The Catholic Connection December 2019

Connection The Catholic

In this Issue...

Christmas Celebrations

Convention of Councils

Vol. 29 No. 5 Dec 2019

Religious Life

Contents

FEATURES

16 Convention of Councils

By Randy G. Tiller

18 Prophetic Gifts

by Kim Long

COLUMNS

4 MIKE’S MEDITATIONS What Do You Celebrate?

by Mike Van Vranken

5 LIBRARY NOTES

by Kate Rhea

8

6 FAITHFUL FOOD

15

A “Note”-Worthy Christmas

by Kim Long

7 SECOND COLLECTIONS

Second Collections for December

by Father Rothell Price

8 VOCATIONS VIEW

Prepaing for the Priesthood Overseas

by Seminarian Kelby Tingle

10 CATHOLIC CHARITIES

23 14 MARY’S MISSION Celebrating Life

by Mary Arcement Alexander

15 ACROSS THE NATION

Fixing Money Management

from the USCCB

by Erin Smith

11 FROM THE POPE

NEWS

12 Hopelessly Devoted

20 Christmas Gratitude as Seen from

9 Seminarian Burse

from the Vatican Press Office

Christmas

By Kate Rhea

26 Around the Diocese 28 School News 30 November Calendar

On the Cover

a Senior’s Eyes

by Sr. Martinette Rivers, OLS

by Dianne Rachel

13 Hispanic News

Parroquias con Ministerio Hispano en la Diócesis de Shreveport por Rosalba Quiroz

24 The Beauty of Cemetaries

22 One Miracle Until Sainthood

By Samantha Maiette

23 The End of a Journey

By John Mark Willcox 24 A Visit with Sr. Lucy

By Patti Underwood

2 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

The Nativity Scene from the Cathedral of St. John Berchamans.

Introducing the Third Bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport

P

By the USCCB

ope Francis has appointed the Reverend Monsignor Francis Malone as Bishop Elect of Shreveport.

Monsignor Malone is a priest of the Diocese of Little Rock and currently serves as Chancellor for Ecclesial Affairs and Pastor of Christ the King Church in Little Rock. The appointment was publicized today in Washington, D.C, by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Bishop-elect Malone was born September 1, 1950 in Philadelphia, PA. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Little Rock on May 21, 1977.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History (1973), and Masters in Divinity (1977), and Education (1977) from the University of Dallas, TX, and a Licentiate of Canon Law (J.C.L.) from The Catholic University of America (1989).

Assignments after ordination include: Associate Pastor, St. Michael Church, West Memphis & Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Crawfordville (1977-1980); Associate Pastor, Our Lady of the Holy Souls, Little Rock & Pastor, Holy Cross Church, Sheridan (1980-1981).

Bishop-elect Malone has also served as Associate Pastor, St. Patrick Church, North Little Rock (1981-1983); Associate Pastor, St. Vincent de Paul Church, Rogers & Priest in Charge, St. John Church, Huntsville (1983-1984); Associate Pastor, Immaculate Conception Church, North Little Rock (1984-1985). He also served as Pastor, St. Mary of the Mount Church, Horseshoe Bend & St. Michael Church, Cherokee Village (1985-1987); Rector, Cathedral of St. Andrew, Little Rock (1989-1996); Pastor, Immaculate Conception Church, North Little Rock & St. Anne Church, North Little Rock (1996-2001); and Pastor, Christ the King Church, Little Rock (2001-Present).

Other appointments include: Faculty, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock (1980-1983), Clergy Personnel Board (1983), Chaplain, Rogers Memorial Hospital, Rogers (1983), Moderator of Cursillo (1989), Chancellor & Vice Officialis (1990-2002), Presbyteral Council (1991-Present), College of Consultors (1992-Present), Clergy Personnel Board (1993-Present), Clergy Welfare Board (1994-Present), Managing Editor of Arkansas Catholic Newspaper & Director of Communications (1995), Theological Consultant to Arkansas Catholic Newspaper (1997), Judge, Court of Second Instance, Province of Oklahoma City (2002), Vicar General (2002-2006), and Chancellor of Ecclesial Affairs (2008-Present).

Connection The Catholic

Publisher Fr. Peter B. Mangum Diocesan Administrator Editor Samantha Maiette Contributors Mary Arcement Kim Long Fr. Rothell Price Rosalba Quiroz Dianne Rachal Kate Rhea

Erin Smith Randy G. Tiller Kelby Tingle Patti Underwood Mike Van Vranken John Mark Willcox

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

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

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

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.

DECEMBER 2019 3

MIKE’S MEDITATIONS

What Do You Celebrate?

D

By Mike Van Vranken

o you celebrate Christmas, or do you celebrate Incarnation? Is there a difference? I think there is. Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.

We ponder the stable, the animals, the straw.

We are reminded of shepherds and angels in the heavens. Wise men from the East. The Bible Van Vranken doesn’t reference how many wise men, but we like to picture them as three. We also imagine mother, dad and the baby. It is such a sweet scene. We know he is the Christ child, but we seem more interested in sweet, little, baby Jesus.

Then, we spend some time each year demanding that other people put Christ back in Christmas! We sometimes really get angry about it. When we see “Xmas” written out, many Christians take offense. If they only knew, “X” represents the Greek letter Chi, the first letter of the word “Christos,” – Christ in English. We even see this “X” sometimes on the back of the priest’s vestments and even engraved or painted on the front of our altars. We have used it for centuries to mean “Christ.” To write or read the word “Xmas” is literally writing or reading the word “Christmas.”

But more to the point, to put Christ back in Christmas would be to put Incarnation back in Christmas. You know, God so loved the world (the word used is cosmos), God so loved the cosmos that he became a human being in Jesus of Nazareth. Christ, the second person of the Trinity, became a person just like us. Now that’s something to celebrate.

But it didn’t end there. Once risen from the dead, the resurrected Christ became so intimately one with us, that St. Paul called us the “body of Christ.” Christ in us is the continuing of the Incarnation that happened that first Christmas. “And in him all things hold together” Col 1:17).

Consequently, when we see Christ in the baby Jesus, we are celebrating more than his birthday. We are celebrating Incarnation. And because we believe we are the body of Christ, and Christ is in us and we are in him, we are assured that Incarnation still continues today. So, here’s our question to ponder this Christmas season and take to God in prayer: If I can easily see Christ in an artist’s rendering of that middle eastern baby Jesus sleeping in a stable in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, why is it so difficult to see Christ in reallife photographs of today’s middle eastern babies stranded in refugee tents crying for help? What’s the matter with me? Why am I not celebrating Incarnation in these refugee families by welcoming them into my very prosperous country and finding them a safe life to live here? Why am I not celebrating the Incarnation these refugees bring to our lives?

You want to put Christ back in Christmas? Let’s also recognize Incarnation in those children at our Southern border

4 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

who have been separated from their parents. Let’s recognize Incarnation in those sitting in jails and prisons throughout our country. Let’s experience Incarnation in the mothers who have, for whatever reason, chosen to have abortions. Let’s celebrate Incarnation in people who call themselves LGBTQ+. Let’s celebrate Incarnation in our lonely, our sick and infirm, and those who have become outcasts for any reason. Let’s finally see Incarnation in the hungry and homeless in our own cities and towns.

If we are really interested in putting Christ back in Christmas, how much more interested should be we in celebrating the Incarnation of God living within his people – his children. In your quiet prayer room throughout this month, ask God what his perspective is on all this. And whatever answer he gives you, celebrate that answer. For truly, you will be celebrating Incarnation within you.

We don’t have to put Christ back in Christmas to celebrate.

We just have to recognize the Incarnation already present in all of those around us. Christ among us – in us, is already our reality every, single day. And, that is something to celebrate.

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

LIBRARY NOTES

Understanding Advent

By Kate Rhea

Advent, a time of preparation to await the celebration of Jesus’ birth, promotes reflection and earnestness. Slattery Library & Resource Center has an abundance of texts, devotional readings, and structured resources for families or groups to assist in exploring the wonderful season of Advent; from DVDs and CDs of seasonal music and dramatic re-enactments of Mary’s story, to in-depth analyzations of what it means to reflect on the seasons and feasts that the church celebrates each December.

Slattery Library News & Notes What's New?

In the Fullness of Time: Reflections for Advent

by Claire Justice

Published in Mer Rouge, Louisiana in 1997, this charming small volume was written by Methodist-raised Catholic Claire Justice who invites the reader to, “journey in Mary’s shoes toward Christmas and discover God-life growing within.” Featuring hand-drawn illustrations by the author, In the Fullness of Time offers a glimpse into her personal spiritual experience.

