Catholic Connection December 2015

Connection The Catholic

Vol. 25, No. 5 December 2015

God's Gift of

Merciful Love & Forgiveness Mercy in Action

Catholic Schools Help the Poor Embracing the Mission

Update on the Pastoral Planning Process

Year of Mercy Celebrating the

December 8, 2015

- November 20, 2016

December 2015 1

Year of Mercy Resources

Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Contributors Sr. Martinette Rivers Jean Dresley Rosalba Quiroz Bishop Michael Duca Jessica Rinaudo Tricia Grayson Katie Sciba Kim Long Courtney Smith Polly Maciulski Duane Trombetta Fr. Peter Mangum Kelly Phelan Powell Mike Van Vranken Bro. Mike Ward Nicki Prevou Fr. Mark Watson Fr. Rothell Price John Mark Willcox Dianne Rachal Editorial Board Kim Long Fr. Matthew Long Kelly Phelan Powell Dianne Rachal Christine Rivers Deacon 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.

O

n December 8, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica and begin the Year of Mercy – a time to reflect on both God’s mercy in our lives and how we should be merciful to one another.

This issue of the Catholic Connection is dedicated to the Year of Mercy, and ways in which we can implement mercy in our own lives – from forgiving those we hold grudges against and being the face of Christ to your spouse to ways of participating in the corporal works of mercy with your children and reading about mercy in the Bible.

Additionally, the Diocese of Shreveport’s website has a new webpage dedicated to resources on the Year of Mercy that will be continually updated throughout the course of this jubilee year. (http://www.dioshpt.org/news/year-of-mercy-resources/) I hope the articles in this issue and our online resources help you find ways to begin to implement mercy in both your spiritual and every day life, and that you, in turn, will experience the gift of God’s healing mercy.

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas, Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

bishop’s december calendar DECEMBER 1 Annual Business/ Clergy meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport Vespers; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 4:30 p.m.

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

DECEMBER 4 The Many Faces of Need: A Moonlight Masquerade (Catholic Charities of North Louisiana fundraiser); Shreveport; 7:00 p.m.

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

Feast of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara Prayer Service; Monroe; 5:00 p.m.

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.

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DECEMBER 6 Society of St. Vincent de Paul Annual Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans; 11:00 a.m.; followed by luncheon at the Catholic Center

DECEMBER 8 Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m.

DECEMBER 10-11 Bishops of Region V Episcopal Support Day; Christian Life Center at St. Joseph Abbey, St. Benedict, Louisiana

DECEMBER 13 Mass in Celebration of Paying Off Mortgage; Mary, Queen of Peace Parish, Bossier City; 11:00 a.m.

Mass/Open Door of Mercy; followed

by Cathedral Parish Christmas Party; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m.

DECEMBER 20 Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 11:00 a.m.

Seminarians’ Luncheon; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 12:00 p.m.

DECEMBER 25 Midnight Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 12:00 a.m.

DECEMBER 31 Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m.

contents

december 2015

columns God's Gift of Merciful Love and Forgiveness by Bishop Michael G. Duca............ 4-5 Mike’s Meditations: Mercy: God's Idea of Justice by Mike Van Vranken............6 In Review: The Art of Confession by Paul Wilkes by Kelly Phelan Powell .............7 Faithful Food: Mercy Me! by Kim Long...................................................................8

9

Domestic Church: The Face of Christ – Join with Your Spouse in Faith

by Katie Sciba............................................................................................................9 From the Pope: Conviviality, a Thermometer for Measuring the Health of a Family by Vatican Information Services..............................................................10 Navigating the Faith: Care for Our Common Home by Fr. Mark Watson ...........11 Second Collections: National Retirement Fund for the Religious & Diocesan Infirm Priests' Fund by Fr. Rothell Price .....................................................................12 Vocations View: Instituted Ministries of the Church by Duane Trombetta ..........13 Kids' Connection: Corporal Works of Mercy .........................................................25

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features Celebrating the Year of Mercy by Dianne Rachal .............................................. 14-15 Procedural Changes to the Annulment Process by Fr. Peter Mangum ............ 16 Mercy in Action: Students Help Catholic Charities & Loyola's FAiTH Marks 26th Season of Service by Polly Maciulski & Tricia Grayson ........................ 17

news Bulldogs Participate in Cupcakes for Life by Courtney Smith ..............................18 Embracing the Mission: Parish Gatherings Mark the First Step in Developing Diocesan Pastoral Plan by Nicki Prevou ...........................................19 Give Gifts of Fair Trade This Christmas .................................................................20

19 on the cover

Planned Giving Goes Digital by John Mark Willcox ..............................................20 Catholic Charities: A Story of Strength and Struggle by Jean Dresley ................21 Reflect on the Beauty of Christmas by Sr. Martinette Rivers .................................22 Thanks from Msgr. Clayton's Family ......................................................................22 Hispanic News by Rosalba Quiroz ..........................................................................23 School News ...........................................................................................................24 Across the Globe: Final Relatio of the Synod: Truth & Mercy; 'Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography'; Bishops Voice Solidarity in Wake of Paris Attacks, Pledge Prayers

by Vatican Information Services & the USCCB ..........................................................26-27 Across the Diocese ................................................................................................28-29 Mark Your Calendar ...............................................................................................30 December Calendar .............................................................................................31 Picture of the Month...............................................................................................32

Karolyn Dorsey kneels before the altar in the Catholic Center chapel.

December 2015 3

la reflexión Del Obispo por Obispo Michael G. Duca

Regalos de Dios: Amor Misericordioso y el Perdón

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l 13 de diciembre, 2015 oficialmente abriré la Puerta de la Misericordia en la Catedral empezando el Año de la Misericordia en nuestra diócesis.

Cuando el Papa Francisco declaró el Año de la Misericordia, escribió: “Siempre tenemos necesidad de contemplar el misterio de la misericordia. Es fuente de alegría, de serenidad y de paz. Es condición para nuestra salvación.

Misericordia: es la palabra que revela el misterio de la Santísima Trinidad.

Misericordia: es el acto último y supremo con el cual Dios viene a nuestro encuentro. Misericordia: es la ley fundamental que habita en el corazón de cada persona cuando mira con ojos sinceros al hermano que encuentra en el camino de la vida. Misericordia: es la vía que une Dios y el hombre, porque abre el corazón a la esperanza de ser amados no obstante el límite de nuestro pecado.”

No hay duda que el mensaje del papa sobre la Misericordia de Dios es un tema bienvenido y uno que resuena con gusto en nuestros corazones. Sin embargo, cuando reflexionamos seriamente sobre el misterio más profundo de la misericordia de Dios en lugar de sólo la virtud humana de la misericordia, descubriremos una verdad que nos hará sentir cómodos pero que también nos pondrá a prueba en el centro de nuestro ser.

Nunca nos debemos sentir completamente cómodos con nuestra comprensión de los caminos de Dios. Dios siempre será más de lo que nos podemos imaginar. Esto es verdad de la misericordia de Dios, que para las normas humanas es escandalosamente generoso. Debemos estar agradecidos que el amor de Dios es tan generoso. Como seres humanos muchas veces decimos que perdonamos y creemos que Dios perdona, pero la mayoría de nosotros tenemos un límite, un momento cuando decimos, “Yo puedo perdonar a la mayoría de las personas. Yo creo que Dios perdona a todos, pero esa persona, lo que hicieron, ¡creo que ni Dios los podrá perdonar!” También es una tragedia cuando nos convencemos que cometimos un pecado que Dios no podrá perdonar.

Claro que debemos saber que el amor de Dios por nosotros no tiene límite y debemos apreciar que este maravilloso misterio del amor de Dios nos dará comodidad pero también nos pondrá a prueba. Maravillosamente, Dios no se aleja del pecador, sino que sorprendentemente nos persigue para llevarnos de vuelta a un encuentro amoroso. Dios se nos acerca con ojos de amor que ven más allá de nuestro pecado a lo bueno que tenemos dentro. Fuimos hechos a Su imagen y Dios siempre ve lo bueno en nosotros y Él quiere que también nosotros veamos eso bueno. En la misericordia de Dios, Él se acerca con amor y nos invita a librarnos del pecado en nuestras vidas – nuestro miedo, vergüenza, avaricia, lujuria, dolor – y buscar Su perdón para que seamos libres de amar como Dios primero nos amó. Su amor misericordioso es lo que hace que Dios pueda ver lo bueno en cada uno de nosotros a pesar de nuestros pecados. Esa es una seguridad que nos cambia la vida porque como nos vamos dando cuenta de nuestros pecados, buscamos consolación en que el amor de Dios es más grande y nos perdona, aunque nos sentimos indignos.

Este conocimiento nos abre a la “esperanza de ser amados a pesar de nuestros pecados.”

Así como somos consolados por la profundidad del amor de Dios, al mismo tiempo enfrentamos los retos de este amor. Mientras que el amor misericordioso de Dios se acerca al pecador nosotros, como discípulos, debemos de amar a los demás con el mismo amor misericordioso. Esto es difícil. Cada vez que juzgamos a alguien sin misericordia, ponemos sus pecados percibidos 4 Catholic Connection

antes de verlos a ellos con ojos de amor y respeto.

Cada vez que no perdonamos vivimos sin el amor misericordioso que permite el perdón y la sanación.

En este Año de la Misericordia debemos buscar una conversión más profunda en nuestros corazones que pueda sobrepasar nuestro miedo y justicia propia para que podamos ser instrumentos del amor misericordioso de Dios para que otros puedan conocer la misericordia de Dios a través de nosotros.

Si este Año de la Misericordia es para hacer una diferencia en nuestras vidas, debemos orar para que seamos conscientes de nuestra necesidad de la misericordia. Yo sugiero que este año todos hagamos una examinación de consciencia seria para hacer una buena confesión. Esto puede ser difícil especialmente si nos salimos de la costumbre de darnos cuenta de nuestros pecados, explicándolos como tipos de carácter o librándonos de las exigencias del Evangelio o las exigencias del amor. Ora por un conocimiento espiritual profundo de tu necesidad de la misericordia de Dios y que tan generoso es el amor de Dios. Cuanto más somos conscientes de nuestra propia necesidad de misericordia, seremos más misericordiosos con otros.

Luego, considera tu familia y examina cuales relaciones están determinados por emociones negativos como los rencores, el enojo, los desafíos y juicios que afectan la calidad de tu amor. Recuerden, debemos ser representantes de la misericordia entonces tenemos que esforzarnos por hacer que el amor sea la inspiración y fundación de todas nuestras relaciones con otros, de nuestra familia hasta el desconocido que vemos durante el día.

En este Año de la Misericordia crezcamos en el conocimiento del amor de Dios por nosotros. Que este conocimiento y alegría nos libere para amar a los demás como Dios primero nos amó. •

bishop’s REFLECTION

by Bishop Michael G. Duca

God's Gift of Merciful Love and Forgiveness

O

n December 13, 2015, I will officially open the Door of Mercy at the Cathedral, thus beginning the Year of Mercy in our diocese.

When Pope Francis proclaimed this Year of Mercy, he wrote: “We need constantly to contemplate the mystery of mercy. It is a wellspring of joy, serenity and peace. Our salvation depends on it. Mercy: the word reveals the very mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Mercy: the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes to meet us. Mercy: the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the path of life. Mercy: the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to a hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness.”

