Bayou Catholic Magazine Christmas 2023

CHRISTMAS 2023 | VOL. 45 NO. 2 A Magazine of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

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A $100M+ Investment in Your Well-Being Sports Complex – Built to NCAA standards; includes a multi-purpose field with 8-lane track, tennis courts, beach volleyball and outdoor basketball court.

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Playground & Education Initiative – Addressing childhood obesity through nutrition education and new playground equipment for numerous area elementary schools.

Sports – Keeping athletes safe by providing athletic trainers in high schools as well as Nicholls State University; Helping athletes grow and excel in sports through formation of competitive youth volleyball and swim teams.

Wellness Education – Numerous and expanding programs for individuals and families on subjects like nutrition, weight management, diabetes, CPR and more.

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Leading the Way in Health & Wellness for Our Region

Thibodaux.com

CONTENTS: CHRISTMAS 2023 VOLUME 45 NO. 2

BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX

Most Reverend Mario E. Dorsonviille

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PRAYER 8

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Maegan Martin

WRITER AND CONTENT DEVELOPER

Annie Breerwood DESIGNERS

Connor Mabile Alaina Maiorana BUSINESS MANAGER

Bill Barbera

A CHRISTMAS RELECTION WITH MOST REVEREND MARIO E. DORSONVILLE

PRACTICAL PRAYER Lectio Divina

12 BIBLE SUDY The Nativity of our Lord 16 SAINT STORIES St. Francis de Sales 20 HEART OF THE CHURCH Homily from Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Father John David Matherne Barry and Ana Vice Kritty Chouest Father Josh Rodrigue Father Davis Ahimbisibwe Dr. Amber Moseley Brennan Garriques Nick Smith Michelle Leblanc Amy Ponson PHOTOGRAPHER

Maegan Martin

EMAIL US:

communications@htdiocese.org

44 Q+A What’s your favorite Christmas tradition?

48 THE CHRISTMAS LIE A Story of Finding Christmas Joy at Home 50 NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS Prioritizing Sainthood through Love

CULTURE

22 PRAYER AND SCRIPTURE CALENDARS

52 MORE THAN ENTERTAINED Lessons from Christmas Classics

FAITH FORMATION

56 HEAVENLY RECIPES Rosa’s Salsa Peter’s Queso Rock n Rye

ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST

Rebecca Thibodeaux

FEATURES: CHRISTMAS

26 LIVING LITURGICALLY The Robichaux Family’s Journey Unveiling Joy Amid Loss 30 THE PASSION FOR EVANGELIZATION Summaries of 3 Papal Audiences 32 EVERYDAY HOLINESS Barry and Ana Vice 36 GROWING IN VIRTUE The Virtue of Hope 40 LIFE WITH CHRIST Kritty Chouest

58 OUR HISTORY Catholic Charities 62 POETRY

HOUMA-THIBODAUX

66 PHOTO ESSAY An Evening of Prayer for Priestly and Religious Vocations 70 AROUND THE DIOCESE Upcoming Events and Updates

VISIT US ONLINE

bayoucatholic.org

72 STEWARDSHIP Annual Bishop’s Appeal

DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX | 3

As we look at the world around us, it is easy to be discouraged. It seems that everywhere we look, we see division, conflict, wars, and other problems. Around the world, in our own country, in the Church, in our own communities and families – we all feel it. That is why Christmas is such an important celebration for all of us, because the feast of Christmas tells us an important message about how Jesus responds to the problems we see in our world. He doesn’t avoid it or ignore it. Instead, He comes in the midst of it. Jesus, the Savior of the world, was born in our world, in the mess of a stable, with animals all around him, to remind us that He is not afraid of the mess of our world and the mess of our lives. Rather, He wants us to know that He is present even there, that His love is able to overcome even the biggest problems. Jesus could have become man in any way

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that He wanted, but the fact that He chose to be born in this way shows us this important truth. No matter where we find ourselves this Christmas season, Jesus wants to be born anew in your own heart, so that you would know just how powerful His love is for you.

It is very common to see Nativity scenes set up at homes and in places of business during the Advent and Christmas seasons.

These scenes show us the beauty and the peace of Jesus’ birth.

We see the smiles on the faces of Mary and Joseph, the awe on the faces of the Wise Men and the shepherds, and even the curiosity on the faces of the sheep, goats, and other animals that surround them. I love Nativity scenes because they depict this beautiful reality of peace and joy in the midst of what feels like

SHARING THE LOVE OF CHRISTMAS

A CHRISTMAS REFLECTION WITH MOST REVEREND MARIO E. DORSONVILLE

a mess. Animals running around, the shepherds and Wise Men coming into the stable, and yet the scene captures a moment of total peace, when all are focused on the newborn Christ child.

Looking at the Nativity scene reminds us that even in the midst of the chaos of life, Christ is there, and if I focus on Him, I can experience the peace that He wants to give to me.

The Nativity scene also reminds us of another important reality – as we experience that peace and love, we cannot just stay still and hold it for ourselves. The shepherds journeyed to see Jesus, and they left glorifying and praising God, telling everyone what they had seen. The Wise Men too journeyed many miles to see this newborn King, and they left changed by their encounter with the Lord. The scene of the Nativity shows us that we each

have a responsibility to bring this peace out into the world. It is not just a stationary image but one that moves and should always move. We cannot simply stay still but have to bring the love of Christ to each person we meet. If we stay still and hold it in, that love fades. But when we share it, it can grow infinitely.

Each of us, in our own way, have this responsibility to be like a shepherd or a wise man in our own homes and families, in our places of work, and in our parish communities.

Every time you see a Nativity scene, let it be a reminder to you – Christ was born in your heart, and you have a responsibility to share His presence wherever you go. May the Lord bless you as we celebrate this season of Christmas together rejoicing that a Savior was born for each of us.

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Compartiendo

el amor de la

Navidad 6 | BAYOU CATHOLIC

Al observar el mundo que nos rodea, es muy fácil desanimarnos. Parece que a donde quiera que miremos, vemos división, conflicto, guerras y otros problemas.

Alrededor del mundo, en nuestro propio país, en la Iglesia, en nuestras propias comunidades y familias – todos lo sentimos. Es por esto, que la Navidad es una importante celebración para todos, ya que esta fiesta nos habla de un mensaje importante acerca de cómo Jesús responde a los problemas que vemos en nuestro mundo. No los evade ni los ignora. En lugar de eso, Él llega en medio de estos. Jesús, el Salvador del mundo, nació en nuestro mundo, en el desorden de un establo, con todos los animales alrededor de Él, para recordarnos que Él no tiene miedo al desorden de nuestro mundo, y al desorden de nuestras vidas.

Antes bien, Él quiere que sepamos que Él está presente aún allí, que Su amor es capaz de superar incluso los problemas más grandes. Jesús pudo haberse hecho hombre en cualquier forma que Él hubiera querido, pero el hecho que eligiera nacer en esta manera nos muestra esta importante verdad. No importa en donde nos encontremos en este tiempo de Navidad, Jesús quiere nacer nuevamente en sus corazones, para que sepan precisamente cuan poderoso es su amor por ustedes.

Es muy común ver escenas de Navidad colocadas en las casas y en lugares de negocios durante el Adviento y tiempo de Navidad. Estas escenas nos muestran la belleza y la paz del nacimiento de Jesús. Vemos las sonrisas en los rostros de María y José, el asombro en los rostros de los Reyes Magos y de los pastores, y aún más la curiosidad en los rostros de las ovejas, cabras y otros animales que los rodean. Amo las escenas de Navidad porque describen esta bella realidad de paz y gozo en medio de lo que se siente como un desorden. Los animales estaban corriendo alrededor, los pastores y Reyes Magos entraron al establo, y sin embargo la escena captura un momento de total paz, cuando todos están enfocados en el recién nacido Cristo niño. Mirando la escena de Navidad nos recuerda que aún en medio del caos de la vida, Cristo esta allí, y si me enfoco en Él, puedo experimentar la paz que Él quiere darme.

La escena de la Navidad también nos recuerda otra importante realidad – mientras experimentamos esa paz y amor, no podemos quedarnos quietos y guardarlo para nosotros mismos. Los pastores viajaron para ver a Jesús y ellos salieron glorificando y alabando a Dios, diciendo a todos lo que ellos habían visto. Los Reyes Magos también viajaron muchas millas para ver al Rey recién nacido y salieron transformados por su encuentro con el Señor. La escena de la Navidad nos muestra que cada uno tenemos la responsabilidad de llevar esta paz al mundo. No es una imagen inmóvil solamente, sino más bien una que se mueve y debe siempre moverse. No podemos permanecer simplemente quietos, antes bien, tenemos que llevar el amor de Cristo a cada persona con la que nos encontremos. Si permanecemos quietos y lo retenemos, ese amor se desvanece.

Pero cuando lo compartimos puede crecer infinitamente. Cada uno de nosotros, en nuestra propia manera tenemos esta responsabilidad de ser un como un pastor o un Rey Mago en nuestros hogares y familias, en nuestros lugares de trabajo y en nuestras comunidades parroquiales.

Cada vez que vea una escena de Navidad, que sea un recordatorio para usted – Cristo nació en su corazón, y usted tiene la responsabilidad de compartir su presencia dondequiera que vaya. Que el Señor los bendiga mientras celebramos este tiempo de Navidad juntos, Regocijándonos de que un Salvador nació para cada uno de nosotros.

DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX | 7

PRAYER

PRACTICAL PRAYER

LECTIO DIVINA: A GUIDE TO PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE FR. JOHN DAVID MATHERNE is a priest for the Dicoese of Houma-Thibodaux.

He currently serves as administrator of St. Thomas Aquinas in Thibodaux.

For much of my young life, the Bible was an intimidating book. It was a relatively common encouragement from teachers, priests, or youth group leaders to “pray with the Bible”, but as a young person I never knew where to even begin that journey. The times I tried to read Scripture, I handled the text as if it were a newspaper article or a novel, but it never spoke much to my circumstances, my imagination, or my heart. That was the case until I was introduced to an ancient practice of our Faith known as “Lectio Divina”, a Latin phrase meaning “holy reading”.

In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI described Lectio Divina as “the diligent reading of Sacred Scripture accompanied by prayer brings about that intimate dialogue in which the person reading hears God who is speaking, and in praying, responds to Him with trusting openness of heart.” While the Latin phrase might seem intimidating to some, the practice of Lectio Divina is simply rooted in seeking the Lord’s voice in the Sacred Scriptures. It has been a common practice throughout the history of our Faith. Although the practice finds its roots as far back as the 6th century with St. Benedict, it was formalized in the 12th century by Guigo, the Carthusian, in his work, The Ladder of Monks. Pope Benedict recognized the beauty and effect of this ancient practice and encouraged the faithful to rediscover this spiritual exercise.

Guigo laid out the “how-to” for those wanting to better pray with the Sacred Scriptures. He likened this practice to a ladder that meets us here on earth in the daily responsibilities and circumstances of our lives and leads to the clouds and the heavenly realities beyond our world. The four “rungs” of this ladder are: reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation. Guigo explained, “Reading is the careful study of the Scriptures, concentrating all one’s powers on it. Meditation is the busy application of the mind to seek, with the help of one’s own reason, for knowledge of hidden truth.

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Prayer is the heart’s devoted turning to God to drive away evil and obtain what is good.

Contemplation is when the mind is, in some sort, lifted up to God and held above itself so that it tastes the joys of everlasting sweetness.”