Shivering Babe, Victorious Lord: The Nativity in Poetry and Art

by Linda Ching Sledge

The mystery of the Incarnation has struck a responsive chord in poets and painters through the centuries since Christ’s birth. Acclaimed as an, “enchanting book … surely one of the most comprehensive studies on the influence of the Nativity story on history and culture,” this large volume features not only poetry and art, but lively scholarly essays to provide context and commentary.

An Advent Sourcebook

Edited by Thomas J. O’Gorman with art by Tom Goddard Part of a larger sourcebook series of anthologies, An Advent Sourcebook gathers prose and poetry, hymns and prayers from various times and traditions, all centered on a particular theme, from the seasons of the church year to the foundational moments in the life of a Christian. Each collection offers a treasury of wisdom for use in homilies, prayer services and personal meditation. Whether for a clergyperson, writer of devotional literature, or for personal spiritual practice, this sourcebook series is perfect for anyone wanting to celebrate their way through the liturgical year.

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

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

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

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

3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 318-868-4441 DECEMBER 2019 5

FAITHFUL FOOD

A “Note”-Worthy Christmas

By Kim Long

“My heart, Oh God is steadfast, I will sing and make music.” Psalm 57:7

I

n what seems a lifetime ago, in a December far far away, I met one of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Sr. De’nan. As a guitarLong wielding nun, she made our Christmas Eve Mass magical with her addition to the choir; as a nurse in our local hospital, she was an angel of mercy.

That cold night with my mother and oldest son in tow we worshipped, sang, and felt the joy of those seventies hymns reverberate in the small church.

It’s a good memory. When I think of Sr. De’nan and I pray that she is well and happy. She was our version of the singing nun.

That same Christmas, my family, or let me rephrase - the women in my family who were responsible for the choosing of the menu for Christmas Eve, decided to try something new...party food i.e. finger food. This was something that did not go over well and I might add was not repeated. The following year we were back to the “traditional” meal. This traditional, table groaning, waistband loosening meal carried us through for many years and then things changed.

After the deaths of the matriarchs, my grandmother, mom, and aunt, no one wanted to “get together”. We tried but alas, I do not (yet) have the swag of my late grandmother when it comes to gathering the family.

With all these changes our menu changed too. In Shreveport, there were just four of us. I asked how everyone would feel about a departure from the “traditional” dinner and surprisingly my question was warmly received; 6 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Aunt Carolyn’s Soup Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 lb ground chuck 1 ½ cup chopped onions 1 cup sliced celery 2 cups peeled, sliced carrots 1 16 oz can green beans, 1 16 oz can whole kernel corn 1 46 oz can tomato juice 1 8 oz can tomato sauce 2 cups of water 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp Tony’s seasoning ½ tsp lemon peel salt and pepper to taste

turns out for two of the kids, the turkey was a once a year delight. How about steak asked one son. Sure why not.

So for several years now, we have enjoyed a leisurely Christmas breakfast of bacon, croissants, and mimosas (both virgin and alcoholic) and then in the early afternoon, we cook steaks, bake potatoes, and indulge in a thoroughly adult meal. Now the wheel has turned again...there are children, wives, girlfriends, a new puppy, and more grandchildren to be considered.

But unlike other changes, this one is anticipated with joy. I have not yet decided on the menu but one thing for sure, it will be somewhere between the traditional and slightly decadent steak dinners.

Traditions change and grow and come back around again. Just like with Sr. De’nan and her guitar who brought a breath of fresh air to our little church in the 1970s, change can stir things up. Christmas is a time when change can seem particularly difficult. It is a

Directions: 1.

2.

3.

Brown meat and vegetables, drain once done Add the best of the ingredients and bring to a boil Reduce heat and cover, simmer for about 30 minutes

time charged with emotion, fueled by memories that can present themselves as ironclad. The ability to be flexible and open to change is a gift I accepted and it has served me well. This year as I peruse my Christmas cookbooks and work on the menu I ask the trio of matriarchs to pray for this new part of the family, some of whom they have not met, some traditions they did not keep, and dishes that did not grace their tables, as we go forth in love fueled by the ones of who paved the path from the stove to the table, from the star to the stable.

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

SECOND COLLECTIONS

Second Collections for December

by Father Rothell Price

DIOCESAN INFIRM PRIESTS’ FUND Announcement Dates: December 15th & 22nd Collection Dates: December 24th & 25th

I RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS

Announcement Dates: November 24th & December 1st Collection Dates: December 7th & 8th

P

lease give to those who have given a lifetime. At the beginning of this new Liturgical Year, Ano Domini 2020, I am happy to start this year of grace by thanking Price you for the great kindness you have shown to our retired and infirmed Religious Men and Women. Your past and present participation in The Retirement Fund for Religious Collection is such a beautiful way to honor our Lord for the vocation of His religious sisters, brothers and priests. Thank you for your gift which provides vital support to our senior Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests who have given their all to nourish the faith of Catholics throughout our nation.

Like so many of you who are trying to build up your retirement savings, this second collection serves the same purpose for these devoted and vigorous laborers in the Lord’s vineyard. It’s worth repeating: Your generous and joyful participation in The Retirement Fund for Religious Collection is a fitting expression of our gratitude.

So many years ago, when the Religious Sisters, Brothers, and Priests were working in our parishes, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, soup kitchens, retreat houses, and so many other places, no thought was given to paying them enough for their senior years. Parish priests and religious did great things with minimal amounts to ensure that children and adults received a solid education, medical treatment, spiritual growth, and bodily necessities.

Help our senior religious weakened by advanced age and illness. Support those who continue to serve in a wide range of volunteer and prayer ministries.

Give to those who have given a lifetime. I thank you, in advance, for your participation in the Retirement Fund for Religious Collection. May our Lady, in her Immaculate Conception, intercede for you as you lovingly give to those who have given a lifetime.

n the Mass, there is a prayer immediately following the praying of the Lord’s Prayer.

The final petition of this prayer is that with help of God’s mercy, “we may be free from sin, and safe from all distress, as we wait in joyful hope, for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” That “joyful hope,” is at the heart of our Diocesan Infirm Priests’ Fund Collection. As our priests near, enter, and live through their failing health, it is a time of great transition. Their minds can still do great and marvelous things; their bodies cannot.

Our infirmed diocesan priests need us. This collection is for their physical and spiritual well-being.

Your loving participation in the collection eases the frustration of their illness. Your contribution permits them to at least offer their mature, experienced and sage wisdom and prayers, even as their bodies suffers. The Diocesan Infirm Priests’ Fund Collection restores their dignity and service. Please come to their aid; think of them generously at the Masses on Christmas Eve and Day, December 24th and 25th. Make their days merry and bright through your gift to the Diocesan Infirm Priests’ Fund Collection.

DECEMBER 2019 7

VOCATIONS VIEW

Preparing for the Priesthood Overseas

By Seminarian Kelby Tingle

F

our months ago, I arrived in Rome, Italy in order to continue my priestly formation at the North American College and begin theological studies at the Gregorian University. While the thought of leaving the United States and studying in a foreign country was, at times, intimidating, I have found much peace in this time of transition. The North American College is a beautiful seminary and includes a welcoming community. In the same respect, it is a gift to study in the See of Peter and encounter the faith in ways that are surreal to me. Despite being here for only a short period of time, I have not only grown in an understanding of the Italian language and Roman culture, but through the experiences that the Lord has blessed me with, I have grown in a deeper understanding of the Universal Church.

When I arrived to the North American College this past July and entered my dorm room, I was awestruck at the beautiful site of St. Peter’s Basilica from my window. I found myself at a loss for words when I realized that this would be my view for the next four years. While it truly is an architectural masterpiece and an incredibly beautiful building, the Basilica means much more than that to the heart of Catholicism. Being built upon the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle, the Basilica represents the roots of our faith. It represents the willingness of St. Peter to follow Christ wherever He willed to evangelize the Gospel even unto the point of death. As a man desiring holiness and studying towards the priesthood, I cannot think of a better image of leading a life unreservedly dedicated to Christ than that of St. Peter, which I experience through the site of his Basilica.

Since arriving in Italy, I have cherished the opportunities to visit churches and encounter the saints. I have greatly enjoyed visiting the saints on their feast day and praying through their intercession. Although I now live far away from the Diocese of Shreveport, through the saints buried in Rome, I remain spiritually connected to the diocese. Every morning as I walk from the seminary to the university, I walk past the church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, San Ignazio, which is where the patron of our diocese, St. John Berchmans, is buried. I often visit the tomb of St. John Berchmans and pray through his intercession for the faithful of the Diocese of Shreveport, for the priests and seminarians of the diocese as well.

8 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Since the seminary is in close proximity to Vatican City, I have the opportunity to experience and participate in the life of the Church.