Bishop Duca There is no doubt that the pope’s focus on the Mercy of God is a welcomed theme and one that resonates warmly in our hearts.

However, when we seriously reflect on the deeper mystery of God’s mercy instead of just the human virtue of mercy, we will discover a truth that will both comfort and challenge us at the core of our beings.

We should never be completely comfortable with our understanding of the ways of God. God will always be more than we can imagine. This is true of the mercy of God, which by human standards is scandalously generous.

We should be thankful that God’s love is so generous. As human beings we often profess to be forgiving and to believe that God is forgiving, but most of us have a limit, a moment when we say, “I can forgive most people. I believe God forgives everyone, but that person, what they did, I don’t think even God can forgive them!” It is equally tragic when we convince ourselves that we committed a sin God cannot forgive.

Of course we should know God’s love for us is not limited and we should appreciate that this wonderful mystery of God’s love will both comfort and challenge us. Wonderfully, God does not move away from the sinner, but rather surprisingly pursues us to bring us back into a loving encounter.

God moves close to us with eyes of love that see beyond our sin to the goodness within us. We are made in His image and God always sees His goodness within us and He wants us to see that goodness too. In God’s mercifulness, He draws near with love and invites us to throw off the sin in our lives – our fear, shame, greed, lust, pain – and seek His forgiveness so we might be free to love as God first loved us. His merciful love is what causes God to see the goodness in each one of us in spite of our sins. This is a life changing assurance because as we become aware of our own sinfulness, we are comforted that God’s love is greater and forgives us, even if we feel unworthy. This knowledge opens us to the “hope of being loved despite our sinfulness.”

As we are comforted by the depth of God’s love, at the same time we face the challenge of this love. As God’s merciful love moves close to the sinner, we, as disciples, are to love others with the same merciful love. This is hard.

Every time we judge someone without mercy, we put their perceived sins first before we look at them with eyes of love and respect. Every time we refuse to forgive we live without the merciful love that allows forgiveness

and healing. In this Year of Mercy we must seek a deeper conversion of heart that will overcome our self-righteousness and fear so we can become agents of God’s merciful love and others will come to know the mercy of God through us.

If this Year of Mercy is to make a difference in our lives, we should pray to be more aware of our need for mercy. I suggest this year we all make a serious examination of our consciences and make a good confession. This may be difficult since we can get out of the habit of even being aware of our sins, explaining them away as personality traits or by exempting ourselves from the demands of the Gospel or the demands of love. Pray for a deep spiritual awareness of your need of God’s mercy and how generous the love of God is. The more we are aware of our own need of mercy, the more merciful we will be with others.

Next, consider your family and examine which relationships are determined by negative emotions like grudges, anger, judging and disappointment that affect the quality of your love. Remember, we are to be agents of mercy so we need to strive to make love the inspiration and foundation for all our relationships with others, from family to the stranger we encounter during the day.

In this Year of Mercy let us grow in the knowledge of God’s love for us. May this knowledge and joy free us to love others as God first loved us. • December 2015 5

mike’s meditations

by Mike Van Vranken

Mercy: God's Idea of Justice

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very word in the Bible is important to us. Each is alive, effective and sharper than any two edged sword. Not one of His words will return to God empty, but will please Him and achieve whatever reason He sent it (Isaiah 55:11). We must take special precaution to study and understand each and every sacred word we read in the Bible.

Accordingly, when God uses the same word two or three times, we should take even greater care to listen to His message and follow His teaching. When I see the same word in scripture over and over again, I assume He is trying to make a point. He wants me to focus. He’s tapping me on the shoulder, strongly Van Vranken recommending that I pay attention.

The word “mercy” is mentioned in the New American Bible 296 times.

So in the case of “mercy,” I would say the Holy Spirit is doing more than giving me a gentle touch hoping I will remember. In this case, the Almighty is explaining that mercy is a core expression of who He is, and being made in His image and likeness, He expects mercy to radiate from us as well. The Bible is the complete story of God’s merciful relationship with His creation; especially His love with human beings. Without His divine mercy, our affiliation with God would have ended thousands of years ago. Yet, there is story after story of the infinite mercy that God shows His people and allows us to be reconciled with Him once more.

When we study these examples, we get a glimpse of just how much God really loves us. It’s over our heads. It’s incomprehensible. Yet, the more we look, the more we comprehend. He is madly in love with all of His creation, but especially with His people.

Then, Jesus comes along and gives us a new revelation. He says: “Be merciful, just as (also) your Father is merciful.” What? Really? Does that mean exactly what it says? Maybe we’ve taken it out of context.

Well, here’s the context: “But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful.” (Lk. 6:35-36 NAB) Pope Francis has asked us to commit to a year long focus on God’s mercy and our response to it. We begin by recognizing how Jesus has already described our appropriate response. Yet, a casual reading of Jesus’ words is not near enough. As with all scripture, new insights are unveiled when we continue to read, study, meditate and pray the same verses again and again.

Are you willing to take this step? Are you prepared to accomplish the mission of living a Holy Year of Mercy? Have you accepted the Holy Mike is a writer and teacher, and co-author of the book: Faith Positive in a Negative World. You can contact him at www.mikevanvrankenministries.org

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MONTHLY REFLECTION Love Your Enemies Who are your enemies? Are there people who disagree with your faith to the point that they mock you? Do they want to overturn your way of thinking? Do they live a lifestyle that your faith tells you is sinful?

Jesus said to love them. Welcome them into your church. Find out what their needs are and serve those needs. Forgive them every time they attack or mock you. God is love. Be his reflection by loving them as children of the One who loves you.

Do Good to Those Who Hate You Who hates you? How have they offended you?

How do they bring anguish into your life?

Jesus said to do good to them. Help them find a job when they are unemployed. Offer assistance if they need food or clothing or medicine. Mow their yard or help them paint their house. Find ways of being good and gracious to them.

Bless Those Who Curse You Who is cursing you? Who is wishing and even calling evil into your life?

Jesus said to bless them. Ask God to bring His abundant blessings on them. Give them words of encouragement. Bless them with kindness, love, compassion and even money.

Pray for Those Who Abuse You Who is taking advantage of you? Who strikes out at your mental stability? Who uses you for their own personal satisfaction?

Jesus said to pray for them. Intercede to God with prayers and petitions for them. Ask God to change and heal their heart. Thank God for allowing you to pray for this person. Ask the angels and saints to pray for them with you.

It’s the Holy Year of Mercy; God’s idea of justice.

in REVIEW

by Kelly Phelan Powell

The Art of Confession

by Paul Wilkes

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ike many Catholics, big-C Confession intimidated me to the point of paralysis. Although the Examination of Conscience is meant to be part of a larger healing act, until I read Wilkes’ book, I used it as an excuse for “misguided penance, self-inflicted suffering and overscrupulosity.” Whereas Confession is actually an opportunity for introspection, self-examination and a chance to draw closer to God. As it turns out though, The Art of Confession: Renewing Yourself Through the Practice of Honesty by Paul Wilkes is less about big-C Confession than about confession: the kind that isn’t just for Catholics, but is a healthy daily practice regardless of a person’s faith tradition.

He explains how, although we are a “confessional nation,” a people eager to tell of their failings, the vast majority of “confessions” issued in the media (think politicians, televangelists and sports stars) are not actually confessions but merely lukewarm expressions of regret.

“Confession,” on the other hand, “implies an inner change, a new understanding that will be manifested in outward action,” says Wilkes. “Contrast this with today’s drip-dry, no-fault morality, which coos that no one should be ashamed of anything, that there is a good excuse for any behavior, and that to linger on our shortcomings is self-defeating and unnecessary,” and it’s easy to see why, as a culture, we have largely abandoned any determination to live honestly.

Those interested in anthropology, sociology and history will find this book particularly fascinating, as it delves into quite a bit of detail about the history and evolution of human confession for a small book that’s only 133 pages long. Short though it is, The Art of Confession is not exactly an easy read – Wilkes’ word and language choices are sophisticated, and the topics he discusses are heady. But I found the time spent reading to be more than

worth it, as I gained a lot of insight into the purpose of confession (and Confession).

Although Wilkes details many benefits to be found in the confessional booth, he also emphasizes that one need not go anywhere to make confession a daily healthy practice.

He lists a few concrete exercises for doing just that, including the Ignatian tradition of consolations and desolations (in which a person recalls the moments of the day when she felt most alive and worthwhile that day and those in which she felt dead and worthless); observing, judging and acting, and “praying backward through the day.”

Wilkes reminds the reader time and again that neither confession nor any of the exercises that bring us to it are meant to become a ledger sheet on which we catalog our good and bad deeds and hope to end up with a positive balance. Rather, confession activities are intended to help us see ourselves honestly and thus begin to form good, useful habits that are pleasing to God. While confession is often spiritual in nature (particularly in the Catholic faith), The Art of Confession is not a strictly religious book, which makes it a good choice not only for Catholic readers, but also for non-Catholic friends and family members who may wonder why we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

And, of course, it’s a good reminder for Catholics that the sacrament is indeed something to be celebrated and not dreaded.

Wilkes himself says it best toward the end of his book: “With a healthy dose of confessional honesty and the resulting insight, we can begin to practice what I like to call ‘happy guilt.’ We acknowledge that, yes, we have committed acts we shudder to consider, but we also see that, which each day of listening to the urgings of our conscience toward goodness, we are changing. Our past lives do not represent the total person we are. All is neither lost nor gained in a day, whether it be in our most transcendent act or basest thought.” •

"Our past lives do not represent the total person we are. All is neither lost nor gained in a day, whether it be in our most transcendent act or basest thought."

The Art of Confession

by Paul Wilkes

The Art of Confession: Renewing Yourself Through the Practice of Honesty is available through Amazon.com and the Slattery Library in the Catholic Center.

December 2015 7

faithful FOOD

by Kim Long

Mercy Me! A Recipe to Make Peace with Yourself and Family

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am not a person who relegates ghost sister and myself and a miniature suit stories to All Hallows Eve and then for our little brother and join the puts them away for rest of our family who were gathered a year. I love a good at my grandmother’s house for a ghost story even at feast unrivaled and gifts wrapped in Christmastide. Of paper almost too beautiful and well course the path has creased to demolish. We returned been well paved with to our house to await the spoils of Charles Dickens who Santa’s visit and eat cinnamon rolls wrote of Ebenezer for breakfast.

Long Scrooge and his Memories are wonderful but eventual redemption. only tell a part of the story. When Picture, if you will, a small child whose the Christmas spirit was not at its hand is firmly but gently caught in the peak, harsh words and unkind acts hand of her mother on a small town peppered our world and perhaps street as afternoon gives way to evening apologies were left late, in some and purple and deep orange skies seem to cases too late. Wounds can run deep, swirl around their feet. They are on the in some cases never heal and destroy sidewalk in front of a store that no longer exists. The mother is young and vibrant as she smiles and speaks to a neighbor. Christmas trees and destroy our future... ” are lined up like sentries against the walls of the store, stars begin to peep out with their own our future, even our future Christmas particular glow and the moon engages celebrations, magical as they are. My in its slow ascent in the sky. Christmas mother has long been in heaven so she is coming, Christmas is being brought can no longer be with me for a cup of home and Christmas is falling on us like coffee and a tearful conversation to “work a gentle touch from a loving parent. some things out.”