In my experience, steps tend to be helpful when learning new ways to pray but they need to be understood in the context of a relationship. All prayer is a conversation with God. He speaks to us through His words as we read. We ponder them in our hearts and minds as we pay attention to the words or phrases that might strike us. As we pray to Him, we respond with what comes up in our hearts. Then we are led by God to receive whatever gift, image, or grace that He desires to give us. Lectio Divina assists us by giving us a way to approach the Lord and to ultimately receive from Him. God is the end of all prayer, and Sacred Scripture connects us with Him directly. As the Second Vatican Council said, “For in the sacred books, the Father who is in Heaven meets His children with great love and speaks with them; and the force and power in the word of God is so great that it stands as the support and energy of the Church, the strength of faith for her sons, the food of the soul, the pure and everlasting source of spiritual life.”

That same God continues to communicate, nourish, and speak to His Church through Sacred Scripture.

1. READING 2. MEDITATION 3. PRAYER 4. CONTEMPLATION

1. READING • Start with a passage from Scripture and become familiar with the text.

• Slowly read the passage a second time.

• Very, very slowly read the passage a third time.

• Pay attention to which word, words, or phrases rest in your heart.

2. MEDITATION • Think about the significant text. What is God saying to you?

STEPS OF

LECTIO DIVINA

• What are the implications of the text in your life?

• To meditate on what we read helps us to make it our own by confronting it with ourselves. Here, another book is opened: the book of life. ... To the extent that we are humble and faithful, we discover in meditation the movements that stir the heart and we are able to discern them.

3. PRAYER • Talk to God. Talk with God. about everything.

• What is contemplative prayer? St. Teresa answers: ‘Contemplative prayer [oracion mental] in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends. ... In this inner prayer we can still meditate, but our attention is fixed on the Lord Himself.

4. CONTEMPLATION • Rest in God’s presence.

• Contemplative prayer is also the pre-eminently intense time of prayer. In it the Father strengthens our inner being with power through His Spirit ‘that Christ may dwell in [our] hearts through faith’ and we may be ‘grounded in love.’ CCC, 2714 • Where does prayer come from? Whether prayer is expressed in words or gestures, it is the whole man who prays. But in naming the source of prayer, Scripture speaks sometimes of the soul or the spirit, but most often of the heart (more than a thousand times). According to Scripture, it is the heart that prays. If our heart is far from God, the words of prayer are in vain.

Merry Christmas from the Office of the Bishop

Merry Christmas from the Office of Communications

Merry Christmas from the Office of Catholic Schoo ls

Merry Christmas from the Office of Parish Support

e ic ff O e th m o fr s a tm Merry Chris of Worship

Merry Christmas from the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana

PRAYER

THE NATIVITY O “In Sacred Scripture, the Church constantly finds her nourishment and her strength.”

(CCC 104) This reflection of Luke 2:1-20 is meant to facilitate an encounter with Jesus in and through His Word. You can take these reflection questions to prayer, talk through them with a small group, or discuss them with family and friends. May we be not afraid to listen and respond to the Lord as we enter into this reflection and into this Christmas season.

READ LUKE 2:1-7

The details in Scripture help us to understand the setting of the account being told. Here we find Mary and Joseph traveling approximately 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the census, because Joseph belongs to the lineage of King David. Why is this detail significant?

Answer: First, this detail helps us to understand the less than ideal circumstances that led up to the birth of Christ.

Traveling such a great distance during this period of time would have been no small feat, especially for Mary, nearing the end of her pregnancy.

Second, throughout the Old Testament the prophets tell us the Messiah will come from the line of David. Since Joseph is the man betrothed to Mary, he will be this child’s earthly

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father, and therefore the prophecy is fulfilled. The Jewish people of this day would be familiar with the words of the prophets and were awaiting the coming of this promised Messiah. Read Jeremiah 23:5-6 Lastly, we are told that while they are far from home, the time comes for Mary to deliver Jesus. There’s no place for them in the inn, so Mary gives birth to the Son of God in a place meant for animals. She lays the baby in a manger, a feeding trough for the animals.

What do these details that lead up to the birth of Jesus tell us about Mary, Joseph, and the Christ child? How might these details help us to better appreciate the Nativity of Jesus?

OF THE LORD

A REFLECTION ON THE INCARNATION

Possible Answer: Sometimes the story of Christmas becomes so familiar that we forget how incredibly uncomfortable the situation must have been for the Holy Family. The events surrounding the birth of Christ were less than ideal and help us to see the true humility of Christ. Choosing to come into the world through poverty and to be laid among the animals in a feeding trough gives us the impression that He is unafraid to come into our messiness. That this is precisely the place He desires to be. Mary and Joseph’s obedience to the decree for a census also shows us that they were a righteous people and did what was asked of them, even if it was inconvenient.

Where are the “messy” places in our own hearts that the Lord might want to enter into?

Personal Reflection

READ LUKE 2:8-14

In this time period, shepherds were not the most educated people in society. They were often outcasts living in poverty and viewed as unclean because they had to sleep with their animals to ensure their safety. Why is it significant that the angel of the Lord appeared to these shepherds to tell them the good news?

Possible Answer: We learn later in the Gospels that Christ came to heal the brokenhearted, to set captives free, to minister to the lowly. How beautiful then, that the first to hear of his coming into the world, are the lowly shepherds.

Again, this detail foreshadows the controversial nature of Jesus’ public ministry and His new perspective of kingship.

That He holds the lowly in high esteem and sees their dignity and worth.

DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX | 13

Imagine you are one of these shepherds, tending your flock by night, and suddenly an angelic heavenly host appears in the sky telling you that the Christ is born and singing hymns of praise and glory. What do feel as you imagine the scene? How might you have reacted?

What things do you hold within your own heart this Christmas season? How might the Lord be inviting you to relate those things to Him? Personal Reflection

Personal Reflection

READ LUKE 2:1-20 AGAIN READ LUKE 2:15-20

In verses 15-16 we learn that the shepherds are so moved by this event, that they decide to go and see this miracle for themselves “with haste.” Place yourself in the scene. Take a moment to imagine the flock surrounding the shepherds that they would have to herd to this new location. Smell the crisp night air as they journey to the manger scene.

As they approach the Holy Family and the new born King, what must they have felt? Would they prostrate themselves or reverence Him in some way? As they tell the others what the angels had said in excitement, look around the room at the wonder on the faces of those hearing it for the first time. Take a moment to receive Mary and Joseph and their expressions as they listen to what was professed by angelic choirs about their newly born son. Verse 19 says, “Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.” What might she have been pondering within her heart?

Personal Reflection

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As you read this passage and hear the good news the angels proclaim and journey with the shepherds to encounter the Christ child, what sticks out to you most? Is it a word or phrase, a feeling, or a call to action? What might the Lord be trying to speak to you through what is sticking out to you?

Personal Reflection

In what ways is the Lord inviting you into the intimacies of His own life this Christmas?

Personal Reflection

“

CHOOSING TO COME INTO THE WORLD THROUGH POVERTY AND TO BE LAID AMONG THE ANIMALS IN A FEEDING TROUGH GIVES US THE IMPRESSION THAT HE IS UNAFRAID TO COME INTO OUR MESSINESS.

PRAYER

SAINT STORIES

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES

St. Francis de Sales’ compassionate approach to spirituality is a call to the faithful to embrace the hope inherent to a personal relationship with God. Firstborn son of a noble family, St. Francis’ career in politics was all but set in stone.

During his studies at the University of Paris he had an encounter that sparked his famous devotion. While attending a theological discussion, an intense debate broke out about predestination. Francis was convinced he was damned to hell which sent him on a spiral of devastation. Turning to prayer, he was fervently reciting the “Memorare” one day and was overcome with peace and gratitude when he heard The Lord say, “I am not He who damns. My name is Jesus.” This was a freeing experience for St. Francis who committed in that moment to the Blessed Virgin and took a private vow of chastity.

St. Francis earned a doctorate in law and theology with the resolve to become a priest.

Following his ordination, he spent the next decade preaching with love during which time he became Bishop of Geneva. His unique ability to win hearts stemmed largely from his kind and gentle nature. He preached based on his own, well-known principle “A spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrelful of vinegar.”

Central to his teachings was the concept of “true devotion,” a stark contrast to the prevalent Calvanism at the time. This optimistic spirituality focused on not limiting spiritual devotion to formal religious practices but extending it to an all-encompassing love and commitment to God in all aspects of life.

St. Francis’s conversion was possible because he embraced hope through persistence in prayer. His decision to cling to a spiritual routine despite his despair, opened him to God’s intervention. He could have easily succumbed to despair, distancing himself from the Church and God. Instead, he opted to invite God and Mary into his struggle. From this emerged a profound understanding of God’s desires for him and humanity at large.

Throughout the rest of his life, he dedicated his priesthood and episcopacy to sharing this revelation. His writings Introduction to the Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God are a testament to this commitment. Recognizing the invaluable nature of St. Francis’s spirituality, the Church honored him as a Doctor of the Church. His teachings were deemed crucial for generations of God’s disciples. They emphasize the freedom we possess to choose to hope each day and provide a roadmap for nurturing a deeper relationship with God.

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St. Francis’s guide to this all-encompassing devotion to God is practical and attainable for the everyday disciple. Much like St. Francis’s own conversion story, the path to true devotion involves embracing the spiritual practices and traditions bestowed upon us by the Church. Here are the key elements that pave the way to devoting ourselves wholly to God:

PURIFICATION AND INTENTIONS

Our desire for God must be sincere. We need to take time to purify our intentions for pursuing a deeper relationship with God. We should ensure that our intentions are ultimately for God’s glory and honor.

MEDITATION AND PRAYER

We can seek God’s presence in our lives through regular (daily) prayer and meditation. Pray with intentionality and sincerity.

SPIRITUAL READING

The Scriptures and the Saints offer many spiritual writings to nourish and guide our faith. Find a starting point and make it a habit.

VIRTUE CULTIVATION

Practicing virtue is a matter of finding the balance between extremes.

For example, having humility is staying away from arrogance by acknowledging everything as a gift from God and not giving way to selfdeprecation by remembering that God delights in and pursues us.

SACRAMENTS AND WORSHIP

Once again, participation in the sacramental life of the Church is key to devotion to God. Attend Mass regularly, frequent Reconciliation and reception of the Eucharist for the fullest engagement in worship.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

Seek guidance from a formal spiritual director or even a mentor in the faith who can provide support, advice, and accountability for your spiritual journey.

PERSEVERANCE AND CONSISTENCY

Commit to devotion even during difficult times. Consistency in prayer and practice is essential for spiritual growth.

ACTIVE LOVE AND SERVICE

Express devotion through acts of love and service to others. Practice charity, kindness, and compassion in daily interactions with family, coworkers, and friends.

This Christmas, let us embrace hope and devotion in our lives, just as St. Francis de Sales did. His legacy teaches us the power of perseverance, prayer, and openness to God amidst challenges. Let’s commit to nurturing our spiritual lives, making time for prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness.

By following his example, we can cultivate a deeper connection with God and spread positivity and love in our communities.

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A “ SPOONFUL

OF HONEY ATTRACTS MORE FLIES THAN A BARRELFUL OF VINEGAR.

” ANNIE BREERWOOD

is the Writer and Content Developer in the Office of Communications for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

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Wishing you peac unconditional love e, joy, and at C always. -Catholic hristmas and Charities

May the peace and joy of Christ be with you this Christmas Season!