Nearly every Sunday, several seminarians and I walk to St. Peter’s Basilica for the Pontiff’s Angelus Address. In October, I attended the Canonization Mass of Saint John Henry Newman. When attending these events, I am struck by the amount of pilgrims that come from every part of the world to witness to the faith and be strengthened in their faith. When walking through St. Peter’s Square before the Angelus Address, I often hear many languages being spoken, which reminds me that the Catholic Church is truly universal.

Throughout my time in the minor seminary, I cherished the many strong friendships that I formed and the vibrant community life that was prevalent. Fortunately, I have found that this is also a wonderful aspect of the North American College. Through transitioning to life in Rome, studying the Italian language, and traveling through Italy during free weekends together, I have grown to know many of my classmates quite well. An aspect of the community that I find unique is the diversity within the community. There are dioceses from all over the United States, and even Australia, represented at the North American College.

I have enjoyed talking with the other seminarians and learning about their dioceses and regional cultures. In addition to the community of men that I am blessed to be a part of at the seminary, I have also enjoyed meeting many seminarians and religious that are studying at the Gregorian University from all over the world. It has been inspiring to meet people who are from drastically different backgrounds than that of myself, but have the same desire to grow to know and serve the Lord.

While there are times of difficulty with learning Italian or adjusting to aspects of life in Rome, I truly believe that I am exactly where the Lord wills for me to be. I never would have imagined experiencing many of the blessings that I have been given over the past few months. It is truly an honor and privilege to be studying for the priesthood. I am sincerely grateful to all of those who have been praying for me as I begin this step in my formation and I humbly ask for your continued prayers!

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

Diocesan Seminary Burses

Thanks to Our Recent Donors (001) Dr. George & Sandra Bakowski ($450) (009) Peter & Catherine Siska ($1000) (020) Zaragoza and Peggy Perez ($100) (021) Anonymous ($1000)

Completed Burses

T

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

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

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

Who can establish a burse?

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

Who can contribute to a burse?

Anyone can contribute any amount to any established burse.

How can I establish or contribute to a burse? You can

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

When is a burse completed?

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

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

(001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #1 ($10,000) (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #1 ($10,000) (010) Memory of Rita Scott from the John Scott Family ($10,000) (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #1 ($10,000) (012) Jack E. Caplis, Jr., Memorial Burse ($10,000) (013) Mary Evans Caplis Burse ($10,000) (014) Bob and Peggy Semmes Memorial Burse ($10,000)

Incomplete Burses

(001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #2 ($1,200) (002) Joseph and Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($2,500) (003) Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1,400) (004) Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350) (005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans ($450) (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #2 ($3,082.12) (007) Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($1,300) (008) St. Jude Parish ($5,718) (009) St. John Berchmans Knights of Columbus Council 10728 ($1550) (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #2 ($2,104) (015) Bishop’s Seminarian Burse ($1,235) (016) Elaine Malloy Frantz Memorial Burse ($1,000) (017) Msgr. George Martinez Knights of Columbus Council 1337 ($7,521) (018) Knights of St. Peter Claver Council 144 ($850) (019) Margaret Glenn Memorial Burse ($1,250) (020) Dr. James V. Ward Memorial Burse ($890) (021) Rev. Edmund “Larry” Niehoff ($1000)

For more information regarding vocations or the Seminarian Burse please reach out to Fr. Jerry Daigle: jdaigle@dioshpt.org or 318-868-441.

DECEMBER 2019 9

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

Fixing Money Management

By Erin Smith

W

hen Martika Burks, a community college student and single mother of two young boys, first walked into Catholic Charities of North Louisiana for help, she expected the usual treatment from a nonprofit: “Here’s your assistance check. Good luck.” But her expectations were far from reality.

Instead, Martika was greeted with real-world, honest financial discussions to help people examine their income and expenses.

The procedure was extensive. She had to provide bank statements, income tax returns, social security information for the entire household, rental leases, bills and more. Martika was one of the lucky ones. She received partial rental assistance from CCNLA, helping her and her sons avoid eviction.

Unfortunately, CCNLA is not able to rescue everyone who seeks aid. Due to limited funding, only 39% of those requesting assistance can be helped.

Stories like Martika’s are not rare in North Louisiana. In fact, in Shreveport alone, over 400 eviction notices are filed every month. According to recent data from the Community Foundation of North Louisiana, Monroe has 19.4% of residents living in poverty, and Shreveport has 18.6%. To put that into perspective, 1 in every 5 people you encounter during your normal day is living in poverty.

Since leaving the class, Martika has recommended that her sister and others attend the class. “I think it should be mandatory for everyone.” She has already signed up to come back for Credit Counseling and has vowed to teach her sons about money management, too. “I wish I would’ve known this stuff ten years ago. People need to know this stuff before they’re struggling.”

So how can CCNLA help more than 39% of those requesting assistance?

To make a larger impact, CCNLA requires more funds to be able to alleviate the financial stresses of those struggling in our area. Currently, the organization relies on donations from caring individuals and businesses, grants through various organizations, and special events, like Bingo on the Bayou (Shreveport) and the fast-approaching Bingo on the Delta (Monroe).

Bingo on the Delta, held each year at the West Monroe Convention Center, raises funds to further the organization’s efforts in the Eastern Deanery. This upcoming event is slated for Saturday, February 8, 2020. The event begins at 6 p.m.

Sponsorships and tables are available now.

10 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

To find out how to donate or volunteer with Catholic Charities of North Louisiana in Shreveport, Monroe or Lake Providence, email development@ccnla.org or call 318-865-0200 for more information.

FROM THE POPE

Pope at Mass: The Devil Destroys because he is Envious

By Alessandro Di Bussolo, Vatican News

T

he devil exists, sowing hatred and death throughout the world because he is envious that the Son of God became man. This was at the heart of Pope Francis’ homily at Mass in the Casa Santa Marta on Tuesday morning.

The Pope was reflecting on the First Reading from the Book of Wisdom, and the first verse in particular, which begins: "God created us for incorruption, and made us in His image". The same verse continues adding: "But through the devil’s envy, death entered the world".

Pope Francis explained how "the envy of that proud angel who refused to accept the incarnation" led him "to destroy humanity". That is how "jealousy, envy, rivalry" entered our hearts, said the Pope, while instead "we could live in peace like brothers and sisters”. This is where "the struggle and the desire to destroy" begins, he added.

Gossip destroys others Pope Francis described an imaginary dialogue with the faithful: "But Father, I don't destroy anyone". "No? And what about your gossiping? When you talk badly about someone you destroy them". The Pope quoted the Apostle James: "The tongue is a fearsome weapon". "Gossip kills. Slander kills", he said.

We are fighting a war inside ourselves, continued Pope Francis, and we have done so from the beginning. “Cain and Abel were brothers”, he said, “but the jealousy and the envy of the one destroyed the other". This is the way it is, said the Pope, just watch the evening news: "wars, destruction, people dying of illnesses caused by wars".

Berlin Wall anniversary Pope Francis recalled the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the horrors of war, the Nazis, and those who "tortured anyone who was not of 'pure race' ".

Behind all this there is someone who moves us to do these things. It's what we call temptation. When we go to confession, we say to the priest: "Father, I was tempted by this, that, and the other...". Someone touches your heart to lead you down the wrong road. Someone sows destruction and hatred in our

hearts. Today we have to say it clearly, there are many who sow hatred in the world, who destroy.

The Pope said he often has the impression the news is a story of hatred and destruction, wars and terrorist attacks.

“So many children die of hunger and disease" because they have no water, no education, or healthcare, said the Pope.

Instead, “the money needed for this goes to manufacturing weapons of destruction".

This is what happens in the world, but also "in my soul and in yours", he continued, because of the devil’s envy and hatred.

"And why is the devil envious?” asked the Pope: he is envious “of our human nature".

Do you know why? Because the Son of God became one of us. The devil cannot bare that.

Mud of politics That is why he destroys, said Pope Francis, and that is “the root of the devil’s envy, the root of our evils, our temptations, it is the root of wars, hunger, of all the calamities in the world". It is not the norm to destroy and sow hatred, the Pope continued, not even in politics. "But some people do it". Often one politician is tempted to sling mud at another, “to destroy the other", using both lies and truth. This is not healthy and clean political rivalry "for the good of the country". Those kinds of politicians use insults to diminish opponents, afraid they may appear more competent.

I want all of us to think about this: why is there so much hatred in the world today? In families that cannot be reconciled, in our neighborhood, in the workplace, in politics... The devil is the sower of hatred: “Death entered the world through the devil’s envy”. Some say: but Father, the devil does not exist, it is evil, such an ethereal evil... But God’s Word is clear. The devil got angry with Jesus. Read the Gospel: it’s clear, whether we have faith or not.

