Bayou Catholic | December 2014 Issue

Bayou

Catholic

His

Awaiting

Arrival

INSIDE

Special Christma s Issue

HOUMA, LA ~ DECEMBER 2014 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

The Region’s 1st & Most Comprehensive Spine & Pain Center  No Referral Needed  Michael S. Haydel, M.D. FIPP Michael P. Charlet, M.D., FAAN Karl G. Haydel, Jr., MD 2

Daniel R. Clayton, PA-C Donovan J. Matherne, FNP-C Brandi B. Degruise, FNP-C

May the Spirit of this holiday season be with you throughout the coming year.

Merry Christmas Experience Counts  Over 40 Years Combined Experience

Office located in Houma

1022 Belanger Street • 985-223-3132 www.painspecialty.net Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

Contents

22

FEATURES

28

28 Hitchhiking for Christ Evangelization on the road

32 St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School Started in 1870

36 Essay Winners State, national, and international acclaim

46 “I’m a very lucky bishop” Bishop Fabre reflects

COLUMNS

8

Comfort For My People

By Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

14 Pope Speaks

By Pope Francis I

30

15 Question Corner

By Father Kenneth Doyle

16 Readings Between The Lines

By Father Glenn LeCompte

26 Seeing Clairely

By Claire Joller

4

68 Overtime

By Ed Daniels

40

IN EVERY ISSUE

6

Editor’s Corner

18 Scripture Readings 22 Heavenly Recipes 40 Our Churches 50 Diocesan Events GUEST COLUMNS

24 Advent traditions

By Father Wilfredo Decal

58 Adult Confirmation Program

By Father Glenn LeCompte

46 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

44 Junior High Faith Experience Jan. 10 - E. D. White High School

56 Food for the Journey Very Rev. Vicente DeLa Cruz speaks

On Our Cover Advent is a time for preparation and joyful expectation of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Guest columnist Father Wilfredo Decal writes about preparing for Christmas during the season of Advent on page 24 of this issue.

Cover Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier

Where to find your Bayou Catholic Bayou Catholic magazine can be found at all Catholic churches in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, at the three Catholic high schools in Houma, Morgan City and Thibodaux, as well as the ten elementary schools throughout the diocese. You may also visit the merchants listed in the Advertisers’ Index to pick up your copy. Those wishing to receive the magazine by mail can call Pat Keese at (985) 850-3132 or write to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Subscription price is $35 annually. For the online edition, go to www.bayoucatholic.com

Bayou Catholic Vol. 35, No. 6 How to reach us:

BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132

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

BY FAX: (985) 850-3232

BY E-MAIL: bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org The Bayou Catholic is published monthly, for the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of HoumaThibodaux by the H-T Publishing Co., P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Subscription rate is $35 per year.

The Bayou Catholic is a member of the Catholic Press Association, the National Newspaper Association and an associate member of the Louisiana Press Association. National and world-wide news service and photos by National Catholic News Service.

Louis G. Aguirre

editor and general manager

Index to Advertisers 12 Days of Christmas .............................83 Acadian Total Security ...........................37 Advanced Eye Institute ..........................76 Cannata’s ...............................................84 Cardinal Place..........................................81 Catholic Foundation ...............................49 Channel 10 .............................................51 Chauvin Funeral Home ..........................78 Coastal Commerce Bank .......................38 Conference Office ....................................3 Daigle, Himel, Daigle .............................39 Diocesan Charities Christmas Collection ..........................61 Diocesan Outreach Line ........................65 Diocesan Priest Retirement Fund ..........59 Diocesan Website ..................................45 Diocese of Alexandria ............................62 Emile’s Furniture & Appliances ..............80 Falgout Funeral Homes, LLC .................77 Family Vision Clinic ................................35 God’s Promises Books & Gifts ..............17 God’s Promises Books & Gifts ..............71 Haydel Memorial Hospice .....................79 Haydel Spine Pain & Wellness ................2

Headache & Pain Center .......................25 Houma Digestive Health Specialists ......68 HTe News ...............................................69 KEM Supply House, Inc. ........................72 Knights of Columbus-Dan A. Cabirac ....23 Lafourche Ford Lincoln ...........................73 Landry’s Funeral Home .........................72 LeBlanc & Associates, LLC .....................82 Maison Jardin .........................................60 Re-Bath ..................................................56 Rod’s Superstore ...................................47 Samart Funeral Home .............................67 Seminarian Education Burses ...............57 Southland Dodge Chrysler Jeep ...........43 Spotlight .................................................80 St. Joseph Manor ...................................66 Synergy Bank .........................................75 Terminix ..................................................75 Terrebonne General Medical Center .....27 The Wishing Well ...................................70 Thibodaux Funeral Home ......................82 Thibodaux Physical Therapy .................74 Thibodaux Regional Medical Center .....55 Vision Communications .........................63

Lawrence Chatagnier managing editor

Glenn J. Landry, C.P.A. business manager

Peggy Adams

advertising manager

Anna C. Givens

advertising accounts executive

Janet Marcel staff writer

Pat Keese

secretary and circulation

Lisa Schobel Hebert graphic designer

Janet B. Eschete

accounts payable assistant

Meridy Liner

accounts receivable assistant

First Place Winner 2013-2014 General Excellence www.bayoucatholic.com

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Welcome

Holiness 6

Editor’s Corner Louis G. Aguirre Editor & General Manager

Best gift

As we joyfully approach Advent and the Christmas Season, it would do us well to consider the true meaning of His arrival over 2,000 years ago. And we should all remember that his presence is, and will continue to be, a blueprint for how we conduct our lives.

Advent and Christmas afford us an opportunity to reflect on how we can be more Christ-like. Pope Francis said recently that all Christians are called to holiness and to take even little steps each day to be more loving, as Christ has taught us.

“Some think that holiness is closing your eyes and making the face of a plastic statue, but that’s not holiness,” the pope said. Holiness is something much greater, much more profound than looking like an image on a holy card, he said. “It is living with love and offering your own Christian witness in your daily tasks.”

Pope Francis said “a great gift” of the Second Vatican Council was the recovery of the notion Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

of “the church as communion,” a community formed by people who “have equal dignity and have the same vocation to holiness” by virtue of their baptism.

“To be saints, one does not necessarily have to be a bishop, priest or religious, no,” he said.

“We are all called to become saints.”

Holiness, the pope emphasized, is a gift God offers to everyone and a response to his grace. It is the result of hundreds of little steps and gestures each day. And they will be different for each person depending on the circumstances of one’s life.

Parents and grandparents are taking a step toward holiness when they patiently listen to their children or grandchildren and when they enthusiastically teach them “to know and follow Jesus,” the pope said. “Holiness comes through the exercise of patience” with children, especially when you are tired, he added.

People who do volunteer work take a step toward holiness every time they demonstrate God’s love for and closeness to someone who is suffering,” he added.

“When the Lord invites us to be holy,” the pope said, “he is not calling us to do something heavy or sad, but the complete opposite: It’s an invitation to live and share his joy in every moment of our lives.”

This Advent and Christmas let us resolve to be bearers of holiness, whether in our homes, on the streets, at work and in church. It is the best Christmas gift we can give to ourselves and to others.

Bishop’s Message

Merry Christmas

My dear friends in Christ: Merry Christmas!!!! May God’s choicest blessings be poured upon you and your family!!

I pray that during these days of Christmas you will again experience the joy and promise that are found in God’s gift to us of Jesus Christ, the child born at Bethlehem. The season of Christmas invites us first to reflect upon and celebrate this great gift given by God, and then calls each of us every day to proclaim in word and service to all those around us our hope founded in Jesus Christ. Know of my prayers for you during these days of Christmas joy and into the New Year!!

Feliz Navidad

Queridos amigos míos en Cristo: ¡¡¡Feliz Navidad!!! ¡Qué Dios lo colme de grandes bendiciones a usted y a su familia! Pido que durante estos días de Navidad usted viva la felicidad y la promesa que nos ofrece Jesucristo, el don de Dios— el niño que ha nacido en Belén. La Navidad nos invita primeramente a reflexionar y regocijar este gran don de Dios y luego nos hace el llamado a cada uno de nosotros para que proclamemos cotidianamente en palabra y servicio nuestra esperanza, que basamos en Jesucristo, a nuestro prójimo. ¡¡Reciban mis oraciones durante estos días de felicidad navideña y que tengan un Feliz Año Nuevo!!

, Giang Sinh Chuc Mung ‘ ‘ ‘

Anh chò em thaân meán trong Ñöùc Kytoâ Chuùc Möøng Giaùng Sinh!!!! Nguyeän xin aân suûng ñaëc bieät cuûa Chuùa ñoå traøn ñaày treân anh chò em vaø gia ñình. Toâi caàu xin cho anh chò em trong muøa Giaùng Sinh naøy moät laàn nöõa caûm nhaän ñöôïc söï haân hoan vaø heïn öôùc maø chuùng ta chæ tìm thaáy trong aân suûng cuûa Thieân Chuùa qua Ñöùc Gieâsu Kytoâ, laø moät haøi ñaõ sinh ra nôi Beâlem. Trong muøa Giaùng Sinh tröôùc heát chuùng ta caàn suy tö vaø ca tuïng moùn quaø quyù giaù maø Chuùa ñaõ ban, vaø roài môøi goïi moãi ngöôøi haèng ngaøy tuyeân boá lôøi Chuùa vaø phuïc vuï nhöõng ngöôøi soáng chung quanh chuùng ta vôùi nieàm hy voïng maø chuùng ta chæ tìm thaáy trong Chuùa Gieâsu Kytoâ.

Haõy bieát raèng toâi luoân caàu nguyeän cho anh chò em ñöôïc traøn ñaày nieàm vui Giaùng Sinh vaø trong naêm môùi nöõa.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre www.bayoucatholic.com

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Comment Comfort For My People

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Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

Though the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday/Easter Sunday) is the most important and theologically rich celebration in the liturgical calendar, there can be no denying that Christmas comes in a very close second. Indeed from the perspective of sentiment, Christmas is probably for many people their favorite celebration of our liturgical year. Christmas serves to focus our minds and hearts on God’s greatest gift to us, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was born at Bethlehem.

The term Christmas comes from the two terms Christ Mass, or the Mass of the Christ, which is the title by which this celebration eventually came to be known. As time progressed, this two word title, Christ Mass, was collapsed into one word to form the word Christmas as we know it today.

I think Christmas emerges for many people as the sentimental favorite of all liturgical celebrations for a variety of reasons. Allow me to share a few of my own personal reflections on why Christmas seems to be for so many people their favorite liturgical celebration and season.

1. Christmas brings out the child and the hope that is found in all of us. As we are captured during our celebrations of the Birth of the Lord by the lights, the sounds, the smells, the stories, the decorations, the music, the surprises, and the

food of Christmas, it is easy to understand why that within us which is enthralled by mystery and wonder would emerge as paramount during the celebration of Christmas. Christmas seems to engender within us all the hope and promise of children, whose innocence and joy in life fascinate those of us who have long ago checked or surrendered these virtues to what we understand to be ‘the reality’ of life. Christmas reminds us that at the very center of who we are there must always remain a place in our lives for mystery and wonder; there must remain a place in us for the Christchild to be present to fill us with hope and joy.

2. Christmas has many ways of joining us together with others. Vintage Christmas crèches,

Christmas recipes, Christmas ornaments or other Christmas decorations that are passed down from one generation to the next give us a sense of joining ourselves to long expressions of faith in the Lord. The Christmas traditions that surround decorating or gathering in other ways with family and friends also root us in the important relationships that we have in life. Christmas also challenges us through charity to meet the needs of others during this season, and throughout the rest of the year also. From gathering at church with our faith-family for the celebration of the Christ-Mass, to joining together with friends and family, to charity offered to others,

Christmas reminds us that we are not alone on life’s journey.

3. Christmas is perhaps the most important ‘bench-mark’ celebration. By this term ‘benchmark’ I mean to express that Christmas is one of the celebrations that mark significant events or transitions in our lives, such as: a first Christmas as a married couple; a baby’s first Christmas; the first Christmas celebrated after the death of a loved one; the first Christmas celebrated away from home; the first Christmas celebrated back home; the first Christmas in a new home; and far too many others to list. Christmas has a way of helping us to reference significant events in the course of our lives.

4. Finally, and most importantly, Christmas reminds us that in the birth of his Son at Bethlehem, God-is-with-us, and there is a real comfort in this knowledge.

Christmas reminds us that Jesus, born into time at Bethlehem, comes to us at all times. We rejoice that God has joined himself to humanity by a bond that cannot be broken.

There is a great comfort in the closeness of our Emmanuel, Godwith-us always, God-in-the-flesh.

Christmas invites us to remember all that the Incarnation offers to us in faith, and challenges us to proclaim our faith in our words and actions.

So, enjoy the holy days of Advent and Christmas!! Remember that Christmas, like Easter, has an octave, or eight days celebrated as one great prolonged day of rejoicing in the Lord. The Christmas octave occurs from Christmas Day, Dec. 25 through Jan. 1, the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. Together may we seek to keep holy these days by allowing the joy and celebration of Christmas Day to extend far beyond the single calendar day of Dec. 25. May Christ be born anew in our hearts!

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas reminds us that God is with us always Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

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Comentario

La Navidad nos recuerda que Dios está siempre con nosotros

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El Triduo (Jueves Santo, Viernes Santo y Sábado de Gloria/Domingo de Resurrección) es la celebración más importante y teológicamente más rica en el calendario litúrgico; pero, no se puede negar que la navidad tiene un segundo puesto muy cercano.

En verdad, desde un punto de vista sentimental, la navidad es quizá para muchas personas la celebración favorita de nuestro año litúrgico. La navidad nos ayuda a enfocar la mente y el corazón en el don mayor de Dios, nuestro Señor Jesucristo, nacido en Belén.

La palabra navidad en inglés, Christmas, proviene de dos expresiones: Christ Mass (Misa de Cristo) o Mass of the Christ, el título con el que esta celebración finalmente se llegó a conocer.

Con el tiempo, este título de dos palabras, Christ Mass, se convirtió en una palabra, Christmas. Pienso que la navidad es para muchos la celebración litúrgica favorita y de mayor valor sentimental por varias razones. Compartiré algunos pensamientos personales que explican por qué la navidad parece ser para muchas personas la celebración litúrgica favorita.

1.

La navidad nos inspira a sentirnos como niños de nuevo y brinda esperanza a todos nosotros. Atraídos por las celebraciones del Nacimiento del Señor con las luces navideñas, sonidos, olores, cuentos, decoraciones, música, sorpresas y la comida navideña, es fácil comprender por qué somos capturados por el misterio y la maravilla que fluye de manera superlativa en la celebración de la navidad. La navidad parece generar dentro de nosotros toda la esperanza y promesa que existe en los niños, cuya inocencia y felicidad nos maravilla a todos nosotros que hemos, desde hace mucho tiempo, perdido estas vir-

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

tudes ante lo que llamamos ‘la realidad’ de la vida. La navidad nos hacer recordar que en la esencia de lo que somos siempre debe permanecer un lugar en nuestras vidas para el misterio y la maravilla; debe permanecer un lugar dentro de nosotros para el Niño Dios que se presenta para colmarnos de esperanza y júbilo.

2.

La navidad tiene muchas maneras de unirnos con los demás. Los pesebres navideños, recetas navideñas, adornos navideños u otras decoraciones navideñas son trasladadas de generación en generación y esto nos

brinda el sentido de solidaridad en nuestra expresión de fe en el Señor. Las tradiciones navideñas que nos reúnen para decorar u otras razones con familia y amistades también se basan en las relaciones principales que tenemos en la vida.

La navidad también nos alienta, por medio de la caridad, proveer las necesidades básicas del prójimo durante estos días y a través del resto del año. Todas las actividades que se hacen en la navidad –las reuniones en la iglesia con nuestros hermanos en el Señor en la celebración de la misa navideña, las reuniones con amigos y familia y los actos de caridad para el prójimo- nos hacen recordar que no estamos solos en el camino de la vida.

3.

La navidad es tal vez la celebración más fundamental y ‘punto de referencia’. Punto de

referencia quiere decir que la navidad es una de las celebraciones que señalan eventos trascendentales o momentos de transición en la vida –la primera navidad de un matrimonio; la primera navidad de un recién nacido; la primera navidad celebrada luego de la muerte de un ser querido; la primera navidad celebrada lejos de casa; la primera navidad celebrada de nuevo en casa; la primera navidad en un nuevo hogar; en fin, hay un número demasiado largo en la lista para mencionar.

4.

Por último y de mayor importancia, la navidad nos recuerda que Dios está con nosotros en el nacimiento de su Hijo en Belén y este hecho nos alienta de manera verdadera. La navidad nos recuerda que Jesús, nacido en Belén, está con nosotros por siempre. Nos regocijamos que Dios se ha unido a la humanidad con unas cadenas que no se pueden romper. Nos alienta enormemente la proximidad de nuestro Emanuel, Dios siempre con nosotros, Dios encarnado. Cristo nos invita a recordar que la Encarnación se ofrece a nosotros en la fe y nos pide que proclamemos nuestra fe en nuestras palabras y actos.

Por eso, ¡¡disfrutemos los días santos de adviento y navidad!!

Recordemos que la navidad, como la pascua, es un octavo, es decir, ocho días celebrados como un día largo y prolongado regocijando al Señor. Los ocho días de navidad se llevarán a cabo del veinticinco de diciembre al primero de enero, la Festividad de María, Madre de Dios. Busquemos juntos la manera de santificar estos días permitiendo que la felicidad y la celebración del Día de Navidad se extiendan más allá del día veinticinco de diciembre en el calendario. ¡Qué Cristo nazca nuevamente en nuestros corazones! ¡Feliz Navidad!

