Catholic Connection March 2012

VOL. 21, NO.8 MARCH 2012

Greco Institute:

Celebrating Adult Catholic Education for

Years

March 2012

Contents

Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Regular Contributors Bishop Michael Duca Dianne Rachal Kim Long Christine Rivers Theresa Mormino Katie Sciba Fr. Rothell Price Mike Van Vranken Rosalba Quiroz John Mark Willcox Featured Contributors Laura Deavers John Vining Mary Shovlain Fr. Mark Watson Randy Tiller Linda Webster Editorial Board Dianne Rachal Cathy Cobb Christine Rivers Rev. Charles Glorioso John Mark Willcox Kim Long Kelly Phelan Powell The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Service Appeal; mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our Mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family, parish, and diocesan faith community.

For a free subscription, address changes or article submissions: EMAIL: jrinaudo@dioshpt.org WRITE: C atholic Connection The Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 CALL: 318-868-4441

OR 800-256-1542 FAX: 318-868-4609 WEBSITE: www.thecatholicconnection.org The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.

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

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

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Bishop Michael Duca’s March 2012 Schedule....................................................3 2012 Lenten Reconciliation Services..................................................................3 District Students of the Year................................................................................3 Bishop’s Reflection by Most Reverend Michael G. Duca....................................4-5 Don’t Be a Stranger by Mike Van Vranken...........................................................6 Catholic Charities Launches Baby Supplies Initiative by Theresa Mormino.......6 Bishop Made Ad Limina Visit to Vatican by Bishop Michael Duca........................ 7 Small Church Profile: St. Margaret Church, Homer by Linda Webster................8 Second Collections for March by Fr. Rothell Price..............................................9 Lent is Time to Help Others Pope Says by Mary Shovlain..................................10 Your Appeal: A Lenten Tradition by John Mark Willcox.......................................10 School News.......................................................................................................11 Greco Institute: Celebrating Adult Catholic Education by Jessica Rinaudo.......12-13 Enriching Lives with Diverse R.C.I.A in North Louisiana by Fr. Mark Watson..... 14 Youth Ministry Certification by John Vining.......................................................... 15 Religious Education Has No Graduation Date by Katie Sciba............................. 15 Louisiana Life March by Laura Deavers.................................................................. 16 Meet the Department: Greco Institute.................................................................... 17 Sacred Heart Church in Springhill Makes Transition by Randy Tiller..................... 17 Hispanic Corner by Rosalba Quiroz...................................................................... 18 New Briefs by Catholic News Service.................................................................... 19 Around the Diocese................................................................................................ 20 Saints for Transformation and Change by Kim Long................................................. 21 Upcoming Events ...............................................................................................21-22 March 2012 Calendar..........................................................................................23 All Schools Masses................................................................................................. 24

On the Cover: Fr. Patrick Madden, Director of Greco Institute, teaches a course on the Gospel of Mark to over 40 students at the Catholic Center each Thursday morning.

Bishop Michael Duca’s March Schedule MARCH 2 Catholic Center Staff Retreat; St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Shreveport; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Stations of the Cross; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m.

MARCH 5-6 Louisiana Interchurch Conference 42nd Annual Assembly; Baton Rouge MARCH 8 Notre Seminary & St. Joseph Seminary Board of Trustees meetings; St. Joseph Seminary, Covington; 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

MARCH 11 Mass; Christus Schumpert, St. Mary Place Chapel; Shreveport; 11:00 a.m.

St. Joseph Altar; St. Pius X Church, Shreveport MARCH 19 Presbyteral Council Meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 1:00 p.m.

MARCH 22 Mass Honoring Legislators; St. Joseph Cathedral, Baton Rouge; 7:30 a.m.

MARCH 23 Stations of the Cross; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m.

MARCH 27 Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops; Catholic Life Center, Baton Rouge; 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Leadership Position with the Diocese of Shreveport The Diocese of Shreveport is seeking a dynamic faith formation leader to serve as the Diocesan Director of Catechesis.

The individual must be a practicing Catholic in good standing, with a minimum of a Master’s Degree in Religious Education or related field; committed to the vision of catechesis as outlined in the position description (available upon request); and have high energy, good interpersonal skills, and a proven track record in catechesis.

Send resume, letter of interest, salary history, and three references

by March 10, 2012 to: Search Committee Diocese of Shreveport 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104

2012 Lenten Reconciliation Services

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ent is a 40-day liturgical season of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter. Let us also approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation this year in a way in which our attention to Christ and His World may be broader and deeper. If your parish is not listed on the schedule please call for date and time.

• Monday, February 27: Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport, 5:30 p.m.

• Monday, March 19, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Shreveport, 6:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, February 29, Mary, Queen of Peace Church, Bossier City, 6:00 p.m.

• Tuesday, March 20, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Shreveport, 6:30 p.m.

• Monday, March 5, St. Mary of the Pines Church, Shreveport, 6:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 7, St. John Berchmans School, 8:15 a.m.

• Wednesday, March 7, Loyola College Prep, 9:30 a.m.

• Tuesday, March 13, St. Jude Church, 6:00 p.m.

• Saturday, March 24, Christ the King Church, Bossier City, 10:00 a.m.

• Monday, March 26, Holy Trinity Church, Shreveport, 6:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 28, St. Pius X Church, Shreveport, 6:30 p.m.

• Thursday, March 29, St. Joseph Church, Shreveport, 6:30 p.m.

Congratulations to the District Students of the Year!

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he Students of the Year Awards Program is designed to recognize outstanding elementary, middle/junior, and high school students. This program, patterned after the Teacher of the Year awards program, is an excellent opportunity to recognize from each school system those students who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement, leadership ability and citizenship. The Students of the Year awards program is sponsored by the Louisiana State Superintendent through the State Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Congratulations to the following district winners: 5th Grade: Emelie Cehajic, St. Mark’s Cathedral School 8th Grade: Harris LeBlanc, St. Joseph School 12th Grade: Carter Boyd, Loyola College Prep These students will continue to the regional screening process on March 7, 2012 in Baton Rouge, LA.

Catholic Charities Prepares for Gabriel’s Closet Catholic Charities of Shreveport (CCS) is preparing to launch Gabriel’s Closet, a volunteer-run operation for mothers in need to obtain clothes and other baby supplies for their infants.

If you would like to be a participating member of Gabriel’s Angel League, visit JH & A Store Fixtures at 8528 Line Avenue in Shreveport and view CCS’s registry for display racks, or their registry at walmart.com to purchase needed baby items, including high chairs, car seats, cribs, etc.

CCS also needs volunteers to staff the closet during hours of operation, to organize items and keep inventory. We’d like to begin by getting the room painted and freshened for a proposed opening in early summer.

Please call us today for more details at 318 865-0200.

La Reflexión del Obispo por Obispo Michael G. Duca

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ace algunas semanas en mi comunicado que se leyó en su Parroquia acerca del nuevo reglamento del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos (HHS) que ordena los servicios preventivos mencioné que hablaría de este asunto más a fondo en la revista Catholic Connection de este mes. Al escribir este artículo se que se publicará hasta dos semanas después y muchos aspectos de esta discusión pública posiblemente cambiarán durante este tiempo. Así que hablaré de lo más central de este conflicto.

Al cambiar la lista de “servicios preventivos para mujeres” los proveedores de seguros, HHS añade nuevos requisitos “preventivos”

(CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)

incluyendo esterilización y contraceptivos, (que incluyen la “píldora de la mañana siguiente” la cual puede causar temprano aborto) y exige que las instituciones Católicas provean estos servicios en el plan de salud aunque vayan en contra de su fe Católica. Nos oponemos a este nuevo requisito y mandato. ¿Que nos ha hecho llegar hasta esta confrontación? Presento esto a un nivel fundamental porque estamos siendo testigos de un cambio en la definición de “salud” en el sistema de salud. La definición común de la palabra “salud” es cuando el cuerpo y la mente están trabajando como fueron creadas, libres de enfermedad o achaque. La meta del

4 5 Catholic Connection March 2012

sistema de salud es restaurar el cuerpo humano a su manera original. Así que cuando estamos heridos, por ejemplo con una pierna rota, el trabajo del doctor es ayudar a la pierna a regresar a su fuerza original y hacer esto lo más cerca posible. Hoy en día el cuidado de la salud significa esto pero incluye un cambio. La salud es ahora definida también como el orden y propósito que yo quiero imponer en mi cuerpo. Los servicios enumerados como salud reproductiva no restauran el cuerpo a la salud sino que impiden o bloquean el proceso natural del cuerpo.

El control natal, cuando es usado como contraceptivo, cambia el proceso natural de fertilidad en el cuerpo de una mujer que no desea ser fértil por un tiempo específico. Esterilización es la eliminación permanente de la fertilidad natural del cuerpo humano. En este pensamiento aún el aborto puede ser visto como un cuidado de salud porque una persona no quiere la vida inocente que crece dentro y la termina. Con este pensamiento casi todo se puede añadir a la lista de cuidados preventivos y al seguro de salud en un futuro.

Este cambio en la definición de “saludo” y la influencia en la ley significa que donde anteriormente la Iglesia podía trabajar con reglas del cuidado de salud, pronto se convierte en un serio problema.

Debemos proteger nuestra libertad religiosa para escoger nuestro propio seguro de salud y respetar nuestros valores morales.

Hay muchas críticas hechas en oposición a la Iglesia. Se va a decir continuamente que muchas mujeres en la Iglesia han usado el control natal en sus vidas y esta ha sido una discusión continua en la iglesia por muchos años.

Pero ese es un tema interno para la Iglesia y enseñanza moral no se basa en un voto sino en transmitir que todo lo que creemos es verdad en el mensaje de Jesús aplicado a las decisiones de nuestra vida diaria.

De hecho todos nosotros, en alguna

parte de nuestras vidas, encontramos difícil el mensaje del Evangelio y las enseñanzas de la Iglesia. Algunas veces simplemente ignoramos cumplir y con nuestras propias palabras admitimos que hemos pecado. Algunas veces escuchamos nuestras consciencias, para bien o para mal, decimos que esta o aquella regla o mandato no nos aplica a nosotros o a esta u otra situación.

