March 2024 - The Lineage of the Priesthood

CATHOLIC CONNECTION VOL. 33 NO. 8 | MARCH 2024

The Lineage of the Priesthood

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CATHOLIC CONNECTION PUBLISHER

Bishop Francis I. Malone

EDITOR

Kirsten Shrewsberry

EDITORIAL BOARD

March 2024

Volume 33, Number 8 THE LINEAGE OF THE PRIESTHOOD

CONTRIBUTORS Msgr. Earl Provenza Fr. Kelby Tingle Fr. Gabriel Cisneros-Campos Karen Dill Mary Arcement Alexander Jim Beadles Mike Van Vranken Karla Alvarez Dr. Bernadette Boyd Joe Bulger Karen Dill Dr. Sarah Duncan Jordan Harris Clayton Cobb Cassandra Key Adam Ryland Sharon McCabe Amy Fakhre

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 “I BELIEVE IN ONE HOLY, CATHOLIC, AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH.” –THE NICENE CREED Have you heard of the term “apostolic succession?” If you haven’t, I’ll give you a quick definition: apostolic succession is the teaching by the Catholic Church that bishops represent a direct and continuous line of representatives from the first apostles of Jesus Christ. Through apostolic succession, ever y Catholic priest and bishop can trace their lineage back to the original apostles.

I can only imagine how it felt for those two young men to be set apar t by a successor to St. Peter himself.

One of the many special moments during ordination is when the bishop anoints the priest with the Holy Chrism – the same oil that is consecrated at the Chrism Mass and used during baptisms, and confirmations. The Holy Chrism is a tangible representation of the ties that link each priest to the continuation of the priesthood that star ted with St. Peter over 2000 years ago.

“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of There are moments in each of our the netherworld shall not lives that define us. For many of us it’s something like the day we got married, prevail against it.” the bir th of a child, maybe even the death Matthew 16:18 of a family member. Regardless, one moment many of us have never personally experienced is the day when a man is ordained to the priesthood. Last June many of us gathered in the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans to witness the ordination to the priesthood of Fr. Kelby and Fr. Gabriel and as moving as it was to witness,

As we journey through Lent this year, I encourage you to make space on your calendar to join us for the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. The Mass is a beautiful oppor tunity to witness the blessing and consecration of the sacred oils and our priests renewing their vows. Wishing you a fruitful and faith-filled Lent, my friends.

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content FEATURES 5 6 7 22

From the Bishop The Chrism Mass

By Msgr. Earl Provenza Reflections From Our Newest Priests By Fr. Kelby Tingle and Fr. Gabriel Cisneros-Campos “The Lord’s Call Became Uncomfortably Loud”

By Karla Alvarez

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COLUMNS 11 12 15

Karen Dill: (Re)discover The Chrism Mass Mary’s Mission: Why Would Any Man Want To Be A Catholic Priest?

Mike’s Meditations: Ritual and Oil: The Perfect Couple

NEWS 14 20 21 23 24 30 32

Society of St.Vincent de Paul Good Friday Way of the Cross Walk for Justice Immaculee Illibagiza: Faith, Hope, Forgiveness If You Fast, Show Mercy Diocesan Religion Scholars Bowl Success School News Around The Diocese Seminarian Burses

Cover photo by Benjamin Luckett, Bishop Malone at the Chrism Mass 2023 4

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from the bishop

SINCE BECOMING A BISHOP FOUR YEARS AGO, ONE OF THE QUESTIONS MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED OF ME HAS BEEN, “WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST IN YOUR LIFE AS A BISHOP?” It is a question that has a lengthy answer because there is so much that brings joy to my life in this episcopal role.

I certainly enjoy visiting parishes and schools, I like being around people, I enjoy the staff that assists me from day to day at the Chancery Office. Confirmations are a special cause of joy, and on those occasions when I am called upon to ordain a young man to the Diaconate or Priesthood – well, it doesn’t get much better than that!

With all of that said, if there is one moment in my yearly schedule that fills me with joy it would be celebrating the annual Chrism Mass at the Cathedral. Scheduled each year during Holy Week, all of the priests of the diocese gather with me, first to participate in a day of reflection and prayer, and then to concelebrate the Chrism Mass.

During the Chrism Mass three things happen: the annual renewal of the priestly promises, the blessing and consecration of the oils used in the sacraments throughout the diocese, and most importantly, the concelebration of the Eucharist. Additionally, during the course of the day, the priests have time for individual reconciliation, and a couple of reflections given us by a guest priest, usually from another diocese. Having participated in the Chrism Mass Day schedule for over forty some years, I have found that the fraternity we feel as priests gathered together binds us more closely to

one another and helps us to reflect profoundly on the gift of our priesthood, and that which binds us like no other time of the year as we gather around the Altar celebrating Mass together.

For some of the priests, this gathering is the only time they get to visit with other brother priests and share the joy of the priesthood to which we have been called.

For four years I have had the unique opportunity of leading our fraternity of priests in the renewal of their priestly promises. We do this in the presence of a full Cathedral Church, and we depend on the prayers of the congregation for us. You never know the difficulties one of the priests might be going through at that time, or how much in need of your prayers for us we are. All I can say is that the prayerful support of the faithful gathered for this Mass fills me with the kind of joy not found in many other places. So, I have a favor to ask of those of you reading this message: come to the Chrism Mass! This year it will be held on Tuesday of Holy Week, March 26, at 6 p.m. Come to pray for my brother priests and me!

Lift us up so that our annual renewal of promises may be sincere and blessed. Bring your children to the Mass as a sign of the love we as priests have for you and for them.

Help us to become the priests the Lord has called us to be, for you, and for ourselves.

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The Chrism Mass Msgr. Earl Provenza, Retired Diocesan Priest THE CATHOLIC CHURCH DOES NOT PROCLAIM THE CHRISM MASS AS A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION, BUT IT IS DEFINITELY A VERY SPECIAL DAY FOR THE CHURCH. The Chrism

Mass takes place during Holy Week. The bishop is the main celebrant, and all the priests and deacons of the entire diocese are strongly encouraged to attend this special Mass at the Cathedral with representation from every parish in the diocese.

In fact, all parishioners are invited to join in this celebration when the bishop blesses and consecrates the holy oils to be used during the coming year in each parish. It is a beautiful and meaningful ceremony in which the bishop blesses and consecrates oils to be used for the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick, Baptisms, and Ordinations. What a beautiful symbol of unity where the shepherd of the diocese blesses sacred oils to be used during the coming year in every church in the entire diocese. The Chrism Mass is special if you or someone you know was baptized or received into the church through OCIA, the holy oils used were blessed or consecrated by the bishop at the Chrism Mass. If you or someone you know has

received the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, then the oil used was also blessed by the bishop at Chrism Mass. If you or someone you know was confirmed or ordained, then the oils used were consecrated by the bishop at Chrism Mass.

Therefore, it is obvious that the holy oils are essential to the Catholic faith, whether you realize it or not the holy oils are very important to you on your spiritual journey. This is why I encourage you to attend this special Mass which is celebrated annually by the bishop at the Cathedral.

As priests at this particular Mass, we are given the opportunity to renew our obedience to the bishop, to serve the Lord, minister to our people, and to strive to be the best priests we can be. Even though I have witnessed the Chrism Mass for many years it has never disappointed me because of the beautiful liturgy, music, and strong sense of unity with the bishop and my brother priests. How wonderful it is to pray with my bishop, my brother priests, deacons, and all the beautiful lay people throughout the entire diocese at the Cathedral during the special Chrism Mass. If you can, I encourage you to join us in this spiritual experience.

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The Diocese of Shreveport welcomed catechumens from across our diocese on February 18th to participate in the Rite of the Elect at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans.This was a beautiful day to gather all who are coming into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. Please join us in praying for them as they continue the final steps of their journey towards full communion with the Church.

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Reflections From Our Newe

Fr. Kelby Tingle, St. Jude Church Associate Pastor WHEN REFLECTING UPON MY CHILDHOOD AND YOUNG ADULTHOOD, I CAN JOYFULLY AND GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE MANY WAYS THAT THE LORD WAS INVITING AND CALLING ME INTO DEEPER FRIENDSHIP WITH HIMSELF. As

I journeyed through St. Joseph School and Loyola College Prep, I discovered again and again the beauty of our faith and the goodness of our God. Considering all this, I heard the voice of God calling me to discern the priesthood. This was of course a calling that at times filled me with nervousness and excitement simultaneously. As I prayed more about it, I felt peace and joined the seminary.

Eight years later, on June 24, 2023, Fr. Gabriel and I received the tremendous gift of being ordained priests of God Most High. This was the most joyful day of my life! The Cathedral was full of priests from the Diocese and beyond, of family and friends who have suppor ted Fr. Gabriel and me throughout our lives, and, truly, of the Holy Spirit.

