January 2013 Bayou Catholic Issue

Bayou

Catholic

The magazine for the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Msgr. James B. Songy 1930 - 2012

A ‘Man for All Seasons’ HOUMA, LA ~ JANUARY 2013 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

Tune In To...

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 is provided by and in cooperation with HTV of Houma. ~ Channel 71, ALLEN’S TV CABLE of Morgan City

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SUNDAY

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 P.M.

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Closer Walk Spotlight/Revival

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary The Choices We Face Spotlight/Revival

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Divine Intervention Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M. 11:00 P.M.

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

Closer Walk Live With Passion

THURSDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Living Scripture Spotlight/Revival Spotlight/Revival

FRIDAY

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Live With Passion Spotlight/Revival

SATURDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Real Food Spotlight/Revival

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

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2013

Contents

On Our Cover The cremated remains of Msgr. James B. Songy are in the foreground during the Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma Dec. 12. The Mass was attended by two archbishops and three bishops as well as family, friends, priests, religious and laity.

26 Vandy Students get A+ in their Apostolate of the Laity

Lawrence Chatagnier Photo

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Les Amis de la Chanson celebrates 25 years

10 Jesus is Lord: Worship of the Lord is a command of God

7 Our Churches Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Chackbay

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Heavenly Recipes Stuffed Fish Filet Bundle

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• Welcome

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• Scripture Readings 8

Catholic Schools Week

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highlights all 13 schools

• Question Corner

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• Reflections

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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

Bayou Catholic Vol. 32, No. 7 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2013

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.

• Young Voices

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• Overtime

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Louis G. Aguirre

editor and general manager Lawrence Chatagnier

managing editor Glenn J. Landry, C.P.A.

business manager Peggy Adams

advertising manager 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

Where to find us Bayou Catholic magazine can be found at all Catholic churches in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and at the three Catholic high schools in Houma, Morgan City and Thibodaux. 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.

Index to Advertisers Bueche’s Jewelry ....................................... 39 Cannata’s ................................................... 56 Case Terrebonne – LPL Financial .............. 40 Catholic Schools of the diocese ................ 43 Catholic Schools Sponsors ....................... 63

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 or Toll free 1-866-444-4241 or Call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at (985) 850-3129

Central Catholic High School .................... 47 Channel 10 ................................................... 2 Collection for the Church in Latin America .. 9 Conference Office ...................................... 31 Diocesan Outreach Line .............................. 5 Diocesan Website........................................ 19 E.D. White Catholic High School .........48-49 Family Vision Clinic .................................... 31 Haydel Spine and Pain .............................. 24 Holy Cross Elementary School .................. 54 Holy Rosary Catholic School ..................... 53 Holy Savior Catholic School ....................... 52 Maria Immacolata Catholic School ............ 55 Mpress ....................................................... 17 Re-Bath ...................................................... 38 Rod’s Superstore ....................................... 25

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

Con el fin de cumplir con las Políticas de la 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 (previamente la 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 HoumaThibodaux.

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 Llamada gratuita 1-866-444-4241 o Llame al Coordinador de Asistencia para las Víctimas al (985) 850-3129

SEECA .......................................................... 3 Seminarian Burse ....................................... 13 Spotlight ....................................................... 6 St. Bernadette Catholic School ................. 56 St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School ...... 57 St. Genevieve Cathiolic School ................. 58 St. Gregory Barbarigo Cathiolic School ..... 59 St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School .... 60 St. Joseph Manor ....................................... 40 St. Mary’s Nativity Elementary School ....... 61 Synergy Bank ............................................. 29 Terminix ...................................................... 39 Thibodaux Physical Therapy ..................... 17 Vandebilt Catholic High School ................. 51 Vocations-Seminarians .............................. 35

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 hoaëc Soá mieãn phí: 1-800-444-4241 hoaëc goïi Nhaân vieân Trôï giuùp Naïn nhaân soá (985) 850-3129 www.bayoucatholic.com

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Welcome

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

Thank YOU

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A new year is upon us and it is hard to believe that the Bayou Catholic magazine is now one year old … and what a wonderful first year it has been!

From initially going only to parishes and some businesses, we have expanded the distribution to include all of our 13 Catholic schools where the magazine is being used in religion classes.

We keep a count of magazines left in the racks so as to constantly re-align the numbers dropped off at any specific location, thus giving us the opportunity to maximize our distribution.

Much to our gratification has been the enthusiastic response we have received from people picking up copies at area businesses.

Cannata’s Supermarkets in Houma’s Westside and Eastside, as well as in Morgan City are perfect examples. We started out placing 50 copies of the magazine at each store and quickly found out they were gone within a couple of days. We then increased it to 150, then to 300 and now to 400. They are still all gobbled up. Financial consideration keeps us from being able to place more copies at those stores but this enthusiastic reception by our readers lets us know that the Bayou Catholic is a worthy tool of evangelization.

You may have noticed that we included an envelope in our October issue asking you to help us defray costs and to enable us to expand our distribution. It is never too late to make a contribution. Your gift, no matter how big or small will aid us in continuing to spread the Good News.

Once again, a big thank you for all that you do and have done for your Bayou Catholic.

We welcome your feedback anytime and for any reason.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Did you know?

An icon is a representation of our Lord, the Virgin Mary or a saint, painted on a wall, a partition or a wooden panel. The icons of Eastern Churches take the place of the statues of the West.

Diocesan Programs This Month “Revival”

Host: Bishop Sam G. Jacobs Co-Host: Regina Thibodeaux Wednesday 8:30 p.m.

Friday 9:30 a.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m.

HTV/VISION COMMUNICATIONS, CHARTER COMM. & COMCAST CHANNEL 10 ALLEN’S TV CABLE MORGAN CITY CHANNEL 71 (Digital Channel 30.1-UHF & Channel 7.1-VHF) Mondays - 9:30 a.m.

Thursdays - 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 p.m.

Saturdays - 9:30 p.m.

“Spotlight on the Diocese” Host: Louis Aguirre

With Guest: Most Rev. Sam G. Jacobs

Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux If you are not receiving these programs in your area, please contact your local cable provider.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2013

Bayou Spirit

Les Amis de la Chanson 25 years of inspired singing Les Amis de la Chanson choir, under the direction of Leslie F. Johnson, held its Silver Anniversary Concert recently at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. The concert featured songs spanning the group’s 25 years as a choir.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Scripture Readings Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

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and a listing of Feast days and saints.