Algunas veces simplemente creemos que mientras que para todos los demás algo está mal hecho, en nuestro caso, para mí, “Dios va a entender.” Mas aún vemos la enseñanza de la Iglesia como “fuera de órbita” sin tratar de entender la sabiduría más profunda de la enseñanza de la Iglesia o (y tal vez mas importante) considerando la verdad y consecuencias de la sabiduría que ESTAMOS aceptando en lugar de la sabiduría de la Iglesia. Y así hay más ejemplos en los que rehusamos perdonar, llegar a los pobres, escogemos no aceptar, o egoístas o en vano. Además de nuestras fallas deseamos que el desafío de llegar a la sea más fácil. La Iglesia está todavía comisionada por Cristo, bajo la gracia del Espíritu Santo para manejar una enseñanza de lo que es virtuosos y lo que es pecaminoso. Estar llamado, sin compromiso, a la virtud siempre será desafiante porque en las palabras de Jesús somos llamados a morir con Cristo a nuestras necesidades egoístas y a resucitar con Cristo capaces de amar y vivir como discípulos de Jesús. Aunque el llamado a la santidad es desafiante deberíamos recordar que después que Jesus dio una enseñanza difícil en la Eucaristía y algunos discípulos comenzaron a alejarse, les preguntó a los apóstoles si ellos también se iban a ir y Simón Pedro contestó por ellos diciendo: “Señor, a quien iré? Tú tienes palabras de vida eterna” (Juan 6:66-68) es de suma importancia que la Iglesia pueda no solo proclamar la Buena Nueva de Jesucristo y la vida virtuosa sin interferencia sino que también pueda formar nuestras comunidades Católicas e instituciones a la luz de estas enseñanzas. Para proteger este derecho debemos defenderla para mantener nuestra excepción religiosa a este nuevo reglamento para todas nuestras instituciones Católicas.

Espero continuar explorando estas cuestiones con ustedes en ediciones futuras de la Catholic Connection y también en la página de internet diocesana: www.dioshpt.org.

Bishop’s Reflection

by Bishop Michael G.Duca

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few weeks ago in my statement read at your Church concerning the Health and Human Services (HHS) new ruling on required preventive services, I mentioned that I would address the issue more completely in this month’s Catholic Connection. As I write this article I am aware that it will not be published for almost two weeks and many aspects of this public discussion will possibly change during this time.

So I will speak to some core issues at the center of this conflict.

In changing the list of “preventive services for women” for insurance providers, the HHS has added new required “preventive” services including sterilization and contraceptive drugs, (which include “morning-after pills” that may cause an early abortion) and will require Catholic institutions to provide these services in their health plans even though they are contrary to the Catholic faith. We object to this new required and mandated inclusion.

What has brought us to such a confrontation? I submit that at a fundamental level we are witnessing a change in the definition of “health” in healthcare. In the common definition “health” is when the body and mind are working as created, free of disease or ailment. Healthcare is the restoration of the human body to its original order. So when we are injured, our leg is broken for example, it is the doctor’s work to restore the leg to its original strength and purpose, or to restore it as close as possible. Today, healthcare means this but also includes a change. Health is now also defined as the order and purpose I want to impose upon my body. Services listed as reproductive health do not restore the body to health but actually impede natural processes in the body or block them. Birth control, when used as contraception, is meant to change the natural process of fertility in the body of a woman who does not wish to be fertile for a specified time. Sterilization

The headquarters of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is seen in Washington. (CNS photo/Nancy Phelan Wiechec)

is the permanent elimination of the natural fertility of the human body. In this thinking even abortion can be seen as healthcare because a person does not want the innocent life that grows within and so it is removed. With this thinking almost anything can be added to the list of preventative care and to health insurance in the future. This change in the definition of “health” and its influence in the law mean that where before the Church was able to work within the rules of healthcare, it is quickly becoming a serious problem.

We must protect our religious freedom to shape our own health insurance and respect our moral values.

There are many smoke screens being thrown up in opposition to the Church.

It will be pointed out continually that many women in the Church have used birth control in their lives and this has been an ongoing discussion in the Church for many years. But this is an internal matter for the Church and moral teaching is not based on a vote but on the passing on of what we believe is the true message of Jesus applied to our daily life decisions.

In fact all of us, in some part of our lives, find the message of the Gospel and the teaching of the Church hard. At times we simply refuse to follow and with our own words admit we have sinned At times we feel our consciences, rightly or wrongly, confirm that this or that rule or commandment does not apply to us or to this or that situation. At times we simply believe that while for everyone else something is wrong, in this case, for me, “God will understand.” We might even dismiss the teaching of the Church

as “out of touch” without ever trying to understand the deeper wisdom of the Church’s teaching or (and maybe more importantly) considering the truth and consequences of the wisdom we ARE accepting instead of the Church’s wisdom. And so for a host of reasons we refuse to forgive, reach out to the poor, or we choose to act greedily, or selfishly or vainly. In spite of our failings and our desire that the challenge to holiness be easier, the Church is still commissioned

by Christ, under the grace of the Holy Spirit to hand on a clear teaching as to what is virtuous and what is sinful.

This uncompromising call to virtue will always be challenging because, in Jesus’ words, we are called to die with Christ to our self-centered needs and to rise with Christ able to love and live as disciples of Jesus. Yet even though the call to holiness is challenging we should remember that after Jesus gave a difficult teaching on the Eucharist and some disciples began to walk away, he asked the apostles if they were going to leave as well and Simon Peter answered for them saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of everlasting life” (John 6: 66-68). It is critical that the Church be able to not only proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and the virtuous life without interference, but also to shape our Catholic communities and institutions in light of these teachings. To protect this right we must fight to keep our religious exemption to this new ruling for all our Church institutions.

I hope to continue to explore these issues with you in the future editions of the Catholic Connection and also on our diocesan web site: www.dioshpt.org.

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Don't Be a Stranger | by Mike Van Vranken

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few years ago, I watched a TV personality making fun of people who think God talks to them. His only argument that God is not a conversationalist was his belief that God had never spoken to him, so why would he have spoken to someone else? I would imagine if we questioned this man’s wife, there is a chance during their marriage she might have spoken to him once or twice when he didn’t hear her either.

Jesus tells us this: “...and the sheep follow him [the Shepherd], because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers." (John 10:4-5 NAB) Isn’t this great? If we know Jesus, then we recognize his voice when he speaks to our hearts. But, the question we have to ask ourselves is: Can we hear Jesus when he talks to us?

If we know his voice, it appears that we can. How would we know and recognize his voice? Knowing him in the Word is one sure answer. As we know him in the Word, we are no longer strangers. The stranger cannot hear his voice, but the person that knows him can.

Why is this so important? Every day each of us makes hundreds of choices. Some are well planned and thought out, others are made instantly. Do we hear Jesus’ voice if he is talking to us as we make those decisions? If we are slowing down at an intersection and someone with a cardboard sign is asking for financial aid, do we hear if Jesus is telling us this is one he wants us to stop and help? When that solicitation comes in the mail do we know exactly what Jesus is leading us to do? When we encounter that crusty, rude, sour personality at the store, do we ever hear Jesus asking us to give that individual some attention because they are lonely, or hungry, or lost?

When we wake in the middle of the night, is it insomnia, or is Jesus urging us to pray for someone in immediate need? And when we ourselves need encouragement from the Savior, can we hear him tell us how proud he is of us as he reminds us that he is with us always?

If we know his voice, we will hear it. However, if we do not have that relationship with him, we may miss it. Throughout this month, let’s focus on studying the Word to deepen our walk with Jesus. Be one of the sheep that knows his voice.

Don’t be a stranger.

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Catholic Charities Launches Baby Supplies Initiative | by Theresa Mormino

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xecutive Director of Catholic Charities, Jean Dresley, is visiting many of our churches and schools, carrying the message and banner of Catholic Charities’ mission and goals throughout the diocese. Interest is up and so are donations as Jean makes the rounds, giving people a much better idea of what exactly Catholic Charities is doing in our area. Much of our local population is unfamiliar with Catholic Charities’ history and work and many are curious and want a better idea of what we do, how we do it and how they can participate.

One of our newest initiatives is “Gabriel’s Closet.” We are in the planning stages of opening a volunteer-run closet full of all the items a new mother needs, including furniture, car seats, clothing and more. We plan to open a cheerful, freshly-painted and stocked closet by early summer, but everything will depend on gifts of items, financial help and that all important volunteer staff. The closet will regularly open during specific days and hours at the St. Catherine of Siena campus. As an extension of this new program, we hope to also put in place a volunteer staff with the ability and education to teach new-parenting skills to the many new mothers who struggle in our area.

The success of our Immigration and Family Services department is directly related to the on-going training, skills and dedication of our specialist, Guiel Hausen. Guiel tells of a particularly sad story that, because of our assistance and Guiel’s persistence, has a very happy ending! “When her husband began hitting her, Juana was desperate and afraid, but she stayed, fearing that because he was a U.S. citizen and she was undocumented, he could make good on threats to have her deported so that she’d never see their daughter again.”

Guiel helped her by first getting her and her daughter to safety at a local shelter, and they worked with her on a special visa for abuse victims. At Catholic Charities, we provide immigration and case work services representing those whose insecure immigration status often contributes to their victimization. In this particular case, we assisted the victim and her daughter to find safe shelter and a church family that lovingly adopted them so they could enjoy a happy and blessed Christmas together.

For decades Catholic Charities has offered family assistance to low income families in the U.S. as well as individual and family counseling. Now, thanks to the new Immigration and Family Services provided by Catholic Charities of Shreveport, our mission to help families in need of safety, health, justice and charity continues to protect and preserve families. Juana and her daughter are perfect examples of how our work can and does succeed!”

Bishop Michael Duca Made Ad Limina Visit to the Vatican by Bishop Michael Duca

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he Book of Canon Law states: Can. 399 §1. Every five years a diocesan bishop is bound to make a report to the Supreme Pontiff on the state of the diocese entrusted to him, according to the form and time determined by the Apostolic See. AND Can. 400 §1. Unless the Apostolic See has established otherwise, during the year in which he is bound to submit a report to the Supreme Pontiff, a diocesan bishop is to go to Rome to venerate the tombs of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and to present himself to the Roman Pontiff.

