/Michael McArdle, Northwest Indiana Catholic) with his excess of warmth and stooped with age, sat upon the cheer. Needless to say, we were all pew, patiently awaiting her suffering a bit for the Lord! chance. They lowered the Cross Her shaking, wrinkled, arthritic hands At three o’clock, the hour of to her, but she wouldn’t have it; wrapped around the cross’s neck and she Mercy, the opening procession she would not allow the Saving pulled it to her lips and kissed it. As a mother Instrument to approach her began without music. Six altar servers in simple white albs kisses her child, as a grandmother kisses seated. With all the strength preceded Father Abbot Justin that remained in her old bones, her grandchild, so she kissed that relic. and two of his brother priests she slowly rose. All I could see up the aisle – the priests wore of her was her stooped back, beautiful blood-red vestments, reminding me of the legacy of the lacy-white veil upon her head, and her hands wrinkled by an martyrs that Jesus’ suffering spurred. They soundlessly processed excess of life lived. She was Mother Teresa reincarnated, a gentle to the altar and immediately prostrated before the Holy of babushka, an abuela, a grandmother. Her shaking, wrinkled, Holies, noses pressed into the stone floor, arms wrapped around arthritic hands wrapped around the cross’s neck and she pulled their heads, vestments disheveled and flowing outward like pools it to her lips and kissed it. As a mother kisses her child, as a of blood. They remained in that position of utter vulnerability grandmother kisses her grandchild, so she kissed that relic. and mourning for over a minute as we looked on from our I wept. knees.

I live an easy and blessed life, like many of us. Jesus calls us The liturgy continued in elegant and sorrowful splendor, the to renounce some of that easiness for His sake, for the sake of Schola serenading Jesus in his beautiful and terrible Passion. suffering people around the world. He asks us to love Him, to Finally, it came time for the Veneration. thirst for Him as He thirsts for us, as He cried out for thirst of The Abbey is most blessed in that it is in possession of a relic us even from the horror of His Cross. This love is hard for me to of the true Cross, a fragment of the very wood that absorbed accept on most days, because this love demands EVERYTHING the precious blood of our Redeemer on that fateful day. It is from me, but I believe all joy in this life rests in accepting Jesus’ encased in glass and forged into the epicenter of a Greek Cross. love that pours out from the Cross, in accepting our own small Fr. Charles and Fr. Jude enthroned the relic upon the altar and crosses and carrying them with joy. Perhaps we might one day invited the faithful to come forward and pay homage to our possess the humility of the frail and the blind who so clearly Lord’s instrument of torture. realize this love, and love their Lord despite all their suffering.

It is a Benedictine practice to venerate the Cross barefoot, so Oh, to have that kind of faith! we were encouraged to partake in this ritual. Many took their John Parker is a Freshman at shoes off and shuffled forward in their socks, looking just a tiny St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, LA. 14 Catholic Connection

senior spirituality

The Most Difficult Step

Discerning when it's time to try seminary

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Seminarians at Notre Dame Seminary.

he most difficult step in discernment to a vocation to the priesthood is the one we take to step away from the world and enter into formation at a seminary. I had been struggling with the call of God since Good Friday of 2001, which was when I first knew that God was calling me. I began meeting with Fr. Peter Mangum every month beginning in May of that year. I attended perpetual adoration and Mass at St. Joseph every day, and yet something held me back. I was held back by my fear, I was held back by a feeling of unworthiness, I was held back because I did not want to surrender my life to God. Every month we met and every month I had a new excuse to not take the next step. We continued meeting until the spring of 2004 when Fr. Peter said to me, “We can continue to meet once a month until we are old men and you are pushing me around in a wheelchair, but you will never know for certain whether or not you have a call until you go to seminary.” He then reminded me of the tower at Barksdale and from that tower you can see all over Shreveport and Bossier City, but from where we were on Patton Avenue you could only see the house across the street. He told me that seminary was like that tower and from it you could really and truly see where God is leading you, where He is calling you.

By August of that year I had quit my job, given away most of my possessions, and was traveling to a place I had never been to before, St. Meinrad School of Theology in Southern Indiana. St. Meinrad turned out to be exactly what Fr. Peter said it would be – a tower where I could see clearly what God intended for my life. Through five years of work, of struggle, of prayer and of joy I found my place in God’s plan for me. Looking back after nearly four years of priesthood, I am thankful that God gave me the courage to take this step.

