2023 December - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

CATHOLIC CONNECTION VOL. 33 NO. 5 | DECEMBER 2023

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel DECEMBER 2023 1

CATHOLIC CONNECTION PUBLISHER

Bishop Francis I. Malone

EDITOR

Kirsten Shrewsberry

EDITORIAL BOARD

December 2023

Volume 33, Number 5 O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL

CONTRIBUTORS

Delia Barr Mike Van Vranken Karl Yabut Mary Arcement Alexander Dcn. Charles Thomas OFS Very Rev. Msgr. Matthew T. Long Karen Dill Karla Alvarez Kathy Shimschock Meg Goorley Jill Wier Cassandra Key Jordan Harris Stephanie Haney Amy Fakhre Clayton Cobb

SUBSCRIPTIONS & ADDRESS CHANGES Very Rev. Msgr. Matthew T. Long

Rev. Kevin Mues

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

SUBMISSIONS

Contact: Kirsten Shrewsberry Email: doseditor@dioshpt.org

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

Dcn. Charles Thomas OFS

Rosalba Quiroz

The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’ Protecting God’s Children program. (www.virtus.org) Online sessions are available. To report child sexual abuse by a cleric or church worker in the Diocese of Shreveport, call your local law enforcement agency and Mary Arcement Alexander, Diocesan Victim Assistance Minister at 318-588-2120. Thank you for helping to keep our children and vulnerable adults safe.

MISSION STATEMENT

Karla Alvarez

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The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Catholic Service Appeal, mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family, parish, and faith community.

Kirsten Shrewsberry, Editor and Diocesan Director of Public Relations

WHEN I THINK OF MY MOST MEMORABLE CHRISTMASES THERE ARE PLENTY TO CHOOSE FROM. My parents worked hard for

a ver y long time to keep the magic of Santa and Christmas alive for us – whether we were celebrating at home with family or far away. We always had magical moments that now in retrospect I see weren’t always easy or inexpensive to pull off. When I was in college my roommates and I always hosted large Christmas par ties that involved jokes and meals shared that we still talk about to this day. Now, as an adult I tr y to make Christmas as much about continuing that magic as possible, spending quality time with friends, taking my kids to holiday activities, and picking gifts that adequately express how much people mean to me.

As we enter this season of Advent, the thought of preparation is on my mind.

We have to shop for the ingredients for the cookies we’ll bake. We need to make a list of all the gifts we need to buy and wrap.

We have to make sure we don’t forget to update addresses and mail out cards to family and friends.

It’s so much busyness during this season! I love/ hate the quote “if the devil can’t make you sin, he’ll make you busy” by John Mark Comer because I know it’s true, but I still find myself hurr ying to this, that, or the other. My goal for this Advent is simple: stop the busyness and focus on preparing my hear t for the Nativity of Jesus Christ.

Can I invite you to do something crazy this month? Put down the Amazon catalog, walk out of Target, pause on the shopping and the consuming, and consider giving the gift of time, prayers, and charity. Instead of spending the weeks leading up to Christmas frantically shopping for children, parents, siblings, and friends, I encourage you to spend time in prayer, spend time together giving back to organizations in need, gift experiences, and quality time. When the dust settles, people don’t always remember the gifts, but they do remember how they felt. On that note, I hope you know how much I appreciate you, and how beloved you are by all of us at the Diocese of Shrevepor t, but most of all by our Lord, Jesus Christ.

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content FEATURES 5 6 10 16

From the Bishop I Love The Seasons! By Delia Barr Love Is An Exodus By Karl Yabut Diaconate Formation Program By Very Rev. Msgr. Matthew T. Long

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COLUMNS 9 12 17

Mike’s Meditations: Approaching Incarnation: Approaching Love Mary’s Mission: How Will You Prepare?

Karen Dill: A Christmas Lullaby

NEWS 14 15 22 24 32 34

Inscription Promises Canonical Establishment of Our Lady of Kibeho Fraternity Volunteers Serve New Parents at Catholic Charities of North Louisiana School News Seminarian Burses Around The Diocese

Cover photo by Benjamin Luckett, Diocese of Shreveport Director of Digital Evangelization 4

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from the bishop

“GAUDE, GAUDE! EMMANUEL, NASCETUR PRO TE, ISRAEL” I am pretty sure I learned these words in Latin before I knew what they meant in English. I was in fifth grade and this hymn was sung by our school choir. I am also aware that it was during Advent when Sister Vincent Immaculata wrote the Latin words on the chalk board and asked us to sing the melody of the hymn. The simple English translation is “Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel, shall be born for thee, O Israel.” It’s actually the refrain that is best suited for the Third week of Advent which traditionally is called “Gaudete Sunday,” or “Rejoice Sunday!” And because of its placement midway through Advent, we have reason to rejoice because the time of preparation is rapidly passing. The commemoration of the birthday of Jesus is at its halfway point in the season, or just because we are that much closer to Christmas – and our hearts are supposed to be filled with joy that His time approaches. Each of us has a different reason to rejoice, of course. Little children might be rejoicing because Christmas is very near with all that Christmas brings, and those of older age who have

made the Advent season a prayerful time of anticipating His birthday think and pray in more serious ways when we grasp a fuller meaning as Christmas draws near.

Wherever you find yourself in this wonderful season of anticipation, the Church invites us to take this time seriously. It is a perfect time to ask ourselves, “what am I doing to prepare for His arrival? Amid all the lights and music and trees and wreaths which hint at this great time to come, what am I doing on the inside, in my core, to let Him know that I am anticipating with joy His arrival?”

Christmas can be for us one of the most enriching days of the year – just in the awareness that salvation arrives, as indeed He does. No better word befits this time than “Gaudete…rejoice!” He is here.

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come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in nely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! EmI LOVE THE SEASONS! manuel shall come to you, O Israel.

O come, O Wisdom from on high, The Liturgical Seasons of the Church! ho ordered all things mightily; to us the path of knowledge show and ach us in its ways to go. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to ou, O Israel. O come, O come, great Lord of might, who to your tribes n Sinai’s height in ancient times did give the law in cloud and majesy and awe. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel. O me, O Branch of Jesse’s stem, unto your own and rescue them! From epths of hell your people save, and give them victory o’er the grave. ejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel. O come, O ey of David, come and open wide our heavenly home. Make safe for s the heavenward road and bar the way to death’s abode. Rejoice! Reice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel. O come, O Bright and Morning Star, and bring us comfort from afar! Dispel the shadows the night and turn our darkness into light. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel. O come, O King of nations, bind in ne the hearts of all mankind. Bid all our sad divisions cease and be Delia Barr, Diocese of Shreveport Director of Faith Formation

OFTEN YOU HEAR PEOPLE EXPRESS THEIR JOY IN THE CHANGING OF THE SEASONS. The vibrant colors of the trees in

the fall, the first sprouts of new growth and flowers in the spring, and the warmth of the summer that brings pool parties and barbecues are all reasons to look to the heavens and be thankful for the world God made for us. But what I really love are our Liturgical Seasons.

Each season comes at just the right time for me and always helps me stay on that path Jesus has laid out for me.

As we are closing out this long season of Ordinary time, it has been fruitful. Listening week after week to the Gospel of Matthew.

A slow and steady walk through his Gospel that begins with the Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the Nativity Story, the Baptism of Jesus, the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, His teachings, and the parables, the sending out of the Twelve Apostles, to His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

We move to the Solemnity of Christ the King (Matthew 25:31-46) at the end of our Ordinary season as we enter the Season of Advent. This time during Advent is always challenging for me. Patience and waiting have never been my strong suits. I can hear my mom’s voice in my ear “Patience is a virtue, acquire it my child”.

She was trying to help but I’m afraid it fell on deaf ears. The season of Advent, though has been a blessing to me on my journey with patience. I pray through this season as we anticipate the glorious birth of our Savior and our contemplation of His return. Am I ready?

The wisdom the Church offers this time of anticipation to us to move closer to Jesus and be reminded of all that he taught us and offered up for us. I have found myself grateful to have this time to practice “waiting.”

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And who doesn’t love an Advent Wreath? I love each week lighting another candle, counting down ever so slowly to Christmas, anticipating the Birth of Christ, trying not to think about the gifts I need to buy or the gifts I’m hoping will be purchased for me. The wreath represents to me the everlasting love our Savior has for us, it’s never ending represented by the evergreen wreath.

While looking forward to this Season of Advent and looking at the calendar I realized a hard truth about this Advent 2023, the fourth Sunday of Advent is Sunday, December 24th! This is enough to send any church worker, pastor, Knights of Columbus who help put up the Christmas trees for the Christmas Time into full blown anxiety attack. This means in the strictest sense of decorating a church for Christmas that you will only have a few short hours between your last Mass on the 4th Sunday of Advent before you need to be completely decorated for Christmas for the Christmas Eve Masses!

