Bayou Catholic Magazine September 2020

Bayou

Catholic

The official magazine of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Catholic schools: Navigating a safe return to classrooms SEPTEMBER 2020 ~ VOL. 41 NO. 3 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

2 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

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Contents

Features 32 Diocese remains active during pandemic

By Janet Marcel

Columns 8

Comfort For My People

By Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

12

Pope Speaks

Pope Francis I

13

Questions of Faith

By Father Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L.

14

Readings Between the Lines

By Father Glenn LeCompte

30

Reading With Raymond

By Raymond Saadi

42 Overtime

By Ed Daniels

In Every Issue 6

From the Editor

16

Scripture Readings

20

Daily Prayer for Priests, Deacons and Seminarians

26

Heavenly Recipes

28

Youth In Action

Guest Column 24

Adult female altar servers

By Father Glenn LeCompte

Announcements On Our Cover

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Catholic schools of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux returned to in-class instruction the second week of August with COVID-19 specific regulations in place. Pictured is a classroom at St. Mary’s Nativity School in Raceland. Christie Foret, fourth and fifth grade math, science and religion teacher instructs her students while practicing social distancing.

4 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

41

Blue Mass, Sept. 29

41

Eucharistic Procession Oct. 3

Bayou Catholic Heavenly Recipes How to reach us:

BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132

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BY MAIL: P.O. Box 505 Schriever, LA 70395

BY FAX: (985) 850-3232

BY E-MAIL: bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

Glenda Blanchar

The Bayou Catholic is published monthly, for the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux by the H-T Publishing Co., P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395.

Subscription rate is $35 per year.

Glenda Cooks a:

SEAFOOD DELIGHT

The Bayou Catholic is a member of the Catholic Press Association, the National Newspaper Association and an associate member of the Louisiana Press Association.

Shrimp ‘n

Lawrence Chatagnier

editor and general manager

INGREDIENTS: April LeBouef

business manager 1quart large shrimp with hulls (h

Season shrimp liberally with salt, Janet Marcel Cajun seasonings and Worcest staff writer/administrative assistant 1/4 cup green onion, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped Lisa Schobel Hebert graphic 1/2designer bell pepper, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped Meridy Liner 2 tbsp. minced garlic accounts receivable/payable assistant 8 oz. sliced baby Portabella mush 3/4 lb. butter, cubed This month’s heavenly recipe, Shrimp ‘n Wine, comes 1 cup of your favorite wine from Holy Savior parishioner Glenda Blanchard. A native of Lockport, Glenda attended Holy Savior School and DIRECTIONS: graduated from Holy Savior High School in 1972, which seasoned shrimp in a sh Like usPlace on Facebook was the last graduating class before the school closed. She or seasonings and mushroom Spread now lives in Mathews with her husband Jesse. Glenda loves Find us ontender the web seasoning is preferred, more to cook. She says that she learned to cook by watching her www.bayoucatholic.org before adding to shrimp). Add wine parents. “This recipe comes from my father. He was a very Place in oven at 350 degrees fo good cook. My mother was also a very good cook. WhileWhere to find your Bayou (Cooking timeCatholic may vary). Turn ov magazine can in be bowls found with hot F I love to make a gumbo, I can’t make one as good as myBayou Catholic minutes.

Serve at all Catholic churches and Catholic schools in sauce. mother used to cook.” throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

To pick up a copy, you may also visit the The Blanchards enjoy having their children and merchants who advertise in our issue. Those grandchildren come over and enjoy some home cooked wishing to receive the magazine by mail can Cajun meals. Glenda’s hobby is yard work. She is proudcall of Janet Marcel at (985) 850-3132 or write to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box her “Cajun garden” where she grows zucchini, 505, Schriever, LA 70395. bell peppers, green onions, shallots, parsley and Subscription price is $35 annually. For the online edition, tomatoes. go to www.bayoucatholic.com The Blanchards are active members of Holy Savior Church in Lockport. Jesse was recently September 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 5 honored with the Diocesan Service Award for

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From the Editor

We’re everywhere!

Bayou

Catholic

The official magazine of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Catholic schools: Navigating a safe return to classrooms SEPTEMBER 2020 ~ VOL. 41 NO. 3 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

Find us...

In churches and local advertisers

Here we are in September. We are six months in on a worldwide pandemic that has changed the way of life for virtually everyone. The pandemic also made us change the way we communicated the Good News to the Catholic faithful of the diocese.

With the closing of churches, schools and businesses we had to figure out a way to reach our readers in another medium besides print.

Fortunately, social media was the answer. Facebook and the Bayou Catholic’s web presence on the diocesan website became our main form of communication. It didn’t make sense to print a magazine if the main point of distribution (the churches) was not available. Like many church parishes in the diocese the Bayou Catholic began sharing Facebook posts of news and events happening across the diocese. We even stepped up our web presence and were able to post news and

Bayou Catholic Like and Share us... with family and friends

events in a fluid manner with daily additions to the Bayou Catholic’s webpage.

For those who may not have known that we were communicating via social media, just check us out on Facebook or the diocesan website for anything you may have missed out on in the past few months.

It is really good to be in print again. I would like to thank those who support our publication, our advertisers, our readers and of course our bishop, because without his support this publication would not be possible.

If there is one thing the pandemic taught us, it is that we cannot rely on our old ways of communication.

I am excited to be part of “a new season for communications” for the diocese. Diocesan communications has been reorganized to further enhance intentional communication to the Catholic faithful. Jon Toups, chief operating and financial officer for the diocese, recently announced that the work of the Office of Communications will now be served through the management of Internal Communications, Media and Public Relations; HT Publishing and Bayou Catholic Magazine; and Creative Media and Strategy. These three arms of communication will work together to effectively and creatively communicate the message of our

6 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

Follow us... on www.bayoucatholic.org

bishop, our church parishes, our Catholic schools, Catholic Charities and all other diocesan initiatives and ministries.

Plans for the Bayou Catholic include an expanded web page which will offer our readers information and articles in a timely manner. The webpage will be visually appealing and a resource for Catholic news and events on a local as well as a much broader scale. We will continue to utilize our Facebook presence to communicate with those who engage in that platform.

The magazine will offer the usual insightful articles, columns and news. In addition, there will be inspirational faith filled stories from parishioners across the diocese and special features highlighting the good works of those who minister in the diocese.

In all, the future looks bright for communications in the diocese.

Remember, after reading Bayou Catholic, pass it on to a friend or relative who might not be attending Mass. It’s one of the great ways to do your part in spreading the Good News! BC

Lawrence

Lawrence Chatagnier Editor & General Manager

Church Life

‘Love Just Works’

In March of this year, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux’s parish social ministry sponsored a day of listening, learning, loving and living entitled “20/20 Love Vision,” at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever for church parish outreach team members as well as those discerning how to serve the poor and vulnerable in their communities.

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre opened the gathering with a prayer while recognizing the work that the participants do in their various social ministries in the diocese. He reiterated that social ministry is part of the church and the strategic plan of the diocese, and is very dear to him as it is to Pope Francis.

Speakers included Father P.J. Madden, Father Joe Krafft, Deacon Kevin Carges and Matt Rousso.

Various topics were covered including social justice and faithful citizenship; opting for the poor and befriending the poor; the global impact of Catholic Relief Services collections, the call to act in love, best practices for outreach, the story of “Antigone” by Sophocles, human identity and the importance of faithful prayer; family faith altars in the home, and the need for the frequent practice of forgiveness as social ministers.

More than 40 people attended the “20/20 Love Vision” gathering and 12 parishes were represented.

A survey conducted at the retreat, says Agnes Bitature, associate director of Parish Social Ministry, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux, found that the diocese needs to invite more people to join social ministries and that the unmet needs in the diocese include shelters for the homeless, especially for women; ministry to the sick and elderly, and more comprehensive approaches that move from relief to integrated individual human development, among others. BC

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

September 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 7

Comment

St. Peter Claver: ‘Apostle to the slaves’ Comfort For My People Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

As we enter into the month of September, there is an important saint whose faith and life we celebrate early in the month. St. Peter Claver, the son of a farmer, was born in Verdu, Spain, in the year 1581. At the age of 20, he entered the Society of Jesus, commonly called the Jesuits. While studying philosophy, Peter Claver was constantly encouraged

by Alphonsus Rodriguez, the saintly door keeper of the college where Peter Claver was studying, to travel to and evangelize the Spanish colonies in the Americas.

Accepting his religious order’s charge to assist in evangelization efforts in the area, in 1610, Peter Claver arrived in Cartagena, Colombia, which was the chief African slave market in the world.

It would be in Cartagena that St. Peter Claver would become known as “the apostle to the slaves” and the “slave of the slaves” because for 44 years St. Peter Claver would serve their needs.

One thousand slaves a month arrived in Cartagena.

Upon their arrival, St. Peter Claver would meet the slave ships and go down into the hold of the ships where he witnessed the great suffering of the people held there. St. Peter Claver would seek to meet the immediate medical needs of those in the hold of the ships who had endured great emotional and physical suffering in the journey across the ocean.

While St. Peter Claver’s ministry to slaves was indeed far more encompassing than only assisting them at the point of their arrival by ship, this initial outreach as they arrived by ship has become in many instances

the enduring symbol of his larger ministry among the slaves. However, St. Peter Claver’s ministry was more expansive than just meeting the slaves upon their arrival because he would also continually seek to meet the physical and spiritual needs of those in the slave camps. In the camps, St. Peter Claver would provide for their medical and other physical needs as well as seek to meet their spiritual needs by offering catechesis in the Catholic faith.

In response to St. Peter Claver’s efforts in catechesis, it is reported that St. Peter Claver baptized over 300,000 slaves over the course of his many years of service in Cartagena. In the wider community, St. Peter Claver would also serve as an advocate for the slaves before the slave traders. For his enduring ministry among the slaves, St. Peter Claver would be rejected and ostracized by others. In the end, while St. Peter Claver of his own power could not suppress the slave trade, he could alleviate some of its suffering, and St. Peter Claver would continually attempt to do so until his death on Sept. 8, 1654. St. Peter Claver was canonized as a saint on Jan. 15, 1888, by Pope Leo XIII. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has declared the Feast of St. Peter Claver, Sept.

9, to be a day of prayer for peace in our communities. In these days when our country continues to struggle to overcome racism and to achieve greater harmony and understanding between people of different races, I am asking that we keep Sept. 9, the Feast of St. Peter Claver, as a Day of Prayer and Fasting for this purpose.

In addition to prayer and fasting, I strongly encourage you, if you have

8 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

not already done so, to download and read the recent USCCB Pastoral Letter Against Racism entitled Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love. You can download a free copy of the pastoral letter at usccb.org/racism. There are also other resources on the website that can assist in reflection and prayer on this day, as well as ways that we can actively engage in responding to the evil and sin of racism.

On Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m., we will celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma for the Feast of St. Peter Claver, praying in a special way for peace and healing. I invite you to join me in fasting, prayer and worship on Sept. 9, begging the Lord to strengthen our resolve and to bless our efforts to end racism and bring about greater peace in our communities, and greater harmony among people of different races. Through the intercession of St. Peter Claver, may God grant success to our efforts! BC

Comentario

San Pedro Claver: ‘Apóstol de los esclavos’ Al entrar al mes de septiembre, hay un santo importante cuya fe y vida celebramos a principios del mes. San Pedro Claver, hijo de campesinos, nació en Verdú, España, en el año 1581. A la edad de 20 años, entró a la Compañía de Jesús, conocida como los Jesuitas.

Mientras estudiaba filosofía, Pedro Claver estuvo constantemente animado por Alfonso Rodríguez, el santo portero del colegio donde Pedro Claver estaba estudiando, para viajar y evangelizar las colonias españolas de las Américas.

Aceptando el cargo de su orden religiosa para ayudar en los esfuerzos de evangelización en el área, en 1610, Pedro Claver llegó a Cartagena, Colombia, donde era el mercado principal mundial de los esclavos africanos. Sería en Cartagena donde San Pedro Claver sería conocido como el “apóstolo de los esclavos” y el “esclavo de los esclavos” porque por 44 años San Pedro Claver les serviría en sus necesidades. Mil esclavos al mes llegaban a Cartagena.

A su llegada, San Pedro Claver se encontraba con los barcos de esclavos y bajaba a sostener los barcos donde era testigo del gran sufrimiento que tenía la gente ahí. San Pedro Claver buscaba atender inmediatamente a sus necesidades médicas de todos aquellos que estaban en los barcos y quienes padecían un gran sufrimiento emocional y físico en su viaje a través del océano.

Mientras San Pedro Claver servía a los esclavos fue de hecho más allá que sólo atenderlos a momento de su llegada en barco, el acercamiento inicial cuando llegaban por barco llegó a ser, en muchas instancias, símbolo perdurable de su mayor ministerio entre los esclavos.

Sin embargo, el ministerio de San Pedro Claver fue más extenso que sólo encontrarse con los esclavos a su llegada porque continuaría buscando atender a sus necesidades físicas y espirituales de aquellos esclavos en los campos. En los campos, San Pedro Claver atendió a sus necesidades médicas y otras necesidades físicas, así

como también asistió a sus necesidades espirituales ofreciéndoles catequesis de la fe católica.

En respuesta a los esfuerzos en la catequesis de San Pedro Claver, se reportó que San Pedro Claver bautizó a más de 300,000 esclavos sobre el curso de muchos años de servicio en Cartagena. En la comunidad más amplia, San Pedro Claver también

mantengamos el 9 de septiembre, Fiesta de San Pedro Claver, como un Día de Oración y Ayuno por este propósito.

Además de orar y ayunar, los animo fuertemente, y si no estás listo todavía para hacerlo, a descargar y leer la reciente carta pastoral sobre el racismo de USCCB titulado Abramos Nuestros Corazones: el incesante llamado al

sirvió como defensor de los esclavos ante los vendedores de esclavos.

Por su perdurable ministerio entre los esclavos, San Pedro Claver fue rechazado y excluido por otros. Al final, mientras San Pedro Claver por sus propias fuerzas no pudo suprimir el mercado de esclavos, él pudo aliviar algunos de sus sufrimientos, y San Pedro Claver continuó intentando hacerlo hasta su muerte que fue el 8 de septiembre de 1654. San Pedro Claver fue canonizado como santo el 15 de enero de 1888 por el Papa Leo XIII. La Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB por sus siglas en inglés) ha declarado la Fiesta de San Pedro Claver el 9 de septiembre como un día de oración por la paz en nuestras comunidades.

En estos días cuando nuestro país continúa batallando para vencer el racismo y lograr una mayor armonía y entendimiento entre personas de diferentes razas, les pido que

amor. Puedes descargar una copia gratuita de la carta pastoral en usccb. org/racismo. Ahí también hay otros recursos en el sitio de la red que pueden ayudar a la reflexión y oración de ese día, así como también maneras en que podemos participar activamente en responder al mal y el pecado del racismo.

El miércoles 9 de septiembre a las 7:00 p.m. celebraremos la misa en la Catedral San Francisco de Sales en Houma por la fiesta de San Pedro Claver, orando de manera especial por la paz y sanación. Te invito a unirte conmigo en el ayuno, oración y alabanza el 9 de septiembre, implorando al Señor fortaleza nuestra determinación y bendiga nuestros esfuerzos para terminar con el racismo y traer mayor paz a nuestras comunidades, y mayor armonía entre las personas de diferentes razas. Por intercesión de San Pedro Claver, que el Señor nos conceda el éxito a nuestros esfuerzos. BC

10 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

Binh luan bang loi

Thánh Phêrô Claver, ‘Tông Đồ cho Người Nô Lệ’ Bước vào tháng 9 chúng ta nhận ra một vị thánh quan trọng mà đức tin cùng với đời sống của ngài được tôn kính vào đầu tháng. Thánh Phêrô Claver là con của một nông dân, sinh ra tại Verdu, Tây Ban Nha vào năm 1581.

Khi bước vào tuổi 20 Thánh Nhân được nhận vào Hội Dòng Chúa Giêsu, mệnh danh là Dòng Tên. Khi còn đang là thầy triết học, Thánh Phêrô Claver được sự khuyến khích của vị thánh tương lai là Alphonsus Rodriguez, vị thánh lo việc giao tế ngay tại trường mà thầy đang học triết đi truyền giáo ở thuộc địa mà Tây Ban Nha đang làm chủ ở Châu Mỹ.

Sau khi nhận được chỉ thị từ bề trên đi truyền giáo vào năm 1610 Thầy Phêrô Claver đặt chân lên Cartagena, Columbia, nơi đó cũng là tâm điểm mua bán nô lệ người Phi Châu trên thế giới.

Cũng tại Cartagena, cha Phêrô Claver trở thành “tông đồ cho người nô lệ” và “tôi tớ của người nô lệ” vì trong suốt 44 thánh Phêrô Claver phục vụ cho họ. Có tới cả ngàn nô lệ đặt chân lên Cartegena mỗi tháng. (ghi chú: Sau sáu năm học thần học trên miền đất mới thầy được chịu chức linh mục).

Sau khi các tàu vừa cập bến thánh Phêrô đã chờ sẵn và xuống hầm gặp những người nô lệ đang bị nhốt dưới đó, nơi đó ngài cũng nhìn tận mắt sự đau khổ của họ. Ngay lập tức ngài phục vụ cho họ bằng băng bó vết thương và an ủi những người nô lệ vì họ đã trải qua đoạn đường dài từ Phi Châu tới Mỹ Châu cả về tinh thần lẫn thể xác.

Có thể nói phục vụ mà thánh Phêrô làm cho người nô lệ không chỉ đơn thuần là thu hẹp trong phạm vi ở bến tàu, là giúp người nô lệ khi họ mới tới nhưng công việc mục vụ đó có tầm ảnh hưởng lớn hơn cho công việc mục vụ của ngài sau này giữa những người nô lệ. Đúng vậy, mục vụ mà Thánh Phêrô Claver không chỉ thu hẹp trong phạm vi khi họ vừa đặt chân lên đất liền mà ngài vẫn tiếp tục tìm kiếm và phục vụ cho họ về thể lý và linh thiêng sau khi

đã được bán vào các nông trại. Trong các nông trại Thánh Phêrô Claver cung cấp cho người nô lệ dịch vụ y khoa và sự cần thiết thể lý khác cũng như phần linh thiêng như dạy giáo lý Công Giáo.

Hoa trái mà thánh Phêrô Claver đạt được qua sự tận tâm của mình theo ghi chép là ngài đã rửa tội cho trên 300,000 người trong những năm tháng ngài làm

Phêrô Claver, ăn chay cầu nguyện cho ý chỉ đó.

Cộng thêm với việc cầu nguyện và ăn chay tôi chân thành khuyến khích anh chị em, nếu chưa thực hành thì vào trang web USCCB tải tài liệu mới nhất của Hội Đồng Giám Mục về Lá Thư Mục Vụ chống lại kỳ thị mang tựa đề Mở Rộng Trái Tim: Đáp Lại Tiếng Gọi Tình Yêu

mục vụ ở Cartagena. Trong phạm vi rộng hơn, Tháng Phêrô Claver đã bênh vực cho người nô lệ trước những người mua bán họ. Cái giá mà ngài phải trả cho công việc mục vụ người nô lệ là ngài bị từ chối và ruồng bỏ bởi người khác. Sau cùng tuy sức mạnh của ngài không dẹp bỏ được chuyện mua bán nô lệ, ngài đã làm nhẹ bớt đi sự đau khổ mà anh em nô lệ phải gánh chịu, và thánh Phêrô Claver luôn cố gắng công việc đó cho đến hơi thở cuối cùng vào ngày 8 tháng 9 năm 1654. Ngài được phong thánh do Đức Thánh Cha Leô XIII ngày 15 tháng 1 năm 1888.

Hội Đồng Giám Mục Công Giáo Hoa Kỳ đã tuyên bố ngày Lễ Kính Thánh Phêrô Claver, ngày 9 tháng 9 là ngày cầu bình an cho cộng đồng. Hiện nay quốc gia này đang hứng chịu nhiều sự kỳ thị, và khó tìm được hòa nhịp và thông cảm lẫn nhau, vì vậy tôi xin anh chị em giáo dân giữ ngày 9 tháng 9 này, kính Thánh

(Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love). Anh chị em bấm vào chỗ usccb.org/racism. Ngoài anh chị em còn tìm thấy nhiều bài viết ở trang mạng giúp anh chị em suy gẫm và cầu nguyện trong ngày đó, cũng như chia sẻ với người khác chống lại tội ác và tội lỗi về kỳ thị.

Tối thứ tư ngày 9 tháng 9 lúc bảy giờ chúng ta sẽ dâng Thánh Lễ tại Nhà Thờ Chính Tòa Thánh Phanxicô Sa Lê thành phố Houma kính thánh Phêrô Claver, cầu nguyện cho bình an và chữa lành. Tôi kính mời anh chị em cùng tôi ăn chay, cầu nguyện và thờ phượng vào ngày đó, xin Thiên Chúa thêm sức mạnh giúp chúng ta và ban ơn cho những cố gắng bản thân chấm dứt nạn kỳ thị và mang lại bình an cho cộng đồng và hòa hợp các sắc dân với nhau. Qua lời chuyển cầu của Thánh Phêrô Claver, xin Thiên Chúa giúp chúng ta gặt được thành quả. (Bản dịch: Cha Tài) BC

September 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 11

Comment

Pope Francis: Human dignity has serious political implications The Pope Speaks

Vatican City, (CNA) Pope Francis said that Christian faith demands conversion from individualism and a commitment to defending the inherent dignity of every person.

