April 2020 Catholic Connection

Connection The Catholic

In this Issue...

Prayers for the Sick from the USCCB

A Message from our Shepherd

Vol. 29 No. 9 April 2020

A New Way of Learning

No Print Edition for April

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s we have all experienced this “Lent to remember,” there are adjustments that are being made in almost every facet of our lives and especially our worship habits.

This is also true for The Catholic Connection as we will be publishing a digital version only for the month of April. While much of the material in this version will look familiar to you, it won’t be as full of content as the usual monthly offering.

Reporting on the Covid-19 pandemic with a printed publication is plagued by the fact that things just keep undergoing change at a rapid rate. Anything published about this crisis and the Church’s response to it would be stale before we could provide it to our readership. In addition, many of our articles planned for the month of April were not going to be possible in the wake of cancellations and the suppressed state of our nation and Louisiana.

What we are doing is posting pertinent material as it arrives to our website and on Facebook. This method is fast and effective; visit both at www.dioshpt.org.

There are examples of how our community of faith has sought to remain with one another in prayer during these difficult times. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has compiled these and placed them on their webpage: http://www.usccb.org/coronavirus.

If you find this helpful in your parish, please feel free to utilize them.

The Public Affairs and Episcopal Resources teams are partnering also with the Office of Divine Worship, the Office of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, and other Conference colleagues to develop new resources to help the faithful in our home prayer. These are being prepared for Catholic Current, which may be found here: https:// catholiccurrent.org/covid19/.

Want to submit an article for The Catholic Connection?

Send your submission to the editor at: smaiette@dioshpt.org Or call: 318-868-4441 ext: 262

2 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Contents 4 5 6

Our Only Hope

By Bishop Francis Malone

18

A History of the Popes

By Kate Rhea

A Prayer from the USCCB

19

The Mercy in Easter

50 Days of....

20

Springtime in the Cemetery

By Kim Long

By Tristan Frisk

By Kate Rhea

7

Second Collections

By Fr. Rothell Price

21

Easter Time, My Favorite Time

By Mary Arcement

8

A New World of Learning

22

School News

By Sr. Carol Shively, OSU

9

Jesús Resucitado

10

A Wonderful and Powerful Example of Hope

11

A Message from Bishop Francis Malone

Por Rosalba Quiroz

23 April Calendar

Connection The Catholic

Publisher Bishop Francis I. Malone Editor Samantha Maiette Contributors Mary Arcement Tristan Frisk Kim Long Rosalba Quiroz

Fr. Rothell Price Kate Rhea Sr. Carol Shively, OSU Mike Van Vranken

Editorial Board Kim Long Fr. Matthew Long Rosalba Quiroz Kate Rhea Randy G. Tiller Dr. Carynn Wiggins Deacon Mike Whitehead John Mark Willcox Mission Statement The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Stewardship Appeal; mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our Mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family, parish, and diocesan faith community.

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

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

12 Recognized by Brokenness

By Mike Van Vranken

14 Bishop Malone’s Letter

to the Clergy and Laity

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.

APRIL 2020 3

BISHOP’S REFLECTIONS

Our Only Hope

By Bishop Francis I. Malone

M

onths after the death of my grandfather, after whom I was named, my father and I were in the process of cleaning out his room – which would be an overstatement, since he was a fastidious and impeccable man.

The old expression, “A place for everything, and everything in its place,” aptly described Francis I. Malone, Sr. During the course of our perusal we discovered something that became my own that day: it was an old three-inch cross. I have kept that cross in my pocket for over 30 years now. I am always aware of its presence, and use it virtually every time I preach, holding it in my right hand. I held it in my right hand on the day I was ordained a bishop and as I lay prostrate on the sanctuary floor. It is a constant reminder to me of the latin phrase, “Spes Unica,” (an expression which also marks the cross I wear over my heart.) “Spes Unica,” which means “Our Only Hope.” In placing our hope in the Cross we also place our hope in the resurrection to follow. My grandfather’s cross reminds me that there is no other path to glory but through a sharing in the cross of the Lord.

I had an uncle, Msgr. Bernard Malone, who was a priest in Arkansas for 67 years until his death three years ago. He left his simple life’s possessions to me, among which was a relic of the True Cross. Perhaps, you have seen one of these over the years. It’s just a splinter, but it now sits next to the tabernacle in the chapel of my residence. I look at it often, and I venerate it (as traditionally we do the cross on Good Friday each year.)

These two gifts, a cross and a splinter of the True Cross, have particular meaning to me this year, which I would like to share with you. As both of these, the cross and the splinter are daily reminders of the suffering and passion of our Lord, they seem to have a heightened meaning this year as we collectively suffer through a virus the likes of which we have never experienced before. Our whole world has been turned upside down with social-distancing, “stay-at-home” mandates, reminders to wash our hands frequently and these are the easy things. Our schools are closed, many businesses are closed affecting our local and national economy, necessary medical supplies are insufficient for the sick. AND THE SICK!!! Those who have contracted this virus, who have been hospitalized, those who are on life-support ventilators, those who have had to self-quarantine, medical personnel who have been stretched beyond reasonable expectations, family members of the sick who are prohibited from visiting their loved ones, and widespread death – leaving us with a level of uncertainty about future things.

4 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Our Churches are closed, we no longer have the public celebration of the Mass, the ability to receive the Most precious Body and Blood of our Lord, the social-distancing that prevents us from gathering in large groups – has inflicted a social, and for us a spiritual pain not experienced in our lifetime.

Why am I stating the obvious in this April edition?