While ordination was the completion of years of seminary formation, it was the beginning of our priestly ministry to the wonderful faithful of the Diocese of Shreveport. Throughout the past nine months, I have been assigned to St. Jude 8

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Catholic Church in Benton. I have enjoyed being a par t of this vibrant parish community and getting to know the faithful parishioners who fill the pews of our beautiful church.

The sacramental life of the priest is humbling, and grace filled, celebrating the Holy Mass, bearing the Lord’s forgiveness and mercy through Reconciliation, bringing comfort and peace to the infirmed through the Anointing of the Sick, and welcoming others to the family of the faith through Baptism.

Every morning, I wake up with excitement that I have the gift and oppor tunity to continue laboring in the vineyard of the Lord. I invite young men in our diocese to prayerfully consider the Lord’s plan for their lives. It is so common to emphasize all that one must sacrifice to discern and answer a vocation to the priesthood; namely, a career, wife, and children. However, as I have discovered throughout my first nine months of priesthood, I have received far more than I have sacrificed. The Lord is never outdone in generosity!

Once again, I am grateful to all of you who have prayerfully suppor ted me throughout this journey. I ask for your continued prayers for me and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood within our diocese.

est Priests

Fr. Gabriel Cisneros-Campos, St. Joseph Church, Shreveport Associate Pastor WHEN I THINK OF MY TIME AT SEMINARY, MANY MEMORIES COME TO MY MIND, LIKE WHEN I SHOWED UP ON THE FIRST DAY MORE THAN THIRTEEN YEARS AGO. I recall all the effort, the sleepless

nights, and the challenges I faced during that time. I looked to the future with uncertainty because I knew the road would be long and difficult. Yet all those years later and here I am, I made it! I am a priest of the Most High! Thank you all for your support and your prayers. On the day of my ordination when I prostrated myself during the Litany of the Saints, many memories came to my mind. I especially thought of when I was a child, who grew up practically on the streets, fighting, and working from the age of six, and yet now I prostrate before God to receive the grace of the priesthood. I cannot deny that at first, I felt fear because the responsibility of the priesthood is enormous. As a priest, the responsibility of all those souls that God puts in your hands is not easy and I do not take it lightly.

When Bishop Malone named in which parish I would serve, my hear t was racing. Saint Joseph is not just any parish; it is a very large community with not only a large church but also a school. As a seminarian, I had already served in Saint Joseph and knew the extent of responsibility. As a seminarian, I spent time with not only the parishioners, teachers, and parents, but I also spent intentional time with the students.

My favorite moments were when I went to play soccer with them or visit them in the classrooms.

Over time, I have come to realize how God’s grace works.

At first, I felt nervous because my perspective had already shifted. As a seminarian, you have a different vision because you are not at the altar in front of a crowd watching you. I was also worried about how to prepare my homilies. Since my first language is not English, I had always questioned myself on how to convey the message that Jesus has for his people through homilies. I’m thankful to say I now no longer question myself.

I am grateful to God and the parishioners of Saint Joseph who have been very patient with me. In these nine months as a priest, I have experienced the love and the support of all the people in the diocese. I have also experienced the mercy of God through the sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I have witnessed the love that God has for his children. I have witnessed how he waits patiently for them, to forgive them, and heal their wounds. Also, one of the most beautiful experiences that God has given me in these months is the comfor t that He gives to his sick children when I visit them in hospitals when I give them the Anointing of the Sick, or in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Baptizing a new family member is also a wonderful experience. Receiving a new child of God through baptism is beautiful, and being an instrument of God to give them the beautiful gift of the Holy Spirit is a mystical experience. When I baptize a new child the words that were heard when Jesus was baptized echo in that moment. How incredible!

Accompanying people in difficult times is a challenge and also a blessing. In moments when people lose a loved one, I have the privilege to act as an agent of comfor t and hope. The blessings I can offer always motivate me to press forward, and as I say those blessings God speaks to me too. In those moments I reflect on human fragility, and I reflect on my death.

So far in my first year as a priest, everything is still going strong, and I am continuing to learn to serve better. A special thank you to the example and suppor t of Father Jerry Daigle, his experience has helped me a lot.

God bless you all. Please pray for me.

All honor and glory to God!

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(RE)DISCOVER THE CHRISM MASS Karen Dill, Spiritual Director I HAD BEEN CATHOLIC A LONG TIME BEFORE I EVER ATTENDED A CHRISM MASS. In my way of

distorted thinking, Holy Week was already full of worship opportunities so one more event was almost an overload.

Mea culpa! Finally, two years ago one of my more devout friends strongly encouraged me to take time out of my busy schedule and experience this wonderful service. So I sped downtown and grabbed one of the last seats in the back of the crowded Cathedral right before the action began that Tuesday night.

Oh, what a night! First the booming sound of the organ accompanied by the blare of trumpets and the hymns of the choir and congregation as special groups began to process down the center aisle: the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, the Knights of Columbus, the deacons of the diocese, the sisters of local religious orders, our priests, and seminarians. Finally, the Bishop himself entered, flanked by altar servers waving incense- the bells and the smells of my Catholic faith. I instantly regretted all those years I had missed!

And that was just the beginning! As the liturgy continued, all the priests were asked to renew their vows. My eyes teared up as I watched the many men who had ministered to me and my family in special ways once again committing themselves to serving us. Then we were asked to renew our own baptismal vows. I said a silent prayer of thanksgiving that I was a member of this family, this faith.

Then the highlight of the liturgy—the blessing of the oils.

These oils (also called “myrrh”) would be used three ways in sacraments throughout the year: to anoint the newly baptized; to sign the confirmed; and to anoint the sick. They are the

signs of the presence of the Holy Spirit and the gifts He brings with Him – power, healing, wisdom, new birth. Before the year was over, I would be receiving this oil myself as my parish priest anointed me before knee surgery. My newest grandchild would be blessed with it at his baptism. Where would our sacraments be without this powerful reminder of God’s presence and unfailing love?

As I looked around the pews, I recognized so many familiar faces. Our Catholic community is tightly knit. I felt an affectionate bond with so many people in attendance that night. Friends who had prayed with me and for me. Friends who had strengthened my relationship with Jesus just by being there for me when I needed them. The very atmosphere was rich with His nearness.

I left Mass that evening on a spiritual high. During the next few days, I would experience the emotional pain of walking with Jesus through His passion and His crucifixion. I began to realize how much the Chrism Mass had strengthened my spiritual fortitude, how I needed that boost to dive more deeply into the sorrow that would follow. Then on Easter morning, the joy of His Resurrection punctuated the gratitude and solidarity with my fellow worshipers I had felt the previous Tuesday.

I encourage you—don’t miss this beautiful entrance into Holy Week. Admission is free, but get there early if you want a good seat! If you can’t attend in person, the Mass is livestreamed on the St. John Berchmans Facebook page and website. You will miss the fragrance of incense that way, but you will still experience the impact of this special celebration.

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Why Would Any Man Want To Be A Catholic Priest?

Mary Arcement Alexander, Licensed Professional Counselor & Diocesan Victim Assistance Minister ONCE UPON A TIME I WAS THE PERSON ASKING THIS QUESTION. It was the early 2000s

when the dark and evil doings happening in the Church at the hands of (mostly) priests began to explode around the world. This truth about a large number of priests, bishops, and cardinals is the primary reason I was determined to abandon my Catholic faith for another. Thankfully, by the grace of God, I am instead a faithful Catholic in love with her faith. Interestingly enough, it was a priest that God used as an integral par t in my journey home. Because this ar ticle is not about me, let’s return to the question at hand, why would any man ever want to be a Catholic priest? To answer this question, I decided to take a bit of a deep dive into the lives of three once ordinary men who made this journey of faith to become some of our greatest saints!

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) was born into a very

noble and elite family. As a result of being cared for by the Benedictines of Monte Casino beginning at the age of five, St. Thomas became destined for the priesthood. As soon as he was legally able to decide, just 12 shor t years later, he joined the Dominicans of Naples. His family fought him for two years but by the grace of God, St. Thomas stayed true to his fate and is now considered to be the model teacher of those studying for the priesthood. What a gift he is to our Church! St. Thomas of Aquinas, pray for us.

St. Francis Xavier (1506-1552) was born into a noble Basque family in Spain. He is known as the most illustrious missionaries in the Church. He met St. Ignatius while studying for his master’s degree at the University of Paris and later became one of the first seven Jesuits. St. Francis’ missionary resume’ is massively impressive and too vast to include here so I will hit the highlights. His handprints can be seen at his shrine in Goa, India where he began a vast apostolate lasting over ten years to Cape Comorin where he baptized so many of the Paravas people during the day that at night his arms ached from the simple act of raising them up. Last but certainly not least, he founded for ty-five churches in various villages in Travencore. St. Francis Xavier, pray for us.