-Office of Archives

in your Merry Christmas from the Offi ve li st ri h C f o it ir p S ce May the e th h g u ro th of H d um n an a heart this Christmas hristmas from spirit of Resources! May the true Christmas shine in your heart New Year! Merry Cervices! and light your path!

Technology S

PRAYER

HEART OF THE CHURCH

HOMILY FROM SAINT OF BERNARD CLAIRVAUX: CHRISTMAS VIGIL [The Nativity] is so profound and so incomprehensible. It is a fountain of life whose waters can never be exhausted — waters that flow the more plentifully the more freely they are drawn. I know, too, how great are your sufferings and tribulations for Christ’s sake, and glad should I be that your comfort might also abound in Him. Worldly consolation is what I am neither willing nor permitted to offer. Such a consolation is both useless and valueless — yea, it is a thing to be dreaded, for it is a true hinderance to the consolation which is from heaven. For this reason, He who is the delight and glory of the angels is become the salvation and the consolation of all who suffer. He who is glorious and transcendent in His own city, and beatifies its citizens by His presence, became little and humble, when in exile, that He might rejoice the exiles.

He who in the highest heavens is the glory of the Father became as a child on earth, “peace to men of good will.”

A Little One is given to little ones, that the Great One may be given to the great, and that those whom the Little One justifies, the Great and Mighty One may afterwards magnify and render glorious. Hence, without doubt, St. Paul, the vessel of election, pours out to us the treasures which he had received from the fullness of this Child. For Christ, though a child, is full of grace and truth. “In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead corporally.” Hence, I repeat, St. Paul utters that good word which you have heard so often during these past days: “Rejoice in the Lord always: again, I say, Rejoice.” For both the mystery and its promise are causes of great joy. Rejoice that you have received the gifts of the left hand; rejoice in the expectation of the rewards of the right. “His left hand is under my head, and his right hand shall embrace me.” For the left hand raises and the right receives. The left hand heals and justifies; the right embraces and blesses. In the left hand are contained His merits, in the right His rewards. In the right are delights, in the left are remedies.

-an exercpt from a Christmas Vigil Homily by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux on the Miraculous Nature of the Nativity

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“

FOR BOTH THE MYSTERY AND ITS PROMISE ARE CAUSES OF GREAT JOY.

”

PRAYER

JANUARY

DAILY PRAYER

FOR PRIESTS, DEACONS, RELIGIOUS, AND SEMINARIANS SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

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4

5

6

Bishop Mario E. Bishop Dorsonville Emeritus Sam Jacob

Rev. Charles Perkins, retired

Rev. Amang Santiago, retired

Rev. Caesar Silva, retired

Rev. Wilmer Todd, retired

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8

9

10

11

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Rev. Jerry Villarubia, retired

Rev. Davis Ahimbisibwe

Very Rev. Jay Baker, MCL, JCL

Rev. Paul Birdsall

Deacon John Mattingly

Rev. Rusty Bruce

Rev. Toto Buenaflor, Jr.

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15

16

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19

20

Rev. Duc Bui

Rev. Stephen Castille

Deacon Jeff Pitre

Rev. Patrick Riviere

Rev. Robert Rogers

Rev. James Rome

Rev. Mitchel Semar

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24

25

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Rev. Carlos Talavera

Seminarian Chad Cheramie

Rev. Joseph Liem Van Than, CRM

Rev. James Nquyen Van Thien

Rev. Mark Toups

Rev. Mike Tran, VF

Rev. Joseph Tregre

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Sister Carmelia Centanni, MSC

Rev. Josekutty (Joe) Varghese

Rev. Romeo (Billy) Velasco

Rev. Shenan Boquet

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2

JANUARY READINGS SCRIPTURE

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

The Epiphany of the Lord

Is 60:1-6 Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 Mt 2:1-12

2

3

4

5

6

Nm 6:22-27 Gal 4:4-7 Lk 2:16-21

1 Jn 2:22-28 Jn 1:19-28

1 Jn 2:29—3:6 Jn 1:29-34

1 Jn 3:7-10 Jn 1:35-42

1 Jn 3:11-21 Jn 1:43-51

1 Jn 5:5-13 Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-38

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13

1 Sm 8:4-7, 1022a Mk 2:1-12

1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1a Mk 2:13-17

Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

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9

10

11

Is 55:1-11 or 1 Jn 5:1-9 Mk 1:7-11

1 Sm 1:9-20 Mk 1:21-28

1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20 1 Sm 4:1-11 Mk 1:29-39 Mk 1:40-45

Feast of Our Lady of Prompt Succor

14

Memorial of St. Hilary of Poiters

15

16

17

1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20 Jn 1:35-42

1 Sm 15:16-23 Mk 2:18-22

1 Sm 16:1-13 Mk 2:23-28

1 Sm 17:32-33, 37, 1 Sm 18:6-9; 19:1-7 40-51 Mk 3:7-12 Mk 3:1-6

21

22

23

24

2 Sm 5:1-7, 10 Mk 3:22-30

2 Sm 6:12b-15, 17-19 Mk 3:31-35

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jon 3:1-5, 10 1 Cor 7:29-31 Mk 1:14-20 28

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dt 18:15-20 1 Cor 7:32-35 Mk 1:21-28

SATURDAY

1

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

7

FRIDAY

18

19

20

1 Sm 24:3-21 Mk 3:13-19

2 Sm 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27 Mk 3:20-21

25

26

27

2 Sm 7:4-17 Mk 4:1-20

Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22 Mk 16:15-18

2 Tm 1:1-8 or Ti 1:1-5 (520) Mk 4:26-34

2 Sm 12:1-7a, 10-17 Mk 4:35-41

Feast of St. Francis de Sales

Memorial of The Conversion of St. Paul

Memorial of St. Anthony

29

30

31

2 Sm 15:13-14, 30; 2 Sm 18:9-10, 14b, 2 Sm 24:2, 9-17 16:5-13 24-25a, 30-19:3 Mk 6:1-6 Mk 5:1-20 Mk 5:21-43

DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX | 23

FEBRUARY PRAYER

DAILY

FOR PRIESTS, DEACONS, RELIGIOUS, AND SEMINARIANS SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1

2

3

Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville

Bishop Emeritus Rev. Joseph Sam Jacobs Chacko

7

8

9

10

4

5

Rev. Cody Chatagnier

Rev. Carl Collins Deacon Chris Prestenback

Rev. Van Constant

Rev. RobertJoel Cruz

Very Rev. Vicente De La Cruz, JCL, VF

Rev. Daniel Duplantis

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

Rev. Cletus Egbi Seminarian Ethan Henry

Rev. Thomas R. Bouterie

Rev. Brice Higginbotham

Rev. Stuart King

Very Rev. Simon Peter Engurait, V.G.

Rev. Antonio (Speedy) Farrugia

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

Deacon Timothy Vedros

Rev. Nathaniel Maria Gadalia

Rev. Alex Gaudet

Rev. Rholando Grecia

Rev. Sabino (Benie) Rebosura

Rev. Francis Kayaye

Rev. Noas Kerketta, I.M.S.

25

26

27

28

29

Rev. Thomas Kuriakose

Rev. Baby (Phillip) Kuruvilla

Rev. Brett Lapeyrouse

Rev. Joseph Lapeyrouse

Sister Miriam Therese Mire, C.S.J., retired

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6

WEDNESDAY

FEBRUARY READINGS SCRIPTURE

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1

2

1 Kgs 2:1-4, 10-12 Mk 6:7-13

Mal 3:1-4 Heb 2:14-18 Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22-32

1 Kgs 3:4-13 Mk 6:30-34

Feast of The Presentation of the Lord

3

Memorial of St. Blaze

5

6

7

8

9

10

Jb 7:1-4, 6-7 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23 Mk 1:29-39

1 Kgs 8:1-7, 9-13 Mk 6:53-56

1 Kgs 8:22-23, 27-30 Mk 7:1-13

1 Kgs 10:1-10 Mk 7:14-23

1 Kgs 11:4-13 Mk 7:24-30

1 Kgs 11:29-32; 12:19 Mk 7:31-37

1 Kgs 12:26-32; 13:33-34 Mk 8:1-10

11

12

13

14

Lv 13:1-2, 44-46 1 Cor 10:31—11:1 Mk 1:40-45

Jas 1:1-11 Mk 8:11-13

Jas 1:12-18 Mk 8:14-21

18

19

Gn 9:8-15 1 Pt 3:18-22 Mk 1:12-15

25

4

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Sunday of Lent

Secondy Sunday of Lent

Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 Rom 8:31b-34 Mk 9:2-10

Memorial of St. Josephine Bakhita

Memorial of St. Scholastica

15

16

17

Jl 2:12-18 2 Cor 5:20—6:2 Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Dt 30:15-20 Lk 9:22-25

Is 58:1-9a Mt 9:14-15

Is 58:9b-14 Lk 5:27-32

20

21

22

23

24

Lv 19:1-2, 11-18 Mt 25:31-46

Is 55:10-11 Mt 6:7-15

Jon 3:1-10 Lk 11:29-32

1 Pt 5:1-4 Mt 16:13-19

Ez 18:21-28 Mt 5:20-26

Dt 26:16-19 Mt 5:43-48

26

27

28

29

Dn 9:4b-10 Lk 6:36-38

Is 1:10, 16-20 Mt 23:1-12

Jer 18:18-20 Mt 20:17-28

Jer 17:5-10 Lk 16:19-31

Ash Wednesday

DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX | 25

FAITH FORMATION

LIVING LITURGICAL Each Christmas, the Lord invites us to experience joy—a state of being that goes beyond a plate full of food and presents under a tree. These things, among many others, can mislead us into equating joy with mere happiness. The temptations that lead us astray from the true meaning of Christmas are the same ones that cause us to overlook the Lord’s invitation throughout the entire year. We are summoned to embrace a joy that remains unshaken by challenging circumstances, fueled by hope.

Unfortunately, we often overlook this invitation entirely or settle for a superficial version of it because we become preoccupied with trivial matters. Our distractions from the hope that God offers can range from material possessions to nostalgic relationships. The Robichaux family, through an

26 | BAYOU CATHOLIC

unimaginable experience, was illuminated to God’s invitation to this profound sense of hope in Him. Ivy Robichaux, daughter of Ryan and Simone Robichaux, described what Christmas looks like in their family. She said, “Our Christmas has always been centered around family. We have been fortunate to be able to visit all our family on Christmas day and I am so thankful that we are able to do so. Every year, my brother Roman and I would say to each other that it was ‘the best Christmas ever.’ And every Christmas was the best for us.

Christmas 2021 will always be my best Christmas.”

In January 2022, God called home Ryan and Simone’s son, Roman. The tragic circumstances in which they found themselves exposed them to the grace of dependence upon God, their only hope. Simone explains what it’s like to endure

a season of celebration amid loss. She said, “Holidays are hard. I’m typically quiet because I don’t want to make others uncomfortable, but I don’t want to be isolated. The three of us stick together because we understand. The loss has bonded us in a unique way.” Despite the best intentions of loved ones, the isolation comes when people avoid talking about her son to avoid causing them pain. She explained, “When other people talk about Roman it brings us joy—when people are afraid to talk about him and say his name, it’s like a second experience of his death.” The Robichaux’s credit their strength to grace called down from God, Mary, and Roman—who they have faith is in heaven.

The absence of Roman has profoundly altered the family’s perspective, transcending the frivolous details that often consume the essence of Christmas and everyday Christian life. Simone said, “I ask for God, Mary and Roman to send down grace. God has so much mercy towards us, He just loves us where we are.”