On January 20th I was on a plane with my brother bishops from Louisiana to make our five-year ad limina visit to Rome fulfilling the requirements of Canon Law. Having been a bishop for just three-and-a-half years, this was my first visit and it was both humbling and amazing.

Our visit to Rome lasted over eight days, during which we Bishop Michael Duca greets the Holy Father during his ad limina visit. visited the Congregations for the Clergy, for Bishops, for the Laity, for Religious, the Doctrine of the Faith and others. Each within the Vatican and humbled by my call to be a bishop. one gave us an insight into the international state of the Church All these things were amazing but the heart of the trip is and an opportunity to ask questions and to give our input. found in the second canon noted above, that the bishop is We had the opportunity to say Mass at the tomb of Blessed to make a pilgrimage to the tombs of St. Peter and St. Paul.

John Paul II, at the basilicas of St. Mary Major and St. John This was the most moving and spiritual part of the trip and Lateran. We also had the opportunity to pray with the Holy the time where I carried you, the people of the diocese in my Father at a public event, “Evening Prayer for Christian heart. Our Masses at the tombs of St. Peter and St. Paul were a Unity at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Wall.” This was time to remember and recapture the heart of our ministries as broadcast in the United States on EWTN so the staff at the bishops.

Catholic Center and my parents could see that I was really I was reminded that I was called to take on the in Rome. The days ended around 6:00, which gave us an responsibilities of leading and gathering the people of the opportunity in the evenings to explore the restaurant scene diocese and to have the heart of an Evangelist. This all became around the Vatican. During the visit I was also able to visit very real when we had a chance to meet with the Holy with Sister Carla Bertani and Sister Martinette Rivers, Sisters Father, Pope Benedict XVI, the Vicar of Christ who carries of Our Lady of Sorrows who were formerly stationed in on the ministry of St. Peter in the Church today. When I Shreveport and are now working at the Motherhouse in Rome. met him I told him that I brought the prayers and support They prepared a great meal. Sister Martinette is still full of of the faithful of the Diocese of Shreveport. He met with the energy. bishops of Louisiana together and gave each of us a chance One of the most unique aspects of this trip for me was to say something. I thanked him for his new initiative which staying at the hotel within the Vatican called the Domus established the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization Sanctae Marthae. This meant that we needed to walk through and mentioned that we had made evangelization one of the the gates of the guiding principles Vatican, watched of our diocesan over by Swiss planning. He guards, and I was was soft spoken not only able to but clear and walk through encouraging. I without being am glad I have a stopped, I was picture because I given a salute would not be sure with a verbal it really happened acknowledgment if I did not have of “Eccelenza” proof. which While I look means “Your forward to my Excellency.” This next ad limina Pope Benedict XVI poses for a photo with U.S. bishops on their ad limina visits to the Vatican Jan. visit, for now is very good for your self-esteem. 26. From left are: Bishop Ronald Herzog of Alexandria, LA, Auxiliary Bishop Shelton Fabre of New I am glad to I was continually Orleans, Bishop Glen Provost of Lake Charles, LA, Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, be back home the pope, retired Archbishop Alfred Hughes of New Orleans, Bishop Michael Duca of Shreveport, overwhelmed by in time for the LA, Bishop Sam Jacobs of Houma-Thibodaux, LA, Bishop Robert Muench of Baton Rouge, LA, the access I had crawfish season. and Bishop Michael Jarrell of Lafayette, LA (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano) 7 6

SMALL CHURCH PROFILE: St. Margaret Church, Homer

by Linda Webster, PhD During the 25th anniversary year of the Diocese of Shreveport we are profiling small churches around the diocese.

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ames Robert Michael remembers well the first Mass celebrated at St. Margaret Church in Homer.

“I was 13-years-old and it was the second Sunday of December in 1942. There were 39 people at that first Mass in a room that could accommodate up to 50 people.”

The church was housed in a white frame duplex already in place on the lot at the corner of South Main and East Second Street just off of the town square that doubled as a rectory for the first pastor, Rev. John F. Walsh.

“My sister, Mrs. Robert Antoon, decided that Homer needed its own church. It took her a couple of years to St. Margaret Church in Homer, Louisiana. talk them into it, but they bought the property where the church is currently located and once the church opened, area. With the custom-made altar of repose and other darkthere were suddenly a lot more Catholics in town.” stained liturgical furniture at the front of the church, there is Prior to 1942, Catholics in the Homer area could attend the feel of pre-Vatican II space in a very traditional gathering.

Mass in Minden or at St. Michael in Haynesville, now closed, For example, those arriving early for the 5:00 p.m. Saturday but those working in the oilfields or in agriculture often Liturgy pray the rosary together with various congregants couldn’t make the drive. Michael remembers only three or each leading a decade. four local families who made the trek to Minden when he was “I started coming to St. Margaret in 1973,” said Germaine a child, but there were approximately 20 families who were Flesher, “and things have changed a bit. We don’t have many instrumental in working with the diocese and the Catholic new young families and the families aren’t large like they used Church Extension Society in the establishment of the church to be.” in 1942. According to diocesan records, the Extension Society Flesher participates in a bi-weekly Bible study class with suggested that St. Margaret be named the patron of the new about a dozen other members of the church. parish.

“We always have something to eat and we visit, but we start “Do you know how difficult it is to find a statue of St. our Bible study at 7:00 pm sharp. We usually finish around Margaret of Scotland?” asked Dump Hatter of Haynesville, 8:00 but sometimes we’re still going at 8:30,” she laughed. parish cantor. “We started looking a couple of years ago and As one of 22 children, the 15th of her father’s very large there just aren’t many around. We found a marble statue for sale brood, and the mother of 11, Flesher feels very strongly in the Chicago area but it was very expensive. Then Fr. Mark about the place of families as the driving force behind the recommended someone in Peru who made a statue for us.” church. However, attendance at St. Margaret the week before The new statue is beautifully framed in a custom-made Christmas was high – most of the pews were filled and the niche designed and built by Fr. Mark Franklin who currently church can seat approximately 100 people. serves as pastor to St. Margaret and two other parishes. The The brick church was constructed in 1959 to replace the Hatter family, including frame duplex and Hazel, a Eucharistic a small, whiteminister, and Willia, the clapboarded rectory parish organist, were the building moved primary donors. to the site under And the new statue the direction of fits beautifully with pastor Rev. F. the rather retro-look Joseph Rateau. Fr. interior of the “new” Rateau was the first structure. There are diocesan priest since stained glass windows 1947 to serve the lining both sides of the parish. Members sanctuary and beautiful of the Society of statuary throughout the the Precious Blood church. New chandeliers were invited by were installed during Bishop Greco to the week before administer the Christmas to enhance parish during those the lighting in the altar Parishioners fill up the pews for the Christmas Mass at St. Margaret Church.

12 years during a

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clergy shortage. According to diocesan records, the artistic Fr. Theodore Lelieveld arrived in 1975 and he created much of the sanctuary statuary.

“We rented an empty house on North Main across from the depot while the new church was being built,” said James Michael. “And somewhere around 1946 an old army building was brought in to make a parish hall.”

In spite of the beauty of the surroundings, St. Margaret has had its share of tragedy. Fr. Lelieveld was fatally wounded by a gunman in October of 1976. This occurred as one of several acts of violence and vandalism to hit Catholic churches in the area. Since his death, the parish has been pastored from St. Paul in Minden. In 1994, the rectory was in use briefly by Rev. Joe Ben Hagen, OFM, who lived in Homer while serving as parochial vicar of St. Paul.

The church was thoroughly renovated

Hatter family with St. Margaret statue.

in 1990 and was further redesigned under Fr. Mark Franklin’s direction.

“When you stand in the sanctuary area and see the grills on either side, you’re looking at the previous placement of two doors,” he pointed out. “The door on the left led to the sacristy and the door on the right led to our reconciliation room.”

Both are now accessed through frosted glass doors from the pews.

St. Margaret is easy to miss when whizzing through Homer on La. 9, but it’s certainly worth the trip for a visit.

Not only is the congregation welcoming, but the statuary, the windows and the woodwork on display are breathtaking in their beauty and their scope in such a small church in this small town.

Second Collections for March | by Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General

Catholic Relief Services partner, Sr. Beatrice Chipeta, provides Malawi orphans with a lot more than food and shelter: She gives them a family. (Photo from CRS)

• Operation Rice Bowl Program Begins Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012 • Announcement Dates for Catholic Relief Service Collection : Mar. 4 & 11 • Collection Dates for Catholic Relief Service Collection: Mar. 17 & 18

established by the bishops of the U.S. and represents our community of faith at work in the world. The CRS Collection theme, Jesus in Disguise, reminds us of the presence of Christ in every one of our brothers and sisters in need. The bishops encourage us uring Lent, Catholic Relief to view the national collection in the Services (CRS) provides two light of stewardship and sharing. It is opportunities for Catholics in right and just that we give something the U.S. to live in true communion with back, helping people in our nation our brothers and sisters worldwide and worldwide to live better and grow through CRS’s Operation Rice Bowl and in the love of Jesus. When our Lord the USCCB’s national CRS Collection. says, “the poor you will have with you These are two unique opportunities in always,” it is a clear invitation, challenge the renewing season of Lent to draw and exhortation from our Lord to take nearer to our Lord through the care of advantage of the ever present spiritual the least of his brothers and sisters. opportunity to serve the Son of Man in CRS’s Operation Rice Bowl provides the faces and lives of those in need. resources for use in parish and school CRS’s Operation Rice Bowl settings, with complementary materials contributions support projects that for families to foster their faith life assist the poor both overseas and here at home. By participating in the in the U.S. Seventy-five percent of CRS’s traditional Lenten practices of prayer, Operation Rice Bowl contributions are fasting and almsgiving through CRS’s sent to CRS and help fund development Operation Rice Bowl, the faithful in projects overseas that help increase and our diocese are making a positive maintain communities’ access to food. difference in the lives of our brothers Twenty-five percent of the development and sisters who are most in need. contributions remain in the U.S. and Operation Rice bowl begins on Ash are used to fund local poverty and Wednesday, February 22, and ends on hunger alleviation programs. The Easter, April 8. The Rice Bowl is one CRS Collection supports five Catholic my favorite ways to spiritually engage organizations (Catholic Relief Services; the Lenten season, to give to others as USCCB’s Department of Justice, Peace, I have received from the Lord. It gives and Human Development; USCCB’s me a rich sense of communion with Migration and Refugee Services; the Lord and his people as I place coins Catholic Legal Immigration Network and dollars in my Rice Bowl each time and the Holy Father’s Relief Fund) I come home and sit down to commune that advance the social ministry of the with the Lord in prayer.