This is my favorite Christmas memory, In this year of Mercy we are reminded one that time has altered very little. that we always have recourse. Too often Memories fill this time of the year for with the penitential nature of Advent not me and for many. That memory evokes being as focused as it is during Lent, I security as well as excitement, a cold confess I don’t always attend that penance evening and a warm home, a mother and service or avail myself to the confessional. a child, the Christmas Spirit all around As I struggle to make peace with my us swirling and dancing with everyday past, as many of us do, this year, a year chores until they seemed different designated to remind us of God’s mercy, somehow, no longer quotidian but may be the best Christmas gift I could unique and happening only at this time hope for. But I don’t want to trip as I of year. look backwards. Lord lead and guide me Our house smelled of the Scotch as I learn to trust in You and as I attempt pine tree, a pot of stew on the stove and to walk in Your light. Help me take the anticipation. Each year we would dress best bits forward and offer them to You in our best clothes, long dresses for my as I approach the stable.

"Wounds can run deep, in some cases never heal

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Recipe for a Merciful Christmas

Make peace with yourself. Blend the tender forgiven self with family members loved and cherished. Gently fold in the love of the Holy Family for one another and keep it ever in your mind’s eye. Add some favorite memories of the past, but avoid the temptation to “make this Christmas just like it was when you were a child.” It won’t be, so don’t go there as doing so may curdle the mixture.

Be open to new traditions with your adult children, friends, parish family and extended family. Attend the parish reconciliation service with an open heart and see it as a true moment for healing.

Enjoy the lightness of actually laying down the painful burdens you have been carrying. Celebrate the reason for the season and don’t feel pressured to buy, buy, buy…..what we need has already been purchased. Bake some cookies, sing some carols loudly and, when no one is listening, sing for the joy of it all.

Don’t travel too far from the stable. And lastly, remember that mercy extended is priceless. • Kim Long is the Director of Religious Education at St. Mary of the Pines Parish in Shreveport.

domestic CHURCH

by Katie Sciba

The Face of Christ

The best way to be the Face of Christ’s Mercy to each other is for a married couple to encounter Jesus together in prayer. It doesn’t have to be awkward or complicated. Simply go one step beyond what you’re doing and build gradually.

Join with Your Spouse in Faith

I

just attended my best friend’s wedding in Kansas City. While the entire occasion was lovely and exciting from rehearsal to reception, the wedding Mass itself stood out as most beautiful. One of the most powerful and meaningful aspects of Erin’s nuptials was that her big brother, a priest of the Sciba Diocese of Wichita, was the primary celebrant. As someone raised under the same roof as the bride, Fr. Ben was able to deliver a more personal homily and offer his kid sister and her new husband the mission they were now charged with living: their marriage should be the Face of Christ to the world and to each other.

And just like that, I was awestruck. The Face of Christ: when we use that phrase to examine our marriages it can only lead to the “peace that surpasses understanding” that St. Paul mentioned in Philippians.

Being the Face of Christ through our marriages means that when people see us together - how we treat each other, how we interact with our children, how we speak of each other when one spouse is absent they should encounter a reflection of Jesus, especially his mercy.

Marriage is hard. But we know that. We know it’s hard when life doesn’t go as hoped or planned, when our beloveds hurt or disappoint us, when we hurt or disappoint them. As imperfect people riddled with dysfunction, we have to know the pain is bound to come; but it’s when we choose to apologize, pardon and let go that we can allow ourselves to be an extension of Christian mercy - to say, “I’m sorry for hurting you,” and in turn be ready with “I forgive you,” following through with compassion and kindness. Jesus offers pardon to the penitent so many times in the Gospels and we’re simply short changing ourselves and our spouses when we don’t do the same.

How, how? How are we supposed to be a

Being the Face of Christ to One Another

One Glory Be channel of infinite mercy as limited people?

Simple: prayer. Pray together. Many might widen their eyes at the thought, but the surefire way to imitate Christ’s mercy to each other is to encounter him together; which is more accessible than you think and the effects are transformative. Begin by going one step beyond your current prayer life together - start with a brief “Glory Be” in the mornings, or try attending one additional Mass together during the week. Pray a decade of the Rosary or the whole thing. Pray together as a routine - an unbreakable appointment that you’ll hold each other accountable for attending.

When my husband and I pray together, I feel safe. I feel safely tucked into the heart of God and safe with Andrew. Because when we come together in prayer, we’re being both vulnerable and receptive to each other in a context that we mentally prepare for. We can admit faults, offer apologies and more importantly, forgiveness when we imitate Christ. And because we pray together daily, we make progressive efforts toward knowing God better and the ability to extend mercy to each other. And all that can result from our prayer together is the fulfillment of Fr. Ben’s charge - to be the Face of Christ to the world. •

Begin each day with a “Glory Be” together. It’s short, but packs a spiritual punch in its beautiful words. This prayer is inherently humble and with it, the two of you can offer every aspect of the day to the glory of God.

Pray More Novenas(.com) Novenas are prayers said over the course of nine days for a special intention or intentions. Sign up at praymorenovenas.com to receive the prayers in your inbox. Pray as a couple together after work or apart during the day, assured that you’re each mindful of your common petition.

Receive the Sacraments Attend Mass together; if you already do, add another Mass during the week before work, during lunch, or at the end of the day. Check masstimes.org for daily Mass times and make a date of it! Do the same for confession on Saturday afternoons. If you can’t go together, help each other get there each month.

Katie Sciba is the author of thecatholicwife.net. She lives in Shreveport with her husband, Andrew, and four children.

December 2015 9

from the POPE from Vatican Information Services

Conviviality, a Thermometer for Measuring the Health of a Family

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atican City, (VIS) – November 11’s general audience was held in St. Peter’s Square, attended by thousands of faithful.

Before beginning, the Holy Father invited those present to recite a Hail Mary for the cardinals, bishops, consecrated persons and laypeople who Pope Francis were meeting in Florence for the National Congress of the Italian Church.

He dedicated the day’s catechesis to conviviality, a typical characteristic of family life. This attitude of sharing the goods of life and of being happy to do so is, he said, “a precious virtue.”

He continued, “Its symbol, its icon, is the family gathered around the table, partaking of a meal together – and therefore not merely food, but also sentiments, stories and events. It is a fundamental experience. When there is a celebration – a birthday, an anniversary – the family gathers around the table.

In some cultures it is customary to do so also following bereavement, to stay close to those who suffer for the loss of a family member.”

“Conviviality is a sure thermometer for measuring the health of relations: if in the family there is a problem or a hidden trouble, you understand immediately at the table. A family that almost never eats together, or does not talk at the table but instead watches the television, or smartphones, is not a close family.

Christianity has a special vocation to conviviality, as we all know. The Lord Jesus taught at the table, and represented the Kingdom of God as a festive banquet.

Jesus also chose to consign to the disciples His spiritual testament at the table, condensed in the memorial gesture 10 Catholic Connection

of His Sacrifice.”

Francis explained that the family brings to the Eucharist its own experience of conviviality, and opens it to the grace of a universal conviviality, of God’s love for the world. “Participating in the Eucharist, the family is purified of the temptation to close up in itself, fortified in love and in faith, and broadens the boundaries of its own fraternity according to Christ’s heart. In our time, marked by closed minds and too many walls, the conviviality generated by the family and extended in the Eucharist becomes a crucial opportunity. The Eucharist and families it nourishes are able to overcome such limitations and to build bridges of acceptance and charity.”

“Nowadays many social contexts impede family conviviality. We must find a way to recover it, if adapting it to the times. Conviviality seems to have become something to buy and sell, but in that way it becomes something else. Nourishment is not always the symbol of a just sharing of goods, able to reach those who have neither bread nor affection. In rich countries we are induced to spend first on excessive consumption, and then again to remedy the excess. This senseless behaviour diverts our attention from the true hunger of the body and the mind.”

“The living and vital alliance of Christian families, which supports and embraces in the dynamism of their hospitality the burdens and joys of everyday life, cooperates with the grace of the Eucharist, which is able to create ever new communities with its strength that includes and saves.” The pope concluded, “the Christian family thus shows the true extent of its horizon, which is the horizon of the Mother Church and all humanity, the abandoned and excluded among all peoples”. •

In the Words of

Pope Francis

“Without knowing what people think, the disciple isolates himself and begins to judge people according to his own thoughts and convictions. Maintaining a healthy contact with reality, with what people experience, their tears and their joys, is the only way of being able to help them … to open their hearts to God.” (Mass in Florence 11/11/15) “Our duty is to make this world a better place, and to fight. Our faith is revolutionary because of the inspiration that comes from the Holy Spirit.” (Speech to the National Ecclesial Congress 11/10/15) “Human beings all over the world today need nourishment. And this nourishment is not just to satisfy physical hunger. There are other hungers – for love, for immortality of life, for affection, for being cared for, for forgiveness, for mercy. This hunger can be satiated only by the bread that comes from above. Jesus himself is the living bread that gives life to the world. His body offered for our sake on the cross, his blood shed for the pardon of the sins of humanity is made available to us in the bread and wine to the Eucharist transformed in the consecration.” (Pope’s video message to the National Eucharistic Congress of India 11/12/15) “Faced with the prospect of an increasingly extensive multicultural environment, it is necessary to assume attitudes of mutual respect to promote encounter.” (Speech to the Slovak Bishops 11/12/15)

navigating the Faith

by Fr. Mark Watson

Care for Our Common Home

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ver the summer Pope Francis published his newest encyclical Laudato Si. This document challenges us to experience the beauty of all creation and therefore to both cherish and protect this gift.

Experiencing Nature with Wonder and Awe The full title of the encyclical is Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home. Laudato Si, or “Praised to You” in English, are the opening words of the “Canticle of the Creatures” by St. Francis. In the canticle, St. Francis praises God for various works of creation. We, like St. Francis, are to approach nature with a sense of awe and wonder.

Christians are Stewards of Creation In the Book of Genesis, God is portrayed as seeing all of creation as good and humanity as being the height of creation. God gave humanity dominion over all creation. From a Christian perspective, dominion means responsible stewardship. The earth is the shared inheritance of all humans. The pope is concerned that humans will destroy habitats without considering the future consequences of their actions. He challenges readers to see that the way humanity either cares for or exploits the environment will affect how the earth is experienced by future generations.

The pope feels the current global situation engenders a feeling of instability and uncertainty, which leads to “collective selfishness.” While greed is a current reality, human beings are capable of moving beyond this focus on self. Laudato Si calls humanity to a new beginning which shows itself in a new reverence for life and a new concern for protecting the environment and working for peace and justice.

Shaping the Future of the Planet Through this encyclical Pope Francis wishes to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable use of resources and to assist in bringing about the holistic development of each person. The pope is concerned that human exploitation of nature will not only destroy the environment but that those most affected will be the poor.

Pope Francis writes that climate change is a reality and is caused by human activity. In coming decades, developing countries will probably experience the greatest impact of climate change. While this is true, the pope still feels human activity can make a difference in protecting the environment from climate change.

Modern times have brought an excessive sense that humanity is at the center of the universe. This has led humanity to not respect nature and has blinded people to the future consequences of their actions. Pope Francis describes our culture as being a “throwaway culture” as many “use and throw away” resources in an irresponsible manner. This waste of resources leads to pollution and climate change. Laudato Si calls all people to make changes in lifestyle, production and consumption in order to combat climate change.

