September 2021

CATHOLIC CONNECTION Volume 31 No. 2 | September 2021

on care for our common home

Laudato Si Crash Course: Cliff Notes on Pope Francis’s Encyclical on the Environment

The Lasting Effects of Hurricane Laura: How Catholic Charities of North Louisiana is still recovering from the damage

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12 27

contents

8 FEATURES 6

Gardening Tips for the Road

8

Laudato Si Crash Course

22

Saint Peter Claver: The Enduring Call to Love

COLUMNS 12 Catholic Charities: The

Lasting Effects of Hurricane Laura 14

Mary’s Mission: Listen to the Cry of the Earth

16

Faithful Food: Left Over and Left Behind

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30 18 Mike’s Meditations:

Cannonball Experience

20 Daughters of the Cross Series: Yellow Fever NEWS 24

Hispanic News

26

School News

34

Around the Diocese

ON THE COVER: Yellowstone National Park, Canyon

Embracing the Sanctity of Creation

CATHOLIC CONNECTION PUBLISHER Bishop Francis I. Malone EDITOR Kierstin Richter CONTRIBUTORS Mike Van Vranken Kim Long Mary Arcement Alexander Patti Underwood Rosalba Quiroz Jori Lacour Carol Gates Polly Maciulski Benjamin Luckett

This Month from Kierstin Grand Prismatic Spring at Yellowstone National Park

Catholicism is a very fleshy, earthy religion. It’s in the nature of our faith to be connected to the rest of creation. We are called to care for our bodies, because our bodies hold the spirit of Christ. Pope John Paul II teaches this in his Theology of the Body - how we treat our bodies is an outward reflection of how we treat our spirit. So why is this any different from our treatment of the everything else?

“We have forgotten that we ourselves are dust of the earth (cf. Gen 2:7); our bodies are made up of her elements, we breathe her air and we receive life and refreshment from her waters. Nothing in the world is indifferent to us.” (Pope Francis, Laudato Si).

We have been given this gift, this breath of God, of meaning, of purpose, of this thirst for sanctity. But when we use this to figure out how to manipulate our environment for our own profits or convenience, we are shaken out of harmony with the nature of creation.

I’m not here to tell you to skip the straw at Starbucks or stop using plastic wrap or become a zero-waste household (but if you do, that’s awesome). But I am here to tell you that our treatment of our enviornment is just as important as the treatment of our own bodies. We are not separate.

Everything is connected.

Just like Natural Family Planning works with the nature of our bodies without

artificial intervention for the good of our own health and spirit, we must work with nature to live in harmony with our planet for the health of humanity as a whole.

We aren’t immune to the chemical reactions of our poor decisions. BPA in plastics.

Endocrine disrupters in our cosmetics and personal care products. All of this correlates with a rise in cancer, hormonal imbalances, infertility - the list goes on and on. It isn’t just about killing the earth. We’re killing ourselves.

It’s hard. It’s not convenient. But we’re Catholic. We always do the harder thing.

Even when it’s inconvenient or annoying.

But no matter how many clean products we use or how much we try to avoid toxins and chemicals in our food and personal care products, our world is full of them. It’s easy to throw our hands up and say, “Whatever!

There’s no hope!” But there’s always hope.

There is always hope in Christ. Because it isn’t just about you, and it isn’t just about me. We’re all in this darn thing together.

So this month, as we ponder Pope Francis’s intention for living an environmentally sustainable lifestyle, let us pray to embrace the sanctity of creation and strive to live in harmony with our natural home. Let us feel protective of it and defend it as stewards of God’s creation and gardeners of Christ’s Eden.

EDITORIAL BOARD Deacon Mike Whitehead John Mark Willcox Kim Long Kate Rhea Rosalba Quiroz Fr. Matthew Long Dr. Carynn Wiggins SUBSCRIPTIONS & ADDRESS CHANGES Contact: Blanca Vice Email: bvice@dioshpt.org Write: The Catholic Connection 3500 Fairfield Ave. Shreveport, LA 71104 Call: 318-868-4441 Fax: 318-868-4609 www.thecatholiconnection.org SUBMISSIONS Contact: Kierstin Richter Email: krichter@dioshpt.org The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.

The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’ 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 your local law enforcement agency and Mary Katherine Arcement, Diocesan Victim Assistance Minister, at 318-584-2411.

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 faith community.

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from the bishop Our Earth is Only “On Loan” to Us

“If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.”

-Saint Francis of Assisi

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W

hen the news broke that I had been appointed Bishop of Shreveport, I had a very nice conversation with my predecessor, Bishop Duca, about my new home, and some of my new responsibilities as bishop. He could not say enough wonderful things about his former home here among you, but he did say, “you’ll be doing a lot of driving!”

I really don’t mind driving, and have discovered the beauty of our

diocese, and while there is a lot of territory to cover, there’s a lot of beauty.

Nevertheless, it didn’t take long to notice that Louisiana has its fair share of people who do not appreciate the natural beauty of the state. One of the things I have noticed is the significant amount of littering along the highways, and the workers (probably from our penal system) who walk along the highways and “bag” the trash to be picked up. On one trip, I

Be mindful that this world and its environment is only “on loan” to us: to enjoy its beauty and to protect our natural resources for others to enjoy as well.

tried to count the number of bags of trash, but it became too much of a distraction.

Now why would your bishop pen his Catholic Connection on a topic like littering?

My guess is that even the Holy Father is worried about how we treat the environment in which we live, so much so that he has asked us to take care of the world around us, respect it, make a personal decision not to litter, be mindful that this world and its environment is only “on loan”

to us: to enjoy its beauty, and to protect our natural resources for others to enjoy as well.

Such attentiveness gives way to a good and positive lifestyle where topics like recycling are welcomed, where concern for the thoughtless pollution in our environs moves us to advocate for cleaner air, water, woods, valleys, and the paths we walk.

Some might think that sustaining the environment as a topic for diocesan-wide discussion is not as important as topics that appear

to be exclusively theological. But, I suggest that taking care of the world that the Lord has given to us requires that we see ourselves as stewards of the goods He has entrusted to us. I know He would want us to love what He has created.

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Gardening Tips for the Road

F

Kim Long, Saint Mary of the Pines DRE

or by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him, all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17 This month we take a look at conservation, or “the prevention of wasteful use of resources.” It is possible for one’s thoughts to immediately jump to an external resource such as water, soil, the air we breathe which are vital; but my thoughts also run to what is inside us, our interior landscape, our internal resources. A four step process I find helpful in the garden also works well internally.

Before I prepare the soil or purchase seed, I consider what I need from the garden. Will my focus this year be tomatoes only or cucumber for pickles? Once that is determined, I move on to the four basic steps, preparation, planting, weeding, tending, and harvesting the crops I hope to grow. I realized that is a really good way to look at my soul, my intellect, my spirit - my inner landscape. If those areas are left to chance or untended, my exterior world ends up pretty barren.

Preparation “Every part of the journey is of importance to the whole.”

St. Teresa of Avila I sit down with a cup of coffee, and a stack of books on prayer and soul searching are beside me on a table. I thumb through them all, perusing the table of contents, really needing something to “leap” from the page and grab me and point me 6 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

in a direction. Breathing deeply I pray. “God this is where I am, please O God, give me knowledge of your will for my life and the desire to carry it out.” This short and powerful prayer was given to me by my late Al-Anon sponsor who was a good friend; indeed I talk with her more now that she is part of that great cloud of witnesses scripture speaks of, asking her to pray for and with me that I am open and prepared to receive this knowledge and that when I do, that I also revel in the desire to carry it out.

Planting “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” St. Catherine of Siena Once I taught a First Holy Communion class of older students who had yet to receive this sacrament. I told them I had a gift for them, it could not be held in their hands but they could unwrap it. The gift was the above quote which helps me consider my inner landscape.

