Back to School - August 2023

CATHOLIC CONNECTION VOL. 33 NO. 1 | AUGUST 2023

Back to School

AUGUST 2023

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CATHOLIC CONNECTION EDITORIAL BOARD

PUBLISHER

Bishop Francis I. Malone

EDITOR

Kirsten Shrewsberry

CONTRIBUTORS Very Rev. Msgr. Matthew T. Long

Rev. Kevin Mues

Dcn. Charles Thomas OFS

Rosalba Quiroz

Andrew Martin Sr. Carol Shively Lucy Medvec Amie Lee Clayton Cobb Meg Goorley Kimberly Woods-Hopwood Mary Arcement Alexander Mike Van Vranken Jordan Harris Amy Fahkre Cassie Key Adam Ryland Delia Barr Kylie Black

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

Karla Alvarez

SUBSCRIPTIONS & ADDRESS CHANGES Contact: Blanca Vice Email: bvice@dioshpt.org Write: The Catholic Connection 3500 Fairfield Ave. Shreveport, LA 71104 Call: 318-868-4441 Fax: 318-868-4609

SUBMISSIONS

Contact: Kirsten Shrewsberry Email: doseditor@dioshpt.org

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The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’ Protecting God’s Children program. (www.virtus.org) Classes are offered every second Wednesday of the month at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. Online sessions are also available. To report child sexual abuse by a cleric or church worker in the Diocese of Shreveport, call your local law enforcement agency and Mary Arcement Alexander, Diocesan Victim Assistance Minister at 318-588-2120. Don’t forget to check your Virtus accounts monthly to stay up to date on your bulletins. You don’t have to wait for an email; you can login at anytime to check your training status. Many times, the monthly emails from Virtus are sent to your SPAM folder so please check there as well. Thank you for helping to keep our children and vulnerable adults safe.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Catholic 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 faith community.

from the editor

Photo by Laura Rivera on Unsplash

Back To School We Go Kirsten Shrewsberry, Editor and Diocesan Director of PR

I LOVE THE POTENTIAL OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR. Fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, markers Inside this month’s Catholic Connection, you’ll see

that haven’t dried out from losing their caps in a lot of exciting news from our Diocese and hear the chaos of heading to lunch, it all makes me feel from many different contributors on their tales on back to school. Whether it’s highlighting one of our hopeful and idealistic about the year to come. incredible Diocesan Catholic schools or hearing Growing up I was for tunate to attend some pretty from our seminarians as they prepare to head back incredible schools, but I never had the oppor tunity to school, this month we’re so excited to talk all to attend Catholic school. As soon as my son was things back to school! old enough, we enrolled him in K3 at St. Joseph Catholic School to give him the lifelong gift of a Whether you’re going back to school yourself, or Catholic education. It’s been such a blessing to see you’re helping your niece, nephew, children, or the way Catholic schools are uniquely qualified to grandchildren prepare for back to school, I hope raise students to be vir tuous and teach them to this new school year brings new renewal and fresh joy into your life. strive for sainthood.

This year I’m excited for the new backpacks, the markers that still have all their colors (and caps) in the set, but I’m most excited for the new oppor tunities to grow closer to Christ. I’m excited for each and ever y one of us to reinvigorate ourselves with the excitement of the oppor tunity to deepen our understanding of the Faith.

Happy back to school season. Please join me in praying for all of those who will be returning to school this fall - whether to learn, to teach, or to help facilitate in any way. We are so grateful for this season.

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contents FEATURES 5 6 8

Bishop Malone The Ordination of Rev. Kelby Tingle and Rev. Gabriel Cisneros Campos USCCB Spring Meeting Updates

COLUMNS 13 14

Mike’s Meditations: What A Great Time To Be A Roman Catholic!

Mary’s Mission: I Have The Name For That!

NEWS 10 22 23 28 37

Introducing Our Newest Seminarian Catholic Charities News What Makes Our Schools Catholic?

School News Seminarian Burses

Cover photo is Louisiana 5th Grade Student of the Year, Rosemary Paxton and her parents. Photo courtesy of Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School.

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from the bishop

I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THE SUMMERTIME. Ever to remind us once again of the importance of living a since childhood when school closed, and family visits to the “shore,” (the Atlantic Ocean), summer always felt like a breath of fresh air from the frenetic activity of the rest of the year. Looking back on summers as a child, we were given two months to transition from one school year to the next and enjoy a sense of freedom we had longed for.

As I grew older, especially in my priesthood, I discovered the summertime as a time of spiritual refreshment, a time of retreat, and a time to anticipate new days to come. For most of my priesthood, summertime included a spiritual retreat at a monastery, and a renewal of spirit with ample time for prayer and “things of God.” There was more time to pray, to ponder what God had in mind for me, and ample time to relax.

One of the things my parents reminded me of with the onset of summer was that there was “no vacation from our vocation,” a lesson drilled into me during my seminary years, and the continuum of religious practice: prayer, going to Mass, and never forgetting who we were as children of God. The “no vacation from our vocation” was a constant theme my parents reminded us of – and our seminary spiritual directors instilled in us. It gave us a sense of identity that was not supposed to be lost during the two sacred months of summer. Interesting enough, over my lifetime, that’s exactly what happened to so many around me, my friends, my companions, my classmates: summer became a time to “vacate” from the spiritual practices of the faith, only to try a weakened attempt to resume them when September rolled around. We had the school and the Church structure

sacramental life, of resuming attendance at Mass every Sunday, of how each day should be marked with prayer.

In my life as a priest and a bishop, I have never encountered someone who left the practice of the faith, even if it was just for the two months of summer – and saw how their distance from the Church made them happier. I have never had a conversation with someone who vacated their faith and said, “I am so much happier now than I was when I practiced my faith “faithfully.” And the reason for this is that they lost the “connectedness” between themselves and the Lord which left them with an empty feeling – something they would admit if they were honest about it. I learned that no one ever felt happier when they walked away from the Lord – but just the opposite: the sure guarantee that if one wants to find happiness, they always find it when they are engaged in things like Mass, the Eucharist, Reconciliation, daily prayer, etc.

Looking back, I have no recollection of a “sad” summer vacation, and I am sure that being connected to my faith life had something to do with it. My prayer for you is that, halfway through the summer you yearn for the happiness that only these can bring to your life. I am sure this is what the Lord wants for you, and I pray what you want with your union with Him. A blessed and joyful summer to you all.

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Introducing Reverend Kelby Tingle and Reverend Gabriel Cisneros Campos Kirsten Shrewsberry, Diocesan Editor and Director of PR 6 CATHOLIC CONNECTION

ON SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2023 BISHOP FRANCIS MALONE ORDAINED DEACONS KELBY TINGLE AND GABRIEL CISNEROS CAMPOS TO THE PRIESTHOOD FOR THE DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT. The ordination was held at the

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans where a crowd filled the Cathedral until it was standing room only. Both men were celebrated by the faithful of the Diocese as well as their families both near and far. At the end of the ordination, Bishop Malone had one more surprise up his sleeve - a mariachi band! In Mexico, ordinations often include a mariachi band, and to honor Father Gabriel he had a mariachi band conclude the Mass.

Following the ordination both newly ordained priests went to a reception held at Loyola College Prep where there was food, music, and the priests offered their first blessings.

The following day, both priests held their Mass of Thanksgiving - Fr. Kelby said his first Mass at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans with Fr. Peter Mangum while Fr. Gabriel said his first Mass at Christ the King with Fr. Fidel Mondragon. We wish both new priests the best of luck as they begin their first assignments. Fr. Kelby will be joining Msgr. Matthew Long as associate pastor at St. Jude in Benton and Fr. Gabriel will be joining Fr. Jerry Daigle as associate pastor at St. Joseph in Shreveport.

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USCCB Unanimously Votes to Support the Advancement of the Cause of the Shreveport Martyrs Press Release from USCCB, by Chieko Noguchi

AT THEIR ANNUAL SPRING PLENARY of the cause of beatification and canonization on the ASSEMBLY, the bishops of the United States held diocesan level. a canonical consultation on the cause of beatification and canonization of the Servants of God Jean Pierre, Isidore Quémerais, Jean Marie Biler, Louis Gergaud, and François LeVézouët, five French-born priests who came to Louisiana during the yellow fever epidemic of 1873.

They served in the area in what is today the Diocese of Shreveport. The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, which oversees the steps and process for canonization, granted that the five causes be considered together as one cause; the priests are referred to locally in the diocese as the “Shreveport Martyrs.”

Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki of Milwaukee, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Canonical Affairs and Church Governance, and Bishop Francis I. Malone of Shreveport, facilitated the discussion by the bishops. By a voice vote on June 15, the bishops affirmed their support for the advancement 8

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The five French-born priests left their homeland to minister to the people in what was then a newly erected diocese which was in the frontier wilderness of northern Louisiana. As yellow fever hit the community in 1873, they ministered to the locals, assisted at the bedsides of the sick, and anointed the dying. A New Orleans newspaper described the outbreak in Shreveport as “fourfold worse” than anything seen in decades, yet the five priests chose to remain in the community and continue to serve despite the dire conditions, and each succumbed to yellow fever.