Thursday

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Friday

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Saturday

Sunday

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Memorial of John Neumann, bishop 1 John 3:11-21 John 1:43-51

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Isaiah 60:1-6 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12

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Christmas Weekday Christmas Weekday Christmas Weekday Christmas Weekday Christmas Weekday Christmas Weekday 1 John 5:14-21 1 John 3:22—4:6 1 John 4:7-10 1 John 4:11-18 1 John 4:19—5:4 1 John 5:5-13 Luke 5:12-16 John 3:22-30 Matthew 4:12-17, Mark 6:34-44 Mark 6:45-52 Luke 4:14-22a 23-25

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Acts 10:34-38 Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

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Weekday Hebrews 1:1-6 Mark 1:14-20

Weekday Hebrews 2:5-12 Mark 1:21-28

Weekday Hebrews 2:14-18 Mark 1:29-39

Memorial of Anthony, abbot Hebrews 3:7-14 Mark 1:40-45

Weekday Hebrews 4:1-5, 11 Mark 2:1-12

Weekday Hebrews 4:12-16 Mark 2:13-17

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 62:1-5 1 Corinthians 12:411 John 2:1-11

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Memorial of Agnes, Weekday Hebrews 6:10-20 virgin and martyr Mark 2:23-28 Hebrews 5:1-10 Mark 2:18-22

Weekday Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17 Mark 3:1-6

Memorial of Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the church Hebrews 7:25—8:6 Mark 3:7-12

Feast of the Conversion of Paul, apostle Acts 22:3-16 Mark 16:15-18

Memorial of Timothy and Titus, bishops 2 Timothy 1:1-8 Mark 3:20-21

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

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1February 2

Weekday Hebrews 10:11-18 Mark 4:1-20

Memorial of John Bosco, priest Hebrews 10:19-25 Mark 4:21-25

Weekday Hebrews 10:32-39 Mark 4:26-34

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Weekday Memorial of Hebrews 10:1-10 Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of Mark 3:31-35 the church Hebrews 9:15, 24-28 Mark 3:22-30

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The collection will be held January 26 and 27, 2013 Thank you for your generosity.

Comment Jesus Is Lord Bishop Sam G. Jacobs

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The need for the New Evangelization in our diocese becomes more and more evident in many ways. One of these is seen through our Mass counts, which are taken up in each church parish twice a year: during the month of October and March.

Over the last 14 plus years as we have tracked Sunday Mass attendance there has been a steady decline from 40 percent to now around 25 percent. What this says is that of all those who identify themselves as Catholics in our parishes, only 25 percent attend Mass regularly on a given Sunday.

There are many excuses and reasons given. Some have found that other things become more important on Sunday than going to Mass. Some say that once they missed Mass a few Sundays, it became easier for them not to go regularly to Mass. Others say that they get nothing out of Mass or it is boring.

They forgot a number of important facts of our faith as Catholics, which identify us as disciples of Jesus Christ.

The first fact is that the Third Commandment of God states: “Remember Keep Holy the Lord’s Day.” For the Jewish people, this meant no unnecessary work on the Sabbath and going to the local Synagogue or to the Temple in Jerusalem to worship the Lord and to hear the scriptural

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

readings and instruction. For the early Christians, it meant to participate in the Sacrifice of Christ, offering thanksgiving to the Father for all the blessings received the previous week, to listen to the Word of God in the Scriptures and to the interpretation in the homily, and to receive the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist.

In other words, the worship of the Lord is a command of God to reflect our relationship with God and to express our gratitude to him for his many blessings. As such, it is not an option that we are free to accept or not accept if we are true disciples of Jesus Christ.

In the Mass we are given a gift of God’s love for us in the Eucharist.

By not going to Mass we are basically saying no to his love.

We go to Mass not for our satisfaction or to receive anything.

Rather we go to give God the praise

and worship, love and thanksgiving that is due him for all he continues to do in our lives. To go to receive places the emphasis on us; to go to give makes God the center of our lives.

What can we do?

1) Make God the center of our lives by celebrating the Eucharist every Sunday out of gratitude. 2) Share your positive experience in Mass with others. During this Year of Faith, this could be one positive expression of the depth of our faith.

3) Be a witness of the faith by inviting others to join you in this celebration of love each Sunday.

Today, more than ever, people respond better to a personal invitation, rather than through a mailed invitation or brochure.

4) Pray that the people you invite will respond to the grace of God, inviting them to the Banquet of the Lord.

The worship of the Lord is a command of God Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2013

Comentario

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Adorar al Señor es un mandamiento de Dios

Cada vezhay más evidencia que nuestra diócesis necesita la Nueva Evangelización. Una evidencia es el número de feligreses que asisten a misa: se lleva a cabo un conteo en cada iglesia dos veces al año, durante los meses de octubre y marzo.

En los últimos 14 años que hemos documentado la asistencia a misas dominicales se ha registrado una caída continua del 40 porciento a un actual 25 porciento. Esto nos indica que de todos aquéllos que se identifican católicos en nuestras parroquias solamente el 25 porciento asiste a misa con regularidad los domingos.

Puede haber muchas excusas y razones para no ir a misa. Hay personas que le han dado más importancia a otras actividades dominicales que el de ir a misa.

Otros dicen que cuando dejan de ir a misa unos cuantos domingos, se les vuelve fácil ya no ir a misa para nada. Otros declaran que no le ven ningún provecho a las misas o que las misas son aburridas.

Lo que han olvidado es la cantidad de hechos importantes de nuestra fe católica que nos convierten en discípulos de Jesucristo. El primer hecho es que el Tercer Mandamiento de Dios declara: «Recuerda el día del Señor para santificarlo.» Para los judíos esto significaba no hacer trabajos innecesarios los sábados y asistir a la sinagoga o al templo de Jerusalén para adorar al Señor y escuchar las Escrituras y sus doctrinas. Para los primeros cristianos significaba participar en el Sacrificio de Cristo, dar las gracias al Padre por todas las bendiciones que han recibido durante la semana, escuchar la Palabra de Dios en las Escrituras y la interpretación durante la homilía y recibir el Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo en la Eucaristía.

Es decir, la adoración del Señor

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LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

es un mandamiento de Dios que nos sirve para reflexionar sobre nuestra relación con Él, para expresar nuestra gratitud y dar gracias por todas las bendiciones que nos ha dado. Por tanto, no es una opción la que tenemos de aceptar o rechazar si somos verdaderos discípulos de Jesucristo.Durante la misa recibimos el don del amor que Dios tiene por nosotros durante la Eucaristía. Al no ir a misa estamos esencialmente rechazando Su amor.

Al asistir a misa, no vamos para satisfacernos o para recibir algo, sino en cambio, para otorgarle a Dios adoración y alabanzas, amor y agradecimiento por todo lo que Él continuamente hace por nosotros en nuestras vidas. El énfasis cae en nosotros si vamos a misa para recibir. En cambio, si vamos a misa para dar, entonces Dios se convierte en el eje de nuestras vidas.