Because I had been prepared to write about Holy Week, about the previously planned public commemorations of the Passion of the Lord, the institution of the Priesthood and the Eucharist, the welcome we would normally be anticipating in the new members who would be joining us at Easter, and, of course, the glory of Easter Sunday in ways we have always celebrated before.

I hold my cross in my pocket and in my hand, and I look upon the splinter of the cross in my chapel, and I am reminded that sometimes in life we are closest to the Lord when we are drawn, willingly or unwillingly, into a share in His Passion. For my own sanity, and for my spiritual wellbeing, these two things remind me of that Latin expression, “Spes Unica,” Jesus, “Our Only Hope!” I know that many of you are suffering right now and live with the uncertainty of how long we will have to carry this cross.

Join me in prayer that this virus will leave us. I was reminded just the other night by one of our local pastors that “There has never been a storm that did not have an end,” a reminder during this time of remembering Christ’s Passion, that we should “speak to God before we speak to the storm,” and finally, that the Lord Jesus is SO aware of the cross we now carry. The Cross is our only hope. In this season that reminds us of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus, it is the Lord who calls us to HOPE – and that He speaks to each of us in this storm. Amen…and Alleluia!

A Prayer from the USCCB

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rchbishop JosÊ H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19): With the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus, we are confronted once more with the fragility of our lives, and again we are reminded of our common humanity — that the peoples of this world are our brothers and sisters, that we are all one family under God. God does not abandon us, he goes with us even now in this time of trial and testing. In this moment, it is important for us to anchor our hearts in the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Now is the time to intensify our prayers and sacrifices for the love of God and the love of our neighbor. Let us draw closer to one another in our love for him, and rediscover the things that truly matter in our lives.

United with our Holy Father Pope Francis, let us pray in solidarity for our brothers and sisters here and around the world who are sick. Let us pray for those who have lost loved ones to this virus.

May God console them and grant them peace.

We pray also for doctors, nurses, and caregivers, for public health officials and all civic leaders. May God grant them courage and prudence as they seek to respond to this emergency with compassion and in service to the common good.

In this time of need, I invite all the faithful to seek together the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and I share this prayer with you.

During these times, we ask you to continue to pray for our brothers and sisters doing God’s work. For our priests who continue to give Sacraments to the faithful. Let us remember to thank God for everything and to give back to those who need help.

During these times, many parishes are live-streaming their Masses so we may continue to worship Him from wherever we are. Please check with your local parish to see how they are live-streaming the Mass or check http://www.dioshpt.org/ home/spiritual-resources/ for a list of parishes live-streaming.

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.

We fly to you today as your beloved children.

We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana.

Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness.

For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.

Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust.

In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.

Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.

We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy.

Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

APRIL 2020 5

FAITHFUL FOOD

50 Days of…

By Kim Long

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aster as a season is a strange thing to me. Oh, as a day yes I was brought up with that understanding, but I am still coming into the practice of a season’s worth of celebratory meals, prayers, moments and attitude.

Cutting my musical and theological teeth on the childhood standard Jesus Loves Me brought me into awareness of God’s love via 4/4 time. My friends and I hummed it when we were not at church, warbled it loudly when we were in the presence of our Sunday School teacher, and later, when decisions were decidedly more important prayed it was true.

Coming into Catholicism as an adult, my Long adolescent concerns were put to rest. The Church is filled with signs, symbols and much truth about the love of God for us, His creation. The shorter seasons of Advent and Christmas, with their well known symbols of wreaths, candles and a decorated tree, usher me into an understanding of God’s love that is deeply rooted in anticipation, preparation and love which are easily grasped being encapsulated in the image of a baby in a manger.

Lent with its three-fold focus of prayer, fasting and almsgiving as well as a built in permissible swath of reflection time helped me to begin to allow Jesus out of the crib and into my world, helped me understand that in good, bad and questionable times Jesus is with me, especially in the Stations of the Cross when we are reminded that Jesus fell more than once. But Easter...for me it is harder, it asks me to trust and to remember that even now as an adult I am not alone...whether I like it or not, reminding me that death is not the victor, and that God’s love has no beginning, middle, or end, is timeless, seamless and includes even me. It’s a lot to take in, so in my understanding perhaps 50 days of celebration falls by degrees. This year I will try not to try so hard, instead just find myself ‘here’ in the relationship of ultimate love and joy, which has no beginning, middle, or end.

The number 50 surfaced again for me this year with the realization that in three years St. Mary of the Pines will celebrate its 50th birthday. When I think of all the love, strength and faith I have received from God through this worshiping community, I am humbled and, at the same time, aware that I have a responsibility to pay those gifts forward.

In one of the readings of this Eastertide, St. Peter tells us to be like living stones, allowing ourselves to be built into spiritual houses. May it be so with each of us.

Christ is risen. Truly, Christ is risen.

Kim Long is the director of Religious Education at St. Mary of the Pines Parish in Shreveport, LA.

6 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Noodle Pudding We are already beginning to think of ways we can make this a special event.

In looking through archival material I found a copy of our one and only parish cookbook.

Thumbing the pages was like visiting with dear friends most of whom are not with us any longer.

Val Fusco was a feisty lady from Rhode Island and when we met she intrigued me, being like no one I had ever known. Over the years we became friends and had a love of Jewish cooking in common. Noodle Pudding is one of the dishes we both prepared. Here is hers taken from our old cookbook.

Ingredients: • 16 oz. cooked, drained, rinsed medium egg noodles • Add 1 lb. creamed cottage cheese • ¼ c. milk • 3 oz. cream cheese • ½ c sugar • 1 c. sour cream • Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients together.