I know that there are men reading this article who have been struggling with the call of God in their life. They are trying to figure out for themselves whether it is real or not. There is only one place that you can determine that and that is at the tower the Church has given us called a seminary. All that God asks of you is that you take that most difficult step and be willing to surrender nine months of your life to seminary formation. I encourage you to contact me at my office at 318-219-7261, or e-mail me at mlong@dioshpt.org. The summer is about to begin and if you want answers to what God’s plan is in your life, then now is the time to do it so that when August arrives you can be traveling to the tower where God’s plan for your life will be fully revealed.

by Fr. Matthew Long, Director of Vocations

by Sr. Martinette Rivers, OLS

May is senior Month Celebrate with heart, mind and spirit

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n celebrations people often affirm the joyous outpouring of their spirits. Let our beauty in our elder years show who we really are.

Celebration must be written in our hearts every day. Let’s not waste time. Remain happy in all circumstances and celebrate each new moment every day.

Living well is a special art and keeping our minds and hearts open to the change that takes place as we age with gusto and joy is another.

We must keep our brains active like Pope Francis who never seems to stop. He brings an incredible, indomitable, new kind of spirit to the Church and to us.

We have been on an incredible journey and aged as we traveled.

Embrace your aging during Senior Month as a new time.

Remain open to the mysterious ways God has worked in our lives. Clear the roadblock and look into the face of aging with eyes of faith and let’s re-adjust ourselves to a universe ruled by God’s wisdom and love. Believe in the legacy you are living.

A nation needs its guides, musicians, cooks, leaders and its old people. Old people have learned well that power in aging means service to others. Healthy, spiritual aging is possible and can be lived with passion as old things pass away and new things burst forth like a seasonal resurrection. We have left marks as we’ve aged on all those around us.

Start now by allowing the Spirit to move us. Trust in the Lord one moment at a time and don’t get tangled up in ‘worry-webs.’

Yield to God’s Spirit within our hearts and feel His gentle touch on our souls.

As we grow older, we express our joyful moments in different ways. Think about the things you enjoy doing and the people you find joy being with. Research called psychoneuro immunology reveals that our virtues and our spiritual development can directly affect our healthy living. As you and I live our elder years with a passion for humanity, like Pope Francis, we can peer into the eyes of one another with love and wonder and the greatest of respect.

We should always be in the pursuit of joy, happiness and pleasure as they have the power to put us in touch with an awesome and amazing God who loves us just as we are. The more deeply we live in the present moment, the clearer our vision of our elder years becomes. That’s more than enough to be enthusiastic about. I wish you all God’s blessings for a marvelous celebration of your elder years during the month of May. I will celebrate this special month on May 26, by rejoicing in 60 years of sisterhood!

Celebrate! Celebrate! Come celebrate with me.

Sr. Martinette is a Sister of Our Lady of Sorrows & a spiritual gerontologist.

May 2013 15

NEWS

Catholic Charities Local partnership formed to impact Cedar Grove area

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ne of the most rewarding aspects of Catholic Charities being in Cedar Grove is getting to know our neighbors. As we approach our third year this summer, we’re inspired by the warm welcome we received from Bishop R. G. Mason, founder of Impact Church, also located on East 71st Street. Bishop Mason, along with Pastor Jacqueline Mason, minister to the needs of those who work and live in Cedar Grove, so it’s easy to see our common bond. We were surprised and delighted when Bishop Mason contacted Amy Dean, a Gabriel’s Closet volunteer and member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, to join in a service at his church and to accept the Impact Community Ambassador Award.

This award acknowledges the impact Gabriel’s Closet, a ministry to help provide for newborn infants and new mothers, has had on the community. In a letter to Dean, Mason said, “Impact Church strives to impact the lives of our community by meeting practical as well as spiritual needs.

Gabriel’s Closet has made an impact in our communities and we are honored for the divine partnership.” We were honored to accept the award and look forward to working more closely with Bishop and Pastor Mason and the members of their church.

And speaking of awards, our Executive Director, Jean Dresley received an award recently at the annual meeting and awards breakfast for United Way of Northwest Louisiana. Jean gratefully accepted the “Hidden Treasure” award for her dedicated and hard work in the community that is making a difference in the many lives touched through the programs of Catholic Charities of Shreveport. Jean is excited about the prospects for Catholic Charities this year and beyond. “I hope to expand our existing programs so that we can serve more individuals and families in a comprehensive way.”