In his request to open the diocesan phase of investigation into the lives of the five priests, Bishop Malone cited the benefit to the faithful that the lives and virtues of the priests have to the Church in the United States in light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

August 21 10:00 a.m. Press Conference Spring Street Museum: First Yellow Fever Deaths

August 21 - November 18 Shreveport Yellow Fever Exhibit - LSUS Spring Street Museum Special Curriculum Available for School Groups

September 15: Father Isidore Quémerais 5:30 p.m. Mass at Calvary Mound, St. Joseph Cemetery

September 16: Father Jean Pierre 4:00 p.m. Mass at Holy Trinity Church 5:00 p.m. Holy Trinity Symphony by Johnum Palado All-night Vigil at Shrine

September 26: Father Jean-Marie Biler & Daughters of the Cross 12:00 p.m. Mass at Holy Trinity Church

October 1 : Father Louis Gergaud 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Matthew's Church - Monroe 1:00 p.m. Gathering at St. Matthew's Cemetery

October 7: Shreveport Remembers 9:00 a.m. Public Symposium at LSU Shreveport 1:00 p.m. Dedication of Memorial Monument at Oakland Cemetery

October 8 : Father Francois Le Vézouët 10:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Trinity Church 12:00 Prayer Gathering St. Joseph Cemetery - Reception Following 5:00 p.m. The Angels Gathered Symphony by Kermit Poling - Holy Trinity Church

November 12: Commemorative Tours National Tour Association: Yellow Fever Shreveport Public Tours

November 19: Marking the End of the Epidemic 6:00 p.m. "The Merciful Frost" Celebratory Dinner: The Noble Savage Downtown Development Authority AUGUST 2023 9

CATHOLIC CONNECTION: Welcome! Please

introduce yourself to our diocese.

AUSTIN YOUNG: Hey, my name is Austin.

Actually, my name is John Austin Young, but I go by Austin. My family lives in St. Francisville, Louisiana. I graduated from Louisiana Tech in 2014 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. I like to spend time with friends. I love going on long walks and I love praying. I like to talk and spend time with God. I love fishing, maybe God will help me out and make me a fisher of men.

CC: Can you share your discernment journey

so far?

AY: So, it star ts when I was about eight years old.

To get us out of my mom’s hair she would send us to the backyard to look for fossils in the gravel. So, I did, and it was peaceful. One day she came back there and said, “you should pray, why don’t you just pray?” I wasn’t sure how to pray so she said, “just talk to God like you’re talking to a friend.” So, I tried it out, and it worked.

The next major step was in eighth grade when we had a retreat. It really hit me then that God actually loves me. I still have the bookmark they gave us with a prayer for teens. That’s when I realized God wasn’t passive, but active, and really listening to what I was saying in prayer, that He was anxious to hear what I had to say, and that He loved me.

Kirsten Shrewsberry, Editor and Diocesan Director of PR

“MY NAME IS AUSTIN. ACTUALLY, MY NAME IS JOHN AUSTIN YOUNG, BUT I GO BY AUSTIN.” This was how our conversation

star ted when Austin was asked how he would introduce himself to the Diocese of Shrevepor t. If you attended Fr. Kelby and Fr. Gabriel’s ordination you may have noticed a new face among the young men serving at the altar, Austin Young, the newest diocesan seminarian. The Catholic Connection recently had the oppor tunity to meet Austin and get to know him a little better! We hope you’ll join us in welcoming him to our diocese with open arms.

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In high school we had a career day and we had to bubble in what we wanted to be when we grew up. I bubbled in chemical engineer, because my dad and my grandfather were engineers, and then I bubbled in priest, and brother of the Sacred Hear t. I didn’t know why, and I didn’t know people would look at it. I knew from there that God had a calling for me.

I told him once that if I could be a priest, it would be like

winning the lottery.

I went through high school and college without a whole lot of thought to it. When I was up here in Shrevepor t, Fr. Pike was the first priest I told that I was considering the priesthood. Later I got a job in Baton Rouge, and there I mentioned to my parish priest that I was thinking about priesthood, and he really took me under his wing. From there I entered the seminary for the Diocese of Baton Rouge in 2017. I was in Covington at St. Ben’s for two years, and after that I went to the Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF) in Omaha, NE for a summer. I started at Notre Dame in New Orleans, and then after the second year there I took a break.

During that time, I was trying to figure out what to do and I ended up being with a good friend of mine, a little boy named Charles.

He’s in a wheelchair, so his parents asked me to help him at school for kindergar ten and then first grade. It was amazing, we still keep in touch, they’re a wonderful family.

During that time, I was still discerning the priesthood. I went to visit the Franciscans, the Mercedarians, and the Community of Jesus Crucified. I learned so much and met so many great people. Eventually the doors were opened in Shrevepor t. I knew Fr. Raney and Fr. Kelby from seminary, and Fr. Peter was very instrumental in just talking with me. I told him once that if I could be a priest, it would be like winning the lottery. He said, well, Shrevepor t might be winning the lottery too. The open arms and encouragement from Shrevepor t is how I ended up here.

Life is short,

so make it beautiful,

make it for God. CC: So, what’s next in your formation journey?

AY: The plan moving forward is mid-August Tristan and

I will go to St. Meinrad in Indiana for seminary. For me it should be one year until I’m ordained a deacon, and then another year after that I’ll be ordained a priest.

After that I should be serving as a priest in Shrevepor t, forever I hope!

CC: For those of us that attended Fr. Kelby and Fr.

Gabriel’s ordination, we had the oppor tunity to see you serving at the altar. What’s your favorite memory from the ordination?

AY: One of my favorite memories is when Fr. Gabriel

and Fr. Kelby hugged each other – that was the most touching moment.

The most joyful moment for me was when it was all said and done, and the mariachi band came out. I enjoyed that. I had a very thoughtful friend tell me, the beautiful organ ended, and it reminded him of how our life is shor t, so make it beautiful, make it for God. Then my dad said, “and then came the mariachi band.”

Which is kind of like heaven. With God we have a beautiful future ahead, and when we think it’s over, the mariachi band comes.

Interview edited for length and clarity.

AUGUST 2023

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Youth from across the diocese attended Steubenville Youth Conferences this summer. These Catholic conferences bring high school students into a lifechanging encounter with Jesus Christ.The following parishes had groups go to the conference – Jesus the Good Shepherd, Mary, Queen of Peace, St. Ann (Stonewall), St. John the Baptist, St. Joseph (Zwolle), St. Jude, St. Matthew, and St. Paschal.

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What A Great Time To Be A Roman Catholic!

Mike Van Vranken, Diocese of Shreveport Spiritual Advisor

WHEN FATHER JOHN O’MALLEY WROTE IN WHAT HAPPENED AT VATICAN II, THERE WERE ABOUT 2,400 COUNCIL FATHERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL. He compared this to the roughly 750 who

participated at Vatican I, held 100 years before. Yet, according to O’Malley, the Council of Trent, which has influenced so much of Roman Catholicism over the last four hundred years, was the least well-attended of all the councils, opening with just twenty-nine bishops present, most of them from Italy.

Now fast-forward to 2023 and realize what a great time it is to be a Catholic. In the spring of 2021, Pope Francis announced the largest event, in terms of possible participation, in church history. The Synod on Synodality gives the opportunity for engagement to 100% of our worldwide bishops, priests, and deacons. More than that, the church has offered the same engagement for input from each of us, the 1.2 billion Catholics around the globe. And not only will we have laymen who will vote at the sessions held in October of 2023 and 2024, but laywomen will also be part of the voting delegations! You read that right – women will be among the voters of the different issues discussed.

this process and you will see synodality practiced in real life.

You will see how it does not use a binary understanding where we focus on truth or mercy, one or the other. Instead, we see a direct engagement with the relationship between truth and mercy. This is an activity of encounter and accompaniment, love, and mercy, not exclusion and judgmentalism.

Pastors and leaders of Catholic parishes, and teachers in Catholic Schools around the world are currently studying Before I proceed, don’t allow the idea of “voting” bother you. the working document and making plans to incorporate it The voting concerning the issues in the sixty-page working into the life of their parishes and schools over the next two document is not some form of a democratic referendum. years. Now is a great time to directly ask your pastor and/or No! The votes cast will allow worldwide Catholics to know school principal how your parish or school will communally that their voices were heard in their local listening sessions. and prayerfully study and discuss the contemplative and The votes will be a loud and clear “We see you; we recognize evocative questions found in the synod document. This is your opportunity to live your faith and teach our students you; we hear you; and we love you.” in both our parishes and schools. I have heard all my life that Furthermore, the working document is not a list of changes being a Catholic is not a “spectator sport.” No, this is the or doctrines to be voted on. It is not a teaching of Catholic moment we are invited to allow the breath of the Holy Spirit theology. Instead, this Instrumentum Laboris (this is its to foster and energize what it means to be sacramental – to fancy, Latin, official title), is a series of questions about the actively and purposely encounter the real presence of Christ topics you and other Catholics around the world voiced in our parish churches and Catholic schools. to the Church, now to be prayed with and discussed as they relate to the vision of the Synod – that vision being It is time to download the Instrumentum Laboris of the Communion, Participation, and Mission in the Church. This Synod on Synodality and begin praying with the questions prayerful, discerning, and respectful listening format has been yourself. It is time to engage in the one activity the Universal the scheme and pattern of the synod preparation since its Church is offering all Catholics – ordained, religious, lay men inception, and it will continue in the October gatherings of and women, and our youth. And that includes you. This is the moment when all the People of God are graciously invited 2023 and 2024. to live as the One, True, Holy, and Apostolic Church. Do you This process is a perfect example of synodality which makes want in or not? a space for everyone to be seen, heard, and loved. In other words, if you are still looking for a definition of a synod, watch What a great time to be a Roman Catholic!