Pope Francis concluded praying that God “may make our hearts grow in faith in Jesus Christ, His Son", who assumed our human nature, "to fight with our flesh and to be victorious in our flesh" over the devil and evil. May this faith "give us the strength not to play the game of the envious one, the great liar, the sower of hatred".

DECEMBER 2019 11

HOPELESSLY DEVOTED

Christmas

By Dianne Rachal

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Lk 2:14

M

y favorite devotion is not a prayer but a Holy Day. I have always felt a deep connection to Christmas. The incarnation of our Lord, Jesus Christ celebrated on December 25, is also the day of my birth.

I am frequently asked if I feel slighted having my birthday on Christmas, but I have always cherished being born on such a special day, and my family continually goes to great lengths to celebrate my birthday in the midst of Christmas festivities.

Advent is a time of spiritual and domiciliary preparation. As the Sundays of Advent, along with the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, soften our hearts and permeate our days with pregnant longing, an annual metamorphosis takes place in our spirit. “My spirit rejoices in God my savior.” Lk 1:46. During Advent, as we await the rebirth of the King of Peace, we are kinder and more giving, patient and more loving. There is a synchronous and eagerly-awaited transformation of my home that begins the day after Thanksgiving. I am never caught up in the frenzy and chaos of Black Friday; I am home pulling out cherished Christmas décor, assembling Nativities, and putting up Christmas trees. I want the magical morphing of beauty, lights, and shine to reflect the inner joy and pending celebration. The mystical peace of a home illuminated only by Christmas lights highlights the great Light that has come into the world. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” Isaiah 9:1 “And on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother.” Mt 2:11.

Once decorated, I want to open my home to others in a spirit of joy and plenty. May it never be said, “because there was no room for them in the inn.” Lk 2:7. Numerous gatherings and meals take place in my home during Advent with good cheer and thankfulness for family, co-workers, and friends.

“Then they opened their treasure and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Mt 2:11.

My Christmas shopping is always completed by midyear, and wrapping is always done by Thanksgiving. I do not want these activities to intrude on the peace of Advent. I enjoy gifting hand-crafted items whenever possible: crocheted scarves and caps, home-baked cakes and confections.

12 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

“The hungry he has filled with good things.” Lk 1:53.

The tradition of delicious aromas and good food at Christmastime goes back to my earliest memories of holidays at my grandmother’s home. All of the women in my immediate and extended family are talented and gracious cooks. Family recipes are handed down from generation to generation, just as we inherit our faith from our parents. This hospitality, this bounteousness shared with family, clergy and friends is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, just as Eucharist is Christ sharing a meal with us as we gather around the table of the altar.

“For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” Lk 2:11.

In my family, gumbo on Christmas Eve is the tradition begun by my father, and then gifts are exchanged. For many years Midnight Mass was the custom, later to be replaced by 4 pm Christmas Eve anticipation Mass. More recently I have discovered the peace and luxury of Christmas morning Mass, a quiet celebration of the birth of our savior, and my own. The pinnacle of Christmas Day is a large family feast.

My husband and I now host, and my family always manage to sneak in a birthday cake and presents. To be surrounded by generations of family, enjoying good times and one another, and remembering all who have gone before us in faith, this is the heart of Christmas to me.

May your Advent Season rekindle the flames of the incarnation in your heart. May your Christmas traditions fill you with peace and joy as you “come to do him homage.” Lk 2:2 “For behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” Lk 2:10

HISPANIC NEWS

Parroquias con Ministerio Hispano en la Diócesis de Shreveport Por Rosalba Quiroz

D

iciembre, Mes de esperanza y Advenimiento Llegamos al final de este año, con agradecimiento por los regalos que recibimos este año, comenzando por el regalo de la vida y con ilusiones por un próspero 2020.

Sin embargo, lo más hermoso de este mes es que celebramos y vivimos con la Sagrada Familia y con nuestras familias y amistades la llegada de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo.

Oramos también para que el Papa Francisco en su arduo trabajo nos envíe un obispo amoroso y compasivo que nos quiera y nos dé el cuidado espiritual que necesitamos. ¡Feliz

Navidad!

Calendario Diocesano de Diciembre , 2019 7. Reunión mensual de Mujeres Emaús, Cristo Rey de 8-10a.m

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

8. Inmaculada Concepción de la Virgen María.

11. Celebración de la Vir-

gen de Guadalupe, Catedral de San John Berchmans de 9pm-12:30am

12. Celebraciones de la Virgen de Guadalupe en varias parroquias, buscar detalles 14. Reunión anual de coordinadores en la diócesis.

DECEMBER 2019 13

MARY’S MISSION

Celebrating Life

By Mary Arcement Alexander

C

elebrate good times, come on! It’s a celebration.” Where are my 80’s people? I feel certain you all knew immediately that this quote is a line from the song “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang. I know Kool and the Gang were not a Christian or Gospel band, but they had it right in the words of their number one hit song. Celebrating is not just a good time, sometimes it’s the best time.

As Christians we will all soon be celebrating the birth of Christ. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11. Although this is one of the best celebrations, I want to deviate a bit and bring to light other ways, other things I believe call for a celebration.

Celebration of everyday life. This is one even with grace. But now that my body has changed, I never thought much of until recent years.

I have come to celebrate each time I can move it with Honestly, I took for granted that each day ease and especially when I move it with grace. How do would come for almost 40 years. I have always you celebrate movement? Simple, just move. Everyday known about death and, of course, I have move your body through walks, runs, going to the gym, known people who have died. But even with stretching, yoga, dancing, whatever speaks to you. If you that said, it truly was not until my 40’s when are one of the fortunate ones who can still move, pause it all began to sink in just a bit deeper. In my Alexander your reading, get up and get moving!

40’s I have become more aware of time and how Last but certainly not least, the celebration of being little of it we all actually have. We all know that another day Catholic.

I recently read a post from a friend who spoke of life is not guaranteed, but yet we still aren’t celebrating about how she has been afraid to speak of her Catholic faith each one we get. Some of you are probably thinking, “Does many times over the years and I could definitely relate. For she really want us waking up each day singing and dancing many of us cradle Catholics, we tend to shy away when the in celebration?” Not necessarily, but feel free to do what the conversation of religion comes up with our fellow Protestant Holy Spirit is calling. Seriously though, this celebration is brothers and sisters. We tend to shy away from any difficult more in line with how you are living your life. To celebrate questions we are not ready to answer. Here is what I say: each day, we need to first give thanks. Thank God as soon embrace and celebrate our beautiful faith. Celebrate by going as your eyes are open and your mind is aware. Next, pay attention all day to how you speak to yourself and others, who to daily Mass, praying the rosary, displaying your crucifixes, wear your medals proudly, make the sign of the Cross publicly you are spending time with, what thoughts you are thinking, and/or display your Mary statue front and center in your and what actions you are taking. Lastly, when your day is yard. In the words of Matthew Kelly, “Be bold, be Catholic.” done, once again, give thanks to God. Celebration of movement. Have I lost you yet? Keep Merry Christmas everyone! reading, I promise it’ll all make sense in the end. Another reality I have become all too familiar with in these last few years is the way my body moves, as well as am I moving my body enough. I feel like a broken record here, but once again, Mary Alexander is a Licensed I took for granted just how well my body moved everyday.

Professional Counselor who has her own practice in Shreveport, LA. You can contact her at I took for granted that my back would always be strong or mkarcement@gmail.com my neck would never hurt. And what is up with bursitis? I definitely did not see that one coming! To get to my point, up until age 44 I was able to move with ease and sometimes

14 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

U.S. Bishops Allocate $9.9 Million in Grants to Aid Dioceses in Pastoral Outreach and Evangelization Efforts

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from the USCCB

he U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions met in El Paso, Texas last month to consider grant applications for 2020. The Subcommittee approved $9.9 million in grants to aid 77 dioceses and eparchies in the United States and its territories that face significant challenges to their evangelization efforts due to geography, low populations, and poverty.

Financed through the Catholic Home Missions Appeal, a special national collection held each year in dioceses across the country, the grants support a wide range of pastoral outreach and ministries in the communities that are designated awardees. Recipients for 2020 include the Diocese of Kalamazoo’s well-established migrant ministry outreach, which has been supported for two decades by Subcommittee grants. This program includes ministry staff as well as more than 100 volunteers from 15 parishes. Last year, the diocese’s Hispanic Migrant Team visited more than 300 migrant farmworker camps and ministered to 15,000 people, providing access to the liturgy, sacramental preparation, catechetical classes, and various social services.