Currently, Catholic Charities has four programs that are continuing to grow. In fact, we’ve just added an additional room to house classes for our financial education program, The Money School, and for Gabriel’s Closet.

16 Catholic Connection

Carl Piehl, our Financial Education Immigration Integration, work together for the good of individuals and families in Coordinator, has added Emergency need. For example, Assistance to his duties a young mother, at Catholic in addition to Charities. This our help through was a natural Gabriel’s Closet might also need combination since the two assistance through programs work our immigration program. That’s in sync to what we strive for: help move our clients toward a integration of all our more informed programs for the Amy Dean received Impact Award. way of handling best possible result both their income and their day-to-day lives and for long-term changes to make lives better, healthier and happier. for themselves and their families. In fact, all four of our programs, that also includes

by Theresa Mormino, Catholic Charities

Catholic Cooperation & Hospitality College students from St. Gregory join in veteran home build

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unday, March 10, eight students and adults from St. Gregory University, a Catholic college in Swanee, OK, came to Shreveport to spend the week of their spring break working for the Fuller Foundation of Northwest Louisiana building houses for Veterans in Stoner Hill.

Five parishes from the Diocese of Shreveport came together to care for the needs of the visitors and Bishop Duca blessed the job site before the volunteers began their work.

The students stayed in housing facilities at Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament Church, went to daily Mass and ate breakfast there.

They drove to the jobsite every morning at 8:00 to join with local volunteers taking two of the houses from a slab to a structure under roof and ready for windows in the five days they worked.

The parishes of St. Jude, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans and St. Joseph delivered lunch to the 40 volunteers each week day and then provided dinner for the eight St. Gregory volunteers in the evening.

The students enjoyed meeting and working with the men, Cliff and Migael, who will be living in these homes. Cliff and Migael both work at the Hope House where these churches take meals once a month for the homeless who visit this day shelter.

This mission trip seemed to be very fulfilling to the St. Gregory students who hope to return to Shreveport for the dedication of the homes on June 1.

Many thanks to all who support this program which transforms lives of both the volunteers and the recipients.

by Jane Snyder, St. Joseph Church, Shreveport

Sr. Bernie Barrett: Lumen Christi Award Finalist!

Living the Eucharist

All ages participated in Lenten program

Local sister honored for her work with the poor

Hispanic teens from St. Paschal Church participated in Living the Eucharist

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Sr. Bernie Barrett

umen Christi... it means “Light of Christ.” At Catholic Extension, it’s an award given each year to an individual or group that shines the light of Christ throughout a mission diocese supported by Catholic Extension. A national fundraising organization, Catholic Extension provides funding and resources to under-resourced Catholic communities through programs and services that invest in people, infrastructure and ministries.

Actively serving in ministry and nominated by their own diocese, the finalists are luminous examples of what it means to serve their community and help live the faith. Both the nominating diocese and the recipient of the Lumen Christi Award will receive a $25,000 grant, totaling $50,000 to fund their ministries.

As you well know, more than 40% of the residents of Lake Providence live below the poverty line. Passionate about social justice and powered by her faith, Sister Barrett devotes her considerable energy working across race, class, socio-economic standing and denominational lines for the betterment of the Lake Providence community. Her loving calls to action are slowly empowering downtrodden residents to play a role in building a strong community with no barriers based on creed or color. Sister Barrett’s involvement in various civic organizations and interfaith groups is a strong witness to the Church’s concern for the people of the diocese.

Show your support for Sister Bernadette Barrett and the diocese now by voting on Facebook!

• Visit the Catholic Extension Facebook page and click on the Lumen Christi image.

• Cast your vote by clicking the “Vote” button on their page.

• Share your vote on your own Facebook wall, and encourage your friends and family to do the same! Online voting will close on May 10th, so don’t delay! Show your support now!

Facebook support is not the comprehensive factor in choosing the 2013 Lumen Christi Award recipient. Your vote will be one of several factors considered in determining this year’s recipient.

by Katy Goslee, Catholic Extension Society

n May 2012, Bishop Duca asked a small committee to begin looking at programs that would foster faith through parish small group sharing. In November, Living the Eucharist was presented to the clergy for consideration. The committee believed that only a handful of parishes would participate in this Lenten Program. The results, however, were outstanding with 68% of parishes participating, 99 small groups and over a 1,000 participants! The program, created by Paulist Evangelization Ministries, was a perfect fit for our diocese as it included a Spanish translation as well as a teen component.