2. Bake in a 3 quart buttered casserole dish @ 375 for one hour.

3. When tester comes out clean it’s ready

SECOND COLLECTIONS

Second Collections for April 2020

By Fr. Rothell Price

CATHOLIC HOME MISSIONS APPEAL Collection Date: April 25th & 26th Announcement Dates: April 12th & 19th

S

trengthening the Church At Home: The Catholic Home Missions Price Appeal. This is my first opportunity to speak to you since we began to be locally impacted by COVID-19, aka, the coronavirus. The first thing I say to you is this, “Do not be afraid.” Our God repeatedly spoke this message to men, women, youths in ancient Israel throughout the Old Testament. Our Lord Jesus Christ spoke this message many times in the Gospels. Saint Paul and other New Testament authors took up this divinely inspired message in their writings. So I say to you with all sincerity and true conviction, “Do not be afraid.”

The Lord delivered His people from pestilence, famine and other calamities in times past. Our God will do the same for us in our own day and time. “Do not be afraid.” The Catholic Home Missions Appeal is so appropriate in this time. Singing or reading the song, “On Eagle’s Wings,” would be a great prayer for this time of concern. This song is based on Psalm 91.

The five priests and the Daughters of the Cross attended to the needs of the people of the Shreveport area during the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1873. We priests and religious will do all we can to spiritually and materially care for you during this frightening time. “Do not be afraid.” You can be heroic like those who gave themselves during the Yellow Fever epidemic. Remain steadfast in faith and practice healthy behaviors for the good of all. Help by continuing to support the mission of Jesus Christ and the ministry of His Church during this time of the coronavirus. Strengthening

the Church at Home is so very real in this time of social distancing.

You can strengthen the Church by bringing your tithe to the church or church office to continue the ministry of healing and consolation. Mail your tithe to the church office. Make use of online pay sites, especially your church parish’s online electronic payment options. You can help by offering prayer in your home or in your parish church if it is open for individual prayer as mine is. Contribute to each of the second collections which occur during this coronavirus time when the Church’s continued response to people in need is more vital than ever.

Especially now, you and I can be the hands and face of Jesus to those in need in the form of our charity.

The Catholic Home Missions Appeal has for its theme: Strengthening the Church At Home. Charity is a hallmark of our Catholic faith. The Letter of James in the New Testament reminds us that “faith without works is dead.” Our faith inspires and impels us to respond to the love and mercy of God. A tangible way of expressing our gratitude to the bountiful love of our God is in the compassion and assistance we show to Christ’s suffering brothers and sisters. Especially in these troubled times, compounded by health and financial concerns, it is more important than ever to look beyond ourselves in the name of Christ. Strengthening the Church at Home brings us, and others, hope in uncertain times.

Your loving gift to the Catholic Home Missions Appeal sustains and increases the Catholic faith in the “mission territories,” of our beloved United States of America. In those territories Catholic Dioceses, Churches, Missions, Institutions and Organizations, the Diocese of Shreveport, and many others, need outside support to provide pastoral and material care to the Catholic Christian faithful. Our beloved diocese is one of those “mission territories.” We rely on grants from the Catholic Home Missions Appeal to provide pastoral services, as well as, grants and assistance to our mission churches. The majority of our diocese is rural; those outlying and typically small Catholic communities need our help.

Please give generously to The Catholic Home Mission Appeal collection. Your participation is the best example of the saying, “God helps those who help themselves.”

Strengthen the Church at Home both in our Diocese and throughout the U.S.A. In the name and person of Jesus Christ, give the great gift of the Sacraments, religious education, ministry training, Catholic outreach and witness.

Thank you for Strengthening the Church at Home by giving generously to The Catholic Home Mission Appeal.

Father Rothell Price, Moderator of the Curia, is the Director of Second Collections for the Diocese of Shreveport.

APRIL 2020 7

A New World of Learning

By Sr. Carol Shively, OSU

L

oyola College Prep entered into a new world of learning online. Loyola is a 1:1 iPad school and on the cutting edge of technology, so even though the recent need for 100% digital education came about very suddenly, Loyola has been technologically ready for this event for a long time.

The hallmark of our school is being community and learning together. Loyola teachers are utilizing Zoom, a virtual conferencing platform, to allow students and teachers to hold virtual class every day!

Teachers and students log in from home and in their class sessions, they can have whole group or small group discussions and interact with one another. Zoom also has a screen sharing function that allows the teacher to share her screen with students and display a graph, watch a video, or use the white board to demonstrate how to solve a math problem. In this necessary time of isolation and social distancing, our students are able to look forward to their daily class sessions and not only continue their education, but engage in those peer/ teacher relationships they have been missing. Our school year was only 75% over when the pandemic hit, and we still have a lot of ground and curriculum to cover to make sure our students are ready for the next level.

The Administration invited the parents of each class to a Zoom meeting to demonstrate how their student is learning during the time that schools are closed and answer any questions they had. The parents were very eager to experience the learning style that is being provided by the school. Loyola is grateful to our parents, benefactors and donors who have ensured that we have a strong technology department and well educated faculty. It’s a great year to be a Flyer!

Email smaiette@dioshpt.org with pictures of your students during this time for a chance to be featured in an upcoming edition of The Catholic Connection 8 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

HISPANIC NEWS

Jesús Rescucitado

Calendario Diocesano del Mes Abril, 2020

Por Rosalba Quiroz

C

uando decimos "Cristo vive" no estamos usando una manera de hablar, como piensan algunos que vive solo en nuestro recuerdo. La cruz, muerte y resurrección de Cristo son hechos históricos que sacudieron el mundo de su época y transformaron la historia de todos los siglos. Cristo vive para siempre con el mismo cuerpo con que murió, pero transformado y glorificado (Cf. Cor.15:20, 35-45) de manera que Él goza de un nuevo orden de vida.