“While we work for the cure of a virus that affects everyone without distinction, faith urges us to work seriously and actively to fight indifference in the face of violations of human dignity,” Pope Francis said.

“We want to recognize the human dignity in every person, whatever his or her race, language or condition might be,” the pope said at his general audience.

Speaking via livestream from the library of the Vatican’s apostolic palace, Pope Francis emphasized that this “renewed awareness of the dignity of every human being has serious social, economic and political implications.”

He said that the pandemic has “shed light on broader social ills,” including “a distorted view of the person” that ignores human dignity and “fosters an individualistic and aggressive throwaway culture, which transforms the human being into a consumer good”.

“In the light of faith we know, instead, that God looks at a man and a woman in another manner. He created us not as objects but as people loved and capable of loving; He has created us in His image and likeness. In this way He has given us a unique dignity, calling us to live in communion with Him, in communion with our sisters and our brothers, with respect for all creation,” Pope Francis said.

“The pandemic has highlighted how vulnerable and interconnected we are all. If we do not take care of each other, starting with the least, with those who are most affected, including creation, we cannot heal the world,” he said.

Following the general audience, Pope Francis met with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet at the Vatican.

In recent months, Bachelet, the former president of Chile, has spoken out about child marriage in Somalia, human rights violations in Yemen, and the Iranian government’s repression of civil society.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ spokesperson has also expressed concern over the application of China’s National Security Law in Hong Kong and Lebanon’s socioeconomic crisis. The Vatican has not released further details of the content of the pope’s meeting with Bachelet.

Pope Francis had said at his general audience that humans have “inalienable dignity” because humanity was created in the image of God, quoting the Second Vatican Council’s pastoral constitution, Gaudium et Spes. He said that this lies at “the foundation of all social life and determines its operative principles.”

“In modern culture, the closest reference to the principle of the inalienable dignity of the person is the Universal Declaration of Human

12 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

Rights, which Saint John Paul II defined as a ‘milestone on the long and difficult path of the human race’ and as ‘one of the highest expressions of the human conscience,’” Pope Francis said.

“Rights are not only individual, but also social; they are of peoples, nations.

The human being, indeed, in his or her personal dignity, is a social being, created in the image of God, One and Triune,” he said. “We are social beings; we need to live in this social harmony, but when there is selfishness, our outlook does not reach others, the community, but focuses on ourselves, and this makes us ugly, nasty and selfish, destroying harmony.”

The pope’s reflection on human dignity is part of a weekly series of catechesis on Catholic social teaching, which he began last week. Pope Francis said that he wants to “tackle together the pressing issues that the pandemic has highlighted, especially social diseases.”

“Let us ask the Lord to give us eyes attentive to our brothers and sisters, especially those who are suffering. As Jesus’s disciples we do not want to be indifferent or individualistic,” he said.

“May the Lord ‘restore our sight’ so as to rediscover what it means to be members of the human family.

And may this sight be translated into concrete actions of compassion and respect for every person and of care and safeguarding of our common home.” BC

Comment

Questions of Faith Father Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L.

The church and nuclear weapons I recently read an article about the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and their devastating impacts on those cities. I know there has also been some discussion in the news regarding North Korea advancing its nuclear arsenal.

What is the Catholic Church’s teaching about nuclear weapons?

Jesus’s mission from the Father has always been one of love, reconciliation and peace—not just restoring peace between humanity and God but among each of us. The resurrection of Christ heralded a new age for humanity “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). These are the first words from Jesus to the Apostles after the resurrection. Consequently, peace on earth is an image and fruit of the reign of the Prince of Peace in heaven, initiated with his resurrection and gift of the Holy Spirit.

However, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) reminds us, “Peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining the balance of powers between adversaries … . Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity” (2304). Injustices and acts against charity accompany all war.

Therefore, citizens and governments are called to exhaust all diplomatic means available to avoid war. Nevertheless, a country “cannot be denied the right of lawful self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed” (Gaudium et Spes, 79 §4).

St. Augustine was one of the first Catholic theologians to recognize that

it was sometimes necessary to engage in war to maintain peace and keep good order, but certain conditions must be met in order to declare a just war (see CCC 2309 for the various conditions).

Even when war is declared, there are also conditions for conducting a just war. “The mere fact that war has regrettably broken out does not mean that everything becomes licit between the warring parties” (GS 79 §4).

First, there must be a distinction between combatants and noncombatants, between unarmed civilians and armed fighters. “Non-combatants, wounded soldiers and prisoners must be respected and treated humanely,” and likewise, “the extermination of a people, nation or ethnic minority must be condemned as a mortal sin. One is morally bound to resist orders that command genocide” (CCC 2313).

Secondly, there must be proportionality regarding the use of weapons. “Every act of war directed to the indiscriminate destruction of whole cities or vast areas with their inhabitants is a crime against God and man, which merits firm an unequivocal condemnation” (GS 80 §3). Advancements in science and technology enable further developments in the accuracy and lethalness of modern weaponry. “A danger of modern warfare is that it provides the opportunity to those who possess modern scientific weapons—especially atomic, biological or chemical weapons—to commit such crimes” (CCC 2314).

The atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki did not differentiate between combatants and non-combatants and furthermore annihilated two cities. In fact, the bomb at Hiroshima detonated directly above Shima Hospital. The United States military estimated that around 110,000 people died at Hiroshima and Nagasaki on the days of the bombings and later from radiation poisoning. However, later independent estimates argued that the actual total number dead was near 210,000. Of those killed, about 20,000 were Japanese soldiers in Hiroshima and 150 in Nagasaki, fewer than 10 percent of the total casualties. The use of nuclear weapons, therefore,

violates the principles of conducting a just war.

With the increased possibility of nuclear war during the Cold War, St. John XXIII released the encyclical Pacem in terris (Peace on Earth) in April of 1963. He condemned the use of nuclear weapons both in war and for deterrence—the concept of keeping weapons to stop others from using them—in the emerging arms race. “Even though the monstrous power of modern weapons does indeed act as a deterrent,” (111) St. John XXIII emphatically declares, “Nuclear weapons must be banned. A general agreement must be reached on a suitable disarmament program, with an effective system of mutual control” (112).

In June 1982, St. John Paul II addressed the United Nations and explained, “In current conditions ‘deterrence’ based on balance, certainly not as an end in itself but as a step on the way toward a progressive disarmament, may still be judged morally acceptable” (8). However, the notion of peace through nuclear deterrence is to be transitional, leading to an eventual arms control and disarmament of nuclear weapons.

During his address at the Peace Memorial in Hiroshima in November 2019, Pope Francis reiterated the church’s teaching on nuclear weapons and ultimately called for their abolition.

He affirmed, “With deep conviction, I wish once more to declare that the use of atomic energy for purposes of war is today, more than ever, a crime not only against the dignity of human beings but against any possible future for our common home. The use of atomic energy for purposes of war is immoral, just as the possessing of nuclear weapons is immoral.”

History has shown us the horrible consequences of conventional, chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. May Pope Francis’s exhortation in Hiroshima also be our prayer, “In a single plea to God and to all men and women of good will, on behalf of all the victims of atomic bombings and experiments, and of all conflicts, let us together cry out from our hearts: Never again war, never again the clash of arms, never again so much suffering! May peace come in our time and to our world.” BC

September 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 13

Reflections

Reconciliation and forgiveness hold the church together Readings Between the Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

One of the unique features of Matthew’s Gospel is that Matthew collects a considerable amount of Jesus’ teaching into five lengthy discourses or speeches (Matthew 5:3-7:29; 10:1— 11:1; 13:1-53; 18:1—19:1; 24:1-51).

Two of this month’s Sunday Gospel readings come from the fourth of the five discourses. Matthew 18:1—19:1 is referred to by many biblical scholars as the “Church Order Discourse,” because the material within it is concerned with relations within the community of Jesus’ followers.

After chapter 13 in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus’ disciples become a more distinct group. Inspired by their leaders, the uncommitted crowds that follow Jesus will end up calling for the former’s crucifixion at his hearing before Pilate (27:20-22). In addition, Matthew’s Jesus delivers private instructions to his disciples, as is exemplified

by Matthew 15:15-20, where Jesus explains to his disciples the meaning of his parable about digestion of food (15:10-11). Likewise, the Church Order Discourse is directed to the disciples who will form the nucleus of the church which will continue beyond Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Matthew’s Gospel gives a lot of attention to the concept of a church, perhaps more so than the other canonical Gospels. In 16:16-20, after Peter, speaking for all of the Twelve, identifies Jesus as “the Messiah, the Son of the Living God,” Jesus declares Peter the rock on which he would build his church. The foundation of

the community of Jesus’ disciples will be the faith which Peter has just expressed, and Jesus confers authority upon Peter, as leader, to “bind and loose.” In the Church Order Discourse Jesus focuses on intra-community relations. I will consider those sections of the discourse which will be read at Sunday Masses this month.

Matthew 18:15-20 depicts a process for reconciliation within the church. If a church member sins against another, the offended party is responsible to seek out the offender and attempt to reconcile. One might expect Jesus to say that it is the offender’s responsibility to initiate the reconciliation process. If the injured party bears the responsibility to start the process, that person has to forego the desire for revenge, and displays a proper care and concern for the fellow disciple.

If the offender refuses the invitation to make amends, then the offended party is urged to bring two other members of the church to help adjudicate the process. This procedure is based on Deuteronomy 19:15, which states that, “a charge shall stand only on the testimony of two or three witnesses.” The idea is that the two witnesses, assuming they are objective, can help the perpetrator to see that the charge is not simply “the injured person’s agenda,” but that if two others agree, then maybe there is substance to the plaintiff’s claim.

If the offender is not convinced when multiple witnesses are brought in,

14 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

the issue is finally to be taken before the whole community. Hopefully the offender will see that the dispute brings scandal to the body of believers.

If not, then the malefactor is to be excommunicated: “treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector” (18:17). This is because the wrongdoer, by persisting in malice within his or her heart, is behaving like a nonbeliever or a public sinner. As J.P. Meier (The Vision of Matthew, p. 132) observes, “ ... there is no intervention by a single authoritative leader. When the church acts authoritatively, it acts as a whole, though Matthew certainly knows the existence of church leaders ...For Matthew, church leadership does not swallow up the authority of the assembly of believers acting as one body.” The church here is given “binding and loosing” power (18:18-19).