St. Maximillian Kolbe (1894-1941) was born Raymond Kolbe in Poland. Much like many of our saintly priests, the work he did during his shor t for ty-seven years of life is massively impressive. In my humble opinion, his greatest feat occurred during WWII in 1941 when he was captured by the Nazis and imprisoned at Auschwitz. He offered up his life for another man and ultimately was condemned to a slow death of starvation. When death did not come fast 12

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enough for the Nazis, they decided to kill him outright with a lethal injection. He is now considered the patron saint for prisoners. St. Maximilliam Kolbe, pray for us.

To all the young or older men reading this who have already asked themselves this question of why, why would they want to become a priest, here is one final thought I encourage you to prayerfully consider this calling. Becoming a Catholic priest is not about what they would lack (wife, kids, wealth, prestige, etc.), rather it is about joining the list of incredible, amazing and faithful men who, like Mary, said yes to God. Their yes ultimately led them to a joy and pure satisfaction that is only derived when one sacrifices everything to be married to the One, True Church established by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul Good Friday Way of the Cross Walk for Justice Jim Beadles, Society of St.Vincent de Paul

FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS, THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL HAS SPONSORED THE GOOD FRIDAY WAY OF THE CROSS, WALK FOR JUSTICE IN DOWNTOWN SHREVEPORT. The purpose of the

event is to not only follow Christ in his Passion on the Way of the Cross, but also to recognize the efforts of multiple local agencies that put the Passion of Christ into practice by serving those in need.

The event continues to grow with more than 400 people participating. It is truly a community and ecumenical event.

We are honored that our friends at First United Methodist Church graciously offer their property as the gathering place for both the beginning and end of the event.

In addition to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul and First United Methodist Church, we also are joined by the following agencies: Mary’s House, The Fuller Center, Christian Service, MLK Health Center, The Mercy Center, Hope House, Holy Cross Episcopal, Providence House, The Hub Ministries, Louisiana Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, Catholic Charities, and VOA Lighthouse.

The event covers approximately 1.4 miles. It is a service of 14 prayers at 14 sites/stations. Representatives from the agencies will lead each station prayer. Another reason to participate is

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to learn more about each of the agencies and their ministries.

We are all called to be more than observers. We are all called to discipleship. Perhaps you will find a calling to mission and ministry of one of these agencies as they serve those in need in our community.

There is plenty of parking behind First United Methodist Church at the head of Texas Street downtown. We will begin the walk at 9:00 a.m., and it should be completed no later than 11:00 a.m. If it rains, the event will be moved to Holy Trinity Catholic Church located at 315 Marshall Street, also in downtown Shreveport.

This is a perfect way to move toward Easter. All who attend find it to be a meaningful experience. Please plan to join us at this year’s St. Vincent de Paul Walk For Justice. We hope to see you there.

When: Good Friday, March 29, 2024 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Where: Behind First United Methodist Church, head of Texas Street, downtown Shreveport Rain venue: Holy Trinity Catholic Church

Ritual and Oil: the Perfect Couple Mike Van Vranken, Spiritual Director IT APPEARS THAT MOST, OR EVEN ALL, OF GOD’S CREATION, EXPRESSES ITS CONNECTION TO GOD THROUGH SOME CEREMONY OR ACT THAT INCLUDES EXPERIENCES IN THE BODY, EMOTIONS, AND CONSCIOUSNESS. Birds, fish,

mammals, and even insects seem to migrate, hibernate, reproduce, eat, sleep, and engage in all types of rituals that have some meaning to their lives. God even seems to follow a ritual pattern in the seven-day creation story. Maybe creation’s love of ritual is the meaning of being created in God’s image and likeness.

I love all the movements, the imaginative prayer, and all of the sacramentals we Catholics use in our rituals. Among the candles, water, salt, incense, and more. The one that stands out most for me is anointing with oil. The fragrance, the texture, and the rich proper ties of oil, for me, consciously take me into the presence of the Trinity and lovingly allow me to encounter each person of the Trinity in a unitive and communal way.

I was about six weeks old when I was baptized with oil. I wonder what went on in my senses, my spirit, and even my body at that moment when I was smeared with oil. I’m confident, not only did my spirit encounter Christ, but so did the rest of me. I imagine I could smell it, feel it, taste it, see it, and even hear it. The baptismal oil allowed my infant self to absolutely know I was experiencing a real presence with my creator.

I was confirmed on October 31, 1960. Yes, it was Halloween night. I remember Bishop Fletcher’s funny way of speaking and his “holy slap” across my cheek. But when I try to put myself back in that moment, it’s the oil that arises to the surface of my thoughts. He anointed this nine-year-old like I was a prophet or leader. I felt the Holy Spirit in ways that are still unfolding today. The oil wasn’t magic, but it was the physical proper ties of the consecrated oil that allowed my being to experience the Spirit of God, which continues today in even new and different ways.

In 1993, Monsignor Gaston Hebert anointed my body before an upcoming back surgery. I remember the calm and peace that came over me knowing I had just moved into the arms of

the healing Jesus. I entered that surgery with the conviction I was healed. I can still see myself sitting in Monsignor Hebert’s rectory feeling so close to Christ I could hear him breathing.

I go back there in my mind and relive those graces even today.

In 2008, Bishop Duca consecrated the renovated St. Joseph Church in Shrevepor t. When he began pouring the oil on the altar, I thought he was never going to stop. Oil had pooled all over the top of the table of the Feast. When it began to run off the sides, it loudly, drop by drop, hit the marble floor with the sound of God walking through the sanctuary.

I remember the chills up my back and neck as I wanted to kneel, bow, and just be. If Adam and Eve heard God walking through the garden, I cer tainly heard God strolling across the oil-soaked floor of our church. Words cannot describe the mystical experience I had that day.

I was blessed to attend the last two bishop ordinations in our diocese. There is really nothing that compares. Selected by the Pope, these men come before us, humble and vulnerable, as they kneel to forever join the lineage of the apostles. At both rituals, it was the anointing with oil that choked me up.

Here it is, as has happened for thousands of years: God shows up to bless a holy leader who is a shepherd to his flock. On a stage in the Shrevepor t Convention Center, the Holy Trinity consumed the participants with presence and grace, as the new Bishop emerged from the floor and was given his staff.

Again, there really are no words for the awesome event that takes place in our midst.

The holy oils used in our diocese are blessed and consecrated at the annual Chrism Mass during Holy Week. Whether you can physically attend this sacred event or not, you can still experience God’s real presence wherever you are. The physical, blessing and consecration of the oils becomes a cosmic event. They are used to bring the real presence of an ever-present Christ into our presence, for us to engage and experience. The oils are not magic. The ritual is not superstitious. Rather, made in God’s image and likeness, we use ritual with oils to lovingly be with God in a most realistic way. Ritual and oil: They’re the perfect couple for a mystical experience of the beloved Divine.

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“¡La llamada del Señor se hizo incómodamente más fuerte!”

Karla Alvarez, Directora del Ministerio Multicultural

CRISTO REY: BOSSIER CITY Rev. Fidel Mondragon 318.221.0238 Oficina Domingo 1:00pm Lunes 7:00pm Sabado 6:00pm Coordinador Oscar Gomez 972.567.2710 SAN PASCUAL: W. MONROE Rev. Luis Jost, OFM Domingo: 4:00pm Coordinadora: Lorena Chaparro 318.267.4018 SANTO TOMAS AQUINO: RUSTON Rev. Kevin Mues 318.225.2870 Oficina Domingo 1:30pm Coordinadora: Luz Martinez 318.224.0980 NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL PEPETUO SOCORRO: FARMERVILLE Rev. Luis Jost, OFM Sabados 7:00 pm Coordinadora: Paola Gonalez 817.801.3499

ÉSAS SON LAS PALABRAS DE MI HERMANO CUANDO LE PREGUNTAMOS CÓMO OYÓ EL LLAMADO DEL SEÑOR AL SACERDOCIO. Sí, mi hermano es seminarista. Hay 5 hijos en la casa Álvarez-

Gutiérrez, 4 mujeres y un hombre. Pedro está comenzando su cuarto año en la Casa de Formación en Little Rock, Arkansas. No hay palabras suficientes para explicar el orgullo y la alegría que sentimos como familia al saber que Pedro ha elegido seguir al Señor a través de la vida sacerdotal.

Permitan que les presente a mi hermano. Pedro es un hermano, amigo, tío y hombre maravilloso. Es muy inteligente, aprendió solo a tocar la batería y la guitarra, sabe cocinar, cantar, montar en moto, pescar, cazar y mucho más. Le encanta Star Wars y te hablará todo el día de cómo debería gustarte a ti también.

Pedro es también una de las personas que mejor sabe escuchar que yo conozco.Te escucha el corazón y mantiene contigo conversaciones profundas y significativas, te olvidas de que sólo tiene 22 años. Es un hombre sencillo con un corazón hermoso.