Traducido por Julio Contreras, feligrés de Annunziata Catholic Church en Houma

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Binh luan bang loi

Lễ Giáng Sinh Nhắc Nhở Cho Chúng Ta Thấy Rằng Chúa Luôn Hiện Diện

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Mặc dầu bốn ngày cuối trong Tuần Thánh (thứ năm, thứ sáu và thứ bảy/chủ nhật phục sinh) quan trọng nhất và ý nghĩa thần học mục vụ của nó thì rất phong phú trong lịch phụng vụ, không thể nào chối bỏ được Giáng Sinh là ngày lễ quan trọng bậc nhì. Thật vậy, nói từ một khía cạnh con người Giáng Sinh có lẽ đối với nhiều người là ngày lễ mà họ yêu quý trong lịch phụng vụ của chúng ta. Lễ Giáng Sinh giúp cho tâm trí và tâm hồn chúng ta nhìn thẳng vào món quà quan trọng nhất mà Ngài đã dành cho chúng ta, chính là Chúa Giêsu, Người đã sanh ra tại Belem.

Chữ Lễ Giáng Sinh được ghép từ hai chữ Lễ và Giáng Sinh, hay Lễ của Chúa Giêsu, đó cũng là danh xưng và sau cùng đưa đến ngày lễ mà chúng ta được biết bây giờ.

Qua dòng lịch sử từ hai chữ Lễ và Giáng Sinh đã được ghép lại thành một và trở thành Lễ (Chúa) Giáng Sinh trong thời hiện đại. Tôi nghĩ rằng Lễ Giáng Sinh tạo ra cho nhiều người dựa theo bản tính tự nhiên vượt trội hơn những ngày lễ khác với nhiều lý do. Cho phép tôi được chia sẻ vài cảm nghĩ tiêng tư lý do tại sao Lễ Giáng Sinh đối với nhiều người lại là ngày Lễ và mùa Giáng Sinh mà họ ưa thích.

1. Giáng Sinh mang lại một hài nhi và hy vọng rằng hài nhi đó tìm thấy trong lòng chúng ta.

Như chúng ta đã bị lôi cuốn trong khi mừng sinh nhật của Chúa Giêsu do ngoại cảnh như đèn đuốc, âm thanh, mùi vị, những mẩu chuyện, trang trí, âm nhạc, ngỡ ngàng và đồ ăn Giáng Sinh, nó rất dễ hiểu tại sao trong lòng chúng ta bị mê hoặc do bởi sự huyền bí và kỳ diệu đã xuất hiện rất lớn lao trong khi mừng Lễ Giáng Sinh. Giáng Sinh có lẽ gợi lại trong chúng ta tất cả niềm tin và lời hứa của những trẻ nhỏ, mà sự đơn sơ và niềm vui của chúng trong cuộc sống làm cho

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

chúng ta bỡ ngỡ mà trong quá khứ chúng ta đã trải qua và gạt qua một bên những nhân đức này mà chúng ta biết rằng là “thực tại” cần trong cuộc sống. Giáng Sinh nhắc nhở cho chúng ta thấy rằng căn tính của chúng ta là dành một chỗ trong cuộc sống cho những gì huyền bí và kỳ diệu; chúng ta cũng phải dành một chỗ cho Hài Nhi Giêsu để Ngài luôn ban cho chúng ta niềm hy vọng và an vui.

2. Lễ Giáng Sinh có nhiều cách đưa chúng ta đến với nhau cùng mọi người. Lễ Giáng Sinh thời thơ ấu, các món khẩu vị vào dịp lễ, đồ trang trí ngày lễ đã truyền lại cho

chúng ta từ thế hệ này qua thế hệ khác cho chúng ta cái cảm giác cùng tụ họp để diễn đạt niềm tin vào Chúa.

Phong tục vây quanh ngày lễ là trang trí và cách khác nữa là cùng tụ họp với gia đình và bạn bè đưa chúng ta về cội nguồn sự liên hệ mà chúng ta đã có trong cuộc sống. Giáng Sinh cũng thách thức chúng ta làm phúc bố thí cho người nghèo trong mùa Giáng Sinh, và mỗi ngày trong năm.

Từ lúc tham dự Thánh Lễ Giáng Sinh ở nhà thờ, xum họp với gia đình và bạn bè đến việc làm phúc bố thí cho người nghèo, Lễ Giáng Sinh nhắc nhở cho chúng ta thấy rằng mình không hành trình trên dương thế đơn côi.

3. Lễ Giáng Sinh có lẽ “đo lường” là ngày lễ quan trọng nhất. Danh từ “đo lường” mà tôi ám chỉ diễn tả

rằng Giáng Sinh là một trong những ngày lễ đánh dấu những biến cố quan trọng hoặc là những giao điểm trong cuộc sống như: Lễ Giáng Sinh đầu tiên cho đôi tân hôn; Lễ Giáng Sinh đầu tiên cho con trẻ sau khi sinh ra; Lễ Giáng Sinh đầu tiên sau ngày người thân đã vĩnh biệt; Lễ Giáng Sinh đầu tiên xa nhà; Lễ Giáng Sinh đầu tiên sau khi trở về; Lễ Giáng Sinh đầu tiên trong căn nhà mới; và còn nhiều lý do khác nữa. Lễ Giáng Sinh có cách giúp chúng ta liên hệ đến những biến cố trong đời sống.

4. Sau cùng và quan trọng nhất, Lễ Giáng Sinh nhắc nhở chúng ta rằng trong ngày Con Ngài Giáng Sinh Chúa ở với chúng ta, và đó chính là niềm an ủi thực sự khi mình nhận ra điều đó. Lễ Giáng Sinh nhắc nhở cho chúng ta rằng Chúa Giêsu đã sinh ra nơi Bêlem, Ngài với chúng bất cứ lúc nào. Chúng ta vui mừng vì Thiên Chúa cùng đồng hành với nhân loại bởi sự gắn bó không phai tàn đó. Nó mang đến sự ủi an cao vời trong sự gắn bó với Emmauel, Chúa luôn ở với chúng ta, Chúa trong xác phàm.

Lễ Giáng Sinh mời gọi chúng ta tất cả nên nhớ rằng Ngôi Lời Nhập Thể ban cho chúng ta đức tin, và thách đố chúng ta tuyên xưng đức tin trong lời nói và việc làm.

Vì thế, vui vẻ trong ngày thánh của Mùa Vọng và Lễ Giáng Sinh!! Hãy nhớ rằng Lễ Giáng Sinh, như ngày Lễ Phục Sinh có tuần bát nhật, hay tám ngày để tiếp tục cử hành như những lễ kéo dài mừng Chúa Giáng Sinh. Tuần bát nhật bắt đầu từ Lễ Giáng Sinh 25 tháng 12 đến mồng một tháng 1, là Lễ Mẹ Thiên Chúa.

Hãy cùng nhau tìm cách giữ những ngày thánh này bằng cách làm cho niềm vui và mừng Chúa Giáng Sinh vượt quá ngày 25 tháng 12. Xin Chúa Giêsu đổi mới tâm hồn chúng ta!

Chúc Mừng Giáng Sinh!!

Dòch thuaät: Linh Muïc Pheâroâ Leâ Taøi, Chaùnh sôû nhaø thôø Our Lady of the Isle.

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Comment The Pope Speaks

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -Christians must guard against a “spirituality of ease” and putting up appearances, and respond to the constant call of Jesus to conversion, said Pope Francis.

The pope described the thinking behind a spirituality of ease: “I do things as I can, but I am at peace as long as no one comes to disturb me with strange things.

I lack nothing. I go to Mass on Sundays. I pray sometimes. I feel good. I’m in the grace of God. I’m rich. I don’t need anything. I’m fine.”

But this spiritual state “is a state of sin,” he said in his homily Nov. 18 at morning Mass in the chapel of his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae.

Reflecting on the day’s first reading, the pope said Jesus reprimands Christians who have a “lukewarm” spirit, calling them to “dress themselves” because “they are naked.”

Jesus also calls to conversion those Christians who are “putting up appearances.” These Christians believe they are living, but they are not, said the pope.

“The appearances they put up are their shroud; they are dead,” he said, according to Vatican Radio.

The pope urged Christians to examine their faith life: “Am I among these Christians who put up appearances? Am I alive within? Do I have a spiritual life?

Do I feel the Holy Spirit? Do I listen to the Holy Spirit?”

Some will answer, “but everything seems fine. I have nothing for which to reproach myself. I have a good family. People do not speak ill of me. I have everything I need.

I was married in church. I’m in the grace of God. I’m calm,” he said. But these are “appearances!

Christians of appearances -- they are (spiritually) dead.”

The pope said Christians must seek to reinvigorate their interior lives and he urged them to convert “from appearances to reality, from tepidness to fervor.”

Reflecting on the day’s Gospel (Lk 19:1-10), the Pope said Zacchaeus, the tax collector, was “like many managers we know -- corrupt -those who, instead of serving the people, exploit the people to serve themselves.”

Zacchaeus was neither tepid nor dead, he continued. “He was in a state of putrefaction, truly corrupt” but impelled by curiosity to see Jesus. The Holy Spirit sowed the seed of curiosity into Zacchaeus’ heart and, unrestrained by shame, he did something “a little ridiculous” to see Jesus -- he

climbed a tree. The pope said the Holy Spirit worked within Zacchaeus, who received the gift of joy upon accepting the Word of God in his heart, and promised to pay back four times the amount he had stolen.

“When conversion hits the pockets, then it is definite,” the pope said. “Christians at heart?

Yes, everyone. Christians in spirit? Everyone. But Christians with pockets? Few, eh?” Despite Zacchaeus’ instant conversion, there were others who refused to convert and who criticized Jesus for entering his house, the pope continued.

The pope then offered a reflection on the importance of the Word of God in the life of the Christian. The Word, he said, “is able to change everything,” but “we do not always have the courage to believe in the Word of God, to receive this Word, which heals us interiorly.”

In the final weeks of the liturgical year, he said, the church is urging Christians to think very seriously about conversion and to recall the Word of God and to obey it, in order to move forward in the Christian life.

Pope warns against a ‘spirituality of ease’

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle

Longing for heaven

Q

Q. Over the past few years, my faith has deepened, and I feel Jesus present with me. I want to know him better and so I have begun to pray and to read the Scriptures more, in addition to attending Mass and praying the rosary. I am not old or sick, but I have become more focused on passing on. The more I consider the promise of Christ, the less I want to live in this world. I assure you that I am not suicidal, but my eyes are already set on the final prize.

I know that the Gospel calls us to love and serve others after the example of Jesus, but why should I aspire to living a long time when I am just waiting for God to call me home? What spiritual message must I be missing? Can you share some wisdom on rekindling joy for this life? (Prospect, Kentucky)

A

A. I really can’t find fault with anything that you are doing or thinking. Like you, I look forward to heaven and believe with all my heart in that which “eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him,” (I Corinthians 2:9). Not long ago, a woman told me on her deathbed what she thought it was going to be like to be with God in heaven: “Like a mother’s love -- times ten thousand.”

It is certainly right to aspire to that and even to hope that it comes sooner rather than later.

The timing, though, is all in

God’s good hands, and meanwhile we accept this earthly existence as God’s gift, if only because it offers us the chance to share with others our view of God’s love and what lies beyond. The Hebrews sang in Psalm 126:2-3, “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues sang for joy. ... The Lord had done great things for us.” On the night of the Last Supper, Jesus encouraged the apostles to keep his commandments and then said in John 15:11: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”

Privileges of a deacon

Q

Q. Often, I have been at a Mass where the deacon reads the Gospel, which is fine. But then, sometimes, the deacon goes on to give the homily while the priest watches. This disappoints me and makes me feel that the deacon is overstepping his bounds. Why should a deacon, rather than the priest, comment on church teachings? Is this a new function in the church today? (Missouri) Q. Our parish recently had a baptism at a Mass, with both a priest and a deacon on the altar. When it came time for the baptism, the deacon went to the (baptismal) font and performed the ceremony. I was under the impression that a deacon could baptize only if a priest were not available. Has this been changed? (Richmond, Virginia)

A

A. Although the permanent diaconate was restored by Pope Paul VI in 1967, the questions above would seem to indicate that even today, nearly half a century later, there is still some confusion about a deacon’s role.

Deacons can baptize, witness marriages, perform funeral and burial services (outside of Mass), distribute holy Communion and preach a homily. They cannot celebrate Mass, hear confessions

or administer the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. They are obligated each day to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. Deacons were first appointed in the earliest days of the church with the special ministry of serving the poor.

There are two kinds of deacons: transitional deacons, who are seminarians in the final stage of their training for the priesthood, and permanent deacons.

Permanent deacons, ordained after several years of theological preparation, may be single or married. They often have secular jobs but also assist parish communities at liturgies and in service ministries such as visiting the sick or counseling families.

When joining the priest at Mass, a deacon normally introduces the penitential rite, reads the Gospel and the prayers of intercession (petitions), helps in distributing Communion and proclaims the dismissal rite.

When a deacon baptizes or preaches, there is no requirement that a priest be unavailable. The church’s Code of Canon Law, in No. 861, for example, says simply 15 that “the ordinary minister of baptism is a bishop, a presbyter or deacon.” Sometimes when a deacon baptizes or accepts wedding vows, it is because he has a particular relationship with those receiving the sacrament but that is not necessary.Often in parishes that have a deacon, the deacon preaches the homily on a regular rotation (perhaps once a month, perhaps at one Mass each weekend). Parishioners have often commented that a deacon, especially if he has a family, can share a different perspective.

Pastorally, when a deacon is scheduled to do a baptism, wedding or funeral service, it is best for the priest to advise the family in advance -- since many still expect that a priest will officiate.

Catholic News Service

Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@gmail.com and 40 Hopewell St., Albany, N.Y. 12208 www.bayoucatholic.com

Reflections Readings Between The Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

Getting ready for Christmas

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What does it take to get ready for Christmas? Many people might include in their answer to that question buying a Christmas tree and decorations, shopping for gifts, finding new recipes for goodies and preparation of a Christmas meal, choosing good Christmas cards and getting addresses for those to whom they want to send them. These are things we usually do in preparation for Christmas, but how do we prepare spiritually?

The first chapter of Luke’s Gospel is in fact a preparation for the whole story he is going to tell in the Gospel and Acts. In the more immediate context of the Gospel it is a preparation for his presentation of Christ’s birth.

One of Luke’s goals is to present the story of Jesus as the fulfillment of scriptural hopes, dreams and promises. For Israel the Covenant between God and themselves was their lifeline as a nation. Without the Covenant Israel has no existence. God’s role in the Covenant is that of a benevolent overlord, who graciously bestows upon Israel the status of a chosen people.

Through the original blessing bestowed upon Abraham (Genesis 12:3) Israel continues to be blessed. Throughout their history, God promised to protect (Isaiah 31:5) or rescue them when they faced disaster (Jeremiah 23:3). Ultimately,

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

John the Baptist

Israel would become the focal point of the salvation of all nations (Isaiah 42:6; 56:7). Luke’s first task is to show continuity between the Covenant and scriptural promises and blessings, on the one hand, and the person and ministry of Jesus, on the other hand.

The evangelist’s first step is to introduce his two most important characters, Jesus and John the Baptist, in light of scriptural fulfillment. John the Baptist’s introduction into Luke’s story is colored by Old Testament themes and parallels. For example, John is astonishingly born of heretofore childless parents, Elizabeth and Zechariah (Luke 1:7), as was the case with Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 11:29-30) and Elkanah and Hannah, Samuel’s parents (1 Samuel 1:2). From the former

couple came the child through whom God’s promise to multiply Abraham’s descendants like the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5), and from the latter couple would emerge the judge (Samuel) who would facilitate the transition of Israel from a loose tribal union to a unified monarchy with the great King David as its leader (1 Samuel 1:20; 16:13). The first offspring of these two great Old Testament women becomes a significant human character in the fulfillment of God’s plan for his people.

Luke’s implied reader (the reader to whom he directs his Gospel) would readily see the connections mentioned above. John the Baptist will indeed be an important character in God’s plan of salvation.

First, he will be a prophet, and in Luke’s Gospel the role of

a

prophecy is very important, for he will even consider Jesus a prophet, in fact the greatest of the prophets (Luke 7:16). John’s prophetic appearance as the precursor of the Messiah garners the people’s attention because it had been many years since the people had seen a prophet. As a prophet John appears in the role of a figure from an honored Jewish scriptural institution. In delivering his message he draws upon the words of his esteemed prophetic predecessors (Luke 3:3-6). John’s prophecy, however, will point to Jesus.

Jesus, of course, is the other child whose birth Luke describes. The angel Gabriel’s announcement of Jesus’ birth to Mary (Luke 1:2638) echoes God’s promises to King David (2 Samuel 7). God promises to magnify David’s name (2 Samuel 7:9) and Jesus’ name will be great (Luke 1:32a). If David’s throne would be forever established (2 Samuel 7:13), Jesus would inherit the throne of his father, David (Luke 1:32b). God and David’s regal descendants would have a

father-son relationship (2 Samuel 7:14) and Jesus is deemed “Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:32a). God promises to make David’s royal house and kingdom sure forever (2 Samuel 7:16) and Gabriel announces to Mary there would be no end to Jesus’ Kingdom (Luke 1:33b, see R. Brown, A Coming Christ in Advent, p. 64 regarding these comparisons).

These comparisons are but one technique Luke uses to show that the hopes,

dreams and promises of God’s Covenant with Israel have been fulfilled in Jesus.

Advent is a time to recall the promises God has made to his people, to which we Christians today belong, and to reflect on the fulfillment of these promises in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Such reflection will lead us to a deeper awareness of God’s fidelity and ongoing plan of salvation for all people.