There is a need for businesses to change policies so that the emission of carbon dioxide and other highly polluting gases can be drastically reduced.

The Mystery of the Universe and the Loss of Biodiversity God has a special love for all of creation and thus for every creature. In fact, nature reveals God as shown in the following quote: “The eternal power and divinity of God is made known through creation” (Laudato Si, 12).

Species have a value within themselves, and yet each year thousands of plant and animal species disappear forever and will never be seen by future generations.

In this way, the beauty of creation is continuously being lost.

The Value of the Human Person Laudato Si emphasizes that human beings are endowed with unique dignity. Therefore, the pope is especially concerned about the effects of environmental deterioration on humanity. Central to the encyclical is the truth that everything is connected. The encyclical focuses not only on threats to plant and animal life, but also threats to humanity. Humanity faces one complex crisis which is both social and environmental, meaning that there is a connection between the issues surrounding human poverty and the issues which bring about the deterioration of the environment. Thus we must acknowledge “the worth of a poor person, a human embryo, a person with disabilities (117).” The pope is concerned about the unhealthy environment in which many humans live and that the poor suffer most from environmental deterioration. Central to the document is the truth that we are one human family, and so there is no room for the “globalization of indifference (52).”

Hope: Humanity Can Still Make a Difference Underlying Laudato Si is a message of hope and a call to change: the earth has been gravely hurt by humans, but humanity can still repair the damage.

“He (God) does not abandon us, He does not leave us alone, for He has united Himself definitively to our earth and His love constantly impels us to find new ways forward.” (245) • December 2015 11

second COLLECTIONS

by Fr. Rothell Price

December Second Collections: National Retirement Fund for the Religious & Diocesan Infirm Priests' Fund care and more. More than 35,000 retired nuns, brothers and religious order priests are counting on the Church to give as generously to them as they have given to the Lord and His holy people. Please give to those who have given a lifetime. Thank you for your charitable mercy to those who have given a lifetime by your grateful participation in the National Retirement Fund for Religious.

DIOCESAN INFIRM PRIESTS' FUND Collection Dates: December 24 & 25 Announcement Dates: December 13 & 20 n this Year of Mercy, I invite you to demonstrate God’s generous mercy to our Diocese of Shreveport infirmed priests. This year we blessed with funeral rites four of our beloved priests, three of whom were retired.

With great love and care we commend to God: Father David Richter, who was still a decade-plus away from retirement, Bishop William Friend, Monsignor Eddie Moore and Monsignor Murray Clayton.

Some of our active and retired priests currently struggle with long or short term maladies, or the natural decline which is part of the aging process. Despite their unique crosses, they press on in their love of God and service to His people. We want to assure them that they are not forgotten and will be properly cared for by the bishop and people of our diocese. Please pray for their strength and joy in the Lord.

An outpouring of mercy from the People of God will lift their spirits, lighten their anxiety and give them comfort and hope in their present need. Your continued prayers and your heartfelt charity will be their God-sent signs of mercy. Please give generously to the care of these priests of our diocese. Thank you for your participation in the Diocesan Infirm Priests’ Fund Collection. •

I Msgr. Franz Graef is one of many priests assisted by the Diocesan Infirm Priests' Fund.

I

am so happy to enter this YEAR OF MERCY. Just the thought of God’s mercy gives me such courage, hope and joy. His love gives me the desire to acknowledge and eradicate my sinful imperfections. His faithfulness gives me a tremendous sense of security. His compassion makes me want to please Him all the more. I am so grateful to Pope Francis for promulgating this Year of Mercy. I will take full advantage of this year of spiritual graces by personally making pilgrimage to the Cathedral, entering through the Holy Door to bow humbly before our merciful God. Price An amazing “year of mercy” has begun! Two collections occur in this month that begin our new liturgical year and end our current calendar year: the National Retirement Fund for Religious Collection, and the Diocesan Infirm Priests’ Fund Collection.

NATIONAL RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS Collection Dates: December 12 & 13 Announcement Dates: November 29 & December 6 lease give to those who have given a lifetime.” Our first special collection “ in December is for The National Retirement Fund for Religious. Aging religious need your help. Senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests spent years working in Catholic schools, hospitals, and agencies – often with little pay. Their sacrifices leave their religious communities without adequate savings for retirement and eldercare. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious collection helps to provide prescription medications, nursing

P

12 Catholic Connection

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

vocations View

by Duane Trombetta, Seminarian

Instituted Ministries of the Church source and summit of the Christian life. By carrying out the duties of Acolyte and Lector, a candidate for priesthood can be an effective disciple of Christ and help fulfill the mission of evangelization.

Discussion of the ministries of Acolyte and Lector took on timely significance to the Diocese of Shreveport on Saturday, October 24, 2015. On that day we seminarians, our formators, family members, and friends attended the On Monday, October 26, seminarian Duane Trombetta was installed as Acolyte and seminarian Kevin Rite of Institution in the Mues was installed as Lector at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. They are pictured here with Chapel of the Immaculate presider Bishop Joseph Strickland from the Diocese of Tyler.

Conception at Notre Dame Seminary. Shreveport seminarian Kevin Mues received the institution n August 2015, I entered my second year of theological studies at of Lector, and I received the institution of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. With each successive year in Acolyte. the seminary, I become better equipped to celebrate the sacrament The Church expressed her happiness on that and sacrifice of the Eucharistic liturgy. The Church marks the journey occasion through a solemn liturgy and by joyful toward that goal with milestones which impart blessings and designate singing by the Notre Dame Seminary Choir, responsibilities. In the past these were called “minor orders.” Today they are the Schola Cantorum. The presider and homilist called “ministries.” was His Excellency, Most Reverend Joseph In the earliest centuries of Christianity, candidates for priesthood would Strickland, the Bishop of the Diocese of Tyler, be chosen from among the faithful and entrusted with the important duties Texas. Bishop Strickland symbolically gave of proclaiming the Word of God and assisting at liturgical celebrations. The the Lectors a Bible to signify their ministry of Council of Trent (1545-1563) delineated the three “major orders” as Priest, proclaiming the Word of God, and he handed Deacon, and Subdeacon, and the four “minor orders” as Acolyte, Exorcist, to the Acolytes a ciborium with bread to signify Lector, and Porter. The second Vatican Council (1962-1965) consolidated the ministry of assisting at the altar. and restructured the minor orders into the two “ministries” of Acolyte and It is my pleasure and honor to serve as Lector.

Acolyte for the Diocese of Shreveport. And Formally instituted Acolytes are lay men who assist priests and deacons in now, destined in a special way for the service of purifying and arranging the sacred vessels at Mass and other church services. the altar, I will do my best to learn all matters They are considered Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion even concerning public divine worship and strive to outside the celebration of Mass. Formally instituted Lectors are charged with reading the Word of God in church. At their institution ceremonies, Acolytes serve worthily in the Eucharistic liturgy of Jesus Christ. • and Lectors receive special blessings of lasting importance, by which they become consecrated to God (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1672).

Are you feeling called to a vocation in Though the Second Vatican Council made changes to the ministries of the Church? Contact Fr. Matthew Long, Acolyte and Lector, their fundamental goal remained constant: to prepare Director of Church Vocations, at 318-868-4441, candidates to serve in the Eucharistic liturgy. After all, the Eucharist is the or mlong@dioshpt.org

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December 2015 13

Year of Mercy Celebrating the

December 8, 2015

- November 20, 2016

by Dianne Rachal

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7 n April 1, the Vigil of the Second Sunday of Easter and the Sunday of Divine Mercy, Pope Francis released Misericordiae Vultus (The Face of Mercy), the Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. The pope wrote that mercy is “the beating heart of the Gospel.” In Jesus Christ, in his words and actions, the mercy of God has been revealed. He goes on to illumine another facet of mercy as “the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness.” (MV no. 2) Mercy is at the very heart of the ministry and vocation of Pope Francis. He chose to make his episcopal motto his papal motto: miserando atque eligendo, “by having mercy, by choosing him.” In the calling of Matthew, a tax collector, Jesus looked intently and mercifully at Matthew and chose him to become one of the 12 apostles.

Traditionally, every 25 years the popes proclaim a holy year, which features special celebrations and pilgrimages, strong calls for conversion and repentance, and the offer of special opportunities to experience God’s grace through the sacraments, especially confession. Extraordinary holy years, like the Holy Year of Mercy, are less frequent, but offer the same opportunities for spiritual growth. A Holy Year was celebrated in 1983 to commemorate the 1,950th anniversary of Christ’s death and resurrection. “I frequently have thought about how the church can make more evident its mission to be a witness of mercy,” Pope Francis said; that is why he decided to call a special Holy Year. Pope Francis wants this year to be a time for Catholics to contemplate just how merciful God has been to them and to understand better how we are called to be merciful to others in turn.

The Holy Year will open on December 8, 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and conclude on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe on November 20, 2016. The Immaculate Conception celebrates God’s choice of Mary to be the Mother of man’s Redeemer.

God responds to the gravity of mankind’s sin with the fullness of mercy. This year, December 8 marks the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Pope Francis wants this year to be a time Second Vatican Council. Pope for Catholics to contemplate just how Francis stresses the need to keep Second Vatican Council alive. merciful God has been to them thePope Francis highlights the role and to understand better of Jesus as an instrument of God’s mercy: “Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy.” These words . might well sum up the mystery of

how we are called to be merciful to others in turn

14 Catholic Connection

Major Events of the Jubilee Year • Opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, December 8, feast of the Immaculate Conception.

• Opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. John Lateran and in the cathedrals of the world, December 13.

• Opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, January 1, feast of Mary, the Holy Mother of God and World Day for Peace.

• Jubilee for those involved with guiding or organizing pilgrimages and religious tourism, January 19 – January 21.

the Christian faith. Mercy has become living, and visible in Jesus of Nazareth, reaching its culmination in him. In the “fullness of time” (Gal 4:4), when everything had been arranged according to this plan of salvation, he sent his only Son into the world, born of the Virgin Mary, to reveal his love for us in a definitive way. Whoever sees Jesus sees the Father (Jn 14:9). Jesus of Nazareth, by his words, his actions, and his entire person reveals the mercy of God. (MV no. 1) When faced with the gravity of sin, God responds with the fullness of mercy. Mercy will always be greater than any sin, and no one can place limits on the love of God who is ever ready to forgive. (MV no. 3) The mercy of God is not an abstract idea, but a concrete reality with which He reveals his love as that of a father or a mother, moved to the very depths out of love for their child. It is hardly an exaggeration to say that this is a “visceral” love. It gushes forth from the depths naturally, full of tenderness and compassion, indulgence and mercy.

(MV no. 6) Jesus affirms that mercy is not only an action of the Father, it becomes a criterion for ascertaining who His true children are. In short, we are called to show mercy because mercy has first been shown to us. At times how hard it seems to forgive! And yet pardon is the instrument placed into our fragile hands to attain serenity of heart. In the words of Jesus, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Mt 5:7)—the beatitude to which we should particularly aspire in this Holy Year. (MV no. 9) Pope Francis asked that every diocese in the world designate a “Door of Mercy” at their cathedral. A Door of Mercy was sealed at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans on August 12. Everyone is invited to attend the 5:30 pm Mass at the Cathedral on December 13 when Bishop Michael Duca will open our Door of Mercy. This door will remain opened for the duration of the Holy Year.