The 2020 funds will help the diocese continue this effort.

For the Diocese of Colorado Springs, funding from the Subcommittee means youth and young adults will continue to have access to critical faith formation programs, equipping them with knowledge of their Catholic faith through catechesis and evangelization. In the Diocese of Dodge City, the Subcommittee’s grant will support a lay ministry formation program for leadership development in more than 10 parishes. In the Diocese of Juneau, the grant will help to minister to people who live in remote regions scattered along 500 miles of islands, peninsulas, and fjords.

During the visit to the Diocese of El Paso, the Subcommittee had the opportunity to meet with the staff who carry out the ministries in west Texas that the grants would support and heard firsthand about the challenges and successes of meeting the needs of their faith community.

Bishop W. Shawn McKnight, of Jefferson City and Chairman of the USCCB’s Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions shared his sincere gratitude for the commitment and dedication diocesan and parish personnel have shown in the face of difficulties.

“The Diocese of El Paso, along with many other dioceses throughout the United States struggle to meet the basic pastoral needs of the faithful. Thanks to the generosity of Catholics throughout the United States, dioceses in need

can apply for grants that will help them with evangelization and pastoral ministry efforts,” said Bishop McKnight. “These dioceses otherwise might not be able to engage as robustly in the evangelization and outreach programs that foster the community and fraternity needed to enrich the faithful who long to grow closer to Christ,” he said.

The Subcommittee oversees the Catholic Home Missions Appeal and an annual grant program as part of the USCCB Committee on National Collections. Most of the requests received by the Subcommittee are to support programs of evangelization, Hispanic ministry, seminary education, lay ministry formation, and other essential pastoral ministries.

DECEMBER 2019 15

Convention of Councils January 11, 2020 Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Ave. Shreveport, LA 71104

Are you

responsible for...

Administration: parishes schools, missions?

BE THERE!

“Calicem S

The Cup

Who will be there?

• Priests • Pastors • Parishes • Pastoral /Finance/Community Council • Missions • Youth Ministers • DREs • Family Life • Prison Ministry

m Salutaris Accipiam”

he Cup of Salvation I will take up, Psalm 116 vs 13

hes

Councils

ers

H

ow can I make a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for me?

This is our theme for the Convention of Councils, 2020. We can all come together to identify ways and means of “taking up the cup of salvation and making a return to the Lord for all the good He has done for our diocese.” How blessed is our Diocese that Bishop-Elect is ready to give his flock the motivation to move in that direction? How blessed that the opportunities abound in our diocese as we enter this phase of our journey to salvation?

How blessed that the diocesan leadership can come together in anticipation of Bishop-Elect Francis Malone’s ordination and installation to begin this important work of the Lord. Truly God is good!

The Diocesan Directors and staff will be on hand to offer presentations focusing on their areas of expertise; and more importantly asking how they can better serve the parishes, missions, and school.

Staying together rather than breakout sessions, will give us the opportunity for everyone to hear the information. There will be plenty of time built into the program to ask questions. Even if you feel your questions is only of particular interest to your parish, by all means ask them.

This will be a great time to give all the conventioneers a chance in shaping the diocese that will be turned over to bishop-elect Malone.

Q&A Catholic Center Directors and Staff Will Be There!

• Youth • Schools • Facilities • Information Technology • Human Resources • Communications/Publications Also: DIOCESAN ADMINISTRATOR MODERATOR OF THE CURIA CHANCELLOR & BUSINESS OFFICER

Our diocese is now over 33 years old. It is a great diocese filled with wonderful, spiritual, welleducated people involved in their community and the lives of their neighbors. Social justice issues, providing for the less fortunate and not just seeing Christ in the face of others but also being Christ to others; are all areas of concern for our diocese.

You are the eyes and ears, the hearts and minds that can make things happen! As we are aware that many of our resources, including our families, are moving away and becoming more scarce; this is certainly the time for us to identify the realities and challenges that face us and more importantly the time to discern together the solutions. We are a small diocese but a mighty diocese with our best years yet to come! Let us “take up the cup of salvation.”

RSVP: DECEMBER 30, 2019 Email: lsutton@dioshpt.org

Be A Part of the Future!

Prophetic Gifts

by Kim Long

Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1

I

n all my life there has only been one Christmas season when I finished all my shopping by October 31. It was one of the few times when as an adult, Christmas was joyful rather than harried. On that House Beautiful/Martha Stewart Christmas morning as I sat with coffee in hand I really thought I nailed the gift-giving category with one of my children. A few months earlier when he expressed a particular interest my attention stopped and I ticked a mental box; this would be a “perfect” gift. By the time the wrappings were thrown off all it took was a good long look at his face and I realized I made an error.

He was good-natured about it and Christmas went on. That moment, however, encouraged me to really reflect on what a gift is. This lesson has stuck with me since that cold Christmas morning.

When I decided to relocate my own family to Shreveport, it was my dad whom I sought out first. My father and I were close, mostly due to the fact that I am a persistent firstborn.

As a child of divorced parents, I didn’t see much of my father for all the usual reasons. Somewhere in my young adulthoodthe mature wise age of twenty-something, I made a “conscious effort” to reconnect and hopefully deepen our relationship. It worked but not quickly or easily. Over time I realized and 18 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

came to appreciate the gifts he could offer rather than the “Ozzie and Harriet” tinged desires popular culture told me were the norm. He encouraged me to take the job, make the move and go forward with my life. I was filled with craven fear at a change of that magnitude, but Dad’s confidence in my abilities and my future spurred me on. To make this moment tangible he gave me a gift. There are a couple of reasons this fact is noteworthy; firstly he was very sparing with gifts of any kind, and secondly the thought he put into this object allowed it to take on a kind of symbolism, and while not quite epic in proportion, certainly impactful. When I told him I would be working in a church office, he was glad, for in his eyes, that took me from a blue-collar J.O.B. to a “position”. He was probably more impressed than the job warranted, but coming from the same family I understood his viewpoint. He handed me a beautiful ballpoint pen, not expensive or brand new but certainly unused. As my fingers closed around it I fought back tears, for I had always been a pleaser where my parents were concerned.

The gift was invaluable and, truth be, told that I pull that moment out of my memory when I need to be reminded that, yes, I am capable. The pen lives safely in my jewelry box - a symbol of the real gifts he gave me that day: his love, support and confidence in me.

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

For every good and perfect gift is from above” James 1:17

thought I would never become a grandmother. None of my children seemed to be in that particular hurry. After all, my ticking clock was well out of their earshot and mindset. When the news was finally spoken and ultrasound pictures sent, my full heart began to spill onto the pages of a special journal I kept for my granddaughter even before she was born. I desired more than anything that she always knows how very wanted and loved she already was even before she was born, before I could hold her in my arms. I still write in the journal and one day, I will offer it to her, an insight into the beginning she offered me as the first of many grandchildren.

I

C

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

L

O

ne thing Advent and Christmas share is the hectic pace.

I have stretched out to the very end of the Christmas season and claimed Twelfth Night and its sacred mysteries for my godchildren. We gather, sing songs (yes it is true and I do insist in full audience participation), enjoy a meal, and we discuss the manifestation and its meaning of “showing forth” and how we do that in our lives. There is a rather large statue of the Christ Child in the center of the table and we pass him around, greeting God through symbols of a plaster child as well as the child beside us. Last year, I was tired and in my effort to “pace” myself I did not search for the statue of the Christ Child. When my then 17-year-old godson walked in heading straight for the table he turned in shock and dismay “Where is big baby Jesus? I have waited all year for this!”I promised him that he would see him next year. It must be said here that I have already located the plaster statue and he awaits his own place at table. My godson may never know what his heartfelt comment, which garnered a lot of laughter, revealed. He let me know that spending time together is still important and that is quite a gift.

hristmas shopping has become a rat race which is exhausting; the one annual event I dread more than anything. I carry these stories with me every time I contemplate gift-giving, every time I enter the “spending zone” of a shop, a big box store, or a mall. And they work to guide me, reminding me to consider what am I really giving and what am I choosing to symbolize that thought. It is an odd way to make a Christmas shopping list I admit.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 ately, I have begun to think of God as gracious giver of giftsboth those longed for as well as the unexpected which catch me completely off guard. In trying to put my thoughts and emotions into concrete form, was I unknowingly following a higher path? Believing that God knows me (and indeed each of us) so well, I trust that His “other” gifts come at just the right time; even those unexpected ones. Knowing when I accept them, revel and glory in them, and then share them I am able to see my way forward, which at this time of the year leads me to the stable to see the greatest gift of all.

“Come down to the manger, see the little stranger wrapped in swaddling clothes, the prince of peace.”