¿Qué podemos hacer?

1) Convirtamos a Dios en el eje de nuestras vidas celebrando la Eucaristía todos los domingos en acción de gracias.

2) Compartamos la experiencia positiva de la misa con nuestros semejantes. Durante este Año de Fe, esta acción podría ser una expresión positiva de la profundidad de nuestra fe.

3) Demos testimonio de la fe invitando a los demás a unirse en esta celebración de amor todos los domingos. Hoy, más que nunca, los feligreses responden mucho más a las invitaciones personales en lugar de una invitación por correo o con un panfleto.

4) Oremospara que nuestros invitados respondan a la gracia de Dios, invitándolos al Banquete del Señor.

Traducción de Julio Contreras, feligrés de la Iglesia Católica Annunziata, Houma. www.bayoucatholic.com

Binh luan bang loi

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Thôø Phöôïng Chuùa Laø Giôùi Raên Cuûa Ngaøi

Söï caàn thieát veà Taùi Giaûng Tin Möøng trong giaùo phaän chuùng ta trôû neân caáp baùch qua nhöõng caùi nhìn nhö sau. Moät trong nhöõng caùi nhìn ñoù laø coù bao nhieâu ngöôøi tham döï Thaùnh Leã chieáu theo hai laàn kieåm soá vaøo thaùng möôøi vaø thaùng ba.

14 naêm qua chuùng ta theo doõi con soá nhöõng ngöôøi tham döï Thaùnh Leã cuoái tuaàn nhaän thaáy raèng giaûm töø 40 phaàm traêm xuoáng coøn 25. Ñieàu ñoù noùi leân raèng taát caû nhöõng ai töï xöng mình laø Coâng Giaùo trong giaùo xöù thì soá ngöôøi thöïc söï soáng ñaïo chæ coù 25 phaàn traêm.

Coù raát nhieàu lyù do ñeå bieän hoä cho söï vaéng maët cuûa mình. Moät soá cho laø nhöõng thöù khaùc quan troïng hôn laø tham döï Thaùnh Leã. Moät soá khaùc nöõa noùi raèng moät khi ñaõ töø boû tham döï Thaùnh Leã vaøi laàn laøm cho hoï boû tham döï thöôøng xuyeân deã daøng hôn. Coøn moät soá khaùc nöõa than phieàn laø khoâng caûm nhaän ñöôïc gì hoaëc buoàn chaùn khi tham döï.

Nhöõng ngöôøi ñoù ñaõ khoâng nghó tôùi nhöõng khía caïnh raát quan troïng cuûa ñöùc tin Coâng Giaùo laø chuùng ta laø moân ñeä cuûa Chuùa Gieâsu Kytoâ.

Khía caïnh thöù nhaát chieáu theo ñieàu raên thöù ba laø: “Nhôù phaûi tuaân giöõ ngaøy cuûa Chuùa.” Ñoái vôùi nhöõng ngöôøi theo Do Thaùi Giaùo coù nghóa laø khoâng ñöôïc laøm baát cöù nhöõng gì khoâng caàn thieát vaøo ngaøy Sabbath vaø hoï tuï hoïp ôû hoäi tröôøng ñòa phöông hoaëc tôùi Ñeàn Thôø Gieârusalem ñeå thôø phöôïng Chuùa vaø laéng nghe kinh thaùnh vaø lôøi chuù giaûi. Ñoái vôùi nhöõng ngöôøi Kytoâ sô khai coù nghóa laø tham gia vaøo maàu nhieäm töû naïn cuûa Chuùa Kytoâ, daâng lôøi caûm taï leân vôùi Chuùa Cha vì nhöõng ôn laønh ñaõ nhaän ñöôïc trong tuaàn roài, laéng nghe lôøi Chuùa trong Kinh Thaùnh vaø chuù giaûi qua giaûng thuyeát vaø röôùc Mình vaø Maùu Thaùnh trong Thaùnh Leã.

Noùi caùch khaùc, söï thôø phöôïng laø luaät cuûa Chuùa chính laø phaûn aûnh söï lieân heä cuûa chuùng ta ñoái vôùi Ngaøi vaø baûy toû söï bieát ôn maø chuùng ta daønh cho Ngaøi vì nhöõng ôn Ngaøi ban. Vì theá, tham döï Thaùnh Leã khoâng phaûi laø quyeàn löïa choïn chuùng ta muoán

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2013

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

tham döï hay khoâng neáu chuùng ta ñích thöïc laø moân ñeä cuûa Thaày Chí Thaùnh.

Trong Thaùnh Leã Chuùa ban cho chuùng ta moùn quaø tình yeâu. Ñieàu ñoù khoâng coù nghóa laø khoâng tham döï Thaùnh Leã chuùng ta töø choái moùn quaø tình yeâu ñoù. Chuùng ta tham döï Thaùnh Leã khoâng phaûi ñeå thoûa maõn yù rieâng hay muoán nhaän gì ñoù. Nhöng tham döï laø ñeå daâng leân Chuùa söï toân vinh vaø thôø phöôïng, meán Chuùa vaø caûm taï Ngaøi vì nhöõng ôn laønh ñaõ nhaän ñöôïc vaø vaãn tieáp nhaän. Tham döï coù nghóa laø daønh cho Chuùa choã döùng quan troïng trong ñôøi soáng; vaø ñaët Chuùa vaøo troïng taâm ñôøi soáng cuûa chuùng ta.

Chuùng ta coù theå laøm gì?

1) Ñaët Chuùa vaøo taâm ñieåm cuûa ñôøi

soáng Kytoâ baèng caùch tham döï Thaùnh Leã moãi cuoái tuaàn vôùi loøng tri aân. 2) Chia seû nhöõng caûm nhaän toát ñeïp vôùi ngöôøi khaùc. Trong Naêm Ñöùc Tin naøy, ñaây chính laø caùch dieãn taû toát veà chieàu saâu cuûa ñöùc tin. 3) Laøm chöùng veà ñöùc tin baèng caùch môøi goïi ngöôøi khaùc cuøng tham döï bí tích tình yeâu moãi cuoái tuaàn. Trong thôøi ñaïi naøy, hôn bao giôø heát, con ngöôøi deã daøng ñaùp laïi lôøi môøi goïi caù nhaân hôn laø qua thö töø hay taøi lieäu boû tuùi. 4) Haõy caàu nguyeän ñeå nhöõng ngöôøi maø baïn môøi goïi ñaùp laïi ôn thaùnh Chuùa, môøi goïi hoï tham döï vaøo baøn tieäc Thaùnh.