LLY

They have a newfound appreciation for what Roman lived to teach everyone he met—that heaven is the ultimate goal and reward for all. Roman’s life exemplified the importance of Jesus and the values and individuals cherished by Jesus himself.

Ryan said, “All the materialistic things weren’t important to Roman. On his last Christmas, he didn’t even want to open all his gifts, he just wanted to watch the family be happy.”

One way the family can be close to Roman for Christmas is in a tradition implemented by Ryan’s father, Elmo Robichaux.

He requested that in lieu of a Christmas gifts for him, that his grandkids do a service project. Each year since, the family has distributed food, clothing items, and other goods to communities in need. Simone recalled the first project done after Roman’s passing. She said, “Last year we distributed gifts to the Hispanic community. One of the recipients made a comment that made Ivy and I look at each other, knowing that was something Roman would have said. We knew he was with us, and it filled our hearts to do service with him spiritually.”

THE ROBICHAUX FAMILY’S JOURNEY UNVEILING JOY AMID LOSS

The physical absence of Roman remains an ongoing and formidable challenge for the family, a void that continues to present the most daunting hurdle they’ve ever faced. Yet, amidst this profound loss, they’ve unlocked a spiritual connection not only with Roman but also with Jesus, one that has the power to transform not just their own family dynamics but also remarkably impact lives in ways they never foresaw. Ryan said, “You can’t strategize dealing with grief. We just leave it in God’s hands.”

Roman had a devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Simone recounts his habit of praying Hail Mary’s each night. For her, it’s not merely the memory that sustains her but the grace that abounds from regular prayer. She said, “I feel like all those Hail Mary’s are covering me today because of his devotion.”

This experience is a testament to the reality of the Mystical Body of Christ. The faithful are all connected by one another’s prayers and sins alike. The fruits of Roman’s devotion have benefitted others outside of the family. Simone said, “Prayer intercession has been happening; people praying to Roman. People from other states are praying to my son for help. Joy doesn’t begin to describe how that makes me feel. I just know it’s all of God.” The family repurposed a website initially gifted to Roman to be a place where anyone can share stories of Roman’s impact on their lives. These stories are public and can be read at deuceperfect.com Simone summed up their journey of coping with grief and remembering Roman. She said, “We honor Roman by living like him on a daily basis.

Of course, we’re still navigating through this but we always turn to the cross. Totally surrender yourself to Jesus and go spend time with Him in Adoration.”

Whether you’re dealing with grief of a loved one or another seemingly hopeless situation this Christmas, learn from the experience of the Robichaux family and Roman’s legacy and cling to the hope and joy that only God can offer.

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“

EVERY YEAR, MY BROTHER ROMAN AND I WOULD SAY TO EACH OTHER THAT IT WAS ‘THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER.’ AND EVERY CHRISTMAS WAS THE BEST FOR US. CHRISTMAS 2021 WILL ALWAYS BE MY BEST CHRISTMAS.

Merry Christmas to you and may God bless you and your family with peace and joy for the year to come.

-Office of Administration

Merry Christmas from the staff at th e Assisi Bridge H ouse

Wishing you and your family a blessed holiday season filled with love and laughter. -Lumen Christi Retreat Center

Merry Christmas from the Tribunal

FAITH FORMATION

THE PASSION FOR

EVANGELIZATION

SUMMARIES OF THREE PAPAL AUDIENCES: NOVEMBER 15TH, NOVEMBER 22ND, NOVEMBER 29TH

PROCLAMATION IS JOY

“In our continuing catechesis on apostolic zeal, we now turn to the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium and its summons to a renewed proclamation of the “joy of the Gospel”. The reason for that joy, which was first announced by the angels in Bethlehem, is our personal encounter with Jesus, who, now risen from the dead, offers us the promise of new and eternal life.

We see this in the Gospel story of the disciples who met the risen Lord on the road to Emmaus. With their hearts set afire by the Word of God that he proclaimed to them, they then recognized him in the breaking of the bread and joyfully returned to Jerusalem to announce his resurrection to the others.

Like those disciples, we too need to encounter the Lord ever anew in his Word and his sacramental presence, in order to share the liberating message of the Gospel with others. In our troubled world, so many people await a word of hope. May all Christians take up the challenge of sharing the joy of their own encounter with the risen Lord, the new life bestowed by his Spirit, and the freedom born of trust in his promises.”

PROCLAMATION IS FOR TODAY

PROCLAMATION IS FOR EVERYONE

“That joy is meant for everyone, since the risen Lord wishes to call all men and women to share in the fullness of life. In fidelity to the mission we received in baptism, we have a duty to share the Gospel with all whom we meet, not excluding anyone, because Christ was born, died, and rose again for all. The Scriptures reveal that when God calls individuals to discipleship, he also sends them forth as witnesses of his redeeming love. The Church herself is “catholic”, universal, for she has been entrusted with the mission of making disciples of all nations, while also fostering unity that respects and reconciles the rich variety of histories and cultures. May we who have experienced the beauty and joy of the Gospel become ever more conscious that its message is good news for all and strive to show the face of a Church that is welcoming and embraces all.”

“We can easily grow discouraged in these times when God seems to have no place and the deepest desires of the human heart often appear to be stifled by an obsession with money and power. Yet, Saint Paul reminds us that in God’s plan, this is the favorable time, the day of salvation. Apostolic zeal, thus, impels us, who have known the transforming grace of God’s word and the joy of the Gospel, to find new ways to bring that treasure to the places where we live, study and work, and to embody with our lives, especially through respect, compassion, and the gentleness of our words, the love of Jesus for every individual. May we, through our daily encounters, become witnesses of hope and bearers of the Gospel, who inspire all we meet to open wide the door to the One who alone can give joy and peace today and always.”

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“

MAY WE, THROUGH OUR DAILY ENCOUNTERS, BECOME WITNESSES OF HOPE AND BEARERS OF THE GOSPEL WHO INSPIRE ALL WE MEET TO OPEN WIDE THE DOOR TO THE ONE WHO ALONE CAN GIVE JOY AND PEACE TODAY AND ALWAYS.

DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX | 31

FAITH FORMATION

EVERYDAY “

GROWING IN OUR FAITH TOGETHER HAS ONLY MADE US LOVE EACH OTHER MORE BARRY AND ANA VICE

have been married for 35 years. Ana is originally from Granada, Nicaragua, and Barry was born and raised in Houma. Barry has been working as an assistant district attorney in Terrebonne Parish for the past 27 years, and Ana taught Religion and Spanish At Vandebilt Catholic High School for 19 years until she retired in 2016. Together they have 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. Barry and Ana are parishioners of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral.

”

HOLINESS WHAT DOES THE PURSUIT OF HOLINESS

WHAT PRACTICES OR HABITS HAVE YOU

LOOK LIKE IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE?

INCORPORATED INTO YOUR MARRIAGE

BARRY: My pursuit of holiness starts with daily prayer, including the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy. I listen to Catholic YouTube videos while getting ready and on my drive to work. I attend daily Mass. I try to be attentive to the needs of others throughout my day. I attend a yearly weekend retreat with my father and other members of our family at Manresa Retreat House. Ana and I are part of a couples prayer group that meets monthly.

ANA: Retirement has given me the chance to spend more time with family, and more time in prayer and learning about my faith. Barry and I begin our day praying the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet together while we drink coffee.

Attending daily Mass is a habit I picked up while teaching at Vandebilt, and it is something I continue to do because it has been transformative for me. I babysit our grandkids often and make myself available to the needs of our family. So, while I do chores or walk, I listen to Catholic podcasts and belong to Bible Study groups. God’s Word, and my sisters in Christ are a great source of encouragement and inspiration.

AND FAMILY LIFE THAT HAVE MADE A LASTING IMPACT SPIRITUALLY? BARRY: My family prayed the Rosary regularly while I was growing up, and Ana and I continued that tradition during our early years of marriage. When our children were in elementary school, we weekly prayed the rosary in our home with other families. As empty-nesters our prayer routines have expanded, including more time praying together and daily Mass. These habits have had lasting impact on my spiritual life.

ANA: Attending daily Mass has had the biggest impact on my spirituality. Praying together and saying our intentions out loud has deepened our reliance on God in our marriage. Time spent with God brings about self-awareness of struggles. I ask Barry for prayer and support without fear of judgement.

We’re united despite my imperfections. His prayers hold incredible power. He is one of those guys who preaches and prays all day without saying a word. God blessed me with a very good husband!

WHAT DOES EVANGELIZATION LOOK LIKE IN THIS SEASON OF LIFE? BARRY: Ana and I joke that we are entering the “fourth quarter” of our lives. I look at evangelization as being a disciple for Jesus. We share our Catholic Faith with family and grandchildren. We try to be open to bringing Jesus to people that we encounter and believe that first having a personal relationship with Him is essential. Ana and I are involved in a couple of family ministries at St. Francis. We also financially support Catholic organizations evangelizing in third-world countries.

ANA: I could not imagine my life without my faith—it defines me. I naturally share about God, though I question if it’s always the best way. I used to hold back, but now I let the Holy Spirit guide my actions. I pray to see Christ in others, and to be Christ-like. It’s challenging but I hope people know God loves them because of something I said or did.

ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR SAINTS WHO HAVE HAD AN INFLUENCE ON YOUR SPIRITUAL LIVES? BARRY: We conclude our daily Rosary by calling upon several Saints to pray for us. My middle name, Paul, and my Confirmation name, Peter, reflect my admiration for these two courageous disciples. They fearlessly preached Jesus as King and Lord throughout the Roman Empire, an act that led to their eventual execution. Two other Saints that have influenced my life are St. John Paul II and St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. St. John Paul II teaches me to always be joyful amid your sufferings. St. Mother Teresa inspires me to see Jesus in everyone that we meet. This is not easy because it takes us out of our comfort zone.

DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX | 33

ANA: I love the Saints and am inspired by their lives! They loved God above all the many struggles of their lives. We keep images of the Saints in our home. We ask some of our favorites to intercede for us daily after our morning Rosary. Some of my favorites are St. Padre Pio, St. John Paul II, St. Mother Teresa, and St Terese. I also ask St. Monica and St. Augustine to intercede for me for perseverance in prayer. Their wisdom fascinates me. They are the real “influencers!” I consider them relatives and friends who will welcome me in Heaven one day.

I pray that God may grant me the grace to imitate them!

responsibility. I speak in haste and regret it later. I call on Mama Mary to be a mother to them when I feel inadequate.

As I grow in faith, I find peace in remembering that God wants them in Heaven more than I do, trusting in His love.

Surrendering a family means trusting in God’s grace—it’s about acceptance and trust.

WHAT’S SOMETHING NEW THAT YOU’VE LEARNED RECENTLY THAT EXCITES YOU?

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNED IN RAISING A FAMILY? BARRY: One of the biggest lessons to learn is to simplify your life. With busy schedules and numerous demands, finding balance is tough. Prioritize prayer, self-care, and family.

Another important lesson to learn is to say “I am sorry” and “I love you”.

ANA: Raising a family is the most challenging job ever! They’re the ones I cherish most even though I’m imperfect in loving them. I long for them to be in Heaven, feeling the weight of

BARRY: This year I have been listening to The Catechism in a Year with Father Mike Schmitz. Father Mike reads from the Catechism and then explains the section that he read. By the end of the year, we will have read the entire Catechism. I have learned so much regarding the Catholic Church’s teachings on faith and morals, and about God from this program.

Hopefully, it will help me in making a transformation to act more like Jesus.