The community wields this binding and loosing power, for Jesus, who is “God-with-us” (1:23) and who will promise to be always with his church (28:20), is in their midst when they act in communion with one another.

Following the presentation of this patterned reconciliation process, Peter appears to want to know how often a community member is obligated to seek forgiveness of another. When Peter asks if seven times is enough, Jesus counters with the number 77.

This dialog may reflect Genesis 4:24, where Cain’s son Lamech kills an offender and boasts about it. Yet God will avenge Lamech, whose

a

Reflections

sin is intensified over that of Cain, “seventy-seven times,” even as God avenges Cain “seven times.” God preserves humanity despite its sinful tendencies.

Jesus illustrates for his disciples the utter necessity of forgiveness by means of the parable of “The Unforgiving Servant,” (Matthew 18:21-35) as many call it. Jesus tells his disciples that the Kingdom of Heaven is like the situation described in the parable, which uses earthly figures and events.

A king who is settling accounts with his slaves finds one who owes him 10,000 talents, an amount of money that would be very difficult for even a wealthy person to pay back. Whereas the king’s initial reaction is to sell the slave, his family and property to try to recoup some of the bad debt, he reconsiders when the slave pleads with him to give him more time, and ends up forgiving the whole debt. Finding another slave who owes him but a

fraction of what he owes the king, the slave whose debt was forgiven refuses to extend the same consideration to his fellow slave. This disrupts the entire household, who, saddened at the incident, report it to the king. The king then exacts justice and subjects the unforgiving slave to punishment.

What is the point? Forgiveness is unquestionably essential for members of the church. Christians who are not disposed to forgiveness are acting in a way contrary to their identity as members of the coming Kingdom. This is why Jesus likens the Kingdom to the situation in the parable. In the Kingdom, forgiveness will be a norm of life, and those who do not forgive simply will not fit in.

The two passages from the Church Order Discourse I have considered tell us that reconciliation and forgiveness keep the church intact in times of internal conflict. The church is not a perfect society, yet its imperfection

does not have to lead to its demise.

It is essential that all members of the church do their part to hold it together by embracing the virtues of reconciliation and forgiveness. BC

Reflection Questions v How easy is it for you to initiate the reconciliation process when someone has injured you? Why so? v How can a commitment to reconciliation and forgiveness contribute to the gradual emergence of God’s Kingdom? v In what ways is there need for communal reconciliation within the church today? How can our practice of reconciliation set a positive example for the world around us?

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Scripture Readings and a listing of Feast days and saints

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1 September

2

3

4

5

Weekday 1 Corinthians 2:10b-16 Luke 4:31-37

6 Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Ezra 33:7-9 Romans 13:8-10 Matthew 18:15-20

13 Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Sirach 27:30—28:7 Romans 14:7-9 Matthew 18:21-35

20 Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 55:6-9 Philippians 1:20c24, 27a Matthew 20:1-16a

27 Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Ezra 18:25-28 Philippians 2:1-11 Matthew 21:28-32

7

8

Weekday Feast of the Nativity 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 of the Blessed Luke 6:6-11 Virgin Mary Micah 5:1-4a Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

14 Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Numbers 21:4b-9 Philippians 2:6-11 John 3:13-17

21 Feast of Saint Matthew, apostle and evangelist Ephesian 4:1-7, 11-13 Matthew 9:9-13

28 Weekday Job 1:6-22 Luke 9:46-50

15 Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31a Luke 2:33-35

22 Weekday Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13 Luke 8:19-21

29 Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 John 1:47-51

16 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

Weekday Weekday Memorial of Saint 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Gregory the Great, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Luke 4:38-44 pope and doctor of Luke 5:33-39 the church 1 Corinthians 3:1823 Luke 5:1-11

9

10

11

Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, priest 1 Corinthians 7:2531 Luke 6:20-26

Weekday 1 Corinthians 8:1b7, 11-13 Luke 6:27-38

Weekday 1 Corinthians 9:1619, 22b-27 Luke 6:39-42

16

17

18

Memorial of Saints Cornelius, pope, and Cyprian, bishop, martyrs 1 Corinthians 12:31—13:13 Luke 7:31-35

Weekday 1 Corinthians 15:111 Luke 7:36-50

23

24

Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, priest Proverbs 30:5-9 Luke 9:1-6

30 Memorial of Saint Jerome, priest and doctor of the church Job 9:1-12, 14-16 Luke 9:57-62

Weekday 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Luke 8:1-3

25

Weekday 1 Corinthians 4:6b15 Luke 6:1-5

12 Weekday 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 Luke 6:43-49

19 Weekday 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49 Luke 8:4-15

26

Weekday Weekday Weekday Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 Ecclesiastes Luke 9:7-9 Luke 9:18-22 11:9—12:8 Luke 9:43b-45

September

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Church Life

Youth Leadership Award

Diocesan Service Award

Diocesan Service and Youth Leadership Awards presented During the month of August, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, along with the pastors, presented the Diocesan Service and Youth Leadership Awards to lay men, women and youth in each of the church parishes in appreciation of their many unselfish contributions of time and talent to the life of the parish.

Each pastor was asked to nominate two adult and two youth recipients for these awards, which are modeled after the diocese’s two patron saints and their charisms: St. Joseph (hidden service) and St. Francis de Sales (spirituality of the laity).

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the state’s mandate limiting the number of people allowed to gather together indoors, the awards were distributed outdoors in four different locations throughout the diocese.

The recipients of this year’s diocesan service and youth leadership awards are as follows.

Service Award: Gayle Domangue, Ronald Gautreaux, Youth Award: Collin Partin, Kelsie Partin, Annunziata, Houma; Service Award: Lynn Sonier

(posthumously), Sara Oubre, Youth Award: Alejandra Ortiz, James Jones, Julian Flores, Sydney Thibodaux, Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux; Service Award: Marcie Keller, Angie Dufrene, Youth Award: Graci Babin, Kade Bergeron, Community of St. Anthony, Gheens; Service Award: Nathan Rhodes, Alicia Robicheaux, Youth Award: Anthony Saleme, Mary Cali, Holy Cross, Morgan City; Service Award: Kathy Verdin, Peter Verdin, Youth Award: Curtis Pierre, Holy Family, Grand Caillou; Service Award: Wanda Detillier, Jesse Blanchard, Youth Award: Jacob Perrilloux, Shelby Howes, Holy Savior, Lockport; Youth Award: Angela Manangan, Brody Guidroz, Maria Immacolata, Houma; Service Award: Travis Chiasson, Gwendolyn Ledet, Youth Award: Braxton Morvant, Parker Chiasson, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay; Service Award: Kent Ledet, Nanette Ledet, Youth Award: Jensen Adams, Madelin Arabie, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow; Service

18 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

Award: William Watkins, Janet Ray, Our Lady of the Isle, Grand Isle; Service Award: Raynold Usie (posthumously), Catherine Rodrigue, Youth Award: Whitney Pitre, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma; Service Award: Wilber Lewis, Tony Savoie, Youth Award: Abby Lorraine, Lainey Lorraine, Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose; Service Award: Rafael Rosas, Sulina Hebert, Youth Award: Brady Hebert, Katie Louviere, Sacred Heart, Cut Off; Service Award: Dorothy Dupre, Ronald Bourg, Youth Award: Macie Ezell, Shea Stewart, Sacred Heart, Montegut; Service Award: Barton Blanco, Catherine Bourdier, Youth Award: Ethan Blanco, Katie Luc, Sacred Heart, Morgan City; Service Award: Jason Pennison, Lois Giroir, Youth Award: Kylee Falcon, St. Andrew, Amelia; Service Award: Patsy Eschete, Youth Award: Brandon Armstrong, Kourtney Arceneaux, St. Ann, Bourg; Service Award: Brad Blanchard, Kim Chafin, Youth Award: Matthew Massey, St. Anthony of Padua,

a

Church Life

Bayou Black; Service Award: Douglas Portero, June Gonzalez, Youth Award: Kaelynn Louviere, Kelly Patrick, St. Bernadette, Houma; Service Award: David Prejean, Nettie Prejean, Youth Award: John Baudoin, Kate Olin, St. Bridget, Schriever; Service Award: Alcee Dupre, Donna Dupre, Youth Award: Madison Fick, St. Charles Church, St. Charles Borromeo, Pointe-aux-Chenes; Service Award: Jane Lyles, Keith Labat, Youth Award: Caleb Sylvest, Riley Landry, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Community; Service Award: Dale Theriot, Marylin Porche, Youth Award: Jolie Croker, Zachary Regira, St. Eloi, Theriot; Service Award: Cathy Duet, Jody Duet, Youth Award: Brayden Dantin, Emily Daigle, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma; Service Award: Glenn Vice, Zachary Miller, Youth Award: Samuel Pitre, Sophia Sirois, St. Genevieve, Thibodaux; Service Award:

F S

Clay Theriot, Anita Martinez, Youth Award: Angelle Romero, St. Gregory, Houma; Service Award: Dave Thomas, Linda Thomas, Youth Award: Erin Whittington, Warren Callais, St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews; Service Award: Norris Ordoyne, Bea Delatte, St. James Chapel, Choctaw; Service Award: Louis Gros, Melanie Gros, St. John the Evangelist, Thibodaux; Service Award: Donald Adams, Melissa Lyons, Youth Award: Emily Bartholomew, Hannah Robert, St. Joseph, Chauvin; Service Award: Allen Berthelot, Mary Gail Martin, Youth Award: Austin Duet, Daniel Eymard, St. Joseph, Galliano; Service Award: Mary Sue Lindner, James LaJaunie, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux; Service Award: Bertha Adams, Don Boudreaux, Judy Toups, Youth Award: Anne Martin, St. Lawrence, Chacahoula; Service Award: Mildred Martinez,

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Mary Nicholas, Youth Award: Chloe Delatte, St. Lawrence the Martyr, Kraemer; Service Award: Sherril Bonvillain, Russell Malbrough, Youth Award: Kam’ron White, Zachary Rodrigue, St. Louis, Bayou Blue; Service Award: Hanson Young, Laura Harris, Youth Award: Xaria Washington, Xariel Washington, St. Lucy, Houma; Service Award: Robert Reed, Ann Parker, Youth Award: William Jenkins, St. Luke the Evangelist, Thibodaux; Service Award: Eric Ordoyne, Penny Matranga, Youth Award: Angel Cortez, Bryce Toups, St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland; Service Award: George Toups, Brandie Toups, Youth Award: Joseph Boudreaux, Rebecca Cagle, St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux; Youth Award: Emily Wolfe, Gavin Clements, E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux; Youth Award: Gavin Daigle, Katie Haydel, Vandebilt Catholic High 205 Venture Boulevard School, Houma. BC

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September 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 19

September Daily Prayer for Priests, Deacons and Seminarians

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

3

4

5

Rev. Domingo Cruz, retired

Rev. Wilfredo Decal, retired

Rev. Scott Dugas, retired

Msgr. Donald Ledet, retired

Rev. P.J. Madden, retired

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Deacon Joseph Bourgeois Sr.