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

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, 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

- Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis

- Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Bienvenu

- C. Remie Duplantis

- Harry Booker

- Marie Elise Duplantis

- Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux (3)*

- Warren J. Harang, Jr.

- Rev. Adrian J. Caillouet

- Msgr. Raphael C. Labit

- Rev. James Louis Caillouet

- Msgr. Francis J. Legendre

- Bishop L. Abel Caillouet

- Rev. Charles Menard

- Judge/Mrs L. P. Caillouet

- Donald Peltier, Sr. (2)*

- Msgr. Lucien J. Caillouet

- Harvey Peltier (30)*

- Abdon J. & Ada B. Callais

- Richard Peltier

- Harold & Gloria Callais Family

- Orleans & Louella Pitre

- Paul A. Callais

- Msgr. Joseph Wester

- Peter W. Callais

- Robert R. Wright, Jr.

- Vincent & Fannie Cannata

- Rev. Kermit Trahan

- Minor Sr. & Lou Ella Cheramie

- Diocesan K of C

- Maude & Edith Daspit

- Endowment Fund - $119,136.90

November 2012 Burse Contributions Donald Peltier, Sr. #3 ...................................... $1,000.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ ....................................... $500.00 Mr. Eledier Broussard ........................................ $100.00 Rev. Henry Naquin .............................................. $95.00 13

- Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis family (3)*

Open Burses with Balance as of 11/30/12 Mr. Eledier Broussard ................. $12,200.00 Donald Peltier, Sr. # 3 ........................... $12,100.00 Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis ........... $10,800.00 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit #2 .................. $10,720.00 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 St. Bernadette Men’s Club ................... $10,000.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..................................... $7,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................. $6,800.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $5,935.00 Rev. Peter Nies ..................................... $5,810.00 Elie & Dot Klingman .............................. $5,120.00 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 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ..................... $4,839.00 Harry Booker #2 .................................... $4,138.00

Rev. Henry Naquin ................................ $4,000.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ................................ $3,886.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ........................... $3,800.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ............................... $3,490.96 J. R. Occhipinti ...................................... $3,400.00 Catholic Daughters ................................ $3,330.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .............................. $3,195.00 Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ........................ $3,060.00 St. Jude ................................................. $3,000.00 Diocesan K of C #2 ............................... $2,894.62 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ........................ $2,600.00 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ..................... $2,000.00 Rev. H. C. Paul Daigle ........................... $1,900.00 Anawin Community ............................... $1,900.00 James J. Buquet, Jr. ............................... $1,650.00 Msgr. Francis J. Legendre #2 ................ $1,645.00 Msgr. Emile J. Fossier ........................... $1,545.00 Dr. William Barlette, Sr........................... $1,525.00 Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski ................ $1,525.00 Rev. Robert J. Sevigny .......................... $1,500.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield .......................... $1,200.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ................................ $1,150.00

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 Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 ......................... $1,000.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ ............................. $950.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ............................. $800.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................... $800.00 Deacon Roland Dufrene ........................... $750.00 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande ...................... $700.00 Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ................... $660.00 Deacon Raymond LeBouef ...................... $550.00 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata .................... $500.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz ................................ $300.00 Richard Peltier #2 ..................................... $300.00 Claude Bergeron ...................................... $200.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin .......................... $150.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ........................ $ 50.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier .............................. $ 50.00 Deacon Nick Messina .............................. $ 50.00

Overall Seminarian Burse Totals: $1,351,092.39 www.bayoucatholic.com

Comment The Pope Speaks

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI launched his very own Twitter account, sending a short inaugural message to his more than 1 million followers.

“Dear friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through Twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless all of you from my heart,” it said.

His tweet -- 139 characters -- went viral as the number of followers of @Pontifex and its seven other extensions grew by more than 5,000 new people an hour, a Vatican official said.

Tens of thousands of followers retweeted the messages in the short minutes after they were posted.

After the pope gave his catechesis and blessing to those gathered for the general audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall, an announcement came over the speakers saying the pope was about to make his first tweet.

Officials placed a small wooden desk in front of the pope, and staff from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications placed a small tablet computer on top.

The pope put on his glasses as Thaddeus Jones, a U.S. official at the council, showed him the screen that already had the message prepared and loaded.

The pope, with a tap, sent the greeting, which in English was just one character shy of the site’s 140-character limit.

Archbishop Claudio Celli, the

CNS PHOTO

council president, then showed the pope his @Pontifex accounts, which had amassed 1 million followers in the 10 days before the first tweet. The pope had difficulty in navigating the site after pressing a screen button with a determined push, which the archbishop then remedied with a more practiced tap.

About 45 minutes later, after the pope left the audience hall, the first pair of tweets in a Q&A format was sent by Vatican officials. While the pope sees and approves each tweet, all tweets after his inaugural message are sent by Vatican staff.

The pope personally answered three questions from three different continents that were culled from tens of thousands of queries and comments tagged with the #askPontifex hashtag.

The first question was “How can we celebrate the Year of Faith better in our daily lives?”

The pope’s answer was posted two minutes later: “By speaking with Jesus in prayer, listening to what he tells you in the Gospel and looking for him in those in need.”

About three hours later, the next pair was sent: “How can faith in Jesus be lived in a world without hope?” “We can be certain that a believer is never alone. God is the solid rock upon which we build our lives and his love is always faithful.”

The last pair of Q&A tweets followed another three hours later.

“Any suggestions on how to be more prayerful when we are so busy with the demands of work, families and the world?” was the question. And the pope’s response was: “Offer everything you do to the Lord, ask his help in all the circumstances of daily life and remember that he is always beside you.”

Msgr. Paul Tighe, secretary of the social communications council, said they wanted to stagger the tweets so people waking up in later time zones would have something appearing near the top of their newsfeed.

The monsignor said he sifted through thousands of questions tweeted after the Vatican announced plans for the pope’s new account.

Pope launches twitter account, reaches 1 million followers Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2013

Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle

?

What to do about priests with flashy cars

A

If things are as you describe them, it is definitely a cause for concern. As you point out, diocesan priests (unlike members of religious orders) do not take a vow of poverty. They are paid a salary, from which they take care of their expenses. (Typically, a major share goes to automobile expenses and to income taxes -- with a large chunk to Social Security, where priests are considered to be self-employed.)

In my diocese, there is a gradation in a priest’s salary, depending on the number of years ordained, and it tops off at about $30,000 a year. (A classmate of mine once observed, only semifacetiously, that with a priest’s workload, he is paid below the national minimum wage.)

So, I have trouble figuring out

vacations and luxury vehicles not only show poor judgment but violate that canon.