Catholic Church. Join me in helping, The CRS Collection and the CRS Rice Jesus in Disguise. Engage the Rice Bowl Bowl program are not the same thing, (orb.crs.org); and be generous in the but are related. The CRS Collection national Collection (http://www.usccb. is one of the 12 national collections org/about/national-collections/).

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Lent is Time to Help Others Spiritually, Materially, Pope Says | by Mary Shovlain Catholic News Service

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In his Lenten message, Pope Benedict XVI called on the faithful to be concerned for one another and “not to remain isolated and indifferent” to the fate of others.

Materialism and a sense of self-sufficiency are obstacles to a Christian life of charity, the pope said. Instead of looking first to God and then to the well-being of others, people often have an attitude of “indifference and disinterest born of selfishness and masked as a respect for ‘privacy.’”

He said that God’s commandment to love “demands that we acknowledge our responsibility toward those who, like ourselves, are creatures and children of God.” The annual Lenten message was presented during a Vatican news conference Feb. 7

by Cardinal Robert Sarah, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the office which handles the pope’s charitable giving, along with Msgr. Segundo Tejado Munoz, the council’s undersecretary.

The cardinal highlighted the pope’s call for “fraternal correction” and the Church’s prophetic mission in denouncing situations of injustice and poverty in the world. To overcome such injustices, one must get to the moral roots of such situations, he said. Corruption, accumulation of wealth, violence, and living off the work of others without contributing are all cancers that weaken a society from within, the cardinal said. But, he said, the true root of the world’s injustices stems from ignoring or denying God’s existence. By not acknowledging there is a creator and Lord who is greater than man, society degenerates into a “conflictual individualism” and a struggle of one person against another, Cardinal Sarah said.

The theme of the 2012 Lenten message was taken from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews: “Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works.” The pope outlined his message with three points taken from St. Paul’s letter: “concern for others, reciprocity and personal holiness.”

Concern for others, the pope said, means wanting what is good physically, morally and spiritually for one’s neighbor. But he noted that contemporary culture “seems to have lost the sense of good and evil.”

“There is a real need to reaffirm that good does exist and will prevail,” the pope said, defining good as “whatever gives, protects and promotes life, brotherhood

10 11 Catholic Connection March 2012

Your Appeal: A Lenten Tradition | by John Mark Willcox, Director of Development

(CNS photo/Paul Haring)

and communion.” The pope warned against what he called “spiritual anesthesia,” which numbs people to the suffering of others.

The suffering of others is not only physical or material, he said, but it is also spiritual, and he encouraged Christians to remember their “spiritual responsibility” toward their neighbor. He called for a renewal of a forgotten aspect of the Christian life, that is, “fraternal correction.”

Fraternal correction, he said, is a kind of Christian charity that speaks out against people indulging in sin.Often, “out of human regard or purely personal convenience,” Christians fail to warn others against ways of thinking and behaving that are contrary to the truth.

The reluctance to confront others in the name of truth, he said, stems from a world view dominated by individualism, which “accepts any moral choice in the name of personal freedom,” which then makes people blind to physical suffering and the spiritual and moral demands of life.

However, God wants Christians to help and encourage each other to strive for the truth, for good and holy lives, he said. Fraternal correction must never be motivated by a spirit of accusation or recrimination, but instead be both loving and admonishing, as God is with his children, he added.

“Both our sins and our acts of love have a social dimension,” which is why the church asks forgiveness for the sins of its members and at the same time rejoices in examples of virtue and charity in the church, he said.

The pope said time is precious and people must not become lukewarm about performing good works and using their God-given spiritual and material riches for the benefit of others.

In a world “which demands of Christians a renewed witness of love and fidelity to the Lord, may all of us feel the urgent need to anticipate one another in charity, service and good works,” he said.

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oin with fellow Catholics throughout our diocese by participating in the 2012 Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal now by using the 2012 Appeal Pledge Card located in this issue of your Catholic Connection on the bottom of page 22. You can also give via the web by visiting the home page of the Diocese of Shreveport at www.dioshpt.org.

Fr. Mark Watson addressed his parishioners on Appeal Sunday in this way: “Bishop Duca has been our leader for almost four years and I believe he has brought a new vision of growth to our diocese. Support of our Diocesan Stewardship Appeal speaks to the importance that we place on being part of the Catholic community beyond our own parish and in supporting its work in our area. Giving to support our Appeal states that we are connected to something larger than ourselves.

Our Catholic identity is tied to not only being a part of our home parish but also the Diocese of Shreveport. ” Remember that you have the remainder of this year to honor your pledge using your Appeal’s easy monthly payment reminders.

Please be generous to the many Appeal programs and ministries available to our people through no other source and may God bless you for your generosity!

School News 1

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Loyola’s Student Government Association advisor Camille Meehan was named to the Student Council Advisors Hall of Fame in New Orleans. She was recognized by the Louisiana Student Council State Convention (LASC) and was given her trophy and pin by Loyola Principal Frank Israel.

“This is a very small group of people who have all given decades of service to forming student leaders,” Israel said. “To be appointed to this group is a huge honor for Camille and for our Student Council.”

St. John Berchmans School Kindergarten students celebrated the 100th day of school with a Fairy Tale Ball. Many heroes, villains, princes and princesses joined us for the day. Our principal, Jo Cazes, made an appearance as the Fairy Godmother.

SJB also swept the annual Knights of Columbus patriotic essay contest. The winners Annabel Moore, Coco Edwards and Sophia Silvia presented their inspiring compositions at our Catholic Schools Week kickoff.

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Our Lady of Fatima School held a “Carnival of Saints” during Catholic Schools Week. Teachers created booths with games centered around questions about the saints who had major roles in Catholic education. Pre-K3 through 6th graders rotated through the booths and learned about each of the saints. The saints profiled were St. Jean Baptiste de La Salle, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Katharine Drexel, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. John Neumann and St. Frances Cabrini. It was great fun and a wonderful educational experience.

Jesus the Good Shepherd School had its first annual “Hoops for Hunger” shoot-out during Catholic Schools Week. Participating in the shootout were: Fr. Job Edathinatt Scaria from St. Lawrence Church and the University of Louisiana Monroe Chapel, and Fr. Matthew Long from Jesus the Good Shepherd Church. The admission to this fun event was one canned good. Although Fr. Job was the winner of the shoot-out, the Northeast Louisiana Food Bank was the real winner.

St. Frederick High School let the good times roll at the Ceremony of Roses where the SFHS Mardi Gras Court was presented to their loyal subjects! Among the 28 court members, senior Mallory Danna and sophomore Jefferson Manning were named King and Queen while freshman Audrey Rose Southern and Adam Whipple were named Prince and Princess. As guests entered the transformed Msgr. Marsh Memorial Gym, they were greeted by court members tossing beads and doubloons from the second floor balcony while traditional, festive Mardi Gras music filled the air.

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As part of St. Joseph School’s Catholic Schools Week 2012 a “shirting” ceremony was celebrated for the fifth grade students. Fifth grade students spent the morning “shadowing” middle school students, getting a taste of what their next three years at SJS would be like. At the end of the day, they were called to run down the red brick road to the front, one by one, to receive their SJS Middle School shirts, which they are allowed to wear every Friday of the school year. It’s a big day, and a fun reminder of how our once-little Falcons are growing up.

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Greco Institute:

Celebrating Adult Catholic Education for

Years

by Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

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reco Institute has been a staple of north Louisiana for Greco Institute was completely innovative. Besides one other 30 years. A small clergy taught class in 1982 was the similar program in Kansas City that the Diocese of Shreveport beginning of an Institute that continues to educate the collaborated with, the cost-free Greco program was unique in the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Shreveport.

United States.

When the Diocese of Shreveport was still part of the Diocese “Every Catholic over the age of 18 could take the classes at no of Alexandria-Shreveport, then auxiliary Bishop William B. charge. The only cost to them is their own transportation and Friend had a vision for giving back and educating the faithful. He perhaps a textbook. It was novel,” said Friend. “There were only felt called to initiate this program for three main reasons. three such institutes that existed when we started Greco Institute.

The first reason came from the people of the diocese.

There was one in Kansas City, with whom we collaborated. There During a diocesan study conducted shortly before the Diocese was one just beginning in Arizona and there was one in the of Shreveport was formed out of the Diocese of AlexandriaDiocese of Mobile. They had just begun, Kansas City was about a Shreveport, people let it be known that they were looking for year ahead. Shreveport was right up there in the top three.” ways to study sacred scripture.

In order to adhere to this cost-free structure, funding for the The second reason was a prompting from the Second Vatican program has always been provided by the Annual Diocesan Council and the teachings that followed it. Bishop Friend Stewardship Appeal. Bishop Friend felt it was essential to give wanted a way to present these teachings to the faithful of North back to the people from the common purse in a way that only the Louisiana effectively. diocese could do.

And finally, the cultural and social situations of North “[Greco] was funded through the goodness of the people, Louisiana were factors in determining how to share this their collections really kept everything going,” said Sr. Margaret education. There are no Catholic colleges or universities within Daues. “It was really through the Appeal and bishop said it was the Diocese of Shreveport, and Friend wanted to find a way to only proper we give something back to them. That’s why [there] educate the people with little to no cost to them and provide a was no charge.” way to work towards Catholic unity.