During this season of Advent prayerfully consider asking your church office “What can I do on the 4th Sunday of Advent to help prepare the church for Christmas?” What an incredible gift that would be to all those who work tirelessly to get the church ready for each season. What a true gift from the heart to offer yourself in order to lift up the spirits of those who are always making our churches so beautiful.

First things first, take down the Advent Wreath!!!

Did I mention Ash Wednesday is February 14th? Valentine’s Day! No chocolate for you!!

Just kidding.

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT

SEMINARIAN ALL-STAR BASKETBALL GAME

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VETERANS MEMORIAL DEDICATED AT ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH The St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Veterans Memorial was dedicated on Saturday, Nov. 11, following the 4 p.m. Mass. The memorial is the project of Many native Phil Troha Jr., who now lives in Mansfield, TX. and honors his late father, Phil Troha Sr., and all veterans buried at St. John the Baptist Cemeter y who ser ved our countr y in the armed forces on land, on sea and in the air.

The 115 veterans buried there are each honored with a brick with their name, branch of ser vice, war they ser ved during, and year of bir th and death, if known. Additional bricks are available so as veterans pass away, family members will be able to add their names.

Guest speaker for the event was Major General Ronald Win Burkett, Commander of the 36th National Guard Infantr y Division in Austin, TX.

Sacred Heart - Rayville Enjoys New Priests, Fr. Francis Kamau And Fr. Peter Mallya New priests Fr. Francis Kamau and Fr. Peter Mallya have been a blessing to our parish! Recently Fr. Francis and our parishioners prepared 190 hot meals for “shut ins”. We are so grateful for Fr. Francis and Fr. Peter at our parish - and a special thank you to Fr. Tobias for covering a Mass for Fr. Francis!

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APPROACHING INCARNATION: APPROACHING LOVE

Mike Van Vranken, Spiritual Director

DURING ADVENT, THE CHURCH ENCOURAGES US TO TAKE SPECIAL CARE TO PREPARE FOR THE CELEBRATION OF CHRIST’S BIRTH. St. Ignatius of

Loyola might call these our days of disposition. In other words, do I approach Christmas with a deliberate frame of mind? What is this Incarnation all about? What does it actually mean to me? How should I approach it as a celebratory event? Let’s look at how several people discussed the Incarnation.

The author of the gospel of John said it this way. “For God so loved the world (cosmos is the Greek word he uses here) that he gave his only begotten Son . . . For God did not come into the cosmos to condemn the cosmos but to save it” (John 3:16-17). God came to save his entire creation, not just humans. Why? Because God loved his creation that much!

The Message Bible says it this way. “God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.” Or I like to read it like this: For God so loved his creation that he sent his only Son. For God did not come into his creation to condemn his creation, but to save it, all of it!

Jacqueline Bergan and Marie Schwan wrote: “Lord my God when your love spilled over into creation, you thought of me. I am from love, of love, for love.” I see the image of God tripping all over God’s self to be a part of this creation he loved so much. God came because God loved us from the beginning.

Franciscan Jon Duns Scotus taught that the Incarnation was not Plan B. God didn’t come because people messed up. God manifested God’s self in creation through his Son, the Christ, in the human form of Jesus of Nazareth. God seemed to love a relationship with

us so much he chose to become one of us to enhance that relationship. God is glorifying the Son by unifying Christ in a Divine/human nature. If our celebration is based on this Divine love relationship with us, it should be our most joyful time of the year. And if we can realize that God’s love relationship is always with us, then our celebration never ends.

The Dominican friar, Meister Eckhar t, tells us why. I’ll paraphrase his words here. What good is it to me if Mary gave bir th to Christ four teen hundred years ago if I do not give birth to Christ every day of my life? What good is it if I’m not birthing Christ with my neighbor, with the poor, the sick, the suffering, the stranger at the border?

Meister Eckhart seemed to be asking if God loves me so much to be bir thed in my life, what profit is there if I don’t love others enough for them to experience Christ’s bir th in them? He approached the Incarnation not only as God’s ultimate act of love but also as the call to love others as God loved him.

Imagine the Holy Trinity looking at you right now. It’s a look of total and unconditional love. With soft and gentle eyes, open arms, and a hear t we cannot even imagine, God is gazing at you with love, in love, and for love. How does being the focus and recipient of God’s total love feel? This is what Incarnation is all about. This is what we are preparing for during Advent. This is what we celebrate during the Christmas season.

I invite you to use this ar ticle as your meditation over the next couple of months. Take each word and visit with God about it. Ask for God’s perspective on it all. Ask for God’s perspective on his love for you. The Incarnation is God’s gift to the cosmos. The Incarnation is God’s gift to you. How will you approach it this year?

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LOVE IS AN EXODUS Karl Yabut, Diocese of Shreveport Campus Ministry Director

“LOVE IS AN EXODUS.” These were the words of

a dear friend when I asked her how her first year of marriage and motherhood was going. It was the first time I ever heard anyone describe love that way.

It’s been a great Fall semester for college campus ministry across our diocese! In our last Campus Ministry update, I mentioned how students were first settling in and how we, Campus Ministry, wanted to win them over.

There’s been many victories over this semester. Some of our major wins across the diocese range from backto-school events at ULM, ULM’s golf fundraising, the first FOCUS Missionary team at LA Tech, a concert at Carpenter Coffee House, ULM Homecoming Tailgate with Shreveport and ULM students, the first ever Awakening retreat in our diocese, and Catholic week at Centenary College. These events are great, but it is important to remember what I’ve written a year or so ago to remind myself and others that events don’t make disciples, you do. College can be a spiritual desert. In order to make disciples on campus, it’s the daily walk we take with those who surround us, to build them up in confidence in their gifts so that we can send them back out to their daily lives, equipped with the Gospel message and a deep love for the sacraments.

On January 1st-5th, 50 college students from across our diocese will head to SEEK24, a conference hosted by FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, to encounter God’s love in a profound way with 19,000 other college students. 50 is a tremendous growth from the 13 who attended last year, thanks to the hard work of our FOCUS missionary team at LA Tech.

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You’re probably thinking: Okay, Karl, what does “Love is an Exodus” have to do with college campus ministry?

In reality, college is much like the Israelites’ time in the desert. Exodus is a freedom from captivity, but if you remember the Israelites spent a lot of time wandering and lost. Losing friends, going through a breakup, and not having family around can make you feel isolated and alone, as if you were wandering in the desert. Student prayer lives are often strained or barren because the stress of classes, tests, the future, and worldly favors is placed above it.

Every morning that a college student wakes up and walks to their class on campus, the Bread of Heaven is there. He’s at 911 University Avenue in Monroe, LA, 600 Thornton Street in Ruston, LA and with a five minute drive, He’s at 204 Patton Avenue in Shreveport, LA. Where Jesus Christ is present in the Holy Eucharist is where we can truly feel seen, known, and loved. It is Jesus, Emmanuel, who ransom captive Israel. Campus Ministry may not be able to change the entire secularized campus all at once, but it can change the hearts of a few, one invitation at a time. “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”- St. Catherine of Siena.

Thank you for your continuous support for the College Campus Ministry across our diocese.

Meet the FOCUS missionaries @LOUISIANA TECH

The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) is a Catholic apostolate with the mission, “To know Christ Jesus, and fulfill the Great Commission,” FOCUS missionaries serve college students on 200+ campuses around the United States and world. This year at Louisiana Tech is the first year with FOCUS missionaries present, serving ACTS (Association of Catholic Tech Students) and St. Thomas Aquinas parish. This year, we began the year spending time on campus and meeting as many people as we could, inviting them to ACTS events and Bible studies. Currently between the four missionaries, we are leading eight Bible studies with about 80 students attending so far, with the goal to have about 150 in Bible studies by the end of the year. We will also be forming students as missionary disciples of Jesus so that they may join us in reaching out to their peers on campus. In addition to the Bible studies and formation, we plan on bringing students to the SEEK conference put on by FOCUS in St. Louis, MO. We have already surpassed our goal of 20 students coming with us and hope for more!

During spring break, some of the team will be leading mission trips with other missionaries from around the country – we will be bringing students to serve the poor in New Jersey, Ecuador, and Argentina! One quar ter into the school year, we are off to a wonderful start, and we are excited to see what the Lord has in store for the rest of the year!

Hello! My name is Ann Van. I am a first year FOCUS missionary at Louisiana Tech. I graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in Human Resource Management and a minor in Psychology. In college, a FOCUS missionary changed my life and through God’s grace, I hope to make an impact on the lives of other college students. Being a FOCUS missionary has challenged me to respond to God’s love in a deeper way by growing closer to Him and reflecting His light to the students that I serve as well as to my teammates.

Howdy! My name is Jack Latta, I am the Team Director and 3rd year FOCUS missionary here at Louisiana Tech. I am from Lake Jackson, TX and graduated from Texas A&M in 2021 with a Chemical Engineering degree. I spent my first two years as a missionary serving at Clemson University in South Carolina. I was involved with FOCUS as a student at Texas A&M. In my yes to FOCUS, God has continually brought me into a greater relationship with him through an increase of peace, joy, and freedom. I am excited about leading this team on a brand-new FOCUS campus to bring the truth of the Gospel to the students here at LA Tech!