Questions n o i t c e fl e R for Jesus’ red people

pa Baptist pre ive Jesus n John the re us to rece a p re p d o ow does G coming; h ur elity in yo today? d God’s fid ce n ie er p e you ex n How hav s story from life? continuou e th n o n time reflectio esus, to the J of n How can e m ti the God’s tament, to in faith in ta the Old Tes in a m to s rch help u of the chu ation? lv sa ork of w g in go n o 17

We have great selections of Christmas Gifts for family, friends, teachers, nurses, policemen, firemen, and special people in your life.

Nativity Scenes Angels • Ornaments and other inspirational gifts Gift Certificates Available Free Gift Wrapping with any In-Store Purchase God’s Promises Books & Gifts

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Serving the Diocese since 1991

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Scripture Readings Monday

Tuesday

1 December 2

Wednesday

3

Thursday

4

and a listing of Feast days and saints Friday

5

Saturday

6

Sunday

7 Advent Weekday Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 Matthew 9:35— 10:1, 5a, 6-8

8

9

Second Sunday of Advent Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 2 Peter 3:8-14 Mark 1:1-8

11

12

13

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Solemnity of Advent Weekday the Immaculate Isaiah 40:1-11 Conception of the Matthew 18:12-14 Blessed Virgin Mary Genesis 3:9-15, 20 Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12 Luke 1:26-38

Advent Weekday Isaiah 40:25-31 Matthew 11:28-30

Advent Weekday Isaiah 41:13-20 Matthew 11:11-15

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Zechariah 2:14-17 Luke 1:26-38

Memorial of Lucy, virgin and martyr Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

Third Sunday of Advent Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28

Advent Weekday Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a Matthew 21:23-27

Advent Weekday Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 Matthew 21:28-32

Advent Weekday Advent Weekday Genesis 49:2, 8-10 Jeremiah 23:5-8 Matthew 1:1-17 Matthew 1:18-25

Advent Weekday Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a Luke 1:5-25

Advent Weekday Isaiah 7:10-14 Luke 1:26-38

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23

24

25

26

27

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Fourth Sunday of Advent 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38

Advent Weekday 1 Samuel 1:24-28 Luke 1:46-56

Advent Weekday Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 Luke 1:57-66

Advent Weekday 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Luke 1:67-79

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Isaiah 52:7-10 Hebrews 1:1-6 John 1:1-18

Feast of Stephen, the first martyr Acts 6:8-10; 7:5459 Matthew 10:17-22

Feast of John, apostle and evangelist 1 John 1:1-4 John 20:1a, 2-8

29

30

31

1 January 2

3

4

Fifth Day within the Octave of Christmas 1 John 2:3-11 Luke 2:22-35

Sixth Day within the Octave of Christmas 1 John 2:12-17 Luke 2:36-40

Seventh Day within the Octave of Christmas 1 John 2:18-21 John 1:1-18

Memorial of Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors of the church 1 John 2:22-28 John 1:19-28

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and oseph Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14 Colossians 3:12-21 Luke 2:22-40

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Octave Day of Christmas Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God Numbers 6:22-27 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:16-21

December

Saints

Holy Father’s prayer intentions

Juan Diego Image, Sergio Dorantes

1474 - 1548 feast - December 9

Baptized at 50, this Indian was walking to Mass on Dec. 9, 1531, when Mary appeared to him on Tepeyac Hill, near Mexico City. She asked him to petition the bishop for a shrine to be built there. But the bishop asked for a sign. On Dec. 12, Juan returned to Tepeyac; Mary told him to pick flowers blooming atop the hill and put them in his cloak to take to the bishop. When Juan opened the cloak, the flowers fell out and the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe adorned his garment. This miraculous image is preserved in the famous basilica in Mexico City. Juan lived out his days as a hermit near the first chapel built there; he was canonized in 2002.

Saints

John of the Cross 1542 - 1591 feast - December 14

Image Nancy Wiechec

General Christmas, hope for humanity. That the birth of the Redeemer may bring peace and hope to all people of good will.

A doctor of the church, John is also one of its great mystics and poets.

Born Juan de Yepes de Alvarez in Spain, he was raised by his mother and entered a Carmelite monastery in 1563. He was ordained in 1567.

Finding the Carmelites very lax, he joined with St. Teresa of Avila to reform the order. In 1568, he entered the first reformed house for men, taking the name John of the Cross. He encountered severe opposition, and was even imprisoned for nine months in a monastery cell, where he began writing poems. “The Dark Night of the Soul” is his most famous work. Only after his death was John recognized as co-founder of the Discalced Carmelites. He is the patron saint of mystics and poets.

Saints

Holy Innocents first century feast - December 28

Google, public domain

Missionary Parents. That parents may be true evangelizers, passing on to their children the precious gift of faith.

See www.apostleshipofprayer.net

The Holy Innocents are the boys of Bethlehem put to death by King Herod the Great after the Magi from the East visited the baby Jesus, then left for home without stopping in Jerusalem to give Herod news about “the newborn king of the Jews.” This slaughter is related in the second chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, but is not mentioned by other sources, including the Jewish historian Josephus. Estimates of the number killed range from 10 or 12, based on the likely population of Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth, to 64,000, a fantastic figure cited in the Syrian liturgy. This feast has been celebrated in the West since the fifth century; the Holy Innocents are the patrons of foundlings.

Saints

CNS www.bayoucatholic.com

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Young Voices

What does Christmas Christmas means fun, faith and family. I have fun shopping and decorating the Christmas tree. My family goes to church on Christmas Eve and we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. He has the biggest birthday! On Christmas Day, we open presents and visit all of my family. I love Christmas!

Chloe Arnold, third grade Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales parish CCD, Houma

The thought of Christmas makes me smile. If I had to sum up what Christmas means to me in a few words, it would probably be family, happiness, giving, rejoicing and prayer. All of the words fall under one man’s name, though, Jesus Christ. This is what Christmas means to me.

Sinclair Callais, seventh grade Central Catholic High School, Morgan City

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Some think they know what Christmas is, but I know what it really means. If you take a look at the word “Christmas,” you actually see the word “Christ.” You can’t have Christmas without Christ. Christmas is not just about the presents we get it is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It also means to show him love by showing others love. That is what Christmas means to me.

Connor Chiasson, fourth grade Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish CCD, Larose

Jesus is what Christmas means to me. I think that a lot of people think that Christmas is just about the presents, but the real reason we are celebrating Christmas is because of Jesus’ birth. Jesus is the true meaning of Christmas, and I think that we should all remember that.

Maddie Clause, fifth grade St. Joseph Elementary School, Thibodaux

Christmas is about having family time. Family time is about spending time together and being joyful. Sometimes it’s having fun with your cousins and playing. You can even have just four people praying with you and that’s still having family time. Family time is about spending time with Jesus and with the ones you love.

Angel Geason, third grade Holy Cross Elementary School, Morgan City

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

mean to you?

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. One thing I like is getting and giving presents. It is fun getting a new toy. The second thing I like is spending time with my family. Most of my family lives out of state so it’s a special time for visits. The most important thing about Christmas is celebrating Jesus’ birthday. Every year we bake a cake for Jesus and go to church. I can’t wait for Christmas to come.

Matthew Manns, fourth grade St. Gregory Elementary School, Houma To me Christmas isn’t about presents. It’s about spending time with my family and mostly about Jesus’ birth. Jesus was born so we all could have a life. Jesus was crucified for us. Everything is temporary, but Jesus is eternal. I celebrate Christmas for Jesus. Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me. In my opinion everybody should celebrate Christmas for these reasons.

Joseph Pierce, sixth grade St. Joseph Church parish CCD, Galliano Christmas is a very special time. I feel that Christmas is all about giving to others and recognizing the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is a happy time for me because I get to spend time with my family as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Have a Merry Christmas!

Grant Rebstock, sixth grade Holy Rosary Elementary School, Larose

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To me Christmas is a time to be with your family and to hang out, laugh, relax and eat. But, Christmas is mostly a time to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Christmas is a time to pray. What is interesting is that I learned all this stuff from religion classes. I used to think that it was all about presents, but it really isn’t. That’s what I think Christmas means.

Miles Smith, fifth grade St. Charles Borromeo Church parish CCD St. Charles Community Christmas to me is a time of giving to those less fortunate than myself and helping those in need. It’s a time to spend with family and friends and to remember our loved ones who are now in heaven. Christmas is about being thankful for the little things in life that we don’t always appreciate throughout the year because we are too busy. Most importantly, Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus; after all, he is the reason this holiday was created. The meaning of Christmas seems to have been lost over the years, but I remember the real meaning.

Madison Williams, seventh grade Holy Cross Church parish CCD, Morgan City www.bayoucatholic.com

Heavenly Recipes

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Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier 22

This month’s heavenly recipe comes from Amanda Jennings, DRE at Sacred Heart Church parish in Morgan City. It is a rice dressing recipe that was handed down from her mother and has been in the family for over 40 years. Amanda is married to Deacon Randall Jennings who ministers at Sacred Heart.

She is one of 13 children and has four brothers and eight sisters. “I learned to cook from my mother. She is a great cook. I remember growing up in a busy household with 13 kids. As we grew older my mom would cook a big meal every Sunday when everyone would come over to the house. One of my brothers was a huge Elvis fan. I can remember the kids in the living room dancing and listening to Elvis songs. It was a fun time,” she says.

Amanda and her husband have three children, all girls. “Our middle daughter is married and enjoys cooking; the older one also likes to cook, the younger one, not so much. Today it is so much easier to pick up something at a fast food restaurant. No one wants to cook anymore. I feel that the art of cooking is being lost on our younger generation. The world has become a fast food world in my opinion,” says the DRE. She began working with CCD when she was a parishioner at St. Andrew Church parish in Amelia.

“Father Charlie Perkins was pastor there and I used to answer the phone during CCD classes. After some time Father Gregory Fratt became the pastor and asked if my husband and I would become certified catechists.

I began teaching CCD and we attended classes to become certified catechists. Eventually I received my certification and became the DRE there. I was involved there for seven years,” she says.

The Jennings family became parishioners of Sacred Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

Heart in 2007. When long-time DRE Evie Bertaut retired in 2012, Amanda became the parish’s DRE. She says that she enjoyed the time when her husband was studying for the diaconate. The wives of the candidates have an active part in the study process during the years of formation. “Sometimes it was difficult during those years of formation. But for the most part it was an enjoyable experience.”

She says the life of a deacon’s wife can be demanding at times. “It is a very busy lifestyle for a deacon and his wife. I knew going into the process that I would be part of his ministry. I am very much okay with that.”

The Jennings have been married for 23 years. They are looking forward to many more years of ministry together in building the kingdom of God. Rice Dressing 2 tbsp flour 2 tbsp vegetable oil 3/4 cup chopped onions 1/4 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 pound ground beef 1/2 pound ground pork 1/2 cup chopped chicken giblets (liver and gizzards) 2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp red pepper 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup green onion tops 3 cups hot rice Brown flour in oil; add onions, celery and bell pepper.

Cook until soft. Add garlic, ground beef and pork. Cook until brown. Add giblets, broth, spices and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add green onion tops and rice. Mix well and cook 10 more minutes over low heat.

Daniel A. Cabirac

Field Agent (985) 696-2119 Dan.Cabirac@KofC.org

Guest Columnist Father Wilfredo Decal

Advent traditions

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The word “advent” comes from the Latin “adventus” meaning “arrival” or “coming.” This is basically a time to celebrate the first arrival of Jesus and prepare for the second coming of Christ. In the Catholic Church, Advent is a period of preparation, extending over the four Sundays before Christmas. Advent is an opportune time for the spiritual journey of individuals and congregation, as they affirm that Christ has come, that he is present in the world today, and that he will come again in glory.

Many Christians celebrate Advent not only by thanking God for Christ’s first coming to Earth as a baby, but also for his indwelling presence among us today through the Holy Spirit and in preparation, and in anticipation, of his final coming.

In the history of the church, different traditions and cultural expressions have developed in the celebration of Advent. I would like to share some examples.

Advent Calendar - German Families of Germanic and Nordic traditions may count down the days until Christmas with an Advent Calendar. The calendar begins on Dec. 1 and it has small windows to open for each day of Advent. The Advent or Christmas calendar began as a plain card with paper backing.

On the face were 24 windows, that when opened revealed various Christmas symbols and scenes. These windows or small doors were to be opened, one each

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

day, over the 24 days leading up to Heiligabend or Christmas Eve. The largest window is still reserved for Dec. 24 and usually offers a view of the Nativity. Today the most popular version of this calendar is the candy-filled variety. Instead of mere pictures, they are opened to reveal pieces of chocolate shaped to resemble stars, fir trees and other Christmas symbols. Each window may contain a surprise, such as a piece of chocolate. Some may only contain pictures, poems or something religious in nature.

Hispanic Tradition Posadas – During the nine days leading up to Christmas, Mexican families celebrate the tradition of “Las Posadas.” The word «posada” means lodging or shelter. This tradition commemorates the arduous journey of Mary and Joseph as they traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem seeking shelter. The participants in the Posada are called “Santos Peregrinos” (Holy Pilgrims) and they process carrying candles and singing songs together. In some communities, the Posada journeys between various homes. Just as Mary and Joseph were told there was “no room at the inn,” the pilgrims are told that there is no room for them to enter.

Finally, at the very last door, they are welcomed inside for prayer and singing. The Posada is a wonderful way to teach young children about the faithful journey of Mary and Joseph and the nativity of Jesus.

Filipino Tradition “Simbang Gabi” is a Filipino Christmas tradition. It is a series of nine dawn Masses. Mass usually begins as early as 4 a.m. The series begins on Dec. 16 and ends on Dec. 24.

This tradition was introduced by the Spanish friars. It allowed farmers to attend Mass before going into the fields. Simbang Gabi is also known by its popular Spanish name as the Misa de Gallo, or “Mass of the Rooster.”

In the olden days, the church bells would begin to ring as early as 3 a.m., waking people up so they would have time to get ready for the 4 a.m. dawn Mass. Today, the tradition of Simbang Gabi continues whether you live in the city or in the province, although it is celebrated in new

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ways. Most churches are decorated in activities at home that directly with colorful lights and beautiful connect with worship at church. In (parol) lanterns to welcome the the home, an Advent wreath is ofchurch-goers. The Roman Catholic ten placed on the dining table and churches across the nation start the candles lighted at meals, with to open their doors shortly before Scripture readings preceding the the break of dawn to welcome the lighting of the candles, especially faithful to the Simbang Gabi Mass. on Sunday. A new candle is lightSimbang Gabi is the Advent ed each Sunday during the four preparation of Filipinos for weeks, and then the same candles Christmas. Simbang Gabi is are lighted for each meal during also seen as a way of requesting the week. In this context, it problessings from the Lord, as most vides the opportunity for family people believe that if one completes devotion and helps teach the faith the whole series of nine dawn to children, especially if they are Masses, prayers will be granted. involved in reading the daily ScripThere is a kind of penitential tures and in family prayer at each influence in these Masses: meal. firstly, preparing a clean heart Consider doing an Advent service in anticipation of the coming of project for the needy. When I was Jesus Christ, the Emmanuel pastor of Holy Family Church par“God with us.” ish in Grand CailThe participants lou, we solicited are encouraged to donations to proMay what we say and vide food baskets do some kind of mortification, to do during the season of for the elderly, the show that they are poor and those who Advent be a preparation are homebound. ready to welcome the Lord at any for the coming of Jesus Some parishioners, time. The act of together with me who is the reason for rising early and and the deacon, sacrificing hours paid a visit to the the season. of sleep is a way recipients and asto honor the Lord. sured them of our Also, the faithful prayers and supwho attend the Simbang Gabi pray port, and personally gave to each for a closer relationship with Jesus person/family a food basket.

Christ in their lives and are aware Currently at Sacred Heart that God will always provide favors Church parish in Cut Off, we have and graces. a Jesse Tree Gift-Giving Program.

Over the years, Filipino Names of children from needy famcommunities have made some ilies, along with their wish lists, changes in the celebration of are placed on the Jesse Tree. We Simbang Gabi. Some urban locate the Jesse Tree in the front parishes now celebrate Misa de of the church before a side altar Gallo around 8 p.m. in order to where the members of the congreaccommodate the needs of the gation can readily see it. Members members of the community who are invited to pick a name and to have different work schedules. make the Christmas wish of that Spiritual Preparation child become a reality.

With the growing commercialThere are other creative ways you ization of Christmas, it is easy for can develop a program for spiritual decorations, parties, shopping and preparation and, at the same time, gift-giving to dominate our holireach out to the needy. For examday. In reaction to this, many indiple, collect money or goods and use viduals and families look for ways a portion of the Advent time to deto keep Jesus as the focus of their cide to whom you will give help and Christmas preparation. how to do it. Give anonymously to Some suggested activities: those you know are in need.

Advent is one of the few ChrisMay what we say and do during tian festivals that can be observed the season of Advent be a preparain the home as well as at church. tion for the coming of Jesus who is In its association with Christmas, the reason for the season.

Advent is a time to involve children

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Seeing Clairely Claire Joller

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Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. C’mon, we’re going for a sleigh ride. I’m dreaming of a white Christmas. Silver bells ... it’s Christmas time in the city.

We sing those song lyrics every year about this time. But can we in coastal South Louisiana identify with those lyrics? Can we feel the snow, see the chestnuts, hear the city bells, or even imagine a sleek sleigh gliding us over rolling wintertime terrain?

Although these songs have found a place in our hearts, and perhaps even evoke ideas of what Christmas should be for us, we are surrounded by substitutes that we can treasure as our very own, and cherish just as much as those we know from song lyrics.