For more information on the Jubilee Year of Mercy, go to the Jubilee Year of Mercy website: http://www. iubilaeummisericordiae.va/content/gdm/en.html.

• Opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, January 25, feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.

• Jubilee for Consecrated Life and the closing of the Year for Consecrated Life, February 2, feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

• Sending forth the Missionaries of Mercy, St. Peter’s Basilica, February 10, Ash Wednesday.

• Jubilee for the Roman Curia, February 22, feast of the Chair of St. Peter.

• “24 Hours for the Lord” with a penitential liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica, March 4.

• Jubilee for those who are devoted to the spirituality of Divine Mercy, April 3, Divine Mercy Sunday.

• Jubilee for teens aged 13 to 16 to profess the faith and construct a culture of mercy, April 24.

• Jubilee for deacons, May 27-29, the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.

• Jubilee for priests, June 3, feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

• Jubilee for those who are ill and for persons with disabilities, June 12.

• Jubilee for youth, July 26-31, World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland.

• Jubilee for workers and volunteers of mercy, September 4, the vigil of the memorial of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.

• Jubilee for catechists, September 25.

• Marian Jubilee, October 8-9.

• Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in memory of the faithful departed, November 1, feast of All Saints.

• Jubilee for prisoners, November 6.

• Closing of the Holy Doors in the basilicas of Rome and in the dioceses of the world, November 13.

• Closing of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica and the conclusion of the Jubilee of Mercy, November 20, feast of Christ the King.

December 2015 15

Jubilee of Mercy December 8, 2015

- November 20, 2016

Procedural Changes to the Annulment Process

by Fr. Peter Mangum, Judicial Vicar

F

rom the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis has consistently encouraged the Church to be a welcoming and missionary community of faith which goes out to those who live on the fringes of our communities – physically as well as spiritually. There are many causes for varied degrees of separation from the Church; among them are the challenges that are encountered by those who have experienced divorce and would like to marry another.

Divorce in itself neither excommunicates nor deprives a person of the sacraments. If a Catholic divorces and remarries outside the Church, without an annulment, he/she is not to receive Holy Communion since the Church continues to recognize the bond of the first marriage even after a civil union has ended by divorce. In order for a divorced person to validly marry in the Catholic Church and remain properly disposed to receive the Sacraments, any previous marriage must be reviewed by the personnel in our Tribunal, a part of our Office of Canonical Affairs, who will guide the petition for annulment through the appropriate process for their particular situation.

(The same process is used for a divorced and remarried person who wishes to enter the Church).

The Tribunal’s ministry, in This document, entitled Gentle this regard, is to determine Judge Lord Jesus (Mitis whether or not serious factors Iudex Dominus Iesus) becomes or circumstances existed effective on December 8, at the time of the wedding 2015, at the beginning of the which would indicate that the union was lacking Jubilee Year of Mercy. essential qualities that are necessary for the union to be recognized as valid in the eyes of the Church. If this is determined to be the case, an annulment may be granted. If the evidence is insufficient, however, the annulment must be declined. If an annulment is granted, that decision never affects the legitimacy of any children born of that legal union.

On September 8 of this year, Pope Francis issued an important document, reforming some procedures used for obtaining a declaration of nullity (i.e, annulment). This document, entitled Gentle Judge Lord Jesus (Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus) becomes effective on December 8, 2015, at the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. The reforms are procedural, and do not touch upon the nature of marriage or related doctrinal matters. The Church continues to uphold the doctrine of indissolubility, namely, that marriage endures until the death of a spouse.

A person seeking an annulment must still fill out appropriate paper work, submit the petition to the Tribunal, and receive an affirmative decision before entering a second marriage (or before being received into the Catholic Church in the case of a remarried non-Catholic participating in the RCIA.) An ecclesiastical judge reviewing the annulment petition must still arrive at moral certainty before rendering a decision.

16 Catholic Connection

The reforms only change the process used to arrive at that moral certainty. As a result Pope Francis has not made it easier to get an annulment, but rather, potentially quicker to get an annulment.

Two of the changes made by Gentle Judge Lord Jesus will significantly impact those seeking a declaration of nullity here in the Diocese of Shreveport. The first eliminates the need for a second decision in favor of the nullity of the marriage in question. In other words, after December 8, an affirmative decision rendered by our tribunal will become executive, that is, final unless one of the parties or the defender of the bond feels aggrieved and appeals to a higher court.

As such an appeal is rare, this change alone should shorten the process by several months.

Second, Pope Francis has introduced a new shorter procedure which can be used when the following two criteria are met: 1) both parties are in favor of a declaration of nullity and 2) the circumstances manifestly suggest the nullity of the marriage and therefore do not require an involved investigation. This is the so-called “45day annulment” which has received attention in the press. Based on cases received in the past, only about five to ten percent of the petitions presented would meet these two criteria.

Our Holy Father has also expressed a desire that annulment cases be of little or no direct cost to the parties of the case so that “and the church, showing herself to be a generous mother to the faithful in a matter so closely linked to the salvation of souls, might manifest the freely-given love of Christ by whom we all have been saved” (art. vi, unofficial translation). With this in mind, Bishop Duca has graciously declared that cases submitted during the Jubilee Year of Mercy will not require the requested donation. Meanwhile, please, be generous toward the Diocesan Appeal and your parish!

In the weeks before these new provisions take effect, our Tribunal has continued to process cases swiftly and has become fully prepared to implement the new procedures. If you are interested in pursuing a declaration of nullity, please contact your pastor or our Tribunal, the Office of Canonical Services. May we all come to know and trust our Lord Jesus, the Gentle Judge. •

Mercy in Action

Loyola’s FAiTH Marks 26th Season of Service

S Students Help Catholic Charities

by Polly Maciulski

D

uring the Year of Mercy, we are taking a look at some of the tangible acts of mercy that are being done in our diocese all the time. Look for this column each month to see how others and you can be involved in making the world a better place through acts of love and mercy.

The family has been the focus of the Catholic Church and especially our Holy Father, Francis, this year. We hear time and again that parents are to be the primary teachers in their children’s life, not just in school work, but more importantly, in their faith life. St. Joseph School can boast of many wonderful families who do just that every day, but one couple truly put Christ-like mercy in action with their daughter and her classmates recently by celebrating her birthday in a very unique way. Mike and Susan Henson held a surprise birthday party for their daughter, Lauren, a sixth grade student at St. Joseph School, and invited her entire sixth grade class - all 40 of them. But if they came to the party, each guest was asked to bring canned goods, rather than gifts.

“I never decided on what kind of party I was going to have, but I decided I didn’t want people to bring presents, but canned goods. My mom told every single one of my classmates that they were having a surprise party for me and to bring canned goods. Not a single kid told me about the surprise party.... The two best parts about this Birthday were that I could spend it with my friends and that I got to help out Catholic Charities!”

And they did. All donations collected were given to Catholic Charities of North Louisiana.

Jean Dresley, Director of Catholic Charities, said, “Catholic Charities of North Louisiana is extremely grateful to St. Joseph Catholic School’s sixth grade class for hosting a food drive! We are always in need of non-perishable items, especially this time of year. We cannot thank them enough.” •

by Tricia Grayson

tarted as a community service project in 1990, Loyola’s Flyers Aiding the Hungry (FAiTH) is preparing for its 26th season of helping feed families in the Shreveport-Bossier area. During that time, more than 10,000 families have received donated food items during the Christmas season.

“Loyola really embraced the idea and took it forward,” said FAiTH founder Ashley Glassell Rockett, a 1990 Loyola graduate who returns to the school each year to help. “There is so much work that goes into the months leading up to FAiTH distribution day,” Rockett said.

“Loyola taught me about service. It’s not just something they tell you to go and do. It’s something that everyone here embodies,” she added.

This year’s FAiTH distribution day will be December 7. The FAiTH group works with local community organizations such as Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul and Providence House to identify families in need, and has collected canned foods and funds throughout the year in order to make the event possible.

If you would like to donate, call Loyola College Prep at (318) 221-2675.

Cans, toys or monetary donations are accepted. Sponsoring a food basket is $20 and you can choose to donate these in honor of or in memory of friends or family. • December 2015 17

local NEWS

Bulldogs Participate in Cupcakes for Life

by Courtney Smith, President of Bulldogs for Life

serving pregnant and parenting mothers that we have appointed two members as “Women’s Resources” chairpersons to coordinate efforts with Life Choices and foster a supportive environment for pregnant young women on Tech’s campus. We intend on participating in the March for Life in D.C. this winter, as well as hosting a speaker on the dignity of human life and comprehensive life issues later this spring. In promoting the dignity of all human life on our campus and protecting the most vulnerable members of society, we hope to serve Christ in “the least of his brethren.” •

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s Jesus identifies with the vulnerable, we in Louisiana Tech’s pro-life organization see the need to promote the message of the dignity of every human being, especially the defenseless and innocent. Our group, Bulldogs for Life, adopts a compassionate approach to human dignity issues including abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment and suicide. The movement is going strong, as the club’s membership has more than doubled since last year, and we plan new, creative ways at each meeting to get the pro-life message to campus.

Recently, in an outpouring of support from all club members, we participated in the national Cupcakes for Life day, a day on which pro-life groups give away free cupcakes in memory of the children whose birthdays are never celebrated because of abortion. We gave away over 250 cupcakes, resulting in over $300 in donations for Life Choices of North Central Louisiana, the pregnancy resource center in Ruston.

Bulldogs for Life wants to dedicate so much attention to 18 Catholic Connection

“We

gave away over 250 cupcakes, resulting in

over $300 in donations for Life Choices of North Central Louisiana... ”

Embracing the Mission

Parish Gatherings Mark the First Step in Developing Diocesan Pastoral Plan

by Nicki Prevou

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ince September of this year, more than 2,000 Catholics from across the Diocese of Shreveport have experienced what many are calling an “energizing” and “truly spiritual” opportunity. Bishop Duca has now met with pastors and parishioners in each of the 29 faith communities of the diocese, leading participants in “Embracing the Mission” parish gatherings.

Glowing evaluations have pointed to the success of the gatherings, to which every Catholic in the diocese was invited as the first step in the bishop’s work to create a pastoral plan for the Diocese of Shreveport. The sessions, with the theme “Into the Deepp” (Diocesan Pastoral Plan), were designed to serve as an opportunity for the bishop to learn more about the experiences of the faithful of the diocese, an aspect of the planning process the bishop felt was essential.

The format of each gathering was the same, said Dianne Rachal, Director of the diocesan Office of Worship, who joined the bishop in helping to lead each meeting. Nine of the gatherings included the assistance of translators, in order to more effectively meet the needs of Spanish-speaking participants.

“Bishop Duca began each session with prayer,” explained Dianne. “Then he outlined some of his hopes for the process. He spoke about living our faith in the culture today, acknowledging some of the very good things that are a part of our contemporary culture, while

also noting some of the challenges of the culture and some of the challenges that we face in our Church.”

Trained facilitators led discussions in small groups at each session, guiding conversations about participants’ most cherished aspects of their identities as Catholics, and also about the areas in which they have faced the most difficulty in living out their faith. Participants were also asked to offer positive suggestions about how they would like to see their faith communities and the ministries of the diocese continue to grow.

The process also provided opportunities for each participant to offer, in their own handwriting, some of their own most heartfelt experiences, needs and hopes for the future on brightly colored notes, which were then posted at the front of the meeting space.