Hi! We are Weston and Hannah Eischen and we’re first year missionaries at LA Tech! We are both from Oklahoma and graduated from Oklahoma Christian University in Spring of 2023 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. During college, we were involved with FOCUS and went to their SEEK conference where we were convicted of the call to spread the Gospel. After graduation, we got married and then began our training as missionaries. Being FOCUS missionaries has had a big impact on our individual growth and on our marriage. It’s been amazing to see God work in each other and in the students around us. It reminded us of God’s infinite grace and love and desire to make all of us saints.

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HOW WILL YOU PREPARE? Mary Arcement Alexander, Licensed Professional Counselor & Diocesan Victim Assistance Minister IMAGINE FOR A MOMENT THAT KING CHARLES OF ENGLAND WAS COMING TO YOUR HOME FOR A VISIT. What would you do

to prepare? Would you first freak out and have an anxiety attack? Would you redecorate or perhaps even renovate your home? Would you buy the finest china and linen, have the most extravagant meal catered, and/or order the most expensive wine straight from Italy? Or, would you simply remain as you are and welcome him into your home as is, allowing him to experience everyday living with you and your family?

Now imagine instead of King Charles, it’s Jesus, our eternal King of Heaven and Ear th. How would you then prepare? It feels like an impossible question to answer, but one we as Catholics are asked to answer every year during the Advent season.

In Latin, the word advent is pronounced “ad-venire” and means “to come to.” Although Jesus is coming to us in the form of an infant, during Advent, we are not preparing for a baby; rather, we are preparing for our Savior! This brings me back to my original question, what would you do to prepare? Because so much preparation goes into our ear thly par ties, dinners and other celebrations, it brings to mind this question, are we honoring our Lord in the same way as our annual Christmas par ty or are we doing that and much, much more? I want to pause here and emphasize that preparing for the bir th of Jesus is not the same as preparing for Christmas, i.e., Christmas trees, lights, and/or any of the other traditional ways people prepare for the Christmas season. This preparation looks very different, at least it should.

Brothers and sisters, whatever you decide to do in preparation for our Lord’s bir th, I encourage you to simply remain as you are and welcome Him into your home as is, allowing Him to experience everyday living with you and your family. He’s excited to meet you too!

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Besides the traditional ways a lot of people prepare during Advent (calendars, wreaths, candles, etc.), here are three others: 1. PRAYER. Yes, I know you already are doing this but I want to offer a sor t of “twist” to enhance your prayer life during this Advent season. Instead of saying rote prayers or traditional Catholic prayers, have an actual conversation with Jesus.

Tell Him your thoughts and feelings regarding His coming bir th. Also, during your conversational prayer, don’t forget to pause and listen. While His voice may not be audible, know that He is speaking to you.

2. SIT IN SILENCE. If you already have a practice of sitting in silence and stillness, I encourage you to simply add more time to it and/or number of days. If you currently do not practice this, begin today! If possible, right after you finish reading this ar ticle. Why is this impor tant? Because in a world with too many distractions that pull us away from Jesus, sitting in silence and stillness with zero distractions is a great way to allow Him to do some of His best work in us. In essence, He prepares us as we prepare for Him. 3. WRITE HIM A LETTER. I know this may sound a bit silly but hear me out. It is not uncommon for parents to write letters to their unborn child expressing all of their love, joy, and excitement about their pending arrival. I encourage you to do the same only instead of literally giving this letter to Jesus, you can keep it in a special box or you can place it inside a balloon and release it to the Heavens.

REVIVE “whoever drinks the

water I shall give will

never thirst” John 4:14

DECEMBER 9TH AND 10TH, 2023 2PM SATURDAY TO 4PM SUNDAY CATHOLIC CENTER, FAIRFIELD AVE, SHREVEPORT, LA Open to all young men currently enrolled in high school in the Diocese of Shreveport.

Space for this retreat will be limited to 15 attendees.

For more information please contact Vocations Director,

Reverend Raney C. Johnson rjohnson@sjbcathedral.org or vocationsoffice@dioshpt.org To register please scan the QR Code here:

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Inscription Promises Delia Barr, Diocese of Shreveport Director of Faith Formation

The 7th and 8th grade students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Southern Deanery recently attended Mass with their parents at St. Joseph, Zwolle. During the Mass, a signed promise from the student and their parents was presented to the pastor which read: “I promise to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation to the best of my ability. My commitment includes regular attendance at Mass and serious study of the Catholic faith. Being faithful in these matters will help prepare me to assume the responsibilities of a mature confirmed Catholic.”

Each student received a knotted bracelet with an image of the Holy Spirit to remind them of their promise during this time of their formation. Thank you, Fr. Keith Garvin, for welcoming everyone from the Southern Deanery to your parish.

CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN BERCHMANS SCHOOL STUDENTS HELP OUT AT CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF NORTH LOUISIANA! Many thanks to the 6th and 7th grade students from the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans.

Principal T.C. Veit brought two groups of students to Catholic Charities of Nor th La office in October. Students made over 350 Money $chool® folders for our clients, cleaned classroom tables and chairs, organized children’s books, cleaned baby furniture and made a craft project for the children who attended “Halloween Safety Class” for Gabriel’s Closet. What a blessing to have such wonderful kids volunteering to help others.

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Canonical Establishment of Our Lady of Kibeho Fraternity Deacon Charles Thomas, OFS, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church Deacon

ON OCTOBER 11, 2023, THE HOLY MASS FOR THE CANONICAL ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW THIRD ORDER FRANCISCAN FRATERNITY, “OUR LADY OF KIBEHO” WAS HELD AT OUR LADY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH IN SHREVEPORT. In early 2009 members of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament and St Mary of the Pines parishes were led by the Holy Spirit and inspired by Franciscan priests and friars in Shrevepor t to star t the Journey of becoming a Secular (Third Order) Franciscan fraternity in Nor th Louisiana.

The group contacted Brother Juniper Crouch OFM and the St Joan of Arc regional executive council and was placed with Sacred Heart Fraternity of Tyler, Texas as sponsoring fraternity with Brother Dan Barrett OFM as Spiritual Assistant. Initial formation by Sacred Hear t and Brother Dan led to the profession of the first seven members in 2017. A fraternity council was appointed and Our Lady of Kibeho was chosen as the name for the newly forming group. The fraternity now consists of 12 professed members and two candidates from six parishes in the Diocese of Shrevepor t.

Essentially Secular Franciscans live and do their work as anyone else does, but with a consciousness of trying to live the Gospel values in their lives especially in family and work life. In particular, in their daily lives, Secular Franciscans are usually involved in the life of the parish such as serving as lectors, Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers often taking Communion to the sick, sacristans, Parish Council members, volunteers with the Society of St Vincent de Paul and other charities and where possible, promoting St Francis and his spirituality through work in Prison Ministry, caring for the homeless, and work for justice, peace, and integrity of creation.

For more information on the Secular Franciscans contact: Nadalie or Deacon Charles Thomas at chletho@yahoo.com

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DIACONATE FORMATION PROGRAM

Very Reverend Monsignor Matthew T. Long, Diocese of Shreveport Vicar General

“The Need for Assistants.

At that time, as the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.

So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’ The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them.”

-Acts 6:1-6

DIACONATE FORMATION INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS TUESDAY, JANUARY 16TH, 6-8 PM Parish Hall, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 6-8 PM Moore Hall, Jesus the Good Shepherd Church, Monroe THURSDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 6-8 PM Parish Hall, St. Joseph Church, Zwolle 16

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I am excited to share that the Diocese of Shrevepor t is kicking off another round of our Diaconate Formation program. On behalf of the bishop and your pastors, I encourage you to prayerfully consider if you or someone you know could be a good deacon for the Church.

If you yourself or someone you know would be a good candidate, I urge you to reach out to your pastor and ask him to submit your name to me for this program. As St. Luke wrote in the Acts of the Apostles, the apostles selected reputable men to help them in their ministry, and we continue this process today through the Diaconate in the Church.

When meeting with your pastor, he will review the criteria for candidates for the Diaconate Formation and can help with next steps and any questions you may have.

Personally, I have been blessed in each of my assignments to have amazing deacons working with me in ministry: Dcn. Tim Cotita at JGS; Dcn. Bill Kleinpeter in DeSoto Parish; Dcns. Bill Roche, Bruce Pistorius and Freeman Ligon at St. Joseph Shrevepor t, and; Dcns. Larry Mills and Steve Lehr at St. Jude. Each and every one of them have ministered to me and helped to make their parishes better.

Thank you for your time and prayers, I look forward to continuing to grow our ministries to continue to serve the people of God.

For more information contact your pastor TODAY!