ANA: Recently, God has given me the grace of learning to surrender control, giving me a newfound freedom and I am loving it. I am almost finished listening to the Catechism in a year with Father Mike Schmitz, and I must say I love being Catholic! Our Church has everything we need—God’s love and mercy, the grace-filled Sacraments. Now I experience a

deeper sense of forgiveness in Confession as I understand the beauty of that Sacrament. Father Mike compares it to Jesus granting us another chance to experience His love each time we seek it.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FAMILIES LOOKING TO PASS ON THEIR FAITH TO FUTURE GENERATIONS? BARRY: The Catholic Faith was passed on to me by my parents.

All four of my grandparents were practicing Catholics, which strengthened my faith. I also had religion teachers and priests that passed on the Faith. Start with baptizing your children.

This frees them from Original Sin and welcomes them into the community of the Catholic Church. Remember that Sunday is the Lord’s Day. We should worship him on Sunday by going to Mass and setting the day aside for rest and family.

ANA: Pray, pray and pray some more! Prayer is simply spending time with God, a loving father who wants to be part of His children’s lives. Share with your family who God is and what He has done in your life. Praise Him and thank Him for His goodness, His faithfulness and His everlasting love.

Obedience to God’s commandments is crucial in passing on the Faith. As heads of our families, we must strive to do this despite our imperfections. I believe there is so much beauty in showing our families where to turn when we make mistakes.

There is no limit to the number of times we can seek God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

ANA: We will experience many crosses in this journey called “life.” I believe suffering has brought me to know God in a much deeper way. Difficulties have brought me to my knees where Jesus has met me and carried me. The pain has been real, but I would not trade it for anything. My faith would not be where it is today if not for those hardships. Whatever your struggle may be, take that to Jesus and His mother. They know suffering better than anyone. It was during a storm in my life that I started to spend time with Jesus in front of the Blessed Sacrament. There were times where it felt as if God literally parted the Red Sea for me and my situation. There are other struggles that seem not to have changed after decades of begging. Somehow, it seems that little by little God fills me with His peace even though I don’t understand.

AFTER 35 YEARS OF MARRIAGE, WHAT THE PATH TO HOLINESS IS FILLED

WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE HALLMARKS OF

WITH MANY OBSTACLES, HOW HAS

A HOLY RELATIONSHIP?

YOUR FAMILY PERSEVERED THROUGH DIFFICULTIES AND WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS EXPERIENCING STRUGGLE? BARRY: It is a guarantee that we are going to have personal and family struggles. To persevere, I have learned to be patient and kind toward others. Over time I have also learned to trust in God and offer my difficulties to Him. I believe that He will always give us what we need, not necessarily what we ask for.

God has blessed us abundantly through our 35 years of marriage. Our relationship is a holy one because we have given God the reins. We honor the marriage vows we professed on our wedding day by staying faithful, trusting one another, and staying committed to our family. Growing in our faith together has only made us love each other more.

We know that our purpose is to help each other, our children, and grandchildren get to Heaven. Through this beautiful and holy Sacrament of Matrimony, God has promised to help us achieve this goal. We are forever grateful He has lovingly given us the Grace for this beautiful vocation.

DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX | 35

FAITH FORMATION

GROWING virtue IN VIRTUE

HOPE I think that the virtue of Hope, like many things, can be commercialized and watered down in the world we live in. But hope, as we understand it as Christians, is not just some warm fuzzy feeling you experience around the holiday season or something you watch on Hallmark movies. Hope is the theological virtue that “responds to the aspiration to happiness which God has placed in the heart of every man; it takes up the hopes that inspire men’s activities and purifies them so as to order them to the Kingdom of heaven; it keeps man from discouragement; it sustains him during times of abandonment; it opens up his heart in expectation of eternal beatitude (CCC 1818).”

Hope is the force that gets us out of bed each morning to pursue the happiness set before us by the Lord. When we place our trust in the Lord, believing that He will take care of our every need and desire, we learn an important lesson in Hope. In this life we will inevitably experience suffering and longing, and we will likely be wounded by those we love and by those we barely know. These experiences make it difficult to remain hopeful.

We see this in Scripture when God makes His promise to Abraham that he will be a father to the nations in the midst of him and his wife struggling to conceive for decades. In this scripture account, there is no logical reason for Abraham to trust that what the Lord has promised will be fulfilled, and yet he “hopes against hope” and God reveals his faithfulness.

DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX | 37

In my own life, I have seen first-hand the goodness of the Lord and His faithfulness. When I was 20 years old, I remember being at a place so low and desperate that I’d have done almost anything to be happy again.

My heart had been broken over and over again and I didn’t feel like I would ever be worthy of love. I was so miserable doing the things that seemed normal for a college student to be doing, and I felt like I had strayed so far from God that He couldn’t possibly want anything to do with me. I was ready to give up when I met Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration. I was terrified and ashamed when I met Him again in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. And then, not all at once, but over time I started to listen to what the Lord had to say about me- about who I was, about my goodness, and about all the plans He had for me that were far more than I could have ever imagined. Over time, I began to hope again. Despite what past experience told me about what I could expect in life, I had hope in the Lord.

Now, I don’t want to mislead you. A life of hope is not one without suffering and heartache, but it is one of goodness, joy, and love in the midst of it all. During one of his countless addresses, St. Pope John Paul II says, “I plead with you — never, ever give up on hope; never doubt, never tire and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.” This is my invitation to you, my friends. Let us be a people of hope! Let us beg God to increase our trust in Him, that we too may hope against hope. If you’re looking for a place to start, pick up the Scriptures and you will see countless examples of hope fulfilled. Reread your journal entries from years ago or remember the things you’ve asked of the Lord and invite Him to show you the ways He may have answered your prayers and take time each day to spend with the God who inspires our hope. You won’t be left disappointed.

MAEGAN MARTIN

is the Director of Communications for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

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“

I PLEAD WITH YOU — NEVER, EVER GIVE UP ON HOPE; NEVER DOUBT, NEVER TIRE AND NEVER BECOME DISCOURAGED. BE NOT AFRAID.

ST. POPE JOHN PAUL II

”

FAITH FORMATION

KRITTY CHOUEST

is a wife and a mother with a missionary heart. She is a member of the Marian Servants of the Word and serves as the Parish Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

LIFE WITH CHRIST

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I have been married to Tracy Chouest for 28 years and we have two children. Our daughter Connor is 24 years old, and our son Gavin is 20 years old. My faith journey really ignited as an adult when my husband’s job relocated our family to Anchorage, Alaska. Living in Alaska is not for the faint of heart, but I fell in love with what God did for my family there.

Looking back on this season, I can see how God scooped up my family and tenderly placed us where He could lead us back to union with Him. The relocation allowed me to be a full-time mom and with that, brought time to meet God amid His creativity in nature.

Hiking became a cherished hobby. As I would seek Him in the hiking trails, by the waterfalls, even in wild creatures, I could feel Him delighting in me in the silence of nature. I could sense Him holding me as I dared those steep mountain hikes and protecting me from the occasional moose or bear. God invited me to be childlike on these hikes, experiencing oneon-one time with my Father.

With each mountain hike, God revealed the peaks (consolation) and valleys (desolation) of the spiritual life. I missed so many daily graces due to my lack of “silence and prayer.” Grace is in the silent moments no matter if I am in the desolation or consolation of the spiritual journey.

After three years in Anchorage, my husband’s company brought us back home to Louisiana and we returned to

St. Joseph Church in Galliano. Upon our return, I was “voluntold” to teach 10th grade Theology of the Body. I have never considered teaching to be a gift of mine; however, I was graced to attend a week-long Theology of the Body course

by Christopher West. Here I received the “ache”-- a desire to understand my identity with, in, and through Christ.

After two years of youth ministry at St. Joseph, I felt the Lord calling me to be “the better part” like Mary in Luke 10:42, to sit at His feet and listen. With discernment and guidance from my Spiritual Director, I chose to attend Dr. Bob Schucts “Healing the Whole Person” retreat which was the beginning of interior healing, freedom and restoration through personal prayer and receiving the fullness the sacraments.

This next chapter brought wholeness as I grew in integrating my mind, body, and soul. When I decided to seek the Lord and open the door to Him, my relationship with Christ grew and I fully understood the intimacy He desires with me. We began a dance, swaying in the ring of prayer. He re-dressed me in His garments of salvation to be His Beloved.

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My journey with the Lord also drew my heart to the Marian Servants of the Word. This community provided space to grow in commitment with Mary & Jesus. My heart abided in His Word and was nurtured in the womb of Mary.

Jesus called me back into youth ministry as Director of Youth Formation at Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Golden Meadow. This took complete trust in His divine providence through prayer and fasting. Jesus ignited a fire of creativity within me, and He brought beautiful mentors into my life that created loving relationships which produced new fruits.

The transition from working on my personal relationship with Christ was now manifesting through exterior relationships. In these new relationships, Jesus was revealing my identity through

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community. I recognized an “ache” for authentic love in friendships.

I still remember the day after Hurricane Ida hit our community. As I was walking outside trying to mentally comprehend the destruction, I felt I was “hiking” another mountain. Jesus once again revealed the exterior silence and stillness but in the devastation of His creation.

On this mountain top I wasn’t going to walk up into consolation, He prepared me to walk in this flattened community as the Spirit spoke to my heart, “I make all things new!”

The Lord brought me to be “boots on the ground” with the family and mentors of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church.

We all began to serve our community in exterior and interior restoration through

“

HE ALWAYS GAZES UPON ME WAITING FOR ME TO SURRENDER THE PARTS OF MY HEART THAT ARE BROKEN, BEATEN, TORN, AND BRUISED.

listening and bringing meals and commodities into the streets of Golden Meadow. After a few months of community service, I was asked to work part-time with Catholic Charities as a Case Worker for the families in our local community. The beauty of case work allowed me to enter the life and homes of families who needed assistance. Immersed in the life of our neighbors, I began to see how the Lord desires to restore His children— to transform not only their exterior homes but also the interior home of their heart, not realizing Jesus was doing the same work within me.

Today, I work full time with Catholic Charities of Houma-Thibodaux (CCHT) as Parish Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator and I just finished my second session of Spiritual Direction school at The Cenacle School of Spiritual Direction. Jesus continues to remind me to walk in His vision for CCHT. I will leave y’all with this little event that revealed the fullness of my journey. This October during my second session of Spiritual Direction school, I was interiorly struggling but was aware of the Lord preparing me for deeper inner healing. Just days into school, I was complaining to my husband about this agitation that had no words. When I woke the following morning my husband sent me a video clip of a little boy telling his father, “I’m tired, I’m cranky, I’ve been in school all day,” and the dad replied, “So what are you saying, you don’t want to wrestle tonight?” As the son was walking away, he turned around and said, “Well maybe, if I get over being cranky and tired!”

I laughed with joy and meditated with how this video related to the beginning of my relationship with God. My Father wanted to wrestle with me in all my emotions and here is little Kritty, tired and cranky from being in the world all day and I just wanted to be left alone. I realized my relationship with Christ was always in a state of wrestling. Sometimes I fought, other times I walked away, some days I was frozen. He is so patient with me as he gazes upon me waiting for me to surrender the parts of my heart that are broken, beaten, torn, and bruised.

Brothers and sisters, Christ wants to wrestle in love with us. He wants to set us free from our core lies because it keeps us from believing the core truth that we are the “Beloved”. Personal prayer through meditating on the words of Christ reveals the innermost part of ourselves that needs healing; however, it takes “heart” work to restore those lies from the enemy that keep us from becoming Holy!