One particular student, who was edgy, questioning, and did not mind holding me to account, had stolen my heart. As she stepped from the pew to receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time, I asked her if she was ready to set the world on fire.

Smiling, she said yes.

The seeds we plant are sometimes well marked and obvious, but mostly we never know how or even where the seeds, better known as our attitudes, remarks, actions (or lack thereof ) can fall and grow. To take care that I am planting good seeds, I need to check in with myself to see what is growing within me. Even a quiet few moments once a week can help.

The seeds we plant are sometimes obvious but mostly we never know how or even where the seeds known as our attitudes, remarks, actions, or lack thereof can fall and grow.

To take care that I am planting good seeds I need to check in with myself to see what is growing within me.

Weeding “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.”

1st Corinthian 4:2 A couple of years ago I reclaimed an errant patch of land which at one time was a beautiful and productive herb garden.

Where there was a profusion of weeds now there was a wealth of herbs that helped season my life. I have to confess to you that my herb garden is getting a bit out of hand. Work has kept me busy, hot afternoons have tempted me to stay indoors and the weeds are beginning to take over. My niece told me that she would have cleaned up the herb bed but she did not know which were weeds and which were not. That, I thought, is because it is my job since I do know the difference. That is how we are, no one can pluck the weeds which choke out the light and growth God has for us. It is our job and with God’s help and some honest tidying, we can once again be ready to be good stewards.

Tending/Caring “Behold I tell you a mystery, we shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment in the twinkling of an eye.” 1st Corinthians 15:50 Rising early I am in the garden caring for the tender plants which seemed to trust and challenge me simultaneously.

Reading about the needs of each plant, fertilizing, amending the soil, admiring the daily growth, and recording it in my garden journal were all part of my daily regime; why do I fail to apply those same principles to my interior landscape?

Laziness is too cliche’; I believe that for me it is a lack of visibility. I cannot see the transformation of the garden in one day; it comes from a constant tending, likewise neglect of it is painfully obvious. I cannot see my soul but I can see the effects of it, the fruits of it when it is well tended over a lifetime. and the obvious tangles when it is ignored. This from Teresa of Avila nurtures me: “Each of us has a soul, but we forget to value

it. We don’t remember that we are creatures made in the image of God. We don’t understand the great secrets hidden inside us.

Harvest “Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”

Matthew 6:21 Unlike large-scale farming with the uniform ripening of acres of the same seeds, the harvest in my garden came in spurts of varying degrees. I might find that there are four ripe okra pods or all my tomatoes or cucumbers will “come in”. Both of these are equally important to me as a gardener. The reward of time well spent in my garden is truly a gift that happens on a chilly November Saturday when I pop the top on a jar of canned tomatoes and bite down. I am filled with the smell of my garden after a rain and the harvest of summer being born in my mouth.

What am I called to harvest internally? What have I cultivated? What have I culled? What delights do I find?

These are questions for life, not questions for a day. I have to consider with a fair amount of frequency where my heart is.

Conservation a both/and.; one need not cancel the other out.

If drained and depleted spiritually I have nothing left to give so I must practice good stewardship of my soul. To St. Catherine’s point, I doubt if I can set the world on fire if I don’t have the strength to strike the match. Conservation and its principles can be internally applied.

I cannot give you a ten-point plan or a gardening schedule for your soul. You know best how to do that, what I can tell you is that the vocation of being a creation made in the image of God is a full time occupation. In more words of wisdom from Teresa of Avila “Christ has no hands and feet in the world but yours.”

What a charge, what a blessing, what a both/and!

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Laudato Si Crash Course Encyclicals are long. Here’s Laudato Si, broken down, high school cliff notes “I didn’t read the book before the test” style.

Kierstin Richter, Editor

“The sister now cries out to us because of the harm we priority to immediate convenience and all else have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse becomes relative.” (90) of the goods with which God has endowed her. We have come to see ourselves as her lords and masters.” (3) “The violence present in our hearts, wounded by sin, is also reflected in the symptoms of sickness evident The Dark Side of Human Freedom in the soil, in the water, in the air, and in all forms of life. This is why the earth herself, burdened and Without approaching nature with awe and wonder, laid waste is along with the most abandoned and we stop speaking the language of the earth, and thus maltreated of our poor.” (3) we are unable to set limits on our immediate needs and potential from exploitation. When humans are The Earth reflects the state of our souls. When there at the center of the world, they demand “absolute is darkness or indifference present within us, it is reflected in the health of our environment.

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How We’ve Hurt Our Planet (And Our People) The earth naturally heats and cools. This can be due to volcanic activity and other natural processes. The problem comes when humans get involved and speed up the cycle with lots of toxins and CO2 emissions.

In recent decades, we have built up greenhouse gases in our atmosphere caused by compounds released by human activity, and they block the escape of heat from the sunlight. So it’s getting hot. A couple of degrees may not seem like a big deal, but our bodies explain this process pretty well. When you have the difference between a 98.6-degree temperature and a 100-degree temperature, you know something is wrong with your body. The Earth is developing a fever, and if we don’t let it rest, it’s gonna go downhill quickly. Warming affects the carbon cycle, affecting the availability of drinking water, energy and agricultural production in warmer regions, and extinction of biodiversity.

The melting of polar ice caps and the decomposition of frozen organic material can cause dangerous releases of methane gas and increase carbon dioxide emissions. And as carbon dioxide builds up in the atmosphere, it can increase the acidification of the oceans, which compromises the health of marine life. Good functioning ecosystems require all the little guys - the plankton and the algae and insects and creepy crawlies we think we’d be okay without.

But when ecosystems are off balance and the little guys start dying off, the big guys don’t have anything to eat. The food chain gets thrown way off.

Our waste isn’t biodegradable - it’s toxic, and radioactive, from homes and businesses, construction, and demolition sites. “The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth.” (17) Detergents and chemical household products commonly used all over the world end up in all the rivers, lakes, and seas.

Water pollution affects the poor who cannot afford to buy bottled water. A rise in sea level leaves impoverished coastal populations with nowhere else to go. Plus, a quarter of the world’s population lives in coastal regions, containing many megacities

“The violence present in our hearts, wounded by sin, is also reflected in the symptoms of sickness evident in the soil, in the water, in the air and in all forms of life.” and heavily populated areas. A rise in sea level means trouble for them, too. Uncontrolled fishing means the depletion of certain species. Depletion of fishing reserves hurts small fishing communities without the means to replace those resources. Coral reefs are not looking good, and they are home to millions of species. But many of the world’s reefs are either barren or in constant decline, mostly due to pollution. Worldwide acute water shortage may happen in the coming decades (it doesn’t mean less water, it’s just that the water isn’t drinkable), and greater scarcity of water will lead to an increased cost of food. And food is already expensive enough.

Highways and dams and urban development break up ecosystems. That prevents animal populations from being able to migrate and roam freely. So then they go extinct. Pope Francis suggests biological corridors as a possible solution.

Forests get cut down and sometimes replaced by new trees, but “the replacement of virgin forests with plantations of trees, usually monocultures, is rarely adequately analyzed. This can seriously compromise biodiversity which the new species being introduced SEPTEMBER 2021 9

“A sense of deep communion with the rest of nature cannot be real if our hearts lack tenderness, compassion, and concern for our fellow human beings.” does not accommodate.” (29) It’s best to leave them as they are. “We seem to think that we can substitute an irreplaceable and irretrievable beauty with something which we have created ourselves.”

(26)

The Politics Unfortunately, much of the world’s pollution is caused by forces and corporations much bigger than ourselves. We can skip the straw at Starbucks or re-use our glass jars and bottles, and yes, it does help. And there is value in being modest and kind to the Earth. It becomes a personal and spiritual act of kindness within ourselves. But the big waste problems often come from the big guys dumping industrial waste or not placing limits on the massive pollution their factories release into the atmosphere.