Living the Eucharist is based upon the Sunday readings during Lent with resources for all three cycles of readings. Using lectio divina as the basis for praying with the Scriptures, participants began to understand and develop a deeper relationship with Christ in the Eucharist. One participant from St. Pius X Church in Shreveport shared that discussing the readings for the upcoming Sunday, and then attending Mass, brought more life to the Gospels. When asked if Living the Eucharist brought her closer to Christ, she responded, “It made me realize more fully how important we are to Jesus and that He fills every fiber of our being. We are inseparable. No matter who you meet, the sick, the poor or the well-to-do, people on the margins of life are all Christ Himself!”

by Shelly Bole, Director of Catechesis

University of Dallas Course

Diocese to offer course “After the New Testament”

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im McGill of the University of Dallas’ School of Ministry is offering a year long course on early Christianity entitled “After the New Testament.” The class will meet monthly on Saturdays, September – May, from 9am – 1pm at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. Everyone is welcomed to register for the course. There will be no homework or tests. There will be a textbook with assigned readings.

Tuition for the course is $585 through May 31 and $615 after May 31. Limited scholarships are available from the School of Ministry on an “as need” basis. Scholarships for those directly involved in a parish ministry will be available on “as need” basis from the Office of Catechesis. Registration will close Aug. 15.

To register or get more info, contact Luisa Salomon - lsalomon@ udallas.edu, or 972-721-4118. To inquire about diocesan scholarships contact Shelly Bole – sbole@dioshpt.org or 318-219-7302.

May 2013 17

NEWS

Loyola College PreP Gets New Principal

LeBlanc hired for 2013-14 school year

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ohn LeBlanc has served in a variety of roles at Loyola College Prep and when the 2013-14 school year begins, he will add another one – principal.

LeBlanc, who is currently the school’s Director of Advancement, will John LeBlanc become the 29th principal in the school’s 111-year history, replacing Frank Israel who is moving to New Orleans after 10 years at Loyola to take a position in the administration of the Lusher Charter Schools.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to continue the tradition as we move forward for the next 100 years,” LeBlanc said. “I look forward to the challenges and the success that will come forward.”

LeBlanc, 47, is a 1984 graduate of the school (also known as St. John’s and Jesuit since its founding in 1902). He has served as assistant principal, mathematics instructor, athletic director as well as baseball and football coach during his 22 years at the school.

LeBlanc is a 1989 graduate of LSU and holds a Master’s degree in Education from Centenary (1996) and Master’s +30 in specialization school supervision and instruction from Northwestern State (2006).

Sister Carol Shively, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Shreveport, made the announcement April 14 to the faculty and student body.

“We are so happy that Johnny has said ‘yes’ to this call,” Shively said. “We know that this will be a great opportunity for us to grow and move forward here in Shreveport.”

Steve Mathias, chairman of Loyola’s Board of Trustees, led the search committee for a new principal.

“The search committee did a great job in going through the 15 candidates who applied for the job,” Mathias said. “We had applicants from all over the country, but we were excited to find that the person we were looking for was right here with us already.”

“No one can question John’s love for his alma mater or his ability to motivate and unify people on a project,” Israel said. “With (assistant principals) Tony Rinaudo and Stephanie Johnson working in close ranks with John, the needs of the students and the school will be in good hands.”

LeBlanc will begin as principal in July.

by John James Marshall, Loyola College Prep 18 Catholic Connection

‘Shepherd in combat boots’ awarded Medal of Honor

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ASHINGTON (CNS) -- A Catholic Korean War chaplain, who selflessly pulled wounded men from enemy fire and helped his fellow prisoners of war keep a sense of hope, was honored posthumously with the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor, in an April 11 White House ceremony.

In paying tribute to Father Emil J. Kapaun, an Army captain, President Barack Obama told multiple stories of the “shepherd in combat boots” from Kansas who voluntarily stayed behind with the wounded to face certain capture, rather than evacuate when his division was overrun at Unsan, Korea, in November 1950.

“This is the valor we honor today – an American soldier who didn’t fire a gun, but who wielded the mightiest weapon of all, a love for his brothers so pure that he was willing to die so that they might live,” said Obama.

Fr. Kapaun received the Bronze Star before his capture and the Distinguished Service Cross after he died. Within the Catholic Church, he has an active cause for sainthood, having been recognized by the Vatican as a “servant of God,” a first step in the investigation of someone who is being considered for sainthood.