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I Have The Name For It!

Mary Arcement Alexander, Licensed Professional Counselor & Diocesan Victim Assistance Minister

“YOU SHOULD FEEL REALLY EMBARRASSED following questions, “Are you Catholic?” “Did you go EVIAN, YOUR PARENTS NAMED YOU AFTER to Catholic school?” As the title says, I have the name WATER.” MARY KATHERINE GALLAGHER, for it!

SUPERSTAR. I am not a huge fan of this movie but I must admit I love her name. My parents originally were going to name me Katherine Mar y. As a result of my mom’s great devotion to our Mother Mar y, she literally switched the two names once I was born. Throughout her pregnancy, my mom prayed for a healthy baby girl. If I were indeed just that, she promised to name me first Mar y and then Katherine. Not only was I a girl, I came out weighing a whopping 10 pounds, 6 ounces! I guess you can say I was a bit healthy too. Even though most people throughout my life call me Mar y, some know me as Mar y Katherine and those that do have, at some point in time, referenced this movie. Molly Shannon made this character popular first on the late night show SNL and then again in the movie Superstar. Right about now you may be wondering why I am talking about my name as well as this movie character with the same name especially considering this month’s edition is all about Catholic schools. If you are, please keep reading. My name, for whatever reason is synonymous with being Catholic. Each time throughout my life when my full name is mentioned, at least one person will ask one or both of the

“In a cultural climate in which moral norms are often thought to be matters of personal preference, Catholic schools have a crucial role to play in leading the younger generation to realize that freedom consists above all in being able to respond to the demands of the truth” -St. Pope John Paul II 14

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I grew up in a small South Louisiana town with three school options. Actually, it was more like twoand-a-half options (Bayou Lafourche Academy had about 20 kids total). My actual options were the local public school or Ascension Catholic Parochial School (ACPS). Considering how both my mom and her dad attended ACPS, the options quickly narrowed down to one. My class was the first kindergar ten class at ACPS and I loved it! Ms. Sue was my teacher and I can still see her sweet smile. My siblings all went to school several years prior which left me super jealous. I wanted to be in school with the big kids so much so that I would annoy my mom constantly regarding when she was going to let me go to school.

She, like me, was all too happy when our Catholic school decided to open up a kindergar ten class for the first time. As soon as ACPS opened their doors for kindergar teners, my mom quickly signed me up.

From day one, I was the kid jumping out of the car quickly waving bye to mom without one tear shed.

As a child it did not matter that I attend a Catholic school, it only mattered that I attended a school.

Looking back as an adult, it matters greatly that I did indeed attend a Catholic school. Fast forward to 1985, I was over the Catholic school experience. I realize now that the primar y reason I was “over” Catholic schools, was more about my own restlessness and less about the school itself. I did not appreciate then the great for tune I had in having parents who valued a Catholic education for their children more than fancy vacations. My 13 years at ACPS were mostly good ones. I pretty much went to school with the same group of kids all the way through. I have fond

memories of the nuns, namely Sisters Angelle and Marguerite. Their calm demeanors still stand out all these years later. I see where having the nuns in school truly did make a difference in my education. To date, one of my best teachers was Sr. Natalie, or as we affectionately called her, “Sr. Nat.” Although at the time she did scare me a bit, (she was really tall and stern!), she also had another side that made her ver y likable. I truly believe today’s schools all need at least one “Sr. Nat.” If you are a parent reading this and you are currently asking yourself, “Why should I send my child to a Catholic school when public school is free?” Here is a countdown list of my “Top Five” reasons why a Catholic education is one of the best educations.

Top Five Reasons To Pick Catholic Education 5. Smaller environment. Your child will be in an environment that will allow him or her to get the proper attention they need without falling through the cracks. They will be seen, they will be remembered, and they will have teachers, counselors, principals all knowing their faces, their smiles and, more impor tantly, their name.

4. An additional weekly Mass. I think going to daily Mass is a great way to deepen your Catholic faith. This one additional Mass (although not daily) can do the same thing for your child.

3. Daily prayer. In a Catholic school, your child will be able to pray aloud ever y day.

Our prayers are our conversations with God. How awesome to know your child will be conversing with God throughout their school day.

2. No fears about what is being taught.

In a Catholic school, you can rest assured that your child is not only getting a great education about the basics (reading, math, etc.), but also a great lesson in Godly, Christian values that will carr y them throughout life.

1. Its Catholic! When your faith is impor tant to your family, having your Catholic children attend a Catholic school just makes sense. Trust me when I say it is way better than any fancy vacations.

Arete Scholars

Andrew Martin, Development Director – Louisiana, Arete Scholars

LOUISIANA IS ONE OF 21 STATES THAT ALLOWS TAXPAYERS TO DIRECT THEIR STATE INCOME TAX LIABILITY TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS TO NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS – INCLUDING PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS – ACROSS THE STATE. There are nearly half a million economically disadvantaged children across Louisiana; many lack access to a quality education due to circumstances beyond their control. The team at Arete Scholars believes this is unacceptable. The organization’s mission is to provide low-income families access to education options that would otherwise be unaffordable.

Funded primarily through tax credit giving programs, Arete Scholars awards need-based K-12 scholarships that empower parents to place their children in private schools that align with the family’s values and best suit the child’s unique gifts and learning needs.

In Louisiana, individuals and businesses can support nonpublic schools through the state’s Tuition Donation Credit program and by donating to organizations such as Arete Scholars–a stateapproved School Tuition Organization. Any individual or business with Louisiana state income tax liability can donate to Arete Scholars and immediately receive a 95% tax credit, reducing or eliminating their state tax liability. Arete Scholars then uses that donation to provide scholarships for low-income students to attend the private school of their choice.

Arete Scholars provides K-12 scholarships to underserved students all across the state of Louisiana and is partnered with all Diocese of Shreveport schools. To learn how your state tax liability can help children access a quality education, please contact Andrew Martin of Arete Scholars at 985-707-4293 or amartin@aretescholars.org AUGUST 2023

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Back to School with the Diocese of Shreveport Seminarians What’s a common misconception about seminary?

Seminary is a lot less intimidating than most people think. At first, it feels very intimidating, but once you settle in then you start to understand it’s just a bunch of guys, a bunch of men really, trying to reach sainthood. A lot of us experience the same struggles but we also like to have fun and we like to pray. We like to be who we are and grow together. There is this sense that when you go into seminary you have to be perfect, but that’s not the case for anybody. We’re all continuing to reach for holiness. You come in as yourself, and you don’t have to be anyone else.

Tristan Frisk

How would you compare the course load in seminary to college?

Austin Young

Well since I graduated in Engineering – which was a lot of math - a lot of times you could just do your work and then be done, but with seminary it’s a lot of reading and a lot of writing.That’s been hard. In seminary you have to constantly pray about your academics, constantly invest yourself in them and go further. You could stay on the surface and treat school as a class in college, but it’s a constant challenge to really spiritualize what you’re learning at seminary. Seminary is a very academic setting.

What has been the most impactful experience in seminary so far?

Definitely the community aspect of seminary.

You’re with a group of guys that are all there for the same reason - it’s all about figuring out the Lord’s will for you. So many evenings we spend time together as a group of friends, it’s such a small ordinary thing, but Christ works in the mundane and ordinary ways of life. If you open yourself up to that, and if you trust in Him, that’s where real holiness is found.

Nathan Lirette 16

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

YOUTH GROUP CHRIST THE KING BOSSIER | GRADES 9-12 WEDNESDAYS 6-7:45PM

ST. JOSEPH MANSFIELD | GRADES 9-12 SUNDAYS 9:30-10:45 AM

JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD MONROE | GRADES 6-12 SUNDAYS AFTER 5 PM MASS

ST. JOSEPH SHREVEPORT | 6-8 (MS) & 9-12 (HS)

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE BOSSIER | GRADES 9-12 SUNDAYS 6-7:30PM

ST. JOSEPH / ST. ANN ZWOLLE | GRADES 6-8 & 9-12 MEETING TIMES VARY

SACRED HEART OF JESUS SHREVEPORT | GRADES 9-12 SUNDAYS 9-10:15AM

ST. JUDE BENTON | GRADES 6-12 WEDNESDAYS 6-8PM

ST. ANN STONEWALL | GRADES 9-12 WEDNESDAYS 6:30-7:30PM

ST. MARY OF THE PINES SHREVEPORT | GRADES 9-12 WEDNESDAYS 6-7:30PM

ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON SHREVEPORT | GRADES 6-12 SUNDAYS 6-7:30PM

ST. PASCHAL WEST MONROE | GRADES 6-12 WEDNESDAYS 6:15-8PM

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST MANY | GRADES 8-12 SUNDAYS 5:30-6:30PM

ST. PIUS X SHREVEPORT | GRADES 9-12 TBA

SUNDAYS MS 4-5:30PM / HS 7:15-8:45PM

CONTACT CHURCH PARISH FOR MORE INFORMATION AUGUST 2023

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CRISTO REY: BOSSIER CITY Rev. Fidel Mondragon 318.221.0238 Oficina Domingo 1:00pm Lunes 7:00pm Sabado 6:00pm Coordinador Oscar Gomez 972.567.2710 SAN PASCUAL: W. MONROE Rev. Luis Jost, OFM Domingo: 4:00pm Coordinadora: Lorena Chaparro 318.267.4018 SANTO TOMAS AQUINO: RUSTON Rev. Kevin Mues 318.225.2870 Oficina Domingo 1:30pm Coordinadora: Luz Martinez 318.224.0980

Conozcan a nuestro nuevo seminarista, Austin Young Revista Catholic Connection: ¡Bienvenido! Por favor, preséntate a nuestra diócesis.