Asistió a una escuela católica sólo para hombres en Little Rock, y fue en su tercer año donde menciona que la llamada del Señor se hizo incómodamente más fuerte durante la ceremonia de firma de uno de los estudiantes que había elegido asistir al seminario después de la preparatoria. Después de que el estudiante firmara, el obispo dio un discurso sobre estar abiertos a escuchar la voz de Dios y sobre cómo debían ser conscientes y dejarse usar por el Señor. “Recuerdo que me temblaron los huesos, como en misa, sentí el “ brinquito “ y sé que no era bueno”. Pedro dice que después de ese evento, sintió una lucha en su corazón consigo mismo, con Dios y con Satanás. Recuerda que se preguntaba cuál era

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CATHOLIC CONNECTION

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 5:00pm 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

cosas: la renovación anual de las promesas sacerdotales, la bendición y consagración de los Óleos utilizados en los sacramentos en toda la Diócesis y, lo más importante, la concelebración de la Eucaristía. Además, en el transcurso del día, los sacerdotes tienen tiempo para la reconciliación individual, y un par de reflexiones que nos ofrece un sacerdote invitado, normalmente de otra diócesis. Habiendo participado en el programa del Día de la Misa Crismal durante más de cuarenta años, he descubierto que la fraternidad que sentimos como sacerdotes reunidos nos une más estrechamente unos a otros y nos ayuda a reflexionar profundamente sobre el don de nuestro sacerdocio, y lo que nos une como en ningún otro momento del año al reunirnos en torno al Altar celebrando juntos la Misa.

DESDE QUE ME CONVERTÍ EN OBISPO HACE CUATRO AÑOS, UNA DE LAS PREGUNTAS QUE ME HAN HECHO CON MÁS FRECUENCIA HA SIDO: “¿QUÉ ES LO QUE MÁS DISFRUTA DE SU VIDA COMO OBISPO?” Es una pregunta que

tiene una larga respuesta porque hay muchas cosas que alegran mi vida en esta función episcopal. Ciertamente disfruto visitando parroquias y colegios, me gusta estar rodeado de gente, disfruto del personal que me asiste día a día en la Vicaría. Las confirmaciones son un motivo especial de alegría, y en las ocasiones en las que se me pide que ordene a un joven para el Diaconado o el Sacerdocio... bueno, ¡no hay nada mejor que eso!

Dicho todo esto, si hay un momento en mi agenda anual que me llena de alegría es la celebración anual de la “Misa Crismal” en la Catedral. Programada cada año durante la Semana Santa, todos los sacerdotes de la diócesis se reúnen conmigo, primero para participar en un día de reflexión y oración, y después para concelebrar la Misa Crismal. Durante la Misa Crismal suceden tres

Para algunos de los sacerdotes, este encuentro es el único momento que tienen para reunirse con otros hermanos sacerdotes y compartir la alegría del sacerdocio al que hemos sido llamados. Durante cuatro años he tenido la oportunidad única de guiar a nuestra fraternidad de sacerdotes en la renovación de sus promesas sacerdotales.

Lo hacemos en presencia de una Iglesia Catedral llena, y dependemos de las oraciones de la congregación por nosotros. Nunca se sabe por qué dificultades puede estar pasando uno de los sacerdotes en ese momento, o cuán necesitados estamos de vuestras oraciones por nosotros. Todo lo que puedo decir es que el apoyo en la oración de los fieles reunidos para esta Misa me llena de una alegría que no se encuentra en muchos otros lugares. Así que tengo que pediros un favor a los que lean este mensaje.

Vengan a la Misa Crismal. Este año se celebrará el Martes Santo, 26 de marzo, a las 18.00. ¡Vengan a rezar por mis hermanos sacerdotes y por mí! Eleven sus oraciones para que nuestra renovación anual de promesas sea sincera y bendecida. Traigan a sus hijos a la Misa como signo del amor que como sacerdotes les tenemos a ustedes y a ellos. Ayúdanos a convertirnos en los sacerdotes que el Señor nos ha llamado a ser, para ti y para nosotros mismos.

MARCH 2024 17

Reflexiones De Nuestros Nu

Fr. Gabriel Cisneros-Campos, St. Joseph Church, Shreveport Associate Pastor AUN RECUERDO EL ULTIMO DIA DE CLASES EN EL SEMINARIO, MUCHAS MEMORIAS VOLVIERON A MI MENTE, COMO CUANDO ME PRESENTÉ EL PRIMER DIA EN EL SEMINARIO HACE MÁS DE TRECE AÑOS. Todo el esfuerzo,

los desvelos, los retos. Mire al futuro con incertidumbre porque sabía que el camino sería largo y difícil. Pero aquí estoy, lo logré!! Soy sacerdote del Altísimo!! El dia de mi ordenación cuando me postré en la letanía de los santos muchas memoria volvieron a mi mente sobre todo cuando yo era niño, que creció prácticamente en la calle, luchando, trabajando ya desde los seis años en las calles de la ciudad, y ahora postrado ante Dios para recibir la gracia del sacerdocio. No puedo negar que al principio sentí temor porque la responsabilidad del sacerdocio es grandísima, estar al tanto de todas aquellas almas que Dios pone en tus manos no es cualquier cosa.

Cuando el obispo nombró la parroquia en la que habría de servir mi corazón palpitó rápido. San José no es cualquier parroquia, es una comunidad grande.

Me sentí como David y Goliat. Ya como seminarista había servido en san José y sabía la dimensión de la responsabilidad. Además de los feligreses los maestros, los padres de 18

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familia. están los estudiantes; con los estudiantes pasó momentos especiales sobre todo cuando voy a jugar soccer con ellos o visitarlos en los salones, Con el transcurso del tiempo me he dado cuenta cómo actúa la gracia de Dios.

Al principio me sentí nervioso porque ya la perspectiva había cambiado, como seminarista tienes una visión diferente, porque no estás en el altar frente a una multitud que te observa. Aunado me preocupaba cómo preparar las homilías. Ya que mi primera lengua no es el inglés, y siempre me cuestionaba (hasta ahora lo hago) como hacer llegar el mensaje que Jesús tiene para su gente a través de las homilías.

Estoy agradecido con Dios y con los feligreses de San José que me han tenido mucha paciencia. En estos nueve meses como sacerdote he experimentado el amor, el apoyo de toda la gente en la parroquia. También he experimentado la misericordia de Dios a través de los sacramentos sobre todo el sacramento de reconciliación..

He sido testigo del amor que Dios tiene por sus hijos. He sido testigo de cómo él les espera pacientemente para perdonarlos y sanar sus heridas.

También una de las experiencias más hermosas que Dios me ha regalado en estos meses es el consuelo que él les da a sus hijos enfermos, cuando les visitó en los hospitales, cuando les doy la unción de enfermos, en el sacramento de reconciliación.

Bautizar a un nuevo miembro de la familia es una experiencia maravillosa.

Recibir a un nuevo hijo de Dios por el bautismo es hermoso, ser instrumento de Dios para darles el hermoso regalo del espíritu santo es una experiencia mística por decirlo así. Porque en ese momento las palabras que se escucharon cuando Jesus fue bautizado hacen eco en ese momento.

Acompañar a la gente en los momento difíciles es un reto y también una bendición, sobre todo en los momentos cuando pierden a un ser querido, ser instrumento de consuelo y de esperanza es algo que me motiva a seguir adelante. Digo bendición porque en esos momentos Dios me habla a mi también y reflexiono sobre la fragilidad humana, y reflexiono en mi propia muerte.

Hasta ahora todo sigue en pie y estoy preparándome para servir mejor, gracias al ejemplo y apoyo del padre Jerry Daigle. Como parte de mi continua formación como sacerdote atiendo a las reuniones de los diferentes grupos pastorales de la parroquia así como a las reuniones del equipo económico, pastoral y escolar.

Dios les bendiga a todos. Por favor recen por mi, ¡¡Todo honor y gloria a Dios con el auxilio de Maria!!

uevos Sacerdotes

Fr. Kelby Tingle, St. Jude Church Associate Pastor AL REFLEXIONAR SOBRE MI INFANCIA Y MI JUVENTUD, PUEDO RECONOCER CON ALEGRÍA Y GRATITUD LAS MUCHAS MANERAS EN QUE EL SEÑOR ME INVITABA Y ME LLAMABA A UNA AMISTAD MÁS PROFUNDA CON ÉL. En mis años en el colegio St. Joseph y en el Loyola College Prep, descubrí una y otra vez la belleza de nuestra fe y la bondad de nuestro Dios.

Considerando todo esto, escuché la voz de Dios llamándome a discernir el sacerdocio. Por supuesto, era un llamado que a veces me llenaba de nervios y emoción simultáneamente.

A medida que rezaba más con esto, sentí paz e ingresé en el seminario.

Ocho años después, el 24 de junio de 2023, el P. Gabriel y yo recibimos el tremendo regalo de ser ordenados sacerdotes del Dios Altísimo. ¡Fue el día más alegre de mi vida! La Catedral estaba llena de sacerdotes de la Diócesis y demás, de familiares y amigos que nos han apoyado al P. Gabriel y a mí a lo largo de nuestras vidas, y, verdaderamente, del Espíritu Santo.