We may not have chestnuts, but we have pecan trees that shower down their abundance before Christmas every year. When I see adults and children walking head down under the arching branches of a pecan grove, I know they are harvesting bagfuls of these gifts of our climate and countrysides.

And I can’t help but salivate.

Pecan pies. Pecan tarts. Savory roasted pecans. Pecans stuffed in dates, folded into muffins and breads, adding crunch to salads, topping sweet potato casseroles.

We may not have chestnuts, but we have glorious pecans.

“Folks dressed up like Eskimos” in the cold weather, the song says. It is a rare Christmas when we even have to wear our overcoats. But when I hear that lyric, I think of men in padded camouflage readying themselves for a hunt during December when Jack Frost may in actuality nip at their noses. They appear as rotund and cushioned against frosty mornings in the marsh or the woods as any Eskimo in his

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

o u g r n i d n wn lyrics o

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own habitat, down to the hefty footwear.

“Everybody knows some turkey and some mistletoe help to make the season bright.” Turkey? Easily available. Mistletoe? Indeed. South Louisiana woods are amply dotted with trees that have shed their leaves but still sport huge clusters of green mistletoe.

Stores used to sell it in tiny portions, dressed up with gold cord or red ribbon. Although mistletoe has seemed to lose its charm in recent years, I remember my uncles and cousins heading into the woods with shotguns on their shoulders in the weeks before December 25.

They never failed to return with generous bunches of the must-have mistletoe, generously dividing it among members of the extended family. My eyes are trained even now to be on the lookout during December, as we drive along highways, for the green parasitic plant that became such a Yuletide symbol. Although not “harvested,” those clusters still bespeak Christmas to me, in the wild if not in stores.

As to those gliding sleighs, I compare them at Christmas to pirogues sliding along in smooth wide trainasses and atop tranquil bayous and bays at the hands of boatmen made expert in equilibrium by years of practice and hereditary inclination.

Yuletide carols being sung by a choir are not geographically dependent, and many singing groups here favor us with beautiful words and music, both in formal concerts in solemn or festive settings, or in informal bursts of Christmas music sung by groups enthralled by the spirit of the season. In our town we are also blessed to have churches that use their carillons around Christmastime to play carols, heard far and wide, just as silver bells resound in the city.

I’m definitely not dreaming of a white Christmas, although it would be a pleasant novelty. (The one year in the past decade it snowed in our town, we were at our daughter’s house in snowless Lafayette, and by the time we came home on December 27, it had mostly melted.) I’ve reconciled myself to having none of the snow that is ever-present on Christmas cards and in Christmas movies and TV specials. My idea of the perfect weather for Noel is crisp air that requires wearing a wrap, and no rain. Going outside weather.

Visiting weather, with no snow tires needed or salt on the roads.

Cool to cold air is good enough.

We can sing those familiar songs of Christmas with gusto, but we can always retain our own perspective, no matter how foreign the lyrics may seem.

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TGMC.com www.bayoucatholic.com TGMC 11/12/14

Church Life

Hitchhiking for Christ Friar Antonio to be ordained to priesthood Dec. 6

consecrating the Holy Eucharist and celebrating the sacrament of reconciliation, says Friar Antonio.

Upon his return to Australia he began discerning with a priest. They thought that maybe the Lord was calling him to diocesan priesthood, so he entered the Friar Antonio Maria Speedy hasn’t been hitchhiking seminary in Sydney in 2002. He left the seminary in his way around the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux just 2003, returned to Italy and began his formation as a because he needs transportation. He uses the time friar. He then re-entered the seminary at Calabria’s spent with those he encounters on the road to live out Southern Italian Pontifical Theological Institute his ministry of evangelization by helping them to seek in 2005, and completed his studies in Rome at the the will of Christ in their own lives.

Lateran Pontifical University where he was instituted Friar Antonio will be ordained to the priesthood is as an acolyte.

Saturday, Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Friar Antonio first came to Houma in August 2010 Francis de Sales in Houma with Bishop Shelton J. after an extensive search for a bishop Fabre as the ordaining prelate.

28 willing to have his community in The 38 year old was born and their diocese. Being the first brother raised in Adelaide, South Australia, in his Italian community to have of Maltese immigrants, Alan and Rita English as his native tongue, he knew Farrugia (deceased). He has one sister, he would be called to missionary Natalie. work in opening their community in He attended Matriculation at an English speaking country.

Mercedes Catholic College, Adelaide, “In 2010 we were ready to open a South Australia; received a bachelor’s new community, so Friar Volantino degree in visual communication and asked me to begin looking for a illustration from the University of bishop in the English speaking South Australia; attended the Catholic world who would like to welcome Institute of Sydney, NSW, Australia; us into their diocese. Happy about and received a master’s of divinity this prospect I began searching degree from the Lateran Pontifical in countries of my own interest – University in Rome, Italy.

Ireland, Philippines, India, Africa, While backpacking in Europe in etc.; however America at that time 1999, Friar Antonio met the founder was not on my heart. After some of the Community of the Little Friars insistent and sincere requests of and Nuns of Jesus and Mary, Friar Friar Antonio Maria Speedy Sister Effatà, we began sending Volantino. After listening to Friar emails to almost all the dioceses of the Volantino speak and experiencing a United States. America began showing few weeks of prayer in their lifestyle, the most interest and respect for our Friar Antonio says he began to understand God’s charism where out of the 195 dioceses, six answered will. “Through the Word of God, the teachings of the us positively – Houma-Thibodaux being one of them.

Catholic Church and Volantino’s most remarkable After a period of discerning some remarkable signs story of conversion and authenticity of witness, the and also in speaking with Bishop Sam G. Jacobs over seed of faith began germinating within me to where I the phone, we finally agreed to come to Houma to soon found the certainty of my call to consecration.” meet him and his diocese. We came to a conclusion After his first encounter with the community and that we’d try working on establishing a community the consequent signs that he says the Lord clearly while in the mean time I’d complete my studies gave him, he decided to consecrate his life as a friar. toward priesthood in Italy.”

Friars have a radical desire to imitate Christ in each In October 2012, Friar Antonio returned to and every detail, deeply aspiring to do so also by

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

Houma where he began six months of parish life with Father Mitchel Semar at St. Lucy Church parish in preparation for the deaconate. He was ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop Sam G. Jacobs Feb. 15, 2013.

After his ordination to the priesthood, Friar Antonio will be celebrating weekend Masses on an as-needed basis for priests of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

During the week he will continue his ministry of evangelization.

“As we entrust ourselves totally to the Lord’s providence hitchhiking our way through the diocese and the whole world, our apostolate for excellence is found while in the vehicles of those who stop to give us a ride,” explains Friar Antonio of his ministry. “We hope that our total dependence on God will make them reflect on the futility of worrying about worldly goods as Jesus says, ‘Do not worry and say, What are we to eat? What are we to drink? What are we to wear? All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.’ And that there is only

one thing we need to be worrying about, ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (especially by partaking in the eucharistic banquet’ (Luke 22:19), ‘and all these things will be given to you’ (Matthew 6:31-33). We playfully remind our drivers that stopping for gas is not optional but necessary for their vehicles’ function; and therefore for our soul’s peace, function and perseverance toward our ‘final destination.’ It’s also necessary to make time for Christ by seeking his will in frequently consuming the Eucharist in the Catholic Church and confessing ones sins.”

Other ways Friar Antonio lives out his ministry of evangelization is by giving witnesses at schools and retreats to try to encourage youth to follow the Lord’s teachings and dedicate their skills, time and talents to serving him and his people with their life. He also goes out onto the streets to invite people to the “Answering Basic Questions of Faith” evenings that are held at 6 p.m. every last Thursday of the month at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Houma (recommencing in January).

Through their attempts to live in evangelical poverty, simplicity and professionalism, his 29 community’s mission is to invite those they meet along the streets to go to confession and to receive holy Communion (or to live a more sacramental life). Friar Antonio says, “I look forward to priesthood in a special way to also be able to offer that sublime and divine sacrament of reconciliation to these people in need, many of whom have wanted to confess with us there on the spot.”

The Community of the Little Friars and Nuns of Jesus and Mary celebrated its official canonical approval recognized by the Catholic Church at a diocesan level as a public association with an Episcopal Decree on May 30, 2014. This approval is in anticipation of the community becoming an Institute of Consecrated Life.

Friar Volantino, the founder and servant general of the Little Friars and Nuns of Jesus and Mary, Sister Veronica, the mother servant general of the sisters; and Sister Stella, the vice servant general of the sisters will attend Friar Antonio’s ordination to the priesthood.

Friar Antonio will celebrate his first Mass Sunday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Houma. www.bayoucatholic.com

Special

A day in the life of a ...

Father Vincent Chacko chats with Dana Morvant at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center during his morning visits at the hospital. Morvant is a parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish in Thibodaux.

Father Vincent Chacko, hospital chaplain at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, can be seen walking the halls of the hospital visiting the sick, 30 offering the sacrament of anointing of the sick for Catholics who are about to undergo serious surgery, bringing Communion to patients and visiting all patients regardless of their religious affiliation to offer them his prayers.

“I have a list of all the patients in the hospital. I visit every one of them. I enjoy being a hospital chaplain.

I was trained to be a chaplain years ago,” he says.

Prayer is a large part of his ministry in the hospital. “The first time I visit someone I try to start a relationship of pastoral care.

Some are a little shy at first. I visit with the family members of the patients also. I usually begin asking about their families and what brought them to the hospital. I pray with the patients and their visiting families.”

Father Chacko also leads a team of 31 eucharistic ministers who bring Communion to Catholic patients daily. “Dr. Ann Jackson coordinates the volunteers by making a schedule of what days they administer Communion. There are two eucharistic ministers scheduled every day. They cover certain areas of the hospital and I cover certain areas. I will go to their area if someone requests a priest to distribute Communion.

I cover the ICU patients every day and pick a floor of

the hospital. The next day I see the ICU patients then cover a different floor,” says the chaplain.

Father Chacko has been a hospital chaplain for five years. “I have worked in two other hospitals. I was a chaplain at St. Vincent Hospital in Connecticut and St. Joseph Hospital in Indiana.”

He is usually at the hospital by 8:30 a.m. and celebrates Mass in the hospital’s chapel at 11:30 a.m. on weekdays excluding Mondays and at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays.

“I find there is an easy pace at Thibodaux Regional. I used to work at hospitals with a trauma center. The trauma centers are fast paced and very stressful for the hospital staff, the families and the chaplains. However, even at this hospital I am always available to the staff for comfort and support. The patients and staff are exceptionally good here. They are welcoming, warm and friendly.”

Father Chacko says that being a chaplain is very different from being a parish priest. “There is no time to form a personal relationship at the hospital. The patients are usually here for two or three days. I come across many non-practicing Catholics. I talk to them and sometimes they will call me to say they are going back to church. That is rewarding. We are doing little things here. Sometimes that’s all it takes for a person to change.”

Chaplain

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

In above left photo, Father Chacko talks to critical care nurse Denise Mabile in the ICU. Father Chacko and eucharistic minister coordinator Dr. Ann Jackson talk to some of the 30 plus eucharistic ministers, Jackie Waguespack, Faie Duplantis, Evelyn Tucker, and Herb and Rose Lee Toups. Mass is celebrated in the hospital chapel.

Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Our Schools

Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, pastor of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, and Brenda Tanner, principal of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School

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Cathedral School St. Francis de Sales started in 1870

School in 1965, St. Francis de Sales transitioned to an St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School has a long, elementary school. rich heritage which had its beginnings in 1870 with Today, reports Brenda Tanner, the school’s the arrival of the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross from principal since the 2001-2002 school year, there are New Orleans who established a school for girls in the approximately 700 students currently enrolled at St. developing town of Houma.

Francis de Sales Cathedral School in Pre-K through According to the school’s history, the new Academy seventh grade. of the Sacred Heart, whose name was later changed Tanner, who taught at the school for 17 years to match the church parish of St. Francis de Sales, before becoming its principal, says, “The students and had humble beginnings. Initially the Sisters’ school faculty are what makes St. Francis the school that it struggled to remain open in the town of just fewer is.” than 500 people. At the request of the people and Rebecca Boudloche, who has been teaching second church, additional Sisters arrived in 1890 to begin grade at St. Francis School for six years, says the educating boys. In 1952, the Marianite Sisters were inspiration she received joined in their educational from her former teachers endeavors for boys by the Story by Janet Marcel at St. Francis greatly Brothers of the Sacred influenced her decision Heart. With the opening Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier to teach there. “While I of Vandebilt Catholic High Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

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was a student at St. Francis, I had great admiration for my teachers. They had the ability to teach me the importance of strong moral character, compassion and responsibility, while at the same time giving me an education that exceeds excellence. I felt an inner calling to become a teacher at an early age, and through God’s almighty graces, I was given the opportunity to follow in their footsteps. I am so blessed that I can instill the same spiritual and academic values in my own students, assuring that they will receive a strong foundation to guide them through life’s great journey,” says Boudloche.

Tanner explains one of the things that makes St. Francis School unique is even though the student body is so varied and comes from so many different areas, they are all still part of one big family. “I believe the atmosphere here at the school contributes to this. We have a friendly structured learning environment,” says Tanner. “We also have a very stable faculty at the school. The teachers really get to know the students; they get to see them grow up, which also contributes to the family atmosphere.”

Natalie Lovell, fifth grade student, says, “The best thing about attending St. Francis School is that the students and staff are family to me. I know all of the staff, and many students here are good friends of mine. I’ve attended St. Francis for almost seven years.

I know everyone is looking out for me.”

St. Francis also offers programs for students with disabilities so it is able to meet the needs of those with many different learning challenges, says Tanner.

For the last 10 years Marion Larke has been teaching seventh grade Language Arts at St. Francis School. “For me the decision to teach at St. Francis was a no-brainer; in fact, it was solely a matter of the heart. When I first walked through the doors of St. Francis, I felt at home immediately; I noticed the sense of community that I remembered from my own Catholic school upbringing. Until then, I hadn’t realized how much I needed to be a part of a God-centered educational community, but right then, I knew in my heart that I had just found my vocation as a Catholic school educator,” says Larke.

As is the case in all of the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, parent involvement at St. Francis School is very good. “We have such a supportive parent group who volunteer to be room moms and dads, do art projects with the students, teach lessons in the classroom about different careers, serve food in the cafeteria, etc. The parents are so good and generous about supporting anything we ask for. They will just do whatever is needed,” says Tanner.

In addition to parent volunteers, St. Francis School has a PTA Club that does anything extra in the school like sponsoring various activities such as an annual holiday bazaar. The school advisory council is very active and supportive to the principal in maintaining the budget and physical facility.

One of the biggest challenges Tanner faces at the present time is keeping the building up to date and sound. “Because of the age of the building, keeping it up to date is a major concern,” she says. “Of course, finances are always a concern, and then there is just the everyday running of a large school. But, overall

Brady Hazleton, third grade student, above. John Bonvillain, 33 seventh grade student, below.

a www.bayoucatholic.com

Our Schools

34 Rebecca Boudloche, second grade teacher

Marion Larke, seventh grade Language Arts teacher

the students are well behaved and the parents are so supportive that it makes the day-to-day things a lot easier.”

Some of the extracurricular activities that are offered at the school are 4H club, Caritas service club, student council, journalism club, and a band program for fifth through seventh graders that is sponsored by Vandebilt Catholic High School.

Third grader Brady Hazleton says there are three reasons why he likes attending St. Francis School.

“Those reasons are because of the events, the people and our church. The faculty, staff and students have always been kind and helpful. We have a beautiful church. The events are always enjoyable. St. Francis is special to me,” says Brady.

Kathy Dryden, who teaches seventh grade computer skills and is the school’s technology coordinator, has been at St. Francis for 22 years. She says, “There was never any question in my mind when I registered at Nicholls in the spring of 1989 about what I wanted to do upon graduation. My goal was clear – I wanted

to teach at St. Francis. The Catholic education my children received from the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross and lay teachers at St. Francis inspired me to want to be an educator. I am grateful every day for the amazing teachers that teach at my school and I feel so honored to be part of the St. Francis faculty!”

Dryden says, “St. Francis School is so far ahead of the game in the area of technology.”

Each fifth, sixth and seventh grade classroom has a set of iPads for each student to use and there is also a set in the library. The iPads are even being used in preschool where students have to recognize and practice tracing their own names.

There are interactive projectors with built in speakers in every classroom that make any surface it shines on to interactive. There are Apple TVs in the library and all of the classrooms that enable teachers to mirror their iPads to their projection screen and allow them to stream educational videos and tutorials.

In the fifth and seventh grade classrooms and one fourth grade classroom, students have responders

St. Francis

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

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Kathy Dryden, seventh grade computer skills teacher

Natalie Lovell, at right, chats with friends.

35 that allow each of them to respond electronically to questions the teacher asks. Every classroom has a document camera that allows teachers to not only show text but also to put three dimensional items under the display of the camera for interactive lessons.

E-printers are in every classroom and in the library for students to print information directly from the iPads.

The school also has a brand new computer lab with all-in-one computers.

One of the more immediate goals the principal is working toward is getting new air conditioner units in the classrooms on the first and second floor.

“This past school year we were able to change the classroom air conditioner units on the third floor which was quite costly, now we have to do the first and second floor units and I really want to get started doing that as soon as possible,” says Tanner. “There is also an antiquated elevator that needs to be replaced and maybe even relocated, if possible.”

Just keeping up with updating textbooks and the changing times are also some of the principal’s goals for the school.

Seventh grade student John Bonvillain says what he values most about the Catholic education he is receiving at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School is the amount of Catholic information and spiritual guidance he receives daily. “I am amazed by the way God is incorporated into every subject. I also enjoy the fact that so many people help to strengthen the students’ faith,” says John.