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CHRISTMAS Every year, my mom spends at least three days baking all kinds of sweets for our family and our neighbors and friends. She makes everything from lemon bars and chocolate chip cookies to pralines and chocolate-peanut butter fudge.

The smells that come from the kitchen during this time are amazing, and we always get to test the batches of sweets too!

It’s a time that brings back so many memories, and it also reconnects us with neighbors and family friends that we may not have seen in a while.

When we were little, my sister and I would deliver them to our neighbors, and we’ve continued that to this day. It helps us show some Christmas spirit to our neighbors and family friends, and most importantly, this time helps us to get closer to the people we love most.

- ETHAN HENRY, NOTRE DAME SEMINARY

Q+A:

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE

A cherished Christmas tradition is the way my mother kept gift-giving simple and meaningful. Instead of overwhelming us with a multitude of presents, she followed the wise men’s example who presented Jesus with three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This practice kept our focus on the true meaning of Christmas and taught us the value of simplicity and gratitude.

My mother found a simple way to emphasize that the joy of Christmas lies not in material possessions, but in the love and generosity we share with others. It was a beautiful reminder that the most precious gifts are found in the warmth of family, the laughter around the dinner table, and the joy of being together.

I carry on this tradition with my own children. We embrace the idea that Christmas is not about the quantity of presents under the tree, but about the love and thoughtfulness behind each gift. We focus on meaningful experiences, spending quality time together, and finding ways to give back to our community. Keeping the three-gift tradition alive helps us keep Jesus central to our celebration and reminds us of the importance of cherishing the moments and memories we create with our loved ones.

- SARAH ADAMS, ST. JOSEPH CO-CATHEDRAL

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I have found in the past few years that many of the traditions we come to love sometimes have to dramatically change or even end as the passage of time brings new, changing circumstances. Still, one of my most cherished memories is the gathering of friends and family on Christmas Eve. We normally go to evening mass and then gather for cocktails and dinner at my mom’s house. We’ve had huge gatherings over the years, and my mom makes this killer Brandy Milk Punch which makes for a very happy Santa!

This year I am looking forward to a family gathering at my house.

While perhaps a little smaller, the milk punch will keep it lively.

Merry Christmas everyone!

- JAMES J. BUQUET III, ST. FRANCIS DE SALES

Christmas CHRISTMAS TRADITION? Christmas Lights!! As a boy, I loved Christmas lights - lights on Christmas trees, on rooflines, around windows and doors, across streets on wires. I loved the white and colored glow everywhere.

When I was young, my dad would take us for car rides to see the Christmas lights around town. I was full of wonder at the warm and otherworldly scene the lights created.

The lights made me happy, and somehow, I felt more at home and more ‘safe’. This year, my wife and I bought our first home, and I just put up the lights a few days before writing this. As I finished putting them up and turned them on that first night, it was so beautiful and so bright. Standing there in the light as an adult, I felt at home - I felt ‘safe’.

Reflecting on this feeling, I realized that the lights reminded me of Jesus who is our Light - who eliminates every darkness with His coming into our world at Christmas and into every season of our lives. That’s why I felt safe. The lights reminded me of Jesus who dispels every darkness with the light of His love.

- ROCH GERNON, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

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Some of my absolute favorite Christmas traditions include celebrating Christmas Mass and spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my family. There is nothing better than getting to spend the best time of the year surrounded by the people you love.

Often, it feels too easy to take family time for granted, but we must always remember to cherish every second we have together.

I truly feel so blessed and fortunate to be able to spend the holidays with my family each year. I thank God every day for the beautiful gift of family that He has given me! My time spent with family during the Christmas season will forever hold some of my favorite memories.

- EMMA DELAUNE, E.D. WHITE

The Filipino tradition of the Misa de Gallo, or the Mass of the Rooster (named because it is celebrated at dawn when the rooster crows) is one of my favorites around Christmas. Here, the faithful are invited to attend a novena of Masses, usually around 4:00 a.m., from December 16 to 24. Having received a special indult from the Vatican, these were the only Masses in the middle of Advent that were permitted to be celebrated with a higher degree of festivity than the rest of each day’s Masses – priests wear white vestments and the Gloria is sung. It is a Mass specifically dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, where all are invited to journey with her spiritually and liturgically to Bethlehem.

I remember how, each day, even in the middle of a busy work week, hundreds of the faithful commit to waking up before 4:00 a.m. in order to complete all nine days of Masses. It was said that if one completes the novena, special blessings will be had for him or her. This was one of the few occasions when I would be excited to wake up at 3:00 a.m. to go to Mass. This tradition has begun to be celebrated within the Filipino community in our diocese. All that matters now is to muster up the strength to wake up at 4:00 a.m. to participate.

- FR. ERIC LEYBLE, ST. GENEVIEVE

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CHRISTMAS

THE CHRISTMAS LIE A STORY OF FINDING CHRISTMAS JOY AT HOME

FR. JOSH RODRIGUE, STL

is a priest from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. He currently serves as Rector for Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

Around Christmas, rather than just the commercials focused on giving and receiving gifts, there are the occasional heartwarming commercials about families coming together at Christmas. I remember seeing as a young boy the 1988 Folgers commercial with Peter coming home and waking his family up on Christmas morning with fresh-brewed coffee to celebrate Christmas together. I always remembered that commercial and thought what joy it would be to make a surprise visit for Christmas after being away from family and home.

Having to travel through Philadelphia and not trusting the northern winter weather, I flew into Louisiana a couple of days before Christmas Eve, but the concern was finding a place to hide out for a couple of days. No place along Bayou Lafourche would be safe for that amount of time. The mouths of the South would spoil the surprise. We had neighborhood watch before it became popular. It was called “our grandmas looking out their windows to see who was coming in and out of the area.” Abbot Justin and the monks at St. Joseph Abbey near Covington gladly offered a hideout.

For my first Christmas after being ordained a priest, I would be in Europe finishing up my studies, a fifth year of not being home with family for Christmas. We had permission to travel home for Christmas if we wanted to, so I finally had my chance to have my own “Folgers commercial.” I had told my parents that I would be at Quarr Abbey off the southwest coast of England for Christmas and would call them after the Abbey’s Midnight Mass since that would be the time they would gather across the street from my parents’ house at my grandmother’s house. The plan was set into motion.

I made the trip to the St. Charles Community with great anticipation. Not being home for four years for Christmas and missing my family and my grandma’s oyster rice dressing caused at times my foot to become a little heavy on the accelerator. Finally arriving, I drove by and saw all were at my grandmother’s house.

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After circling back and quickly getting out the car at my parents’ house, I unlocked the door and went to the kitchen to call my grandmother’s phone. These were the days before

cell phones and caller ID, so the calling part easily disguised my location.

My mother picked up the phone, and we began our conversation. After answering her questions, I asked if everyone was there, if they started eating, and how was the oyster dressing. She then said, “We decided we weren’t having oyster dressing this year. Your aunt made a gumbo instead.”

No oyster dressing!?! During my ten-hour flight from Rome and the days and months leading up to the trip, I can’t tell you the number times I thought about eating a big plate of my grandma’s oyster dressing with candied yams on the side. I daydreamed about walking up to the house and the scent of the dressing escaping through the cracks of the door even before going in. It was supposed to be like the Folgers commercial but with oyster dressing instead!

The joy of Christmas was being snatched away as quickly as the Grinch stole all the presents in Whoville. This is not how I had envisioned it. I had the fleeting thought, “No oyster dressing to be eaten; no young priest to be seen.” I had to wrestle against the strong temptation of leaving and going right back to the Abbey. Remaining with family was victorious over the absence of oyster dressing…but only by a little. So, I made up an excuse that a monk had to use the phone and I’d call back in a couple of minutes.

I exited the house and hurriedly crossed the street. As I grabbed the door handle and walked into the living room, like walking into church at Christmas and smelling the familiar aroma of burning candlewax and incense, I could smell the aroma of gumbo wafting throughout the house, a scent that meant I was finally home for Christmas, and joy flooded my heart. As the angel of the Lord exclaimed to the shepherds, “I proclaim to you good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10), with great joy I exclaimed to my family, “Surprise!”

Silence ensued for what seemed like minutes but was only several seconds as my family looked on in confusion. It was probably the same way the shepherds looked at the angel after the proclamation of Jesus’ birth. My mother was the first to break the silence. I expected words of great love, joy, and excitement at seeing me; however, I was instead assailed with the words, “You lied,” while others rendered the expected shrieks of joy. Dad, thinking I was a hologram, still stood silently, dumbfounded and trying to figure out how I could be in England and Thibodaux at the same time.

Nevertheless, being quickly forgiven for the Christmas lie and deception, I experienced one of the most joy-filled and memorable Christmases.

Upon reflection of that Christmas 20 years ago, it is a reminder of what the celebration of the birth of Christ does for the world. Christ brings people who are near and far, rich and poor, saintly or sinful to Himself— shepherds in the nearby field, Magi from the East, those who are close to Him in their spiritual lives, those who are far from him through neglect or sin.

While we may be separated by physical distance from loved ones at Christmas or by the distance from others we set within our hearts, there is the joy of the birth of Christ that battles against separation. While we might even downplay the feeling, deep down, we want to love and be loved by others, especially family, especially the Lord. To experience the true joy of Christmas, if we feel far away from home or family, the Lord or the Church, come home, seek forgiveness, extend forgiveness, be reconciled, love and be loved. Find Christmas joy at home with family... even if they don’t have oyster dressing; the gumbo is just as good.

“

CHRIST BRINGS PEOPLE WHO ARE NEAR AND FAR, RICH AND POOR, SAINTLY OR SINFUL TO HIMSELF.

”

CHRISTMAS

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS FR. DAVIS AHIMBISIBWE

is a newly ordained priest in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. He currently serves as parochial vicar of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales.

PRIORITIZ ING SAINTHO OD THROUGH LOVE

St. John tells us that, “God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.” (1 John 4:16) The Christmas season and the New Year offer us opportunities either to begin anew or to grow more in the virtue of love which is necessary for us to remain in God. Since charity is the perfection of our call to be saints, it should be the center of our New Year resolutions. In God who is love, there is a threefold dimension to understanding love to the fullest: love of self, love of neighbor, and love of God.

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LOVE OF SELF The ability to truly love ourselves sets the foundation for both love of neighbor and God. St. Catherine of Siena reminds us in her dialogues that, “Every act of virtue is an act of loving oneself and every act of vice is an act of hating oneself.” Virtue builds us up and makes us like Christ, The Virtuous Man, while vice tears us down and makes us less and less like Christ. Under this dimension of love, consider two things: 1. What is the predominant vice or sin that I struggle with that makes me less and less like Christ?

2. What is the predominant virtue that I have that makes me more like Christ?

LOVE OF NEIGHBOR

LOVE OF GOD

Pope Benedict in Deus Caritas Est taught us that the readiness to encounter a neighbor and show him love makes a person sensitive to God, and closing ourselves off from the love of neighbor, closes us off from an encounter with the Lord. Under this dimension of love, consider these things:

God is very generous with His love. While we are here on earth we have the capacity to grow in our love of God. There are concrete acts-think spiritual exercises-we can do that make us more receptive and responsive to God’s constant love.

The goal of these is that we come to have and experiential knowledge of God as our best and first friend. Under this dimension of love consider this:

How can I reflect love, looking at everybody, in my marriage, my family, at work, within my church parish, wherever God has placed me­— with the look of love?