Robbie Robertson

M

y children and grandchildren don’t do things “the way I did them” including church attendance. One cold Saturday afternoon I had the two oldest grands with me and we made a visit to the church. Standing before the nativity scene I recounted the old story of Christmas without Santa, reindeer, or stockings hung with care. We examined in detail the baby in the manger. It was, as my friend Paula would say, God’s timing.

In that setting, with the figures so large the atmosphere was charged with wonder. Walking back into the chilly afternoon my grandson said it was a good thing Jesus stayed inside, he wasn’t dressed for the cold. I stifled a laugh and uttered a prayer that this experience would stay with them all their days.

DECEMBER 2019 19

Christmas Gratitude as Seen from a SENIOR’S EYES

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By Sr. Martinette Rivers, OLS

he Season of Christmas is here again and I’m wondering how to celebrate the Lord’s Birth with a heart filled with gratitude.

With age comes maturity and wisdom. In the Book of Leviticus: 19-32, “We shall rise before the aged and show deference to the old.” People do not abandon those who are old and turn their attention only to the young, or do they? We can’t do it alone in solitude if we feel left out or put down, so we must open our hearts up to something new. It’s Jesus’ Birthday, not ours and a time for ‘giving in’ surrender to Christ, no matter what. Our love for the new born babe makes it a delightful time because we accept him as our King.

It appears to me that the whole world pauses and stands still at Jesus’ Birth because it is Christmas around the world. True for the old and the young. Let’s just make it happen! Why do all societies have to struggle with how they are to treat older people?

No one should abandon us who have lived and contributed to our world and are now in our declining years, the winter of our lives. A Yiddish Proverb puts it nicely: “To the unlearned, Old Age is Winter. To the learned, it is Harvest Time.”

We have stored so much in our ‘memory banks’ and in our hearts about past Christmases, so this one should be different.

Let this Christmas find the Infant born there where you hold experiences sacred, your hearts. Christmas celebrates the Birth of Jesus in our aging hearts. He came not to sit on a throne, but in a manger. He would live not as a king but as a servant. Make a spiritual tree in his honor full of ornaments, called love, peace, joy, light, hope, forgiveness, harmony and wisdom. We will be the star who will give away these precious ornaments. In every adult there lurks an ‘eternal child’ says Carl Jung, so no matter how old we are, that part of us we keep alive. Please don’t get caught up in ‘everyday sameness’ because life is a celebration and Christmas marks a special ‘aging moment’ in our lives.

Childhood playfulness is a wonderful spirit to have at Christmas, so let the child inside you play a bit today. Let the light of God’s aging glory shine in your hearts and light up that Christmas Tree with your love. We are the STARS, so shine brilliantly for everyone to see.. God transforms our hearts as the season becomes ours again. God’s plan for us is based on His LOVE, even in our elder years. Don’t allow yourselves to grow older and grumpy or to become a ‘geriatric hazard’ as so many become. Not us! We’re different because of our attitude. Does your heart need a new place to go as you find the wisdom of old age? Hardly not!

Have we become a ‘Seasoned Christmas Ager’? I would think yes, and enough to decorate the whole world with our ‘seasoned joy’. Have we re-captured our imagination? Have 20 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

we allowed the ‘eternal child in us’ out to play? Christmas comes to the humble heart, it is love in action, it’s keeping Christ in Christmas and never just a day to celebrate and then be forgotten.

What a blessing Christmas is!

First become a blessing to yourself so you can become a blessing for others during this season.

Remember life is a celebration.

“Mary’s days to be delivered were fulfilled, and she brought forth her first born son.” Luke 2:6-7.

Look with your aging eyes at the Babe in Mary’s arms, born in such a humble place. What a ‘metamorphosis’ for a “KING OF THE UNIVERSE”, what a change. We know well that ‘metamorphosis’ makes a change. The caterpillar slows down, stops moving about, knowing it must make a change; ‘Metamorphosis’. Out of the cocoon comes the butterfly, and thus we have become older and more beautiful; “God’s liberation of beauty” for the world to see. Let’s sit still during the Christmas Season so God can make the change in us. Well, what to do except to ‘fly’ and share God’s ‘beauty’. If we are the STAR on the tree, we can become the ‘star witness’ to ‘aging beauty’.

At our age we can’t change anyone but ourselves. Let’s learn from the butterfly and the new born babe in Bethlehem. “Draw near to him, prostrate yourselves before him, and offer him the gifts that you bear in your hearts.” Pope St. John Paul II. All is gift and perhaps we need a new season of gratitude, being thankful for the gifts you have to share, your cheerful disposition, laughter, affection, joy, and so much more. What a difference these gifts will make in someone’s life. Only if our joy is rooted in Jesus. Jesus is the joy of the earth. What a gift this would be! This might hold the key to our future? “It’s Christmas Time every time you let God love others through you.” St. Teresa of Calcutta. Have a marvelous, holy and happy Christmas season!

Graphic Novel Series on Shreveport 1873 Yellow Fever Epidemic Martyrs RIGHT: The Catholic Connection is running a graphic novel series each month, featuring the story of five priests who gave their lives in service to others in the Shreveport Yellow Fever epidemic of 1873. The seventh page of this series shows Father Pierre succumbing to exhaustion and illness and sending for assistance. This graphic novel is provided courtesy of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans and is illustrated by Deacon Andrew Thomas.

DECEMBER 2019 21

One Miracle until Sainthood Blessers of Fr. Seelos Search for the Final Miracle

By Samantha Maiette

A

couple moves quickly through the halls, rushing to bless the ailing person, relic and crucifix at their side. They recite the words that have become second nature, words they and so many others believe in.

Each prayer is meant to calm and ground the patient in their time of need. Whether they need the prayer because of an accident, the patient has cancer, or any other form of ailment.

The words, meant to heal and bring about a miracle, have been said over the patient. With that, they leave the room, hoping the prayers to Blessed Fr. Seelos are heard.

Fr. Francis X. Seelos, a Redemptorist priest from the early nineteenth centery, was born in Bavaria in 1819.

He studied at the University of Munich before becoming a diocesan seminarian. In 1843 he set sail to the United States where he landed in Baltimore and was later ordained there.

Between his ordination and arriving in New Orleans, Fr. Seelos traveled North America spreading the gospel and administrating the sacraments.

In 1866 he arrived in New Orleans as the pastor of St. Mary’s Assumption Parish. As he entered the city, he did not know what was awaiting him. Within a year of coming to New Orleans, Fr. Seelos died after contracting yellow.

The day of his funeral hundreds of parishoners came to view his body at St. Mary’s Assumption Church. On the same day, Christine Holle, who had been experiencing a mysterious illness which plagued her abdomen and hip causing extreme pain, made it to Fr. Seelos’ funeral where she touched his hand and was cured of her illness.

His fellow Redemporists priest knew there was something special about Fr. Seelos and began to record the praises and miracles surrounding him. There are countless miracles surrounding Fr. Seelos as recorded by the Seelos Center in New Orleans.

On April 9, 2000 Pope John Paul II beatified Fr. Seelos.

Since then, blessers have gone around praying over those with ailments hoping to bring peace and bring about the 22 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

miracle needed to bring Fr. Seelos to sainthood.

Two of those blessers are within our own diocese, Tom and Marjorie Rivers. In 2006, Marjorie had a near death experience. Afterwards, feeling a call from God, Marjorie began to look into what it meant to be a Blesser.

“It’s a humbling experience,” Marjorie said. “God brought me back for a reason, there’s something He wants me to do.”

Marjorie and Tom began their journey to becoming blessers for Fr. Seelos soon afterwards in 2007.

So the burning question now is... what is a blesser? And, how do they contribute to Fr. Seelos’ legacy?

A blessor is someone who uses relics (bone fragments, crucifixes, etc.) to connect the person needing healing to a religious person who has passed in hopes that their power will help cure or help the person in need.

“Our goal is to pray that Blessed Father Seelos is there with us and that there will be a miracle,” Majorie said.

“We’ve seen miracles, the Vatican may not consider them miracles, but we do.”

Throughout their time as blessers for Fr. Seelos, Tom and Marjorie have seen “countless miracles” accomplished due to the power of Fr. Seelos. For example, they recounted a time whenever they were visiting a trauma patient who was in a coma. A family member called them in, the Rivers blessed the patient and shortly afterwards the patient woke up.

One miracle, that is all that stands between Fr. Francis Xavier Seelos and sainthood. It is the hope of the Rivers and other blessers of Fr. Seelos that the miracle occurs soon. It may be in our backyard.