So how do we address this?

Pope Francis says we have an urgent need to develop policies to reduce carbon emissions and develop sources of renewable energy. We need an increase in funding to supply fresh drinking water and sanitary services to the poor. He encourages more research into how ecosystems work so we know how to better sustain and replenish them to undo some of the damage we have already caused.

He also puts accountability back into the hands of the ones responsible. He says each government needs to carry out its “proper and inalienable responsibility to preserve its country’s environment and natural resources without capitulating to spurious local or international interests.” (29) In other words, it is not the job of your neighbor to take care of your backyard. Everyone is responsible for their own 10 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

country. Countries can’t just push it off and make it someone else’s problem.

Speaking to politicians and the wealthy, Pope Francis speaks of a “superficial rhetoric, sporadic acts of philanthropy and perfunctory expressions of concern for the environment, whereas any genuine attempts by groups within society to introduce change is viewed as a nuisance.” (40) So you can’t just slap a “save the turtles” sticker on your car and call it a day. “We can be silent witnesses to terrible injustices if we think that we can obtain significant benefits by making the rest of humanity, present and future, pay the extremely high costs of environmental deterioration.” (27)

On the Protection of the Development of Human Life Protecting creation goes far beyond helping the planet itself. Pope Francis calls out the hypocrisy of people who fight for the protection of the environment but are silent or even opposed to the protection of human life beginning at conception. In this instance, he is specifically speaking on scientific experimentation on human embryos.

“It is troubling that, when some ecological movements defend the integrity of the environment, rightly demanding that certain limits be imposed on scientific research, they sometimes fail to apply those same principles to human life. There is a tendency to justify transgressing all boundaries when experimentation is carried out on living human embryos. We forget that the inalienable worth of a human being transcends his or her degree of development.” (101)

Looking Forward

of the things we’ve thrown away. To be mindful of the rest of our family means to be mindful of how We inhabit a fragile world entrusted to us to care for we consume within our own homes. In a world of intelligently and delicately. It challenges us to think wasteful consumption, as Catholics, we are called creatively and devise new ways of doing things and to live holistically. Yes, it’s the harder thing. And it’s countercultural. But as Catholics, don’t we always simultaneously limiting our own power. do the harder thing? And haven’t we always been “People no longer seem to believe in a happy future,” counter-cultural? It’s kind of our thing. he says, and if there is one thing we must hold onto tighter than anything else, it is hope. We need to slow If you want to read the encyclical for yourself, it’s down, shift our focus, and reapproach the tending available for free on the Vatican’s website (Vatican. to our planet in a loving, holy, more thoughtful va) (Just google Laudato Si. There’s a PDF version way. “Each of us is the result of a thought of God. available as well.) I’d reccomend checking it out Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is because his vernacular is much more educated necessary.” (41) We are here to be the caretakers of and beautiful than mine. the garden. And it starts within ourselves. “A sense of deep communion with the rest of nature cannot be If you’d like to learn more about the current real if our hearts lack tenderness, compassion, and state of our planet, the United Nations releases concern for our fellow human beings.” Caring for the an annual report, also available online. The planet begins in our hearts. Because it isn’t just about Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change the mountains or the oceans or the rainforests or the (IPCC) is the United Nations’ body for assessing animals. It’s also about the Body of Christ - our poor the science related to climate change. You can visit brothers and sisters living amid the consequences their website at www.ipcc.ch

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catholic charities

lasting effects of hurricane laura Jori Lacour, CCNLA Development Director

L

ast summer, we experienced one devastation after another. While the majority, including myself, were recovering from falling ill and experiencing loss of life, others were recovering from the loss of their homes.

On August 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura hit Louisiana and was declared a natural disaster for many civil parishes in the Diocese of Shreveport: Caddo, Jackson, Lincoln, Ouachita, and Winn. According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, Hurricane Laura’s landfall landed with maximum speeds of 150 mph, making it a Category 4 hurricane; the strongest landfalling hurricane in Louisiana on record— and the fifth strongest storm to hit the continental U.S. The effects of Hurricane Laura can still be felt by North Louisiana residents, from West to East. You may be wondering why this is newsworthy; this is newsworthy because many Hurricane survivors still lack the means to repair and replace their damaged items— nearly a year after the devastation occurred.

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A good Samaritan, Shirley Rivers, a parishoner of St. John the Baptist Church in Many, spearheaded efforts—along with the help of Catholic Charities of North Louisiana—in assisting individuals hit hardest in Sabine Parish. From prioritizing the devastation to hiring contractors, Rivers helped from start to finish.

The survivors mainly required simple repairs like the roof; others needed more after living with mold roughly a year before repairs began. Another individual lived a year without air conditioning due to not having the means to purchase a new HVAC unit after a power surge from Hurricane Laura. By stretching the money from Catholic Charities, Rivers saw that their window units were purchased and installed in the singlewide mobile home this past June.

Parishes away, staff at our CCNLA Monroe office cannot start the day with the aroma of fresh brewing coffee—instead, they enter into an intense odor of black mold. Hurricane Laura caused significant damage to their roof, ceilings, and outside structures, which allows the mold to flourish throughout the storm season. We are grateful to have a building to accommodate our staff and growing client base —but we cannot ignore the lingering damage that poses a threat to the wellbeing of our staff and clients.

To be a part of repairing storm damage, please visit www. ccnla.org and select donate now and add Hurricane Laura to the memo. You can also mail checks to 331 East 71st Street Shreveport, LA 71106.

Costs of repairs following the damage of Hurricane Laura by parish

Louisiana Disaster Declaration as of October 2020

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mary’s mission

listen to the cry of the earth

can, juice bottle and more. Fast forward many years later, I became the weirdo rinsing out my milk cartons, juice bottles, diet coke cans and more. Recycling had become a part of my life and I loved it! I felt like I was doing my part in saving the environment, one small piece of plastic at a time. When recycling went away here in Shreveport, I was very upset. Every time we empty our trash, it pains me to see our milk cartons, egg cartons, cans, glass and more stuffed inside. As a result, I do my best to be “green” in other ways.

The debate about the environment is a huge one, to say the least. One side of the aisle believes it is the biggest y first introduction to recycling was crisis of our time while the other side acknowledges its in 1994 when I moved to Winston- importance but is less reactive towards it. In my opinion, Salem, NC. My then-employers had it does not matter what either side of the aisle says, rather, recycling bins and were adamant it matters what scripture says: that I only throw out actual trash.

Coming from a small town in South Louisiana with “You shall not pollute the land in which you live, for no recycling programs, I did not get why this was blood pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made a big deal to them. Honestly, I thought they were for the land for the blood that is shed in it, except by the a bit weird for rinsing out every milk carton, coke blood of the one who shed it. You shall not defile the

Mary Arcement Alexander, LPC

M

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land in which you live, in the midst of which I dwell, for I the LORD dwell in the midst of the people of Israel.”

Numbers 35:33-34

commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” I could stop here because honestly, this says it all. St. Paul is very clear in his letter to the Philippians when expressing how You shall not pollute the land. You shall not defile the important it is to guard our thoughts. God created us with land. It looks like we are 0 for 2, brothers and sisters. very powerful minds but He also gave us free will. With Humans, unfortunately, have been polluting and defiling that said, what are your thoughts on the environment? Are the land for centuries and sadly I believe it will continue they true? Honorable? Just? Pure? I strongly believe that until the second coming when a to save our planet from pollution “new heaven and a new earth” will be and defilement we must first made. This belief does not stem from address our thinking patterns, pessimism; rather it comes from our feelings and the choices we both knowing and understanding are making as a result. We must the human psyche. In my 19 years as turn to Sacred Scripture and stop a mental health professional, I have listening to the latest and greatest come to realize that the majority of politician or activist. We must the “hot button” topics come back prayerfully ask God to help us to one thing, we have a human change our thoughts to what is problem. Our thoughts drive us, pleasing to Him. We must see our which influences our feelings and environment not as left or right, ultimately determines our behaviors. liberal or conservative, but rather For example, if a person thinks as a gift from God, our Creator, littering is not a big deal, they will who created the heavens and the feel no guilt or shame about it, earth: which leads them to throw their McDonald’s bag out the car window.