Austin Young: Hola, me llamo Austin. En realidad, me llamo John Austin Young, pero me conocen como Austin. Me encanta pescar, tal vez Dios me ayude y me convierta en pescador de hombres.

Mi familia vive en St. Francisville, Louisiana. Me encanta dar largos paseos y rezar. Me gusta hablar y pasar tiempo con el Señor.También me gusta pasar tiempo con amigos. Me gradué de Louisiana Tech en el 2014 con un título en Ingeniería Industrial.

CC: ¿Puedes compar tir tu camino hacia el discernimiento?

AY: Pues empieza cuando tenía como ocho años. Para no molestar a mi madre, nos mandaba al jardín a buscar fósiles en la tierra. Así que lo hacía, y me sentía muy tranquilo. Un día salió y me dijo: “Deberías rezar, ¿por qué no rezas?”. Como yo no estaba muy seguro de cómo rezar, me dijo: “Habla con Dios como si estuvieras hablando con un amigo”. Así que lo intenté y funcionó.

Pasé el bachillerato y los años universitarios sin pensar mucho en ello. Cuando estaba aquí en Shreveport, el P. Pike fue el primer CONTINÚA EN LA PÁGINA 21 18

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL PEPETUO SOCORRO: FARMERVILLE Rev. Luis Jost, OFM Sabados 7:00 pm Coordinadora: Paola Gonalez 817.801.3499 STA MARIA DE LOS PINOS: SHREVEPORT Rev. Mark Watson 318.687.5121 Oficina Domingo 12:30 am Coordinador: Sergio Seinos 318-393-2331 SAGRADO CORAZON: OAK GROVE 318.428.2983 Oficina, Domingo 1:00pm Rev. John Bosco 318-402-1585 SAN JOHN THE BAPTIST, MANY Rev. Tim Hud Oficina: 318-256-5680 primer domingo 1:00pm SAN PABLO: MINDEN Rev. Rigoberto Betancurt 2do Domingo 4:00pm Coordinadora: Dora Rodriguez 870-904-9137 SAN JOSE: MANSFIELD Rev. Rigoberto Betancurt 305 Jefferson Street Mansfield, LA 71052 3er Domingo 3:00pm

Por el Obispo

SIEMPRE ME HA GUSTADO EL VERANO. Desde terminaba el verano, hacían un intento débil de regresar que era niño cuando salíamos de vacaciones de la escuela, con mi familia visitábamos el océano Atlántico, y siempre sentía la briza fresca del verano muy diferente a la vida rápida del resto del año. Recordando mis vacaciones de verano como niño, se nos daban dos meses de descanso para pasar de un año escolar al próximo y disfrutar la libertad que anhelábamos el resto del año.

Ya cuando crecí, especialmente durante mi sacerdocio, se convirtió mi verano en tiempo espiritual refrescante, un tiempo de retiro, y un tiempo de espera del paso del verano. La mayoría de mi tiempo de sacerdocio, el verano incluía un retiro espiritual en un monasterio, y una renovación de mi espíritu con tiempo amplio para la oración para ocuparme de “las cosas de Dios.” Tenía más tiempo de orar, de meditar en lo que Dios tenía para mí, y de descansar.

Una de las cosas que mis padres me recordaban al comienzo del verano era que no hay “vacación de nuestra vocación,” una lección muy incorporada en mí durante mis años de seminario, y que ha continuado en mi práctica religiosa: la oración, el ir a Misa, y nunca olvidar quienes somos como hijos de Dios. El tema de “no hay vacación de nuestra vocación” era un recordatorio constante que nos hacían nuestros padres y que nuestros directores espirituales también nos inculcaron. Esto nos dio un sentido de identidad que nos ayudaba a no sentirnos perdidos durante los dos meses sagrados del verano. Es interesante saber que, durante mi vida, he visto que esto les pasó a muchos de los que me rodean, ya sea amigos o compañeros: el verano se convertía en un tiempo de “vaciarse” de las prácticas espirituales de la fe, y cuando

a ellas cuando llegaba el mes de septiembre. Teníamos la estructura de la escuela y de la Iglesia que nos recordaba una vez mas la importancia de vivir una vida sacramental, de regresar a participar en la Misa cada Domingo, y de cómo cada día debe ser marcado por la oración.

En mi vida como sacerdote y como obispo, no he visto que alguien que deja la práctica de la fe, aun por los dos meses del verano – y que ese alejamiento de la iglesia los haya hecho más felices. No he tenido nunca una conversación con alguien que deja su fe y dice, “soy mucho mas feliz ahora que antes cuando practicaba mi fe “fielmente.” Y la razón es que perdieron esa “conexión” entre ellos y el Señor y esto los deja con un sentimiento de vacío – algo que admiten si hablan con honestidad.

He aprendido que nadie se ha sentido nunca más feliz cuando dejan al Señor – si no todo lo contrario: la garantía que tenemos es que, si alguien quiere encontrar la felicidad, siempre la encontrará si se compromete en actividades como ir a Misa, la Eucaristía, la Reconciliación, la oración daría, etc.

Viendo hacia el pasado, no recuerdo ninguna vacación de verano “triste”, y estoy seguro de que estando conectado con mi vida de fe tuvo mucho que ver con eso. Mi oración para ustedes es que, en medio del verano busquen la felicidad que solo viene a su vida viviendo su vocación durante sus vacaciones. Estoy seguro de que eso es lo que el Señor quiere para ustedes, y le pido que ustedes también quieran tener esa unión con Él.

Les deseo un feliz verano a todos.

AUGUST 2023

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Your Catholic Family School Year Calendar

Delia Barr, Diocese of Shreveport Director of Faith Formation

In our defense and with all honesty, our Catholic faith as a couple was at an elementary level at best. But through the grace of God, He guided us further into our faith journey. We began this deeper dive into our own faith journey when our boys were still home, but we truly didn’t know how to share this new deepening faith with our sons. I wish we had all the resources now available for family formation. We have both discussed if we could do it all over again, we would do things differently. First, we would share our faith journey with our children by sharing the ways we see the Holy Spirit working in our daily lives. We would also pray over our children, with our children, and for our children. We would not shy All the research points to how important the parents’ away from the tough conversations and would readily role is in the child’s faith formation. It’s not the Catholic admit we don’t have all the answers. We would find joyschool or the faith formation (CCD) program’s sole filled ways to express our love of our faith. responsibility for faith formation. Ultimately, it is the faith of the parents and how it is shared and practiced in the Now some good news, my husband and I pray every morning together and our prayer intentions always include home that is essential. our sons and the intention for them to grow and return I know the research and I know because I have lived this. to full participation of their faith. In the past year or so, My husband and I sent our sons to Catholic grade school our younger son has returned fully to his faith (PRAYER and high school. We thought that by sending them to WORKS)! He always stayed close to his faith and that Catholic school, along with attending Mass on Sundays, made a difference. Now he attends Mass regularly and we were all good.Were we wrong! We watched both our has even signed up as a regular weekly adorer for his boys fall away from their faith or at least stop participating parish’s Perpetual Adoration of the Eucharist. He calls and shares with us where he sees the Lord working in in the sacraments on a regular basis by themselves.

AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR AND ALL THE EXCITING ACTIVITIES AND COMMITMENTS THAT GO ALONG WITH THIS TIME OF YEAR, MAY I MAKE A SUGGESTION? Pray. Stop for a moment and pray about all the activities that will fill your time and your children’s time. Is God scheduled in there somewhere? Even if you are sending your child to a Catholic school and I pray you are, is God scheduled into your family calendar? Will he be present in your home and conversations? Will you make the commitment to always attend Mass on Sunday no matter what the athletic schedule is on the calendar?

“When parents pray for their children, God hears them, angels move, and great things happen.

Pray with faith, and do not worry.”

-St. Padre Pio 20

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

his life. He’s noticed some of his friends asking questions about his faith and they readily ask for prayers for their needs. He is blessed to have a heart to easily share his beliefs and to spread the Good News.

Our older son continues his journey, and he is in our prayers. He is very much aware that we want him to come home to his faith. I recently told him that I’m not giving up. God blessed me with these sons and all He asked of me was to prepare them to return to the Father in heaven. Heaven is the goal!

Remember, it’s not too late for your family! Glory in the role you play in your child’s faith! God chose you for these children; you’ve got this! Here are some ideas, books, websites to help you on this journey. Let us all be intentionally Catholic this year!

Helpful Tips from Delia on Your Journey In Faith This New School Year!