Jesucristo pagó el precio por nuestros pecados con su muerte en la cruz.

Conquistó así a todos sus enemigos. El último enemigo en ser destruido, al final del tiempo, será la muerte (Cf. I Cor. 15:26). Durante nuestra vida mortal decidimos nuestra eternidad. Recibimos la gracia y la misericordia de Dios que nos abre las puertas del cielo.

Cristo resucitado es el primer fruto (Cf.1 Cor 15:20) de la nueva creación.

Con su cruz, nos abrió las puertas para que nuestros cuerpos también resuciten. Por eso los cristianos no solo creemos en la resurrección de Jesús sino también en "la resurrección de la carne", como profesamos en el credo de los Apóstoles. Sobre esto escribe San Pablo: "Pues del mismo modo que en Adán mueren todos, así también todos revivirán en Cristo" (I Cor. 15:21,22) y más adelante: "En un instante, en un pestañear de ojos, al toque de la trompeta final, los muertos resucitarán incorruptibles y nosotros seremos transformados (I Corintios 15:52).

Nadie en este mundo puede comprenderlo del todo pero si sabemos que será como el cuerpo resucitado de Cristo. Similar en algunos aspectos a nuestros cuerpos en su forma actual, pero, para los redimidos, un cuerpo transformado y glorificado.

Jesucristo resucitado ya no muere, ya no sufre las limitaciones del cuerpo mortal.

Como nos lo dice San Juan: "Queridos, ahora somos hijos de Dios y aún no se ha manifestado lo que seremos. Sabemos que, cuando se manifieste, seremos semejantes a él, porque le veremos tal cual es." 1 Juan 3:2. Articulo editado de www. aciprensa.com Anuncio: Estar atentos ya que este año se está realizando el censo nacional y que tenemos derecho y obligación de participar – ahora disponible por internet. La información proporcionada es confidencial, así que sin temor hay que hacernos contar para que las estadísticas demuestren la población exacta del país y se establezcan programas y escuelas de acuerdo a las necesidades.

4

Reunión mensual de Mujeres Emaús, Cristo Rey de 8-10a.m.

4

Clases de Ministerio de Intercesión, Cristo Rey, 10:30am – 2:30pm.

9-11 12 20

•

Triduo Pascual – consultar con sus parroquias para los servicios de Semana Santa. ¡Resurrección de Nuestro Señor!

Fecha límite para aplicar a servir en el equipo de Búsqueda # 11.

Fechas para retiros de Emaús: Para hombres 15-17 de mayo y de mujeres del 22-24 de mayo.

APRIL 2020 9

A Wonderful and Powerful Example of Hope

By Annoynoums

Society: What about my plans?!

God: My plans for you are always better than your own. Do not worry. I’m going to work this all out for your good.

Society: We’re not going to get anything done!

God: That’s the point. You know how you keep spinning your wheels - always working, moving, doing - but never feeling satisfied? I’ve given you permission to stop. I’ve cleared your calendars for you! Your worth isn’t tied to busyness or accomplishment. All you have to do is take care of each other.

Society: What does this all mean?

God: It means I’m in control. It means you are human and I am God. It means I’ve given you a wonderful opportunity to be the light in a dark world. It means you are going to learn to rely on Me.

Society: What are we supposeed to do when we can’t leave our homes?

God: Rest. You are always so busy and overwhelmed, crying out to me weary and exhausted. Can’t you use a break from your fast-paced and over-scheduled lives? Go ahead and rest. Pray. Love your families. Be still and spend time with Me.

Society: You mean we’re supposed to stay home with our kids all day, every day?

God: Yes. And you’re going to be just fine. This time together is a rare gift. The rush of daily life has come to a halt. Play

games. Bake cookies. Work on projects you’ve never had the time for. Teach them kindness and grace. Show them how to endure difficult circumstances and steer them towards Me.

Society: We better start hoarding anything we can get our hands on!

God: Prevention, yes. Precaution, yes. Preparedness, yes. But after that, it’s time to put the needs of others before your own.

When you see someone in need, help them. Offer up what you have. Do not worry about tomorrow! Haven’t I always taken care of you? Now, go take care of someone else.

Society: Why is this happening?

God: To remind you that I’m in control. To bring your attention back to Me. 10 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

A Message from Bishop Francis Malone:

A

ppeal Sunday occurred on February 16th and thanks to the generous support of our faithful, we are off to a good start on this year’s campaign. If you have provided your pledge to this year’s Appeal you have my sincere appreciation. Thank you and God bless you for your support.

Please know that we still have a long way to go before we reach our pledge goal of $1,500,000. The month of April remains a critical time each year for our Appeal, as follow-up efforts are taking place in each worship location to secure additional pledges to this combined effort to serve the needs of the people of our diocese.

Please take some time now to consider your ten-month pledge to support our array of Appeal ministries. A pledge card can be found on the bottom of this page, you may use this to facilitate your annual gift to our Appeal. Those making pledges this month will receive their first Appeal statement in the month of May. + Francis I. Malone Bishop of Shreveport

2 0 2 0 D I O C E S A N S T E WA R D S H I P A P P E A L

I / We would like to contribute to the Diocesan Stewardship Appeal with a total yearly pledge of:

Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal 3500 Fairfield Ave Shreveport, Louisiana 71104 www.dioshpt.org

$10,000

$2,500

$800

$7,500

$2,000

$750

$5,000

$1,500

$650

$3,500

$1,000

$500

Please send monthly reminders to:

At this time I / we are enclosing: $_____________

Print Name________________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________________________ State________ Zip Code____________ My / Our Church Parish______________________________________________________________________

You may make a credit card payment online at: www.dioshpt.org (Click on Stewardship)

APRIL 2020 11

MIKE’S MEDITATIONS

Recognized by Brokenness

O

By Mike Van Vranken

ne of the most well-known quotes from the Gospel resurrection stories is: “and how He was made known to them in the breaking of bread” Luke 21:35. Our obvious image from this statement is how we can, and should, recognize Jesus in the Eucharist. It almost screams to us, even though we might not recognize Him in others, we can always see him in the Eucharistic meal. But today, let’s look at this with new eyes and see another layer of possible meaning.