Aunque la ordenación fue la culminación de años de formación en el seminario, esto fue el comienzo de nuestro ministerio sacerdotal a los maravillosos feligreses de la Diócesis de Shrevepor t. Durante los últimos nueve meses, he sido asignado a

la Iglesia Católica de San Judas en Benton. He disfrutado ser parte de esta vibrante comunidad parroquial y llegar a conocer a los fieles miembros de la parroquia que llenan los bancos de nuestra hermosa iglesia.

La vida Sacramental del sacerdote es humilde, y llena de gracia, celebrando la Santa Misa, llevando el perdón y la misericordia del Señor a través de la Reconciliación, trayendo consuelo y paz a los enfermos a través de la Unción de los Enfermos, y dando la bienvenida a otros a la familia de la fe a través del Bautismo.

Cada mañana, me levanto con la emoción de tener el don y la opor tunidad de seguir trabajando en la viña del Señor. Invito a los jóvenes de nuestra diócesis a considerar en oración el plan del Señor para sus vidas. Es tan común enfatizar todo lo que uno debe sacrificar para discernir y responder a una vocación al sacerdocio; a esto se refiere, una carrera, esposa e hijos. Sin embargo, como he descubierto a lo largo de mis primeros nueve meses de sacerdocio, he recibido mucho más de lo que he sacrificado. ¡El Señor nunca es superado en generosidad!

Una vez más, les doy las gracias a todos los que me han apoyado en oración a lo largo de este camino.

Les pido que sigan rezando por mí y por un aumento de las vocaciones al sacerdocio en nuestra diócesis.

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su propósito en la vida y, tras darse cuenta de que Dios había puesto esa pregunta en su mente, no pudo evitar cuestionarse cuánto de sí mismo estaba dispuesto a someter al Señor. Empezó a buscar una relación más profunda con Dios, en la que la honestidad se convirtió en un componente clave.

Mirando hacia atrás, Pedro menciona que pudo ver cómo el Señor le llamaba al sacerdocio desde muy joven, pero admite que no estaba preparado para abandonarse en los brazos amorosos del Señor. No fue hasta el primer año de universidad cuando respondió a ese llamado. “Cuando dije ‘sí’, estaba atravesando lo que parecía la época más dolorosa de mi vida y vivía una desolación y una temporada de desierto. Finalmente cedí tras mucho dolor y mucha lucha. Era necesario que esto sucediera para que yo habitara en la paz que vino después de que acepté seguir al Señor de la manera más íntima posible, haciéndome sacerdote. Pedro es uno de los más de 9 seminaristas que han salido de la parroquia Cristo Rey de Little Rock, Arkansas, de la que el obispo Malone fue párroco durante 19 años.

Aunque Pedro se olvida de los cumpleaños de sus hermanas y es aficionado de los Buffalo Bills, es un hombre conforme al corazón de Dios.

Es muy querido y apreciado por muchos y su familia lo ama, especialmente sus dos sobrinos y sobrina. Sé que será un sacerdote excelente porque ya es un hombre excelente. Por favor, mantengan a mi hermano, Pedro Alvarez, en sus oraciones y espero que puedan conocerlo pronto.

Ad maiorem Dei gloriam, Para mayor gloria de Dios MARCH 2024 19

IMMACULEE ILLIBAGIZA: Faith, Hope, Forgiveness Dr. Bernadette Boyd, On behalf of Holy Trinity Catholic Church

IMMACULÉE ILIBAGIZA, INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER AND RWANDA GENOCIDE SURVIVOR, WILL LEAD A LENTEN RETREAT AT THE CATHOLIC CENTER ON MARCH 8-9, 2024. Under

the direction of Father Duane Trombetta, two churches of our Diocese, Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, are coordinating this Lenten Parish Mission. As a best-selling author, Immaculée has written many books, most notably, Left to Tell, Our Lady of Kibeho, and If Only We Had Listened.

The Rwanda genocide took place in 1994 when the Hutus tribe massacred over one million members of the Tutsi tribe.

Immaculée, a member of the Tutsi tribe, hid in a very small, cramped, bathroom for 91 days with seven other women.

During this unthinkable time, Immaculee clung to her rosary and prayed the rosary many times a day. Most of her family all perished during the genocide. Immaculée sought God’s guidance on how to forgive those who could do such horrific acts.

Immaculée persevered, prayerfully seeking God’s plan for her life, and with God’s grace, she has been able to reach millions in her ministry. She relies on her faith and the need to help and encourage others. Immaculée does not let the Rwanda massacre define her, but rather she uses these experiences to spread the message of faith, hope and forgiveness. Immaculée shares her faith with everyone, and for many years has been speaking to church groups, schools, universities, and civic organizations, as well as offering retreats and pilgrimages to the world. I was humbled as I traveled with Immaculée to Rwanda, seeing that small bathroom where she hid for three months, visiting her old family home on the beautiful country side, and paying respects to the graves of her family. It is hard to imagine that such a beautiful land could be the backdrop to all those brutal slayings.

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Immaculée has continued to help ease the pain of those bad experiences by giving back to others. Just recently, Immaculée organized the rebuilding after a river changed course and flooded a minor seminary where her brother, Damascene once attended. He perished in the genocide. She also has funded hundreds of children’s educational needs and provided homes for orphans who have no families, as well as life necessities. Immaculee also helps to suppor t the priests when they are in dire need of supplies and resources.

Immaculée truly wants to be an instrument for God and finds time in her daily life to reach out to others in prayer.

This is evident by her devotion to Mary, Our Mother. Since March 2020, when the pandemic prevented many of us from attending our Church services and activities, Immaculée star ted a daily Zoom Seven Sorrows Rosary Prayer Group.

During this 2-hour time, the Seven Sorrows Rosary, Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Rosaries are said with different prayer warriors saying decades and offering intentions.

Our international Zoom prayer group continues to have a profound impact on many lives.

The message of Our Lady of Kibeho has been impor tant for Immaculée to share with others. In her book, If We Only Had Listened, she describes Kibeho, a small village in southern Rwanda, where, in 1981, Mary the Mother of Jesus Christ, first appeared as the Mother of the Word, to Alphonsine Mumureke, a young student at a Catholic boarding school.

Our Lady of Kibeho is the only Vatican-approved Marian apparition in Africa. The simplicity of the message is that we are to implement Jesus in our daily lives, open our hearts, and be filled with love.

Please prayerfully consider attending the Lenten Mission Retreat with Immaculée. It is by God’s grace that Immaculée was definitely “left to tell” her story of faith, hope, and forgiveness.

If You Fast, Show Mercy Joe Bulger, Interim Executive Director of Catholic Charities of North Louisiana A FRIEND OF MINE RECENTLY SHARED A QUOTE FROM ST. PETER CHRYSOLOGUS ABOUT THE THREE LENTEN PRACTICES OF PRAYER, FASTING, AND ALMSGIVING:

Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting…. So if you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy; if you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. If you do not close your ear to others, you open God’s ear to yourself.

When I was a child, my family always chose a few things to do together for the season of Lent, in addition to each of us choosing something personally to give up. One thing we did for many years was to have oatmeal for dinner on Fridays and to give the money we saved with this simple meal to an organization serving the poor. In my mind this cemented the connection between fasting and almsgiving. Rather than simply abstain from meat, we chose to deliberately eat simpler, cheaper food so that those in need could have a little more. Rather than simply give alms out of our excess, we chose to give to the point where it impacted the way we lived.

Of course, this is a small, simple example, but there is a spiritual component as well. As Catholics, we know that fasting and almsgiving are more than ways to be simple and kind. They are also acts of service and dedication to God our Lord and in this way are closely connected to prayer. When we go out of our way to serve the poor and the needy, we are serving Jesus Christ Himself. At the great judgment scene in Matthew 25, the King says to those who are righteous:

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me…. Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”

This passage is the inspiration for much of what we do at Catholic Charities of North Louisiana and is the reason why we refer to our regular monthly donors as our Matthew 25 par tners. These generous individuals have answered the call in this passage to serve Christ in these least brothers and sisters of His by partnering with Catholic Charities and giving what they can not only once a year, but every single month.

Mike and Barbara Van Vranken are founding members of CCNLA and when asked recently, Mike testified, “In the early days of CCNLA, I became a monthly Matthew 25 par tner.

The heart of Jesus’ message in Matthew’s gospel is clearly summed up here. If you care about how you are judged, refer to Matthew 25. If you care about how you love Jesus, refer to Matthew 25. I cannot imagine a more direct response to the call of Christ than partnering with our own Catholic Charities and making monthly Matthew 25 donations.” Because of Mike and Barbara, and MANY others who are dedicated to helping those in need, our staff and volunteers continue to be the hands of feet of Jesus.

As we journey through this time of Lent, will you answer the call as well? Will you commit to giving alms not only in the seasons of Advent and Lent but every month of the year?