“And God said, Let us make man Another example is a person who in our image, after our likeness: thinks plastic bottles are a huge threat and let them have dominion to the environment; they feel angry over the fish of the sea, and over when they see the number of plastic the fowl of the air, and over the bottles people use, which leads them cattle, and over the earth, and to only using recyclable containers. over every creeping thing that Our thoughts influence our feelings, creepeth upon the earth. So God which determines our behaviors. Once again, we have a created man in his own image, in the image of God He human problem, namely a human “thinking” problem. created them; male and female He created them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, I believe an important question to now ask ourselves is, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and “What does scripture tell us about our thoughts?” For have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl this answer I turn to Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is the earth.” Genesis 1: 26-28 just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is

In my 19 years as a mental health professional, I have come to realize that the majority of the “hot button” topics come back to one thing, we have a human problem.

Our thoughts drive us, which influences our feelings and ultimately determines our behaviors.

“Listen to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor, who suffer most because of the unbalanced ecology.” -Pope Francis SEPTEMBER 2021 15

faithful food

left over & left behind Kim Long, Saint Mary of the Pines DRE

I

n my hometown’s library, I was free to roam and travel without a passport or passage or suitcase or schedule. Reading was my openended ticket “elsewhere” and I punched that ticket at every opportunity. After school on Fridays, I would walk to the library-not uphill both ways, only a few blocks-and load up on books to read over the weekend. No cable television or streaming to grab my attention and once chores were finished I was a free agent and oh how I took advantage of

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that. Two of my favorite books- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

by Betty Smith and Mama’s Bank Account by Kathryn Forbes. They served as a window into how other girls’ lives were lived; the former was an Irish family and the latter a Norwegian family. Both stories taught me much of the kind of mother I hoped to be one day.

In an old pattern book I came across a sampler bearing these words of wisdom: Use it up Wear it out Make it do Do without Sadly, I never got ‘round to stitching that sampler. The words in Smith and Forbes’ aforementioned books as well as this sampler helped form me in so many ways, both as a daughter and as a mother. I have quoted them often in a sing-song voice to my kids who at times complained about our budget or lack of one.

USE IT UP…

is not good for children to worry, for children not to feel Leftovers sometimes get a really bad reputation. I mean secure.” We all make little sacrifices for the good of others does anyone want to finish up that last bit of jello, peas, and in the end, if we are attentive we know it won’t hurt potatoes, ugh French fries, or just about anything else that us to occasionally “do without.” we did not eat yesterday or gasp the day before?

Friends have told me “My husband will not eat leftovers.” As we go through these uncertain times it is not good for My kids did not like them either but in time we accepted us to be worried either. Scripture reminds us don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything, thanking leftovers and in the end, we were grateful for them.

God for his answers.

WEAR IT OUT…

Summertime’s options were often limited by our budget.

One thing both as a child and a parent that happened every summer like clockwork is we wore our “play shoes” out. It was just something that everyone I knew did. Our mother knew in less than 90 days she had to purchase three new pairs of “school shoes” and PE shoes so if she could save a penny she did. When my kids were small we lived on a farm and I can tell you they carried on the tradition. Like my siblings and myself though, my boys always had church shoes.

MAKE IT DO…

Several of my friends and I would get together and have a cup of coffee and the kids would be outside playing. Not exactly a coffee klatch but more of an exchange of ideas on how to stretch everything! Once I laughed and said we should write a cookbook on how many ways to serve up a pound of ground beef; the recipes were endless and very forgiving-they stretched. Recently before a bridal shower, we were plating food and considering last-minute options when one friend realized she had not made as much dip as she thought. Another friend and I went to work going through the fridge, pantry, and spice cabinet. When she and I finished we had plenty of dip. We had rendered our friend speechless…how did you do that she asked? I have to go by a recipe. Making do is born of shortage and can offer abundance.

DO WITHOUT…

In the books, I mentioned both mothers are strong women, and though they go about it differently their objective is that their children should not have to feel insecure or worry. I completely agree. In Mama’s Bank Account, the young children are told each week when Papa brings his wages home and all watch as Mama stretches everything until finally she raises her eyes and smiles and tells the family that it is good, they do not have to go to the bank to remove any savings. The story reveals that Mama had never been inside a bank in her life but in her words “it

May your September be a time of grace and ease as we look forward to autumn and the turning of the year.

This is a simple dish my mom made and one that we also begged for. I tried it recently and I admit I prefer the memory after all our taste does change. Cut hotdogs in rounds, warm with your favorite bbq sauce, and serve over instant mashed potatoes; economical and effortless.

Leftovers sometimes get a really bad reputation. I mean does anyone want to finish up that last bit of jello, peas, potatoes, ugh French fries, or just about anything else that we did not eat yesterday or gasp the day before?

Friends have told me “My husband will not eat leftovers.” My kids did not like them either but in time we accepted leftovers and in the end, we were grateful for them.

SEPTEMBER 2021 17

mike’s meditations

Cannonball Experience Mike Van Vranken, Spiritual Director

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he Diocese of Shreveport has a rich history with St. Ignatius Loyola. It was Jesuit priests, from the religious order he founded, who helped bring Catholicism and much more to this part of our state. Our Cathedral of St. John Berchmans (named after a Jesuit), proudly displays a painting of Ignatius in the sanctuary, while our 18 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

high school in Shreveport also bears the Loyola name.

Ignatius is even the middle name of our bishop. And beginning in May of this year, Jesuits worldwide began celebrating an “Ignatian Year.” For it was in May of 1521, five hundred years ago, that Ignatius Loyola, outnumbered and outflanked, arrogantly led a battle against an overbearing French army when a cannonball shattered his right leg. Taken the long trip to the castle at Loyola, his recuperation was brutal and brought weakness and pain that almost led to his death.

Yet, during the long road to recovery, the eyes of his heart were opened enough that he surrendered his vain ideals of being a great soldier and frequent womanizer to become a pilgrim for Christ. Much more than the bones in his leg were shattered that day.

His dreams of being famous, well-dressed, rich and attractive to women were also destroyed. He was left empty to the point that Christ filled his heart, and his

life-long conversion began. His cannonball moment that took his fame, his vainglory, his wealthy position with many female friends, and almost took his life, led to his total surrender so that everything he would then think say and do would all be to the greater glory of God. On this 500th anniversary, it seems appropriate we pray for the grace to contemplate our own cannonball experience.

I know I have certainly been examining my own cannonball moment this year. What about you? Can you remember any experiences that changed the direction of your life’s journey (this is what the word repent really means), that you slowly, and maybe even unknowingly at first, became a pilgrim headed toward a love-relationship with God? Another way to ask this is: Did one event in your life affect your conversion experience to such an extent that it changed your relationship with God? This month would be a perfect time to look back over your life and see how God has used your experiences to bring you closer to him. Review your childhood and recall what images, statues, music, sacraments and people seemed to enhance your relationship with God. Then look at each decade in your 20’s, 30’s on up to your present age. Which experiences, prayer practices, outreach activities and people seemed to move you to offer what you do and who you are to God’s greater glory?

Next it is good to spend time with God on the not-so-obvious. God, show me those times when you changed my heart but I failed to notice. Show me those times when I thought I was doing something on my own but it was you all along. Show me those times when you protected me, healed me, forgave me, and always loved me.