Some of Fr. Kapaun’s fellow prisoners, who walked out of their prison camp carrying a crucifix they’d fashioned to honor their deceased chaplain, were in attendance at the ceremony. The medal, given to members of the armed forces for distinguished gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in active service, was presented to Ray Kapaun, a nephew of the priest.

Also in attendance was Herb Miller, who as a sergeant in 1951, was injured when a grenade exploded near him. As Obama told the story, a Chinese soldier was about to execute Miller when Father Kapaun stepped in to stop him. The priest then carried Miller and assisted other wounded prisoners on a lengthy march to a

prison camp at Pyoktong.

“He carried that injured American, for miles, as their captors forced them on a death march,” said Obama.

“When Father Kapaun grew tired, he’d help the wounded soldier hop on one leg. When other prisoners stumbled, he picked them up. When they wanted to quit -- knowing that stragglers would be shot -- he begged them to keep walking.”

Father Kapaun’s actions that day are what was being recognized with the Medal of Honor, Obama said, but he

U.S. Army chaplain Fr. Emil Joseph Kapaun, who died May 23, 1951, in a North Korean prisoner of war camp, is pictured celebrating Mass from the hood of a jeep Oct. 7, 1950, in South Korea. (CNS photo/courtesy U.S. Army medic Raymond Skeehan)

continued with stories of the priest’s selfless actions in the prison camp -helping smuggle in more food; giving away his clothes to freezing men; fashioning pots to boil water to battle dysentery; praying with the men in their huts; celebrating Easter Mass.

“After the Communist invasion of South Korea, he was among the first American troops that hit the beaches and pushed their way north through hard mountains and bitter cold,” Obama said. “In his understated Midwestern way, he wrote home, saying, ‘this outdoor life is quite the thing’ and ‘I prefer to live in a house once in a while.’”

Suffering from an assortment of ailments, Fr. Kapaun died in that prison camp in Pyoktong on May 23, 1951.

by Patricia Zapor, Catholic News Service

across the Boston cardinal says all feel ‘deep sorrow’ for victims of explosions

by Catholic News Service

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ROOKLYN, N.Y. (CNS) -- There were more questions than answers about the April 15 terror attack on the Boston Marathon in the days following the bombings, even with the FBI’s eventual identification of two suspects in the attack.

No one knows that better than people who were on the scene, such as Franciscan Father Brian Jordan, a chaplain at St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights, and Bridget Cunningham, the niece of Father Jim Cunningham, who is pastor of Holy Name Parish in Windsor Terrace. Father Jordan, who has run the Boston race 21 times, was sidelined with a knee injury this year. He made the trip to support the many friends he has made there in previous years. He celebrated an outdoor Mass for about 100 Boston firefighters and state police at the start of the race in Hopkinton, Mass. He then took the train

(CNS photo/MetroWest Daily News/Ken McGagh

to the finish line, and it was while he was arriving there that the explosions went off.

“I heard the explosions. I didn’t see them,” the priest told The Tablet, newspaper of the Brooklyn Diocese. “I thought it had something to do with the Patriot’s Day celebration. But then I saw the horrible sight of people suffering, running from the scene. It was a terrible scene of blood and confusion, and I knew it was an attack on the people of Boston.”

Pope names panel of cardinals to advise on Vatican reform

by Catholic News Service

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Amid rising concerns about corruption and mismanagement in the central administration of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis named an international panel of cardinals to advise him on the latest reform of the Vatican bureaucracy. The Vatican Secretariat of State announced April 13 that the pope had established the group – which includes Boston Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley and Sydney Cardinal George Pell – to “advise him in the government of the universal church and to study a plan for revising the apostolic constitution on the Roman Curia, ‘Pastor Bonus.’” “Pastor Bonus,” published in 1988, was the last major set of changes in the Roman Curia, the Church’s central administration at the Vatican. It was largely an effort at streamlining by reassigning responsibilities among various offices, rather than an extensive reform. Complaints about the shortcomings of Vatican

governance increased markedly during 2012 following the “VatiLeaks” of confidential correspondence providing evidence of corruption and mismanagement in various offices of the Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley Holy See and Vatican of Boston is one of eight cardinals named by Pope City State. That affair Francis to advise him prompted a detailed on reform of the Vatican internal report, bureaucracy. which Pope Benedict XVI designated exclusively for the eyes of his successor. The College of Cardinals extensively discussed the problems in meetings preceding the conclave that elected Pope Francis last month. According to the April 13 Vatican statement, the suggestion for an advisory panel on reform arose during those meetings.