With the steady increase in classes and needs of the parishes, How to begin the initiative was a struggle. Catholics are a the program quickly expanded. Friend saw the need to hire a minority in north Louisiana and asking those of low or middle core faculty for the Greco Institute, instructors who were always income to pay for classes would decrease numbers even further. present and didn’t have the added responsibilities of pastoring Instead Friend, along with the help of Sr. Margaret Daues, CSJ, parishes. Full time instructors specialized in systematic theology, launched the Institute for Catholic Studies, later named Greco moral theology, sacred scripture, spiritual theology, Church Institute, free of charge history and ethics. to any of the faithful who The time to plan and wanted to attend. manage Greco Institute During the Institute’s quickly outgrew Sr. initial formation, Sr. Margaret’s availability for Margaret Daues and Fr. the project, as she was also E.J. Jaques, a Jesuit priest, serving as the Vicar for worked together for a year Education. At that time to create the curriculum.

Sr. Mary Jo Mutschler, SC, Friend felt that was hired to direct the the Church had the program. responsibility to go to its “Sr. Mary Jo was really a people. So after shoring gift to us. She was so smart up a well-educated group and so organized. She of clergy, the Institute sent took this core faculty and them out into the parishes worked with them to form to teach classes on the a much better curriculum. foundations of Catholic By this time people in ^ Every Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m., Fr. Pat Madden, Director of Greco faith and theology. the parishes were saying, Institute, teaches a class on the Gospel of Mark to over 40 students.

At the time, the ‘we want more training.’

12 13 Catholic Connection March 2012

^ Greco Institute staff gather to plan a course schedule in 1991. Left to right: Mary Nash, Sr. Eileen McGrory, SC, Jim McGill, Don Emge (standing), Sr. Barbara Linen, SHCJ and Elaine Gallion.

And so she really built the Greco Institute to do that,” said Sr. Margaret.

These faculty members not only served as instructors, but were also well-educated resources for parish catechists, permanent deacon formation and even ongoing clergy education.

As catechists became stronger, instructors did more. They increased quality and learning experience of the faithful.

Friend reflected, “Greco Institute courses increased the knowledge, understanding and faith of people who took courses. It became a culture of learning.”

Greco continues to have relationships with the University of Dallas, Loyola University in New Orleans and Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans to confer college credit and even Master’s ^ Sr. Mary Jo Mutschler, SC, degrees for students who wish second Director of Greco Institute, to pursue those avenues. was instrumental in its formation.

Over its 30 years of existence the Greco Institute was guided by several well-educated and passionate directors. In addition to Sr. Margaret Daues, CSJ and Sr. Mary Jo Mutschler, SC, the program was overseen by Donald Emge, Ph.D. and Brian Schmisek, Ph.D. Today the program is guided by Fr. Patrick Madden, Ph.D. The program has also had many beloved professors. To this day Greco students still reflect on their classes and the education they received from Jim McGill who served as a Greco instructor for 18 years and continues his relationship with the Greco

^ Jim McGill, former Greco Institute instructor, Bishop William Friend and Fr. Patrick Madden in the offices of Greco Institute in 2006.

Institute through the Catholic Biblical School classes he teaches monthly at the Catholic Center through the University of Dallas.

Unfortunately, shortly before Bishop Friend retired, Greco Institute had to downsize by two faculty members due to budget constraints and another instructor left for another diocesan ministry position. In order to keep the program going strong, the Greco Institute relied on its group of well-educated adjunct faculty members. The adjunct faculty and full time director and teacher, Fr. Pat Madden, continue to serve the program today.

Despite the downsizing in the Greco Institute, the need for Catholic Adult Education is still here 30 years later.

“It’s important to have the local capacity to equip people to aid in the mission of Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Friend.

“It’s important to be out in the field and to work with ^ Sr. Margaret Daues, CSJ, first catechists. Support them, Director of Greco Institute and listen to them.”

Chancellor in 2004.

He added, “We have to afford the opportunities because we can’t expect a small parish to work more miracles than they can already work. The diocesan level of Church operation has to somehow help the parish do that which it cannot do, or would like to do or needs to do.”

If you are interested in taking advantage of the free classes through the Greco Institute or in becoming an adjunct instructor, please contact Ginger Broussard, registrar, at 318868-4441. If you are interested in bringing a class to your parish, speak to your pastor or Director of Religious Education.

^ The above was published with early Greco Schedules during the first years of the Catholic Connection's publication.

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Enriching Lives with Diverse R.C.I.A. in North Lousiana by Fr. Mark Watson

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n July 1, 2011 I began my new placement at Sacred Heart Church in Oak Grove and St. Patrick Church in Lake Providence. After spending time getting to know parishioners, I began to plan the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) for the parishes. I scheduled an R.C.I.A. meeting in Germain Hall of Sacred Heart Church on Monday, September 19 and an R.C.I.A. meeting in Barker Hall of St. Patrick Church on Monday, September 26. As I prepared for these meetings I had no idea what role this ministry would play in these two parishes.

In order to establish the R.C.I.A. program at Sacred Heart, I spoke with Marie Costello and Evelyn Ridings. Both had helped lead R.C.I.A. since 1984. They have attended various “Beginnings and Beyond� conferences and own a good selection of R.C.I.A. materials. They were well prepared to facilitate the parishes R.C.I.A. process. At St. Patrick I would Fr. Mark Watson, Pastor of Sacred Heart and St. Patrick churches, lead the meetings. Evelyn LeBeau has since joined me in anoints Jason, an inmate at West Carroll Detention Center, confirming facilitating sessions. him in the Catholic faith.

As I began to plan the first two classes I was not certain anyone would show up. At the first class in Oak Grove one At East Carroll Detention Center in Lake Providence family showed up; Ted Pearson, his wife Debby and their two prisoners, Jeff and Tim, both indicated that they were daughter Lauren. The Pearsons live in Oak Grove but had not Catholic and wanted to join the Catholic Church. For attended a Baptist parish. They felt that God was calling them approximately five months I have incorporated sessions on to become members of the Catholic Church. Ted is Catholic different aspects of Catholic teaching into the Word Services but attends the class with his wife and daughter. It has been that I offer at the prison. Both Jeff and Tim have a deep desire a pleasure getting to know them. At the first class at St. to become Catholic and are growing in the faith. Around the Patrick a couple attended. Later a young man named Jason time of the Easter Vigil they will be fully initiated into the Condrey also joined the class. Now Jason is journeying to full Catholic Church. initiation in the Catholic Church. I felt that my goal of having On Sunday, September 4th I celebrated my first Mass two R.C.I.A. classes had been met, but the program would in Spanish in Oak Grove. At the Mass I met Vitalina and continue to grow.

Eleocadio Solorio and their family. Vitalina and Eleocadio Soon after arriving at Oak Grove and Lake Providence I asked if their daughter Janet could receive First Communion. began to celebrate Mass at West Carroll Detention Center in Since Janet was 8 years old, I began a Rite of Christian Epps and East Carroll Detention Center in Lake Providence.

Initiation for Children (R.C.I.C.) class at Oak Grove. Evelyn At one of the first Masses Ridings agreed to teach the I celebrated at West Carroll class. The R.C.I.C. class has Detention Center I met a grown to nine students, two I hoped there would be a need for young man named Jason. of whom are not baptized. All an R.C.I.A. process in either of the Jason indicated that he was of the students are Hispanic.

Catholic but had never been two parishes. Within a period of seven This has been a wonderful way confirmed. Another prisoner of welcoming our Hispanic months the parishes have begun not named Charles, who was brothers and sisters to Sacred Catholic, also indicated that Heart parish and ministering one or two classes, but six. he wanted to be confirmed. to them. During one of the I began a four month R.C.I.C. classes, two mothers process of preparing Jason who were present with their and Charles to receive the sacrament of Confirmation by children indicated that they had not yet received First instructing on different areas of Catholic teaching in my Communion. I therefore started a class in Spanish for these homilies. While Charles was transferred to another prison, I women who, though Catholic, desire to be fully initiated in confirmed Jason on Friday, January 20 at our weekly Mass in the Catholic Church. the prison. After Mass, Kelly Salemi and I shared refreshments On arriving in Oak Grove and Lake Providence I hoped with the inmates. Kelly assists me with prison ministry in there would be a need for an R.C.I.A. process in either of the Epps. CeCe Minsky and Terry Leslie prepared cookies and two parishes. Within a period of seven months the parishes root beer for the inmates. I have been impressed with the way have begun not one or two classes, but six. As we approach the Jason has grown in the faith. I gave Jason a Book of Christian Easter Vigil I pray that these catechumens and candidates will Prayer and he now faithfully prays the various prayers continue to grow in their new found faith and find ways to throughout the day and evening. share it with others.

14 15 Catholic Connection March 2012

Youth Ministry Certification

Religious Education Has No Graduation Date

by John Vining, Director of Youth and Young Adults

by Katie Sciba

Adults gather for a Greco Institute class at Sacred Heart Church in Rayville.

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ince September of 2011, youth leaders and workers have had the opportunity to participate in a Certificate of Youth Studies from the Center for Ministry Development (CMD). The certification is designed to equip parishioners with the skills and confidence they need in ministering their respective flocks and beyond. CMD has been providing training, resources and parish consultation for pastoral and catechetical ministry since 1978. A good amount of research went into the vetting process both before I arrived on staff and after.

Various dioceses and other pertinent bodies were consulted over a period of several months. CMD is firmly rooted in Church documents and is designed to help parishes achieve their goals. Here is an excerpt from CMD’s website about the program. For additional information please go to www.cmdnet.org.

This program is designed for adults involved professionally or as volunteers with younger (10-14) or older (14-19) adolescents in a parish or school setting. The potential audience for the program includes: coordinators of youth ministry, directors of religious education, youth ministry volunteer leaders, junior high leaders, high school campus ministers, teachers, clergy, university students and seminarians.

The Certificate program is utilized in a number of ways: • as an integrated formation program leading to a Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies.

• as an enrichment or continuing education program for veteran leaders.

• as a workshop series which can be taken on a course-bycourse basis by professional or volunteer leaders.

Due to being underwritten by a Catholic Church Extension Grant, the Diocese of Shreveport is able to offer this certification at the low cost of $100 per weekend. Eight courses are needed to complete the certification and we are hoping to extend the program after its conclusion in the spring of 2013. Those students who have completed the course will be presented with their certification at their home parish in appreciation for their dedication and hard work.