From his spiritual exercises, Ignatius encourages us to ask: “What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What ought I do for Christ?”

The point here is to get in touch with God moving in our lives to such an extent, we get a sense of our own special calling from him to truly follow Christ.

Sometimes this can only happen following a shakeup, a catastrophe or a cannonball experience. It only happens when we find the freedom to let go of

everything that leads us away from God, and follow Christ to feed, clothe, shelter, heal, listen to and be with the outcasts, the helpless, the images of God we meet in everyday life.

On the surface, it may seem a little odd to celebrate the 500th anniversary of a debilitating, near-death experience of the crushing blow of a cannonball.

But when that experience changes the direction of your life; when that experience allows you to empty yourself of everything worldly; when that experience calms you to the quiet introspection that you realize God is moving and even dancing within you, it really is something to celebrate. So, what about you? What is your cannonball experience?

“This month would be a perfect time to look back over your life and see how God has used your experiences to bring you closer to him. Review your childhood and recall what images, statues, music, sacraments and people seemed to enhance your relationship with God. Then look at each decade in your 20’s, 30’s on up to your present age. Which experiences, prayer practices, outreach activities and people seemed to move you to offer what you do and who you are to God’s greater glory?”

SEPTEMBER 2021 19

daughters of the cross series

St. Mary’s Convent, 1872, seen from the rear, Daughters of the Cross Collection; Courtesy of Northwest Louisiana Archives at LSUS

yellow fever Patti Underwood

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he year is 1873. The Daughters of the Cross are operating five schools: Presentation Academy in Marksville, St. Joseph’s in Isle Brevelle, St. Hyacinthe’s in Monroe, St. Mary’s in Shreveport, and St. Vincent’s at Fairfield Hill, three miles from Shreveport. Mother Hyacinthe has been recalled three years prior from Relecq, France, where she has established a novitiate to supply Sisters for the American mission. In 1870, she lists 31 Sisters (of which nine are lay Sisters) and eight novices in America.

Hyacinthe sends her Sisters out to their schools to begin the term. Soon, reports are spreading of yellow fever in Shreveport. On September 9, she receives a message from Father Pierre of Holy Trinity requesting Sisters to help nurse the sick. There are two Sisters at St. Mary’s in Shreveport already, and she can send but three more.

Father Jean-Marie le Biler, a young relative of Mother Hyacinthe who has been the Sisters’ chaplain for the last two years and eight months, also receives a summons from Father Pierre. For the next three days he comes back to the convent only to sleep, say early Mass and eat a quick breakfast. On Saturday the 13th, Father Biler returns late with news that Father Pierre has fallen ill and Father Isidore Quemerais, his assistant at Holy Trinity, is exhausted. After a quick meal, he returns to Shreveport.

Early the next morning, he arrives at St. Vincent’s to say Sunday Mass, hear the Sisters renew their vows, and expose the Blessed Sacrament. Then he hurries back to Shreveport, promising to return in the evening for Every summer, the Sisters return to the motherhouse benediction. This time, when he returns, he relates that for vacation. In early September, 1873, Mother

20 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Father Quemerais is ill, as well. The next day, Monday, September 15, he makes a brief visit in the afternoon to report that Sister Marie Marthe Denes has fallen sick, and that he has given last rites to Father Quemerais. After a little nourishment, he rushes back to town to plan the funeral for Father Quemerais, who dies at 7 p.m.

is forced to go to bed. When Father Biler’s doctor finally arrives on Friday, the 26th, he gives the suffering priest just hours to live. Mother Hyacinthe cries out, “O, my God! Wilt Thou permit Thy servant to die without the Last Sacraments, him who has administered them to so many others…?” Her prayer is answered. Father Francois le Vezouet of Natchitoches appears just in time to assist On Tuesday, the 16th, he comes to St. Vincent’s at 11 p.m. Father Biler before he dies. Thus prepared, a euphoric to report that Father Pierre has died several hours earlier. Father Biler exclaims, “I am going to Heaven! Je vais After a quick meal he returns to Shreveport, refusing to au Ciel—Chan d’or Baradoz!” in English, French and rest. The next morning, as the Sisters at St. Vincent’s are Breton. reciting the Office of the Dead for Father Pierre, a note arrives stating, “Sister Marie Marthe died at 2 o’clock. If I Considering the prospect that Father le Vezouet, too, can, I shall go to perform the funeral at 11 o’clock. Biler, could fall ill and die, leaving the citizens without a priest, priest.” He does return, and the services for Sister Marie Mother Hyacinthe writes, “Fiat! Fiat!” On Wednesday, Marthe are held outside at the convent graveyard.

October 1, Father le Vezouet returns to the convent with news of Father Gergaud’s passing. Five days later, Sister Father Biler, now the only priest in a city with an estimated Rose of Lima Desselles dies at St. Mary’s. A novice, she eight or nine hundred sick residents, sends a telegram makes her vows on her deathbed, having proved herself to Father Louis Gergaud at St. Matthew’s in Monroe, a true Daughter of the Cross. Father le Vezouet follows requesting his help. Mother Hyacinthe writes Bishop his confreres to Heaven on October 8. He is assisted by Auguste Martin, pouring out her fears that there may Father James Duffo, S. J., and Father Charles Ferec, who soon be no priests to assist the dying. On Friday, the 19th, arrive just in time. They have come in response to the Mother Hyacinthe receives word that Sister Marie Angele desperate plea of Bishop Martin for priests from New Nedelec and Father Biler are sick at St. Mary’s. Since Orleans who have already had the fever. the staff at the rectory is also ill, the Sisters at St. Mary’s convert the convent to a hospital. The next day, Saturday, In another month, the epidemic is over. Three Daughters Father Gergaud arrives from Monroe. He administers of the Cross and five priests have given their lives caring Last Rites to Sister Angele, and on Sunday she and Father for the sick. Their selfless charity, based on the rock of Biler both rally. Father Biler is even allowed to return to their unshakable faith and radical trust in God, continues St. Vincent’s on Monday in a closed carriage. He recovers to amaze and inspire almost 150 years later. Today, a cause enough to write some letters and eat some chicken. But has been mounted for the canonization of the five martyr Sister Marie Angele succumbs on Tuesday, September 23, priests, and they have been named Servants of God. and that same night, Father Biler’s fever spikes.

After performing the funeral for Sister Angele at St. Vincent’s on Wednesday, Father Gergaud offers the Last Rites to Father Biler, but the sick priest declines. He expects to recover. Father Gergaud promises to return but is unable to do so; that very afternoon he comes down with the fever.

Meanwhile, Mother Hyacinthe is devoting every minute to the care of her younger relative. The doctor is summoned for Father Biler, but the first one to arrive is inebriated; the second, too young to inspire any confidence. The following day, Mother Hyacinthe, exhausted, falls ill and

Memorial to the Martyr Priests Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Shreveport

SEPTEMBER 2021 21

st. peter claver: the enduring call to love Carol Gates

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The second of our three diocesan patrons is Saint Peter Claver. Claver, born in Spain in 1580, decided to join the Jesuit Order at the age of 20 to serve as a priest and missionary. Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez, a lay brother who knew Claver well, told him that because of a message from God, he strongly encouraged him to devote his life to the call to minister in New Spain, the Americas. Claver volunteered to serve for the Spanish colonies and was sent to Cartagena, Colombia. Upon his arrival, he was horrified at the treatment and living 22 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

conditions of the black slaves being brought from Africa.