Catholic News Service

VAtICAN news & notes • Pope Francis responded to the bombings in Boston by invoking peace for the souls of the departed, consolation for the suffering and strength for emergency and medical personnel. In a message sent to Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone said Pope Francis was "deeply grieved by the loss of life and grave injuries caused by the act of violence perpetrated" near the finish line of the Boston Marathon April 15.

• While some Catholics would like to undo the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, others basically are trying to build a monument to it rather than fully live its teachings, Pope Francis said. In his homily April 16 at an early morning Mass in the chapel of his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae, Pope Francis said Christians must struggle with the temptation to tame the Holy Spirit.

• Construction should begin soon on a large guesthouse for families on pilgrimage to the Holy Land and an international center dedicated to promoting Catholic teaching on the family. Blessed John Paul II approved the idea of building the International Center for the Family in Nazareth, Israel, in 2000, and Pope Benedict XVI blessed a cornerstone for the building when he visited Nazareth in 2009.

• Finding safe and effective cures to disease and illness does not have to go against moral and ethical principles; that was the message of a three-day conference at the Vatican on adult stem-cell therapies. Dr. Robin Smith told journalists before the conference that the main aim was educating the public about the promises offered by adult stem-cell therapies.

May 2013 19

HISPANIC corner

por Rosalba Quiroz

Directora Ministerio Hispano 318-219-7288

La Misericordia de Dios

Calendario del Mes de Mayo

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ejarse “envolver por la misericordia de Dios” fueron algunas de las más destacadas palabras que usó el Papa Francisco en su misa de toma de posesión en la Basílica de San Juan de Letrán en Roma el domingo de la Divina Misericordia.

Muy en acorde con la celebración de la Divina Misericordia, el Papa continuó diciéndonos: “Qué hermosa es esta realidad de fe para nuestra vida: la misericordia de Dios. Un amor tan grande, tan profundo el que Dios nos tiene, un amor que no decae, que siempre aferra nuestra mano y nos sostiene, nos levanta, nos guía”.

Sin embargo, el Santo Padre subrayó que “la paciencia de Dios debe encontrar en nosotros la valentía de volver a Él, sea cual sea el error, sea cual sea el pecado que haya en nuestra vida”.

“Tal vez alguno de nosotros puede pensar: mi pecado es tan grande, mi lejanía de Dios es como la del hijo menor de La Parábola del Hijo Pródigo, no tengo las agallas para volver, para pensar que Dios pueda acogerme y que me esté esperando precisamente a mí. Pero Dios te espera precisamente a ti, te pide sólo el valor de regresar a Él”.

El Santo Padre recordó que en muchas ocasiones durante “mi ministerio pastoral me han repetido: ‘Padre, tengo muchos pecados’; y la invitación que he hecho siempre es: ‘No temas, ve con Él, te está esperando, Él hará todo’”.

“Cuántas propuestas mundanas sentimos a nuestro alrededor. Dejémonos sin embargo 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 Farmerville: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 600 E. Water Street, Farmerville Sábado 7:00 p.m.

Rev. Al Jost Tel: 318-243-0115

10 Misa para los migrantes temporales, Delhi, LA 15-22 Visita de las hermanas Paulinas de Miami.

(CNS photo/Paul Haring)

aferrar por la propuesta de Dios, la suya es una caricia de amor. Para Dios no somos números, somos importantes, es más somos lo más importante que tiene; aún siendo pecadores, somos lo que más le importa”.

El Papa señaló que Jesús “cargó con la vergüenza de Adán, con la desnudez de su pecado para lavar nuestro pecado: sus llagas nos han curado”.

“Queridos hermanos y hermanas, dejémonos envolver por la misericordia de Dios; confiemos en su paciencia que siempre nos concede tiempo; tengamos el valor de volver a su casa, de habitar en las heridas de su amor dejando que Él nos ame, de encontrar su misericordia en los sacramentos”.

Para leer esta historia completa y mas enseñanzas y mensajes de Su Santidad, el Papa Francisco, vayan a la página de internet de nuestra diócesis www.dioshpt.org o directamente a la del Vaticano en Español: http://www. vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/index_sp.htm

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

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

19 Celebración de Pentecostés (La Venida del Espíritu Santo sobre los Apóstoles) 1º. De Junio: Clase de Biblia, Nuevo Testamento parte II, Centro Católico (9am – 6pm)

“¡Al Que Madruga Dios lo Ayuda!” Es su programa de radio del Ministerio Hispano Católico.