One of my heroes was the nowdeceased Bishop Kenneth E. Untener of Saginaw, Mich. He kept all of his worldly possessions in his modest car and moved continually around his diocese, staying for a month at a time at the rectory of each of his parishes.

While every cleric cannot be held to that standard, perhaps some of the priests of your acquaintance need to be reminded that the Christ whom they follow had “nowhere to rest.”

You might want to write to your pastor, telling him how his teenage parishioners feel about his choice of cars -- anonymously, if you feel you have to, although a signed letter would be so much stronger.

2012 Catholic News Service

Q

While I realize that diocesan priests do not take a vow of poverty, it is almost scandalous to see so many pastors in our area driving Cadillacs and other high-end automobiles, buying vacation homes, wearing Rolex wristwatches, etc. In every case I know about, these priests live in lower- to middle-class parishes, and -- especially in the present economy -- the vast majority of their parishioners live in much more difficult circumstances.

My teenage children have told me that their friends joke about our pastor’s annual change from one luxury car to another. I have also heard very specific questions from Protestant friends about some of our clergy living a lifestyle that doesn’t in any way resemble the example of Jesus.

To add to the problem, a good number of these high-living priests are conducting capital fundraising campaigns and asking for the full cooperation of their parishioners. I have found your advice on church matters in the past to be caring and realistic and am hoping that you can weigh in on this situation. (New Jersey)

15

how a priest could buy a Rolex -- or why he would want to. My watch cost $9.66 at Walmart several years ago and has functioned perfectly ever since.

It’s true that a priest might have family resources or receive generous gifts from wealthy parishioners, but he is not free to flash this around. The church’s Code of Canon Law specifies in No. 281.1 that priests deserve to be compensated so they can provide for their necessities, but is quick to clarify in No. 282.1 that “clerics are to foster simplicity of life and are to refrain from all things that have a semblance of vanity.”

It would seem clear that lavish

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

Luke’s themes

H 16

Having recently celebrated the beginning of a new calendar year we also know that a little over a month ago we began a new Church year. The Sunday Gospel readings are on a threeyear cycle with Matthew, Mark and Luke being read in each respective liturgical year. In this liturgical year we read from the Gospel according to Luke. To help my readers better appreciate the Sunday Gospels this year, I am writing about the primary theological themes that run through the Gospel of Luke.

Most Biblical scholars maintain that Luke composed his Gospel, along with its sequel, Acts of the Apostles, between 70 and 90 A.D. Support for this hypothesis comes from Luke 21:20: “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near,” a Scripture passage that directly refers to the fall of Jerusalem to the Roman army in 70 A.D. Universalism.

This first theological theme to be considered has to do with the fact that Luke emphasizes that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for every person, regardless of race, nationality or gender. Universalism is apparent in the unique way Luke recounts the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. By mentioning Roman government leaders such as the emperor, Augustus, and Quirinius, Governor of Syria (2:1-2) in the introduction to the narrative of Jesus’ birth, Luke means to say that Jesus will impact the world even more than these great leaders have.

At the end of the Gospel (24:4648), Jesus sends his disciples on

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2013

a mission to preach forgiveness of sins to all the nations.

Prayer. While all the Gospels depict Jesus praying or teaching about prayer, Luke does so more frequently. In a passage unique to his Gospel (18:1-8), Jesus instructs his disciples on persistence in prayer by means of a parable. In several places (e.g. 5:28; 9:16; 6:1213) Luke adds a mention of Jesus being at prayer to material he borrows from Mark.

Peace. At the scene of Jesus birth, the angels proclaim that as glory is given to God in heaven so peace is granted to those on earth on whom God’s favor rests (2:14).

Luke (19:38) adds to Mark’s (11:10) description of Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem the following words, “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest,” an echo of the angels’ song at Jesus birth.

Prophecy. Each Gospel paints a particular verbal portrait of Jesus, and one of Luke’s primary ways of characterizing him is as a prophet.

In a passage reported only by Luke (7:11-16), the people’s reaction to the raising of the dead son of the widow of Nain is, “a great prophet has arisen among us and God has visited his people.” In a unique Lucan phrasing of Jesus’ prediction of his passion, Jesus says, “it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem” (13:33).

The Great Reversal. The theme of the Great Reversal basically depicts the exchange of places of the needy and suffering with the wealthy, powerful and comfortable at the coming of the Kingdom of God. Mary articulates this theme in the Magnificat when she says “(God) has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the

lowly” (1:52).

Rich and Poor. While Mark (10:17-27) and Matthew (19:16-26) report a story about a rich (young) man who misses a chance to become a follower of Jesus because of his attachment to his possessions, Luke (18:18-27) includes that story and much more teaching on the spiritual dangers and proper use of wealth than Mark or Matthew. For example, the parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21) portrays a wealthy landowner who reaps an abundant harvest and selfishly hoards his wealth. Such an action is deemed folly by God, since the man will die that night and “he can’t take it (his wealth) with him!” Luke’s parallel (6:20-26) to Matthew’s beatitudes (5:3-12) is formulated as four beatitudes and four woes. Among the woes is a sharp, unqualified rebuke of the rich: “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation” (6:24). In addition, the rich man who ignores the needs of the poor beggar, Lazarus, ends up in eternal torment, while Lazarus is comforted by Abraham (16:1931). However, there is hope for the wealthy who realize that their abundance is given to help others (12:33).

Holy Spirit. An extremely prominent figure in Luke’s Gospel, the Spirit effects the conception of Jesus (1:35), and empowers him for his mission (3:21-22; 4:17-19). The disciples are assured that the Holy Spirit will give the disciples wisdom to defend themselves in persecution (12:11-12).

I hope that as you listen to the Sunday Gospels this year with these themes in mind that you will be able to hear more clearly the message Luke proclaims to all of us.

ons

sti n Que o i t c e fl

e most d abov e n o i t t is en mes m hy tha e h w t n e o h eflect ch of t n Whi tion? R n e tt a our our grabs y ddress a e c a . e se e of p the ca e’s them k u L s doe n How uiding it as g day? r o i t p S d l y role r wo Hol ur own o see the y u d o n y do urch a n How the ch of n o i ss today? the mi ission m t a th within

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Anthony of Egypt c. 251–356 January 17

Crosiers

Associated with the beginnings of monasticism, Anthony gave his inherited lands and wealth in Egypt to the poor. From the age of about 20 until his death at 105, he lived as a hermit in remote hilltop and desert locations. What is known about him comes from a life written by St. Athanasius of Alexandria. Around 306 he began to accept disciples, founding his first monastery as a collection of hermits’ cells. He cultivated a garden, wove rush mats, and fought many temptations and demons. Visitors sought his wise counsel, collected in the sayings of the “desert fathers,” and the bishops of Alexandria summoned him at age 87 to help refute Arianism. He is the patron of basket and brush makers, butchers and gravediggers.