Rev. Roch Naquin, retired

Rev. Ty Nguyen, retired

Rev. Charles Perkins, retired

Rev. Amang Santiago, retired

Seminarian Joseph Lapeyrouse

Rev. Caesar Silva, retired

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

Rev. Wilmer Todd, retired

Rev. Jerry Villarrubia, retired

Deacon James Brunet Jr.

Rev. Henry Sebastian

Rev. Mitch Semar

Rev. Antonio Maria Speedy

Rev. Carlos Talavera

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Deacon Stephen Brunet

Rev. James Nguyen Van Thien

Rev. Shenan Boquet

Rev. Thomas Bouterie

Rev. Stuart King

Rev. Joshua Rodrigue

Seminarian Matthew Prosperie

27

28

29

30

Very Rev. Mark Toups

Very Rev. Mike Tran

Rev. Joseph Tregre

Rev. Joe Varghese

Daily Prayer for Clergy and Religious Lord Jesus, hear our prayer for the spiritual renewal of bishops, priests, deacons, brothers, sisters, lay ministers and seminarians of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. We praise You for giving their ministry to the Church. In these days, renew them with the gifts of Your Spirit.

You once opened the Holy Scriptures to Your disciples when You walked on this earth. Now renew Your ordained and chosen ones with the truth and power of Your Word.

In Eucharist you gave Your disciples renewed life and hope. Nourish Your consecrated ones with Your own Body and Blood. Help them to imitate in their lives the death and resurrection they celebrate around Your altar.

Give them enthusiasm for the Gospel, zeal for the salvation of all people, courage in leadership and humility in service.

Give them Your love for one another and for all their brothers and sisters in You. For You love them, Lord Jesus, and we love and pray for them in Your Holy Name, today especially for _______________________. Amen.

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Mary Bird Perkins TGMC Cancer Center welcomes four new oncology experts. Radiation oncologist, Dr. Ashley Brown, and medical oncologists Dr. Jitendra Gandhi, Dr. Janeiro Goffin and Dr. Sukesh Manthri join the nationally-accredited Cancer Center team where they will provide specialized care to individuals and families affected by cancer in the Bayou Region.

Dr. Ashley Brown earned her medical degree from The Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI and internal medicine preliminary training at Ochsner Clinic Foundation. She completed her residency at Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center (OUHSC) in Oklahoma City, OK, where she served as chief resident. Dr. Brown has researched and has an interest in central nervous system, breast and gynecologic cancers. She is a member of the American Society for Radiation Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American College of Radiology and the National Medical Association.

ASHLEY BROWN, MD | RADIATION ONCOLOGIST Dr. Jitendra G. Gandhi earned his medical degree at Seth G.S. Medical College, Bombay University in Bombay, India. He completed his internal medicine residency at Worcester City Hospital, in Worcester, Massachusetts where he served as Chief Resident. He then went on to complete a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. He is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology. Dr. Gandhi has extensive oncology expertise participating in numerous clinical research studies as a principle investigator with various types of cancers. His most recent affiliation was with Covenant Health Systems in Morristown, TN where he was a member of the Tennessee Medical Association (TMA) and the Chattanooga�Hamilton County Medical Society. Dr. Gandhi is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH).

JITENDRA GANDHI, MD | MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST Dr. Janeiro Goffin earned his medical degree at the American University of Medical School in Nicaragua. He completed his internal medicine residency at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami. Dr. Goffin was a Hematology/Oncology fellow at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He is board certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and board eligible in hematology and medical oncology. Dr. Goffin underwent clinical and research rotations at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, the University of Miami Hospital/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL and Tulane University School of Medicine where he published numerous articles on breast, lung and kidney cancer research. He is fluent in English, French and Spanish. He is a member of American Medical Association (AMA), Louisiana Oncology Society (LOS), American Society of Hematology (ASH) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

JANEIRO GOFFIN, MD | MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST Dr. Sukesh Manthri, received his medical degree from the Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences in India. He completed a clinical research fellowship in Cleveland Clinic Florida followed by an internal medicine residency at Southern Illinois University in Springfield, IL. Subsequently, he completed his hospice and palliative medicine fellowship at Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Dr. Manthri, was a medical oncology fellow at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. During his fellowship training, he was honored with the designation of chief medical oncology fellow for the year 2019-2020. In 2020, Dr. Manthri has received Dr. Thomas G. Ronald Award for Excellence in the Care of the Cancer Patient. He is board-certified in internal medicine, hospice, and palliative medicine. He is a member of the American Medical Association, American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society of Hematology. In order to best meet the need of community on Houma and surrounding areas he has kept his clinical interest broad in the field of Oncology including Breast, Lung, GI, Lymphoma, Myeloma etc.

SUKESH MANTHRI, MD | MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST

WELCOME TO TGMC Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) is proud to welcome Dr. Sindhura Bandaru, Endocrinologist, Dr. Navin Kumar Durairajan, Pulmonary and Critical Care Specialist, and Dr. Dominique Monlezun, Internal Medicine/Hospitalist, to its esteemed medical staff.

Dr. Sindhura Bandaru, Endocrinologist, earned her medical

degree from Bhaskar Medical College and Hospital in India. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Southern Illinois University in Springfield, IL, and is board certified in internal medicine. She completed an Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Fellowship from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Dr. Bandaru will join Endocrinology Care, TGMC with Dr. Rachel Coleman where she will be providing care to patients with a wide range of conditions, diseases, and disorders involving the endocrine system.

Dr. Navin Kumar Durairajan, Pulmonary and Critical Care Specialist, attended Sri Ramachandra University in Chennai, India where

he received his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Science degrees. He completed his postgraduate training with a Pulmonary & Critical Care fellowship at Detroit Medical Center-Wayne University in Detroit, MI. Dr. Durairajan is board certified in internal medicine. Dr. Durairajan will join Pulmonary Care, TGMC with Dr. Ralph Bourgeois and Dr. Andrea Lorio. His specialties include lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension and medical education.

Dr. Dominique Monlezun, Internal Medicine/Hospitalist,

earned his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine and two PhDs in the statistical and bioethical aspects of artificial intelligence from Tulane School of Public Health and Italy’s Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum. He completed his Internal Medicine residency at UT McGovern Medical School.

Dr. Monlezun serves as Principal Investigator and Senior Data Scientist for over 30 research studies, is a Professor of Bioethics for two UN-affiliated universities, and author of over 250 papers and abstracts in addition to two textbooks in population health, disparities, and ethics. Dr. Monlezun will join the TGMC hospitalist care team.

Dr. Sindhura Bandaru and Dr. Navin Durairajan are currently welcoming new patients. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bandaru call (985)873-3484. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Durairajan, please call (985)850-6090.

To learn more visit: TGMC.COM

Special

Adult females as altar servers Guest Column Father Glenn LeCompte

Some of you may have noticed that recently for some diocesan liturgies adult women have functioned as altar servers. These ladies were enthusiastic to be asked to serve and did a fine job of serving. In discussing with some people the topic of women exercising service at the altar, while some accepted the fact that girls serve at their parishes, they did not understand why women might be asked to serve. For the benefit of all, permit me to explain.

The Canon Law Society of America’s edition of the Code of Canon Law translates Canon 230.2 as follows: “Lay persons can fulfill the function of lector during liturgical actions by temporary deputation; likewise, all lay persons can fulfill the functions of commentator or cantor or other functions, in accord with the norm of law.” In 1994, the Pontifical Council for the Interpretation of Legislative Texts responded to a question as to whether or not the liturgical functions mentioned in Canon 230.2 might be performed by men and women alike, and whether serving at the altar might be included among those functions.

Referring to a decision made at an earlier meeting of the Council (June 30, 1992), the Council replied, “Affirmative and according to instructions by the Apostolic See” (https://www. catholicculture.org/culture/library/ view.cfm?recnum=5212). This answer was confirmed by Pope John Paul II on July 11, 1992 (New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law, Paulist Press, 2000, p. 300, footnote 61). The commentary on Canon 230.2 (in the work just cited) makes reference to the Pontifical Council’s decision mentioned

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

above when it reiterates, “... in 1994, a general permission for the use of female altar servers was granted, subject only to the judgment of the individual bishop in light of particular circumstances in his own diocese.” In addition, the same commentary also explains, “This paragraph of the canon allows for the establishment of other liturgical functions (other than lector, commentator or cantor), depending on the needs of the local church. Such ministries are open to both men and women, and the canon does not place any age restrictions on those who might seek to fulfill these duties.” Regarding the requirements for youth to begin

24 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

serving, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops maintains, “Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and to carry them out well and with appropriate reverence. They should have already received holy Communion for the first time and normally receive the Eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy” (http://www.usccb. org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/ frequently-asked-questions/guidelinesfor-altar-servers.cfm).

The key issue in the interpretation was the understanding of the Latin term laici, which is translated “lay people” in the English edition of

a

Special

the Code. If paragraph 2 of the Canon had meant to restrict these ministries to men it would have read viri laici (“lay men”), as it does in the first paragraph, which deals with institution into the official lay ministries of reader and acolyte.

In communicating this decision to the presidents of the national conferences of bishops, the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments offered four clarifications.

First, individual bishops have the right to permit females to perform the liturgical functions mentioned in the Canon, as well as service at the altar, or not to do so. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre has seen fit to continue the policy of his predecessors of allowing females to serve at the altar. Secondly, while the Holy See will support the decision of bishops to permit females to serve in liturgical ministries it also urges them to continue to encourage the practice of having boys serve, since such service has inspired vocations to the priesthood.

Thirdly, when bishops permit females to serve at the altar it is to be explained to the faithful that such service by females is allowed by the Holy See and that already many women serve as lectors and extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. Lastly, such services are to be carried out, as the Canon says, “by temporary deputation,” which is the reason that extraordinary ministers of holy Communion in our diocese are now commissioned for fiveyear periods.

In addition to the above, a document named, Redemptionis Sacramentum, which dealt with matters “to be observed or to be avoided regarding the most holy Eucharist,” states, “Girls or women may also be admitted to this service of the altar, at the discretion of the diocesan bishop and in observance of the established norms” (No. 47).

Redemptionis Sacramentum No. 47 also encourages the continuance of boy altar servers, and mentions that they do so “after the manner of acolytes.”