SIX WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN STAY CATHOLIC 1. Don’t miss Mass on Sunday (sit up front) 2. Let your children see you go to Confession (they won’t go if you don’t go) 3. Pray the Rosary (at least once a week, try starting with a decade a day) 4. Know the faith so you can answer their questions (they will have questions) 5. Don’t expect someone else to catechize your children. (that’s your job) 6. Surrender your children completely to the will of God. (don’t stop praying) ADDITIONAL RESOURCES • Hallow App - Family Mass Prep (with paid subscription) • Hallow App - for mom Women’s Devotional (with paid subscription) • Formed.org (your parish may have a subscription) • Franciscan at Home franciscanathome.com • Holy Heroes holyheroes.com (we are called to prepare for Mass before we arrive, get into this practice with your children) • Moms, join a bible study…look for Walking With Purpose Study or start one!

• Dads, join a men’s club and/or bible study…Knights of Columbus, check your bulletin or website for men’s studies or start one!

CONTINÚA DE LA PÁGINA 18 sacerdote al que le dije que estaba considerando el sacerdocio. Después trabajé en Baton Rouge, y allí mencioné a mi párroco que estaba pensando en el sacerdocio, y él realmente me tomó bajo su manto.

En el 2017 comencé a estudiar en el seminario para la Diócesis de Baton Rouge. Estuve en el seminario de San Ben en Covington por dos años, y después fui al Instituto de Formación Sacerdotal (IPF) en Omaha, Nebraska por un verano. Empecé en el seminario de Notre Dame, en Nuevo Orleans, y después del segundo año me tomé un tiempo de descanso. Durante ese tiempo, estaba decidiendo qué hacer y decidí quedarme con mi buen amigo Charles. Estudiamos el kinder y primer grado juntos, y sus padres me pidieron que lo ayudara en la escuela durante esos años, ya que él está en silla de ruedas. Durante el tiempo que me quedé con él, todavía estaba discerniendo el sacerdocio.

Fui a visitar a los franciscanos, a los mercedarios y a la Comunidad de Jesús Crucificado. Más tarde se abrieron las puer tas en Shrevepor t. Conocía a los Padres Raney y Kelby del seminario, y el Padre Peter fue muy instrumental al hablar conmigo. Una vez le dije que si pudiera ser sacerdote, sería como ganar la lotería. Él me dijo, bueno, Shrevepor t podría estar ganando la lotería también. Shrevepor t me abrió los brazos y me animó a venir aquí.

CC: ¿Cuál es el siguiente objetivo de tu formación?

AY: El plan es que Tristan y yo vayamos al seminario de San Meinrad a mediados de agosto. En mi caso, será un año hasta que me ordenen de diácono, y un año después me ordenarán como sacerdote.

Después de eso estaré sirviendo como sacerdote en Shrevepor t, ¡para siempre, espero!

Entrevista editada para mayor extensión y claridad.

AUGUST 2023

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Gabriel’s Closet Classes Assist New Parents

We’ve begun a new fiscal year and Catholic Charities of North Louisiana said goodbye to four outstanding board members: Michael Carney, Allison Cook, Craig Seal, and Sr. Sharon Rambin. Next, we welcomed *new board members.

CCNLA’s 2023-24 Board of Directors Charles Olivier, President Trey Giglio, Vice President Leslie Smith, Secretary Tom Simms, Treasurer Jennifer Beruvides Denise M. Brossette Nick Courville Vicki Franks Charles Jackson *Nancy McCarter Michelle Morgan Carranza M. Pryor John P. Valiulis Victor Vidaurre Christie Weeks *Lisa Wellborn *N. “Ro” H. White Felice A. Williams Ex Officio Jane Snyder Rev. Charles Glorioso Staff Meg Goorley, Executive Director

New mothers aren’t given a parenting manual at the hospital after having a baby. Many young parents depend upon their own mother or grandparents to give advice. Perhaps a sister, a brother, or a friend. But when an expectant mother or a new mom doesn’t have family nearby or a support system to help and give advice, she may find herself frustrated and sometimes depressed. The information Gabriel’s Closet Parenting Classes give to parents can be lifechanging. Allison Kulbeth, Intake Manager at Catholic Charities of North La., has given plenty of advice to new parents. She occasionally teaches Parenting Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays with volunteers, Dr. Thomas Latiolais and Dr. Virginia Quinones. Gilda Rada, Client Services Manager, assists in translating these classes for our Hispanic clients. We have a great staff and wonderful volunteers who run and maintain Gabriel’s Closet. Our clients are very grateful.

Gabriel’s Closet Parenting Classes • Parenting for the Long Haul • Labor and Delivery • Care of the Newborn • Immunizations • Communication • Potty Training • Discipline • Nutrition • Dental Care • Car Seat Safety • Temper Tantrums • School Readiness • Sleep Safety • Summer Safety • Speech & Language Development • Importance of Reading to Your Children • Growth & Development (birth – 4 years) For Kimara, a mother of 4, the Car Seat Safety and the Discipline Classes were the most beneficial. “I never knew I had my kids in the wrong car seat or the correct way they should sit, and I didn’t know that car seats expire!” Kimara now knows how to check the expiration date on a car seat and was able to get a new car seat for her baby.Telling other young moms about the Parenting Classes has given Kimara a new purpose. She brings others to the class. “In the discipline class I learned not talk AT my kids, and not yell at them. ‘Gentle Parenting’ is what they call it and ‘timeouts’ by their age. I can tell the difference in how I raised my first child from the way I raised my other children.”

Donations for Gabriel’s Closet help CCNLA provide parents with the proper car seats, pack and plays, highchairs and other essentials for newborns and children up to age 4.

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CATHOLIC CONNECTION

What Makes Our Schools Catholic?

Sr. Carol Shively, OSU, Superintendent of Catholic Schools

WHEN CATHOLIC PARENTS ARE LOOKING FOR A SCHOOL FORTHEIR CHILDREN, ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS THEY OFTEN CONSIDER IS WHETHER THE SCHOOL THEY ARE LOOKING AT IS TRULY CATHOLIC. However, what exactly

makes our schools Catholic? What are the qualities and characteristics that make our schools authentically Catholic?

The first and most important element is the school’s mission and its commitment to providing a Catholic education. Our Catholic schools strive to live out and promote Catholic values, such as gospel teachings, respect, and charity. Our Catholic schools foster an environment of acceptance, justice, and kindness, encouraging students to treat one another and the world with respect and compassion. Our Catholic schools are also expected to promote and teach the truths of the Catholic faith and to provide students with opportunities to actively engage in prayer, service, and spiritual life. Through providing an education that integrates faith into all facets of life, our Catholic schools help children grow into spiritually informed adults.

these elements help to create well-rounded individuals and create a vibrant and engaging learning environment.

Finally, our Catholic schools have an active faith community that is an integral part of the school community. This includes parents, teachers, and students at the school, as well as members of the local church and diocese.Through prayer, service, and activities, the faith community builds a deeper sense of solidarity, faith, and connection among those involved in the school, and helps to build a deeper understanding and appreciation of Catholic core values.

In summary, a school is considered Catholic based on its commitment to Catholic values, its dedication to providing a holistic education, and its involvement in a vibrant faith community. Catholic schools provide an environment where young people can grow spiritually, academically, physically, and socially, and become global citizens who are equipped to navigate the world with integrity and respect.

Our Catholic schools are also dedicated to academic excellence and the development of the whole person – spiritually, academically, physically, and socially. The education offered is comprehensive and meaningful.

It is based on core principles of effective teaching and learning, as well as best practices in education and curriculum design. Our Catholic schools are committed to offering quality programs and services in the areas of sports, the arts, and extracurricular activities, as

AUGUST 2023

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Church Representation in Schools

Kimberly Woods-Hopwood, MAPS, MSW, Administrative Assistant for the Offices of Catholic Schools and Faith Formation

Church

21-22 SY 22-23 SY

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans

121

124

Christ the King, Bossier City

28

24

Holy Family Catholic Community AFB

2

2

Holy Trinity

27

21

Jesus the Good Shepherd

158

256

Little Flower, Monroe

6

9

Mary, Queen of Peace

3

4

Our Lady of Fatima

13

12

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament

1

3

Sacred Heart, Rayville

2

3

Sacred Heart, Shreveport

6

6

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

64

66

St. Joseph, Bastrop

1

4

St. Joseph, Shreveport

234

243

St. Jude, Benton

20

18

St. Lawrence

3

6

St. Mary of the Pines

15

16

St. Matthew, Monroe

8

23

St. Paschal, West Monroe

17

18

St. Pius X

1

11

St. Thomas Aquinas, Ruston

3

6

St. Ann- Ebarb

3

St. Ann- Stonewall

1

Other (not listed) TOTAL 24

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

8

5

741

884

LAST AUGUST, SR. CAROL SHIVELY, OSU, SUPERINTENDENT FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS FOR THE DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT, CALLED ALL THE READERS OF THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION “AMBASSADORS OF WELCOME” FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF NEW FAMILIES. A challenge rang forth for all families to introduce a new family to Catholic schools. Knowing that this effort would not be easy, and that grassroots recruitment of relationship building would take time, the diocese was given 24 months to meet this goal. The chart indicates that a positive trajectory of enrollment started this past year. The churches highlighted with gray shading have increased enrollment by 10 or more students. Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish’s increase was phenomenal with 98 additional students enrolled! Let us continue to press toward the goal and remember that we are all “ambassadors of welcome.”