THE WORKS OF MERCY Seven corporal - feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead Seven spiritual - instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, admonish the sinners, bear patiently those who wrong us, forgive offenses, comfort the afflicted, pray for the living and the dead

Make a greater commitment to daily prayer personal as a couple and as a family, to frequenting the Sacraments especially the Eucharist and confession, to reading Scripture and other spiritual reading, to the rosary and other devotions, or to a small faith community.

PRACTICAL STEPS 1. Begin by invoking the Holy Spirit as a guide.

2. Look at all three dimensions of love described above.

3. Make only one goal from each dimension.

4. Look at all three goals in an objective manner and ask, “At this point in my life, which of these three is most important?” a. Then order all three according to their level of importance. b. Reflect upon them and ask, “Am I going to focus on all of them this year or am I going to focus on

only one that is most pressing?”

5. Make a firm decision, the resolution and if possible, put it in writing.

6. End by asking the Blessed Virgin Mary to help you be faithful and achieve the resolutions you just made.

With trust in the help of God to bring to completion the work he always begins in us, may this year be for us all a time of growth in virtue and grace. Blessings.

CULTURE

MORE THAN ENTERTAINED The mission of More Than Entertained (MTE) is to help others recognize Christ within the entertainment industry.

In the midst of a world that increasingly casts God aside, we propose that Jesus Christ is still intimately near, at every time and in every place. We see the entertainment industry as a place where the things of heaven are wed to those of earth.

We want people to know that Jesus Christ is all around them — in movies, music, sports, and so on — if only they would take a moment to look for Him.

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As we suspect anyone who reads this magazine knows, Christmas is no mere secular holiday. At the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and at The Nativity of our Lord, we have a two-fold affirmation of God’s desire to be near His people. Jesus humbled Himself to share our humanity so that He might enable us to become sharers in His divinity.

This is the purpose of the Incarnation and the source of our celebration. Here are some reflections from the MTE team so that we all may be more deeply steeped in wonder at the true reason for the season: God draws near to me and to you.

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

LESSONS FROM LESSONS FROM CHRISTMAS CLASSICS CHRISTMAS CLASSICS At this point many of us are aware of Jim Carrey’s version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In this classic, we learn the Grinch’s origin story: he has been hurt, made fun of, and neglected by his peers. In response, he chooses to detest Whoville and everything its inhabitants stand for, namely, Christmas. In one scene, the Grinch is going through each name in the phone book saying, “Hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, hate. Double hate. LOATHE ENTIRELY!” He finds no shortage of ways to feed his resentment toward the Whos.

This bitterness has led to the current state of his heart, “three sizes too small.” Like the Grinch, how many of us let resentment reign in our hearts?

But I get it, it can be hard to forgive when we have been hurt. We feel we have been wronged and they should “get what they deserve.” And maybe that’s true. But people will wrong us every day, so what are we going to do? Just move on the top of a mountain, look down on the people in the town and secretly desire to be a part of their community?! Obviously, a bit extreme but that is what we do when we close off our hearts.

C.S. Lewis said it best, “To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.”

We need look no farther than Mr. Grinch to see how lonely a life like this would be. To have friends and community, forgiveness is a daily task. And I promise it is worth it. “Forgiveness also bears witness that, in our world, love is stronger than sin (CCC 2844).” And looking again at the Grinch, we see that once he has stolen all the presents, the town chooses to forgive and celebrate the presence of each other. This grace extended toward the Grinch, allows his heart to grow. Not only does forgiveness allow us to love, but extended forgiveness allows for love to be received and for hearts to be changed.

This Christmas season, let’s forgive those who have wronged us, celebrate fresh starts, and allow our hearts to grow three sizes. If we do, we become more fully the men and women we are called to be.

DR. AMBER MOSELEY is a wife, a mother, and serves as the Senior Varsity Catholic Manager for FOCUS (the Fellowship of Catholic University Students). She and her family reside in Festus, Missouri.

“

FORGIVENESS ALSO BEARS WITNESS THAT, IN OUR WORLD, LOVE IS STRONGER THAN SIN.

”

DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX | 53

THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY

LESSONS FROM CHRISTMAS CLASSICS I once shared in the presence of a priest that “Little Drummer Boy” is my favorite Christmas song. He replied, “Ah yes, that’s a good one, and deeply theological.”

I was rather struck because I don’t know if I would have necessarily considered it “deeply theological.” Of course, the next time I played it, I listened a little more closely.

The opening line of the song is an invitation to come.

There is a newborn king to see and even poor boys are invited. I love how our little drummer boy approaches.

He acknowledges his poverty and humbly admits he has “no gift to bring… that’s fit to give a king.” Each one of us comes before the Lord in the same way and yet, if you’re anything like me, you often fail to remember this.

I typically approach Jesus very confident in what I have to offer, believing that if only He would see how many gifts I bring, then He would smile at me; then He would love me. The little drummer boy though, has not had his innocence stained in this way. I can see the light go off in his head as he beholds the baby Jesus. I may not have a gift fit to give a king, he thinks, but what I do have I give you! Shall I play for Him? In doing so, the little drummer boy does not earn the Infant’s love. He couldn’t, for he is already the beloved. He could have the finest gift to give or the most insignificant. He could be the most spectacular drummer in the world or the most unexceptional.

Either way, the source of his salvation lay before him in a manger. It would be silly to think the little drummer boy was giving this gift to do anything other than express his love. The nature of his love is one with no strings attached. Nothing is expected in return except an interior knowledge that the Baby Jesus knows He is adored.

For me, this song is an encouragement to love Jesus simply because He first loved me and because He is my King. I don’t have to earn His love, and thank goodness, because I wouldn’t want to be so preoccupied with the gifts that I miss the way He smiles at me.

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BRENNAN GARRIQUES serves as Campus Minister for Men’s Ministries at Christ the King on the campus of LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

THE GIFT OF THE MAGI

LESSONS FROM CHRISTMAS CLASSICS NICK SMITH

is a seminarian for the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama. He currently studies at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

O. Henry’s classic Christmas short story, “The Gift of the Magi,” is a lesson in how to give. Jim and Della are a poor, young married couple. It’s Christmas Eve. Della, who “had been saving every penny she could for months,” has managed less than two dollars for Jim’s Christmas gift.

The narrator also indicates that Jim and Della have two prized possessions. One is Jim’s watch, a family heirloom. The other is Della’s long, beautiful hair.

Desperate to obtain a gift before Jim gets home from work, Della cuts off her hair, sells it, and buys a platinum chain for Jim’s watch.

When Jim gets home, he seems taken aback by Della’s new look. Della is afraid he doesn’t love her anymore. However, Jim reveals the reason why he was shaken: he bought Della a beautiful set of combs for her hair for Christmas. When Della reveals her gift to Jim, he reveals that he sold his watch in order to pay for the combs.

In our exchange of Christmas gifts this season, we should “keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35). How easy it is to forget these words. Jim and Della remind us of the power of a gift, and not just any gift — a gift of one’s very self.

That’s Christ-like love. In the Vatican II document “Gaudium et Spes,” we read, “man...cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself.” Giving leads to true joy–the kind that we all imagine having during the Christmas season.

Merry Christmas to all!

FOR MORE FROM MORE THAN ENTERTAINED VISIT MORETHANENTERTAINED.COM AND FOLLOW THEM AT:

@MORETHANENTERTAINED MORE THAN ENTERTAINED @MORETHANENTERTAINED DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX | 55

CULTURE

HEAVENLY RECIPES ROSA’S SALSA

My salsa originates from home in New Mexico! Growing up, it was a crime to buy salsa from the store.

My mother made this for us to pour onto brunch dishes or as a side! I use this simple crowd pleaser in my own home today to impress our guests.

INGREDIENTS • 1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes • 1 4 oz can of diced jalapeños (or cut up 1 jalapeño) • 1 shallot • 1 head of cilantro • Salt & pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS Place all ingredients (except cilantro) in blender/food processor. Pulse 3x (Don’t over blend), texture should be slightly chunky. Roughly chop cilantro and stir in at the end.

PETER’S QUESO PETER & AMBER MANFRE are missionaries with FOCUS at Nicholls State University.

They enjoy evangelizing college students through hospitality in sharing family life and, of course, family recipes!

My queso recipe was born in college and has followed me throughout the years; you can even find it in a small cookbook in Kansas! It’s a weekly staple for watching football, especially paired with my wife’s New Mexican cooking!

INGREDIENTS • 4 oz Mexican Velveeta cheese • Half a head of cilantro finely chopped • Small can of diced tomatoes • Half white onion • Green bell pepper • 1/4 cup milk

DIRECTIONS Fill bottom of small pot with milk until it covers the bottom. Dice the block of cheese in and stir on medium heat until melted into a liquid. Finally chop the onions and bell peppers into small cubes. Finally chopped the cilantro. Add vegetables into queso and stir until to your desired temperature and enjoy.

ROCK ‘N’ RYE This recipe holds a special place in my heart, intertwined with my unforgettable experiences as a bartender at Cinclare Southern Bistro in Thibodaux. Under the guidance of Jeffery Markel, a seasoned manager and mixologist with more than 30 years of expertise, I learned the art crafting cocktails and memorable dining experiences. The keys to exceptional cocktails are attention to detail and the reverence for the classics.

INGREDIENTS • 1 bottle rye whiskey • 3 whole orange rinds • 1 whole lemon rind • 2 sticks cherry rock candy • 3 sticks cinnamon • 2-3 star anise • 5-7 cloves

DIRECTIONS Pour whiskey into jar or sealable container, save bottle. Add spices and rock candy. Place in cool dark space for 3-5 days before serving. The day you want to serve, add citrus rinds to jar, expressing them over the mixture.

Stir and let sit for 10 minutes. Strain mixture back into whiskey bottle

ROCK ‘N’ RYE OLD FASHIONED DIRECTIONS Zest 1 lemon rind and 1 orange rind into an empty rocks glass Add 5 dashes of Angostura bitters Add a little bit of ice to the glass Pour 1.5 oz Rock n Rye over ice Fill glass with ice Stir lightly ANNIE BREERWOOD Garnish with 1 Bada Bing cherry is the newest member of the

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Our History CULTURE

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

A LEGACY OF FAITH IN ACTION

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MICHELLE LEBLANC is the Archivist of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux’s Archives turned 40 on November 11, 2023. The Archives and Records Center contains the diocese’s historical records and maintains school and church records for the diocese. For questions or further research, please email archives@htdiocese.org

The Office of Catholic Charities was formed to focus on service to the community since its inception in 1963. The Tri-Parish Office of Catholic Charities consisted of the civil parishes of Lafourche, St. Mary and Terrebonne as well as a St. Vincent de Paul store. Mrs. Azelie Ziegler, who started as a social worker, led the first Tri-Parish Office of Catholic Charities which specialized in adoption processing, maternity cases, counseling, emergency assistance, and placement of children in foster homes or archdiocesan institutions. Catholic Charities was the first organization of its kind in the tri-parish area which combined the efforts of public agencies, the Catholic Church, and the needs of local communities.

The staff soon expanded from Ziegler into three social workers and two clerical workers with all fundraising coming from the Annual Christmas Collection, adoption fees, donations, and the annual drive. Sister Ethalee Mulhern, one of the Carmelites, became the Adoption Supervisor in June 1973 when Ziegler retired.