Saints © 2013 Catholic News Service

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Barbara Koob was born in Germany, and moved to the United States with her family when she was 2. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Syracuse, N.Y., serving for 20 years as a teacher and hospital administrator. In 1883 she traveled with six sisters to Hawaii to minister to people with Hansen’s disease, then known as leprosy. In 1888, they opened a home on Molokai for women and girls with the disease, and continued the work of St. Damien de Veuster after his death. Mother Marianne died on Molokai; her feast is her birthday. At her canonization in 2012, Pope Benedict XVI called her “a shining example of the tradition of Catholic nursing sisters and of the spirit of her beloved St. Francis.”

104 East Bayou Rd. (Hwy 308) ~ Thibodaux, LA 70301 ~ (985) 446-3736

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Serving Bayou businesses and the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux since 1997 with quality printing and mailing.

Saints © 2013 Catholic News Service

John Bosco 1815–1888 January 31

CNS

Born to a poor family in Italy, this patron saint of editors and laborers is considered one of the great social saints. Ordained a priest in 1841, he was sent to study theology in Turin, where he became a magnet for neglected youths during a turbulent period of rapid industrialization and revolutionary politics. Don Bosco, who once hoped to become a foreign missionary, founded the Salesians in 1854. The order sheltered more than 800 orphan boys, then opened workshops for shoemakers, tailors, bookbinders and other trades. Don Bosco was also a prolific writer, and co-founded a women’s congregation to work among girls. When he died, more than 40,000 people in Turin filed past his coffin to show their love and respect.

Saints

Call Rick at 504-570-0948 or E-mail: rgallioto@mpressnow.com

© 2013 Catholic News Service

www.bayoucatholic.com

n Marriage Prep, Sunday, Jan. 6, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Contact your church parish for more information. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Jan. 8, Quality Inn, Houma, 10:45-12:45 p.m.

Speaker, Rev. Robert Rogers. n Catholic Charities VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) training, Jan. 9, 10 and 11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Terrebonne Parish Main Library’s Long Distance Learning Room. n Adult Faith Formation-Faith Enrichment, Wednesdays, Jan. 9, 16 and 23, diocesan Pastoral

FEBRUARY

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n Catholic Charities VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) free income tax preparation and e-filing for individuals and families making less than $50,000. begins Saturday, Feb. 2, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; continues every Tuesday and Saturday until April 13, at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library’s Long Distance Learning Room. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Feb. 5, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Rev. Glenn LeCompte, speaker. n Man of God Gathering, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 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.

MARCH

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, March 5, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, speaker. n Adult Faith Formation-Faith Enrichment, Wednesdays, March 6, 13 and 20, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Topic, “Liturgy.” Speaker Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue. n Man of God Conference, March 8-9, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. Friday, March 8;

DIOCESAN

JANUARY

Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Topic, “Trinity.” Speaker, Rev. Jules Brunet. n Adult Faith Formation-Faith Enrichment, Thursday, Jan. 10, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Topic, “Matrimony and Holy Orders.” Speaker, Rev. Robert Rogers. n Woman of God Gathering, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 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 Adult Faith Formation-Faith Enrichment, Thursday, Jan. 17, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Topic, “The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Church.” Speaker, Rev. Jules Brunet. n ADORE, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m., Houma Municipal Auditorium. n Adult Faith Formation-Faith Enrichment, Thursday, Jan. 31, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Topic, “Freedom, Law and the Beatitudes.” Speaker, Rev. Andre Melancon.

n Adult Faith Formation, Wednesday, Feb. 6 and 20, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Topic, “Trinity.” Speaker, Rev. Jules Brunet. n Adult Faith Formation, Tuesday, Feb. 7, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Topic, “The Commandments 1-3.” Speaker, Rev. Andre Melancon. n aNew Experience, Wednesday, Feb. 20, E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux, 7-9 p.m. n Woman of God Conference, Feb. 22 and 23, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22;

events begin at 7 p.m. Registration is $60 per person which includes meals. All women over 18 years of age are invited. Online registration, www.htconferences. org or by phone, (985) 850-3171. n TEC 69, Feb. 22-24, Souby Retreat Building. Begins at 5 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 22. n Adult Faith Formation, Wednesday, Feb. 27, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Topic, “Liturgy.”

Speaker, Rev. Josh Rodrigue. n Adult Faith Formation, Thursday, Feb. 28, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Topic, “The Commandments 4-10.” Speaker, Rev. Andre Melancon.

events begin at 7 p.m. Registration is $60 per person which includes meals. All men over 18 years of age are invited. Online registration, www.htconferences.org or by phone (985)850-3171. n aNew Experience, Wednesday, March 13, St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews, 7-9 p.m. n Woman of God gathering, Thursday, March 14, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6 p.m. 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 Marriage Prep, Saturday, March 16, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 9:00 a.m.3:30 p.m. Contact your church parish for more information. n Youth Rally Adult Night of Praise (21 or older), Friday, March 22, Nicholls State University Cotillion Ballroom, Thibodaux, 7-9 p.m. n Youth Rally 2013, “Proclaim His Name,” Saturday, March 23, Nicholls State University, Stopher Gymnasium, Thibodaux, beginning at 12:20 p.m.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2013

EVENTS

V Online Safe Environment Training Still can Access: Diocesan Calendar Specific office information extensive Catholic Charities information Bishop’s articles & videos

V Videos from Food for the Journey programs available

2012 Annual Bishop’s Appeal

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V Conference registrations available

Latest Videos

V Online links to Catholic News Service and Vatican YouTube for national and international news

Spiritual resources Online contributions (ABA, Disaster Relief) Updated parish information with times for Mass and other liturgical services and parish personnel

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Year of Faith

Guest Columnist Deacon James Brunet Jr.

Apostolate of the Laity

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Since the Second Vatican Council is celebrating its 50th Anniversary, I can say I don’t remember much about its beginnings since I am only five years older than the Council.

What I do recall, as an altar boy back in the day, was the halfLatin/half-English Mass at the beginning of the transition to the liturgy being totally spoken in the vernacular, and the priest being in back of the altar rather than in front facing the tabernacle. We had, as altar boys, these cards with the Latin words on them and little red marks to indicate where we were to ring the bells to call the people’s attention to the consecration and elevation of the Eucharist, to literally call attention to Christ himself among us in the holy Mass.

Today, some hear the bells ringing and some do not.