A Christmas Eve Lullaby Karen Dill, Spiritual Director EARLY INTO THE SEASON OF ADVENT LAST YEAR, I NOTICED A SMALL ARTICLE IN OUR WEEKLY BULLETIN. Mike Kurley, our music director at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, was asking anyone who wanted to join the choir for any of the Christmas Masses to come to weekly practices in December. No formal training was required.

I have no formal musical training. I think in junior high we learned something about EGBDF - -Every Good Boy Does Fine – which somehow corresponded with notes on a scale, but I have never had occasion to make use of that bit of knowledge. In high school, an enthusiastic choir director persuaded me to join the youth choir as we performed Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus at the Easter service. I only said yes because my best friend agreed to join me. It was an exhilarating experience, but one that I have never felt led to repeat. The choir director told me I was an alto, whatever that meant. Sometimes I could pick up harmony if the alto next to me sang loudly enough.

For some reason, that bulletin announcement stuck in my head for a week. When I had a chance encounter with Mike a few days later, I cautiously inquired about this opportunity. Despite my lack of musical experience, he encouraged me to come to practices. He assured me we were going to sing all the familiar hymns, the ones I have always loved. So, I prayed about it and decided to leave the comfort zone of the pews and take my place among the talented members of our small choir for a few rehearsals.

I knew I wasn’t a very tuneful alto, but I was loud. As practices continued, I made a few new friends. Mike didn’t seem to mind when I missed a note or a line here or there. As the big event grew near, my husband began to recruit friends and family members to come hear me sing.

My anxiety level increased, but so did my determination. I was doing this for Jesus!

When the church filled up for 6:00p.m. Christmas Eve Mass, my fan club was sitting in the front row. As we sang all my old favorites, “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Away in a Manger,” and “O, Little Town of Bethlehem,” I kept gazing at the creche where the figure of the Holy Infant lay sleeping despite my discordant notes. My eyes kept filling up with tears. I was singing lullabies to Emmanuel, God among us, Lord of hosts. I realized it didn’t matter how I sounded. I was giving Him my all, and that was enough.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb.

If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part.

Yet what can I give Him: give my heart.

– Christina Rosetti

DECEMBER 2023 17

¡No Habrá Regalos Hasta El 6 De Enero!

Karla Alvarez, Directora del Ministerio Multicultural

CUANDO ERA NIÑA, NO CRECÍ RECIBIENDO REGALOS EL DÍA DE NAVIDAD, SINO EL 6 DE ENERO, EN LA EPIFANÍA DEL SEÑOR. Mi mamá

nos decía que la Navidad no se trataba de recibir regalos sino de recibir a Jesús en nuestro corazón y Jesús no recibía sus regalos hasta el 6 de enero. De niña, ese razonamiento no tenía sentido, sólo queríamos abrir los regalos en Navidad como todos nuestros amigos.

Recuerdo que regresaba de las vacaciones de Navidad y todos mis amigos me contaban emocionados lo que les habían regalado y cuando me preguntaban “Karla ¿qué te regalaron?”. Tuve que decirles que no creíamos en Santa Claus y que tenía que esperar hasta enero para recibir mis regalos. No lo entendían y me daba vergüenza explicarles el motivo. Las Navidades en casa de los Álvarez fueron bastante interesantes mientras crecía.

Mis padres, Juan y Alejandra, querían que heredáramos sus tradiciones navideñas mexicanas, mientras que mis hermanos y yo queríamos vivir la Navidad como lo hacían nuestros amigos del colegio en sus casas, a la manera “americana”. Permítanme invitarlos a hacer un viaje conmigo a la Navidad en casa de los Álvarez en 2005, no hay nada especial en esta fecha, pero es una Navidad que recuerdo.

Crecer en medio de dos culturas fue difícil y durante algunas fiestas lo fue aún más. Para empezar, mi familia no sólo celebraba la Navidad el 25 de diciembre, sino que empezábamos en Nochebuena. Como la mayor parte de la familia de mi padre vivía en Arkansas, celebrábamos la Navidad con ellos, que eran más de 80 primos, además de mis tíos y tías. No eran reuniones ordinarias. Nos reuníamos en uno de los restaurantes de la familia y hacíamos una comida enorme.Todo el mundo 18

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empezaba a llegar alrededor de las 7 u 8 de la tarde, dejaban sus platillos y se reunían con la familia que había llegado antes. Después de la posada, seguian con algunas meditaciones guiadas y a eso de las 11 de la noche nos dejaban comer. Había tamales, atole, jamón cocido a fuego lento, mole y muchos otros deliciosos platos y postres mexicanos. Después de comer nuestras familias platicaban y justo a las 12 de la mañana alguien gritaba “¡ya es Navidad!”. y todos nos abrazábamos y seguíamos comiendo, bailando y divirtiéndonos. Todos nos íbamos a casa en la madrugada.

Aunque todo esto suena divertido, y lo era, al hacerme mayor me doy cuenta de que mis padres tenían razón.

Nos hemos acostumbrado a que la Navidad se convierta en tiempo de regalos. Disfruto comprando regalos para las personas que quiero, pero me doy cuenta de que en realidad no le regalo nada a Jesús. Ha habido varias ocasiones en las que sé que es Su cumpleaños y espero que Él me dé un regalo. Pero, ¿qué pasa conmigo? ¿En qué he invertido para presentárselo a Jesús como regalo? ¿He limpiado mi corazón para recibirlo? ¿He perdonado a las personas que me han hecho daño para que mi corazón se parezca más al Suyo? ¿Intento comprometerme en una relación con Él? ¿Me entrego a los demás como Él se entrega a mí cada día? Te invito a que examines tu corazón y veas dónde puedes empezar a preparar tu regalo para nuestro Señor, tal vez sea perdonando a ese compañero de trabajo, lavando los platos cuando no es tu turno, quedándote 5 minutos más en silencio después de misa, siendo amable con tus palabras y pensamientos.

Lo somos todo para Jesús, ¡mostrémosle que queremos que Él lo sea todo para nosotros! ¡Feliz Navidad! ¡Feliz Navidad!

CRISTO REY: BOSSIER CITY Rev. Fidel Mondragon 318.221.0238 Oficina Domingo 1:00pm Lunes 7:00pm Sabado 6:00pm Coordinador Oscar Gomez 972.567.2710

Por El Obispo

SAN PASCUAL: W. MONROE Rev. Luis Jost, OFM Domingo: 4:00pm Coordinadora: Lorena Chaparro 318.267.4018 SANTO TOMAS AQUINO: RUSTON Rev. Kevin Mues 318.225.2870 Oficina Domingo 1:30pm Coordinadora: Luz Martinez 318.224.0980 NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL PEPETUO SOCORRO: FARMERVILLE Rev. Luis Jost, OFM Sabados 7:00 pm Coordinadora: Paola Gonalez 817.801.3499 STA MARIA DE LOS PINOS: SHREVEPORT Rev. Mark Watson 318.687.5121 Oficina Domingo 12:30 am Coordinador: Sergio Seinos 318-393-2331 SAGRADO CORAZON: OAK GROVE 318.428.2983 Oficina, Domingo 1:00pm Rev. John Bosco 318-402-1585 SAN JOHN THE BAPTIST, MANY Rev. Tim Hurd Oficina: 318-256-5680 primer domingo 1:00pm SAN PABLO: MINDEN Rev. Rigoberto Betancurt 2do Domingo 4:00pm Coordinadora: Dora Rodriguez 870-904-9137 SAN JOSE: MANSFIELD Rev. Rigoberto Betancurt 305 Jefferson Street Mansfield, LA 71052 3er Domingo 3:00pm

“¡GAUDE, GAUDE! EMMANUEL, NASCETUR PRO TE, ISRAEL.” Estoy bastante seguro de que aprendí estas palabras en latín antes de saber lo que significaban en inglés. Estaba en quinto grado y este himno lo cantaba el coro de nuestro colegio. También soy consciente de que fue durante el Adviento cuando la Hermana Vincent Immaculata escribió las palabras en latín en la pizarra y nos pidió que cantáramos la melodía del himno. La traducción sencilla al español es “¡Regocíjense, Regocíjense! Emmanuel, nacerá para ti, oh Israel”. En realidad, es el refrán más adecuado para la tercera semana de Adviento, que tradicionalmente se llama “Domingo de Gaudete”, o “¡Domingo de Alegría!” Y debido a su ubicación a mediados del Adviento, tenemos motivos para alegrarnos porque el tiempo de preparación está pasando rápidamente. La conmemoración del nacimiento de Jesús se encuentra en el medio de la temporada, o simplemente porque estamos mucho más cerca de la Navidad, y se supone que nuestros corazones deben llenarse de alegría por la proximidad a Su tiempo. Cada uno de nosotros tiene un motivo diferente para alegrarse, por supuesto. Los niños pequeños pueden alegrarse porque la Navidad está muy cerca con todo lo que trae consigo, y los mayores que han hecho del tiempo de Adviento un tiempo de oración para anticipar Su cumpleaños piensan y rezan de manera más seria cuando captamos un significado más pleno a medida que se acerca la Navidad.