On the cross, the body of Christ was a broken mess. “For I am forgotten . . . I am like a broken vessel” Psalm 31:12; a clear prophecy of the crucified Lord. In another scripture, Jesus, the Christ, says: “I am the bread of life” John 6:35. When we gaze upon a crucifix, we readily see Jesus as the broken bread of life.

One more scripture: “Now you are the body of Christ” 1 Corinthians 12:27. You, me, all of us are the body of Christ.

He lives in us, resides in us and is active in us.

But how do we recognize Christ in ourselves and each other? Well, the two disciples recognized Christ in the brokenness of the bread. Looking on a crucifix, we recognize Him as broken. It would seem, the best way to recognize the Risen Christ in His body, Van Vranken which includes all of us, is by finding the brokenness in all of creation, but especially in each other.

Yet, that’s not how we usually search for Him, is it? The preferred way to recognize Jesus in others is by looking for their good deeds. Then we can judge if this person is truly Holy or not. How can we be so blind? The mantra from the Emmaus story is that they recognized Him in the broken bread. Jesus IS the bread. When we look for Christ in others, we find Him in their brokenness. Where else would he be? Right there with them in their suffering, in their loneliness, and in their pain.

Meditation: Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit with God in prayer. Begin by acknowledging God’s presence and let Him know you realize He is right there with you. Allow yourself to picture the resurrected Christ explaining everything to these two disciples on the road, and still realize, even with all of this theology, they still didn’t recognize Him until the breaking of the bread.

Now, gently recall those people you have encountered in the last 24 hours. Who of these have offended you? Can you spot their brokenness and find Christ there? Who among these made you angry? With some deeper thought and reflection, can you see where that person is in pain and find Christ there in their pain with them? Who among those have you encountered was poor? Did you notice how the endless cycle of poverty has broken them and then see Christ right before you? Were any of these people addicts or thieves or convicts of any sort? How easy was it to see their pain? Did you recognize 12 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Christ in their broken lives?

Now, patiently ask yourself: in each of these people, am I willing to enter into their brokenness and sit with Christ who is already there? Am I free enough to offer compassion and mercy and be Christ to them because I recognize Christ in myself, and in their own brokenness? Whatever your answers, continue to sit and visit with the Christ who is within you in this meditation. Share with Him your answers to these questions and how they make you feel. Pray for the grace for his insight and perspective to help you always recognize Him in the breaking of the bread, which includes the brokenness of those in the body of Christ. Continue to sit, listen and allow Him to love you more than you can think or ask. When you finish, thank Him for listening, for sharing and for being with you in your own brokenness.

The awe we have when considering that Christ rose from the dead is real and worthy of our praise and joy. But the real miracle of the resurrection stories also includes recognizing Christ in the brokenness of the bread. Christ is the bread of life. And we are the body of Christ. Consequently, we can enter this resurrection miracle over and over again, every single day, when we recognize the risen Christ in everyone we encounter, including ourselves.

Mike Van Vranken is a spiritual director, a member of the teaching staff for the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center of New Oreleans Formation of New Spiritual Directors, an author and a speaker. You can contact him at mikevanvranken@comcast.net.

Diocesan Seminary Burses

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he Diocesan Seminary Burse program provides the faithful of North Louisiana the opportunity to invest in the education and formation of our seminarians into holy and effective priests to serve the Diocese of Shreveport.

What is a seminary burse, and how do they contribute to seminarians?

A seminary burse is an endowment used to pay tuition, room and board for the seminarians of the Diocese of Shreveport. The principal amount donated is not touched, but invested, and the support for our seminarians comes from the earned interest. Each donation to a burse is truly a gift that will continue giving as more men enter priestly formation in the years to come!

Who can establish a burse?

Anyone can establish a seminary burse, and name it in honor of loved ones (e.g., family members, teachers, mentors, pastors), in honor of organizations and faith or social groups (e.g., Knights of Columbus councils, ACTS, schools, church parishes), for themselves or their families as an instrument of personal giving, or in memory of a deceased loved one. Burses and their balances, and new contributions, are listed monthly in The Catholic Connection.

Who can contribute to a burse?

Anyone can contribute any amount to any established burse.

How can I establish or contribute to a burse?

You can establish and name a burse with a donation of at least $250, or you can contribute any amount to a burse simply by designating its name when the contribution is made. Contributions may be mailed to the Office of Church Vocations, Diocese of Shreveport, 3500 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104. Be sure to note the name of the burse in the memo line.

When is a burse completed?

Seminary burses are completed when the balance reaches $10,000.

Once this goal has been reached, and those who established the original burse wish to continue their donations, a new burse in the same name may be opened.