This means that they assume the functions of acolytes, although they are not officially instituted into that lay ministry. What is an acolyte? The ministry of acolyte is a lay ministry into which men 18 years of age or older

may be instituted. Their functions are to serve at the altar and to distribute holy Communion as extraordinary ministers when not enough clergy are available. In addition to lay ministers who are officially instituted, Redemptionis Sacramentum Nos. 4344 recognizes those who perform the lay liturgical ministries of acolyte and lector by temporary deputation. For some time, both men and women have served as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion; since 1994 it has been acknowledged that both can perform the other function of the acolyte, that of serving at the altar.

While many, if not most, of our parishes have opened up altar service to girls it has not been as common in our diocese as it is in others to see

women performing this ministry. One of the ladies I asked to serve at the Blue Mass (for community protectors) remarked that, while her daughter had the experience of serving at the altar, she never had that experience growing up. The mother was overjoyed to have the chance to do so. In my travels to churches in other parts of the country it has not been uncommon sometimes to see adult female altar servers.

Some parishes employ entire families, including the mother, as the altar server team for Mass. Just as some women who followed Jesus “provided for him out of their resources” (Luke 8:2-3) so today may women and girls alike heed the invitation to facilitate our communal worship of the Lord through service at the altar. BC

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

September 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 25

Heavenly Recipes

Glenda Blanchard

Glenda Cooks a:

SEAFOOD DELIGHT Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

This month’s heavenly recipe, Shrimp ‘n Wine, comes from Holy Savior parishioner Glenda Blanchard. A native of Lockport, Glenda attended Holy Savior School and graduated from Holy Savior High School in 1972, which was the last graduating class before the school closed. She now lives in Mathews with her husband Jesse. Glenda loves to cook. She says that she learned to cook by watching her parents. “This recipe comes from my father. He was a very good cook. My mother was also a very good cook. While I love to make a gumbo, I can’t make one as good as my mother used to cook.”

The Blanchards enjoy having their children and grandchildren come over and enjoy some home cooked Cajun meals. Glenda’s hobby is yard work. She is proud of her “Cajun garden” where she grows zucchini, bell peppers, green onions, shallots, parsley and tomatoes.

The Blanchards are active members of Holy Savior Church in Lockport. Jesse was recently honored with the Diocesan Service Award for outstanding service to the church by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. Glenda is the president of the Altar Society, sings in the choir, volunteers in the office when needed and helps clean the church.

Raised a devout Catholic she remembers the children of the family kneeling and praying the rosary nightly around their parents bed. “We always attended Mass as a family. I turn to God in everything in life. He is my saving grace in everything.” BC 26 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

Shrimp ‘n Wine INGREDIENTS: 1quart large shrimp with hulls (headless is fine) Season shrimp liberally with salt, Cajun seasonings and Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup green onion, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 1/2 bell pepper, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 2 tbsp. minced garlic 8 oz. sliced baby Portabella mushrooms 3/4 lb. butter, cubed 1 cup of your favorite wine

DIRECTIONS: Place seasoned shrimp in a shallow baking dish.

Spread seasonings and mushrooms over shrimp. (If more tender seasoning is preferred, sauté 5-10 minutes before adding to shrimp). Add wine and cubed butter.

Place in oven at 350 degrees for 40–45 minutes.

(Cooking time may vary). Turn over shrimp every 15 minutes. Serve in bowls with hot French bread to dip in sauce.

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For more information about your appointment or the measures we are taking to keep you safe, visit ochsner.org/safe or call us at 866-824-4934.

Youth

in action

Matthew Modisette School: Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma Grade: 2020 Graduate Church Parish: Maria Immacolata, Houma Family Unit: Dr. Monisha Chadha, mother; Jena Modisette, sister Favorite Hobby: Playing guitar Favorite Movie: V for Vendetta Favorite T.V. Show: Narcos Favorite Genre of Music: Classic Rock

What do you do to stay focused on living out your faith when the world tries to redirect you to things that aren’t important? In what ways has the COVID-19 pandemic brought you closer to Christ?

As a young person, I find that it’s very easy to get distracted by everything that happens in this world. Despite this, I always try to maintain my focus on living out my faith. The big thing, I find, that can always bring me back to my faith is music. As a singer and a bass guitar player, music is a big part of my life, and I strive to make it a big part of my faith life as well. Once I started to participate in music ministry, I found that music can be another expression of prayer to God and that it can encourage faith in others. With

a few inspiring words and a simple chord progression, a whole new level of worship and emotion can be unlocked. And so, whenever I do get distracted from my faith, I can always trust music to bring me back.

When the COVID-19 pandemic started to affect our area, I felt kind of lost without having Mass on Sunday. Even though there were live-streamed Masses and such, it just didn’t feel right. That’s when I realized that my at-home prayer life was not where it should be. Between going to a Catholic school and

28 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

going to Mass at least once a week, praying at home had never really been something I had to concentrate on. However, with this pandemic, I realized the work I needed to put into my prayer life. And so, I began to improve it. I encouraged myself to continually pray throughout the day, to pray and focus on certain segments of Scripture, and to just meditate and talk to God. With all of this, I not only found it easier to pray and deal with not being able to go to Mass, but I found myself forming a closer bond to Christ. BC

Seminarian Education Burses What is a seminarian burse/endowment fund?

A seminarian burse/endowment fund is an invested sum of money where the interest is used in perpetuity to help fund the education of men to the priesthood in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux.

How does someone establish a seminarian burse/endowment fund?

Very simply, a burse/endowment fund may be established and

named for anyone you choose, be it family, friend, bishop, priest, deacon, religious, etc.

Who do I contact to contribute to or establish a fund?

To contribute to or establish a burse/endowment fund, send funds to the Pastoral Center, Attn: Catholic Foundation, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395 or contact the Catholic Foundation office at 985-850-3116 or aponson@htdiocese.org for more information.

All completed Seminarian Education Burses can be viewed online.

Please visit www.htdiocese.org/vocations.

February - July 2020 Burse Contributions M/M George C. Fakier ..........................................$400.00

Dean J. Chiasson .......................................................$200.00

Warren J. Harang No. 2........................................$100.00

Msgr. William Koninkx ..........................................$400.00

Catholic Daughters..................................................$180.00

Judge Louis & Shirley R. Watkins ..................$100.00

Rev. Guy Zeringue....................................................$300.00

Msgr. Raphael C. Labit No. 2 ............................$120.00

Rev. Clemens Schneider .........................................$50.00

Open Burses/Endowment Funds with Balance as of July 31, 2020 Donald Peltier Sr. No. 4 ..............................................$13,000.00

Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ...............................................$3,060.00

Anne Veron Aguirre ...........................................................$380.00

Joseph Strada Memorial ............................................$12,642.63

St. Jude ................................................................................$3,000.00

Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier .....................................$11,700.00

Diocesan Knights of Columbus No. 2 .....................$2,894.62

Deacon Harold Kurtz .........................................................$300.00

Msgr. Raphael C. Labit No. 2 ...................................$11,680.00

Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ...............................................$2,600.00

Joseph Waitz Sr. ............................................................$11,500.00

Willie & Emelda St. Pierre ............................................$2,000.00

Richard Peltier No. 2 ..........................................................$300.00 Claude Bergeron .................................................................$250.00 Rev. Michael Finnegan ......................................................$200.00

Claude & Lucy Mahler Family ..................................$11,400.00

Rev. John Gallen ..............................................................$1,950.00

Harvey Peltier No. 31 ...................................................$10,486.91

Rev. H.C. Paul Daigle .....................................................$1,900.00

Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis No. 2 .........................$10,000.00

Deacon Connely Duplantis ..........................................$1,700.00

C. Remie Duplantis No. 2 ...........................................$10,000.00

Alfrances P. Martin .........................................................$1,650.00

Marie Elise Duplantis No. 2 .......................................$10,000.00

Judge Louis & Shirley R. Watkins .............................$1,650.00

Maude & Edith Daspit No. 2 ....................................$10,000.00

Msgr. Francis J. Legendre No. 2 ................................$1,645.00

Deacon Nick Messina ..........................................................$50.00

Msgr. George A. Landry .............................................$10,000.00

Rev. Robert J. Sevigny ...................................................$1,600.00

Dean J. Chiasson Fund ......................................................$200.00

Msgr. William Koninkx ..................................................$8,700.00

Jacob Marcello .................................................................$1,600.00

Fr. Brett Lapeyrouse Fund ............................................$3,000.00

Catholic Daughters .........................................................$7,260.00

Rev. Hubert C. Broussard .............................................$1,550.00

Rev. Victor Toth ...............................................................$7,000.00

Msgr. Emile J. Fossier .....................................................$1,545.00

Fr. Patrick Riviere Fund ...............................................$28,150.00

Msgr. Francis Amedee ..................................................$6,850.00

Ronnie Haydel ..................................................................$1,535.00

Rev. Gerard Hayes ..........................................................$6,686.00

Dr. William Barlette Sr. ..................................................$1,525.00

Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ............................$6,598.00

Deacon Robert Dusse’ ..................................................$1,450.00

Rev. Guy Zeringue ..........................................................$6,300.00

Dean Joseph Chiasson ..................................................$1,300.00

Rev. Peter Nies .................................................................$6,000.00

Rev. Anthony Rousso ....................................................$1,300.00

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin ...............................................$150.00 Deacon Pedro Pujals ..........................................................$100.00 Rev. Warren Chassaniol ....................................................$100.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier ..........................................................$50.00

Grant J. Louviere Fund ......................................................$100.00 Harold and Gloria Callais Family Fund .................$30,000.00 James J. Buquet Jr. Family Fund ..............................$25,000.00 Jane & John Dean Fund .............................................$15,000.00 Lena “Bobbie” Sere’ Fund ................................................$550.00 Leon ‘Ponoke’ & Marlene Champagne Fund .......$2,800.00

Mr. & Mrs. Love W. Pellegrin .....................................$5,000.00

Msgr. John L. Newfield .................................................$1,200.00

Anonymous No. 2 ...........................................................$5,000.00

Rev. Joseph Tu Tran No. 2 ...........................................$1,094.00

Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Family No. 4 ...........$5,000.00

Msgr. John G. Keller .......................................................$1,050.00

Mary Timothy Everett Fund ............................................$500.00

Rev. William M. Fleming ...............................................$5,000.00

Rev. Clemens Schneider ...............................................$1,000.00

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph J. Cefalu Sr. Fund .......................$5,000.00

Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ...........................................$5,000.00

Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux No. 4 ..........................$1,000.00

Parker Conrad Fund .....................................................$15,000.00

Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ............................................$4,839.00

Edna W. DiSalvo ..............................................................$1,000.00

Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .......................................................$4,450.00

Bernice Harang ................................................................$1,000.00

Paul and Laura Duet Fund ...............................................$825.00

Rev. Henry Naquin .........................................................$4,311.00