Slave trade of men and women suited for labor had been in the Americas for a century. One-third of those taken into slavery died in transit to America; Although banned by the popes (Paul III, Urban VIII), slavery was a lucrative business. Claver would meet the arriving slave ships and go into the hull to nurse, comfort and catechize the slaves. When the attempts to end slavery did not work, he dedicated his life to the continued care for and providing of the basic needs of the unjustly enslaved, often enlisting

bands of assistants to help in this cause. He also was found preaching in the city squares and at country missions, visiting the imprisoned, sick, and reaching out to traders and others, so that humane treatment would be given to the slaves.

Saint Peter Claver is known for his devotion to the African slaves. He catechized and baptized 300,000 people, mostly slaves, during four decades of ministry. This “Apostle to the Negroes” called himself “the slave of the slaves”. He died from the plague in 1654. The extent of his ministry, although not recognized during his lifetime, was realized after his death. Claver’s relics have been known to bring about many miracles. His body is preserved and venerated in the church of the Jesuit residence, now renamed in his honor in Cartagena, Colombia.

His mission is continued in our Knights and Ladies of Saint Peter Claver Society. The goal of this Catholic fraternal organization for African American men and women is Catholic action, apostolic works, community and civic action, as well as the development of youth, whose goals with the Ladies includes the providing of scholarships.

Lord, for love of you, St. Peter Claver became the faithful servant of slaves. Through his prayer, help us to see the true dignity of the human family, all children of one father and to spend ourselves for their salvation. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

Saint Peter Claver at a glance Name: Saint Peter Claver Feast day: September 9 Note: Spanish missionary priest, baptized 300,000 people, mostly African slaves, during his 40 years of ministry Patron: slaves, ministry/ missionary work among all African peoples Birth: June 26, 1580 Death: September 8, 1654 Beatified: by Pope Pius IX on July 20, 1850 Canonized: by Pope Leo XIII on January, 15, 1888

[from Novena to St. Peter Claver]

“We must speak to them with our hands by giving, before we try to speak to them with our lips.” -Saint Peter Claver SEPTEMBER 2021 23

hispanic news

Custodios de la Casa Común Rosalba Quiroz, Directora

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l siguiente artículo es producto de la Encíclica del Papa Francisco del 2015 pero es y siempre será muy pertinente ya que El Papa nos dice que “nuestro hogar común, la creación, no es un mero ‘recurso’” ya que “las criaturas tienen un valor en sí y reflejan, cada una a su manera, un rayo de la sabiduría y de la bondad infinitas de Dios” y para descubrir ese valor y ese rayo de luz divina necesitamos “silencio, escucha y contemplación” porque “también la contemplación cura el alma”.

El Papa dice que “naturalmente, podemos y debemos trabajar la tierra para vivir y desarrollarnos. Pero el trabajo no es sinónimo de explotación, y siempre va acompañado de cuidados: arar y proteger, trabajar y cuidar... Esta es nuestra misión”, nuestros hermanos y hermanas más pobres y nuestra madre tierra gimen por el daño y la injusticia que hemos causado y reclaman otro rumbo. Reclaman de nosotros una conversión, otro camino, cuidar la tierra, lo creado” por lo que es necesario “recuperar la dimensión contemplativa” ya

24 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

que “cuando contemplamos, descubrimos en los demás y en la naturaleza algo mucho más grande que su utilidad”.

“Hay una cosa que no debemos olvidar, quien no sabe contemplar la naturaleza, la creación, no sabe contemplar las personas... Si tú no sabes contemplar la naturaleza, será muy difícil contemplar la belleza de las personas”, advirtió el Papa.

En cambio, el Santo Padre destacó que “el que sabe contemplar, se pondrá más fácilmente manos a la obra para cambiar lo que produce degradación y daño a la salud” y “se comprometerá a educar y a promover nuevos hábitos de producción y consumo, a contribuir a un nuevo modelo de crecimiento económico que garantice el respeto de la casa común”…

El Papa dijo que el contemplar y el cuidar son las actitudes que “muestran el camino para corregir y reequilibrar nuestra relación como seres humanos con la creación” ya que “muchas veces nuestra relación con la creación parece una relación de enemigos… No olvidemos que esto se paga caro”.

Por ello, el Santo Padre exhortó a tener una “relación fraternal” para convertirnos en “custodios de la casa común, custodios de la vida y de la esperanza” y cuidar “el patrimonio que Dios nos ha confiado para que las futuras generaciones puedan disfrutarlo”.

Artículo parcialmente editado/copiado de la página de internet www.aciprensa.com https://www.aciprensa.com/noticias/papa-francisco-explicacual-es-el-mejor-antidoto-para-el-cuidado-de-la-casacomun-92556

Misas en Espanol 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 318.225.2870 Oficina Domingo 1:30pm Coordinadora: Luz Martinez 318.224.0980 NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL PEPETUO SOCORRO: FARMERVILLE Rev. Luis Jost, OFM Sabados 7:00 pm Coordinadora: Paola Gonalez 817.801.3499 STA MARIA DE LOS PINOS: SHREVEPORT Rev. Mark Watson 318.687.5121 Oficina Domingo 11:30am Coordinadora: Alma Mendoza 318.678.9306 SAGRADO CORAZON: OAK GROVE Domingo 5:00pm Coordinadora: Rosa Alviso 318.428.2137 SAN JOHN THE BAPTIST, MANY Rev. Francis Kamau, FMH 318-256-5680 Oficina • primer domingo del mes 5:00pm SAN PABLO: MINDEN 2do Domingo 4:00pm Coordinadora: Dora Rodriguez 870-904-9137 SAN JOSE: MANSFIELD 3er Domingo 3:00pm Coordinadora: Tere Perez 318.680.1257

CONTACTO DIOCESANO: Rosalba Quiroz, Directora 318.219.7265 rquiroz@dioshpt.org

Maria Ivelis Sanchez, Secretaria 318.219.7257 isanchez@dioshpt.org

Por el Obispo - Septiembre Cuando se dio a conocer la noticia de que había sido nombrado Obispo de Shreveport, tuve una conversación muy agradable con mi predecesor, El Obispo Duca, sobre mi nuevo hogar y algunas de mis nuevas responsabilidades como Obispo. Me dijo muchas cosas maravillosas sobre su antiguo hogar aquí entre ustedes, pero también me dijo que, “¡conduciría mucho!”

Realmente no me molesta conducir, y de esa manera he descubierto la belleza de nuestra Diócesis, y aunque hay mucho territorio por recorrer, hay mucha belleza.

Sin embargo, no tardé en darme cuenta que Luisiana tiene algunas personas que no aprecian la belleza natural del Estado. Una de las cosas que he notado es la gran cantidad de basura en las carreteras y los trabajadores (probablemente gente del sistema penal) que caminan por las carreteras y “embolsan” la basura para recogerla.

En un viaje, traté de contar la cantidad de bolsas de basura, pero pronto se convirtió en una distracción excesiva. ¿Por qué escribiría su obispo su en esta revista sobre un tema como tirar basura? Porque sé que hasta el Santo Padre está preocupado de cómo tratamos el ambiente en el que

vivimos, tanto que nos ha pedido que cuidemos el mundo que nos rodea, que lo respetemos, que tomemos la decisión personal de no tirar basura, de ser conscientes de que este mundo y su medio ambiente, Él nos lo ha “prestado”: para disfrutar de su belleza y proteger nuestros recursos naturales para que otros también los disfruten.

Esta atención da paso a un estilo de vida bueno y positivo donde temas como el reciclaje son bienvenidos, donde la preocupación por la contaminación de nuestro medio ambiente nos impulsa a abogar por el aire, agua, bosques, valles y carreteras más limpios.

Algunos podrían pensar que mantener el medio ambiente como tema de discusión en toda la diócesis no es tan importante como los temas que parecen ser exclusivamente teológicos.

Sin embargo, sugiero que cuidar el mundo que el Señor nos ha dado requiere que nos veamos a nosotros mismos como administradores de los bienes que nos ha confiado. Sé que quiere que amemos lo que Él ha creado.