Will you par tner with Catholic Charities to live the message of Matthew 25? If your answer is yes, please visit our website at ccnla.org, email us at development@ccnla.org, or call (318) 865-0200 to join our Matthew 25 par tners. We are grateful for your prayers and suppor t as we work to serve the needy in our diocese across Nor th Louisiana.

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“The Lord’s Call Became Uncomfortably Loud!”

Karla Alvarez, Director of Multicultural Ministry THOSE ARE MY BROTHER’S WORDS WHEN ASKED ABOUT HOW HE HEARD THE LORD’S CALL TO THE PRIESTHOOD. Yes! My brother is a seminarian! There are five children in the Alvarez-Gutierrez house, four girls and one boy and Pedro is starting his fourth year at the House of Formation in Little Rock, Arkansas. There are not enough words to explain the pride and joy we feel as a family knowing Pedro has chosen to follow the Lord through the life of a priest.

Allow me to introduce my brother to you. Pedro is a wonderful brother, friend, uncle, and man. He is very intelligent, he taught himself how to play the drums and guitar, he can cook, sing, ride a motorcycle, fish, hunt, and so much more. He loves Star Wars, and will talk to you all day about how you should like it too.

Pedro is also one of the best listeners that I know. He will listen to your heart and have deep and meaningful conversations with you; you forget that he is only 22. He’s a simple man with a beautiful heart.

He attended an all-boys Catholic school in Little Rock, and it was in his junior year where he mentions that the Lord’s call became uncomfortably loud during the signing ceremony of one of the students who had chosen to attend seminary after high school. After the student signed, the bishop gave a speech about being open to listening to the voice of God and how they should be aware and allow themselves to be used by our Lord. “I remember I was shaken to the bone, just like in Mass, I felt the little ‘jump’ and I knew it was not good”. Pedro says that after that event, he felt a struggle in his heart with himself, God, and Satan. He recalls wondering what his purpose in life was and after realizing that God had placed that question in his mind, he could not avoid questioning how much of himself was he willing to submit to the Lord. He started to engage in pursuing a deeper relationship with God where honesty became a key component. Looking back, Pedro mentions that he could see how the Lord was calling him to the priesthood from a young age, but admits that he was not ready to abandon himself into the Lord’s loving arms. It was not until he was a freshman in college when he answered that call. “When I said ‘yes’, I was undergoing what seemed the most painful time in my life and I was currently experiencing desolation and a desert season. I finally gave in after a lot of pain and a lot of fighting. This needed to happen for me to dwell in the peace that came after I accepted to follow the Lord in the most intimate way possible, by becoming a priest. Pedro is one of more than nine seminarians that have come from the Christ the King parish in Little Rock, Arkansas, where Bishop Malone was the pastor for 19 years.

Although Pedro forgets his sisters’ birthdays and roots for the Buffalo Bills, he is a man after God’s heart. He is very loved and cherished by many and his family loves him, especially his two nephews and niece. I know that he will be an excellent priest because he is already an excellent man. Please keep my brother, Pedro Alvarez, in your prayers and I hope you get to meet him one day soon.

Ad maiorem Dei gloriam, For the greater glory of God,

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Diocesan Religion Scholars Bowl Success!

Sarah Duncan, LPC, EDD, Writing Workshop and Counselor, St. John Berchmans Catholic School RELIGION SCHOLARS BOWL IS AN ANNUAL INVITATIONAL EVENT TUCKED INTO CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK THAT HAS A HISTORY REACHING BACK 15 YEARS HERE IN THE DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT. This event was designed as a way to build

community within and between the schools, connecting a community of the Catholic faithful from across the diocese.

Every year each of our Catholic elementary / middle schools send students to the Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans Catholic School, for a healthy but fierce competition in facts and knowledge about our Catholic faith. In the weeks leading up to Religion Scholars Bowl it is not uncommon in the schools to see students carrying their grade’s fact sheets to class, to the lunch tables, and even to recess, studying and quizzing each other. “How many books are in the Catholic Bible? What are the theological virtues? Who were the sons of Zebedee?”

Rapid fire come the questions and just as quickly the answers as they prepare for the game-show style event.

This year, RSB was live-streamed, and the halls echoed with groans and cheers as the contestants lined up to be quizzed, and the competition was fierce! Nervous laughter, fist pumps, and even celebration dances marked the day as question after question showed the depth of knowledge this event plumbs in the minds and hearts of all of our students.

“What is wisdom?” asked the last question, and the answer is the ability to see God’s plan and purpose for our lives. Wisdom leads us to see things as God sees so that we might live holy lives. What a blessing this event is, planting seeds of wisdom in the minds of these students, these young citizens of the City of God!

MARCH 2024 23

Loyola College Prep

Jordan Harris, Loyola College Prep Director of Marketing and Communications

AT LOYOLA COLLEGE PREP, WE INTENTIONALLY STRIVE TO KEEP OUR TUITION AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE BY CHARGING LESS THAN THE ACTUAL COST OF EDUCATION FOR ALL STUDENTS. LOYOLA OFFERS A VARIETY OF TUITION ASSISTANCE OPTIONS. “We want to make options available for all students who seek a Catholic high school education, and at Loyola we have a dedicated team who is willing to work with each individual family and their needs,” said John LeBlanc, Principal at Loyola College Prep. “We have very generous alumni, parents and friends of Loyola who help provide tuition assistance to students through financial donations to our school. We are grateful for their contributions and dedication.”

Need-Based Assistance Provided by Loyola Loyola College Prep’s tuition assistance program provides tuition relief to deserving students who are qualified for, but cannot afford the full cost of a Loyola education.

The primary source of tuition assistance comes from the interest income from Loyola’s Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Income derived from investments is earmarked for financial assistance.

In addition, financial contributions to Loyola’s Community Scholarship Fund provides additional funding for need-based aid.

Need-Based Assistance Provided Independent Outside Sources

by

There are two other forms of outside assistance that Loyola accepts – ACE and ARETE scholarship.

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These two programs are available for students who attended public school in the previous school year before attending Loyola and have a financial need based on the programs’ income limitations. Families must apply directly to ACE and ARETE and name Loyola College Prep as their school of choice.

For more information on the ACE and ARETE Scholarship programs, visit their websites: aretescholars.org and acescholarships.org.

Need-Based Assistance Provided Catholic Diocese of Shreveport

by

the

Catholic applicants who request financial assistance through the TADS application process are automatically considered for Diocesan assistance. Discounted tuition rates are also available for Catholic families.

Assistance Not Based on Need Provided by Alumni Organizations Each year, the Flyer Alumni Association and St. Vincent’s Academy Alumnae Association award scholarships to Loyola students. These scholarships are for current or incoming students who are children or grandchildren of alumni/alumnae of St. John’s, Jesuit, Loyola, and St. Vincent’s Academy.

Both scholarships are merit-based and awarded to students who exhibit good character in scholarship, citizenship, and involvement with their church.

If you have any questions about tuition assistance opportunities at Loyola College Prep, call the Loyola Business Office at 318226-6284. We look forward to speaking with you and helping you complete the application process. Applications are due by 3/15/2024 for the first round of funding.

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

Years later, this sacred scent of the oils was noticed again when I attended the ordination of one of my best friends.

If you were unaware, men who receive this sacrament are anointed. Here we have three instances revealed where sacred chrism serves the purpose of revealing a person’s indelible mark. The scent signifies the aroma of Christ because something sacred has occurred within one’s soul on this day. Seeing all of the priests present at the Chrism Mass, recalling the promises of their calling, is truly a sacred moment.

THE CHRISM MASS. It is such an important Mass in

our liturgical calendar. It may be common knowledge that this Mass, which is celebrated by the bishop with all of the priests of the diocese, occurs during Holy Week. At this particular liturgy, all of the sacred oils used throughout the year to celebrate the sacraments are blessed and consecrated at this time. You are probably familiar with the scent of the oil known as Sacred Chrism. When the smell hits my nose, I am reminded initially of two thingsthe smell of each of our four children on the day of their baptisms and when I was confirmed in the Catholic faith over 25 years ago.

With all of these important moments that happen in our lives, it is beautiful to see how they all link us back to the celebration of the sacraments given to us by our savior.

At the Chrism Mass, we see the oils that will be used throughout the year for these important moments in our lives and in our faith. Each year, many students and family members of St. Joseph Catholic School enter the Church at the Easter Vigil. We also see a larger number of students enter into full initiation at the Sacrament of Confirmation in May. Our school helps facilitate this as a ministry of our wonderful parish, fully encouraging our students to participate in parish life. Seeing such a commitment to the faith by these students brings true joy to one’s heart.

I encourage anyone with the opportunity to attend this sacred liturgy to do so. The oil consecrated at the Mass may be used to anoint a child for baptism or confirmation.

It may be used at the ordination of a former student.