If you would like to participate in continuing education requirements or you are seeking to complete the certification, please contact the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry to register. We would love to have you.

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t starts at such an early age – a baby is born and welcomed into a Noah’s Ark nursery. The baby is baptized and, once a toddler, murmurs prayers along with mom and dad and can proudly demonstrate the Sign of the Cross. There is a multitude of children’s books on faith, the saints and Bible stories; parents as well as teachers will invest all sorts of time in helping children know Jesus. Adults have the same requirements when it comes to religious education, though it’s not as immediately obvious.

We need to be inspired by the stories of the saints, we need to know all of the Ten Commandments, we need to recite the Act of Contrition. Why? Unlike the common secular education, religious education has no graduation date – Catholics are invited and compelled to further understand the how’s and why’s of the faith; to educate ourselves and others in the knowledge and love found in the Church for the rest of our lives.

The challenge in continuing faith formation as an adult is that you’re no longer pursuing knowledge for a credit. Most education is attained with a certain end in sight and life plans to follow; but it’s not so with the Catholic faith, which is pursued for knowledge itself and, ultimately, the glory of God. It is in studying the Catholic faith more deeply that we are enabled to love it and practice it, becoming a light before our fellow man (Matthew 5:16) and drawing more souls to Christ. The joy in knowing and loving Catholicism is contagious and the Church is further strengthened by her members.

The Catholic faith is so deep an ocean of truth and charity that no soul could claim to be satisfied with the understanding of it.

The desire of knowledge is an innate part of every person – we’re always trying to learn more. Just as spouses can never know enough about each other, the individual and collective Catholic soul will be ever able to learn through a variety of approaches.

The Greco Institute provides a more formal avenue for achieving Catholic education in a group setting, while online resources like truthandcharity.net or the Catholic Encyclopedia at newadvent. org are available for those seeking formation individually.

Regardless of the classroom or computer setting, prayer must be the foundation of diving into the Catholic faith. In addition to literary resources, we have gifts from Heaven in the Holy Eucharist and the Rosary. Like any virtue, faith formation takes frequent practice to become a habit and persistence as well. Invite others to learn and pray with you – who wouldn’t enjoy noon Mass followed by lunch during the work week?

Spread your newfound knowledge and rediscover the joy of Catholicism.

Annual Report

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Louisiana Life March

“Last week Louisiana was declared the No. 1 pro-life state in the nation because of the legislation passed in this building,” as he

by Laura Deavers, Catholic Commentator, Baton Rouge pointed to the Capitol behind him. Americans United for Life, s more than 3,500 Louisianans marched from the Old a Washington, D.C.-based lobbying group, was the organization State Capitol to the State Capitol in Baton Rouge, they that ranked the states. The rankings were determined according presented messages in ways as diverse as they were: some to the states’ policies on abortion, euthanasia and stem-cell preached, some sang, some chanted, some prayed the rosary. At research. the center of all was a desire to put an end to abortion.

Clapper then told of a young woman who went to an abortion Pro-life advocates ranging in age from octogenarians to clinic in New Orleans last week. Because of a Louisiana law young children participated in the second Louisiana March for that requires a woman seeking an abortion to be offered the Life Saturday Jan. 21. The march was sponsored by Louisiana opportunity to see the sonogram of the baby she plans to abort, Conference of Catholic Bishops, Louisiana Right to Life, the woman chose to keep her baby when she saw the heart Louisiana Baptist Convention, Louisiana Family Forum, the beating and the child’s 10 fingers and 10 toes.

Knights of Columbus and Louisiana’s Concerned Women for “It would have been legal for her to kill this child,” said America.

Clapper. “Now this child will have a birthday because of what you Two men alternated using a portable microphone to preach have done to protect life. And all human beings, no matter how about saving babies, on the evil of abortion, and how every old, are protected under our laws and in our culture.” abortion affects society, not just the woman who sought the abortion. The child aborted never has a chance to be born and grow into a person who can bring love to others and use the gifts God would have given that child for a better world.

A group of young adults repeated “Roe v.

Wade has got to go” while another group of young people sang lyrics to a popular song that focuses on life and the importance of it. Older marchers sang traditional Catholic hymns; and several groups, so far back in the march that they could not hear those preaching at the head of the cortege, recited the rosary.

People have passions for many things, said Rev. Fred Luter, pastor of the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, the primary speaker for the rally. He spoke of people’s passion for politics, education, health care, shopping, computers, food and sports. “The bottom line is that we are gathered here because of our passion for life,” said Luter, before speaking about the three reasons to show God is Thousands march through Baton Rouge to support life during the annual Louisiana in control of everything and that their role is to Life March. (Photo courtesy of Catholic Commentator, Baton Rouge). let God tell them what to do.

Luter told the crowd to remember that life U.S. Sen. David Vitter reminded the crowd that God is asking starts with God, life is sustained by God and life ends with God, them to be faithful. “God doesn’t ask us to control things. He and that they should continue walking for, praying for and asks us to be faithful, and he will take care of the rest of it,” demonstrating for life.

Vitter said. “I am confident we will be successful.”

“When you die, God will remember what you did for the Vitter said success would not come from the leaders of the unborn child — what you did for life,” ended Luter. march nor the religious leaders, but because of the people, Since the bishops of Louisiana were in Rome for their ad especially the young people who had made the march. “Keep limina visit at the Vatican with Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop working, keep reaching out,” Vitter instructed. “You have Dominic Carmon, retired auxiliary bishop of New Orleans, changed the hearts and minds of many in Louisiana.” gave the opening prayer, asking that those who make laws will Marsha Schexnayder, founder of Life After Choice, a Bible understand their responsibility is to do what they can to protect study for women who have had an abortion, spoke to the crowd every stage of human life, including the unborn. about the guilt she felt after aborting her first child to save Some participants had driven three hours to attend the march her own life and asking God to forgive her. When she had a that began at 10 a.m. and the rally that concluded before noon. revelation that God had forgiven her, she began helping women They did not let a few rain showers at the beginning of the march who have experienced the same emptiness and loneliness from deter them from demonstrating their desire to put an end to their abortions. abortion.

As pink and blue balloons, which were to represent aborted Standing in the parking area at the foot of the State Capitol, babies, were released into the warm breeze, the crowd began to the marchers clapped loudly when Ben Clapper announced, disperse to continue their work of saving the unborn.

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16 17 Catholic Connection March 2012

Sacred Heart Church in Springhill Makes Transition

MEET THE DEPARTMENT: Greco Institute

by Randy Tiller, Director of Mission Effectiveness

During the 25th anniversary year of the Diocese of Shreveport we are profiling those who work in each department for the diocese. We hope this helps you get to know the people who work for you.

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ife for Sacred Heart has changed, not ended.”

These words were never as poignant as they were Sunday, February 12, at the celebration of the last scheduled Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Springhill. Bishop Michael Duca presided over the Mass, while Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General, Fr. Pike Thomas, past pastor, and Fr. Mark Franklin, present pastor, concelebrated the last regular Sunday Mass.

This however, “is not the end of our story…we will still mark the passing of our dear members and celebrate the new life of baptism within these walls” writes Fr. Mark Franklin. Although official roots can be traced back to earlier years, July 18, 1952 marks the date the parish was established with 35 founding families. International Paper Company brought significant numbers of Catholics to Springhill, and with the decline of International Paper Company Sacred Heart Church saw the numbers begin to decline also. Throughout those years the community was blessed to touch many lives. Founders’ family members such as Harryette (Manuel) and Raymond Winn from West Monroe and members of the Whipple family from Dallas and other areas who have moved away from Springhill came home that Sunday to once again participate in the Order of Worship.

From the first words of the entrance hymn, “Joyful, Joyful, We adore you” to the last words of the closing hymn, “The Church’s One Foundation” the congregation led by Don and Anita Cooper and Choir members, sang out in one resolute voice. Amid an air of nostalgia there was a feeling of new beginnings as the sanctuary lamp was

“

Ginger Broussard, Greco Institute Registrar and Fr. Patrick Madden, Director of Greco Institute.

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reco Institute coordinates all adultlevel religious education in the diocese, offering programs designed to foster a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the faith and to develop ministerial skills and knowledge.

Father Patrick Madden: I am the Director of Greco Institute and I am also pastor of St. Lucy Church in Hodge and St. Benedict in Grambling. I have always enjoyed learning about God and teaching.

After ordination I received degrees in Liturgy from Notre Dame, Latin from the University of Michigan, and in Biblical Studies from Catholic University. In addition to teaching Greco classes, I serve on the adjunct faculties of Loyola University in New Orleans and the University of Dallas. I am a member of the Catholic Biblical Association, the Society of Biblical Literature, the College Theology Society, the Catholic Theological Association and the Notre Dame Center for Pastoral Liturgy.

Ginger Broussard: I am the registrar/ administrative assistant in the Greco Institute. I’ve been with Greco since 1994.

I’m married to Mike (a Greco adjunct faculty member) and we have three kids. We are members of the Cathedral parish. Two years ago I became a Greco student when I enrolled in the Catholic Biblical School through the University of Dallas. The best part of my job has been getting to know so many wonderful people through our programs. If you’d like to know more about what Greco has to offer, just give us a call.

extinguished and the tabernacle door left open to signify that the Blessed Eucharist was no longer present.

Leonard and Ginger Blanton then participated in retiring the altar cloth to the sacristy and Skip and Sandra Grillot placed a brazier on the altar to which incense was added to signify that Sacred Heart Church remains a sacred space of prayer. Sacristans will be appointed to prepare the altar when the church is used in the future for prayer gatherings, celebration of baptisms and the passing of loved ones to their eternal reward.

The Gospel of the day, Mark 1:40-45 spoke to the healing of an untouchable. Bishop Duca pointed out that the community of Sacred Heart has reached out and their healing through common prayer can continue.

Reaching out did not stop that day, but continues at St. Paul Church in Minden and the healing will continue at Sacred Heart Church through the celebration of life’s events in Springhill.