Calendario de Septiembre, 2021 25 26

2ª Reunión en preparación para Búsqueda, 11am-4pm. Centro Católico.

Reunión Mensual en preparación para Retiro Experiencia Cristo, 9am- 12pm. Cristo Rey. SEPTEMBER 2021 25

School News 26 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Free Meals for Students Good News from USDA for School Year 2021-2022!

The United States Department of Agriculture has continued Free Meal benefits for all our students for the entire 2021-2022 school year.

Once again this is an unprecedented move to help ensure no matter what the situation is on the ground that children have access to nutritious food as the country continues to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Yes, your child’s school meals are MySchoolBucks smartphone app to FREE for the 2021-2022 school year! monitor your child’s account, it’s free!

Simply set up a free account using The only need for money on a your child’s name and birthday. Alerts child’s lunch account is for extra can be set when monies become sale purchases. Extra sale items must depleted. be purchased and includes second servings of all menu items, juice, Thank You, water, healthy snack chips and ice Sr. Carol Shively, OSU creams. Prices are listed on the CNP Superintendent website Sr. Ann Middlebrooks, SEC Associate Superintendent Please use the My School Bucks website www.myschoolbucks or the

If you have any questions about the Diocese of Shreveport Child Nutrition Program or need assistance, please contact our office at (318) 219-7298.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

SEPTEMBER 2021 27

A Legacy of Learning, a Lifetime of Faith: SJS Celebrates 70th Anniversary During the Year of Saint Joseph Polly Maciulski, 5th-8th grade Religion This September, Saint Joseph Catholic School will celebrate our 70th anniversary. God has blessed our school in countless ways over the past seven decades, and perhaps one of the most unique blessings is our ability to celebrate it during this Year of Saint Joseph. Parish and school staff have been collaborating all year to make this year truly unique, and we are excited about this fall’s events.

On the actual anniversary of the school, Friday, September 17th, Bishop Malone will celebrate our school Mass at 8:15 a.m. The school day events are still in the works, but it will be a daylong commemoration to allow students to participate in the festivity and learn about the history of their school. That evening will

28 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

include an adults-only event for alumni, former faculty and other members of the SJS family in the St. Joseph School Activity Center.

A social hour will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner, catered by Shaver’s, to follow at 7 p.m. Individual tickets are available for $50 and Table Sponsors are available (eight tickets) for $500. All net proceeds benefit the St. Joseph School Annual Fund and the Monsignor Murray Clayton Scholarship Fund, a scholarship assistance fund for children who want to attend SJS. Msgr. Clayton was a beloved pastor of SJS, who understood the impact of a Catholic education on a young life. After his passing in 2015, a scholarship fund was created to

provide the opportunity for more children in our area to benefit from a Catholic education. Our current pastor, Fr. Matthew Long says, “When you make a donation to the Msgr. Murray Clayton Scholarship Fund, your generosity is something which the Lord takes very seriously because you are not simply writing a check - you are changing the life of a child forever.” Undoubtedly, many of the memories our alums share include “Father Clayton” and the love he had for the children who were blessed with an education at SJS. Whether you are able to attend the anniversary evening or not, we invite you to prayerfully consider making a gift to this fund, to make Catholic education a reality for more children.

Alumni Event For alumni, former faculty, and other members of the SJS family (adults-only) Saint Joseph Activity Center Social Hour 6 pm Dinner 7 pm ((catered by Shavers) Individual Tickets $50 Table Sponsor (8 people) $500 All net proceeds benefit the St. Joseph School Annual Fund and the Monsignor Murray Clayton Scholarship Fund, a scholarship assistance fund for children who want to attend SJS.

Save the Date for Falcon Fest!

On Saturday, October 23, we will have a family-friendly celebration called “Falcon Fest” on the grounds of SJS. It will be a fall carnival with games, rides, live music and great food. More details will come soon, but if you are looking for a fall carnival to enjoy with family not just school families - we invite you to join us.

You also may have noticed a change in our logo or crest: our school colors have returned to the original combination of navy, green and white. At some point in our history, red, white and black were introduced with the athletic program, but the Year of Saint Joseph and our 70th anniversary seemed like the perfect time to bring back the “old school” colors and we love the result!

On Saturday, October 23, we will have a family-friendly celebration called “Falcon Fest” on the grounds of SJS. It will be a fall carnival with games, rides, live music and great food. More details will come soon, but if you are looking for a fall carnival to enjoy with family - not just school families - we invite you to join us.

Yearlong celebrations like this are rare, and SJS is doing our best to make the most of it. If you are an alumni of St. Joseph Catholic School, we want to hear from you! Please send your name, year of graduation and email address to alumni@sjsfalcons.org so we can keep in touch. It’s a great time to be a Falcon!

SEPTEMBER 2021 29

Loyola Preps Students for College from Freshman to Senior Year Jordan Harris, Loyola College Prep Director of Communications From the time a student applies to Loyola through their senior year, Loyola College Prep works to help prepare all students for college. It’s in our name and woven in all aspects of our students’ high school experience.

We align our curriculum to National College Readiness Standards and educate our students so they meet those benchmark standards. We focus on tests that measure college readiness.

Not only do the teachers at Loyola form their curriculum with college prep as the cornerstone of their planning, but students are supported throughout their high school career by Glad Alexander, College Placement Director, Susan Hymel, Director of Guidance and Counseling, and Stephanie Johnson, Assistant Principal of Academics.

These three women provide personal accommodations to each student at Loyola and prepare them for college.

Our goal is to not only see our students succeed once they leave high school, but we also want to help alleviate the stress of planning and preparing for college.

FRESHMAN YEAR

Loyola is proud to have the premiere college readiness software for our faculty, students and family. Naviance College Engagement Tool is used 30 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Bishop Malone and graduate, Mary Elise Stari

throughout our student’s high school career and proves to be invaluable in preparing for the college admissions process. During their freshman year, students learn how to explore this software and familiarize themselves with it.

All freshmen take the Pre-ACT test.

This test is aligned to the ACT’s National College Readiness standards and tests freshmen in the same areas they will be tested on for the ACT - English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. This test gives an ACT predicted score range and helps students on what they need to work on. It also tells us which students are on track to meet their college readiness benchmarks and which ones are going to need some extra assistance. This way our faculty can

better serve our students for their individual needs. Since the Pre-ACT test is given in the fall and spring, it helps give our faculty a snapshot to help monitor students growth and progress throughout the school year and what they need to continue to do to be college ready.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

By their sophomore year, students are discovering their academic strengths and study styles. We believe that the sophomore year is an excellent opportunity to help our students uncover what career path might be best suited for them and examine what college major would be needed for their future. Exploring these options early helps set our students up for success in college.

During the sophomore year students

take both the PSAT and the Pre-ACT. The PSAT identifies students who are thriving, those who require greater challenges in the classroom and those who require additional academic support. These scores help us make informed decisions about curriculum and what enhancements we need to make to continue to meet students’ needs. The PSAT also gives students an AP Potential score which tells which AP courses a student is likely to be successful in - a tool we use in scheduling students for our many AP courses!

All Juniors take the PSAT again at the beginning of the school year.

This helps us continue to track and monitor students’ progress. The PSAT also enters our students in the National Merit Scholarship competition. Each year, we have students who move forward in this competition, and this year we had five seniors who were National Merit Commended Scholars who may be notified in the Fall of semi-finalist status.

them through the application process and follows up through high school graduation on their college choice and any scholarships they received.

Students go into their senior year prepared and ready for the college application process with more confidence and less stress because of the personal attention and preparation they received.

SENIOR YEAR

Juniors also take the ACT during the spring. This gives them the opportunity to test at their own school in a familiar environment with familiar people, which allows many students to lessen their test anxiety and reach a higher score.