They may be used for blessing one on the verge of dying that is dear to your heart. The oils may be used to bless someone who is preparing for surgery. Either way, these are life moments that we celebrate and they all stem from a moment in time in which Christ chose us to share in His life of grace. I hope to see you there.

These five special moments are some of the most important days of my life; days in which people that I love dearly were first consecrated to the Lord, receiving an indelible mark for the first time. While not the full intent of the sacrament, I recall committing my life to Christ at my confirmation. Our bishop gave an incredible homily about allowing the Holy Spirit to move through us and be open to what God has called us to be. For me, I began discerning what the Lord had in store for me. After getting involved in different ministries within the Diocese of Alexandria, I discerned that my calling was to be discerned in the seminary, feeling a call to the priesthood. Needless to say, both my wife and the Catholic Church are happier because of the final results of this discernment.

MARCH 2024 25

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans School

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

AT ST. JOHN BERCHMANS CATHOLIC SCHOOL OUR MISSION STATES THAT WE ARE DEDICATED TO THE SACRED MINISTRY OF PROVIDING QUALITY EDUCATION, ANCHORED IN THE ROMAN CATHOLIC TRADITION, WHICH NURTURES CHILDREN IN CATHOLIC VALUES AND PROMOTES EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND A LIFE OF SERVICE. The phrase that jumps out at me is

dedicated to the sacred ministry. That really sums up what we are about here at SJB. We are dedicated: dedicated to passing along our faith, dedicated to the growth and development of our students and our school, and dedicated to our teachers and staff. As we prepare to enter the last two months of school and look forward to a well-deserved summer break, I plan to use this time to focus on what dedication to SJB really means to me. The school will celebrate an impor tant

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milestone this year, its 75th Anniversary. It is because of the dedication of those who have gone before us that the school continues to thrive and grow. To show our dedication to you all, our students and their families, along with the teachers and staff, Cathedral parishioners, and other suppor ters of SJB, have planned a Spring Gala. This event is a celebration of SJB and all of those who love the school and parish. Please make plans to attend on April 13th. It will be a fantastic evening of food, music, a live and a silent auction, and so much fun!

In addition to the gala, there are many other upcoming events and celebrations planned: our annual summer camps, our ongoing 75th anniversary events, graduations, field day, and so much more! We are also beginning our registration drive for the 2024-2025 school year. It is an exciting time to be a par t of the SJB Family and we encourage you to register today!

St. Frederick High School

Adam Ryland, St. Frederick High School IB Coordinator

WE ARE VERY PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT GARRETT TAYLOR HAS BEEN SELECTED AS THE DIOCESAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT OF THE YEAR TO REPRESENT THE DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT AT THE STATE COMPETITION.

Garrett is a three-time selection for St. Frederick and Jesus the Good Shepherd, having been chosen by his teachers and administration his 5th-grade year, 8th-grade year, and now senior year. His stellar academic record, along with his accomplishments outside of the classroom, have made him a standout at our school and in our diocese, and we are excited to see him compete at the next level.

Writing in suppor t of Garrett’s application for the 2024 Student of the Year, his teachers pointed to his many gifts, but most importantly his excellent character and leadership ability. In the classroom, he is always fully prepared and provides meaningful contributions to class discussions. He is a peer leader to other students, and his work is exemplary.

He is in many ways the ideal student, having earned a 4.0 and becoming a member of our ACT 30+ Club his sophomore year.

In spor ts, Garrett has par ticipated in, and excelled at, a variety of spor ts, most notably baseball and football. He is a team leader, and although an injury has prevented him from leading on the field in football his senior year, he helped to coach and encourage his fellow students from the sidelines. His injury occurred while pursuing his passion–playing summer baseball with hopes of an athletic scholarship. Where an injury of that magnitude might have crushed the spirit of many, Garrett’s broken leg helped him to focus internally–on building a stronger relationship with God and finding a truer sense of purpose.

Garrett’s goal of becoming a surgeon is one that he has held since he was a child; however, with a maturity earned through personal experience, his goal has developed into a deeper sense of purpose. It is our hope that he will be given the oppor tunity to represent our state, to tell his story, and to achieve his dream of serving his community through medicine.

We couldn’t be prouder of his many accomplishments, and we cannot wait to see what his future brings.

Outside of the classroom, Garrett has served his school through par ticipation in the Student Council each year of junior high and high school. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society, serving as a leader in both organizations. His senior year, he has served the school and community as a Discipleship team member, where he helps to organize and lead class retreats for the underclassmen. He serves as a positive role model to younger kids, especially, showing that you can be successful in the classroom as well on the field, while maintaining a positive attitude.

MARCH 2024 27

St. Jude Day School

Sharon McCabe, St. Jude Catholic Church, Pre-K3 Instructor

A SPIRIT OF GRATITUDE FILLED THE HALLWAYS AT ST. JUDE DAY SCHOOL AND ST JUDE MDO AS WE CELEBRATED NATIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL WEEK. The instructors planned daily activities

to keep the students and parents fully engaged throughout the week. We star ted the week with Marvelous Monday where all students were encouraged to dress like their favorite community helper or their most honored saint. Our instructors were just as excited to join in the fun by dressing up too! As par t of celebrating our community, we conducted a food drive to suppor t a local food bank. Our families took par t by donating nonperishable food items.

On Tuesday, the festivities continued. We had a totally comfy Tuesday, celebrating our students and parents, the students had the oppor tunity to be comfortable by coming to school wearing their pajamas. On Tuesdays we regularly attend chapel with Father Kelby and enjoy hearing stories from the Bible. St. Jude’s music director, Mrs. Gwen leads us in songs praising Jesus. One of the children’s favorites is “Jesus is the Rock”. We concluded this week’s chapel by receiving a special blessing from Father Kelby.

To show appreciation to their parents the children made thank you cards to bring home. As a small token of love, we surprised all the children with treat bags as they left for the day.

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Our gratefulness does not stop at our community; we at St Jude Day School are incredibly grateful to our nation and for the people who serve and make it possible for us to worship freely at school. To celebrate our nation and show our pride, we came to school in our red, white, and blue on Wednesday.

Thursday, to show our appreciation and celebrate vocations, the students gave thank you cards to Monsignor Long, Father Kelby, Sister Carol, Deacon Larry, and Deacon Steve for their service and incredible support to the school, church, and the community.

We finished out the week expressing our gratitude by making cards for our incredible staff that works so hard each week, behind the scenes, to make our St. Jude Day School a clean, organized, and safe place for us to be proud of.

For information about St. Jude Day School and MDO, please contact Amanda Chapa at 318-746-2508 ext. 201 or sjds@ stjudebossier.org

“Train up the child in the way he should go: even when he is old: he will not depart from it.”

-Proverbs 22:6

Jesus The Good Shepherd School

Amy Fakhre, Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School Development Office

THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT HAS BEEN ONE OF WONDERFUL EXPERIENCES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE YOUNG MINDS OF OUR JGS STUDENTS.

During Ash Wednesday Mass, Fr. Peter emphasized the significance of the ashes and the redemptive properties of the cross to our students and parishioners. Later during the week, students delved into the mystery of the Shroud of Turin alongside Fr. Peter and Dr. Cheryl White with a handson demonstration of how our Lord was enshrouded in the burial cloth and an informative presentation on the facts and questions regarding the Shroud. As Lent begins, let us humbly embrace this journey of preparation and learning and may it bring us closer to the will of God and the redemptive power of the cross. “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Adriana Acutis, Divine Mercy Expert and Aunt of Blessed Carlos Acutis, to Speak at Cathedral of St. John Berchmans and the Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd An internationally recognized expert on the Divine Mercy image, Adriana Acutis of Turin, Italy, will be speaking at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans on Wednesday, April 3 at 6:00 p.m., and again on Thursday, April 4 at 6:15 p.m. at the Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd in Monroe. Adriana is the aunt of Blessed Carlo Acutis, whose documentation of the Eucharistic Miracles of the world remains an important part of the legacy of his brief life. There is a display of some of these Eucharistic Miracle panels on display at both parishes. This will be a wonderful opportunity to explore the relationship between the Divine Mercy and Eucharistic Miracles. The events are sponsored with the support of the Carlo Acutis Foundation.

Tickets are $20 (suggested donation) and may be made through registration on the parish websites. Donations are also accepted at the door, but seating is limited.

MARCH 2024 29

Around the diocese...

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a display of banners for our three local Catholic schools, complete with names of all of our student parishioners who attend those schools.

Parishioners from the Western Deanery participated in the Louisiana Right to Life Rally in January which was hosted at Word of God Ministries.

Catholic Campus Ministry Students, ULM participated in the Pro-Life March in Monroe, LA

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ULM CCM has kicked off their annual Fish Fry Fundraiser and they’re serving up plenty of fun, fish, and faith! Thank you to all of the volunteers helping make this fundraiser for our Catholic Campus Ministries a success!