Information from this article was taken from The Seelos Center in New Orleans, LA. For more information please visit www.seelos.org

The End of a Journey Dianne Rachal Retires After a Wonderful Career

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By John Mark Willcox

hristmas is a time of giving but for our diocese this year, it is also a time of loss as our Dianne Rachal is seeking a happy life of retirement. It is only fitting that she was born on Christmas day and will depart her position as Director of Worship for the diocese on that same birthday of the Lord.

Dianne began working for the Diocese of Shreveport in 2002, and became the Director of Worship for the diocese in 2006, after piling on her educational degrees including a Master’s Degree in Theology from the University of Dallas and a Master’s Degree in Liturgy from The Univeristy of Notre Dame in South Bend. “Ministry is not about degrees or titles,” comments Dianne. “It’s about the people of God you serve and the people of God you serve with.”

Our diocese was the beneficiary of that education as Dianne led us through ordinations of many of our priests, most of our Deacons and our second ordinary, Bishop Michael Duca. She also carefully guided our faith community through the major liturgical adjustments with the new missal for worship in 2011. We all remember trying to remember to say “and with your spirit,” and the dreaded consubstantial that came with the Nicene Creed. It was Dianne’s careful encouragement that helped the faithful of our diocese quickly adjust to the new changes and soon it became a faded memory.

At any major diocesan liturgical celebration you would see Dianne with her flowing silver mane of hair and a beautiful dress complete with heels on her quick feet that reached dizzying heights. She would effortlessly flow about the worship space, making sure everyone was on the same page of her meticulous worship notebooks. There is a reason why our celebrants always looked cool, calm and collected while they led us in worship….and it was always due to Dianne’s good work behind the scenes.

Dianne is blessed with many additional skills as she is a confident lay reader, who has shared that talent by helping dozens of our faithful perfect their craft of reading scripture during Mass. She is a gifted spiritual advisor, prison ministry and family life liaison, and facilitator of the effective Rachel’s Vineyard program designed to providing healing to victims of abortion.

While her many talents will certainly be missed within our diocese, her radiant smile is what I will miss the most. She is simply one of the finest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and a most deserving recipient of a worthy retirement. Dianne and her husband, Steve, plan to hook up their RV trailer and hit the road for the great Northwest as they move at their own pace through some of the most beautiful countryside our nation has to offer. Happy trails Dianne, we love you and want you to know that your gifts to the Church are very much appreciated!

DECEMBER 2019 23

A Visit with Sister Lucy

By Patti Underwood

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ister Lucy Scallan, D. C., has always reminded me of Maria from “The Sound of Music.” Like the lovable, irrepressible young novice-turned-governess, Sister Lucy loves music, nature, and long walks. She has a way with children, and she has a radiant smile.

Sister Lucy was born to a farming family in Mansura, the youngest of 11 children. Of those, three became priests, and two were Daughters of the Cross. Her early years were spent in Shreveport, right across the street from St. Vincent’s, where her oldest sister, Sister Aloysius, was in the convent, and her other sisters attended the school and college. When she was seven, they moved to New Orleans, where she attended a different Catholic school every year. As she grew older, she cared for her sisters’ children while they worked. Every day after school, she and her mother took them to the park for a picnic.

After graduating from high school in 1943, Sister Lucy entered the convent. The postulants and novices lived in the Novitiate, a separate building behind the convent.

One of her jobs was to clean the convent dining room after supper, and she liked to sing and dance as she worked, which resulted in a finger-wagging chiding from the old French Sisters. At the time she entered, she was the only one there who could drive, besides Mother Eugenia, and she drove Sister Beatrice to the warehouses on the riverfront to purchase food and supplies for the convent and school.

She would also drive Sister Marcella to various bookstores to sell her book, In White Splendor, and all the sisters to 24 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

their appointments.

She even picked up the priest from St. John’s for morning Mass.

Through the years, Sister Lucy used her creative gifts in all her various assignments.

As Mistress of Boarders, she entertained the girls waiting their turn in the showers by playing the ukulele (received from her brother, Msgr. B. A. Scallan) and singing folk songs with them.

When she taught elementary school, she wrote and directed many plays and skits. She created beautiful glitter curtains for the Christmas plays by passing long threads through glue and glitter and hanging them from the ceiling (a technique she learned from Sister Rose Marie). After she received her music degree from Centenary, she became the convent organist and taught music at St. Vincent.

Recently, I had a chance to join Sister Lucy for a long walk around the garden at Montclair. At 94, she still has a beautiful smile and sparkling eyes. I asked her about Christmas traditions of the Daughters of the Cross, and she shared her memories. Under Sister Mary Evelyn’s direction, the Sisters spent weeks shelling the pecans, chopping fruit and making fruitcakes for their many friends and benefactors. Sister Lucy delivered the beautifully wrapped fruitcakes (with Sister Bernadine’s fluffy handmade bows).

After celebrating the Savior’s birth at Christmas Mass, the sisters enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner. Instead of gifts, they received a piece of fruit beside their plates, along with all their mail that had arrived during Advent.

Now, all her sisters have gone on to their reward, and she is the last Daughter of the Cross.

Sister Lucy’s Name Day is December 13. She would love to hear from former students at Montclair Park Assisted Living Center, Room 137, 9100 E. Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71115.

The Beauty of Cemeteries

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By Kate Rhea

a t h o l i c cemeteries p o s s e s s an undeniably unique aesthetic; a concentrated, predestined air of beauty and solemnity that evokes reverence. By decree and design, Catholic cemeteries create a holy resting space for the Catholic Faithful, the basis of which naturally fosters a remarkable and unmatched beauty.

Along the winding paths through St. Joseph Cemetery, the beautiful iconography featured on stones and statues alike calls to mind the love of Mary, Jesus’ salvation, the peace of St. Francis, and more. The beauty continues with stones showcasing laurel wreaths which symbolize glory, lilies symbolizing a return of happiness as in the Garden of Eden, and even bluebells hinting at sorrowful regret.

Among the many stunning, sizeable statues of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and more gracing old and recent family plots, St. Joseph

boasts a fair number of aboveground tombs common in South Louisiana, but rare in this area. This style of interment is common in many of the immigrants’ home countries of Italy, Spain, and France. The presence of these tombs adds to the unique beauty of St. Joseph Cemetery.

Timeworn, though far from forgotten, St. Joseph Cemetery has sparked renewed interest in restoring and maintaining its beauty in the last few years. Continued fundraising efforts have made it possible to repair and restore many stones neglected not intentionally, but due to lack of local family contacts able to assist in their upkeep. If you’re interested in donating to the ongoing efforts to nurture the timeless beauty of St. Joseph Cemetery, please contact the Diocese of Shreveport.

From the Office of the Chancellor Randy G. Tiller Very Reverend Peter B. Mangum, Diocesan Administrator, has issued the following appointments during the months of October and November.

• Reverend Jean Bosco Uwamungu, reappointed as Pastoral Administrator of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Shreveport effective October 1, 2019.

• Reverend Sebastian Kallarackal, C.M.I. after more than 20 years of service celebrated his last Mass on November 24 at St. Paul Parish, Minden and will retire to India.

• Reverend Biju Kuriakose, C.M.I. effective November 11, 2019 appointed as Pastoral Administrator of St. Paul Parish, Minden and its missions, St. Margaret Church, Homer and Blessed Sacrament Church, Ringgold.

• Reverend Timothy C. Hurd appointed as Pastoral Administrator of Sacred Heart Parish, Rayville and its mission St. Theresa Church, Delhi and Sacramental Minister to St. Frederick High School, Monroe effective November 11, 2019 in addition to his assignment as Pastoral Administrator of St. Joseph Church, Bastrop.

• Reverend Joseph Ampatt appointed Pastoral Administrator of St. Joseph Parish, Zwolle and its mission St. Ann Church Ebarb, effective February 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.

• Reverend Richard Norworthy relieved as Pastor at St. Joseph Parish, Zwolle and its mission, St. Ann Church, Ebarb effective January 31, 2019. Appointed Associate Pastor of Christ the King Parish, Bossier City and Sacramental Minister of St. Jude Parish, Benton with residence in Christ the King Parish Rectory, Bossier City, LA effective February 1, 2020.

• Reverend Rigoberto Betancurt relieved as Parochial Vicar of Christ the King Parish, Bossier City, effective November 30, 2019 and appointed Associate Pastor of St. Mary of the Pines Parish, Shreveport, effective December 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

DECEMBER 2019 25

AROUND THE DIOCESE

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Youth Give Back

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ur Lady of Fatima Youth Group spent time offering their hands and hearts to the dogs at the Ouachita Parish Humane Society. The group brought much needed supplies to the shelter and helped groom the dogs who welcomed the attention.