Dondequiera que te encuentres en este maravilloso tiempo de anticipación, la Iglesia nos invita a tomar este tiempo en serio. Es el momento perfecto para preguntarnos: “¿Qué estoy haciendo para preparar su llegada? En medio de las luces, la música, los árboles y las coronas que anuncian este gran momento, ¿qué estoy haciendo en mi interior, en mi corazón, para hacerle saber que espero con alegría su llegada?” La Navidad puede ser para nosotros uno de los días más enriquecedores del año - sólo en el conocimiento de que la salvación llega, como de hecho al igual que él. No hay palabra más adecuada para este tiempo que “Gaudete... ¡Regocíjate!”. Él está aquí.

DECEMBER 2023 19

IT’S NOW HALFTIME: How Will You Prepare For The Second Half?

Mike Van Vranken, Spiritual Director

THE FIRST OF AT LEAST TWO SESSIONS OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS, KNOWN AS THE SYNOD ON SYNODALITY, IS NOW COMPLETE. The image of the round tables with the

people of God from around the world, all baptized with the same dignity as children of God, listening to the Holy Spirit and each other, is one of the most spiritually dramatic pictures I have ever seen. So, what do we do now?

We have about ten months to unpack the synthesis document to pray with and discuss at the parish level before the next session. I’ve heard it explained as something similar to the halftime of a football game.

We pause and rest for a moment, and then we begin looking at what has happened so far and how we adjust, revamp, or transform ourselves in preparation for the second half. In this case, of course, the second half takes place in October of 2024.

the experiences of listening to each other by those who were present. What was listened to were a few of the many items that are impor tant to the people who make up the church. This synod is opening doors for discussion. So far, the discussion has allowed those present to learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and each other without judgment.

Now, those present at the synod bring home their experiences of listening to share them with us. Their stories of the experience, along with the synthesis document, are designed to help teach us how to listen as well. At the synod in Rome, everyone was free to discuss what was on their heart. Our practice now is to learn to do the same.

We use this halftime to reflect on, study and discuss the final synthesis document for this first session, which was approved by those who were present. You could say there is homework for each Bishops Conference, for theologians and canon lawyers, for local bishops, and for pastors and parishioners of each local parish.

During the four weeks of the synod, I read several summaries or “diaries” each day, giving positive and helpful explanations of what was happening in Rome.

There were also positive and uplifting podcasts doing the same. If what you were hearing about the synod was mostly negative, I urge you to sit with God and pray for the grace to know if God is asking you to find other Catholic resources for your church news. This event that is helping change the culture of the church is way too impor tant for you to miss.

One of the first items we notice in the document is that this is NOT a synod on women. This is NOT a synod on human sexuality. This is NOT a synod on immigration, migration, or whether lay ministries should be institutionalized. This IS a synod that is focused on

As with most halftimes or intermissions, this one will end much quicker than we anticipate. The second half is only about ten months away. Your church is inviting you to get involved now. How will you experience this halftime?

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Keeping Children and Teens SAFE ONLINE Computers and mobile devices can be helpful tools for children and teens to learn and grow in faith and fellowship. Unfortunately, the digital world is also full of unsafe and explicit content. You wouldn’t hand a teen the car keys without first teaching them how to drive. The same should be true for using technology— teach them how to keep themselves and others safe while using it.

You can use the following tips to better protect young people from harm online:

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young people. Website filters can prevent access to harmful and explicit sites and some can even alert you when such a site is accessed.

Model appropriate online behavior for young people. Children

look to their parents to teach and show them the ways to appropriately use technology. The biggest influence on what children see as acceptable or unacceptable is you.

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history and app usage can help to keep them safe online. If you notice your child has browsed an unsafe website or app, discuss why that behavior is harmful. Learn about current apps that could be harmful to children and teenagers, especially those that involve image sharing, private communication, or the illusion of privacy.

Teach your children not to share private information or images online.

Strangers posing as online friends can try to gain the trust of minors. Personal information such as name, address, and phone number should never be shared with an unknown person. Tell your children to immediately tell a trusted adult if anyone makes them feel uncomfortable.

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Limit usage of computers and mobile devices to public spaces in the home.

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Install software that can block or monitor explicit website use. Open

Not only will this help to prevent young people from accessing unsafe websites, it will also help them to develop safe browsing habits later in life.

Review and discuss the websites your child has visited and apps they have used. Oversight of your child or teen’s browsing

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Report online exploitation of minors to public authorities. If you become aware of explicit content involving minors, such as solicitation, explicit images or videos, you should submit a report to law enforcement or through resources like CyberTipline from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

access to harmful websites, like those that include pornography, is a constant threat to

Copyright © 2019, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC. All rights reserved. Models used for illustrative purposes only.

DECEMBER 2023 21

Volunteers Serve New Parents

Kathy Schimschock and Meg Goorley, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana

SINCE 2012, CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF NORTH LOUISIANA HAS PROVIDED PARENTING CLASSES TO PARENTS OF CHILDREN UP TO AGE 4. This program called “Gabriel’s Closet” assists

more than 500 parents each year thanks to volunteers from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church who star ted the program. Mothers and fathers come for classes to earn merits towards obtaining the supplies they need for their newborns and young children. In Monroe, merits are earned by the referrals from WIC offices/ Parent Safety, Parents as Teachers, and Ascent Health.

Most of the baby supplies for purchase by “merits” have been donated by individuals and parishioners from the Cathedral of St. John Berchman, St. Jude and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Churches as well as from Broadmoor Presbyterian Church and Project 2.5, plus items such as diapers, formula, car seats, Pack & Plays, clothing, and toys.

How could a non-profit be successful without volunteers? We celebrate our volunteers Bettie Mir ts, Bev Miller, Melanie Ebarb, Brenda Burks, and Cynthia Cordaro who give so selflessly of their time. They sor t, size, and wash all the items donated to Gabriel’s Closet.

Some choose to work directly with our clients, helping them “shop,” teach them how to parent, and donate items and their time to make this program the success it has become.

Recently the Knights of Columbus from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton donated a used washing machine to replace an old machine with only one short cycle. Drs. Jared and Mackenzi Boyd donated three baby/toddler beds

and two dressers with changing stations. The 6th and 7th grade students from Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Catholic School cleaned baby furniture, sor ted children’s books and made ghost and pumpkin treats for kids who attended the Halloween Safety class.

Our clients now benefit from learning from a retired pediatrician and a neonatologist. “Dr. Tommy” Latiolais and “Dr. Q” Virginia Quinones volunteer by teaching parenting classes. Tiffany White with Step Forward teaches our Gabriel Closet’s parents the impor tance of reading, talking, playing, and singing with their children.

If you would like to donate towards this wor thy cause, Amazon (or Target or Walmar t) Gift Cards are very helpful because they don’t take up as much space as a highchair or car seat. We can use all things for the coming winter such as socks, coats, hoodies, pjs, and gloves for sizes 12M up to 4T. There is always a need for toddlers’ clothes and diapers /pullups sizes 4, 5, & 6.

Follow us on Facebook: Catholic Charities of Nor th Louisiana. Many of our volunteers are posted and you can see for yourself what CCNLA does for our community. If you want to volunteer for Gabriel’s Closet or donate infant and children’s items, please stop by our office at 902 Olive Street, Shrevepor t, LA 71104 or 3208 Concordia Street, Monroe, LA 71201 or contact Kathy at development@ccnla.org or call 318-865-0200 ext 109.

This Christmas our neighbors are desperate to keep their families together, to keep their lights on, their rent paid, and to feed and clothe their children. Unfortunately, many today choose to turn a cold shoulder to their neighbor and a blind eye to the needs of the poor. Jesus asks us to do better. Please show your love of neighbor with a meaningful donation to CCNLA’s Annual Appeal. www.ccnla.org 22

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NO PRESENTS UNTIL JANUARY 6TH! Karla Alvarez, Director of Multicultural Ministry AS A CHILD, I DID NOT GROW UP RECEIVING PRESENTS ON CHRISTMAS DAY. Instead we would receive our presents on january 6th, on the epiphany of the Lord. My mom would tell us that Christmas was not about receiving gifts but about receiving Jesus in our heart and Jesus did not receive His gifts until January 6th. As a child, that reasoning did not make sense, we just wanted to open gifts on Christmas like all our friends. I remember coming back from Christmas break and all my friends were excitedly telling me what they got and when they asked me “Karla what did you get?” I had to tell them that we did not believe in Santa Claus and that I had to wait until January to receive my presents.

They did not understand, and I felt embarrassed explaining the reason behind it. Christmas at the Alvarez household was quite interesting while growing up. My parents, Juan and Alejandra, wanted us to inherit their Mexican Christmas Traditions while my siblings and I wanted to experience Christmas the way our school friends did in their households, the “American” way. Allow me to invite you to take a journey with me to Christmas time at the Alvarez household in 2005. There is nothing special about this date, but it is a Christmas I remember.