One of the most unique opportunities at Loyola is the service offered by Glad Alexander where she meets one on one with seniors to discuss college options, college application process, financial assistance, scholarships, and everything they may need to prepare for their senior year.

Typically, juniors have a day outside of routine classes to learn more about JUNIOR YEAR Junior year is when students put their the college application process at our practice to the test! Many students College Readiness Bootcamp led by take the ACT or SAT for the first Glad Alexander. This is a time for the time. We do offer an ACT test in the students to learn about applications, spring for those who might not have deadlines, essays, and finding scholarships and financial aid to had the opportunity. help pay for college. She then walks

Glad continues to meet with students throughout the year to follow up and assist with any application or scholarship questions. At the end of the school year, seniors officially announce their college choice at a special ceremony. This is a time for students, faculty, and parents to celebrate together.

Sophomores also take the Pre-ACT again in the spring, which allows us to track the progress they’ve made toward meeting their college readiness benchmarks from their freshman year.

Our goal is to not only see our students succeed once they leave high school, but we also want to help alleviate the stress of planning and preparing for college.

SEPTEMBER 2021 31

Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans School News Benjamin Luckett, SJB Director of Communications

Right on the heels of the beginning of school, St. John Berchmans Catholic School commemorated our patron saint’s 400th anniversary into heaven on August 13th with our first Mass of the school year concelebrated by Bishop Malone, Father Mangum, and Father Daigle. Students, new and old, were able to experience the power of the Mass as well as were provided with encouragement from Bishop Malone on their schooling. Afterwards, Father Mangum and Father Daigle displayed relics of Saint John Berchmans for all of the students to revere, followed by the blessing of their classrooms by Father Mangum.

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In other news, as you may know we have recently switched our middle school class schedule to block scheduling in order to prepare our students for high school as well as offering them the opportunity to earn high school credits before starting high school. So far, that transition and scheduling has been quite the success!

Looking forward to the month of September, we will be welcoming new leaders in our classroom after students have had the chance to run for various leadership positions on our student council. After the elections, our council will be inducted on September

3rd. Later in the month, we will be celebrating Grandparents Day on September 10th with our students singing to their grandparents as well as gifting them crafts (stay tuned on Facebook for the cute pictures). Last but not least, to congratulate our junior high students, we will also be inducting our students into the National Junior Honor Society based on their academic achievements.

This year is panning out quite well for St. John Berchmans, and we can’t wait to share it with you when it happens!

Saint Frederick Catholic High School News Rebecca Leaumont, St. Frederick High School

The adoration chapel at St. Frederick High School has received a beautiful gift: a new tabernacle! Father Fidel Mondragon from Christ the King Catholic Church in Bossier City has made this wonderful donation to St. Frederick High School. We look forward to many years of enjoying this lovely tabernacle.

Thank you Father Fidel!

St. Frederick High School Student Council is geared up for the upcoming school year. They hosted a fun filled Olympic themed lock-in for all new students. Incoming students were divided into small groups and each group’s attire and flag portrayed the country they were representing. Students enjoyed pizza, socializing and participating in various games as well as a scavenger hunt to locate classrooms around campus.

SEPTEMBER 2021 33

around the diocese

Meet your gold medal Saint Jude Olympics Team!

St.Vincent de Paul Conference from St. Pius X worked at the June 19 Sunflower Festival selling pulled pork and chopped brisket sandwiches to raise funds for those in need!

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat November 5-7, 2021

If you or someone you love is hurting from an abortion, please call 318-588-1064 for information, or visit the website at www.rachelsvineyard.org. Absolute confidentiality is maintained by team members and participants prior to, during, and following a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. A Rachel’s Vineyard retreat in Spanish is scheduled in the spring of 2022.

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Seminarian Tristan Frisk giving a reflection at a Thursday Mass at his summer assignment at Sacred Heart Parish, Rayville.

Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal What shall I return to the Lord? ( ) $15,000 ( ) $10,000 ( ) $7,500 ( ) $5,000 ( ) Other $

( ) $3,500 ( ) $2,000 ( ) $1,500 ( ) $1,000

( ) $800 ( ) $750 ( ) $650 ( ) $500

( ) $400 ( ) $350 ( ) $300 ( ) $250

( ) $200 ( ) $150 ( ) $100

Please list below any special intentions or requests for which you would like prayer assistance:

Enclosed is a pledge payment of: $ for year 2021.

Please make checks payable to Diocese of Shreveport Name Address City/State/Zip Church

Diocese of Shreveport 3500 Fairifeld Ave Shreveport, LA 71104 Or donate online at www.dioshpt.org

Seminarian Burses Thanks to our Recent Donors: (008) (022) (019) (019) (029) (019) (020) (015) (020) (020) (022) (030) (030) (030) (018)

Mr. & Mrs. William O. Walker ($100) Mrs. Suzanne Broussard ($100) W.A. & E.S. Glenn ($600) Mr. & Mrs. James W. Coburn ($980) Ms. Mary L. Rivers ($100) Leigh G. Crump ($100) Mrs. Rosemary C. Ward ($1000) Mr. & Mrs. Aaron L. Lirette ($150) Mr. Richard Ward ($300) Chris A. Ward ($300) Rhonda Reed ($250) Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cobb ($1000) Mr. Joseph W. Littlejohn ($1000) Mr. & Mrs. Heinz H. Huester ($1000) Charles & Nadalie Thomas ($100)

(001)2 Dr. George & Sandra Bakowski Foundation ($100) (002) Dr. George & Sandra Bakowski Foundation ($100) (031) Diane D. Spears ($10000) Completed Burses: (001) (006) (010) (011) (012) (013) (014)

Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #1 ($10000) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #1 ($10000) Memory of Rita Scott from the John Scott Family Burse ($10000) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #1 ($10000) Jack E. Caplis, Jr., Memorial Burse ($10000) Mary Evans Caplis Burse ($10000) Bob & Peggy Semmes Memorial Burse ($10000)

(026)

Sheryl Seal Sweeney Memorial Burse ($10000) (027) Rev. Richard Lombard Memorial Burse ($10000) (027) Rev. Richard Lombard Memorial Burse #2 ($10000) (031) Pearl Heck & Leona Boudreaux Memorial Burse ($10000) Incomplete Burses: (001) (002) (003) (004) (005)

Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #2 ($1250) Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($3050) Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1650) Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Burse ($950)

(006) (007) (008) (009)

(011) (015) (016) (017)

(018) (019)

Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #2 ($3832.12) Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($1200) St. Jude Parish Burse ($6118) St. John Berchmans Knights of Columbus Council 10728 Burse ($1550) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #2 ($3404) Bishop’s Seminarian Burse ($2910) Elaine Malloy Frantz Memorial Burse ($1000) Msgr. George Martinez Knights of Columbus Council 1337 Burse ($7521.57) Knights of St. Peter Claver Council 144 Burse ($980) Margaret Glenn Memorial Burse ($7385)

(020) Dr. James V. Ward Memorial Burse ($6515) (021) Rev. Edmund “Larry” Niehoff Memorial Burse ($2000) (022) Rev. Blane O’Neil, OFM Memorial Burse ($600) (023) Msgr. Edmund J. Moore Memorial Burse ($1020) (024) Rev. Joseph Puthupally Memorial Burse ($1100) (025) Kathleen Hightower Memorial Burse ($400) (028) Friends-n-Faith Burse ($300) (029) Rev. Kenneth Williams Memorial Burse ($100) (030) Ottis and Anne Krupa Littlejohn Memorial Burse ($3000)

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

Interested in contributing to or establishing a burse?

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

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

SEPTEMBER 2021 35

CATHOLIC CONNECTION DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

•

Shreveport, LA 71104

36 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

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.