Changes were made after the implementation of the Vatican II documents and we have heard much talk about the ‘big 4’ Dogmatic Constitutions Dei Verbum, Lumen Gentium, Sacrosanctum Concilium and Gaudium et Spes. This was good, since it meant that we were to listen to the Word of God, be the light to the world through proper worship in the liturgy, so that we can bring the hope and joy that lives in our hearts to all who need to hear!

Maybe we could now say that we are to be the ringing bells, bringing attention to Christ in our midst!

This is the goal of Apostolicam Actuositatem (AA) - The Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, to

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2013

enable us to be a voice of truth in our world. It begins with the words, “To intensify the apostolic activity of the people of God, the most holy synod earnestly addresses itself to the laity.” Interestingly, AA is the first document solely focused on the nature and role of the laity in the church from an Ecumenical Council.

What do they mean by apostolic activity? Are we all to be apostles?

The action of the Apostles was very clear, to bring Christ to the world, to build up the kingdom of God here on earth so that we may be with God in heaven at the end of time. So, in a sense, we are all to be apostles in that we are, by our baptism and confirmation, sent out into the world to proclaim Christ and his saving power. But specifically, “a true apostle looks for opportunities to announce Christ by words addressed either to nonbelievers with a view to leading them to faith, or to the faithful with a view to instructing, strengthening and encouraging them to a more fervent life” (AA 6).

The laity perform a specific and important role in the church. The vocation of the ordained is to lead and form the laity in the values of the Gospel, but the vocation of the laity is to inscribe the values of the Gospel in the world.

This vocation can be seen in three areas: n Evangelization and sanctification of the world n Endeavor to use the Gospel to improve the temporal (secular) order n Charitable works and social actions So the apostolate of the laity is to participate in the world. We cannot have a dual identity and separate our faith from our life, but rather live those lives in faith. At the soul of the apostolate is charity which is nourished by the Eucharist, Scripture and the sacraments.

In full cooperation with the hierarchy and empowered with the Holy Spirit, the laity are to become active in the church today at every level. Starting with the family and recognizing our unique gifts and talents we are able to move into the parish, diocesan, national and international activities of the church. The laity are at the heart of the church and the Holy Spirit is calling all faithful to a new sense of

responsibility and to re-ignite the fire and zeal to bring the Word to the world.

To fulfill this mission, the decree makes us aware of the many opportunities we have to educate ourselves and become more informed about what the Catholic Church teaches. Through the formation of Small Christian Communities, people are getting together and breaking open the Word in Lenten and Advent reflections. We now have many parishes involved in offering Bible studies. Our diocese has been fervent in bringing great speakers and holding conferences here for families, youth and adults to enrich their faith. All these activities and more are encouraged by Apostolicam Actuositatem.

The final exhortation from this decree beautifully states what is truly needed in our world today.

“The most holy council, then, earnestly entreats all the laity in the Lord to answer gladly, nobly, and promptly the more urgent invitation of Christ in this hour and the impulse of the Holy Spirit. Younger persons should feel that this call has been directed to them especially and they should respond to it eagerly and generously. Through this holy synod, the Lord renews his invitation to all the laity to come closer to him every day, recognizing that what is his is also their own (Philippians 2:5), to associate themselves with him in his saving mission. Once again he sends them into every town and place where he will come (cf. Luke 10:1) so that they may show that they are co-workers in the various forms and modes of the one apostolate of the church, which must be constantly adapted to the new needs of our times. Ever productive as they should be in the work of the Lord, they know that their labor in him is not in vain (cf.

1 Cor. 15:58) (AA 33).

We are to become like those bells, ringing loudly and actively calling attention to Christ living among us in this world, in our home, in our jobs and in every action we take while living here on earth. Because like a bell ringing, people will take notice and wonder what is going on. Our apostolic duty is to be there when and where hope is needed, when and where love is needed and, mostly, when and where truth is needed.

Vandy students get A+ in their Apostolate of the Laity

21

The senior class at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma in conjunction with campus ministry collected monies from the student body through “dress down days” to provide gifts to over 650 students of Schriever Elementary School in Schriever. The service project was an introduction to mission work for the senior class.

The students’ goal was to make a difference in the community by being the hands and feet of Jesus during the Christmas season.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier www.bayoucatholic.com

S

Heavenly Recipes

e d f f u t

e l d n u B iFsh Filet

Story and Photo

by Lawrence Chatagnier

This month’s heavenly recipe, Reba’s Stuffed Fish Filet Bundle, comes from down Bayou Lafourche.

Reba Adams, cook at Sacred Heart Church parish in Cut Off, shares a recipe that she loves to prepare.

The 76 year old Cut Off native enjoys preparing baked fish. Her favorite is stuffed flounder with crabmeat.

Her family and friends are amazed at how well she cooks and how much she enjoys cooking. You see, Reba didn’t learn how to cook until she was in her 50s. “I worked in a family business, a clothing store where I did all the buying 22 and selling. My aunt would do the cooking for me. I didn’t know how to cook. I didn’t even shop. My husband would do all the shopping for the home,” says Reba.

She started working at Sacred Heart in 1989 as a housekeeper and cook at the church and the Spiritual Life Center. There was the task of learning to cook after she got the job. “I had to learn to cook.

I learned by reading cookbooks and magazines,” she says.

Reba has cooked for four pastors and many associate pastors through the years. “Most of the pastors that I cooked for enjoyed traditional Cajun foods. Now that we have a Filipino pastor I have adapted the way that I cook.” She cooks mostly vegetables and seafood for Father Wilfredo “Freddie” Decal. “Father Freddie loves anything with seafood in it. His favorite is crab soup,” says the cook.

She says that Father Florentino Santiago taught her how to cook Filipino foods. “He is the teacher.

He loves to teach others how to cook Filipino dishes. He also taught me how to cook a Filipino chicken noodle soup that is a popular Filipino dish,” Reba says.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2013

Reba, who has been married for 55 years and has three children, tried retirement last year. “I told Father Freddie I wanted to try retirement. I said to him do not call me or contact me for a whole month. This was the month of July 2011. He called me on July 31 and asked if I would return.

To be honest I didn’t retire well. I missed my ‘rectory family.’ I now come in one day a week and cook. I plan meals and freeze them for the priests for the upcoming week. It works out well,” she says.

She especially enjoys preparing meals for the priests and making a good presentation of the food for them. “Priests need down time. They need time to relax and enjoy something that tastes good and looks good. Their lives are busy; meal time is their time. This is my way of doing something special for them,” says the cook.