Growing up in the middle of two cultures was difficult and during some of the holidays it became more difficult. To begin, my family did not just celebrate Christmas on December 25th, we started on Christmas Eve. Since most of my dad’s side of the family lived in Arkansas, we would celebrate Christmas with them, which consisted of more than 80 cousins plus my aunts and uncles.

They were no ordinary gatherings.

We would gather at one of our family’s restaurants and have an enormous potluck. Everyone would start arriving around 7 or 8 p.m.

and they would drop their dishes off and gather with the family that had arrived before. Then we would begin our Posada at around 9 p.m. After recreating and singing the story of the nativity followed by some guided meditations, at around 11 p.m. we would finally be allowed to eat. There were tamales, atole, slow cooked ham, mole, and so many more delicious Mexican dishes and desserts. After eating, our families would talk and right at 12 a.m. someone would yell “ya es Navidad!” (it’s Christmas!) and we would all hug and then continue eating, dancing, and having a good time. We would all go home in the early hours of the morning.

Although all of this sounds fun, and it was, as I am now older, I realize that my parents were correct. We have grown accustomed to allowing Christmas time to become gifting time. I enjoy buying gifts for the people I love but I realize that I do not really get anything for Jesus. There have been several instances where I know it’s His birthday and I expect Him to give me a present. But what about me? In what have I invested in to present it to Jesus? Have I cleaned my heart to receive Him? Have I forgiven the people that have hurt me in order to make my heart more like His? Do I try to commit to a relationship with Him? Do I give myself to others like He gives Himself to me every day? I encourage you to examine your heart and see where you can start preparing your gift for our Lord, maybe it’s forgiving that coworker, washing the dishes when it is not your turn, staying an extra 5 minutes after Mass in silence, or being gentle with your words and thoughts.

We are everything to Jesus, let us show Him that we want Him to be everything for us!

Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas!

DECEMBER 2023 23

St. Frederick High School

Jill Wier, St. Frederick High School, Director of Development

ST. FREDERICK AUTHORIZED AS AN IB WORLD SCHOOL St. Frederick High School was recently authorized by the International Baccalaureate (IB) as an “IB World School,” becoming the only school in North Louisiana to receive such a distinction. St. Frederick joins the ranks of over 5000 schools worldwide offering the IB, which focuses on developing well-rounded students of excellent character.

The program aligns perfectly with the school’s Catholic identity and college preparatory curriculum, and St. Frederick has seen a dramatic increase in enrollment as a result of the positive changes around campus.

What makes IB unique is its approach to learning, which is inquiry-based and student-led. Students are at the center of every unit, and the goal of assignments is to engage students in interdisciplinary lessons meant to broaden their understanding of the subject matter and the world around them. Students are encouraged to develop life-skills such as critical and creative thinking, collaboration, and empathy. Subject matter taught goes beyond the core four to include the arts, design, and a second language. Students at St. Frederick can take Spanish for up to six years.

The school elected to pursue authorization in 2019 and entered the “candidacy phase” in the fall of 2020.

Principal Dr. Carynn Wiggins made the decision after researching top academic programs in the country, and after visiting a Catholic IB school in Wisconsin to see 24

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how the program matched up with the school’s Catholic identity. She then set out to hire the faculty and staff who would help realize her dream of becoming an IB World School.

Throughout the process, the school faced many challenges, including the pandemic, faculty turnover, and shifting school culture. Early donors to the program made the launch possible, and the combined efforts of the entire school community led to the final authorization in October. Dr. Wiggins credits the support of her staff, the school’s superintendent, the Board of Directors, the parents, and the students for the school’s continued success.

Now that St. Frederick has received full accreditation for the MYP, or Middle Years Programme, for grades 7-10, the school is currently pursuing consideration of the DP, or Diploma Programme, the most highly respected high school curriculum in the country. The goal of the administration is to help St. Frederick High School become one of the top schools in the state and region, producing students who are life-long learners – ready for college, career, and beyond – and who are competitive with the top students around the country.

For more information about St. Frederick High School, please visit our website (www.stfrederickhigh.org) or call 318-323-9636.

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

AS WE PREPARE TO ENTER THE ADVENT SEASON, THE CONCLUSION OF OUR 2ND NINE WEEKS AND THE END OF THE YEAR, WE SET OUR SIGHTS UPON THE NEW YEAR AND THE PROMISES OF JESUS. It is with hope for the

future and gratitude for the past, that we look back and reflect on what God has given us. This past year has been one of tremendous change for SJB. We cannot deny that our summer and the preparation for the new school year was fraught with tension and anxiety. The uncertainties and unknowns seemed to loom over everyone well into the first few weeks of the school year. Once we found our groove and hit our stride, things began falling into place. The halls are filled with a calm, quiet energy that indicates that learning is taking place in every classroom.

The activities that bring vibrancy and life to our school are in full swing. Our Caring is Sharing program has benefited three local organizations already, with five more planned throughout the rest of the year. Our field trips, retreats, and volunteer opportunities allow students to get off campus and engage in different learning opportunities, fellowship, and community service. Still, at the center of all we do here at SJB, is our Catholic faith, where weekly Mass, daily prayer, opportunities for confession, and so much more are the foundation of our mission and the building blocks of each day.

The special events we have throughout the year remind us that our school is not only a place for learning and growing in faith, but also a place for our community to gather in fellowship and friendship.

Those events include our Faith, Family, and Future monthly events, Monster Mash, Pancakes with Saint Nicholas, Social Studies & Science Fairs, Science Olympiad, and much more. In addition to the special days and events, our teachers are always seeking ways to make the days brighter and lighter for our students. We recently had a 4th & 5th grade girls’ talent show, hosted by our wonderful cafeteria staff. Mrs. Barr hosts a quarterly event called Mystery Musician, in which a guest musician performs songs for her class. All of these special days and events add to the learning experience here at SJB. They build community and friendship. They teach our students that joy is found here. They reinforce the Catholic teaching that life is a gift, meant to be lived and enjoyed to the fullest.

We were surprised and thrilled to learn that we once again won the Best Private School award by SB Magazine.

Since this award is based on the number of votes an organization receives, it exemplifies the confidence of our parents that our school is heading in the right direction. Our students are learning and growing in their faith. Classes are engaged and productive, the teachers and staff are content, and the school itself seems lighter and brighter. Thank you for your confidence and your belief in our school. We are striving to fulfill our mission to provide a quality education anchored in the Roman Catholic tradition.

DECEMBER 2023 25

Loyola College Prep

Jordan Harris, Loyola College Prep Director of Communications

2023 HALL OF HONOR INDUCTEES Loyola College Prep is proud to announce the 2023 Hall of Honor Inductees: Mike Greene ‘83, Laura Woolbert, SVA ‘84, Dr. John B. Carmody ‘87.

All three inductees have contributed significantly to the school, its legacy, and students.

“We are proud to induct these three individuals this year to the Hall of Honor for their contributions to our school, students and community,” said John LeBlanc, Principal and Hall of Honor Inductee. “This is a special group of honorees in that they all have taught, coached, and are alumni of Loyola/ St. Vincent. I have had the honor of working with all of them, and their dedication to their school from when they were a student until today is tremendous.”

The Hall of Honor is the highest recognition anyone can receive at Loyola College Prep. Nominations are received each year from alumni and then voted on by past Hall of Honor inductees and the Flyer Alumni Association’s Executive Board.

The Flyer Alumni Association hosted a banquet to honor these individuals in October that included remarks from John LeBlanc, John James Marshall ‘77, Alumni Director, Clarissa Manno ‘02, Alumni President, and the honorees. The following day, the honorees were officially inducted into the Hall of Honor during halftime of the Flyer Football game.

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Mike Greene ‘83

Mike Greene is a 1983 graduate of Loyola where he played on the football and baseball team. He was an All-State baseball selection in 1983 as he led the Flyers to the state championship game. He went on to play varsity baseball at Centenary, where he graduated from in 1987 with a degree in business. He then received his Masters in education from Centenary in 1990.

Coach Greene came to Loyola and served as head baseball coach and assistant football coach beginning in 1997 and became head coach for the Flyers in 1993. He was the head coach of the only Loyola team to play in the Superdome Classic state championship game. He later went on to coach at Airline, Fair Park and BTW before returning to Loyola as assistant principal in 2018.

In the history of Caddo-Bossier Parish football, only Lee Hedges has coached more games than Mike Greene and is ranked No. 7 all-time for coaching wins. Coach Greene has been to the playoffs 21 times in his career. He returned to the sidelines for the Flyers in 2021 and has led the Flyers to playoff wins in each of the last two years.

Today Coach Greene serves as the Assistant Principal of Discipline at Loyola College Prep. He is respected and loved by faculty and students at LCP and can be found doing just about any job big or small at the school on any given day.