Thanks to our Recent Donors: (006) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans ($250) (008) William & Deloras Walker ($100) (011) Debora L. Prest ($100) (011) Robert & Paula Rivers ($100) (018) Deacon Charles & Nadalie Thomas ($50) (020) Chris A. Ward ($500) (020) Richard W. Ward ($500) (020) Rosemary C. Ward ($500) (020) Betsy C. Peatross ($50) (020) Dr. & Mrs. James Lusk ($150) (022) David & Suzanne Broussard ($250) (023) Joseph & Susan Wheeler ($1,000) (024) Dorothy Tipton ($500) Completed Burses: (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #1 ($10,000) (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #1 ($10,000) (010) Memory of Rita Scott from the John Scott Family ($10,000) (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #1 ($10,000) (012) Jack E. Caplis, Jr., Memorial Burse ($10,000) (013) Mary Evans Caplis Burse ($10,000) (014) Bob & Peggy Semmes Memorial Burse ($10,000) Incomplete Burses: (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #2 ($1,200) (002) Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($2,500) (003) Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1,400) (004) Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350) (005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans ($450) (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #2 ($3,432.12) (007) Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($1,300) (008) St. Jude Parish ($5,918) (009) St. John Berchmans Knights of Columbus Council 10728 ($1,550) (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #2 ($2,304) (015) Bishop’s Seminarian Burse ($1,235) (016) Elaine Malloy Frantz Memorial Burse ($1,000) (017) Msgr. George Martinez Knights of Columbus Council 1337 ($7,521) (018) Knights of St. Peter Claver Council 144 ($880) (019) Margaret Glenn Memorial Burse ($1,250) (020) Dr. James V. Ward Memorial Burse ($2,740) (021) Rev. Edmund “Larry” Niehoff ($1,000) (022) Rev. Blane O’Neill, OFM Memorial Burse ($250) (023) Msgr. Edmund J. Moore ($1,000) (024) Rev. Joseph Puthuppally Memorial Burse ($500) APRIL 2020 13

Bishop Malone’s Letter to the Clergy

O

n March 23, 2020 Bishop Francis I. Malone released a statement to all clergy, and we are sharing it with the laity, regarding the state of our diocese moving forward amidst COVID-19. Bishop Malone ask all clergy and laity to follow the directions of Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards regarding our health protection and to continue to practice social distancing.

Due to social distancing practicing, in an effort to reduce the infection rate all Masses are closed to the public and all Diocesan events have been postponed or cancelled. This letter from Bishop Malone further clarifies all other events.

14 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

APRIL 2020 15

+ Francis I. Malone Bishop of Shreveport

16 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

A List of Live-Stream Masses and Daily Readings

Live-Stream Masses: Here in our diocese:

• Cathedral of St. John Berchmans: Monday – Saturday at 8 am and Sundays at 9 am • St. Joseph Parish, Shreveport: Daily at 8 am • St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish: Mondays during Lent at 5 pm, Tuesday through Friday at 9 am and Sunday at 9:30 am • St. Joseph Parish, Mansfield: Sundays at 11 am • Christ the King Parish, Bossier City: English Mass Monday-Saturday at 7 am and Spanish Mass Sundays at 8 am

Outside our diocese:

• Word on Fire daily Mass with Bishop Robert Barron • Live Latin Mass from the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter: Livemass.net

Daily Readings and Scripture:

The daily scripture readings can be found at: http://www.usccb.org/ When unable to receive Holy Communion, pray the Prayer below: A prayer for Spiritual Communion My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love you above all things and I desire to receive you in my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you.

Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.

APRIL 2020 17

LIBRARY NOTES

A History of the Popes History of the Popes

By Kate Rhea

Implementing nearly 50 years of intensive study, Ludwig von Pastor (1854-1928), remembered today as one of the greatest ecclesiastical historians of all time, penned this massive sixteen-volume work, History of the Popes. His collection spans the pontificates of 56 Peopes, from Clement V (1305-1314) to Pius VI (1755-1799). Before Pastor’s work on the history of the Popes, the Vatican Archives had been closed to scholars and historians. Pastor’s close relationship with Pope Leo XIII allowed him unprecedented access to research original documents and papers throughout Europe. Each volume contains a detailed table of contents and timeline, a valuable list of sources, as well as introductions to the main politicial and historical context for each Pope. Pastor delves deep into the character and hisotry for each Pontiff, tracking their contributions to the Churh and the world.

Catholic Encyclopedia A standard reference work for students, teachers, librarians, journalists and general readers interested in the history, doctrine, practices and people of the Catholic faith. This encyclopedia concentrates on information related to the Church and explains matters from the Catholic point of view. It records the accomplishments of Catholics and others in nearly all intellectual and professional pursuits, including artists, educators, poets and scientists. It also offers in-depth portrayals of historical and philosophical ideas, persons and events, from a Catholic perspective, including issues that divide Catholicism from Protestantism and other faith communities. Slattery Library & Resource Center houses this complete collection, published in 1914 as well as its successor, the NEW Catholic Encyclopedia.

Views of the Bibicial World Acclaimed as a landmark when published in 1959, Views of the Biblical World is a five-volume set of reference books which according to a commentary by Ivan Caine, includes, “pictures and text [which are even today] invaluable for personal enrichment and...for teachers and preachers in college or clerical classes.” Indeed, over 50 years after its release, the series is still found in most major libaries, universities and biblical schools.

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Slattery Library News & Notes What's New?

Kate Rhea, administrative assistant for the library and cemetery, is available to help patrons research information, search and select reading material, and even host group meetings in the library. With themed displays each month and many newly cataloged materials ready to borrow, our library is revitalized and ready to serve our patrons.

To sign up for the newsletter featuring topical and seasonal collections, information on newly catalogued books, book and movie reviews, information on book clubs, and more, please e-mail Kate at krhea@dioshpt.org.

Visit the Slattery Library Visit the Slattery Library inside the Catholic Center!

The library is open Monday Friday from 9am to 4:30 p.m.