May the joy of this Christmas stay in your heart throughout the New Year.

Merry Christmas www.familyvisionhouma.com www.bayoucatholic.com

Our Students

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Essay winners

They earn state, national, international acclaim Two students who attend Vandebilt Catholic High Ryan has been playing the drums for five years School in Houma were recently chosen as winners in with the Terrier Regiment and has competed with two separate essay contests. the marching band on the drum line where they Senior Ryan Abboud was awarded first place for his have placed first in state four out of five years. He essay entitled “The Importance of Religious Freedom,” also plays the drums for school Masses and retreats. in the Knights of Columbus Catholic Citizenship He has been a member of campus ministry for the Essay Contest by KC Council 1317. His essay then past two years, Men of Christ, and is a student placed first at the parish, state and national levels, ambassador, a ministry in which students are hand and runner up at the international level. selected by faculty and staff to give tours of the school Ann Claire Crain, junior, placed first at the parish to prospective students and parents. and state levels, and went on to place second in the “I have been going to the Steubenville on the Bayou nation in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Catholic Youth Conference every year since ninth Essay Contest in which participants had to write grade and have attended the diocesan youth rally about how they have spread the faith throughout twice,” says Ryan. their own life.

After he graduates in spring 2015, he is considering Ryan, who is a parishioner of Maria Immacolata attending either Northwestern State University in Church parish in Houma, says, “I was honored and Natchitoches or Louisiana State University in Baton privileged to be selected to receive this recognition.

Rouge where he is considering majoring in pre-law I was shocked, honestly. Our religion teacher gave with a minor in business. us the chance to write an essay for bonus points. I Ann Claire says, “The theme for the Catholic needed the bonus points in the class so I wrote the Daughters Essay Contest this year was just the essay the night before it was due in about 20 minutes. perfect topic for me to write about. It fit right into I turned it in to my teacher and she read it and she my life. It was a simple piece of writing, but covered thought it was incredible and that I should enter it all the things I do. I was lucky; it was an amazing in the contest, so I did. I recognition. I honestly never expected anything thought it would stop at Essay winners Ann Claire Crain and Ryan Abboud to come out of writing state. I didn’t think my that essay,” says Ryan. views on faith would be

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

See essays on Pgs. 38-39 front ensemble vibe and the marimba, a four year indoor percussion winter ensemble member, a four year student council member, two years on the executive board; and a four year member of the girls golf team where she won the first ever district match. She is also involved in campus ministry and is a student ambassador.

Ann Claire began working as a junior athletic trainer in ninth grade by shadowing the Nicholls State University athletic trainer.

She now works with Terrebonne General Medical Center’s athletic trainer. She says she is on the sidelines during the football games and plays with the band at halftime.

As a supporter of Haiti Mission, Inc., she is currently sewing pillow case dresses and plans to go to Haiti in June 2015.

In her spare time Ann Claire enjoys woodcarving, Zumba, watching movies, and spending time with her sister.

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important to others.”

Ann Claire, who attended St. Bernadette Elementary School in Houma and is a parishioner of St. Bernadette church parish, has participated in many extracurricular activities throughout her school career.

Ann Claire has been a member of the 4-H club for eight years and is currently a junior leader. She was a blue ribbon winner at the state level for three years and has been a camp counselor. This year she organized a project in which all school students in Terrebonne Parish could go door-to-door to trick or treat for cans instead of candy. Her 4-H service project netted one of the largest single donations ever to be received by the Terrebonne Parish food bank.

She has been a member of the National Honor Society for four years, the Terrier Regiment for four years where she plays the

S Y S T E M S, IN

Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier www.bayoucatholic.com

37

Our Students

Ryan’s Essay

Following is Ryan’s essay entitled “The Importance of Religious Freedom.”

The countries of Afghanistan, Syria, Turkey, Egypt, Belarus, Libya, Nigeria, China, North Korea and many more face the persecution for religious reasons every single day. These are countries where certain people don’t know what it’s like to have the freedom to pray in public. These are countries where people are killed when they even mention the name of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The tragedy of this truth not only stays overseas, or in those foreign countries.

Yet the worst part is that here in America we take our religious freedoms for granted. I hear the moans of teenagers in the halls when it’s announced that mass will be celebrated tomorrow. I hear the excuses of my peers to get out of saying prayer. I see the boredom in the faces of parishioners during mass. I see looks of desperation in the faces of Catholics in my own Church parish before walking into our Church. I see all of this with a heavy heart; because, I know that a brother and sister in Christ is getting persecuted for the love of my God. It’s saddening to know that 38 a Catholic in a foreign country would want nothing more than to celebrate mass without the fear of getting killed, and here we are in America dreading the next mass, not because we may be killed, but because it’s “inconvenient.” Ultimately, the truth is that the

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

fault does not lie in the Catholics that take religious freedom for granted. Yet I believe the government has weaned us off of the appreciation of religious freedom.

I do in fact believe that America is being faced with persecutions for religious reasons. Obviously no Christians are being killed, but we do face religious challenges every day that we may not even recognize.

We live in a country that was founded off of the idea of religious freedom, but one wouldn’t believe it if he looked at our country today. First, we took God out of our schools, choosing not to allow students to pray. Next we took God out of our law books, making it perfectly legal to murder a child. We took God out of our houses where we use contraceptive devices.

Now, we’re looking to take God off our currency.

Why? Because it isn’t “politically correct?” Because we may “offend someone?” I find these poor excuses utterly ridiculous. I believe it’s easy to look overseas and look at religious persecution as a foreign idea.

It’s more personal when you look at the persecuted as siblings in Christ. It’s even harder to look at your own country as persecuting you every day. Sadly, this has become socially acceptable and “no big deal.” We are being desensitized to our Christian freedoms every second of every day. I believe we ultimately have to ask ourselves, “what’s next?” Does this have the potential to grow into a killing spree of people who believe in God? And if so, would you stand up for it? It’s very easy to look at martyrdom as an old and irrelevant idea, but it could become a very relevant idea to America if we do not stand united as children of the living God. All of this being said, I do believe religious freedom is very important, but we must first learn to practice religious appreciation.

Ann Claire’s Essay

Following is Ann Claire’s essay entitled, “I Spread Peace in the World.”

I am a peacemaker. I have been all my life. It comes naturally to me. I seek peace in all that I do. I work towards peace in my home, my school, my community, my country, and in my world. Most importantly, I keep peace in my heart.

In my home, I am daughter, a big sister, a neighbor.

As a daughter, I obey and respect my parents. I live up to the expectations of my family. As a big sister, I make myself available to Grace. I welcome her into my room, my world. I lead by example, and I am a good role model for her. As a neighbor, I respect others’ property and privacy and offer help when times are hard. I play with and care for neighborhood children. Peace begins at home.

I promote peace in school. I follow rules, especially the Golden Rule. I respect my teachers, my classmates.

I am careful with my words, my actions. I am friendly to everyone. In the band, we promote peace through the joy of music, and by the special bonds we have with one another. We welcome everyone and make them feel comfortable. In Student Council, I promote peace by working with others to achieve special goals for the

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enjoyment of the student body and by doing random acts of kindness. My school is a peaceful place.

I bring peace to my community through 4H. For seven years, I have participated in collections, donations, contests and community activities that foster goodwill. I abide by the laws of my parish.

I am a steward of the wetlands as a member of FLAG (Future Leaders of America’s Gulf), and through media and service work, I bring peace to my community by working to protect Louisiana’s coastline.

By bringing peace to my home, my school and my community, I bring peace to my country. I will vote when I am able, and as an adult I will be a lawabiding, contributing member of society. As a teenager, I promote peace in my country by making sure that a lead a productive, healthy, clean life, and inspiring my peers to do the same.

I bring peace to my world by supporting the Haiti Mission, Inc. Last year, I collected over 200 soccer balls for village children. This year, I am collecting contributions for the purchase of Creole pigs, a scarce but valuable asset in Haiti. Helping the suffering people in Haiti have a better life brings me peace. I plan to visit Haiti on a mission trip to spread peace in person.

Peace lives in my heart. I know it is peace that God wants me to feel in life. I recognize all the opportunities I have each day to spread peace by the words I choose, by the deeds I do. By bringing peace to my home, my school, my community, my country, and my world, I bring it to myself.

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39

Our Churches

Saint Louis, Bayou Blue

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Celebrating gratitude, giftedness St. Louis Church in Bayou Blue was established as a parish Jan. 2, 1965, the year of its 50th anniversary as a mission. In 2015, St. Louis parish will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of its establishment.

According the parish’s history, the name of the parish can be traced back to the Missouri City. In the early 1900s, a sawmill company from St. Louis, MO, used a canal in the area to float cypress to the mill in Houma. The canal was named the St. Louis Canal. St. Louis of France IX was chosen as the patron because it was located near the St. Louis Canal.

The first Catholic chapel in Bayou Blue was built in 1915 as a mission of St. Bridget Church parish in Schriever. The small wooden chapel was destroyed twice, by a storm in 1915 and then by a hurricane on Aug. 25, 1926, the feast day of St. Louis.

The little country church that was built in 1928 is now the middle section of the present church building, which was enlarged by

adding on to each side. The same Stations of the Cross and statues that adorned the church in 1928 remain intact, as well as the original altar railings. The stained glass windows represent the Ten Commandments, and the sacraments of baptism and holy Communion.

Rev. Carlos Talavera, pastor since June 2009, says there are 1,400 registered families currently in the parish. Approximately 700 people attend Mass each weekend.

Parishioners are made up of mostly older families. However because of the new subdivisions being built in the area, more new younger families are moving to Bayou Blue.

People from some of the lower lying areas in Southeast Louisiana like Chauvin have moved there in the past few years, also, notes the pastor.

“Our 50th anniversary is not only a celebration of gratitude for God’s many blessings but at the same time for the giftedness of the parishioners and this

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Our Churches

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St. Louis

community. It is a great testament that God in his goodness and grace has guided us along all these years continually strengthening our faith,” says Father Talavera.

In addition to the usual liturgical ministries, pastoral and finance councils, the parish has a fundraising committee, ushers, a children’s liturgy, Ladies Altar Society, Knights of Columbus and KC Ladies Auxiliary, Cub Scouts, Communion to the sick and elderly, and a bereavement group. Adult faith formation is offered regularly through Bible study groups and Bread for Everyday Living, which is a class about the Bible taught by Father Talavera.

Parishioners participate in various social ministries sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. Even though there is no organized parish youth group, the youth of the parish participate in diocesan sponsored events and they also attend the National Catholic Youth Conference every other year.

The parish recently acquired a modular classroom building which they named the Pope St. John Paul II Center. It is being used for its CCD program, which is educating about 280 to 300 students this school year.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

Father Talavera says that for him to be there to celebrate the parish’s 50th year is a grace moment because of the constant faith the people have shown throughout all those years and the services they have provided. “It is through their dedication that the parish has been able to thrive. The people are so generous and they have been good stewards of God’s gifts to them.”

A 50th anniversary logo was created by a few young adult parishioners for the occasion. The pastor says the parish will be doing all the same things that it normally does, but incorporating the 50th anniversary in with those activities.

Some of the additional ways the parish will be celebrating its anniversary is with a skeet shoot, crafts show, a new parish photo directory, 50th anniversary t-shirts, and a “Taste of Bayou Blue” event in which different restaurants and people prepare food for those attending to taste.

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre will celebrate Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015, two days before the feast day of St. Louis, which is Tuesday, Aug. 25. A celebration will follow Mass.

Staff

St. Louis Church parish staff seated from left are Randy Poincot, maintenance; Andrea Poincot, secretary; Patricia Ledet, housekeeper; and Michael Dupre, music minister. Standing from left are Penne Dorman, office manager; Father Carlos Talavera, pastor; and Catherine Butler, DRE and youth minister.

43

May the joy of the season be wit h you and your family.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Southland Dodge Chrysler Jeep Family www.bayoucatholic.com

Special Events

Junior High Faith Experience is Jan. 10

By Janet Marcel Bayou Catholic

44

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Cooper Ray

The diocesan Office of Youth Ministry’s seventh annual Junior High Faith Experience will take place Jan. 10, 2015, from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. at E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux.

The theme for the event, which is open to all youth in grades six through eight, is “Faith Takes Flight.” Cooper Ray will be the keynote speaker. Music will be provided by Abundant Praise.

“The mission of our Junior High Youth Ministry program is to provide opportunities centered around Christ and the Catholic Church. One of those opportunities is Junior High Faith Experience.

It was developed in response to an overwhelming number of requests from the church parishes for more events geared toward students in sixth through eighth grade. The excitement of our young people to enrich their faith in the diocese continues to grow as is evident by the numbers of young people that attend this annual event,” says Rachel LeBouef, assistant diocesan director of the Office of Youth Ministry.

Cooper Ray is a dynamic and light-hearted speaker and musician who has been a part of youth ministry for more than 17 years, serving most of that time as

the director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. He has motivated and inspired thousands of youth and adults at countless diocesan, parish and school events across the country.

Ray’s relevant message and crowd interaction leads groups of all ages to a greater awareness of who they are as Catholic Christians and how to recognize God’s presence in their lives. He is a published artist with OCP/Spiritandsong.com and holds a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University in New Orleans. Ray lives in Dallas, TX, with his wife Laura and two sons, Eli and Keller.

Schedule for the day is as follows: doors open at 9 a.m.; praise and worship at 10 a.m.; keynote at 10:30 a.m.; lunch/outside activities at Noon; praise and worship at 2:30 p.m.; keynote continues at 3 p.m.; Mass at 4 p.m.

The final deadline date for participants to register for this event with their church parish or school is Dec. 12. The registration fee is $40 per person, which includes a meal, t-shirt and bus transportation. There will be no registration at the door.

For more information, contact the Office of Youth Ministry at (985) 850-3151.

Montegut Advent Mission Dec. 16

Sacred Heart Church parish in Montegut will host a special Advent Mission on Tuesday, Dec. 16 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Church, 1111 Highway 55 in Montegut. The theme of the retreat, which will be directed by Deacon Jim Swiler, diocesan chancellor, is “Things aren’t as they appear to be.”

Deacon Jim has served as a deacon for over 38 years. Following 33 years of administrative service in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, he moved to Thibodaux in 2010. He currently serves as the diocesan personnel director,

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

diocesan archivist, coordinator of the Lumen Christi Retreat Center, Social Ministries, and the Conference Office, and assists with the permanent diaconate.

Deacon Jim has also served as a consultant for the USCCB and as an instructor in homiletics at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

He has received numerous awards including the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice Award and Medal from Saint Pope John Paul II for his service to the church.

All are invited to attend the Advent Mission.

Deacon Jim Swiler

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Work of the Lord For we are God's fellow workers.

You are God's field, God's building.

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For more information, visit: www.htdiocese.org

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

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Personalities

’I ’ m a very lucky bishop’ 46

Bishop Shelton Fabre reflects on first year, future

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was quietly sitting at his 23 calls started pouring in. The announcement of his desk at the Chancery Office on Walmsley Avenue in appointment had been made by the Vatican at 6 a.m.

New Orleans when the phone rang. It was the feast of New Orleans time and many of his family and friends St. Peter Claver, Sept. 9, 2013, and as he answered, were trying to reach him. “I don’t know what you are the voice of a religious sister said: “Bishop, I have a talking about,” the bishop would respond jokingly. call for you from Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano’.”

Finally, at nine that morning, at a press conference at Now, a call from the Nuncio in Washington, D.C., is the Pastoral Center in Schriever, Bishop Fabre could not to be taken lightly. As he waited on the phone all openly talk and comment about his appointment. sorts of thoughts ran through Bishop Fabre’s mind, His recollections and mental picture of Houmawith the most likely conclusion that the archbishop Thibodaux were of the “picturesque bayou scenes was calling about an appointment. and the positive impression he had on Dec. 6, 2012, “Hello, Bishop Fabre,” the nuncio greeted him, when he had conducted a day of reflection for priests adding: “Pope Francis has appointed you as the new at Lumen Christi Retreat Center. “I was favorably bishop of Houma-Thibodaux.” As the two discussed impressed by the priests here, especially their warmth announcement and installation dates and as they and friendly demeanor.” exchanged pleasantries, the bishop was somewhat in The installation ceremonies and receptions “made a daze. Within minutes his life had taken a radical me feel so very welcomed,” says the bishop. “At the change. same time I was glad when they were over, when the “Oh, Lord, here we go,” Bishop Fabre said. attention would change from me to the work ahead.”

“Suddenly I was transitioning from an auxiliary “Once work began, I sensed a great relief in finding bishop to the ordinary of a diocese; I knew I had all a diocese that was pastorally and administratively sorts of obligations still to fulfill in New Orleans, yet in good shape,” says Bishop Fabre. “I must commend I also had to begin to focus on my future life as the my predecessors, on whose shoulders I stand, for bishop of Houma-Thibodaux.” Additionally, other the strong foundation they have left here.” He says than New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond and Bishops Warren L. Boudreaux, Michael Jarrell and then Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux Sam G. Jacobs, no Jacobs “each brought his own strengths to minister one else knew, and he was in the Lord’s vineyard and bound to secrecy on the to build God’s Kingdom Story by Louis Aguirre matter until the formal here.”

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier announcement was made.

Bishop Fabre says he The morning of Sept. loves visiting the Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

a

parishes, schools, organizations and institutions. “I love driving around the diocese and I enjoy meeting the people.” He is particularly happy to see – and hopes to perpetuate – the strong presence of the Catholic Church in this area. “It is a grace and honor that the church is such an integral part of the life in the Bayou Country. It is a testament to the hard work, zeal and strong faith of our people.”