In June of 1971, Sister Miriam Mitchell also began working in this office as a Social Apostolate before becoming program director in June 1972. The office operated as a branch of the New Orleans Catholic Charities until 1972 when they parted ways, and the new incorporated name legally became Catholic Charities Social Services of Terrebonne, Lafourche and St. Mary Parishes, Inc. Sister Ethalee became the Director of Catholic Charities in August 1974. Sister Ethalee pushed for the organization’s name to be changed in 1977 from Catholic Charities to Catholic Social Services with the corporation officers being listed as Bishop Warren Boudreaux, Msgr. William Koninkx, and Msgr. Francis Amedee. The organization’s first two years under the newly formed Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux ended with 12 adoptions, 26 maternity cases handled, 47 counseling cases, 24 premarital evaluations, and 664 emergency assistance requests totaling $20,472.92.

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Sister Miriam Mitchell was appointed director of Catholic Social Services on June 5, 1981, by Bishop Warren Boudreaux replacing Sister Ethalee Mulhern, O Carm. who transferred to the Diocese of Santa Rosa, California. Sister Miriam served as the Director of Catholic Charities for many years before being replaced by Robert D. Gorman as Executive Director and Germaine Jackson as Associate Director. Other directors for Catholic Charities have included Karen David and Chamon Williams before Ben Duet became Catholic Charities’ current director in 2023.

Catholic Charities which values education to underprivileged youth launched St. Lucy’s Montessori Daycare Center that eventually became St. Lucy’s Child Development Center that is still open today.

Catholic Charities has continued the Church’s mission of serving the missionary heart of the Church by helping individuals and families and giving disciples opportunities to act on their faith while serving others. Catholic Charities’ current programs include four food banks, Assisi Bridge House, the Foster Grandparent Program, Individual and Family Assistance, Catholic Housing Services, and St. Lucy Daycare. Catholic Charities’ 2022-2023 impact can be summed up by the following statistics. St. Lucy’s Child Development Center educated 64 children. The foster grandparent program has 26 volunteers helping 75 children, and the Assisi Bridge House assisted 45 men. The four food banks gave out more than 13,400 meals to more than 2,600 households. Catholic Charities also helped over 75 families with disaster recovery, helped 12 homebuyers purchase their homes this year, and helped 221 families with utilities. For more information, please check the Catholic Charities website for help or to donate to their worthy causes.

Catholic Charities also began having their annual Catholic Charities Harvest Dinner on October 19, 1978, which was supported

by Catholic Social Services, St. Lucy’s Community Center, and St. Lawrence PreSchool in Kraemer. The annual dinner was held for many years and provided important funding for the Catholic Charities.

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CULTURE

THE HOUSE OF CHRISTMAS

BY GK CHESTERTON

There fared a mother driven forth Out of an inn to roam; In the place where she was homeless All men are at home.

The crazy stable close at hand, With shaking timber and shifting sand, Grew a stronger thing to abide and stand Than the square stones of Rome.

For men are homesick in their homes, And strangers are under the sun, And they lay their heads in a foreign land Whenever the day is done.

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But our homes are under miraculous skies Where the yule tale was begun.

A Child in a foul stable, Where the beasts feed and foam, Only where He was homeless Are you and I at home; We have hands that fashion and heads that know, But our hearts we lost – how long ago!

In a place no chart nor ship can show Under the sky’s dome.

This world is wild as an old wives’ tale, And strange the plain things are, The earth is enough and the air is enough For our wonder and our war;

But our rest is as far as the fire-drake swings And our peace is put in impossible things Where clashed and thundered unthinkable wings Round an incredible star.

To an open house in the evening Home shall men come, To an older place than Eden And a taller town than Rome.

To the end of the way of the wandering star, To the things that cannot be and that are, To the place where God was homeless And all men are at home.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS

BY KELLY ROPER

Happy birthday, Jesus And Merry Christmas too.

We all know that you love us, And all of us love you!

Happy Birthday Jesus And bless your mother too.

Mary said yes to God’s plan, And gifted the world with you.

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CHRISTMASTIDE

BY CHRISTINA ROSSETTI

Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love Divine; Love was born at Christmas, Star and Angels gave the sign.

Worship we the godhead, Love Incarnate, Love Divine; Worship we our Jesus: But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token, Love be yours and love be mine, Love to God and all men, Love for plea and gift and sign.

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HOUMA-THIBODAUX

PHOTO ESSAY:

VIGIL FOR VOCATIONS Fr. Mitch Semar, Director of the Office of Priestly Vocations, leads the congregation in prayer for vocations.

ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH, THE SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING, THE DIOCESE HOSTED AN EVENING OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS TO PRIESTLY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS AT THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES.

Those in attendance adore the Blessed Sacrament at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma as they pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Adorers pray Evening Prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament accompanied by the Pontifical Choir and led in prayer by Fr. Mitch Semar.

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James Silk and other seminarians from our diocese serve during Mass and Adoration.

Sisters Caterina and Jacinta, from the Little Nuns of Jesus and Mary at St. Eloi, pray for an increase in vocations during Eucharistic Adoration.

Fr. Mitch reposes the Blessed Sacrament and prays the prayers of Benediction.

The Pontifical Choir sings for Mass and Adoration for this beautiful evening of prayer for vocations.

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HOUMA-THIBODAUX

AROUND THE DIOCESE CHRISTMAS DAY Monday, December 25th | Holy Day of Obligation *see church parish for times

SOLEMNITY OF MARY MOTHER OF GOD Monday, January 1st

DIOCESAN FEAST DAY | SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES Wednesday, January 24th

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK January 28th - February 3rd

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IGIVECATHOLIC UPDATE As of December 4th, 1,656 donors have given to 63 local Catholic ministries, and a total of $981,731 has been raised for our local community during the annual iGiveCatholic campaign. Thank you to all those who gave so generously to churches, schools, and ministries across the diocese.

WE’RE HIRING Want to join our team? The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux has several full-time and part-time employment opportunities available in several of our locations, church parishes, and schools. Please visit htdiocese.org/ employment to see all available positions.

THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY MOTHER OF GOD The USCCB has lifted the obligation for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, assigned to January 1st. This solemnity is typically a Holy Day of Obligation, but because it falls on a Monday, the USCCB has lifted the obligation for this year.

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD The Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord on January 6th marks the end of the Christmas season. The Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God beyond the Jewish community, symbolized by the visit of the Three Wise Men. In the Bayou Region, the conclusion of Christmas means the beginning of the Mardi Gras season. The night before the Epiphany is known as “Twelfth Night,” a night of festivity and celebration for local Mardi Gras Krewes.

OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR The feast day of Our Lady of Prompt Succor is celebrated on January 8th to commemorate the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. According to tradition, American forces, led by General Andrew Jackson, won a decisive victory over the British because of the prayers of Ursuline nuns in New Orleans. It’s an important celebration for Louisiana Catholics and those devoted to Our Lady to honor and seek her intercession.

HAVE ANY FEEDBACK FOR THE BAYOU CATHOLIC? We would love to hear from you! As we continue to improve this publication, we hope that you will help us along the way with constructive feedback. You can contact our team with feedback or suggestions at communications@htdiocese.org.

INTERESTED IN WRITING FOR THE BAYOU CATHOLIC? We are currently building our community of freelance writers. Reach out to our team at communications@htdiocese.org for consideration.

LOOKING TO ADVERTISE OR MAKE ANNOUNCEMENTS THROUGH THE PUBLICATION OR ONLINE AT BAYOUCATHOLIC.ORG? Please contact our team at communications@htdiocese.org to place an ad in the upcoming issues of the Bayou Catholic. To submit an announcement or news article, please reach out to us via email with copy and photos to support your article.

Our team in the Communications Office for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is proud to produce this publication and we are grateful for your continued support.

Maegan Martin

Director of Communications Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

HOUMA-THIBODAUX

ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL FAITH-GUIDED COMMUNITY IMPACT AMY PONSON

INVESTING IN SEMINARIAN EDUCATION:

AS WE USHER IN THE NEW YEAR, IT IS A TIME OF REFLECTION, RESOLUTIONS, AND, FOR MANY, A RENEWED SENSE OF COMMITMENT TO MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES GUIDED BY OUR FAITH.

HONORING RETIRED PRIESTS:

is the Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana. She is a wife, mother, and philanthropist.

ONE POWERFUL WAY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE GREATER GOOD IS BY PARTICIPATING IN THE BISHOP’S APPEAL – AN ANNUAL CAMPAIGN THAT PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN SUPPORTING SEMINARIAN EDUCATION, RETIRED PRIESTS, ETHNIC MINISTRIES AND COLLEGIATE MINISTRIES SUCH AS COLONEL CATHOLICS. AS THE 2024 CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF, LET’S EXPLORE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS INITIATIVE AND THE PROFOUND IMPACT IT HAS ON FORMING THE FUTURE OF OUR CHURCH.

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At the heart of the Bishop’s Appeal is the commitment to nurturing the next generation of spiritual leaders through seminarian education. By contributing to the Bishop’s Appeal, you become a key stakeholder in the formation of our priests who will serve their church parishes and communities, guiding and inspiring others on their spiritual journey. Our seminarians undergo rigorous training, studying theology, philosophy, and pastoral care to ensure they are well equipped to meet the needs of the people of our diocese.

Supporting seminarian education is not merely an investment in the individual pursuing priesthood; it is an investment in the vibrancy and resilience of the Church itself.

The Bishop’s Appeal also extends a helping hand to those who have dedicated their lives to serving the Church – retired

priests. These individuals have spent decades ministering to their Church communities and are supported by the diocese in their retirement for their healthcare, long term care, cancer care and supplemental income. The Bishop’s Appeal provides a means to express gratitude for their lifetime of service. By supporting retired priests, you are acknowledging the sacrifices made and the wisdom shared by our amazing, retired priests who now can enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

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FOSTERING ETHNIC MINISTRIES AND COLONEL CATHOLICS:

In our increasingly diverse world, the Church is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and backgrounds. New to the Bishop’s Appeal this year, we are recognizing the importance of embracing our community’s diversity by supporting all of our ethnic ministries – Native American, Hispanic, African American, Asian and Pacific Islander. Additionally, we are extending a hand to our young Catholics through our collegiate campus ministry of Colonel Catholics, as well as our students within our schools. Colonel Catholics serves more than 500 young adults at St. Thomas Aquinas and Nicholls State University and this ministry receives support from our diocese each year. Your gift this year is an investment in fostering our diocese’s unique cultures, our young students, and our young adults. You will impact the lives of many through the Bishop’s Appeal in 2024.

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BY JOINING FORCES AS ONE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY, WE WILL ENSURE A VIBRANT FUTURE FOR OUR DIOCESE.

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY!

As the 2024 Bishop’s Appeal begins, we ask for your prayerful consideration to become an active participant in forming the future of our Church. Whether through financial contributions, prayer, or spreading awareness, every effort counts. By joining forces as one Catholic community, we will ensure a vibrant future for our diocese. To make a gift today please visit htdiocese. org/bishopsappeal or Text IMPACT to 985.464.7720. Nicholls State University and this ministry receives support from our diocese each year. Your gift this year is an investment in fostering our diocese’s unique cultures, our young students, and our young adults. You will impact the lives of many through the Bishop’s Appeal in 2024.

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Terrebonne GENERAL HEALTH SYSTEM

HEALTHCARE

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We’ve received prestigious awards and accreditations from many of the nation’s most prominent healthcare entities, but that isn’t why we strive for excellence every day. This is a true calling for all the physicians, nurses, and staff who make up our proud family.

Discover more at tghealthsystem.com.

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