ULM CCM FISH FRY FUNDRAISER Every Friday During Lent 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

MARCH 2024 31

SEMINARIAN BURSES Thanks To Our Recent Donors: (024) Ms. Dorothy M. Tipton $500.00 (036)3 Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence W. Pettiette Jr. $200.00 (011)2 Dorothy Jarzabek $200.00 (035)3 Mr. & Mrs. Chris A. Ward $500.00 (050) St. Joseph Shreveport Mary’s Workers $6,175.00 (008) Charles & Beverly Bennett $125.00 (030) Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cobb $1,333.34 (035)3 Mrs. Rosemary C. Ward $500.00 (051) Paul & Joan Hinnenkamp $10,000 Completed Burses: (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #1 ($10,000) (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #1 ($10,000) (010) Memory of Rita Scott from the John Scott Family Burse ($10,000) (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #1 ($10,000) (012) Jack E. Caplis, Jr., Memorial Burse ($10,000) (013) Mary Evans Caplis Burse ($10,000) (014) Bob & Peggy Semmes Memorial Burse ($10,000) (019) Margaret Glenn Memorial Burse ($10,000) (020) Dr. James V. Ward Memorial Burse ($10,000) (026) Sheryl Seal Sweeney Memorial Burse ($10,000) (027) Rev. Richard Lombard Memorial Burse ($10,000) (027) Rev. Richard Lombard Memorial Burse #2 ($10,000) (031) Pearl Heck & Leona Boudreaux Memorial Burse ($10,000) (033) Beryl K. & Joseph D. Ozenne Memorial Burse ($10,000)

(035) (035) (036) (036) (040) (041) (042) (043) (044) (051)

Dr. James V. & Rosemary C. Ward Burse ($10,000) Dr. James V. & Rosemary C. Ward Burse #2 ($10,000) Msgr. Earl Vincent Provenza Burse ($10,000) Msgr. Earl Vincent Provenza Burse #2 ($10,000) Servant of God Fr. Isidore Armand Quémerais Burse ($10,000) Servant of God Fr. Jean Pierre Burse ($10,000) Servant of God Fr. Jean-Marie Biler Burse ($10,000) Servant of God Fr. Louis-Marie Gergaud Burse ($10,000) Servant of God Fr. François Le Vézouët Burse ($10,000) Rev. John Revord Campion Burse ($10,000)

Incomplete Burses: (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #2 ($1,350) (002) Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($3,150) (003) Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1,650) (004) Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350) (005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Burse ($1,575) (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #2 ($3,832.12) (007) Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($1,200) (008) St. Jude Parish Burse ($7,300) (009) St. John Berchmans Knights of Columbus Council 10728 Burse ($1,550) (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #2 ($5,200) (015) Bishop’s Seminarian Burse ($4,460) (016) Elaine Malloy Frantz Memorial Burse ($1,000)

(017)

(018)

Msgr. George Martinez Knights of Columbus Council 1337 Burse ($8,021.57) Knights of St. Peter Claver Council 144 Burse ($1,180) (021) Rev. Edmund “Larry” Niehoff Memorial Burse ($2,000) (022) Rev. Blane O’Neil, OFM Memorial Burse ($1,578) (023) Msgr. Edmund J. Moore Memorial Burse ($5,100) (024) Rev. Joseph Puthupally Memorial Burse ($2,150) (025) Kathleen Hightower Memorial Burse ($600) (028) Friends-n-Faith Burse ($750) (029) Rev. Kenneth Williams Memorial Burse ($200) (030) Ottis and Anne Krupa Littlejohn Memorial Burse ($7,333.34) (032) Madeline and Joe Tiller Memorial Burse ($6,100) (034) Joseph B. and Lucille Provenza Cordaro Burse ($7,650) (035) Dr. James V. & Rosemary C. Ward Burse #3 ($1,120) (036) Msgr. Earl Vincent Provenza Burse #3 ($1,040) (037) Manuel & Catherine Licciardi, and John & Beverly Miller Burse ($5,000) (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 ($5,000) (047) Troops of St. George Burse ($5,000) (048) Rev. Joseph Kallookalam Burse ($5,000) (049) Rev. Philip Michiels Burse ($250) (050) St. Joseph Shreveport Mary’s Workers Burse ($6,175)

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.

Please make all checks payable to the Diocese of Shreveport. Be sure to note the name of the burse in the memo line. Burses are completed at $10,000.

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Please join us in supporting our MARCH SECOND COLLECTION

for Vocations On the weekend of March 30-31 there will be a second collection for vocations in the Diocese of Shreveport.

100% of these offerings will go to support our current seminarians, Tristan Frisk, Austin Young, and Nathan Lirette, as well as continue to support other young men discerning their call to priesthood. Thank you for your support and generosity!

MARCH 30-31

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT | 3500 Fairfield Ave. | Shreveport, LA 71104 | 318.868.4441

You are Called With a gift of: ☐ $50 ☐ $1000 ☐ $100 ☐ $1500 ☐ $250 ☐ $2000 ☐ $500 ☐ $5000 Other $ I/We will make our payment(s) ☐ One-time ☐ Monthly (thru December 2024)

Member(s) of: ____ Name: Address: City:

Church,

City

Please list below any special intentions for which you would like prayer assistance.

_____ ____ ST: ___ Zip:

Spouse Name: Cell Phone: Email: For assistance or other inquiries, contact us at (318) 868-4441 x263 or bvice@dioshpt.org

(over)

MARCH 2024 33

upcoming events EVERY FRIDAY DURING LENT, 11 AM - 1 PM ULM CCM Fish Fry Fundraiser Ever y Friday during Lent

MARCH 2, 10 AM - 6:30 PM REVIVE: Diocesan Youth Summit Open to all 7th - 12th grade students in the Diocese of Shreveport. Registration is $25/student and you can register with your church parish.

MARCH 8-9 Shreveport Louisiana Retreat with Immaculee Presented by Fr. Duane Trombetta of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament @ The Catholic Center MARCH 22-24 Spring 2024 Come & See @St. Joseph Abbey Seminary College Open to all young men ages 15-25, join Fr. Kelby and Fr. Raney for a vocations retreat! To register contact vocationsoffice@dioshpt.org

MARCH 26, 6 PM Chrism Mass @ Cathedral of St. John Berchmans MARCH 29, 9 AM - 11 AM Society of St. Vincent de Paul Good Friday Way of the Cross Walk for Justice @ Behind First United Methodist Church, downtown Shreveport Open to all, if it rains the event will be moved to Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

APRIL 13, 6 PM - 9 PM St. John Berchmans School Spring Gala Tickets can be purchased at sjbcathedralschool.org/gala

APRIL 19, 6 - 9 PM Bingo on the Delta for Catholic Charities of North Louisiana @ Jesus the Good Shepherd Tickets are $50/person and table sponsorships begin at $1000.

JUNE 24-28 Camp Little Flower @ Scottsville Camp, Marshall, TX For more information contact camplittleflower@dioshpt.org

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FEASTS & SOLEMNITIES MARCH 4 Saint Casimir MARCH 7 Saints Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs MARCH 8 Saint John of God, Religious MARCH 9 Saint Frances of Rome, Religious MARCH 18 Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church MARCH 19 Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary MARCH 23 Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo, Bishop MARCH 24 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord MARCH 28 Thursday of Holy Week (Holy Thursday) MARCH 29 Friday of the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday) MARCH 30 Holy Saturday MARCH 31 Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

WHERE IS BISHOP MALONE THIS MONTH?

MARCH 2ND

REVIVE: Diocesan Youth Summit; Catholic Center, Shreveport

MARCH 3RD

Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans; Shreveport; 8:00 AM

MARCH 19TH

Loyola College Prep Executive Committee Meeting & Board of Directors Meeting; St. Vincent Cafeteria at Loyola College Prep; 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

MARCH 12TH

MARCH 24TH

MARCH 14TH

MARCH 26TH

Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops Meeting via Zoom; 10:00 AM Notre Dame Seminary & St. Joseph Seminary Board of Trustees Meetings; St. Joseph Seminary, Saint Benedict, Louisiana; 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM

MARCH 17TH

Mass; St. Jude Church, Benton; 8:30 AM

Palm Sunday Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans; Shreveport; 11:00 AM Clergy Day of Reflection; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

MARCH 26TH

Chrism Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 6:00 PM

MARCH 28TH

Mass of the Lord’s Supper; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 6:00 PM

MARCH 29TH

Society of St.Vincent de Paul’s Good Friday Way of the Cross Walk for Justice; Parking lot of First United Methodist Church, Shreveport; 9:00 AM

MARCH 29TH

Commemoration of the Passion; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 3:00 PM

MARCH 30TH

Easter Vigil; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 8:00 PM

MARCH 31ST

Easter Sunday Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 11:00 AM MARCH 2024 35

CATHOLIC CONNECTION DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

•

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: Congratulations to the third grade team at the Relgion Scholars Bowl! After a day filled with fierce competition these third graders from across the diocese claimed the top prize. Thank you to St. John Berchmans Cathedral School for hosting 36 CATHOLIC CONNECTION