At the same time, the bishop says he is delighted to see how “this diocese has so many competent priests, religious and lay people. I am very pleased with the number of seminarians because it lets me know that we have the right culture to foster vocations, the strength of our Catholic Charities, the youth groups, the Catholic schools, religious education and all the many offices which are in service to the parishes.”

He is particularly proud of “the participation of Catholic men, especially in enriching their spirituality and in their participation at Mass. In general, I am happy to see so many young families at church … our people are alive in their faith!”

“Of course,” he says, “not everything has been perfect. There have been some challenges, but these are to be expected. For example, this is the first time that I must make the final decision on many matters, including the appointment of priests and in dealing

‘

with urgent matters that come up from time to time. I always take such decisions to consultation and prayer and then make a decision.”

Looking to the future, the bishop wants to pour more of his energy toward pastoral planning. “I want to allow us the opportunity to envision the next five to 10 years,” he says. “I want us to look ahead and find the way for even greater participation and collaboration between clergy and laity and to take advantage of all the gifts that we have. Many have asked me what I’m going to do now that my first year has passed. I think pastoral planning will enable us to determine our future together, in a spirit of collaboration and trust.”

Bishop Fabre hopes to begin the initial phases of this pastoral planning in the coming months.

“I want to be certain that our parish life and all the services are directed to youth, the elderly, sick, imprisoned … all the foundational elements of our calling as Christians … and to make sure that these are in place and bearing good fruit.”

“Naturally, I count my blessings for living in a diocese with such an abundance of good food, of such strong family values and a people who truly know how to enjoy life. I continue to marvel at their unbounded love for the church.”

He concludes with a broad smile: “I’m a very lucky bishop!”

I count my blessings.

,

47

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From Our Archives

48

Ten years ago Father Oscar Solis, then pastor of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, was ordained to the episcopacy and installed as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He was the first Filipino-American to be consecrated as bishop. In the photo above Father Solis is all smiles during a press conference held at the St. Joseph Co-Cathedral rectory attended by the local media. In the photo below, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles is filled to capacity for the bishop’s ordination and installation.

New auxiliary bishop for Los Angeles

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

Thank You to all across the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux who

supported the Continuing the Vision...Ensuring Our Future capital campaign for the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana.

While the campaign might not have reached the heights that some had hoped, it is still a great success for the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana and especially for the Seminarian Education and Catholic Charities endowment funds.

The campaign is now entering the redemption phase for all pledged gifts; however, if someone is still interested in making a gift to the campaign, or beginning their own endowment fund to benefit their favorite Catholic entity, please contact the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana at (985) 850-3116 or www.catholicfoundationsl.org.

Over $6,151,027.00 Committed across the Diocese 2,124 Families have Responded with a Financial Commitment More than $389,062.00 Returned to Parishes

www.catholicfoundationsl.org

(985) 850-3116

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December

january 2015

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n Young Adult Gathering, consisting of Mass, Adoration and a social, Friday, Jan. 2, St. Lucy Church in Houma, at 6:30 p.m. n Church History, Wednesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Speaker, Rev. Danny Poche’. n Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Thursday, Jan. 8, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Speaker, Very Rev. Robert Rogers, V.F. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Jan. 13, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Speaker, Very Rev. Vicente DeLa Cruz, J.V. n Woman of God Gathering, Tuesday, Jan. 13, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall.

Meal served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m. Free event, all women over 18 years of age are invited. n Matrimony and Holy Orders, Thursday, Jan. 22, Diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Very Rev. Robert Rogers, V.F. n Martin Luther King Jr. Mass, Sunday, Jan. 25, St. Lucy Church, Houma, 8:15 a.m.; St. Luke Church, Thibodaux, 10:45 a.m.

n Man of God Gathering, Tuesday, Jan. 27, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall.

Meal served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m. Free event, all men over 18 years of age are invited. n Pastoral Council meeting for all pastoral council members of the church parishes in the Terrebonne Deanery, Wednesday, Jan. 28, St. Ann Parish Center, Bourg. Meal served at 6 p.m.; meeting begins at 6:45 p.m. Topic: Understanding Stewardship.

Speaker, Cory Howat, Archdiocese of New Orleans.

for all pastoral council members of the church parishes in the Upper Lafourche deanery, Thursday, Feb. 5, St. Genevieve Family Center, Thibodaux. Meal served at 6 p.m.; meeting begins at 6:45 p.m. Topic: Understanding Stewardship.

Speaker, Father Rodney Bourg, Archdiocese of New Orleans. n The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Church, Thursday, Feb. 5, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Speaker, Father Jules Brunet. n Young Adult Gathering, consisting of Mass, Adoration

and a social, Friday, Feb. 6, St. Lucy Church in Houma, 6:30 p.m. n Pastoral Council meeting for all pastoral council members of the church parishes in the South Lafourche deanery, Wednesday, Feb. 11, St. Hilary Multi-Purpose building, Mathews. Meal served at 6 p.m.; meeting begins at 6:45 p.m. Topic: Understanding Stewardship. Speaker, Cory Howat, Archdiocese of New Orleans. n Rite of Election, Sunday, Feb. 22, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, 3 p.m. n Adore, Wednesday, Feb. 25, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 7 p.m. n Woman of God/Man of God Conference, Friday, Feb. 27-28, Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center.

Doors open at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27. Pre-registration is $65 per person. Open to men and women over 18 years of age.

Visit www.HTConferences.org for more information.

february n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Feb. 3, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Speaker, Father Ronilo Villamor. n Catholic Charities will offer Free Income Tax Preparation and E-Filing on the second floor of the Terrebonne Parish Main Library every Tuesday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. beginning Feb. 2 and ending April 14. n Church History, Wednesday, Feb. 4, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Father Danny Poche’. n Pastoral Council meeting

Retreat Center, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Speaker, Archbishop Emeritus Alfred C. Hughes, New Orleans. n Deadline to register for Junior High Faith Experience, Friday, Dec. 12.

DIOCESAN

Friar Antonio Maria Speedy, Saturday, Dec. 6, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma, 10 a.m. n Priest Advent Day of Prayer, Tuesday, Dec. 9, Lumen Christi

n Young Adult gathering consisting of Adoration, Mass and a social, Friday, Dec. 5, St. Lucy Church in Houma, at 6 p.m. n Priesthood Ordination of

www.bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

EVENTS

e n Tu To...

In

Quality Family Programming for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux ~ Channel 10* on Comcast of Houma and CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS of Terrebonne Parish ~ Channel 10* on CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS in Thibodaux ~ Channel 10* on VISION COMMUNICATIONS of South and Central Lafourche ~ Channel 10* AT&T U-Verse *Channel 10 is provided by and in cooperation with HTV of Houma. ~ Channel 71, ALLEN’S TV CABLE of Morgan City

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Programs produced by the Diocesan Office of TV Communications. We reserve the right to make program changes. www.bayoucatholic.com

51

Nation

By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis said he would attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September, making it the first confirmed stop on what is expected to be a more extensive papal visit to North America.

The pope made the announcement Nov. 17 in a speech opening an interreligious conference on traditional marriage.

“I would like to confirm that, God willing, in September 2015 I will go to Philadelphia for the eighth World Meeting of Families,” the pope said.

The announcement had been widely expected, since Pope Benedict XVI had said before his retirement that he hoped to attend the Philadelphia event. Popes typically fulfill their predecessors’ publicly known travel plans, as Pope Francis did in July 2013 when he attended World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro.

Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, who was in Rome for the families meeting, told Catholic 52 News Service the announcement was “a surprise in the sense that it was announced so early; you know usually they don’t make these announcements -- four months out is the typical and here we are 10 months away, and the Holy Father said he is coming to Philadelphia.”

“The Holy Father has said that he’s going to be coming to Philadelphia for quite a few months,” he told Catholic News Service. “He’s been telling me that personally, but for him to announce it officially that he is coming so early is really quite an unusual thing, so it’s going to reenergize our efforts. There’s lot of enthusiasm already, but I think 90 percent of the enthusiasm’s based on the fact that the Holy Father will be with us, and now that he’s said that I expect that there will be even a double amount of enthusiasm ... and I’m very happy about that.”

Catholicphilly.com reported the archbishop noted that Pope Francis has focused “on the many challenges that families face today globally.

His charisma, presence and voice will electrify the gathering.

“As I’ve said many times before, I believe that the presence of the Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

Holy Father will bring all of us -Catholic and non-Catholic alike -together in tremendously powerful, unifying and healing ways. We look forward to Pope Francis’ arrival in Philadelphia next September, and we will welcome him joyfully with open arms and prayerful hearts.”

In August, Pope Francis told reporters accompanying him on the plane back from South Korea that he “would like” to go to Phila-

Pope Francis will visit Philadelphia September of 2015 delphia. The pope also noted that President Barack Obama and the U.S. Congress had invited him to Washington, D.C., and that the secretary-general of the United Nations had invited him to New York.

“Maybe the three cities together, no?” Pope Francis said, adding that he could also visit the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico on the same trip -- “but it is not certain.”

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi,

Vatican spokesman, told reporters Nov. 17 that Pope Francis wanted to “guarantee organizers” that he would be present at the meeting in Philadelphia, “but he did not say anything about other possible stops or events during that trip. And for now I do not have anything to add in that regard.”

Although few details of the papal visit have made public, organizers for the families’ congress expect Pope Francis to arrive Sept. 25 for an afternoon public visit with civic officials.

That would begin his first trip as pope to the United States and the second papal visit to Philadelphia in a generation; St. Pope John Paul II visited the city in 1979. He will be the fourth sitting pope to visit the U.S. During his visit, Pope Francis is expected to attend the Festival of Families Sept. 26, a cultural celebration for hundreds of thousands of people along Philadelphia’s main cultural boulevard, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Donna Farrell, executive director for the 2015 World Meeting of Families and its chief planner, said although Philadelphia has hosted St. Pope John Paul’s visit, the city has “not had anything like this unique Festival of Families. It’s really going to be something special.”

Registration for the congress opened in mid-November. The meeting will be a weeklong series of talks, discussions and activities.

Pope Francis is expected to celebrate a public Mass for an estimated 1 million people on Sept.

26 on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, in full view of the crowds arrayed from the museum down the Ben Franklin Parkway.

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, welcomed the pope’s announcement.

“The presence of Pope Francis at the World Meeting of Families in our country will be a joyful moment for millions of Catholics and people of good will. Our great hope has been that the Holy Father would visit us next year to inspire our families in their mission of love. It is a blessing to hear the pope himself announce the much anticipated news,” Archbishop Kurtz said.

Special

A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held in Thibodaux for Cardinal Place, a new residential development that will serve residents 55 and older who are interested in living in a safe and secure residence that is maintenance free. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre offered an opening prayer for the ceremony. Ann Thibodaux, administrator of St. Joseph Manor, welcomed all who attended the ceremony, introduced the board members and thanked them for their service. Jerald Block, board president, thanked all who supported the project through their time, talent and dedication.

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Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier www.bayoucatholic.com

Church Alive

Black Catholics honored Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of a Mass for Black Catholics recently at St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Thibodaux. The Mass was celebrated in conjunction with the feast of St. Martin de Porres.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

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www.bayoucatholic.com

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Very Rev. Vicente DeLa Cruz, J.V.

Food for the Journey is Jan. 13

The diocesan Office of Religious Education sponsors a monthly lunchtime speaker series on the first Tuesday of the month at the Quality Hotel on Hollywood Road in Houma across from Vandebilt Catholic High School.

The speaker for Jan. 13, 2015, is Very Rev. Vicente DeLa Cruz, J.V. Please note that because of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, Food for the Journey will take place the second Tuesday of January.

Very Rev. DeLa Cruz, J.V., pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church parish in Bayou Black, is a native of Olongapo City in the Philippines. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Dec. 8, 1990.

Very Rev. DeLa Cruz, J.V., serves as the judicial vicar for the diocese and is a member of the Bishop’s Cabinet.

Since being ordained he has served as associate pastor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Chackbay, St. Genevieve

Church parish in Thibodaux, St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma, Holy Cross Church parish in Morgan City, and Annunziata Church parish in Houma. He has served as pastor of St. Hilary of Poitiers Church parish in Mathews, St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish in Thibodaux, St. Ann Church parish in Bourg, and as rector of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales parish in Houma.

Those who plan to attend the Jan. 13th event should RSVP with their name, phone number and church parish by Thursday, Jan. 8. To RSVP, email FoodForTheJourney@ htdiocese.org or call (985) 8503178.

Doors open at 10:45 a.m. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. The program begins at Noon with the speaker’s presentation from 12:10-12:45 p.m.

Cost is $13 and includes meal, drink and tip. Only cash or checks will be accepted.

All are invited to come “eat and be fed.”

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Rev. Jules Brunet

Galliano offers Advent Retreat St. Joseph Church parish in Galliano will host an Advent Retreat featuring Father Jules Brunet as the speaker. The theme for this four-talk series is “The Trinity.” Each talk will be offered two times, once in a morning session and once in an evening session at the church located on 17980 West Main Street in Galliano. Dates and times are as follows: Talk No. 1 – Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6:30-8:15 p.m., and Wednesday, Dec. 10, 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Talk No. 2 – Wednesday, Dec. 10, 6:30-8:15 p.m., and Thursday, Dec. 11, 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Talk No. 3 – Tuesday, Dec. 16, 6:30-8:15 p.m., and Wednesday, Dec. 17, 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Talk No. 4 – Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6:30-8:15 p.m., and Thursday, Dec. 18, 8:30-10:15 a.m.

Everyone is invited.

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Walk-in Tubs

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Seminarian Education Burses

What is a seminarian burse fund?

A seminarian burse fund is an invested sum of money where the interest is used in perpetuity to help fund the education of men to the priesthood in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

How does someone establish a seminarian burse fund?

Very simply, a burse may be established and named for anyone you choose, be it family, friend, bishop, priest, deacon, religious, etc.

When is a seminarian burse complete?

A seminarian burse fund is complete once it reaches $15,000.

If you choose to continue to contribute, a new burse will be created for you.

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

To contribute or establish a burse, send funds to Pastoral Center, Attn: Seminarian Burse, P. O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395 or call Jeremy Becker, Director of Stewardship and Development, at 985-850-3155 for more information.

Completed Burses of $15,000 each

Note: those wtih a number stipulates the number of completed burses* - Anonymous - Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Bienvenu - Harry Booker - Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux (3)* - Rev. Adrian J. Caillouet - Rev. James Louis Caillouet - Bishop L. Abel Caillouet - Judge/Mrs L. P. Caillouet - Msgr. Lucien J. Caillouet - Abdon J. & Ada B. Callais - Harold & Gloria Callais Family - Paul A. Callais - Peter W. Callais - Vincent & Fannie Cannata - Minor Sr. & Lou Ella Cheramie - Maude & Edith Daspit - Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis family (3)* - Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis

- C. Remie Duplantis - Marie Elise Duplantis - Warren J. Harang, Jr. - Msgr. Raphael C. Labit - Msgr. Francis J. Legendre - Rev. Charles Menard - Dr. & Mrs. M.V. Marmande & Fly - Donald Peltier, Sr. (3)* - Harvey Peltier (30)* - Richard Peltier - The Peltier Foundation (2) - Orleans & Louella Pitre - Msgr. Joseph Wester - Robert R. Wright, Jr. - Rev. Kermit Trahan - St. Bernadette Men’s Club - Diocesan K of C - Endowment Fund - $119,136.90

October 2014 Burse Contributions Alfrances P. Martin ......................................... $1,400.00 Rev. John Gallen ............................................. $1,000.00 Mr. Eledier Broussard ........................................ $200.00 Mr.& Mrs. George C. Fakier .............................. $100.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ..................................... $100.00 Anne Veron Aguirre ........................................... $100.00 57

Open Burses with Balance as of 10/31/14 Mr. Eledier Broussard ................. $14,600.00 Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis ........... $13,000.00 Donald Peltier, Sr. #4 ............................ $13,000.00 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit #2 .................. $10,960.00 Harvey Peltier #31 .............................. $10,486.91 Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis #2 .......... $10,000.00 C. Remie Duplantis #2 ........................ $10,000.00 Marie Elise Duplantis #2 ..................... $10,000.00 Maude & Edith Daspit #2 .................... $10,000.00 Msgr. George A. Landry ...................... $10,000.00 Elie & Dot Klingman .............................. $8,400.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................. $8,000.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..................................... $7,000.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $5,935.00 Rev. Peter Nies ..................................... $5,810.00 Mr. & Mrs. Love W. Pellegrin ................. $5,000.00 Anonymous #2 ...................................... $5,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Fmly.#4..... $5,000.00 Rev. William M. Fleming ........................ $5,000.00 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ..................... $5,000.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ........................... $5,000.00 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ..................... $4,839.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ................................ $4,786.00 Rev. Henry Naquin ................................. $4,251.00 Harry Booker #2 .................................... $4,138.00 Catholic Daughters ................................ $4,080.00

Mrs. Shirley Conrad ............................... $4,000.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .............................. $4,000.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ............................... $3,610.96 J. R. Occhipinti ...................................... $3,400.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ................................ $3,200.00 Msgr. James Songy ............................... $3,075.00 Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ........................ $3,060.00 St. Jude ................................................. $3,000.00 Diocesan K of C #2 ............................... $2,894.62 Anawin Community ............................... $2,700.00 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ........................ $2,600.00 Willie & Emelda St. Pierre ...................... $2,000.00 Rev. H. C. Paul Daigle ........................... $1,900.00 Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 ......................... $1,800.00 James J. Buquet, Jr. ............................... $1,650.00 Msgr. Francis J. Legendre #2 ................ $1,645.00 Rev. Robert J. Sevigny .......................... $1,600.00 Msgr. Emile J. Fossier ........................... $1,545.00 Dr. William Barlette, Sr........................... $1,525.00 Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski ................ $1,525.00 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande .................... $1,500.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ ........................... $1,450.00 Alfrances P. Martin ................................. $1,400.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield .......................... $1,200.00 Rev. John Gallen .................................... $1,100.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ...................... $1,050.00

Rev. Clemens Schneider ....................... $1,000.00 St. Joseph Italian Society ...................... $1,000.00 Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux #4 ........... $1,000.00 Msgr. John G. Keller .............................. $1,000.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................. $1,000.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ............................. $800.00 Jacob Marcello .......................................... $800.00 Ruby Pierce .............................................. $800.00 Deacon Roland Dufrene ........................... $750.00 Juliette & Eugene Wallace ......................... $700.00 Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ................... $660.00 Judge Louis & Shirley R. Watkins .............. $600.00 Deacon Raymond LeBouef ...................... $550.00 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata .................... $500.00 Ronnie Haydel .......................................... $485.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz ................................ $300.00 Richard Peltier #2 ..................................... $300.00 Claude Bergeron ...................................... $250.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin .......................... $150.00 Deacon Connely Duplantis ........................ $125.00 Deacon Pedro Pujals ................................ $100.00 Joseph Waitz, Sr. ...................................... $100.00 Anne Veron Aguirre ................................... $100.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier .............................. $ 50.00 Deacon Nick Messina .............................. $ 50.00 Rev. Warren Chassaniol ........................... $ 50.00

Overall Seminarian Burse Totals: $1,455,113.39 www.bayoucatholic.com

Guest Columnist Father Glenn LeCompte

Adult Confirmation Program Register now! Begins Jan. 7

“Be sealed with the gifts of the Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 2015, Holy Spirit.” These words spoken by at 3 p.m. the bishop, along with an imposition Why is it important for adults of hands and an anointing with the who have not confirmed to celebrate oil of Holy Chrism constitute the this sacrament, even if at a later core of the rite of confirmation. time than usual? The sacraments Most of us are familiar with the fact of baptism, confirmation and holy that the sacrament of confirmation Eucharist taken together form the is usually received by high school Catholic Church’s initiation rite. In students. In the Diocese of Houmathe early church these sacraments Thibodaux, the 11th grade has were usually celebrated all at been designated as the year during once and in the order listed above. which youth may be confirmed.