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT NON-DISCRIMINATORY SCHOOL POLICY July 2023 Shreveport, Louisiana The Diocese of Shreveport School system re-affirms its non-discriminatory policy on the basis of race, sex, color, national, and ethnic origin in its educational programs, activities, and employment policies in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, and Sections 4.03 (a) and 4.03 (c) Revenue Procedure 75-50.

All students, faculty members and staff, without exception, are admitted to all rights, privileges, and activities generally accorded or made available at the schools which do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national, and ethnic origin in the administration of its employment policies, admission policies, scholarship, and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administrated programs.

St. John Berchmans, Shreveport St. Joseph School, Shreveport Loyola College Preparatory, Shreveport Jesus the Good Shepherd, Monroe Our Lady of Fatima, Monroe St. Frederick High, Monroe Sr. Carol Shively, OSU, Superintendent

Student Accomodations Committee Stephanie Johnson, Loyola College Prep Assistant Principal

THE SCHOOLS IN THE WESTERN DEANERY OF THE DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT HAVE BEEN BUSY MEETING SINCE JANUARY TO FORM OUR NEW STUDENT ACCOMMODATIONS COMMITTEE. Comprised of administrators and

counselors from each of the three schools, the committee has been creating policies and procedures on identifying, accommodating, and improving the learning experience for students with learning differences.

“It is our hope that this committee will allow all three of the schools to be on the same page on how we educate all of our students - whether they have ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or just learn a little differently,” says Stephanie Johnson, Academic Assistant Principal of Loyola and chair of the committee. “By streamlining the process of identifying these students, and utilizing common language, requiring the same documentation, and using the same forms, we hope to simplify the process and make the

transition from St. John Berchmans or St. Joseph to Loyola as seamless as possible.”

The committee is most excited about the professional development opportunities for teachers in the upcoming school year. Susan Hymel, Loyola counselor and committee member, traveled to Landmark College in May. Landmark College is a private, two-year college in Vermont specializing in helping students who learn differently, and they were the first college to pioneer a program for students with dyslexia. Ms. Hymel came back with a wealth of information to share with all of the schools. Additionally, the committee has partnered to bring professional development to teacher inservice meetings in August specifically related to teaching strategies for students with learning differences.

Assessment of Children/Youth Religious Education (ACRE) 2022-2023 School Year Results National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) has offered assessment instruments designed to strengthen catechetical/religious education programs since the 1970’s. The Assessment of Children/Youth Religious Education (ACRE) is used in the Diocese of Shreveport to evaluate the faith knowledge and attitudes of students in Catholic schools. ACRE is a multilevel, age-appropriate tool, that is administered in grade 5 (Level 1) and grade 8 (Level 2) and high school (Level 3). As an integrated assessment tool,

ACRE provides faith knowledge questions (cognitive domain) and questions related to religious beliefs, attitudes, practices, and perceptions (affective domain).

The graphs below show the collective results of the cognitive domain of our Catholic school youth to the national average and the parish national average. As you can see, Catholic students are above the national and parish averages. Let us continue to promote Catholic schools as a viable way to help our youth understand the faith and remain Catholic!

AUGUST 2023

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School Councils for 2022-2023 School Year St. John Berchmans Cathedral School Very Rev. Peter Mangum, President, Pastor Pam Shaughnessy, Finance Chair Carol Gates, Secretary Paul Malloy, Council Member Mary Beth Fox, Council Member Clarissa Manno, Council Member- PAP Dan Currey, Council Member Chad Dailey, Council Member Jason Feldt, Council Member Trey Woodham, Principal, Ex-Officio

Our Lady of Fatima School

Rev. John Paul Crispin, FMH, Pastor Donna Eichhorn, President Andrew Scurria, Vice-President Donna Glaze, Treasurer Cory Chism, Secretary Stephanie Haney, Principal, Ex-Officio Member

St. Joseph Catholic School

Msgr. Matthew Long, Pastor Rev. Nicholas Duncan, Parochial Vicar Dr. Catherine Foret, President Ted Daigle, Vice President Courtney Marston, Secretary Sr. Anna Maria Lanetti, OLS, Catholic Identity Chair Andrew Pringle, Finance Committee Chair Luisa Lemoine, Business Manager Derrie Lindley, Marketing Chair Becky Lawson, Property/Grounds Chair Clayton Cobb, Principal, Ex-Officio Member Katherine Suckle, Assistant Principal, Ex-Officio Member

Jesus the Good Shepherd School

Very Rev. Michael Thang’wa, FMH, Pastor Tommy Hayes, President Michael Inzina, Treasurer Lillian Paxton, Secretary Lauren Davis, Member Stuart Scalia, Member Eddie Clark, Member Lisa Patrick, Principal, Ex-Officio Member Haley Pulliam, Church Business Manager, Ex-Officio Member Cynthia Nyquist, Parents’ Club Co-President, Ex-Officio Members Christi Blakeney, Parents’ Club Co-President, Ex-Officio Members Justin O’Neal, Dads’ Club co-President, Ex-Officio Members James Gee, Dads’ Club co-President, Ex-Officio Members 26

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Thank you for your Service!

A Look Forward

School Boards for 2022-2023 School Year St. Frederick High School Board

Bishop Francis Malone Brad Smith, President Brad Bourgeois, Vice President Violet Bourgeois, Treasurer Amy Taylor, Secretary Michael Creighton, Member Amy Sawyer, Member James Francois, Member Marty Herlevic, Member Scott Ashbrook, Member Rebecca Leaumont, Member Alvin Sharp, Member Eddie Neitz, Member Michelle Moore, Member Dr. Carynn Wiggins, Principal, Ex- Officio Sr. Carol Shively, Superintendent, Ex-Officio Member

Loyola College Prep School Board

Bishop Francis Malone Troy Raburn, President Leland Horton, Vice President John LeBlanc, Principal, Secretary, Ex-Officio Member Tom Simms, Treasurer Arthur Carmody, IV, Member Mary Susan Britt, Member Rev. Raney Johnson, Chaplain Allyson Brooks, Member Hope Ghali, Member Thad Thrash, Member John Carmody, Member Concertta King Chevalier, Member LeAnn Waldrop, Member Greg Doyal, Member Spencer Lamb, Member Ken Ward, Member Dr. Cooper Heard, Member Sr. Carol Shively, OSU, Ex-Officio Member Shelly Valiulis, Ex-Officio Member Dr. Rick Michael- AA Pres, Ex-Officio Member Stephanie Johnson, Assistant Principal, Recording Secretary

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL FACULTY AND STAFF CELEBRATING WORK ANNIVERSARIES! 35 Years

Laura Woolbert - LCP

30 Years

John James (JJ) Marshall - LCP

25 Years

Ellen Galligan - JGS Peggy Gremillion - SJS

20 Years

Donnie Brown - LCP Stephanie Haney - OLF John LeBlanc - LCP

15 Years

Peggy Crooks - SJBCS Polly Maciulski - SJS

10 Years

Joni Dollar - SFHS Mary Beth Fox - LCP Joy Henderson - OLF Suzanne Neely - SJS Blair Ramey - JGS Michael Stanaland - SJS Regina Stevens - SJBCS Olga Trejo - SFHS Dr. Carynn Wiggins - SFHS

5 Years

Paula Barker - LCP Malissa Carroll - SJBCS Andy Cline - LCP Sarah Duncan - SJBCS Gabby Franks - SJS Hillary Grantham - SJS Michael Greene - LCP Cynthia Jackson - SJS Mark Pachankis - LCP Stanley Patton - LCP Dakota Rivers - SJBCS Andy Robinson - SFHS Brittany Woods - OLF AUGUST 2023

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Saint Joseph Catholic School Clayton Cobb, St. Joseph Catholic School Principal

AS ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL FONDLY SAYS GOODBYE TO MONSIGNOR LONG AND FATHER DUNCAN, WE ARE JOYFUL IN ANTICIPATION OF OUR NEW PASTORAL LEADERSHIP - FATHER JERRY DAIGLE AND FATHER GABRIEL CISNEROS CAMPOS. It is easy

to see they share the same sentiment towards Catholic education as their predecessors. What a blessing it is to have such strong clergy support for Catholic education. It is because of this support, in union with that of our home parish, that St. Joseph Catholic School will continue to succeed as part of this family of families.

Being a faith-filled school that upholds family values and a way of life in line with Church teaching is truly what makes our school special. While under the administration team’s fifth year - Clayton Cobb, principal, and Katherine Suckle, assistant principal - we continue to grow (over 320 students for the upcoming school year), it remains vital to stay true to our tradition, remaining a school that is a special place for all. Our motto is, “Academic Excellence Surrounded by Faith.” We desire that our families who entrust their children to us see that the call to form the entire person happens here. It is our responsibility to partner with parents so that each child is formed in virtue and academically prepared for success at this level of education and the next.

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CATHOLIC CONNECTION

St. Joseph Catholic School has long provided families with a sense of belonging to a greater family. Our 40 new families this year will find that our teachers, support staff, and administration all provide the love and support needed for our students to become responsible members within their families, the Church, and the community in which we live. This begins at an early age by providing the way for each student to hear and respond to the call to serve God and one another in kindness. Such virtues are taught each day for the sake of living out this Gospel message.

While our enrollment has increased, registration for the upcoming school year is still open. You can register by calling the school office at (318) 865-3585, or by visiting our website at www.sjsfalcons.org. Please pray for another wonderful year as we begin on August 9th, right here in the heart of the Shreveport-Bossier community.