The bishop used his telephone to take pictures of each response. “We think that the bishop has now downloaded approximately 4,500 notes onto his computer,” marveled Dianne. “And he is reading every single one of those responses.”

After all responses from the meetings are compiled and professionally analyzed, the bishop will meet with the priests of the diocese to discuss key themes that emerge from the data. He will then write his pastoral letter, to be shared within the diocese by Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2016. Members of each faith community will work together to create

an “action plan,” designed to implement the directions outlined within the pastoral letter. This step will mark the beginning of a three-year process of integrating the plan into all aspects of ministry within the Diocese of Shreveport.

Helen Allen, a parishioner at Little Flower Catholic Church in Monroe, attended the Embracing the Mission session held at her parish on November 4.

Having moved from Chicago to Monroe in 2009, Helen is still getting to know people within the parish.

“Just getting to hear their clarity of thought – these people with whom I have worshipped for the past few years – I found it amazing,” mused Helen. “This just made me realize that we know each other by seeing one another in church as we celebrate the Eucharist, but we don’t always know each other as human beings.

It was inspiring to me to think that, as much as I enjoyed getting to learn more about the people in my small group, I would like to know 60, or maybe more, people in that way in my church. I know that this would enrich my spiritual journey.”

In reflecting upon the past three months of Embracing the Mission gatherings, Bishop Duca agreed that the sessions generated enthusiasm and a spirit of connection within the parishes and campus ministry communities of the diocese.

“I think participants were pleasantly surprised that the best part of the meeting was not the opportunity to ask and answer questions, but rather the unity they felt with one another.” Bishop Duca explained. “They discovered that their fellow parishioners had the same concerns about the Church and faced many of the same challenges in living their faith in today’s world. They were also encouraged as they shared their common love of the Church and their hopes for the future.” • Didn’t have the opportunity to attend your parish Embracing the Mission gathering?

Participate online at: www.dioshpt.org/news/ into-the-deepp-pastoral-planning-process

December 2015 19

Give Gifts of Fair Trade This Christmas

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atholic Relief Services (CRS) Fair Trade and their partner, Serrv want to help you and your family celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with decorations that do good this holiday season and beyond. The gifts in this collection are gifts that give twice. That’s because when you buy fair trade items, you are helping support the poor and vulnerable around the world. Fair trade means that the people who produced these products were paid fair wages and given the technical and financial assistance they needed to bring them to market. The fair trade movement connects these talented artisans, farmers and workers with consumers like you who understand that the choices we make every day as consumers have the power to combat poverty. This year marks the 20th anniversary of CRS’ partnership with Serrv.

To learn more about our work together visit http://www.crsfairtrade.org/crafts/ •

Planned Giving Goes Digital

by John Mark WIllcox

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5 1. Hand-knit alpaca-blend animals are arrayed with tiny colorful pom-poms, $1015. 2. Hand carved from Alstonia, a tropical evergreen tree native to Indonesia, this contemporary nativity features eight figures, $42. 3. Your fair trade purchase is a wish

come true for the artisans who create these stars from handmade silk paper with silver cord wrapping. Set of 6, $12. 4. Tall and sculptural, these holy figures are beautifully carved from dark Toona wood, then meticulously painted by hand to create the colorful patterning, $110. 5. Cuddly-soft nativity inspires happy memories of Christmas past.

Set of 8 figures is hand crocheted and includes a gift box, $38.

20 Catholic Connection

n a recent addition to our diocesan website, the Office of Development now offers a new digital Planned Giving section for those Catholics seeking to explore the careful organization of their estate in the present and planning for the near and distant future.

This unique section of our website features special gift illustrators which enable the donor to see the benefits of providing specific gifts without having to do the calculations themselves. This resource features planned giving tools and sample forms twinned with best practices for those seeking to put their affairs in order while supporting the mission of the Church.

We think you will find this new addition to our website easy to navigate and full of accurate, helpful material that easily enables you to understand the best planned giving vehicle for your particular needs.

Visit the new site today, http:// plannedgiving.dioshpt.org or click on the link which appears on the front page of our diocesan website: www.dioshpt.org. •

Catholic Charities: A Story of Strength and Struggle

by Jean Dresley, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana

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t Catholic Charities we ask our clients to share what brought them to us. One moving story reminded me of the power of love, faith and sheer tenacity. I have changed the names and received permission to tell you “Clarice’s” story.

Clarice is 31 years old and the proud parent of two boys, ages 15 and 6, both straight A students. They live near our office in Cedar Grove and their father is incarcerated, so Clarice is raising her sons alone; but this is nothing new to her as she has been raising children since she was a child herself.

Clarice is the oldest of nine children and her mother was a drug addict until five years ago. When her mother was using drugs she would often abandon her children for days at a time, leaving Clarice to take care of her younger siblings. “We had many nights without food. Some nights without electricity. It was hard on me growing up but I made it through it.”

At age 16, in the midst of raising her siblings and trying to keep her family together, Clarice became pregnant. She said “It was a hurtful feeling being young and pregnant and not having my mother there with me. I was a child having a child and already raising children.” Clarice quit high school and started working “to provide for her son and siblings.”

Sadly, tragedy struck this struggling family when a drunk driver hit and killed “I just felt like my world was one of her coming down on me. brothers.

Clarice wrote, “I just felt ” like my world was coming down on me. I lost my freedom as a child a long time ago. I didn’t know how to deal with my brothers and my other siblings didn’t even understand what was going on. I was in a dark place.” Out of this tragedy, Clarice’s mother came back and was able to stay off drugs for two or three years but relapsed when Clarice was 19.

Throughout this dark period she and her siblings stuck together. Her mother has been clean for five years and held a steady job for the past three. Clarice went back to school and received her high school equivalency diploma, then went on to earn a degree in cosmetology. Her sons are her motivation and inspiration. “Every day, I say to myself, I have to do better because I want them to look up to me… My boys see me further my education, they will further theirs and work to

I lost my freedom as a child a long time ago.

better themselves.”

Clarice works hard to ensure her boys never experience the hardships she did, but at $8.25 per hour she struggles to make ends meet. Catholic Charities of North Louisiana helped her apply for food stamps, develop a monthly budget and paid part of her rent.

“I started off on a rocky path. The rest of my path is going to be smooth sailing. I know God has me and my boys. He brought me this far and He is going to take me further. I thank Jesus every day for battling for me because I know I would be nothing without Jesus.” •

331 East 71st Street • Shreveport 318-865-0200 • www.ccnla.org December 2015 21

Reflect on the Beauty of Christmas

by Sr. Martinette Rivers, OLS

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nd this will be a sign to you; You will find an Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12). Thus is born, JESUS, the king of this holy season.

“He came not to a throne, but to a manger. He lived not as a king, but as a servant. He chose not a kingdom, but a cross. He gave not just a little, but everything.” (Holley Gerth) She says it all so beautifully. Let’s replace our OLD ideas about Christmas with, NEW ones this season. This is our time for new beginnings with our family and friends. A time to look beyond ourselves and reflect upon the wonderful Birth of Jesus.

The privilege to love Jesus is ours to cherish, wonder at, be happy about. We show His love to others with our lives.

Perhaps this Christmas we can give a gift to a poor family, visit someone in the hospital or spend more time praying than shopping.

As Pope Francis says: “We can be signs of a different world where everyone is recognized, accepted, included, dignified and not only for their usefulness but for their intrinsic value as a human being, as daughter or son of God.” Living this message and sharing it with whomever we meet this Christmas, should become the delight of our souls.

Pope Francis said, “Every family is a light in the world,” so this Christmas, soak in the essence of your family faith, with those you love and enjoy the new light which has come to us again: the Christ child. Christmas is such a special, sacred, time of the year to celebrate family. With our busy lives, we tend to forget the most important things like Christmas gratitude, which could unlock many new doors for your aging spirits.

“We are created to share in God’s love and life for eternity.” (St Ignatius Loyola.)

Isn’t the Christmas season the perfect time to share once more in his love? It could be done as you kneel before the Baby Jesus. Imagine that you are there with Mary and Joseph in the stable, with all those animals, with the cold night “

22 Catholic Connection

Thanks from Msgr. Clayton's Family

T air chilling the place, but warming the atmosphere of your heart, with your love, as your face broadens with a loving smile.

This could bring new life and energy into your lives.

We love this newborn babe because he first loved us. It will be our privilege again to show and express our love for Him. Take the time to tell Him how much he means to you. Show his beauty this Christmas with your life’s actions, so others will say, “No wonder they love Jesus.” See what a difference it will make in your life and how much happier you will be.

During this holy season, become fully present to all around you, follow your hearts, be mindful of who you love and what you love, because there is a sweetness in the Christmas atmosphere surrounding us: crackling fires burning, children laughing and so many other things happening to keep our spirits alive. These precious moments will define us. The winds of God’s grace blow all the time so let’s set sail and move into the New Year with grace.

“Joy comes into our lives when we have something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for."(Viktor E. Frankl.) • Sr. Martinette Rivers is Sister of Our Lady of Sorrows and spiritual gerontologist who resides in Rimini, Italy.

he family of Rev. Msgr. Charles Murray Clayton expresses their sincere thanks to the wonderful people of the Diocese of Shreveport and the Diocese of Alexandria. We also want those families affiliated with St. Joseph Catholic School to know how much our family appreciates the special things you did for our uncle.

Our Uncle Murray truly loved each of you with all of his heart and soul.

Our family was so very touched by the outpouring of love, affection and respect you all showed for him at this very difficult time. The kindness and caring spirit we felt will continue to be a beacon of light and a forever treasured memory that we will hold close to our hearts.

As hard as letting go can be, we thank you all for making our loss easier to bear as we became aware of the pure love which surrounded our beloved Uncle Murray, as well as the love and compassion that was shown to us. We take consolation in the knowledge that our dear Lord placed Uncle Murray in your community, where he was completely surrounded with this genuine love and kindness from his parishoners and his many friends in the Catholic faith, as well as other faiths.

We are truly blessed that he was our Uncle, and we are also truly blessed to know that he had all of you for his loving and caring friends.

Thank you, and may God bless you, one and all.

With Love and Blessings, The Clayton Family

hispanic NEWS por Rosalba Quiroz

Extracto de discurso del Santo Papa Francisco anunciando el Año de la Misericordia

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. Jesucristo es el rostro de la misericordia del Padre. El misterio de la fe cristiana parece encontrar su síntesis en esta palabra. Ella se ha vuelto viva, visible y ha alcanzado su culmen en Jesús de Nazaret. El Padre, « rico en misericordia » (Ef 2,4), después de haber revelado su nombre a Moisés como « Dios compasivo y misericordioso, lento a la ira, y pródigo en amor y fidelidad » (Ex 34,6) no ha cesado de dar a conocer en varios modos y en tantos momentos de la historia su naturaleza divina.

2. Siempre tenemos necesidad de contemplar el misterio de la misericordia. Es fuente de alegría, de serenidad y de paz. Es condición para nuestra salvación. Misericordia: es la palabra que revela el misterio de la Santísima Trinidad. Es el acto último y supremo con el cual Dios viene a nuestro encuentro. Es la ley fundamental que habita en el corazón de cada persona cuando mira con ojos sinceros al hermano que encuentra en el camino de la vida. Es la vía que une Dios y el hombre, porque abre el corazón a la esperanza de ser amados para siempre no obstante el límite de nuestro pecado.