While it is expected that teenagers, when they reach the designated age, be confirmed, some in fact do not receive this sacrament. This could happen for a variety of reasons. Some 58 simply discontinue religious education at some point in their lives or, in other cases, their lives are interrupted, along with their progress in faith formation.

While dioceses are left to determine a minimum age for confirmation, there is never a maximum age. So there is hope for adults who, for whatever reason, did not confirm in high Pentecost school. The common practice in our diocese has been for parishes The declaration of Christianity as to provide a formation program for the official religion of the Roman adults, those over the designated Empire, in the early fourth diocesan confirmation age, who century, and St. Augustine’s want to confirm. These adults teaching on the utter necessity would then usually participate of the sacrament of baptism led in the parish confirmation to a large increase in Christian celebration with the youth, unless initiates. It is not apparent that circumstances warrant that other there was originally a separate arrangements be made. During the sacrament of confirmation, rather, fiscal year 2014-2015, the Diocese confirmation evolved from a postof Houma-Thibodaux will offer baptismal anointing that was a diocesan-wide class for adults reserved to the bishop. As dioceses who are 20-years-old and above and the number of initiates grew, who missed confirmation. Upon this post-baptismal anointing often completion of the class, these adults had to be delayed until the bishop will then be eligible to participate was able to return to a locality. in the sacrament of confirmation In time, this anointing became during Mass at the Cathedral of established in the Christian St. Francis de Sales in Houma on Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

Church as a separate sacrament called “confirmation.” The primary minister of the sacrament of confirmation is still the bishop.

However, if circumstances warrant it, the diocesan bishop may delegate a priest to confirm a person.

It is important then, for adults who have not confirmed to do so, otherwise, their Christian initiation is incomplete. Additionally, the church teaches that the gifts of the Holy Spirit (see Isaiah 11:111; 1 Corinthians 12:2731) are imparted to the recipient of the sacrament.

These gifts empower the recipient to live the Christian life faithfully and to engage in works of service through which the needs of the community are met.

Bishop Fabre has decided to provide an opportunity for adults who are 20-yearsold and up to complete their Christian initiation by receiving the sacrament of confirmation. First, they will have to complete a six week preparatory course on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at St. Bridget in Schriever. The topics and dates for the course are as follows: Our Life’s Journey to God – Jan. 7, 2015 Christian Initiation and Baptism – Jan. 14 Basic Catechesis on Eucharist – Jan. 21 The Holy Spirit, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Fruits of the Holy Spirit – Jan. 28 Discipleship and Mission – Feb. 4 The Rite of Confirmation – Feb. 11 To register for the class, contact Maria Havis, administrative assistant, Office of Worship, (985) 850-3157 or by email, mhavis@ htdiocese.org.

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Special Collection for Diocesan Priests Retirement December 13 and 14, 2014 “On the weekend of December 13 and December 14, I pray that everyone will support the collection for the retired priests of the diocese.�

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre www.bayoucatholic.com

Veterans Day

St. Bernadette St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School students in Houma honored veterans with a Mass and ceremony recently. Father Carl Collins, pastor, was the celebrant of the Mass.

Army Sargeant Timothy Rouen spoke to those who attended the Mass explaining his involvement in the armed forces. Students waved flags while watching the United Veterans League retire the school’s flag and raise a new one.

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Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.�

- Isaiah 9:6 Come celebrate the joy of the Lord.

In the Spirit of this Holy Season ... please remember the Diocesan Charities Christmas Collection on December 25.

Thank You and God Bless www.bayoucatholic.com

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Veterans Day

St. Joseph The sixth graders at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Thibodaux celebrated Veteran’s Day by honoring local veterans. Students sang patriotic songs relating to each branch of the military as parents, grandparents and family members honored the veterans in attendance.

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Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Position Available: Development Director The Diocese of Alexandria is seeking a dynamic professional for its Director of Development position.

Candidates must possess a minimum of 3 years of direct or related experience in development, marketing and stewardship and be able to demonstrate a proven track record of success.

Experience: Must be proficient in technology, have the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a strong development/fundraising background. Three years of nonprofit development experience desired, preferably in church or social service environment and knowledge of church organization and procedures. Practicing Catholic strongly preferred.

Education: BS or BA in Communications, Marketing, or Public Relations or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Send resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements by December 31, 2014 to: Diocese of Alexandria, ATTN: Mr. David Brook, P.O. Box 7417, Alexandria, LA 71306-0417 or email to: info@diocesealex.org.

Diocese of Alexandria Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

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63

Nation

U.S. bishops fall meeting • Approved liturgical items • held elections • endorsed sainthood cause

By Catholic News Service BALTIMORE (CNS) -- Though there were no actions on the U.S. bishops’ agenda in Baltimore dealing with immigration, poverty and other public policy issues, the president of their conference said Nov. 11 that he hopes to meet with President Barack Obama and House and Senate leaders soon on several topics.

In a brief comment during the annual fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, said he had heard from many of his brother bishops about those issues and hopes to supplement the work that 64 committees and USCCB staff are doing on such issues by conferring with the politicians.

He told Catholic News Service that he intends to pursue a meeting with the president and the congressional leaders as soon as December.

In other action on the second public day of the Nov. 10-13 meeting, the bishops: -- Approved several liturgical items, including a revised translation of the ritual book used whenever a new church is built or when a new altar is made; the first official English translation of the ritual book “Exorcisms and Related Supplications”; and a supplement to the Liturgy of the Hours that is an English translation of the prayers used for the feast days of saints who have been added to the general calendar since 1984.

-- Voted in favor of a request by the USCCB’s doctrine committee to proceed with a revision of a section of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services dealing with partnerships.

-- Endorsed the sainthood cause of Father Paul Wattson, co-founder of the Society of the Atonement in Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

1899 and in his day a leading advocate of Christian unity.

-- Approved a 2015 budget of just under $189.5 million. They also voted on a 3 percent increase in the diocesan assessment for 2016, but the vote fell short of the required two-thirds majority of the 197 members eligible to assessment increase in the assessment. Eligible members absent from the Baltimore meeting will be canvassed to determine the final vote.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh, North Carolina, chairman of the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, gave a presentation on the newly revised “Guidelines for Receiving Pastoral Ministers in the United States.”

As the number of priests and pastoral ministers from other countries increases in the United States, he said the resource -- now in its third edition -- provides information for dioceses, eparchies and religious communities to prepare international pastoral ministers for their service and the communities that receive them.

Archbishop J. Peter Sartain of Seattle, USCCB secretary and chairman of the Committee on Priorities and Plans, told the bishops that a myriad of activities revolving around four key goals of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is an indication that “the conference planning process is working quite well.”

The USCCB’s four goals, or priorities, are faith formation and sacramental practice; strengthening marriage and family life; the life and dignity of the human person; and religious liberty.

The bishops also heard a report on the work of members of a number of bishops’ committees -- from pro-life, domestic justice and international justice to evangelization and religious liberty -- who to-

gether are trying to pinpoint what Catholics in the pew are thinking and why they accept or disregard church teaching.

The vast compilation of data is being assembled for bishops to read and also will be relayed in series of workshops. One of the major findings from the study -- that Catholics want to find out more about their faith -- has prompted plans for a 2017 convocation in Orlando, Florida, the week of July 4.

With regard to the bishops’ ethical directives for Catholic health care, the focus of the revision is part 6 and the topic concerns “Forming New Partnerships with Health Care Organizations.” It will take into account principles suggested by the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

During a question-and-answer period, bishops who spoke on the issue said they support the revision and noted the many complications that can arise in today’s health care collaborations. Once completed, the revision will be presented to the bishops for final approval.

Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, New York, chairman of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, invited the U.S. bishops to a 2015 Lay Ecclesial Ministry Summit. It will take place June 7, 2015, to mark the 10th anniversary of the bishops’ statement “Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord.” It will be held just prior to the USCCB spring general assembly in St. Louis.

In elections, Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of New Orleans won the secretary-elect spot. The committee chairmen-elect who won are: Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, pro-life activities; Auxiliary Bishop Christopher J. Coyne of Indianapolis, communications; Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio, cultural

a

diversity; Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron of Detroit, doctrine; Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile, Alabama, national collections.

The first day’s agenda included reports on the recently concluded extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family; Catholic education and an outreach to Hispanic students in underserved communities; the progress of planning for the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia; the status of the 2013-16 USCCB strategic plan, “The New Evangelization: Faith, Worship, Witness”; the 2015 Fortnight of Freedom; and the defense of marriage.

In his Nov. 10 report to the bishops, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, told the bishops the committee -extended for another three years -- planned to focus more on teaching and expanding networks with Catholic lay groups and interfaith and ecumenical partners. He said threats to religious liberty remain a great concern.

“The challenges to religious liberty with regard to the redefinition of marriage grow daily,” said Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, in his report.

He said that for several years, the bishops’ subcommittee has “sought to defend marriage’s unique meaning, while also calling attention to the real negative consequences and anticipated threats that marriage redefinition poses to religious liberty and freedom of conscience.”

The first day’s business wrapped up by mid-afternoon, so the bishops could concelebrate Mass at the city’s Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary to mark the 225th anniversary of the establishment of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Baltimore was the first diocese founded in the United States.

Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori said in his homily that all Catholics are heirs “to this precious legacy” set forth by the first nation’s first Catholic bishop -- Bishop John Carroll.

“Let us humbly ask for the grace to build on the foundations that John Carroll set down,” Archbishop Lori said.

Diocesan Outreach Line

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

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

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

For detailed reporting procedures see: www.htdiocese.org.

Click on the Safe Environment tab, then on S.E. Forms and Links.

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

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

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

Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux Número de teléfono (985) 873-0026.

Vea el detallado procedimiento de informes en: www.htdiocese.org.

Haga clic en Safe Environment y luego S.E. Forms and Links.

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Ñeå höôûng öùng Hieán chöông Baûo veä Treû em vaø Giôùi treû töø Hoäi ñoàng Giaùm muïc Hoa kyø, Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux ñang chuaån bò ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp (luùc tröôùc laø ñöôøng daây lieân laïc baûo veä treû em). Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp laø moät söï coá gaéng cuûa giaùo phaän nhaèm cam keát haøn gaén naâng ñôõ nhöõng ai ñaõ bò toån thöông hoaëc bò laïm duïng tính duïc hoaëc gaàn ñaây hoaëc trong quaù khöù bôûi giaùo só, tu só hoaëc caùc coâng nhaân vieân cuûa Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux. Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän hoaït ñoäng töø 8:30 saùng ñeán 4:30 chieàu, thöù hai ñeán thöù saùu. Moät nhaân vieân chuyeân nghieäp veà söùc khoûe taâm thaàn traû lôøi treân ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi. Nhöõng caù nhaân seõ ñöôïc trôï giuùp naâng ñôõ theâm neáu caàn. Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Soá ñieän thoaïi: (985) 873-0026.

Caàn bieát theâm chi tieát veà caùch baùo caùo xin vaøo trang web cuûa ñòa phaän laø www.htdiocese.org.

Baám vaøo muïc Safe Environment, sau ñoù tôùi muïc S.E. Forms vaø Links.

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World

Pope hails role of St. John Paul II in fall of Berlin Wall

By Cindy Wooden

Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Pope Francis said the sudden end to the division of Europe was 66 prepared by the prayers and sacrifice of many people, including St. John Paul II. After reciting the Angelus prayer Nov. 9 with visitors in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis spoke about the 25th anniversary of the wall coming down, a wall “that for so long cut the city in two and was a symbol of the ideological division of Europe and of the entire world.”

“The fall was sudden, but it was made possible by the long and hard commitment of many people who struggled, prayed and suffered for it, some even sacrificing their lives,” the pope said. St. John Paul II, he said, had “a role as protagonist” in the change.

During his lifetime, the Polish-born pope refused to claim personal credit for the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, but he knew his preaching and his support for human dignity and freedom energized the forces for change, particularly in his homeland.

In a 1993 interview, Pope John Paul said, “I think the crucial role was played by Christianity itself: its content, its religious and moral message, its intrinsic defense of the human person. All I did was recall this, repeat it and insist on it.”

Pope Francis, commemorating the wall’s fall, asked Catholics to pray that “with the help of the Lord and the collaboration of all people of good will, there will spread even more a culture of encounter capable of bringing down all the walls still dividing the world.”

The pope also prayed for an end to “innocent persons being persecuted and even killed because of their creed or religion.”

“Where there is a wall,” he said, “there is a closed heart. We need bridges, not walls!”

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

CNS PHOTO/ROMAN PILIPEY, EPA

A woman celebrates as she awaits the release of balloons into the sky along the former path of the Berlin Wall in Berlin Nov. 9. Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Pope Francis said the sudden end to the division of Europe was prepared by the prayers and sacrifice of many people, including St. John Paul II.

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67

Sports

Overtime

E 68

Ed Daniels

Saints

need serious off-season

SURGERY

Even a fast finish and an NFC South title shouldn’t cloud the obvious.

The New Orleans Saints are going to need some serious offseason surgery.

To use an old Jim Mora axiom, the good teams get it done. And, in 2014, the Saints certainly don’t appear to be good enough.

And, it started in the offseason.

To save cap dollars, the Saints traded running back Darren Sproles to the Eagles. Sproles has four rushing touchdowns, is averaging 6.6 yards per carry, and has returned two punts for touchdowns.

Sproles was also averaging 12.2 yards a reception.

The Saints were hoping Travaris Cadet could fill Sproles’ role. Cadet is averaging 8.5 yards per reception with one touchdown.

The Saints also allowed former first round pick safety Malcolm Jenkins to walk in free agency.

Jenkins has three interceptions through 10 games.

His replacement, Jairus Byrd, forced one fumble in the season opener at Atlanta before he went to injured reserve.

The greatest player in franchise history, quarterback Drew Brees, is behind last year’s numbers.

Heading into the Monday night game against Baltimore, Brees had 18 touchdown passes, and 10 interceptions. In 2013, after 10 games, Brees had 26 touchdown passes and only eight interceptions.

Wide receiver Marques Colston, with 30 catches, one for a touchdown, is far off last year’s pace.

Colston finished 2013 with 75 receptions, five for touchdowns.

The Saints secondary, a disappointment in 2013 with only 12 interceptions, is on pace for fewer.

This season, the Saints have six interceptions.

Cornerback Corey White is the leader with two.

The Saints 2014 draft has thus far, been a huge disappointment.

Wide receiver Brandin Cooks has three touchdown receptions, and one rushing score.

But, Cooks has yet to have a 100 yard receiving game.

Second round pick, cornerback Stanley Jean Baptiste, and the second of two fifth round picks, linebacker Ronald Powell, have made little contribution.

Fourth round pick, linebacker Khari Fortt was cut. Fifth round pick, safety Vinny Sunseri, went to injured reserve. And, sixth round pick, offensive

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

tackle Tavon Rooks is on the practice squad.

And, the Saints will head to the offseason with salary cap issues.

The website overthecap.com says the Saints have just under $159 million on the books for next season.

If the salary cap comes in at $140 million, the Saints could be $19 million over.

In the meantime, the Saints are 4-6 under Sean Payton for a second time.

Payton always places the blame on himself after losses. After all, he is the head coach, and has a huge say in personnel.

Regardless of what the Saints do or don’t over the final month and a half of the regular season, winds of change will soon be blowing at the Saints facility on Airline Drive.