Deacon Willie Orgeron .....................................................$900.00

Anawin Community .......................................................$4,200.00

Ruby Pierce ...........................................................................$800.00

Mary and Al Danos Fund ...........................................$40,000.00

Rev. Clemens Schneider Fund ..........................................$50.00 Richard Peltier Fund .....................................................$45,000.00 Society of Joseph, Husband of Mary Fund ...............$100.00

Harry Booker No. 2 ........................................................$4,138.00

Deacon Roland Dufrene ...................................................$750.00

Msgr. James Songy ........................................................$4,075.00

Juliette & Eugene Wallace ...............................................$700.00

Kelly Curole Frazier .........................................................$3,610.96

Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ..........................................$700.00

Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande .......................................$3,500.00

Deacon Raymond LeBouef ..............................................$550.00

J.R. Occhipinti ...................................................................$3,400.00

Paul & Laura Duet ..............................................................$550.00

Preston & Gladys Webre .............................................$3,400.00

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata .........................................$500.00

Msgr. Amedee Fund .................................................$292,023.29

Warren J. Harang Jr. No. 2 ...........................................$3,100.00

Robert Walsh ........................................................................$500.00

Diocesan Seminarian Fund .................................$3,544,019,17

The Peltier Foundation Fund ....................................$60,000.00 Viola Ann Wallace Vosbein Memorial Fund .........$1,000.00 Bishop Sam Jacobs Fund ...........................................$31,134.50 Giardina Family Foundation Fund ............................$4,112.28

TOTAL Open Burses/Endowment Funds: $4,452,270.36 September 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 29

Book Reviews

Reading With Raymond Raymond Saadi

The Four Last Things A Catechetical Guide to Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell

Conquer the Clutter

The Finisher

Strategies to Identify, Manage and Overcome Hoarding

If you’re already a fan of Lovesey’s quirky detective, Peter Diamond, you’ll be delighted twice over to hear he has two novels coming out. The first, he wrote 50 years ago and will see in print again to celebrate that anniversary.

The second, The Finisher, finds Peter in the improbable task of crowd control of racers competing in the “OtherHalf-Marathon” in the charming town of Bath. All is cool until Peter spots a violent criminal just out on parole annoying a young woman who attempts to avoid his overtures, if you can call them that. When the race ended, he sees the con crossing virtually last, but no signs of the woman ever crossing the finish line. No time to waste, Peter goes to work. BC

By Elaine Birchall & Suzanne Cronkwright Johns Hopkins University Press $25.95 Yes! Hoarding. That’s how the authors diagnose the problem some of us have who just can’t seem to let go of useless “treasures” that will be of great value “someday” … “you know, as soon as I get rid of it, I’ll need it.” There is a difference though from clutter which is clearly explained by categories and in photographs, room by room. Best book on this subject I’ve seen and I’m convinced I’ll soon be wondering what to put on my empty shelves. BC

By Peter Lovesey SOHO $27.95

By Father Wade L.J. Menezes EWTN $14.95 Let’s begin with the end: hell. “Hell is real” says the author “and it’s possible for souls to go there—for all eternity.”

What proof? Of course, no one has ever gone to hell and returned to tell about its’ horrors. But we have St. Matthew’s description: “a place where men will weep and gnash their teeth” - probably the most feared, yet comfort is offered in the words of St. Francis de Sales: “We must fear God out of love, not love him out of fear,” and Isaiah 54:10: ”Do not be afraid, though the mountains may depart, and the hills be shaken, my love for you will never leave you, and my covenant of peace with you will never be shaken.” BC

30 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

The Women with Silver Wings

By Katherine Sharp Landdeck Crown $28 It’s only now, long after the end of WWII, we learn the whole story of Women Airforce Service Pilot, (WASP). Some 25,000 women applied to fly for the U.S., but only 1,102 passed the Army’s strict physical standards. Although not allowed to fly in combat, they did transport planes directly from factories towing targets behind planes to be fired upon by gunners in training. Nice work. The program was a great success until Congress defunded it. Their next battle came much later after the war when they won the right to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Great story. BC

STAY IN TOUCH INSIDE Marriage

Bayou

Catholic

Do this in remembrance of me MARCH 2018 ~ VOL. 38 NO. 9 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

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Outreach Line In response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is offering an Outreach Line (formerly known as the Child Protection Contact Line). The Outreach Line is an effort to continue the diocesan commitment to support healing for people who have been hurt or sexually abused recently or in the past by clergy, religious or other employees of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. A trained mental health professional responds to the line. Individuals are offered additional assistance if requested.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line Telephone number is (985) 873-0026 or (985) 850-3172

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Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

Con el fin de cumplir con las Políticas de Protección de Niños y Jóvenes de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Los Estados Unidos, la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux ofrece una Línea de Comunicación (antes Línea de Contacto para la Protección de los Niños). La Línea de Comunicación es parte del esfuerzo diocesano de comprometerse con el mejoramiento de aquéllos que han sido lastimados o abusados sexualmente recientemente o en el pasado por miembros del clero, religiosos u otros empleados de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux.

El horario de la Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux es de 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m., de lunes a viernes. El encargado de esta línea es un profesional capacitado en salud mental. Se ofrece asistencia adicional al ser solicitada.

Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux Número de teléfono (985) 873-0026 o (985) 850-3172

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Ñeå höôûng öùng Hieán chöông Baûo veä Treû em vaø Giôùi treû töø Hoäi ñoàng Giaùm muïc Hoa kyø, Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux ñang chuaån bò ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp (luùc tröôùc laø ñöôøng daây lieân laïc baûo veä treû em). Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp laø moät söï coá gaéng cuûa giaùo phaän nhaèm cam keát haøn gaén naâng ñôõ nhöõng ai ñaõ bò toån thöông hoaëc bò laïm duïng tính duïc hoaëc gaàn ñaây hoaëc trong quaù khöù bôûi giaùo só, tu só hoaëc caùc coâng nhaân vieân cuûa Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux. Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän hoaït ñoäng töø 8:30 saùng ñeán 4:30 chieàu, thöù hai ñeán thöù saùu. Moät nhaân vieân chuyeân nghieäp veà söùc khoûe taâm thaàn traû lôøi treân ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi. Nhöõng caù nhaân seõ ñöôïc trôï giuùp naâng ñôõ theâm neáu caàn.

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Soá ñieän thoaïi: (985) 873-0026; (985) 850-3172

September 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 31

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In case you missed it ...

Diocese remains active during COVID-19 pandemic Story by Janet Marcel At the close of 2019, the World Health Organization was informed of a cluster of cases of a pneumonia of unknown cause, detected in the city of Wuhan in Hubei province, China. In early January, Chinese health authorities confirmed that this cluster was associated with a novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV (COVID-19). By the end of January, the virus was spreading rapidly, with cases confirmed in multiple countries.

The first patient to be diagnosed with COVID-19 in the United States was in the state of Washington on Jan. 20, 2020. By Friday, March 13, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was reporting 1,678 cases of the coronavirus and 41 deaths. The cases had been reported by 46 states and the District of Columbia. President Donald Trump declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national 32 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

emergency, the first such declaration to be issued over an infectious disease outbreak since the H1N1 influenza pandemic of 2009.

After the president’s announcement, Governor John Bel Edwards issued a proclamation that closed all public K-12 schools from Monday, March 16 until Monday, April 13.

That move prompted Catholic Church officials to follow suit and close all parochial schools statewide for 30 days.

In the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Catholic school administrator-ministers and teacher-ministers immediately begin preparations for distance learning.

On March 16, 2020, in response to the suggested restrictions on gatherings made by national and state leaders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre made the difficult announcement that he

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LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre met with diocesan staff March 17 to inform them of the measures taken by diocesan leaders to keep all the faithful of the diocese safe during the pandemic. The Pastoral Center was closed and all staff worked remotely from home until the state entered Phase II. had chosen to cancel the public celebration of Mass in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux on Sundays and weekdays until further notice, effective immediately. He went on to clarify that this included the public celebration of weddings, funerals and confirmations.

“I know that these sacred events are incredibly important to you, and I do not make this decision lightly. I recognize that this decision brings up many different emotions in each one of us. While acknowledging these emotions, we must also together recognize that, in this time of pandemic, God is not going anywhere; and neither are your priests; and neither is your church,” said Bishop Fabre. “We are here for you in this time of uncertainty. Because there are many unknown variables in terms of the transmission and effects of this virus, we must be prudent in our decision-making to care for ‘the least of these’ (Matthew 25:40) by taking these necessary extra precautions for their sake.”

On Tuesday, March 17, diocesan leadership met with staff to inform them that as of the end of the day, the Pastoral Center and its satellite offices would close and all employees would be required to work remotely until further notice.

In an effort to further combat the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana, on Sunday, March 22, Governor Edwards issued a “Stay at Home Order” directing all Louisiana residents to shelter at home and limit movements outside of their homes to only essential needs.

During this time, the diocesan Office of Communications staff continued to work fervently to help meet the needs of the diocesan faithful. They sent out internal and external weekly emails (Flocknotes) sharing resources and the latest news with 1,100 employees and volunteers as well as 4,000 of the diocesan faithful.

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Bishop Fabre’s Sunday Masses were filmed and distributed through various social media outlets.

September 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 33

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Many priests of the diocese livestreamed Masses during the “Stay at Home Order.” Father Cody Chatagnier, pastor of St. Ann, Bourg, is shown celebrating a liturgy.

They recorded Bishop Fabre’s Sunday Masses, which were distributed through the diocesan YouTube channel, Facebook, HTV, Morgan City TV, diocesan website and Flocknotes.

To help the faithful continue on their Lenten journey, the Palm Sunday Mass, the Chrism Mass at St. Francis (filmed by and broadcast on HTV), Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, and Easter Sunday Mass were all filmed and distributed to the faithful of the diocese.

Many parishes also livestreamed the Way of the Cross and the Holy Week celebrations in their individual parishes, as well.

“Bishop Fabre was intentional about being present to the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and delivering the latest up-to-date information as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded,” says Roch Gernon, manager of creative media and strategy for the diocesan Communications Office.

“He would usually have us film at least one weekly video update to communicate with the people of the diocese.”

News updates and information on returning to Mass was regularly posted on the diocesan website. In addition, a new website was specifically designed to serve the priests of the diocese so that they had a support hub for COVID-19 resources, documents, guidelines, and the latest up-to-date news that was pertinent to them and their parish.

During this unprecedented time, the priests of our diocese stepped up with many resourceful ways to keep in touch with their parishioners. In addition to livestreaming Masses, some recorded podcasts, daily prayer sessions, virtual adoration, and Q&A sessions on Facebook, YouTube, and other social media platforms. Many parishes also offered drive-by confession opportunities, drive-in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and much more.