Laura Woolbert, SVA ‘84

CHARLIE BELL SIGNED TO PLAY DIVISION 1 GOLF WITH MIDDLE TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY

Laura Woolbert is a 1984 graduate of St. Vincent’s Academy.

She graduated from Centenary in 1988 with a degree in chemistry. She went on to get her Masters in education from Centenary in 1999.

Loyola College Prep celebrated Charlie Bell as he signed to play Division 1 golf with Middle Tennessee University. Bell is a senior at Loyola College Prep and one of three senior golfers who plan on playing golf at the collegiate level next year.

Coach Woolbert came to Loyola in 1988 and has taught chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, physical education, and health. She was softball coach for 18 years, winning 10 district Championships in a row. In 1996, she led the Flyers to its only softball state championship.

“We are extremely proud of Charlie and his talents on the golf course, and he is also an outstanding student in the classroom,” said John LeBlanc, Principal. “Charlie’s commitment to the sport and the team is remarkable. We can’t wait to see what he does at the next level.

Coach Woolbert was also the first female assistant football coach in the school’s history, serving in that role from 1993 to 1997. In 1994, she became the first female football coach to be on the sidelines in the Superdome for the state championship.

She coached volleyball from 2001 to 2022. Coach Woolbert has also coached bowling, swimming, and cross-country.

Bell has been a member of the golf team since his sophomore year.

As a junior, he was 4th at the state high school golf tournament. As a sophomore, he was 9th at the state high school tournament. Last summer, he was 14th at the prestigious Louisiana State Amateur played at Southern Trace. In his time at Loyola, the team has placed second in the state both his junior and sophomore years.

When you add all of her coaching experience together, she is the winningest coach in school history and today serves as the head swimming coach for Loyola.

Aside from coaching, Coach Woolbert is the department head for the science department and teaches chemistry. She is passionate about her students, Loyola, and Diet Dr. Pepper.

Dr. John B. Carmody, ‘87

Dr. John Barry Carmody is a 1987 graduate of Loyola and was a member of the football and basketball teams. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from Louisiana State University and received his medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Science Center in Shreveport.

MARY HELEN BURFORD SIGNED TO PLAY DIVISION 1 SOCCER WITH LOUISIANA TECH

He was a science teacher at Loyola as well as an assistant football and basketball coach from 1993 to 2000.

He completed his internship in Internal Medicine and his residency in Ophthalmology at LSUHSC-Shreveport. Dr. Carmody went on to complete fellowship training at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Carmody is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, Shreveport Medical Society, and Louisiana State Medical Society. He was the founder and president of the Catholic Medical School Students Association.

Mary Helen Burford officially signed to play Division 1 soccer with Louisiana Tech today. Burford is a senior at Loyola College Prep and has been a star player for the Flyers since she was a sophomore.

He served on the Loyola Board of Trustees, the Loyola Alumni Association, the St. Joseph Catholic School Council, and the Shreveport Medical Society among other service organizations.

“Mary Helen is the most driven and hardest working player I have had the privilege to coach at Loyola,” said Mark Matlock, head girls soccer coach. “She has dedicated herself to reaching her goals through relentless training, prioritizing her fitness, and by supporting that with a disciplined nutritional program.”

For seven years, he has been the color analyst for the football broadcast of LCP-TV. He is married to Elizabeth Carmody, and they are parents to recent Loyola graduates, John Carmody, Jr., and Genevieve Carmody.

Burford has had a huge impact on the soccer program, Matlock said, including leading the Flyers to the 2022 State Championship as the game’s Most Outstanding Player.

Not only is she spectacular on the field, but she is also an outstanding student in the classroom maintaining straight A’s and several academic achievements.

DECEMBER 2023 27

Our Lady of Fatima School Stephanie Haney, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School, Principal

OUR LADY OF FATIMA STRIVES TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. Each year

our students decide on several organizations in which to donate.

During the month of October, we honored those who have fought or are fighting breast cancer. We had one week where every day there was an opportunity to raise money for breast cancer awareness including a breast cancer awareness walk.

The students along with loved ones walked in honor of someone they knew. We were able to raise $1000 throughout that week. We divided the money raised among two non-profit organizations, Hope Anchored and The the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Our National Jr. Honor Society donated an extra $200 to the the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Hope Anchored is a local non-profit organization that creates “Hope Totes,” which are comfort bags for those battling cancer. In the bags are inspiration items such as, a Bible, quotes, books, and a blanket. In total, Fatima donated $1200 to these two amazing organizations.

OLF junior high home economic students put together snack packs for All Saints Day for St. Joseph’s Assisted Living Home. The bags were filled with Little Debbie snacks, Chicken Salad Chick cookies, and prayer cards.

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Jesus The Good Shepherd School

Amy Fakhre, Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School Development Office

PEYTON TRAXLER, PICTURED WITH PARENTS STEWART AND ALECIA TRAXLER, WAS CHOSEN AS THE 2023-24 JGS STUDENT OF THE YEAR. For the past 15 years, Jesus the Good

Shepherd School has honored a 5th grade student with the Student of the Year Award. This student goes on to compete for the Diocesan Student of the Year in January.

He will compete against all other non-public 5th grade Students of the Year that live in North Louisiana. Should Peyton win at the diocesan level, he would then go on to compete on the state level for Catholic School Student of the Year.

The student is selected based on academic achievement in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade, along with standardized test scores, volunteer work, Christian attitude, conduct, and positive leadership qualities. Peyton will compile a portfolio over the next few weeks that will be submitted to a selection committee in Shreveport and will then go through an interview process. We are honored to have Peyton represent JGS School as the Student of the Year!

DECEMBER 2023 29

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

A 1200-YEAR-OLD HYMN WILL BE HEARD THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF DECEMBER.

When we hear “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” there is a certain word that gives what my father-in-law refers to as “the frissons” (Cajun French word for goosebumps).

The word is “Rejoice!” No matter the language, the word means to be glad. Israel is awaiting a savior who was promised to come for thousands of years. He is the one that will bring salvation to His people. His name, Emmanuel, means “God with us.”

It can be a difficult idea to grasp for a child that we are entering a time of preparation for such a celebration when everything we are surrounded by is about toys, candy, and annual specials that we can stream. Instead of rushing to Christmas, and yes, I am an Advent apologist, let us allow for the rejoicing to begin in the preparation.

As a father of four children, I have observed that more than opening presents, the most exciting times are in those days of preparation for the new life that was coming into our family.

The entire family is involved in the process of preparation.

My wife and I always talked about the notion and experience of the love and joy that is coming at the birth of this child. Such discussion inspires the children to be involved in the preparation. They want to be ready.

Whether it is hanging new decorations, folding baby blankets, praying for the baby to be healthy, or even rub their mother’s feet when she was eight and a half months along, they took the time to prepare the way for the new sibling.

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I make this comparison because it is what we promote at St. Joseph Catholic Church and School.

As we refer to our faith community as a family of families, we share in the joy of preparing for the coming celebration of the birth of the Savior. In a Catholic school, it is critical that we emphasize this time of preparation- Advent. The first two weeks of the season of Advent highlight themes of hope and peace. Our school focuses on the interior life to bring about such virtue, providing opportunities to encounter Christ such as in our class retreats for our middle school students and to frequent the sacraments such as Reconciliation.

There is no better way to prepare for the holy feast of Christmas than to be rid of what has kept us from the Lord, the things that have stolen our joy. There are times that we have not allowed Christ to be our hope and our peace. We can return to Him in this moment of repentance. It is then that we can go forth with a renewed purpose, allowing others to see and experience the hope and peace of the Christ child, living within us.

Lives of hope and peace are callings to strive for and gifts that we are called to provide for others. Such gifts were provided through the work of St. Nicholas, and we strive to imitate his efforts- no, not drinking sodas with polar bears and breaking into people’s homes. Rather it is a call to be charitable and kind to others, meeting their needs. That is why our school students partner with

our parish St. Vincent de Paul Society. There are many needs that are met during this season. In providing food, clothing, and other necessities, our students assist others anonymously, hoping that they have made a difference in the lives of others. They may be young, but I promise you, they get it.

It is our hope that our students find joy in preparation during this holy season. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”

May this song that brings us such joy, be not heard only through our voices, but let it be understood more perfectly in the actions we take in preparing for the celebration of the coming of the Christ Child.