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Christmas

Receiving with a grateful heart

By H. RICHARD MCCORD Catholic News Service

Like many families, we have happy Christmas memories saved in photos. There is one of our son at age 6 seated on his first bicycle under the Christmas tree. His head is thrown back with an exuberant smile.

We were pleased to be able to give him this “best gift ever” and he was equally delighted to receive it. Such a memory reminds us that Christmas is as much about receiving gratefully as it is about giving generously.

A gift requires a giver and a receiver to be a complete experience. This truth can get lost in the Christmas frenzy of acquiring and checking off items on our list. The commercial message of Christmas focuses attention on what we’re going to give when really it’s asking the bottom-line question: How much are you going to spend? The successful Christmas season always seems to be measured in dollars and cents.

Giving generously, especially to the needy, is a truly blessed act. St. Paul even tells us that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7). Giving is more than just a good human action. For a Christian, it’s a participation in the divine activity by which God the Father gives us his son whose unconditional love brings us salvation.

At Christmas we rejoice in God’s supreme gift by celebrating the earthly coming of his son. Our 70 Christmas giving is meant to be an act of gratitude acknowledging what and whom God has first given to us.

As important as it is to imitate the divine generosity by knowing how to give, it also is necessary to know how to receive a gift. We can look to Mary as the best example of one who receives.

In St. Luke’s account, Mary responds to the angel’s message that she is to become the mother of Christ.

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior” (Lk 1:46).

Mary’s canticle offers a perfect example of how to receive a gift graciously, sincerely and humbly.

Realizing what she has been given, Mary expresses gratitude. “The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name” (Lk 1:49).

In this way Mary places the emphasis where it should be, namely, on what God does for us. We receive all that we have and all we will ever need from his generous hand.

To receive a gift at Christmas, no matter how small or simple, with delight and a grateful heart symbolizes our openness to receive all that God gives us.

When we open presents this Christmas might we reclaim some of the simple joy we once had as children when we received that special gift? If so, let this experience open our hearts not only to the gift giver but also to the one who himself is the divine gift.

McCord is the former executive director of the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth. He is currently a freelance writer and ministry consultant.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

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Christmas

Grief and faith at Christmas

By WILLIAM DODDS

Catholic News Service

My wife, Monica, will be home for Christmas, not in the home we created during the 38 years of our marriage, but in her heavenly home. But I want her here. I want her sharing that day with our children and grandchildren. I want her sharing that day with me.

Yes, I believe in the communion of saints, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting, but, still, I find that the death of a loved one is awful.

On Jan. 6, Monica passed away from uterine cancer at the age of 60. Since that first Sunday of this year I’ve thought a lot about death, whether I wanted to or not.

I’ve also thought about faith, about phrases and hymns and teachings and beliefs that used to be so easy, so automatically comforting.

Yes, Monica is “with us” all the time now. Yes, since she’s with God, she’s with Christ in a particular way in the Eucharist at Mass. She’s free from pain and worry and fear. But still, death is awful. Grief is awful. Faith doesn’t eliminate either one.

I think about those of us who are grieving, especially on a special day like Christmas. We can be tempted to think, “If I only had more faith, if I only better used the faith I have, I wouldn’t feel so horrible. This wouldn’t be so horrible.”

But I don’t think that’s true. As is so often the case, 72

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it’s our Blessed Mother who shows us that feeling grief is not about not having faith. Certainly no one (except her son) had more faith than she did. No one better used that faith or better lived that faith.

Rightfully so, she’s known under the title of “Our Lady of Sorrows.” It’s one she earned, one she lived.

Scripture doesn’t tell us, but who could doubt she deeply grieved the death of her beloved Joseph, or of her darling little boy, Jesus?

It seems safe to speculate that at times she pondered in her heart that this wasn’t how her life was “supposed to be,” how she had thought and prayed life would be.

If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one this Christmas, you may find yourself thinking this isn’t how your life was “supposed to be,” how you thought and prayed your life would be, but it is and there’s no changing that.

If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one this Christmas, I say to you what I’ve been saying to myself: Be gentle with yourself. Be patient with yourself. Be kind to yourself.

Do what you want to do and can do when it comes to this holiday. Accept the fact that perhaps, this year, you can’t do what you want to do or think you “should” do. Not now. Not yet. And that’s OK. Dodds writes the “Your Family” column for Catholic News Service, which he co-wrote with his wife, Monica, until she passed away in January 2013.

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Christmas

Receiving the

Magical , Miraculous

gift of Christmas

By DAVID GIBSON

Catholic News Service

Is there something magical in Christmas gifts?

Children think so.

As if struck by a holiday contagion, children hunt feverishly, furtively among the packages under the Christmas tree during the last days before the big day, hoping to learn precisely what magic awaits them there.

But what adults learned over time and children have yet to discover is that the most magical gifts on Christmas are not hidden under the tree.

Consider the 4-year-old’s Christmas gift, finely crafted for Mom or Dad under a preschool teacher’s watchful eye. Parents celebrate these gifts excitedly.

True, the parents are happy at their child’s increased ability to cut out and glue rough drawings onto colorful construction paper. But isn’t it less the craft and far more the child that the parents celebrate when the gift is presented?

The child is the true gift here. And as Pope Francis might put it, the love between these parents and their child creates music in their home.

74 It is precisely this kind of music that households everywhere hope to play loudly on Christmas. They have the pope’s assurance that this music mixes well with home-based fun.

A family’s life together is filled with events of all kinds, Pope Francis observed when he spoke in October to an international pilgrimage of families. But he said that “if love is missing” in a family, joy is missing too, and “nothing is fun.”

For him, love is a gift, one to give and receive.

Pope Francis speaks of home life often. His thoughts on gifts and where to find them are noteworthy, too.

He is convinced that gifts await us in others. In a recent interview published in major Jesuit publications, he called attention to “what the Spirit has sown in the other as a gift for us.”

Both home life and gifts were on the pope’s mind last May when he visited the Casa Dono di Maria soup kitchen and women’s shelter inside the Vatican walls. The Missionaries of Charity, founded by Blessed Teresa of Kolkata, run the shelter.

As a home, the shelter itself is a gift, Pope Francis said. Calling it a home means it is a place of “warmth, affection” -- the kind of “love that can be felt in a family.”

A home is a crucial place where gifts are given and received, the pope made clear. For him, a home is “where life grows and can be fulfilled because it is a place in which every person learns to receive love and to give love.”

Pope Francis then affirmed that all the people encountered inside the homeless shelter are a “mutual gift” for each other.

First, there are the gifts of “hospitality, Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

a

Merry Christmas and

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material and spiritual sustenance” given by those who work there, he observed. As a home, he said, the shelter is “a ‘school’ of charity, which instructs me to go encounter every person, not for profit but for love.”

Those working in the shelter are not its only gift givers, however. To locate all the gifts hidden there, it is essential to look to its homeless and hungry guests.

To them, Pope Francis said: “You are also a gift for this home and for the church.

You tell us that to love God and neighbor is not something abstract, but profoundly concrete. It means seeing in every person the face of the Lord to be served. ... You are, dear brothers and sisters, the face of Jesus.”

In this home, this shelter, “one tries to love one’s neighbor, but also to allow oneself to be loved by one’s neighbor,” he said. Those “two attitudes,” he insisted, “go together.”

“The music ... of this home is love,” said Pope Francis.

His reflections on the exchange of gifts in a homeless shelter are food for thought at Christmas. Where will gifts for you or me be found this Christmas?

One thing is certain: You can take the Christmas out of gift giving, but you cannot take the gift giving out of Christmas!

I will enjoy gifts that come wrapped in colorful packages. And when I open something handmade for me by a grandchild, I will relish the gift while celebrating the giver far more.

Truth be told, however, to discover some of the finest gifts of Christmas, it is essential to do what the shepherds did the night Jesus was born: Be watchful.

The watchful shepherds were fearful when “the angel

of the Lord appeared to them” (Lk 2:9-10). But soon, upon arriving in Bethlehem, their fears dissipated, replaced by excited joy.

It is a great gift when someone eases our fears or clears a space for hope.

Something as small as the smile on the right person’s face can be an amazing gift on Christmas. Someone else’s announced plan to make important, needed life changes might be received not as a magical gift, but a miraculous one.

So be watchful on Christmas. Be on the lookout for “what the Spirit has sown” in others as a gift for you.

Gibson served on Catholic News Service’s editorial staff for 37 years.

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Welcome to real family life.

In assuming a human body at birth, Christ elevated its dignity. In accepting baptism from John, Jesus sanctified water and, in baptism, made it an instrument of his sanctifying power. In entering into family life, Jesus does the same. The family becomes an instrument of sanctification.

As a teen, I assumed that a serious pursuit of holiness meant opting out of marriage and family to enter a monastery. Holiness was about lots of quiet prayer and apostolic work. The daily noise of family life was a distraction from all this.

The feast of the Holy Family shows how far off base I was. It reminds us that all human beings are called to the heights of holiness. Whether married, single, a student or parent, all offer abundant opportunities to grow in faith, hope and love. Family life, if approached right, can be the road to profound personal transformation and communion with God. Think about it. Christ spent most of his human life as a craftsman, working with dad in the family business and ultimately taking it over. Mary, the holiest and greatest of all creatures, spent most of her time changing diapers, cooking and cleaning. They teach us that the secret to holiness is not to do extraordinary things but to do ordinary things with extraordinary love.

D’Ambrosio writes from Texas and guides pilgrimages to Rome and the Holy Land. He is co-founder of Crossroads Productions, an apostolate of Catholic renewal and evangelization.

By MARCELLINO D’AMBROSIO Catholic News Service

Every year right after Christmas, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family. There is an important reason for this. It’s easy to think the Incarnation means God took on a human body and that he appeared in human flesh.

But there is more to it than that. In Jesus, God unites himself to an entire human nature. He fully enters into human experience, with all its peaks and valleys. Part of that human experience, with more than its share of peaks and valleys, is family.

Jesus spent more than 90 percent of his years in the obscure, nitty-gritty of family life. Though only a few chapters of Scripture are devoted to this lengthy period, what they reveal is significant. First of all, despite the cuddly image of our Nativity scenes, the original Nativity was anything but cozy. Imagine a very pregnant Mary riding on the back of a donkey over bumpy, dusty roads, so she can have her baby in a stable full of animals.

Stuffed lambs may be soft and cute. Real sheep are dirty and smelly. Quickly after the birth, the family had to pick up and flee for their lives, seeking asylum in a foreign land where they have no support from friends or family. A few years later, after returning to their homeland, their adolescent son goes missing for several days, and there ensues an emotional conversation.

Joseph is a saint. Mary is without sin. Jesus is God incarnate. Yet there are still challenges, difficulties, tense moments and opportunities for misunderstanding.

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

By LOUISE MCNULTY

Catholic News Service

Some people decorate their Christmas trees with shiny garlands, bright lights and family heirlooms. In Dover, Del., Carrie Doane, a young mother of three, says she plans to decorate her family’s tree with something better.

To teach her children a special way to celebrate the earthly birthday of Christ, she plans to decorate the tree with pieces of paper that each child will fill out with a good deed he or she has done. Then she’ll punch a hole and hang the “good deed” ornament on the tree.

“I’d give examples of things they can do without being asked. Or I’d describe someone else’s chore that they can offer to do,” she said.

Doane also wants adults in her household to participate. They can contribute with a deed, such as not arguing back with someone who’s angry (even if they’re not right), do a chore the other spouse usually does or bring a latte to a friend who’s having a hard day.

And on Christmas, “after we’ve emptied the stockings and before we open presents, we can bring the ornaments down and read them,” she said.

The hope, she said, is that the process will teach the children (and adults, too) that Christmas is not just about getting but about giving. And that gifts under the tree and on the tree come in all forms, not just in the material gifts that are associated with Christmas.

Flo Ryan, of Brandon, Fla., also wants to do something

different with her Christmas tree this year. She plans to place her tree in the kitchen.

“It’s the center of the house, where people tend to gather and where I bake cookies with the kids,” she said. “I’d like it right there on the counter where everyone can see it and be reminded by it.”

She, too, wants to show that Christmas can be participatory, a time that involves helping others, inside the family and outside, as well. Her tree will also involve some variation of writing down the good things done for others during Advent.

Since Ryan’s grandchildren vary widely in age, she’s given them suggestions of good deeds they can perform.

For the youngest, she has suggested that they help mommy with chores, pick up their toys or ask their mom and dad to give them jobs to do.

“Kids in middle school can do things for the church,” she said. “Perhaps taking a tag from a giving tree, and I’d shop with them for the present.”

She encourages her teenage grandchildren to do volunteer work. They could get together with a group of friends and with permission from a nursing home sing for the residents, she said, or they could work at soup kitchens or help with holiday meals for the poor and homeless.

“My hope would be that, as children, they’d form the habit of helping the poor and being considerate to others, and they’d remember that and act on it as adults,” she said.

McNulty is a freelance writer in Akron, Ohio.

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Christmas

Preparing for Christmas:

Keep it simple

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Diocesan Programs This Month “Spotlight on the Diocese” Host: Louis Aguirre With Guest: Rev. Glenn LeCompte

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • December 2014

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By RHINA GUIDOS

Catholic News Service

Recently, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops asked this question on its Facebook page: How do you prepare for Christmas?

People were encouraged to answer the question in words or by sharing photos. Over the years, I’ve noticed what a chore and a burden preparing for Christmas can be, especially for women. On top of having a fulltime job and taking care of the children and home, Christmas brings an added layer of stress: having to get the house ready for visitors, buying, wrapping, packing gifts, cooking, baking, getting the family ready to travel, etc.

In the office, I’d almost always hear the same answer when we all returned to normal after Christmas: “I’m glad that’s over.”

It’s sad that one of the most beautiful, celebratory moments of our faith has turned into a race against time, a competition, a time to feel judged by the presents we give or don’t give, what we cook or our hosting skills.

In a blog about “de-stressing” Christmas, Catholic writer Cheryl Dickow offers helpful tips and reminders about preparing for Christmas. The most helpful one is this: Keep it simple.

“The biggest gift has already been purchased: your salvation through Christ’s birth, death and resurrection,” she writes. “Christmas is about the birth of Christ. It is a time of peace and goodwill. It is a time of simplicity. All the Black Friday deals in the world cannot beat the deal of a Savior being born. … Take a step back, breathe deep and rejoice in the birth of Christ in a purposeful, peaceful way.”

A few years ago, after the death of one of my aunts just before Christmas, I canceled all my holiday plans (traveling, gifts, sending out Christmas cards and gettogethers). Instead all my extra time I spent in the solace and comfort of a chapel in a convent, meditating and praying.

I noticed how busy the sisters in the convent spent their days while preparing for Christmas. They, too, had work to do, cooking hot lunches for low-income centers, making religious habits, ironing and making religious items for a local church.

They prayed, then worked, prayed, then decorated, prayed, then welcomed out-of-town guests, prayed, then cleaned the chapel, prayed, then studied about the birth of Christ, prayed, then wrapped a Secret Santa gift. Their schedules and pressures were no less than what most of us face daily. But their center was in prayer, their center was in the holiness and peace leading up to the holy day.

Our pressures, just like theirs, are not going away.

But the center of our Christmas experience shouldn’t be in the gifts we’ll give, the food we’ll serve or what we’ll wear.

“Remember that Christmas is about the celebration of the birth of Christ,” Dickow writes. “See others through his eyes.”

Keeping that in mind may help us not spend time or money we don’t have, and to prepare by giving more to others with our heart than with our wallet.

Guidos is an editor at Catholic News Service.

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www.bayoucatholic.com

Christmas

Taking Christmas cheer on the road

By MAUREEN PRATT

Catholic News Service

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The holiday whirlwind is upon us, casting many of us hither and yon as we shop, get together with friends, raise a joyful noise in church, and decorate hearth and home. But if you live with physical disabilities and cannot venture out much or at all, the special and spectacular activities of this season can leave you feeling left behind and more than a bit frustrated and sad. Try to keep in mind the needs of those who can’t physically move around.

And if you’re one of those who can’t move as easily, ask others for help in bringing Christmas home to you.

Enlist the help of friends, family and neighbors to give your living space some holiday cheer.

The decorations need not be elaborate, and they should be placed with a consideration for ease of mobility (not getting in the way of walker or wheelchair, for example). A simple creche, a few ribbons and bows, and a bright poinsettia can transform a regular home into something special and spirit-filled.

Try to engage your parish. Even if you’re not as visible as able-bodied parishioners, those members of our church communities who have mobility issues are as important to the entire parish as all others. If you are homebound, reach out and ask if there might be a way to include you in at least one Advent or Christmas activity.

Warmest thoughts and Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year

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(985) 446-8826

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Even if you can’t go with parishioners to a particular location, ask if they can come to you. You may not be able to bake, but you can offer your kitchen for an evening of Christmas cookie baking or a get-together.

Perhaps ask if the choir can stop by your home (and the homes of others) to sing carols or the outreach ministry can arrange for visits to bring the Eucharist and spend some time focusing on readings that show us the joy of Christmas.

Use media, such as television, radio and websites to provide endless programming for the holiday season.

From music to movies, to religious services, you can tune in and be as entertained and as inspired as ever.

If you’re technologically challenged, ask your family for lessons and guidance as a Christmas gift.

Instead of going for a walk to see the Christmas lights, ask someone to drive you so you can view the lights from the car. If you’d like to attend a concert or any other event, arrive early so you can settle in by the first song or ask for accommodations you may need.

It is most important to treasure Christmas in the heart, focusing on the birth of Christ. Ultimately, more than lights or decorations, his love for us can guide and move us to make our Christmas the best ever, despite how much or how little we can move.

Pratt writes a health column for Catholic News Service.

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BAYOU CATHOLIC • HOUMA, LA

DECEMBER 2014