3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 318-868-4441

VOCATIONS VIEW

The Mercy in Easter

By Tristan Frisk

I

t’s a fact that when the word Easter comes up, some of our first thoughts are the Easter bunny, Easter egg hunts, or a big Easter celebration with friends and family. But, when we take a couple more seconds to think, all of us know that Easter is totally the opposite of our initial thoughts. Easter is the day that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, rose from the dead, three days after having been crucified on the cross.

Yet, what does Christ having risen from the dead mean for us, other than coming back to life from the dead? Yes, I know what you are thinking; what could be more than coming back from death to life? The simple answer is, Christ’s death has shown us the mercy of God to not only bring us back from death to life but from death to eternal life! To give you a sense of how vital mercy is, I would like to tell a story in my life that depicts human mercy in relation to God’s mercy.

It was not too long ago at night that I was in a hurry to get something from this one place so that I could get to another place. In this particular hurry, I knew there were two ways to get where I was going. The problem was there was only one way that I was allowed to go but there was a shorter way where I was forbidden to enter. Without any real thought, I made the wrong choice and decided to go the shorter way. Yet, before I could make it all the way through, someone stopped and saw me. They asked if I needed help with anything but with the look of, ‘what are you doing in here?’ I told him where I was heading and proceeded on my way but saw that the way I needed to go was not available so I went out the way I came in. Not really worried about what had just taken place I went about my business. Nevertheless, it was made clear to me that taking this shorter path upset a certain person in authority. I was very worried about what would happen when I would have to talk to this person, not

only because of the consequences but because I knew I should never have done such a thing in the first place. The night was very restless; I could not get any sleep until one or two in the morning when I prayed about it and just gave it to God. The next day I got to talk to him and let me tell you that I was not expecting anything to go the way it did. This great person, who at first, gave me the biggest warning I had ever received, also gave me the greatest comfort when he said not to worry about it and that all was well.

Now, what does this mean in relation to human mercy, the mercy of God, and Easter? In my story, after I had chosen to make the wrong choice, I expected to have a grand judgment with dire consequences yet I did not receive that at all, I had only received this person’s mercy. This reminds me where Jesus teaches us how to pray the Our Father and afterward, he says, “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” This is exactly what this person did and this is exactly what we can do as well, so to receive our Heavenly Father’s mercy. Though the only way we have been given the freedom to receive God the Father’s mercy is through Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection opened up the gates of Heaven on Easter. That’s why I believe instead of our first thoughts of Easter, that is, the Easter parties, Easter bunny, etc..., we can remember that through our merciful acts we can hope to one day obtain God the Father’s mercy because of the great mercy that has been shown to us through his Son, Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.

If you would like more information on the priesthood, contact Fr. Jerry Daigle: jdaigle@dioshpt.org, or call 318-868-4441.

APRIL 2020 19

Springtime in the Cemetery

By Kate Rhea

A

s winter fades and springtime emerges, feelings of renewal abound. With the warmth and bloom of this time of year, it’s no wonder that activities like spring-cleaning and garden-growing are favorite springtime activities. These acts of rejuvenation are beneficial to cemetery care as well. While the Diocese of Shreveport oversees general maintenance of the grounds of St. Joseph Cemetery, loved ones of those interred are able to assist the cemetery crew to beautify their plots to honor their memory. The method for doing this is to make a plan, consult with the cemetery director and work out a plan of adornment. Donations can be made to the Catholic Cemeteries in the parishes or St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery to help defray the costs of these embellishments. Statuary, benches, solar lights and some flowers, bushes, shrubs, and trees would be acceptable when planted in the right spots. Your plan for embellishing your plots can be brought to our attention and once reviewed acted upon.

While small stones which may cause damage during lawn care and large landscaping projects are not permitted, there are other options for sprucing up a plot. With the approval of the Diocese of Shreveport, visitors are permitted to clean or lightly restore headstones with the correct tools and chemicals to be sure the stones are not damaged or add small embellishments to beautify a gravesite. Anything that is going to require continued maintenance such as daily watering will not be accepted as we do not have the staffing nor water service in every part of the cemetery.

With the ongoing revitalization going on at St. Joseph Cemetery, the Diocese of Shreveport is considering plans to create a memorial garden on site where small shrubs and flowers can be planted and dedicated to the dearly departed.

Future growth also is looking at Columbarium, new statuary, driveway improvements, and other cemetery beautification. For more information please contact Kate Rhea at (318) 219-7264 or email: krhea@dioshpt.org or Randy G. Tiller, Chancellor, 318-219-7256, or email: rtiller@ dioshpt.org.

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MARY’S MISSION

Easter Time, My Favorite Time

By Mary Arcement Alexander

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen!” Luke 24:5-6

I

love Easter. With each passing year I come to love it more and more. It has slowly made its way into being my Alexander favorite Christian holiday. As a Christian, I have vacillated between which I like best, Christmas or Easter? For on one hand, without Christ’s birth we cannot celebrate His resurrection. But then without His death and resurrection, we would not be Christians. Truth be told, I love them both, but this is why Easter has stolen my heart.

When I was a child, Easter was all about dying eggs, Easter egg hunts, baskets full of candy and other unnecessary items. I remember being equally excited Easter morning as Christmas. My mom would line up all our baskets on the kitchen bar and with excitement we each ripped through the cellophane and reached directly for the giant chocolate bunny sitting front and center (and yes, the ears went first.) After we were all hyped up on sugar, Mass followed. I’m guessing my parents thought each time, “What have we done?”

Unfortunately, as a child and adolescent, I did not fully appreciate what Easter meant. For that matter, I did not really “get” the 40 days of Lent that preceded it nor the reverence and beauty of Holy Week. This love and appreciation would come much later.