Todos los Domingos a las 9:00 am y 9:00 pm por la Invasora 92.1 FM

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 Indl Loop, Shreveport Domingo 11:30 a.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

Oficina del Ministerio Católico Hispano: Rosalba Quiroz, Directora 318-219-7265 Marcos G. Villalba, Pastoral Juvenil 318-219-7288 • Jeanne Brown, Secretaria 318-219-7257 20 Catholic Connection

around the DIOCESE

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Msgr. Carson LaCaze blessed the new organ in the Chapel of St. Michael the Archangel before the midday Mass on the feast of St. Joseph, March 19. The brand new instrument is an Allen digital organ, model CF-2a, which is very well suited for the chapel’s fine acoustics. The Allen organ was delivered and installed a week earlier, and its sound was customized to suit the room, ensuring that it would provide solid support for congregational singing without being overwhelming.

2 3

Sister Carol Shively, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, and Sister Ann Middlebrooks joined a bunch of St. John Berchmans School and St. Joseph School students for a big Easter Egg Hunt.

PSR children at St. Joseph Church in Zwolle are anxiously waiting to receive their upcoming sacrament, First Holy Communion, during the month of May. The children are practicing the song “Immaculate Mary” to perform at their First Communion Masses.

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Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church celebrated Good Friday with a passion play written by Fr. Andre McGrath. The dramatic reading was developed from John’s gospel.

Every year the youth group portrays each character in this dramatic celebration. Shown from left to right on the front row: Adrian Green, Robert Esters, Wisdom Watts, Edward Lee, Tia Lowe and Marie Tucker.

Row two: Sean Woodfork, Taylor Hamilton, Fr. Andre McGrath and Jon Levy.

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Our Lady of Fatima’s youth group recently attended Abbey Youth Fest at St. Joseph Seminary in Covington. They enjoyed hearing talks from Mary Bielski on the Eucharist and husband and wife chastity speakers, Jason and Crystalina Evert. Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans presided over the Mass. The highlight of the day was the candlelight Adoration with the nearly 4,000 youth in attendance.

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Bishop Duca celebrated his Year of Faith Visit with St. Benedict Church in Grambling on March 20. After the service there was a reception with a southern gumbo prepared by David Ponton.

3 4 5 6 May 2013 21

upcoming EVENTS May 11: Magnificat Prayer Brunch, Nowela Chapter is sponsoring a prayer brunch from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at St. Jude Church in Bossier City. Magnificat’s guest speaker will be Susan Reiser Tousignant. Susan has taught in Catholic Schools, directed Religious Education Programs, directed a pro-life pregnancy center and directed the NWLA ACTS retreat.

Admittance is $12 and reservations should be made by calling either Sandy Chapman 318-222-0007 or Helen Langley at 318-746-6223.

used range from chant to contemporary.

All are welcome!

May 31 - June 2: Mission Possible Catholic Camp for Boys Mission Possible is a weekend summer camp for teen boys.

It involves heavy doses of outdoor fun with serious prayer, led by our seminarians and Fr. Matthew Long. Mission Possible begins Fri., May 31 and ends on Sun., June 2. For more information and to register for Mission Possible, visit www. shreveportvocations.com.

May 19: “What a Wondrous Love is This” Lector Retreat This free Lector retreat will be led by Office of Worship Director Dianne Rachal at the Catholic Center from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. To register, contact Brandy Wood at 318-868-4441, or bwood@dioshpt.org.

June 8: “What a Wondrous Love is This” Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Retreat This retreat will be led by Office of Worship Director Dianne Rachal at the Catholic Center from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This event is free. To register, contact Brandy Wood at 318-8684441, or bwood@dioshpt.org.

May 19: Year of Faith Choral Prayer Service The adult choirs of St. Joseph in Shreveport will present a choral prayer service on May 19 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Church. The choral prayer service is part of a series at St. Joseph celebrating the Year of Faith. Scripture and music will be intertwined to highlight the role of the Holy Spirit in our Faith. Musical styles to be

June 15-21: Pilgrimage and Choir Tour to Quebec The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans has organized a pilgrimage and choir tour to Quebec, June 15-21.