A memorial will be established at St. Paul Church as a remembrance to the many families and memories of the Sacred Heart faithful as they are now fully merged back into the loving care at St. Paul Catholic Church.

Fr. Mark wrote, “It is the goodness of God and His abundant Grace that has allowed us to have joy in our hearts even as we felt them breaking. And we know and testify that our God, who has seen us through many difficulties, will not abandon us now. We will continue to grow spiritually as individuals and we will find new life and new homes in our new parishes.

“May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored and glorified, now and forever! Amen.”

Annual Report

17 16

Hispanic Corner

Misas

por Rosalba Quiroz

Parte de Carta Episcopal a los Inmigrantes ¡

Q

ue la paz y gracia de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo estén con ustedes!

Nosotros los obispos hispanos/ latinos de Estados Unidos les hacemos saber que aunque estén en este país sin papeles no están solos ni olvidados.

Reconocemos que todo ser humano, con o sin documentos, es imagen de Dios y por eso tiene valor y dignidad infinitos. Les abrimos nuestros brazos y nuestro corazón y los recibimos como miembros de nuestra familia católica.

Como pastores, les dirigimos estas palabras desde lo más profundo de nuestro corazón. Agradecemos los valores cristianos que nos demuestran con su vida – el sacrificio por el bien de sus familias, la determinación y perseverancia, el gozo de vivir su profunda fe y fidelidad aun con la inseguridad y tantas dificultades. Ustedes contribuyen mucho al bienestar de nuestra nación en el ámbito económico, cultural y espiritual.

En sus rostros sufrientes vemos el rostro verdadero de Jesucristo. Sabemos muy bien el gran sacrificio que hacen por el bien de sus familias. Muchos de ustedes hacen los trabajos más difíciles, con sueldos miserables y sin seguro médico ni prestaciones. En lugar de gratitud, se les trata como criminales. Sentimos el dolor de las familias que sufren deportación; la frustración de jóvenes que crecen en este país pero se truncan sus sueños de educación; la ansiedad de los que esperan aprobación para residencia permanente y sobretodo la angustia de la amenaza de ser deportados...

Artículo copiado de carta de los obispos publicada el 12 de diciembre del 2011 en apoyo a una Reforma Migratoria Humana y Justa.

Para ver el artículo completo ir a la página episcopal de Estados Unidos www. uscc.org o pedir copia con su coordinador parroquial.

El Ministerio Católico Hispano Ofrece Retiro Familiar Esta Cuaresma “Penitencia” Sábado 17 de Marzo, 2012 Centro Católico 3500 Fairfield Avenue • Shreveport, LA 71104 De 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Para más información, favor de comunicarse con su coordinador parroquial o a la oficina del Ministerio Hispano.

Teléfonos: 318-219-7257 o 318-219-7265

Calendario de Actividades para el mes de Marzo del 2012 2 Centro católico cerrado por retiro para trabajadores de la diócesis.

13-14 Retiro para coordinadores y directores del Ministerio Hispano de Luisiana, Houma Thibodaux.

17 Retiro Familiar Cuaresmal, Centro Católico, de 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

Abril: Retiro “Experiencia Cristo” para jóvenes adultos (18-35 años) del 13-15 de abril. Llama para más información y para registrarte 318-219-7257.

18 19 Catholic Connection March 2012

Bossier City: Christ the King Church 425 McCormick St. Bossier City Sábado 7:00 p.m.

Domingo 3:00 p.m.

Lunes 7:00 p.m.

Confesiones 45 minutos antes de Misa Marilú Rodriguez Tel: 318-286-1492 Farmerville: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 600 E. Water Street Farmerville Sábado 7:00 p.m.

Rev. Al Jost Tel: 318-243-0115 Mansfield: St. Joseph Church 305 Jefferson Street Mansfield 2do Domingo 2:00 p.m. y 3er Martes 6:30 p.m.

Juanita Ibarra Tel: 318-872-5390 Minden: St. Paul Church 410 Fincher Road Minden 2do y 4to Viernes 7:00 p.m.

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

Feliciano y Rosa Alviso Martinez Tel: 318-428-2137 Ruston: St. Thomas Aquinas Church 810 Carey Ave. Ruston 2do y 4to Domingo 2:30 p.m.

Soledad Broyles Tel: 318-243-1958 Shreveport: St. Mary of the Pines Church 1050 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop Shreveport Domingo 1:00 p.m.

Carmen Bradford Tel: 318-455-2300 West Monroe: St. Paschal Church 711 N 7th Street West Monroe Domingo 2:30 p.m.

Lorena Chaparro Tel: 318-651-9136

Rosalba Quiroz, Directora del Ministerio Hispano 318-219-7265 Jeanne Brown 318-219-7257

News Briefs

by Catholic News Service

Pope: Vocations are Born From Openness to the Love of God

Pope Benedict XVI presents a ring to new U.S. Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan during a consistory in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Feb. 18. ( CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Pope creates 22 New Cardinals, Three from US, Canada

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI created 22 new cardinals from 13 countries -- including three from the United States and Canada -- placing red hats on their heads and calling them to lives of even greater love and service to the church. The churchmen who joined the College of Cardinals Feb. 18 included Cardinals Timothy M. Dolan of New York; Edwin F. O’Brien, grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem and former archbishop of Baltimore, and Thomas C. Collins of Toronto.

In their first official act in their new role, the new cardinals were asked to join their peers in giving the pope their opinion, in writing, on the canonization of seven new saints, including Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, an American Indian, and Blessed Marianne Cope of Molokai, Hawaii. The pope announced at the consistory that the canonization ceremony would be celebrated Oct. 21 at the Vatican.

St. Peter’s Basilica was filled to overflowing for the ceremony, and several thousand people sat in a sunny St. Peter’s Square watching on large video screens. Choirs from New York and from several Italian dioceses provided music for the service.

At the end of the ceremony, the College of Cardinals had 213 members, 125 of whom were under the age of 80 and, therefore, eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope.

The consistory took the form of a prayer service. After the Gospel reading, in what the Vatican described as an allocution, not a homily, the pope told the cardinals that love and service, not an air of greatness, are to mark their lives as cardinals.

“Dominion and service, egoism and altruism, possession and gift, self-interest and gratuitousness: These profoundly contrasting approaches confront each other in every age and place,” Pope Benedict said, but the cardinals must model their lives on that of Jesus, loving others to the point of giving up his life for them.

In all things, Pope Benedict said, “the new cardinals are entrusted with the service of love: love for God, love for his church, an absolute and unconditional love for his brothers and sisters, even unto shedding their blood, if necessary,” a fact underlined by the red color of the biretta -- a three-cornered hat -- and the red cardinal’s robes.

During the ceremony, Pope Benedict placed rings on the fingers of the 22 new cardinals and assigned them a “titular church” in Rome, making them full members of the Rome clergy and closer collaborators of the pope in governing the universal church.

Cardinal O’Brien’s titular church is the historic Church of St. Sebastian on the Palatine Hill. Cardinal Collins was assigned the Church of St. Patrick in the Via Veneto neighborhood, where an English-speaking congregation worships; and Cardinal Dolan became the titular cardinal of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Monte Mario neighborhood.

The pope asked the new cardinals “to serve the church with love and vigor, with the transparency and wisdom of teachers, with the energy and strength of shepherds, with the fidelity and courage of martyrs.”

(CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz, Long Island Catholic)

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Love of God nurtures love of neighbor, especially in people with vocations to the priesthood or religious life, said Pope Benedict XVI in his message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The papal message for the 49th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which will be observed April 29, was released Feb. 13 at the Vatican. “The profound truth of our existence is thus contained in this surprising mystery: Every creature, and in particular every human person, is the fruit of God’s thought and an act of his love, a love that is boundless, faithful and everlasting,” Pope Benedict wrote. “It is in this soil of self-offering and openness to the love of God, and as the fruit of that love, that all vocations are born and grow. By drawing from this wellspring through prayer, constant recourse to God’s word and to the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, it becomes possible to live a life of love for our neighbors, in whom we come to perceive the face of Christ the Lord,” the pope wrote. Pope Benedict wrote that love of both God and other people “must be lived with a particular intensity and purity of heart by those who have decided to set out on the path of vocation discernment towards the ministerial priesthood and the consecrated life.” Calling on the church to “create the conditions that will permit many young people to say ’yes’ in generous response to God’s loving call,” the pope recommended “Scripture, prayer and the Eucharist” as the most valuable means “enabling us to grasp the beauty of a life spent fully in service of the kingdom.”

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Around the Diocese

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As part of Catholic Schools Week, students from Catholic Schools in Shreveport and Monroe met at St. John Berchmans School to compete in the annual St. John Berchmans Invitational Religion Scholars Bowl. Grade competed against grade in oral religious trivia, written exam and skit categories. The sixth grade took first place overall.

^

The bishop’s second annual Pro-Life Banquet was held at Eastridge Country Club in Shreveport on February 4. Speaker Shenan Boquet, who spoke on the culture of death in the world, was the guest speaker to nearly 200 in attendance. The winner of the local pro-life oratory contest, Emily Plummer, also spoke at the event.

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A record number of adults and youth are training as altar servers at St. Jude Catholic Church.

Integrating young people in service within our parishes plants an essential seed that will flourish as they grow older to serve the faithful both in parishes and communities. As parents search for ways to actively share our Catholic faith with our children, keep this opportunity in mind. This particular ministry provides a unique opportunity for families to form strong faith bonds by serving the Lord and our church together. We are blessed to have a number of father/ son, mother/daughter, and family teams who serve the altar at St. Jude liturgies.

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Little Flower of Jesus Church and St. Matthew Church in Monroe celebrated a Mass and reception in honor of Black History Month on February 4, 2012. Pictured are Mrs. Sarah Allen, Mrs. Charlotte Crayton and Fr. Lijo Thomas.

20 21 Catholic Connection March 2012

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On January 22 St. Patrick Catholic Church celebrated its first Youth Mass. Youth from the parish served as lectors, altar servers and ushers. There was a youth choir which offered beautiful music. Parishioners are already looking forward to the next youth Mass.