In compliance with the emergency statewide proclamation issued by Governor Edwards on April 15, schools remained closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.

Distance learning continued in our Catholic schools; 34 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

Father Gregory Fratt, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Cut Off, is shown leading a eucharistic procession in the community of Cut Off. however, many schools were forced to cancel and/or delay their awards ceremonies, kindergarten and 7th/8th grade graduation Masses, school dances, sporting events and end of the school year celebrations.

However, Catholic school personnel made determined efforts to recognize students during this difficult time by acknowledging them on social media for various academic and athletic accomplishments, having them lead daily prayer, and delivering personalized yard signs to the houses of graduating seniors and seventh graders.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux staff was hard at work trying to help meet the needs of those people who were food insecure in the community, by teaming up with Second Harvest Food Bank of New Orleans, Second Harvest Food Bank of Acadiana and Cannata’s Market locations in Houma and Morgan City for six drive-through food distributions throughout the diocese during May and June. Nicole M. Bourgeois, Ph.D., LMFT, executive director of Catholic Charities, reports that the six distributions provided a total of 4,824 families with 135,984 lbs. of food.

In a press release dated May 6, Bishop Fabre announced that the celebration of outdoor Masses would be allowed on the weekend of May 9-10, following the state fire

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Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Catholic Charities food distributions In order to meet the needs of those who were food insecure, Catholic Charities teamed up with Second Harvest Food Bank of New Orleans, Second Harvest Food Bank of Acadiana and Cannata’s for six drivethrough food distributions in the diocese.

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September 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 35

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Outdoor Masses

Outdoor Masses were allowed in the diocese the weekend of May 9-10. Pictured are outdoor Masses at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral and St. Thomas Aquinas in Thibodaux.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

36 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

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marshal’s strict guidelines for the liturgies. “Our people need hope at this time, and the Lord clearly called out to us to minister to the faithful during these difficult weeks in alternative ways,” said Bishop Fabre in the press release.

Following a phased approach strategy, a minimal amount of employees started trickling back to the diocesan Pastoral Center beginning May 11, having to adhere to some rather extensive safety and precautionary requirements.

According to Jon Toups, chief operating and financial officer for the diocese, the COVID-19 pandemic and the “Stay at Home Order” caused diocesan officials to reassess the ways in which they communicated both internally and externally.

As a result, diocesan communications was reorganized to further enhance intentional communication to the people of

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LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bishop Fabre announced that he would allow churches in the diocese to resume the public celebration of Mass indoors the weekend of May 16-17. Pictured is the celebration of Mass at St. Bridget Church in Schriever.

Our Local, Professional Technicians are conducting safe, highly-effective exterior home and business applications.

Protecting the Bayou Region Since 1972 September 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 37

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Priesthood Ordination Fathers Rusty Bruce and Daniel Duplantis were ordained as priests of the diocese at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma amid the COVID-19 restrictions. Safeguards were in place throughout the celebration including face masks, social distancing and hand sanitizing. Concelebrating with Bishop Fabre were Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs and Bishop Neal Buckon, Archdiocese of the Military Services.

38 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

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the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The work of the Office of Communications is now being served through the management of Internal Communications, Media & Public Relations, HT Publishing & Bayou Catholic Magazine, and Creative Media & Strategy.

“These three arms of communication work together to effectively and creatively enhance communications between our bishop, our church parishes, our Catholic schools, Catholic Charities, and all other diocesan initiatives and ministries,” says Toups. “The importance of social media as a form of communication was brought to the forefront during this difficult time as Bishop Fabre and priests of the diocese tried to find new and creative ways to reach out to the Catholic faithful during the pandemic.”

Governor Edwards announced that the Stay at Home order would expire Friday, May 15, and churches could begin to offer the public celebration of Mass indoors.

Bishop Fabre announced that he would allow churches in the diocese to resume the public celebrations of Mass for Sundays, as well as on weekdays, with six-foot social distancing and mask requirements, as well as limitations on the numbers of people who could be inside the church at one time.

The priesthood ordination of Father Rusty Bruce and Father Daniel Duplantis was celebrated at the end of May

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September 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 39

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following strict guidelines and with only a limited number of priests and immediate family members of the candidates attending in-person. The celebration was livestreamed on various social media platforms for the faithful of the diocese to watch.

On June 13, Friar Nathaniel Maria Agneau, a member of the Poor Friars and Poor Nuns of Jesus and Mary, was ordained to the order of transitional deacon in an outdoor ceremony at Holy Family Church in Grand Caillou. The celebration was also livestreamed for the faithful of the diocese to watch.

In mid-June, a task force comprised of Catholic school administrators, medical health professionals, parents, school board members, and diocesan leadership, began working on a “Return to School Plan.” The intent of the plan, explained Suzanne Troxclair, diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools, was to help navigate the return to inclassroom instruction in schools so that employees, students and families could feel safe, and to identify and implement the most efficient ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

In an attempt to serve parents and students of the Catholic schools, 15 different videos were produced by Communications Office staff as part of a returning to school campaign to inform parents and students of COVID-specific regulations that would need to be followed. Specialists in various areas, such as curriculum, extracurriculars, health and wellness, and athletics spoke in these videos.

The Catholic schools in the diocese partnered with Thibodaux Regional Medical Center and Terrebonne General Medical Center in Houma to help school staff assess their needs and effectively implement the CDC guidelines with regard to COVID-19.

High school students returned to the campuses of Catholic schools the week of August 10-14 for orientation, with elementary schools beginning Friday, Aug. 14.

“I am grateful to all who have done so much hard work to plan for and implement the return of students to our Catholic schools, always striving to keep everyone as safe as possible,” said Bishop Fabre. “To the administrators, faculty and staff of our Catholic schools, I express my sincere gratitude. I also thank the parents of our students who entrust their children to the faith formation and academic education offered in our Catholic schools. I pray for a successful school year, and that in his mercy God will grant to us as ‘normal’ a school year as possible under our current conditions.”

“I would also like to acknowledge the great efforts of all of our diocesan offices that stepped up to the task and went above and beyond what was expected of them during this pandemic,” says Toups.

As of press time, Louisiana remains in Phase II of the COVID-19 restrictions, which includes a statewide mask mandate, closure of bars to on-site consumption and crowd size limits of no more than 50 people. BC 40 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

TYLER NEIL PHOTOS/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Catholic school students return to in-class instruction while adhering to many COVID-19 regulations.

Announcements

Blue Mass Sept. 29 at Co-Cathedral The annual diocesan Blue Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Sept. 29, at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, at 11 a.m., by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre.

This Mass, which honors firefighters, law enforcement, emergency responders and military personnel, is usually planned on or near the feast of the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael (Sept. 29.) St. Michael is the patron saint of community protectors.

All law enforcement, military and fire department personnel throughout the diocese including the South Lafourche communities and Morgan City as well as the Houma-Thibodaux area are invited to attend this special Mass in their honor. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, seating will be restricted to members of the departments and family members of the deceased for whom prayers are being offered.

“This Mass is a celebration of the entire local church, not simply of those for whom we offer special prayer intentions,” says Father Glenn LeCompte, diocesan director of the Office of Worship. BC

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bayou Lafourche Eucharistic Procession Oct. 3 The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux’s 2020 Bayou Lafourche Eucharistic Procession will take place Saturday, Oct. 3, beginning at 8 a.m. with Mass at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Golden Meadow. Boat procession departs from OLPS at 9:15 a.m., arriving at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Larose at 11:15 a.m.

The procession will depart Larose

by fire truck at Noon, arrive at St. Joseph Cemetery in Thibodaux at 1:30 p.m., and then continue on foot to St. Thomas Aquinas, for outdoor benediction that will begin at 2:30 p.m.

For more information, call Greg at (985) 637-8198.

Everyone is invited to take part in this procession. BC

Keith Kellum, M.D. Nano Zeringue, M.D. Jody Simon, M.D. Janie Tran, O.D. 446 Corporate Dr., Houma, LA 70360 | Fax: (985) 868-4190 | Email: tlevron@southerneyeinst.com 900 Canal Blvd., Suite 3, Thibodaux, LA 70301 | Fax: 985-448-1276 | Email: tlevron@southerneyeinst.com September 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 41

Sports

Many questions lie ahead for the Pelicans Overtime Ed Daniels

The New Orleans Pelicans have changed coaches.

But, will they change philosophies?

Here’s a suggestion. Quit talking about “pace,” and talk more about defense.

It is a novel idea.

In the NBA bubble, in three of the first six games (before elimination), the Pelicans allowed 122, 126 and 140 points.

Three times, the opponent scored 77 in a half.

In the NBA, the top three teams in field goal percentage allowed are Milwaukee, Toronto and the Los Angeles Clippers.

The three won a combined 158 games in the truncated NBA season.

Can anyone recall if the three play “fast,” or if they play more half-court basketball?

Didn’t think so.

The Pelicans did not appear to understand the urgency of the NBA bubble once the 22 teams gathered in quarantine in Orlando.

But, was it Gentry’s fault that Lonzo Ball shot 13 of 50 from the field in the first six bubble games?

Or, that Brandon Ingram shot only 35 percent from the field in the first six games?

Or, that Zion Williamson returned after a family emergency and was immediately put on a minutes restriction?

If Williamson, held to a strict 15 minutes in a two point loss to Utah, had played the last two minutes against the Jazz, New Orleans may have won.

The Pelicans simply did not recover after Ingram’s potential game winning three point shot rimmed out at the buzzer.

Alvin Gentry was caught up in the perfect storm.

But, was the team he coached that good?

I think the answer is no.

New Orleans won 30 of 42 games.

Eleven of those wins came against teams not in the NBA bubble.

So, the Pelicans turn the page.

With a ton of questions.

Does Williamson lose weight, and put less stress on his knees?

Does the club move Lonzo Ball in the offseason, or does his stellar March before the pandemic (20 points, eight assists average in five games) count for more than his dismal output in the bubble?

Do the Pelicans trade guard Jrue Holiday, who turned 30 in June, and with a player option can earn more than $53 million in the next two seasons?

Does New Orleans use a lottery pick as bait to trade for a veteran frontcourt presence who can provide rebounding and defense?

The narrative is that the head coach was the crux of the problems, and that a new coach can come and rub a magic elixir over the franchise.

If only it were that easy.

The Pelicans cannot afford more 30 win seasons. The inability to compete for a championship eventually led to Baron Davis, Chris Paul and Anthony Davis wanting out.

And, time goes by very quickly.

It is time to build a roster around Zion Williamson that can win, big.

And, heaven forbid, play defense.

Imagine that. BC

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42 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020

September 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 43

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44 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • September 2020