Shrines and churches to be visited will include Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, NotreDame-du-Cap, St. Joseph’s Oratory, Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, and St. Jean-Berchmans in Montreal. For further

details, please visit www.tinyurl.com/ quebectour or call Patrick Williams at the cathedral office 318-221-5296. Anyone interested in singing in the pilgrimage choir should contact Aaron Wilson at awilson@sjbcathedral.org.

September 1-12: Pilgrimages to the Shrines of Mary Visit the most wellknown shrines dedicated to Mary on a pilgrimage to Fatima, Lourdes, and Paris led by Fr. David Richter, pastor of Jesus the Good Shepherd Church in Monroe.

After visiting the site of the Eucharistic Miracle in Santarem, Mass and Fatima, we will go to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, where body of the Apostle St. James lies beneath the cathedral altar. There will be a walking tour in the historical city of Burgos the next day, then travel to Lourdes where St. Bernadette was born and where she lived during the Apparitions. We will take part in the Blessing of the Sick ceremony. We will travel to Nevers where the body of St. Bernadette is perfectly preserved in her convent. Finally, we arrive in Paris, visit the famous Sacred Heart Basilica and the convent where Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal appeared. For more information on this pilgrimage, contact John Morris at 318-325-3741.

2 0 1 3 D i o c e s a n s t e wa r d s h i p A p p e a l

I / We would like to contribute to the Diocesan Stewardship Appeal with a total 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 22 Catholic Connection

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

calendar

may 2013

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

SATURDAY

28 29 30 1 2 3 4 2nd Collections: Year of Faith Visit Home Missions by Bishop Duca: St. Margaret Confirmation, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Homer 6pm Church, Ruston 9:30am Bishop Duca's 30th Anniversary Confirmation, to the Priesthood Cathedral of St. John St. Catherine of Berchmans, Siena 5:30pm

St. Pius V, pope

St. Joseph the Worker

National Day of Prayer St. Athanasius, bishop & doctor of the Church

Western Deanery Red Mass, Holy Trinity Church, 9am St. Philip & James, apostles

Confirmation, Our Lady of Fatima Church, Monroe 4:30pm

Red Mass / May 3

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Confirmation, St. Matthew Church, Monroe 10:30am

Priest Retirement Meeting, Catholic Center, 11am

Protecting God's Children, Catholic Center, 6pm

Confirmation, St. Joseph Church, Shreveport 3pm

The Ascension of the Lord (Observed Sunday, May 12)

Migrant Workers Mass, Delhi

Migrant Workers Mass / May 10

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Mother's Day The Ascension of the Lord (Observed)

St. Frederick High School Graduation, Jesus the Good Shepherd Church, 5pm Our Lady of Fatima

Presbyteral Council Meeting, Catholic Center, 1:30pm

St. Isidore

St. Matthias, apostle

Loyola College Loyola Baccalaureate Prep Graduation, Riverview Mass, Cathedral Theatre, 6:30pm of St. John Berchmans, 6:30pm

Lector Retreat, Catholic Center, 9am Confirmation, St. Paschal Church, West Monroe, 5:30pm

St. John I, pope & martyr

Pentecost / MAY 19

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Pentecost Sunday

Presbyteral Council Meeting, Confirmation, St. Catholic Center, Mary of the Pines 1pm Church,9am St. Bernardine of Siena, priest

St. Christopher Magallanes, priest, and companions, martyrs

Fr. Kenneth Last Day of Year of Faith Visit Williams' 50th

by Bishop Duca: Catholic Schools Anniversary of St. Lawrence Ordination to the Church, Swartz, Priesthood 6pm

2nd Collection: Diocesan Retired Priests Fund

St. Rita of Cascia, religious

St. Joseph Church, Zwolle Re-dedication, 4pm

2nd Collection: Retired Priests / May 25 & 26

26 27 28 29 30 31 1 The Most Holy Trinity

2nd Collection: Diocesan Retired Priests Fund Fr. Frank Coens, OFM 40th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood

Memorial Day

St. Augustine of Canterbury, bishop

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

St. Justin, martyr

Memorial Day / MAY 27 May 2013 23

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

â&#x20AC;˘

Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

Photo of the month by Gary Guinigundo

The Annual Live Stations of the Cross was held at Forsythe Park in Monroe, LA on Good Friday, March 29, 2013.

The Ellen Randall Spiritual Center organized the annual event. In attendance were Most Reverend Michael G. Duca, Rev. Erby Burgess (Parkview Baptist Church), Fr. Joseph Puthuppally, and Fr. Job Scaria.

24 Catholic Connection