It’s a great time to be a Falcon!

Loyola College Prep Jordan Harris, Loyola College Prep Director of Communications

THE STAFF AND ADMINISTRATION AT LOYOLA COLLEGE PREP ARE READY TO WELCOME ONE OF THE LARGEST INCOMING FRESHMAN CLASSES WHEN SCHOOL STARTS AUG. 10. We

are excited that so many families chose Loyola for their high school education, and we look forward to watching these students grow in their faith and education over the next four years. Please join us in praying for this new class as they begin their high school journey.

Future Flyers will have a better understanding about the culture and school spirit of Loyola College Prep. We also know how important it is for parents to feel connected, and our hope is that parents will have an opportunity to see how they will blend into the Flyer Family.”

Flyer Giving Day - Sept. 21

Flyer Giving Day is back for its third year! Mark your calendar for Sept. 21, 2023. Now is the time to help us spread the word, build momentum, and give back!

Loyola has several events for Future Flyers, current Flyers, and the community at large to participate in as we kick off Flyer Giving Day is 24 hours dedicated to raising funds to support our school. Last year, the Flyer Family came the new school year! together and raised almost $200,000 in just 24 hours. How much can we raise this year?

Be on the lookout for more information as we get closer to Sept. 21 to learn how and where to give and what your gifts will mean to the future of our beloved school.

Imagine the impact we could have on Loyola and our students if every Flyer rallied together for this exciting day?

Any gift – large or small – will have an impact on our students and our school.

Fall Open House - Oct. 16-20

Future Flyer Night - Friday, Sept. 15

Calling all Future Flyers! Loyola College Prep expanded its Future Flyer Night to include football and basketball games in addition to middle school pep rally previews and other fun events for all middle school families. Our first major event is Friday, Sept. 15, for the first Flyer football home game. We will start with the Pep Rally Preview Party at the school with games, snacks, and a chance for the middle school students to get to know each other. They will then be our special guests at the first pep rally of the year and have an opportunity to see Flyer Pride in action!

“We are excited about our efforts to show our middle school families what being a Flyer is all about with these Future Flyer Nights and our Middle School Pep Rally Preview events,” said John LeBlanc, Principal at Loyola College Prep.

“In addition to our open house and private tours, these

Loyola College Prep invites middle school students and their parents for private tours of Loyola’s campus for our first Open House on Oct. 16-20!

“We are excited to welcome Future Flyers and their parents, and walk them through a typical school day at LCP. Guests will get to engage with current students and teachers,” said John LeBlanc, Principal at Loyola College Prep. “Loyola offers a different high school experience that is grounded in our Catholic identity with opportunities for students to evolve in academic excellence, faith in action and student involvement.”

In addition to small group tours of the campus during a typical day, students and parents will have the chance to learn about college placement, financial assistance, accommodations, admissions and more.

Visit www.loyolaprep.org/admissions for more information.

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Saint Frederick High School Adam Ryland, Director of Student Success

SINCE 1965, ST. FREDERICK HIGH SCHOOL in their life pursuits. Students of all faith backgrounds HAS REMAINED ONE OF THE TOP PRIVATE join as a student body for weekly Mass at SFHS. Of the SCHOOLS IN NORTHEAST LOUISIANA. St. 32 student organizations available at SFHS, there are Frederick High School is dedicated to developing our students into positive role models in society through academic excellence, faith and service. Our mission is to strengthen young minds for a brighter future by promoting high levels of academic achievement, servant leadership and cultural awareness in a Catholic environment centered around Jesus Christ. Our graduating students are able to distinguish themselves from their peers and call upon their Catholic education as they move forward

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countless opportunities to serve the community and show the love of Jesus Christ. Dr. Carynn Wiggins, SFHS Principal, has served St. Frederick High School for six years and brings tremendous knowledge and experience as she leads the school into International Baccalaureate certification this fall. SFHS provides quality individualized counseling and preparation for college and offers 30 Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses and the Ray Dass standardized test preparation.

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans School Cassie Key, Director of Development, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Catholic School

ST. JOHN BERCHMANS CATHOLIC SCHOOL WAS HAPPY TO HOST OUR SUMMER CAMPS ONCE AGAIN! Campers from all

over Shrevepor t/Bossier attended all-day camps at SJB, where they had the oppor tunity to enjoy the outdoors, fellowship with friends, and make lasting memories! The activities at our camps blend faith and fun. They are based on our Catholic roots and are led by our experienced SJB teachers and volunteers. All of the activities engage our campers spiritually, mentally, and physically.

Ar ts & Crafts Cheer Week Educational Activities and Games Field Games Ice Cream Day Mentoring in different Spor t Disciplines Practicing Vir tues Reading Week Religious Activities Space Week Superhero Week Vacation Bible School Water Days Over 100 campers attended our summer camps where they gained new skills, new ideas, and new friends! They also made memories, were inspired by our incredible teachers and volunteers, and learned the virtues of kindness and patience. Our goal at the star t of the camps was to nur ture each camper’s interest, talent, and love for God. The SJB Summer Camps provided that oppor tunity and prepared campers to star t the new school year off with confidence and new skills.

We are grateful for our par tnership with Loyola College Prep and for their assistance with our summer camps. Next year’s camps will be held from June 3rd to July 26th. We hope to see you all there!

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Jesus the Good Shepherd School Amy Fakhre, Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School Development Office JGS IS LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR BACK-TO- CAMPUS UPGRADES INCLUDE: SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE ON THURSDAY, AUGUST • School front entry doors and side lights with bullet10 FROM 6:00-7:00 P.M. IN THE JGS GYMNASIUM. resistant glass We can’t wait for the exciting start of school on Monday, August 14 at 8:00 a.m. Students will return to a full-day schedule from the first day of school. We are thrilled to report a steady, strong enrollment for the 2023-24 school year and a continued commitment from teachers and staff, who put their heart and soul into each and every child at JGS School.

JGS Summer Camp was bursting at the seams this summer with campers of all ages and a full Daycare Program. Campers have enjoyed so many activities over the summer such as painting, camps, loads of outside play time, cake decorating, bowling and more popsicles and snow cones than we can count! We are thankful to every parent who entrusts their child’s summertime safety and entertainment to our care, and we are blessed to be able to provide a safe and secure camp environment for our students.

Thanks to our loyal Annual Fund and Cash Raffle supporters during the 2022-23 school year, we were able to add some wonderful upgrades to our campus. While these funds help support our operating budget and maintain a manageable tuition gap, they also go toward much needed improvements.

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• Four touchless bottle-filling stations with filtered water • Additional security cameras, including outdoor cameras with telephoto lens to monitor street views • Large viewing-monitors for office and staff to monitor security cameras • Panic buttons linked to security network and MPD for every staff member at JGS • Sidewalk awning and overhead wood repair • New internet phone system for the school office and all classrooms. Teachers will receive voice messages directly to their school emails.

• The JGS Basketball team will receive new uniforms for the first time in 15 years!!

• We were able to replace an old piece of playground equipment with a wonderful Merry-Go-Round. This nostalgic playground fixture will bring years of joy and laughter to our students.

We are thankful for the loyal support of our JGS School family and community. We will continue our efforts to ensure their generous support is used prudently for the longevity of our school and students.

St. Jude Child Development Center and Mothers Day Out Kylie Black, St. Jude Catholic Church

We still have a few openings left in our CDC program! Register now by scanning the QR Code below:

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The Ladies of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans hosted the luncheon/meeting of the Catholic Women’s League on Tuesday, June 13, the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua. Fr. Peter Mangum welcomed the ladies of the diocese for their quarterly gathering, and Fr. Raney Johnson presented the talk. Next CWL Luncheon is in September.

The Saint Matthew congregation in Monroe prayed the nine day Corpus Christi novena together in the church each day at 3:00 with Adoration and Benediction. It was a blessing to have an opportunity to pray together in union with the entire diocese.

AUGUST SECOND COLLECTION: August 12 - 13 Diocesan Multicultural Ministry EACH YEAR, THE DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT CONDUCTS FIVE OFFERTORY SECOND COLLECTIONS FOR MINISTRIES THAT DIRECTLY BENEFIT THE PARISHIONERS OF OUR DIOCESE. All donations are solely for the

In our diocese, we are blessed and enriched by the presence of Catholics from ethnic and language groups from all over the world.The Multicultural Ministry Office exists to create a welcoming environment for all people and offers educational and communal opportunities so designated ministry and offset costs that are not we can share cultural and linguistic gifts with the greater covered by the Catholic Service Appeal. This month’s community in our diocese. second collection will benefit the Diocesan Office of Multicultural Ministry.

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Our Growing Catholic Family CORRECTION

The members of St. Jude’s 33 days to Morning Glory group received a blessing from Father Karl at the completion of the retreat. At the end of their 33 day journey the ladies were drawn closer to Jesus through the context of their Marian devotion, and discovered a stronger and transforming trust in Jesus.

In the June 2023 Catholic Connection the St. Thomas Aquinas parishioners who completed OCIA were listed incorrectly. Please join us in welcoming the following members of St. Thomas Aquinas to the Church: Melissa Alvarez Landry Baudouin Karla Castillo Morgan Cheatwood Lanee Cheatwood Katie Cracraft Geri Gravios Miguel Ibarra Kathryn Meyers Reece Morphew Jose Rodriguez Marcos Rodriguez Charlotte Wilkerson Sarah Wilkerson AUGUST 2023

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Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat If you or someone you love is hurting from an abortion, please call 318588-1064 for information, or visit the website at www.rachelsvineyard.org.