El Año Santo se abrirá el 8 de diciembre de 2015, solemnidad de la Inmaculada Concepción. Esta fiesta litúrgica indica el modo de obrar de Dios desde los albores de nuestra historia.

El domingo siguiente, III de Adviento, se abrirá la Puerta Santa en la Catedral de Roma, la Basílica de San Juan de Letrán. Sucesivamente se abrirá la Puerta Santa en las otras Basílicas Papales. Para el mismo domingo establezco que en cada Iglesia particular, en la Catedral que es la Iglesia Madre para todos los fieles, o en la Concatedral o en una iglesia de significado especial se abra por todo el Año Santo una idéntica Puerta de la Misericordia.

Que en este Año Jubilar la Iglesia se convierta en el eco de la Palabra de Dios que resuena fuerte y decidida como palabra y gesto de perdón, de soporte, de ayuda, de amor. Nunca se canse de ofrecer misericordia y sea siempre paciente en el confortar y perdonar. La Iglesia se haga voz de cada hombre y mujer y repita con confianza y sin descanso: « Acuérdate, Señor, de tu misericordia y de tu amor; que son eternos » (Sal 25,6).

Dado en Roma, junto a San Pedro, el 11 de abril, Vigilia del Segundo Domingo de Pascua o de la Divina Misericordia, del Año del Señor 2015, tercero de mi pontificado.

En la Diócesis de Shreveport, la Puerta de la Catedral que ha estado cerrada en unión con toda la iglesia, se abrirá el domingo 13 de diciembre del 2015 durante la Misa de 5:30 p.m. •

Calendario de Diciembre, 2015 5 Reunión Mesa Directiva Pastoral Juvenil, Centro Católico 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.

5 Reunión Experiencia Cristo, Centro Católico 10:00-12:00

December 2015 23

school NEWS

All Saints Celebration at Jesus the Good Shepherd

St. Fred's Students Raise Funds for SVdP

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esus the Good Shepherd School celebrated All Saints Day with their annual Parade of Saints at the school Mass held on Friday, October 30. Everyone from St. Kateri and St. John Paul II to St. Francis and the Blessed Mother were represented at this beloved JGS tradition.

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t. Frederick High School students raised over $2600 for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. For $10 students, faculty and staff were able to wear jeans for the week of November 9-13. The money will be used to purchase turkeys and perishable goods for local families in need for Thanksgiving.

Front row: Blair Breard, senior; Elaine Ezell, senior; Gabe Haney, 7th grader, Lee Randels, 7th grader; Tracy Stodghill, senior. Back row: Graham Sorrel, junior; Danielle Hall, senior; Mary Amanda Dickerson, senior; John O’Leary, senior; Kane Chunn, 7th grader and Jennifer Chunn, Librarian.

- Jennifer Chunn

Nuns and Priest Visit Students at SJS

OLF Students Make Ornaments for Govenor

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he fifth grade Students at Our Lady of Fatima School decorated Christmas ornaments for the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion.

SJB School Names Students of the Year

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n Tuesday, November 3, St. Joseph School students in grades 5-8 enjoyed a visit from Diocesan Vocations Director Fr. Matthew Long, and Sister Anna Maria, Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Both Fr. Long and Sr. Anna Maria spoke about their individual journeys from the beginning: hearing a call 24 Catholic Connection

to religious life, discerning what exactly God was calling them to do, and finally surrendering to God’s will and rejoicing in His plan for them.

The students were treated to this visit as part of National Vocations Awareness Week, which was celebrated November 1-7 this year.

- Polly Maciulski

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t. John Berchmans School has selected Peter Vanchiere (8th grade) and Addy Quintana (5th grade) as its Students of the Year for the 2015-16 School Year.

Kids' Connection!

What Can We Learn This Month?

! d e v l o v n I t Ge

This month we celebrate the

Corporal Works of Mercy Corporal Works of Mercy tend to the bodily needs of others.

The seven corporal works of mercy come from Matthew 25:34-40 and the Book of Tobit. As we begin the Year of Mercy, now is a great time to learn them and find ways to take part in helping others.

1)

Feed

the Hungry.

2) give Drink to the thirsty.

3) Clothe the naked.

5)

4) SHelter the homeless.

Visit

The Advent and Christmas seasons offer ample opportunities to participate in the corporal works of mercy.

Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty & Shelter the Homeless: Many of our Catholic Churches serve meals to the poor and homeless and look for volunteers to help with serving and food donations. Find out when your church serves and join them, or bake cookies for their meal donations.

Visit the Sick: Being sick doesn’t always mean being hospitalized, sometimes it means having Alzheimer’s or some other disease and living in a nursing home or assisted living.

Christmas is a great time to visit and bring a special treat.

Clothe the Naked: Clean out your closet, or buy new clothes to give to your local homeless shelter. Call them and find out what they need to clothe those who most need it!

Word Find FEED HUNGRY DRINK THIRSTY

CLOTHE NAKED SHELTER HOMELESS

VISIT SICK IMPRISONED BURY

the sick.

6) Visit the imprisoned.

7) Bury the dead.

December 2015 25

across the GLOBE

by Vatican Information Services

An appeal is launched to institutions to promote and support policies in favor of the family, and Catholics

engaged in politics are exhorted to protect the family and life, as a society

that neglects them loses its openness to the future.

Final Relatio of the Synod: Truth & Mercy

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atican City, October 24, 2015 – The Synod Fathers approved the final Relatio of the 14th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod on the Family, made up of 94 paragraphs, each one of which was voted on individually. The director of the Holy See Press Office, Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J., gave a briefing on the document.

Fr. Lombardi remarked that the text takes into account the many difficulties faced by the family, but also its great capacity for facing and reacting to them.

The conclusive document of the Synod includes many of the amendments to the Instrumentum Laboris presented by the Synod Fathers and therefore reflects the voice of the Assembly.

With reference to the two paragraphs dedicated to complex family situations, which were approved by a very slender majority, Fr. Lombardi noted that they regard the pastoral approach to wounded families or those that are irregular from a canonical point of view and in terms of the discipline of the Church: in particular, cohabitation, civil marriage, divorced and remarried persons and the way of pastorally addressing these situations.

Fr. Lombardi underlined that the tone of the document is positive and welcoming, and that it has greatly enriched the Instrumentum Laboris.

26 Catholic Connection

Similarly, the pope’s Motu Proprio on the reform of marriage annulment procedures made an effective and decisive contribution to the theme of the Synod.

The final Relatio reaffirms the doctrine of the indissolubility of sacramental marriage, which is not a yoke but rather a gift from God, a truth based in Christ and in His relationship with the Church.

At the same time, it underlines that truth and mercy converge in Christ, which leads to welcome wounded families. Without expressly mentioning access to the Eucharist for remarried divorcees, the Synod document recalls that they are not excommunicated and refers the analysis of complex family situations to the discernment of pastors.

With regard to cohabiting couples, the text reiterates that this situation should be faced constructively, seeking to transform it into an opportunity for a path to conversion towards the fullness of marriage and family, in the light of the Gospel.

Other salient points of the document refer to homosexuality. There must be no discrimination against people with homosexual tendencies, but at the same time the text states that the Church is contrary to same-sex unions and external pressure on the Church in relation to this matter is not accepted. There are

special paragraphs dedicated to immigrants, refugees and persecuted families who are often divided and whose members can become victims of trafficking. A welcoming approach was invoked for them too, recalling their rights and also their duties in their host countries.

There are specific paragraphs on women, men and children, the mainstays of family life: the text emphasises the need for the protection and the recognition of the value of their respective roles. It is hoped that a more prominent role will be identified for women in the formation of ordained ministers, while in relation to children mention was made of the beauty of adoption and fostering, practices which reconstruct ruptured family bonds. The Synod does not forget widows and widowers, the disabled, the elderly and grandparents, who enable the transmission of faith in the family and must be protected from the throwaway culture. Unmarried people must also be acknowledged for their commitment to the Church and society.

Among the “shadows” that are frequently cast on the family, the Synod notes the presence of political and religious fanaticism hostile to Christianity, growing individualism, gender ideology, conflicts, persecution, poverty, precarious employment, corruption, economic difficulties that can exclude families from education and culture, the globalization of indifference in which humanity’s place at the center of society is usurped by money, pornography and the declining birth rate.

The Relatio therefore gathers together suggestions for strengthening preparation for marriage, especially for the young who appear intimidated by it. They are in need, says the Synod, of an adequate emotional formation, following the virtues of chastity and self-giving. In this regard, mention was made of the bond between the sexual act and procreation between spouses, of which children are the most precious fruit, since they bear the memory and hope of an act of love. Education in sexuality and corporeality and the promotion of responsible parenting would also be central, in accordance with

the teachings of Paul VI’s encyclical “Humanae Vitae” and the primary role of parents in the education of their children in faith.

An appeal is launched to institutions to promote and support policies in favor of the family, and Catholics engaged in politics are exhorted to protect the family and life, as a society that neglects them loses its openness to the future. In this respect, the Synod reaffirms the sacredness of life from conception to natural death, and warns against the grave threats posed to the family by abortion and euthanasia. Further paragraphs are dedicated to mixed marriages, whose positive aspects in relation to ecumenical and interreligious dialogue are underlined, while confirming the need to protect religious freedom and the right to conscientious objection in society.

It includes reflection on the need to modify the language of the Church, making it more meaningful so that the proclamation of the Gospel of the family may truly respond to the deepest human aspirations.

Finally, the Relatio emphasizes the beauty of the family: as a domestic church based on marriage between a man and a woman, the fundamental cell of the society whose growth it contributes, a safe entry to the deepest sentiments, the sole point of connection in a fragmented age, and an integral part of human ecology, it must be protected, supported and encouraged, also by the authorities.

The document concludes by a plea to the Synod Fathers by the pope, regarding the possibility of producing a document on the family. As Fr. Lombardi explains, “The Synod Fathers do not say that all is complete, but affirm that they offer the Relatio to the Holy Father to enable him to evaluate whether to continue on this route with a document, on the basis of the Synod text, to further examine the theme of the family from the perspective he wishes to offer. ‘We continue on our path.’” •

‘Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography’

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ALTIMORE—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved a formal statement, “Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography,” at their annual Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, November 17.

“My brother bishops’ approval of this statement shows our collective concern for the widespread problem of pornography in our culture today,” said Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, New York, chairman of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family and Youth (LMFLY), which led the statement’s development. “As the statement says, virtually everyone is affected by pornography in some way. So many people –including within the Church– are in need of Christ’s abundant mercy and healing.

My hope is that the statement can serve as a foundation and catalyst for increased pastoral attention to this challenge at the national and local level.”

The formal statement provides a basic catechesis on human sexuality and chastity,

an explanation of why the production and use of pornography is a sin, an overview of its effects in our society, a closer look at its effects on men, women, children, young people, marriages and families, and a word of hope and encouragement to those who have been harmed by pornography use or in its production. The statement’s main audiences are Catholic leaders and parents, but it is also intended to be helpful for those who struggle with pornography use and all people of goodwill who want to work together for a culture of purity and respect for all women and men.