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Celebrating National Black Catholic History Month

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ational Black Catholic History Month was celebrated for the third year at St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church with Mass and a celebratory meal on Sunday, November 3. Among the honored guests were: Fr. Peter B. Mangum, Celebrant, Dianne Rachal, Diocese of Shreveport, Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Bruce Sampson, Knights of Peter Claver, Deputy of Council #358, Las Vegas, NV and Marion Smith-Reynosa, District Deputy for the Ladies Auxiliary of St. Peter Claver, Northern States.

The National Black Catholic History Month was formed by the USCCB to educate people on the role and contributions of African Americans to the Catholic faith. (3)

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Domestic Church Community Day

dozen families participated in the semi-annual Diocese of Shreveport Domestic Church Community Day. Parents and over 30 kids enjoyed an afternoon of fun, fellowship and spiritual formation during this mini-retreat. If you are a sacramentally married couple interested in learning how the Domestic Church movement can help you strengthen your relationship with God and with each other, please contact Katie and Tom Aranda at domesticchurchshreveport@gmail.com, 318393-8285, or visit www.domesticchurchfamilies.com (6)

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Carnival Fun

ary, Queen of Peace’s Carnival was a big success, raising money for the educational programs for our youth!

Pictured is Olivia Whitaker getting a cupcake from Jacquie Bierwirth, Director of Religious education at Mary, Queen of Peace Parish. (2)

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Honoring the Dead

he Blessing of the Graves was held at Saint John the Baptist Church on November 3rd.

Fr. Francis Kamau, FMH blesses the grave of the infant daughter of Thomas and Sandy Nguyen. (4)

Altar Training at St. Thomas Aquinas

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ltar Server training was held November at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ruston. Our third grade PSR class participates in a training each year. This year, several older students joined in as well to mentor the younger group. (5)

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Saying Goodbye

r Philip Pazhayakari, CMI. retired and returned to India after having served our Diocese for 20 years (16 of those at Sacred Heart Parish - Rayville and St. Theresa - Delhi).

A special retirement service was held for Father Philip on Thursday, September 26th, with over 100 people in attendance. (7)

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

DECEMBER 2019 27

SCHOOL NEWS What’s Been Happening at St. Joseph Catholic School?

SJS students enjoy All Saints retreat with Fr. Long and Fr. Kevin

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n Friday, November 1, after the All Saints Mass, the 6th grade class of St. Joseph Catholic School traveled to two cemeteries in Shreveport to learn about the sites, to pray for the faithful departed, and to celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Our pastor, Fr. Matthew Long, and Parochial Vicar, Fr. Kevin Mues, led the retreat that began at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery and also included a presentation from Randy Tiller about the cemetery's history. After enjoying an authentic Dia de los Muertos lunch of tamales, rice, beans, Bread of the Dead and Mexican Hot Chocolate, the group headed to Forest Park Cemetery. There they learned about those who are buried there, and prayed for the faithful departed in the infant section of the cemetery. The students thoroughly enjoyed having their priests "all to themselves" for the day, and learned a great deal about the work that goes into maintaining these places of final rest.

SJS holds 7th Annual Vocations Luncheon

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n Thursday, November 7th, middle school students at St. Joseph Catholic School celebrated National Vocations Awareness Week with the annual Vocations Luncheon. Students were selected based on their ability to best express why they wanted to attend, and on the questions they submitted as possible conversation starters. Fr. Matthew Long and Fr. Kevin Mues led the conversation with boys in one room, while Sr. Anna Maria Iannetti, OLS, and two novices led the discussion for the girls in another. The event was catered and held in the Family Life Center during the students' regular lunch time. The rest of the Vocations Awareness Week included students writing letters of encouragement and prayer to our seminarians.

28 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

SJS 8th graders reminisce with the Saints

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here are more than 10,000 saints in the Roman Catholic Church, and every year we celebrate their lives on the Solemnity of All Saints. But of the thousands of saints they have to choose from, when the time came to choose a saint to study and imitate in costume, the Kindergarten class at St Joseph Catholic School this year chose seven of the same saints as the 8th graders who participated in this tradition 8 years ago. From St Joseph to St Teresa of Calcutta, the K5 kids and the 8th graders who had saints in common took time to capture the moment.

Our Lady of Fatima Students Raises Money for Breast Cancer Surivors

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ur Lady of Fatima School is proud of our students for raising over $1000 for Compassion that Compels, a non-profit organization for women and men battling/surviving breast cancer. Our Lady of Fatima Cheer Team, Fab Falcons Dance Team, along with St. Frederick High School’s cheer team, dance team and drum line preformed routines at our Pink Out Pep Rally on Oct. 17.

Jesus the Good Sheperd Honors Student of the Year

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raylor Nagem, pictured with his parents, Sammy and Therese Nagem, and sister Ellie, was chosen as the 2019-20 JGS Student of the Year. For the past 11 years, Jesus the Good Shepherd School has honored a 5th grade student with the Student of the Year Award. This child goes on to compete for the Diocesan Student of the Year Award in January. He will compete against all other non-public 5th grade Students of the Year that live in North Louisiana. The student is selected based on grades for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, along with standardized test scores, volunteer work, Christian attitude, conduct, and positive leadership qualities. Traylor will compile a portfolio over the next few weeks that will be submitted to a selection committee in Shreveport. He will then go through an interview process. We are honored to have Traylor represent JGS School as the Student of the Year!

DECEMBER 2019 29

DECEMBER CALENDAR Mass of St. Brigid - January 26

DIOCESAN EVENTS December 1

Monthly Meeting for Emmaus (Men) 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Christ the King 425 McCormick St. Bossier City, LA 71111

December 3

Protecting God’s Children 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Ave Shreveport, LA 71105

December 7

FEAST DAYS December 1

First Sunday of Advent

December 25

The Nativity of the Lord

December 2

December 26

Decemberr 7

December 27

St. Francis Xavier, Priest

St. Stephen, The First Martyr

St. Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

St. John, Apostle and Evangelist

December 9

The Holy Innocents, Martyrs

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

December 12

December 28

HOLIDAYS

December 23 - January 1

December 13

December 25

December 14

St. John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church

December 21

St. Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church

December 23

St. John of Kanty, Priest 30 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

December 11

Protecting God’s Children 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Ave Shreveport, LA 71104

Dec. 23 - Jan. 3

Our Lady of Guadalupe St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr

Monthly Meeting for Emmaus (Women) 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Christ the King 425 McCormick St. Bossier City, LA 71111

Catholic Center Closed Christmas Day

January 1

New Years Day

Catholic Schools Closed Christmas Holidays

PARISH EVENTS December 15-17, 2019

Fr. Jim Sichko Speaking 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. each evening St. John the Baptist Church 1130 San Antonio Ave Many, LA 71449 Fr. Jim Sichko from the Diocese of Lexington, KY will be the speaker at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church’s Advent Mission, in Many, from December 15th through the 17th, a reception will follow. Fr. Jim has been appointed by Pope Francis as a Missionary of Mercy.

January 11, 2020

Convention of Councils 8:00 a.m.

The Diocese of Shreveport will be hosting the Convention of Councils on January 11. The purpose of this event is for all parish and school leadership to come together and catch up on policies, procedures and swap ideas on how to improve mission effectiveness in each parish. For more information contact Randy Tiller, Chancellor, at rtiller@dioshpt.org or Linda Sutton at lsutton@dioshpt.org.

Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Ave. Shreveport, LA 71105

January 26, 2020

St. Brigid of Kildare Mass 8:30 a.m.

St. Mary of the Pines Church 1050 W. Bert Kouns Industrial Loop Shreveport, LA 71118 All are invited to join us at St. Mary of the Pines Church for our annual celebration of St. Brigid of Kildare Mass and Irish brunch. If you are Irish by birth or marriage please join the Daughters of St. Brigid in the entrance procession. Call Kim for more information: 318-687-5121.

February 11, 2020

Mary’s House Pro Life Fête for Life Time to be confirmed – evening event Tuesday, February 11, 2020 Bossier Civic Center 620 Benton Road, Bossier City, LA 71111

September 12, 2020

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

On the Back On November 19, 2019 during a morning press confernece, Diocesan Administrator Fr. Peter B. Mangum welcomed BishopElect Francis I. Malone, who will serve as the third Bishop of Shreveport. Most Rev. Anthony B. Taylor, Bishop of Little Rock, assisted Fr. Mangum.

Bishop-Elect Malone will be installed and ordained in the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans on January 28, 2020 at 2 p.m.

DECEMBER 2019 31

Connection The Catholic

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

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Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

Bishop-Elect Francis I. Malone (center) is pictured with Bishop Anthony B. Taylor of Little Rock (left) with Fr. Peter B. Mangum