DECEMBER 2023 31

SEMINARIAN BURSES Thanks To Our Recent Donors: (005) The Congregation of St. Johns Roman Catholic Church $25 (036)2 Mr. & Mrs. Timothy R. Doolin $100 (036)2 Merrilee Streun-Leatherman $200 (036)2 Carl & Antoinette Costanza $100 (036)2 Deborah Macy $50 (036)2 James & Donna Barnard $100 (036)2 Edna Delphin $100 (036)2 Carlo P. Roppolo $100 (036)2 Mr. & Mrs. Larry A. Miller $50 (036)2 Patti Underwood $100 (036)2 Mr. & Mrs. Ronald K. Looney $1000 (036)2 Steve & Annette Lenox $100 (036)2 Catherine A. Gregorio $100 (036)2 Debra M. Malarcher $1000 (036)2 David R. Monismith $500 (036)2 Paul & Rosalyn Tuminello $1000 (036)2 Eileen Lafitte $100 (005) The Congregation of St. Johns Roman Catholic Church $25 (023) Joseph L Cassiere $200 (036)2 Reid & Jo Ann Williams $100 (036)2 William & Christine Pedeaux $150 (036)2 Ben & Debra Marshall $100 (036)2 Jeanne Szot $100 (036)2 Patrick & Lesha Harrington $100 (036)2 Caroline Blewer $20 (036)2 Mr. & Mrs. Charles J. Madden $180 (036)2 Jonathan Van Tassel $175 (036)3 Mr. & Mrs. Ronald K. Looney $500 (036)3 Sherrie Defatta & Renee Robbins $100 (023) Van or Patricia McGraw $100 (008) Charles & Beverly Bennett $120 (039) Knights of Columbus Council 9260 $500 (036)3 Donna D. Soloman $25 (036)3 Sammy Pedro $35 Completed Burses: (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #1 ($10000) (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #1 ($10000) (010) Memory of Rita Scott from the John Scott Family Burse ($10000) (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #1 ($10000)

(012) Jack E. Caplis, Jr., Memorial Burse ($10000) (013) Mary Evans Caplis Burse ($10000) (014) Bob & Peggy Semmes Memorial Burse ($10000) (019) Margaret Glenn Memorial Burse ($10000) (020) Dr. James V. Ward Memorial Burse ($10000) (026) Sheryl Seal Sweeney Memorial Burse ($10000) (027) Rev. Richard Lombard Memorial Burse ($10000) (027) Rev. Richard Lombard Memorial Burse #2 ($10000) (031) Pearl Heck & Leona Boudreaux Memorial Burse ($10000) (033) Beryl K. & Joseph D. Ozenne Memorial Burse ($10000) (035) Dr. James V. & Rosemary C. Ward Burse ($10000) (036) Msgr. Earl Vincent Provenza Burse ($10000) (036) Msgr. Earl Vincent Provenza Burse #2 ($10000) (040) Servant of God Fr. Isidore Armand Quémerais Burse ($10000) (041) Servant of God Fr. Jean Pierre Burse ($10000) (042) Servant of God Fr. Jean-Marie Biler Burse ($10000) (043) Servant of God Fr. Louis-Marie Gergaud Burse ($10000) (044) Servant of God Fr. François Le Vézouët Burse ($10000) Incomplete Burses: (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #2 ($1350) (002) Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($3150) (003) Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1650) (004) Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350) (005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Burse ($1525) (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #2 ($3832.12)

(007) Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($1200) (008) St. Jude Parish Burse ($6838) (009) St. John Berchmans Knights of Columbus Council 10728 Burse ($1550) (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #2 ($5000) (015) Bishop’s Seminarian Burse ($4410) (016) Elaine Malloy Frantz Memorial Burse ($1000) (017) Msgr. George Martinez Knights of Columbus Council 1337 Burse ($8021.57) (018) Knights of St. Peter Claver Council 144 Burse ($1180) (021) Rev. Edmund “Larry” Niehoff Memorial Burse ($2000) (022) Rev. Blane O’Neil, OFM Memorial Burse ($1475) (023) Msgr. Edmund J. Moore Memorial Burse ($4650) (024) Rev. Joseph Puthupally Memorial Burse ($1650) (025) Kathleen Hightower Memorial Burse ($600) (028) Friends-n-Faith Burse ($600) (029) Rev. Kenneth Williams Memorial Burse ($200) (030) Ottis and Anne Krupa Littlejohn Memorial Burse ($6000) (032) Madeline and Joe Tiller Memorial Burse ($5100) (034) Joseph B. and Lucille Provenza Cordaro Burse ($6100) (035) Dr. James V. & Rosemary C. Ward Burse #2 ($6750) (036) Msgr. Earl Vincent Provenza Burse #3 ($660) (037) Manuel & Catherine Licciardi, and John & Beverly Miller Burse ($5000) (038) The Malone Family Burse ($250) (039) St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Knights of Columbus Council 9260 Burse ($750) (045) Sister Martinette Rivers Memorial Burse ($200) (046) Domestic Church Burse ($5000) (047) Troops of St. George Burse ($5000)

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

Interested in contributing to or establishing a burse?

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

Be sure to note the name of the burse in the memo line. Burses are completed at $10,000.

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DECEMBER 2023 33

Around the Diocese...

Luminaries were placed on each grave at the St. John the Baptist Cemeter y for the Blessing of the Graves.

Father Karl Daigle led a large group of the parishioners of Mar y, Queen of Peace Church in the rosar y to honor the Virgin Mar y.

Edan and Sophia Pine were happy to dress up as Saints Sebastian and Veronica for All Saints Day at St John the Baptist Church.

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Mar y, Queen of Peace Church hosted its annual Halloween Carnival on October 29. Children and parents enjoyed the festive atmosphere, good food, and fun.

On October 14 and 21, the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Pope John Paul XXIII Assembly 2077 sponsored a Cemetery Cleanup at St Paschal Catholic Cemetery in West Monroe. Many parish volunteers were present to clean up the cemetery in preparation for the Oct.29th Blessing of the Graves with their Pastor, Rev. Michael Thang’wa F.M.H.

DECEMBER 2023 35

Around the Diocese continued...

The children of St. John the Baptist dressed up as their favorite saints for All Saints Day Mass.

Jim Beadles, former Diocesan director for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, presented a gift of appreciation to the St. John the Baptist Church president and treasurer, Rosie Sullivan Lang and Madeline Leslie for their many years of ser vice.

St. Paschal Youth Group loved working the Parish Halloween Carnival! Some of them even dressed up as Saints in anticipation of All Saints Day! 36

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St. Pius X Church hosted their annual Fall Festival, costumes, food, and fun were enjoyed by all!

DECEMBER 2023 37

upcoming events DECEMBER 3-5 Advent Mission with Fr. Eddie Martin “Joys and Challenges of Living Our Catholic Faith in Today’s World” @ St. Mary of the Pines Church Talks will begin at 6pm ever y evening, there will be a reception after each night. Pre-registration is not required and there is no fee but an offering will be accepted. All are invited and welcome!

DECEMBER 9-10 Quo Vadis Vocations Retreat @ Catholic Center All high school young men are invited to spend a weekend with Fr. Raney learning more about the priesthood and discerning their vocations. Registration is limited, to sign up please contact vocationsoffice@dioshpt.org

DECEMBER 16, 10 AM - 12 PM Seminarian All-Star Basketball Game @ Loyola College Prep Gym Tickets are $5 and children 10 years old and younger are free. Join us for this fun event to support our seminarians.

To purchase tickets please scan the QR Code on page 7 of the magazine.

JANUARY 16, 2024, 6 PM Diaconate Formation Informational Meeting @ Parish Hall, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans All are welcome to attend and learn more about the Diaconate Formation Program in the Diocese of Shreveport.

JANUARY 17, 2024, 6 PM Diaconate Formation Informational Meeting @ Moore Hall, Jesus The Good Shepherd Church, Monroe All are welcome to attend and learn more about the Diaconate Formation Program in the Diocese of Shreveport.

JANUARY 18, 2024, 6 PM Diaconate Formation Informational Meeting @ Parish Hall, St. Joseph Church, Zwolle All are welcome to attend and learn more about the Diaconate Formation Program in the Diocese of Shreveport.

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FEASTS & SOLEMNITIES DECEMBER 4 Saint John Damascene, Priest and Doctor of the Church DECEMBER 6 Saint Nicholas, Bishop DECEMBER 7 Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church DECEMBER 8 The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary DECEMBER 9 Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin DECEMBER 11 Saint Damasus I, Pope DECEMBER 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe DECEMBER 13 Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr DECEMBER 14 Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church DECEMBER 21 Saint Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church DECEMBER 23 Saint John of Kanty, Priest DECEMBER 25 The Nativity of the Lord DECEMBER 26 Saint Stephen, The First Martyr DECEMBER 27 Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist DECEMBER 28 The Holy Innocents, Martyrs DECEMBER 29 Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr DECEMBER 30 Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord DECEMBER 31 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

where is bishop malone this month?

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7TH

Feast of the Immaculate Conception Vigil Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 5:30 PM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13TH

Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops’ meeting; New Orleans, 2:00 PM

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13TH – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14TH

Episcopal Support Pause Gathering; Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center, New Orleans

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17TH

Seminarians’ Dinner; Parish Hall, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 6:30 PM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24TH

Christmas Eve Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 4:00 PM DECEMBER 2023 39

CATHOLIC CONNECTION DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

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Shreveport, LA 71104

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

PHOTO OF THE MONTH: Catholic Campus Ministry brought the Dwell Band to town for a private concert for the CMSA students.

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