“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.” Luke 24: 30-31 I don’t remember the exact year, but I would say within the last five years my eyes were opened and then I saw. I began to see the true meaning of Lent, Holy Week and Easter.

Of course I already knew what they each meant, but I was

missing the connection of what I know in my head and what I feel in my heart. When I began to make the connection, that is when my eyes were opened. I hear people say almost daily, “I know,” and yes, in our intellect we know a lot. But I challenge them, as I challenge you, to know more deeply through the connection of your mind and heart. That is where you grow deeper and allow God to transform you.

Today, I look forward to Lent and have learned to redefine what it means to me. Now instead of just giving up chocolate or bread or some other vice, I challenge myself to grow deeper in my relationship with Christ. I focus on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. I focus more on what I can do and give. I open up my heart to allow God to do His work in me. I acknowledge not only my sins but the “ugly” within me. I allow myself to face what I don’t want to face and feel humility. I humble myself before God. This, my brothers and sisters, is where I am vulnerable and raw. It can be uncomfortable and a bit scary but I know this is where my Easter, my renewal, will happen.

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24: 45-47 And then there is Holy Week. A week that begins in darkness and heaviness. We all know the end which is filled with light, joy and elation, yet we cannot help but feel the sadness of what Christ is about to endure. It was not until I saw The Passion of the Christ that His crucifixion truly hit home. It was excruciating to watch but worth it. He suffered an unimaginable death for me and for you, all so we may be saved. His blood ran red and our sins were made white.

As we approach Easter morning, instead of running to our chocolate bunnies let us run to Jesus. Fall to your knees and thank Him for loving you so much that He was willing to suffer death on a cross, rise from the dead three days later and give us the gift of Easter.

Mary Alexander is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has her own practice in Shreveport, LA. You can contact her at mkarcement@gmail.com

APRIL 2020 21

SCHOOL NEWS

SJB Students of the Year

S

t. John Berchman's 8th-grade student of the year is Martha Vanchiere. Martha is very active in her school community. She participates in Student Council, National Jr. Honor Society, middle school choir, drama productions and is a member of the basketball team. She also runs a small jewelry business, but acting is her passion. Part of our school's mission is service and service is important to Martha. She believes one challenge many face is poverty: "I would like to help people become more aware of other people's situations and help them out whenever possible. I was raised being taught to help the needy and I truly want to do that."

SJB's 5th grade student of the year is Brooke Bullock. Brooke has attended Catholic school since K4 and plans to attend through high school. She is involved in SJB's school community in cheer, basketball, and student council. She also plays soccer outside of school. Brooke is proud of her Catholic faith and upbringing, "Attending religion classes daily has taught me so much about the Catholic Church and how God wants me to live." Brooke wants everyone to be kind and include others. She says we can all do our part to make others feel included. "St. John's is a very safe and nurturing environment and I am proud to be a part of it.

Our motto of "Kindness is practiced here," are words that I have come to live by in my own life."

SJS celebrates Mardi Gras with annual K4 parade

Placing First in the State

O

n Tuesday, February 25, the St. Joseph Catholic School K4 Krewe of the Carpenter let the good times roll in their annual Mardi Gras parade on the school’s campus. The K4 Krewe of the Carpenter – the school’s four-year-old kindergarten classes - threw their beads to students, parents, faculty, staff, and even Fr. Long, who opened the event with prayer. The parade has been held for more than 30 years now, and included members of the local Krewes of Justinian, Atlas and Centaur, as well as Clawed the Mudbug.

Congratulations to the super heroes of the St. Frederick High School eSports Team! They are currently ranked number one in the state of Louisiana!

Pictured from front to back: Lee Randels Brandon Nolan 3rd row - Cason Oglesby and Josh Erskine 4th row - Ted Brown and Jackson Chamberlin

Send submissions to "Around the Diocese" to smaiette@dioshpt.org. Please include a photo that has not been resized and a brief description.

22 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

APRIL CALENDAR PARISH EVENTS

View Live-Stream Masses

September 12, 2020

Fr. Albert Haase, OFM Speaking Time to be confirmed St. Thomas Aquinas Church 810 Carey Ave. Ruston, LA 71270

DIOCESAN EVENTS

During these troubling times many parishes are offering livestreaming services.

The following parishes are offering a live-stream: Cathedral of St. John Berchmans: Monday – Saturday at 8 am and Sundays at 9 am

FEAST DAYS April 2

St. Francis of Paola, Hermit

April 4

April 24

St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Priest and Martyr

St. Isidore, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

April 25

April 5

April 28

Palm Sunday

April 9

Holy Thursday

April 10

Good Friday

April 11

Holy Saturday

April 12

Easter Sunday

April 19

Divine Mercy Sunday

April 21

St. Anselm, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

St. Mark, Evangelist St. Peter Chanel, Priest and Martyr; St. Louis Grignion de Montfort, Priest

April 29

St. Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

April 30

St. Pius V, Pope

St. Joseph Parish, Shreveport: Daily at 8 am St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish: Mondays during Lent at 5 pm, Tuesday through Friday at 9 am and Sunday at 9:30 am St. Joseph Parish, Mansfield: Sundays at 11 am Christ the King Parish, Bossier City: English Mass MondaySaturday at 7 am and Spanish Mass Sundays at 8 am

On the Back As information constantly changes, the best way to see any updated information from the Diocese of Shreveport is to visit our website or Facebook page. Information will be updated as information becomes available.

April 23

St. George, Martyr; Saint Adalbert, Bishop and Martyr

MARCH 2020 23

Connection The Catholic

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

•

Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

To stay up-to-date with everything COVID-19 please visit www.dioshpt.org or check out our Facebook page: Diocese of Shreveport.