Saints for Transformation and Change

by Kim Long, DRE, St. Mary of the Pines

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s I am writing this article it’s Carnival season. We are fast approaching Fat Tuesday and then Ash Wednesday. So is there a saint for Carnival? One of the obvious features of carnival season is wearing masks. We are preparing to celebrate Mardi Gras with our religious school students and I wonder, are we hiding from ourselves or from the world around us? I have to admit that until I learned more about the spiritual nature of Carnival and Mardi Gras they didn’t hold much appeal for me.

Transformation and change are also characteristics of Carnival and Lent.

With a few glue sticks, some feathers, and sequins a plain mask becomes a work of art, it’s transformed. We do that as we wear costumes and masks and engage in good-hearted revelry.

The change comes later, when I put my mask away until next year and prepare to face myself in the mirror hoping that

by Easter Sunday I can see a change in some way whether it’s being more prayerful, more considerate, more honest with myself, or just more open to God’s will and love.

I tried to find a couple of patron saints that reflect some of the sense of Carnival and Mardi Gras; transformation and change. I came up with two, both of whom have acting and actors under the patronage; St. Genesius of Rome and Pelagia the Penitent.

St. Genesius, whose feast day is celebrated on August 25, died a martyr for the faith. He has a bit of a checkered past in that there seem to be two very different stories of how he came to convert. One story states that Genesius was a Roman actor performing for the Emperor Diocletian. In one of his performances he played a catechumen that was to be baptized. What began as a farce had a very different ending.

Genesius saw angels, realized baptism was real and not a mockery, was moved by the Holy Spirit and converted during one of the performances. Although this story was disputed by some, Pope Gregory III built a church in his honor.

One source claims he was a legal clerk who left his position in search of baptism. The last story is that Genesius

Saint Genesius was an actor prior to his conversion and is recognized as the patron saint of actors.

was a comedian and was converted during a performance and refused to renounce his Christian conversion at the request of the emperor and was beheaded. The exact date is not known, but it is placed between 286 and 303 A.D. He is the patron saint of actors, dancers, printers and lawyers.

St. Pelagia the Penitent likewise has a murky history. She was converted to Christianity by St. Nonnus, Bishop of Edessa. Before her baptism she was head of a dance troop in Antioch living a life of frivolity. One day while Pelagia was elegantly dressed, she made her way past a church where St. Nonnus was preaching. Believers turned their faces from her, but the bishop saw her and was struck by her beauty. St. Nonnus prayed in his cell at length to the Lord for the sinner. He told his fellow bishops that this woman put them all to shame, explaining that she took great care to adorn her body in order to appear beautiful in the eyes of men while they took no time to prepare themselves for the Lord. He is quoted as saying “We take no thought for the adornment of our wretched souls.”

Pelagia heard a little more of St. Nonnus’ preaching and converted.

After her baptism she gathered up her valuables, presented them to Nonnus with instructions to sell them and give the proceeds for the poor. She lived out her days in prayer and seclusion. Her feast is commemorated on October 8.

Upcoming Events FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 14: LENTEN LECTURE SERIES AT OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH Our Lady of Fatima Church in Monroe will host a Lenten Lecture Series entitled “Seeking God; Finding God” on three consecutive Wednesday evenings this Lenten season. The talks will be held in the church beginning at 6:00 p.m. and will last approximately one hour. The schedule of speakers will be: February 29, Sr. Marilyn Vassallo, CSJ, Diocesan Tribunal Director; March 7, Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General; March 14, Fr. Matthew Long, Parochail Vicar, Jesus the Good Shepherd Church. The church is located at 3205 Concordia Street. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 29: CATHOLIC DIVORCE RECOVERY PROGRAM The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide is the premier divorce recovery support program for Catholics. The video series provides experts to guide you through the recovery process, using the wisdom of the Church to bring you hope and healing.

These six sessions will be on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 - 8:15 p.m. at the Catholic Center, 3500 Fairfield Ave., Shreveport. For a registration form, contact Dotye Sue Stanford, St. Joseph Church, 318-865-3581 or email dstanford@stjosephchurch.net.

MARCH 8: LENTEN MISSION AT JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH Fr. Simeon Gallagher, OFM, will preach the Lenten Mission at Jesus the Good Shepherd Church (2510 Emerson St., Monroe, LA 71201), March 5 - 8. Fr. Gallagher will preach at all the Masses on March 3 and 4.

The theme of the mission is “Losing and Rediscovering God,” and addresses the role of faith in the Christian Life. The lectures attempt to locate the adventure of faith within the human experience where it is possible to rediscover the basic sense of God today, and lead us out of confusion and chaos into clarity and hope. For more information, call 318-3257549.

MARCH 11: ST. JOSEPH ALTAR AT ST. PIUS X CHURCH St. Pius X Catholic Church, located at 4300 North Market St. in Shreveport, will be having their annual St. Joseph’s Altar on Sunday, March 11. We will begin the day with Mass at 11:00 a.m. followed by the blessing of the altar. Food will be served from 12:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. Everyone welcome.

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continued from page 21.

MARCH 11-13: LENTEN MISSION AT ST. MARY OF THE PINES This Lenten Mission will begin at 6:30 p.m. each evening. The speaker will be Fr. Karl Daigle and the title is “Blessed Are The Merciful: The Journey of Forgiveness.” There will be a small reception following each evening service. Babysitting will be provided.

Everyone is invited and welcomed to join with us.

MARCH 18: ST. JOSEPH ALTAR AT ST. JOSPEH CHURCH, SHREVEPORT St. Joseph Church will hold their St. Joseph Altar on Sunday, March 18, from 10:45 a.m. 7:30 p.m., in the Family Life Center.

The Saturday prior, March 17, at 6:15 p.m., in the Family Life Center, a rosary will be said in Italian at the foot of the Altar in preparation for Sunday and in honor of our Blessed Mother. For more information, contact Susan Prest at 318-865-3581.

MARCH 26: DEADLINE TO RESERVE SPOT FOR SUMMER CAMP WITH ST. THOMAS CATHOLIC YOUTH St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Youth Organization is going back to Tiger, GA for another amazing adventure and would like to invite other youth on this great journey!

Last year we had 16 youth attend the camp and their lives were transformed!

The junior high group will go May 26 - June 2 and the senior high group will go June 3-10. For information please email Marcos at cyomarcos@gmail.com.

Deadline to reserve a spot is March 26. If you can't go, but would like to sponsor a teen, please contact us.

APRIL 17: PRO-LIFE ORATORY CONTEST The National Right to Life is sponsoring its annual Pro-Life Oratory Contest. The competition is open to all high school juniors and seniors who will address the issues of abortion, infanticide, euthanasia or fetal stem cell research in 5-7 minute oral presentations.

The local contest, now in its 24th year, will be held on Tuesday, April 17th at 7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Center, 3500 Fairfield Ave. in Shreveport. The contest is open to the public at no charge. The local prizes are: First place- $150 cash, Second place- $100 cash, and Third place-$50 cash. The first place winner will then represent the Shreveport/ Bossier area at the state contest.

For additional information and entry forms, please contact Susan Flanagan at 944 Unadilla Street, Shreveport, LA. 71106 or call 318-861-6879 or go online to www.prolifeoratory.com.

It’s the year of our Diocesan Jubilee, and we are carrying that spirit and fervor into our Spring Rally! On Saturday April 14, 2012 we will meet at Louisiana Tech University to celebrate Christ being the same Yesterday, Today and Forever.

Steve Angrisano will be with us to celebrate Christ and His Faithfulness.

Steve is undoubtedly one of the most effective and versatile ministry leaders in the Church today. Those who are young and (young at heart) embrace the passionate message of faith, hope and love woven throughout his music and storytelling. Steve is a veteran musician, composer, and youth minister that has been featured at six World Youth Days!

You don’t want to miss this faith filled man.

For more information please contact your local parish or contact the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at the Catholic Center. Make plans to attend today! Those who register early will be able to purchase Divine Mercy t-shirts in honor of that weekend.

2 0 1 2 D i o ce s a n s t e w a rd s h i p Appe a l

I / We would like to contribute to the Diocesan Stewardship Appeal with a yearly pledge of: $10,000 $7,500 $5,000 $3,500

$2,500 $2,000 $1,500 $1,000

Please send monthly reminders to:

$800 $750 $650 $500

$400 $350 $300 $250

At this time I / we are enclosing:

$200 $150 $100 $_______

$_____________

Print Name_ _______________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________

Diocese of Shreveport The Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 www.dioshpt.org

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

22 23 Catholic Connection March 2012

MARCH 2012 SUNDAY

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First Sunday of Lent Rite of Election, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 2:30pm Second Appeal Follow-Up Sunday

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MONDAY

TUESDAY

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(CNS photo/Joanne Ward, Catholic Spirit)

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

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Catholic Divorce Recovery Program Begins, Catholic Center, 6pm

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Second Sunday of Lent

Sts. Perpetua & Felicity, martyrs

FRIDAY

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World Day of Prayer

St. John of God, religious

SATURDAY

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Deadline for the April Catholic Connection

St. Frances of Rome, religious

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Third Sunday of Lent Daylight Savings Time Begins

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Vocations Board Meeting, Catholic Center, 12pm

Fifth Sunday of Lent

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Pope Benedict XVI Visits Cuba

Prebyteral Council Meeting, Catholic Center, 1:00pm

St. Turibius de Mogrovejo, bishop

St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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Hispanic Ministry Family Retreat, Catholic Center, 10am St. Patrick's Day

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The Annunciation of the Lord Spring Break for Catholic Schools Begins

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DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

â&#x20AC;˘

Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

All Schools Mass

D

uring Catholic Schools Week, the first week of February, two All School Masses were held. The first took place at Loyola College Prep where those students gathered with the students of St. Joseph School and St. John Berchmans Catholic School. The second took place at St. Fredrick High School where those students joined with the students of Jesus the Good Shepherd School and Our Lady of Fatima School. Right: Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General, leads the Western Deanery All Schools Mass.

Bottom L to R: Students from Shreveport's three Catholic Schools join together as a choir; Bishop Duca and Fr. David Richter serve the Eucharist in Monroe; Students from Monroeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic schools join together in prayer.

24 Catholic Connection March 2012