Absolute confidentiality is maintained by team members and participants prior to, during, and following the Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats.

The next Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat will be October 20-22, 2023.

If you have any questions, please contact the Rachel’s Vineyard confidential line at 318-588-1064.

Safe Environment Corner Amie Lee, Admin. Asst and Safe Environment Coordinator

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SEMINARIAN BURSES Thanks To Our Recent Donors: (035)2 Mr. Richard Ward $500 (023) Van or Patricia McGraw $100 (035)2 Mr. Richard Ward $250 (036)2 Mr. & Mrs. Charles J. Madden $250 (036)2 Mr. Joseph P. Provenza $100 (036)2 Ms. Bernadine Provenza Kalinsky $50 (036)2 Mr. Jerome A. Provenza $100 (036)2 Ryan & Brianna Landry $100 (036)2 Mr. Phillip Cancilleri $1000 (036)2 Ms. Victoria Provenza $250 (036)2 Ms. Rosamary Mason $100 (036)2 Ms. Ashley Madden $500 (005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans parishioners $125 (008) Charles & Beverly Bennett $100 (025) Robert J. Marak $200 (035)2 Mrs. Rosemary C. Ward $1000 (035)2 Mr. Richard Ward $250 (023) Van or Patricia McGraw $100 Completed Burses: (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #1 ($10000) (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #1 ($10000) (010) Memory of Rita Scott from the John Scott Family Burse ($10000) (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #1 ($10000)

(012) Jack E. Caplis, Jr., Memorial Burse ($10000) (013) Mary Evans Caplis Burse ($10000) (014) Bob & Peggy Semmes Memorial Burse ($10000) (019) Margaret Glenn Memorial Burse ($10000) (020) Dr. James V. Ward Memorial Burse ($10000) (026) Sheryl Seal Sweeney Memorial Burse ($10000) (027) Rev. Richard Lombard Memorial Burse ($10000) (027) Rev. Richard Lombard Memorial Burse #2 ($10000) (031) Pearl Heck & Leona Boudreaux Memorial Burse ($10000) (033) Beryl K. & Joseph D. Ozenne Memorial Burse ($10000) (035) Dr. James V. & Rosemary C. Ward Burse ($10000) (036) Msgr. Earl Vincent Provenza Burse ($10000) (040) Servant of God Fr. Isidore Armand Quémerais Burse ($10000) (041) Servant of God Fr. Jean Pierre Burse ($10000) (042) Servant of God Fr. Jean-Marie Biler Burse ($10000) (043) Servant of God Fr. Louis-Marie Gergaud Burse ($10000)

(044) Servant of God Fr. François Le Vézouët Burse ($10000) Incomplete Burses: (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #2 ($1350) (002) Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($3150) (003) Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1650) (004) Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350) (005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Burse ($1425) (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #2 ($3832.12) (007) Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($1200) (008) St. Jude Parish Burse ($6418) (009) St. John Berchmans Knights of Columbus Council 10728 Burse ($1550) (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #2 ($4800) (015) Bishop’s Seminarian Burse ($4410) (016) Elaine Malloy Frantz Memorial Burse ($1000) (017) Msgr. George Martinez Knights of Columbus Council 1337 Burse ($8021.57) (018) Knights of St. Peter Claver Council 144 Burse ($1180) (021) Rev. Edmund “Larry” Niehoff Memorial Burse ($2000)

(022) Rev. Blane O’Neil, OFM Memorial Burse ($1350) (023) Msgr. Edmund J. Moore Memorial Burse ($3020) (024) Rev. Joseph Puthupally Memorial Burse ($1600) (025) Kathleen Hightower Memorial Burse ($600) (028) Friends-n-Faith Burse ($600) (029) Rev. Kenneth Williams Memorial Burse ($200) (030) Ottis and Anne Krupa Littlejohn Memorial Burse ($6000) (032) Madeline and Joe Tiller Memorial Burse ($5000) (034) Joseph B. and Lucille Provenza Cordaro Burse ($6100) (035) Dr. James V. & Rosemary C. Ward Burse #2 ($5500) (036) Msgr. Earl Vincent Provenza Burse #2 ($3200) (037) Manuel & Catherine Licciardi, and John & Beverly Miller Burse ($5000) (038) The Malone Family Burse ($250) (039) St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Knights of Columbus Council 9260 Burse ($250) (045) Sister Martinette Rivers Memorial Burse ($200) (046) Domestic Church Burse ($5000) (047) Troops of St. George Burse ($5000)

The 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.

Interested in contributing to or establishing 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. Burses are completed at $10,000.

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FEASTS & SOLEMNITIES AUGUST 1 Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church AUGUST 2 Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop; Saint Peter Julian Eymard, Priest AUGUST 4 Saint John Vianney, Priest AUGUST 5 The Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major; BVM AUGUST 6 The Transfiguration of the Lord AUGUST 7 Saint Sixtus II, Pope, and Companions, Martyrs; Saint Cajetan, Priest AUGUST 8 Saint Dominic, Priest

AUGUST 9 Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin and Martyr

AUGUST 21 Saint Pius X, Pope

AUGUST 10 Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr

AUGUST 22 The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

AUGUST 11 Saint Clare, Virgin

AUGUST 23 Saint Rose of Lima, Virgin

AUGUST 12 Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, Religious; BVM

AUGUST 24 Saint Bartholomew, Apostle

AUGUST 14 Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr AUGUST 15 The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary AUGUST 16 Saint Stephen of Hungary

AUGUST 25 Saint Louis; Saint Joseph Calasanz, Priest AUGUST 28 Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church AUGUST 29 The Passion of Saint John the Baptist

AUGUST 19 Saint John Eudes, Priest; BVM

upcoming events AUGUST 4, 6:00 PM

7th Annual Bingo on the Bayou Shreveport @ East Ridge Country Club, Shreveport

Visit CCNLA.org to purchase tickets or Table Sponsorship, or you may contact Kathy Schimschock at 318865-0200, ext 109 or send an email to development@ccnla.org

AUGUST 9

Diocesan Youth Advisory Council Applications Due. Applications available online.

AUGUST 27, 10:45 AM

Bishop Malone Celebrating St. Lawrence Church’s 45th Anniversary Mass @ St. Lawrence Church, Swartz

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Catholic Education: Your Generosity At Work Lucy Medvec, Diocesan Director of Development

WHEN IT CAME TO OUR SONS’ EDUCATION, ATTENDING CATHOLIC SCHOOL WAS A GIVEN.

We loved our parish (St. Joseph-Shrevepor t) and had heard wonderful things about the school. When it came time to enroll our oldest son in kindergar ten 23(!) years ago, I showed up at 5:00 a.m. on the first day of registration hoping that I could get a spot for him.

There were parents lined up and down the outside hallway, waiting for the doors to open at 8:00 a.m. Each grade had three classes and they would fill up fast. It’s crazy to think about that now, but we knew that St. Joseph Catholic School, and later Loyola College Prep, were the schools where our boys needed to be as par t of their academic and spiritual growth.

Catholic education is an impor tant ministr y that is funded, in par t, by donations to the Catholic Ser vice Appeal. The Catholic Ser vice Appeal funds tuition assistance for each of the six schools, training and resources for school faculty and staff, and suppor t costs for the Diocesan Schools Office. There are six schools in our diocese located in Shrevepor t and Monroe, four of

which are directly tied to a church parish. While these parishes directly benefit from having a school, the other 33 churches throughout the Diocese of Shrevepor t can also reap the rewards of Catholic education: • Perhaps one day you may have a new priest at your parish that is an alumnus of Catholic schools.

(Looking at you, Fr. Kelby!) Donations to the Catholic Ser vice Appeal fund not only tuition assistance for current students but also suppor t our seminarians throughout their education.

• Your donation provides assistance to a family that may not be able to afford tuition. Last year, 109 families received tuition assistance from the Diocese of Shrevepor t. Your generosity is the ultimate form of sharing God’s gifts.

• Catholic schools give students daily exposure to their Catholic faith which is impor tant to developing a strong religious foundation. While the most impor tant spiritual teachings come from within the home, Catholic education can be an extension of the religious beliefs and moral choices that are impor tant to your family.

To find a tangible example of “your generosity at work,” you need to look no far ther than this month’s magazine cover. Congratulations to Rosemar y Paxton (Jesus the Good Shepherd School) for being selected the 5th Grade Louisiana Catholic School Student of the Year!

With your donation to the Appeal, our students’ and schools’ futures are looking bright for the Diocese of Shrevepor t.

P.S. If you see my sons at Mass, don’t tell them I shared these pictures!

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CATHOLIC CONNECTION DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

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Shreveport, LA 71104

PHOTO OF THE MONTH: Jesus the Good Shepherd Kindergarten Graduation 2023 40

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Catholic Connection USPS 024-824 is published monthly except for July by the Diocese of Shreveport, 3500 Fairfield Ave., Shreveport, LA 71104. Periodicals Postage PAID at Shreveport, LA 71102. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Catholic Connection, 3500 Fairfield Ave, Shreveport, LA 71104.