The full text of “Create in Me a Clean Heart” will be available online at www. usccb.org/cleanheart, along with other USCCB resources on pornography. A printed version in English and Spanish will be available in early 2016. The LMFLY Committee plans to develop supplementary material in 2016, including an abridged version of the statement and targeted resources for priests, parents and young people among others. •

Bishops Voice Solidarity in Wake of Paris Attacks, Pledge Prayers

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ALTIMORE—The Administrative Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) pledged prayers for those suffering from the November 13 terror attacks in Paris and support for “all those working to build just and peaceful societies” in a statement, November 14. Meeting in Baltimore ahead of the bishops’ Fall General Assembly, the Administrative Committee is comprised of USCCB’s officers, committee chairmen and other bishops representing every region of the United States.

Full text of the statement follows: Terror always seeks to separate us from those we most love. Through

their suffering, courage and compassion, Parisians are reminding us that the common bond of humanity is strongest when the need is greatest. We pledge our prayers for everyone who suffers from this horrific violence and our advocacy to support all those working to build just and peaceful societies.

To the people of France, we mourn with you and honor the lives lost from several nations, including our own. To our brothers and sisters in the Church in France, your family in the United States holds you close to our hearts. May the tender and merciful love of Jesus Christ give you comfort during this great trial and lead you on a path toward healing and peace. • December 2015 27

Pro-Life Donation from Knights

around the DIOCESE

T Pastoral Musicians Hosted Two Events

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he National Association of Pastoral Musicians Shreveport (NAPMS) chapter has hosted two successful events recently. Pictured is the Cantor Intensive Workshop on August 29th with Ms. Joanne Werner from Dallas as the presenter. The workshop was well attended and cantors came away with new ideas and a better understanding of

their ministry.

The NAPMS also had a Marian Hymn Festival on October 16.

NPM chapter presented a festival of solo, small ensemble and sing-along hymns to the Blessed Virgin Mary with meditations based on the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary.

– Suzan Atkins

he Knights of Columbus presented Bishop Michael Duca a check from the proceeds from the Day at the Downs event to assist with the Culture of Life programs in the diocese. Pictured: Chris Davs, Distric Deputy Shreveport / Bossier City, Bishop Michael Duca and Dave Bodden, Event Coordinator.

Lighted Rosary

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he high school youth at St. Jude Parish set up a lighted rosary in October to honor the Month of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

- Mike Wise

St. Jude Ladies Guild

Christian Service Kicks Off Campaign

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n the first of November at the annual Poor Man’s Supper of Christian Service, Jane Snyder, President of the Christian Service board, announced the kick off of a Capital Campaign to raise funds to renovate the building at Hope Connections on Levy Street where Christian Service will move its Hospitality House and 28 Catholic Connection

clothing facility to continue Sr. Margaret McCaffrey and Msgr. Murray Clayton’s mission to serve those in need in our community.

Pictured: Al Moore, Executive Director of of Christian Service presenting the Sr. Margaret group award to two representatives from WalMart.

– Jane Snyder

T

he St. Jude Ladies Guild gathered for their annual potluck dinner.

- Mike Wise

LaTech Catholics Go on Retreat With activities that involve both strategizing and some athletic ability, 40 ACTS members spent their Saturday morning scaling 12 foot walls, getting their team over a log suspended eight feet up, or passing through openings in a web-like arrangement of ropes. It pushed students out of their comfort zones, whether physically, mentally, or socially, as they worked together to complete the challenges. It allowed teams to bring together each student’s strengths to work the challenges, whether it be a lightweight frame, a strong build, confident leadership, or practical sensibility. A period of debriefing after each element allowed the teams to evaluate how well they worked together, communicated, and encouraged one another. Cheers echoed as a team member reached down from the top of the wall and successfully pulled up the last student and as a hesitant student trusted her team to “crowd-surf ” her off an eight-foot height. With lunch provided by the Women’s Guild of St. Thomas, the morning ended with plenty of food, fellowship, and a great sense of accomplishment.

– Brother Mike Ward

T

he annual Louisiana Tech Association of Catholic Tech Students (ACTS) Fall Retreat 2015 centers around teambuilding exercises and offers an opportunity for old and new ACTS members to get to know one another. This year, this was accomplished with a trip to the Outdoor Wilderness Learning (OWL) Center in nearby Dubach to complete the low ropes challenge course.

The Hispanic School of Faith Comes to a Close

Knights of Peter Claver Celebrate Founding

T

he Knights of Peter Claver was founded November 7, 1909. On Sunday, November 8, the Knights of Peter Claver #144, and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Peter Claver celebrated the anniversary at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Shreveport. They followed with a Founder’s Day Breakfast at the Golden Corral.

– Stanley Roque

S

chool of Faith 2015 consisted of six Saturday classes in Spanish with subjects like “Documents of the Church,” “Spirituality,” “Apologetics” and “History of the Church.” On November 7, 2015, over 30 participants from five parishes completed the course!

Congratulations!

- Rosalba Quiroz

December 2015 29

mark your CALENDAR 12/1

Series of Talks for Catholic Couples: So Goes the World: Focusing on Family to Change Society Please join us December 1 for a talk on Parenting - Being Receptive to Children and Giving Them the Gift of Time. The talk by Katie Sciba will be from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Cathedral and is free! All are invited and encouraged to attend. To register for this free series, call the Cathedral office at 318-221-5296. Nursery is availiable if you call ahead.

12/6

Lessons, Carols & Festive Music at St. Jude Parish St. Jude and St. Joseph Music Ministries will combine with the Airline High School Troubadours to present a program of Advent Lessons, Carols & Festive Music! The program will be presented at St. Jude Catholic Church in Benton on Sunday, December 6 at 4:00 pm. It will be presented again in a slightly revised format at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shreveport on December 15th at 7:00 pm. All are welcome to this free concert! Donations will be accepted to help the Airline High School singers fund their spring tour to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York.

12/13

Fr. Jim Sichko to Present Advent Mission at St. John the Baptist Parish Fr. Jim Sichko, a priest of the Diocese of Lexington, KY, will be giving a three-night Advent Mission at St. John the Baptist Parish in Many, Sunday, December 13 – Tuesday, December 15 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

12/13

Little Flower of Jesus Parish Presents The Sounds of Music Little Flower of Jesus Catholic Church, located at 600 S. 16th St., Monroe, presents "The Sounds of Music" on Sunday, December 13, at 3:00pm. They welcome all to come and help celebrate the sounds of the Christmas season.

12/15

A Christmas Music Tapestry (Concert) at St. Joseph Parish, Shreveport Featuring: St. Joseph Adult and 30 Catholic Connection

Children's Choirs with Handbell Choir, St. Jude Choir with St. Joseph School Choir and the Airline High School Troubadours and area instrumentalists. There will be carol singing, hot cocoa and apple cider with ginger snaps following the concert. The event begins at 7:00pm with free admission. For more information, contact the church office at 318-865-3581.

12/18

Outdoor LIVE Nativity at St. Joseph Parish, Shreveport Featuring: Live Nativity characters, animals, St. Joseph Children’s Choir and reading from Gospel of Luke. The event takes place from 5:30 - 6:30pm with free admission.

For more information, contact the church office at 318-865-3581.

12/20

Candlelight Lessons and Carols at St. John the Baptist Parish, Many The St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Choir in Many will be performing “Candlelight Lessons and Carols” on Sunday, December 20 at 7:00pm in the church, located at 1130 E. San Antonio Ave., Many. Admission is free. Please join

Advent

us for this spectacular event. For more information, contact the church office at 318-256-5680.

1/8

Weekend Retreat for Couples in Troubled Marriages Retrouvaille of Acadiana is planning a weekend retreat for couples in troubled marriages at Maryhill Renewal Center in Pineville, LA January 8-10, 2016. For confidential information or to register for the program, call 1-800-470-2230 or visit: www.HelpOurMarriage.com

1/31

St. Brigid Feast Day Celebration at St. Mary of the Pines Parish In honor of St. Brigid's feast day, St. Mary of the Pines Parish will host an Irish/English Rosary at 8:30am, followed by Mass at 9:00am. There will be an Irish brunch and ceili immediately following Mass with live Irish music, mummers who will tell the story of St Brigid's cloak and ceili dancing. Come and celebrate with us! St. Mary of the Pines is located at 1050 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport, LA 71118.

For more information, contact the church office at 318-687-5121.

Reconciliation Services

St. Pius X Parish

Wed., December 2

6:30 p.m.

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans

Mon., December 7

6:30 p.m.

Mary, Queen of Peace Parish

Wed., December 9

6:00 p.m.

St. Jude Parish

Thurs., December 10

6:30 p.m.

Christ the King Parish Sat., December 12

10:00 a.m.

Holy Trinity Parish

Mon., December 14

5:00 p.m.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

Tues., December 15

6:30 p.m.

St. Joseph Parish, Shreveport

Thurs., December 17

6:30 p.m.

DECEMBER

2015

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

SATURDAY

29 30 1 2 3 4 5 First Day of Advent

Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering, St. Joseph Parish, Zwolle, 6pm

Annual Business Clergy Meeting, Catholic Center

Advent Reconciliation Service, St. Pius X Parish, 6:30pm

St. Francis Xavier, priest

Catholic Charities "Many Faces of Need" Gala, 420 Texas St., Shreveport, 7pm St. John Damascene, priest

6

Second Sunday of Advent

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Annual Mass, Cathedral, 11am

7

Advent Reconciliation Service, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 6:30pm St. Ambrose, bishop & doctor of the Church

8

Opening of the Year of Mercy

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Holy Day of Obligation)

9

Advent Reconciliation Service, Mary, Queen of Peace Parish, 6pm

10

Advent Reconciliation Service, St. Jude Parish, 6:30pm

Advent Begins/ NOV. 29

11

St. Damasus I, pope

12

Advent Reconciliation Service, Christ the King, 10am

2nd Collection: Retirement Fund for Religious

Protecting God's Children, Catholic Center, 6pm

Our Lady of Guadalupe

St. Juan Diego

Immaculate Conception / Dec 8

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Third Sunday of Advent

Opening Door of Mercy at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 5:30pm 2nd Collection: Retirement Fund for Religious

Advent Reconciliation Service, Holy Trinity Parish, 5pm St. John of the Cross, priest & doctor of the Church

Advent Reconciliation Service, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 6:30pm

Advent Reconciliation Service, St. Joseph Parish, Shreveport 6:30pm

Opening Door of Mercy / Dec 13

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Fourth Sunday of Advent

St. John of Kanty, priest

St. Peter Canisius, priest & doctor of the Church

Christmas Eve

CHRISTMAS DAY

2nd Collection: Diocesan Infirm Priests' Fund

2nd Collection: Diocesan Infirm Priests' Fund

St. Stephen, the First Martyr

Christmas DAy / Dec 25

27 28 29 30 31 1 2 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

The Holy Innocents

St. Thomas Becket, bishop & martyr

New Year's Eve

New Year's Day

St. Sylvester I, pope

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Sts. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen, bishops & doctors

New YEars Day / Jan 1 December 2015 31

Connection The Catholic

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

•

Shreveport, LA 71104

Photo of the Month

Bishop Michael Duca at the Embracing the Mission Gathering at St. Mary of the Pines Parish in Shreveport.

L to R: Catherine Arvizu, Joseline Arvizu, Yamilet Ledezma, Bishop Michael Duca, Aylin Arvizu, Divanny Arvizu and Taina Garcia.

32 Catholic Connection

Fairfield