Stuffed Fish Filet Bundle

1/2 cup margarine 1/4 cup seasoned olive oil 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 stick celery 1/8 cup each red, orange and yellow bell peppers 2 tbsp parsley 2 tbsp onion tops 2 pods garlic 1 cup crab meat 6 fish filets 1/4 cup bread crumbs Tony Chachere’s seasoning For topping: 1/2 block margarine + 3 tbsp olive oil Paprika Season filets with Tony Chachere’s and olive oil. For the stuffing, put all vegetables in a food processor and then sauté in margarine for about three minutes, season with Tony’s, cool and then add crab meat. Spread stuffing on three of the filets and roll each in a pin wheel style and pin with a toothpick. Take the other three filets and place one on each pin wheel crossways and tuck under. Sprinkle each lightly with bread crumbs and paprika and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Baste with margarine and parsley often. Serve each filet on a bed of sauted spinach and add a bundle of fresh steamed asparagus to each filet.

Wh

Entertainment

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Seeing Clairely

? n e h W

It’s a Wh puzzlement at?

Wh

A

o?

Claire Joller

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Avid readers of properly literary and serious books cringe just a little when I tell them the answer to their question, “What are you reading?”

My answer most of the time these days is the name of a murder mystery.

I’ve analyzed why these whodone-its appeal to me so much when I’ve had pangs of conscience about my choice of reading material.

After all, as a college English major, I was accustomed to reading classics in all genres.

Novels, plays, poetry, and non-fiction prose.

Faulkner, Hawthorne, the Brontes, Shakespeare, Auden, Eliot, de Toqueville, Dumas, Sartre.

Because I thought it was de rigueur, in adulthood I tackled all sorts of best sellers since they were highly touted, not because they particularly appealed to me. I dutifully read authors such as Tolkien, plodding my way through his Lord of the Rings trilogy. I also developed a list of classics that I hadn’t read yet, and started ticking them off the list, one by one.

Here I should add that I’m compulsive obsessive enough to read any book I start, no matter my lack of interest in it. But The Mill on the Floss cured me of that.

After several annual restarts, I could never get past Chapter 3.

I may be a slow learner, but these failures finally convinced me that I should (gasp!) read something I actually enjoy. And that brings me back to my selfanalysis.

Basically, all types of mysteries appeal to me. I like discovering the answers to Who? What?

When? Where? Why? How? I

Wh

y?

like puzzles, both literally and figuratively. Putting tiny puzzle pieces together tactilely is soothing and satisfying to me.

And what is more enticing than a blank crossword puzzle? All those delicious clues. All those exquisite obscure words.

Given those leanings, it’s just natural that I would gravitate toward reading “puzzles,” too.

I steer clear of the graphically gruesome books by authors who pull out all the sensibility stops.

Instead, I prefer a gentler read by authors whose characters and settings I can identify with. Lo and behold, I’ve discovered in the past several years that mysteries can be well written, plotted cleverly, exhibit great sense of place, and be peopled with fully developed, believable characters.

No more guilt for me, at least about my taste in fiction.

Believe it or not, these thoughts came out of several days’ consideration of topics appropriate to the beginning of this year.

What is more a mystery—a puzzle—than the coming year?

What could be more compelling

? w Ho

than anticipation of where life will take each one of us in the next 12 months?

Who will become more important to us in 2013? What new circumstances will we be confronted with to challenge us or to uplift us? When will we accomplish something we’ve been putting off, perhaps? Where will our accustomed relationships take us?

Why will we grow stronger, or more thoughtful, or more spontaneous?

How will we be changed by the end of the year, since change is a constant in every life?

If we become overwhelmed while waiting for the clues to reveal themselves, or if the pieces of the puzzle at first don’t fit snugly together fast enough for us, we would do well to remember a quotation from Winston Churchill.

“It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time.”

One clue at a time . . . one day at a time.

(For comments or inquiries about this column, Claire Joller can be contacted by email at clairely1@ comcast.net). www.bayoucatholic.com

23

Church Alive

Matthew 25: Helping 7,545 families

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

C

Gene and Judy Trahan’s family home in Montegut marked the completion of the Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Matthew 25 Disaster Response program for Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike.

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me 24 something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me ...” (Matthew 25).

This passage from the Gospel of Matthew was recalled by Robert Gorman, executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, three days after Hurricane Katrina struck as Catholic Charities’ launched their Katrina disaster recovery work. That was the beginning of the Matthew 25 Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Ministry, a ministry that has been adopted throughout Louisiana.

Catholic Charities immediately began training volunteers in our diocese. Matthew 25 volunteers

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working in Hurricanes Rita, Gustav, Ike and Isaac and the 2011 spring floods have been recognized ever since in their teal green Matthew 25 shirts.

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Matthew 25 volunteers help prepare elderly people’s homes before storms hit, distribute clean up supplies afterwards (4,000 families have received mops, brooms, buckets, sponges, pine oil and other things needed to clean flooded homes since Hurricane Katrina), distribute meals for the Red Cross and Salvation Army in Catholic Church parking lots and church kitchens, work in shelters, help sign people up for emergency food stamps, wash laundry, care for pets, clean up homes, rectories and churches and help in dozens of other ways. Catholic Charities helps organize Matthew 25 ministries in Catholic Church parishes throughout the year.

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Catholic Charities also distributes disaster recovery assistance throughout the year and has been doing so without interruption since 2005.

Just since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Catholic Charities has spent $7,241,000 helping 7,545 families recover from storm damage in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. Someone in virtually every Catholic parish in the diocese has received disaster assistance.

“I was delivering the first supplies to Dulac after Hurricane Rita,” recalls Gorman, “and a lady come up to me and said, ‘I don’t know if you remember me, but Catholic Charities helped me elevate my house after Hurricane Lily. I am so grateful. Everyone in my family came to my house after Lily because mine was the only one that stayed dry.’”

Forty-one other families have received home elevation grants from Catholic Charities.

Once a house is elevated, many elderly and handicapped homeowners have trouble going up and down. Catholic Charities has built 125 mechanical lifts/elevators and nine ramps outside elevated homes.

Gorman recalls having one lift built for a returning Iraq war veteran who lost his legs. He was getting married and moving into his in-law’s elevated home during his recovery and rehabilitation. But the family had no idea of how to help him in and out of the house. Catholic Charities rushed a lift/elevator order and it was built in time for the newlyweds to move in.

Following the BP Oil Spill, Catholic Charities received a major grant from the Coastal Communities Fund at the Greater New Orleans Foundation. The money is being used to pay the bills for families facing evictions, foreclosures, car repossessions, medicine and the costs of changing jobs.

Gorman recalls the family of A.P. who has been working in the fishing industry since he was 10 years old. He and his wife have one daughter who will be the first person in their family to graduate from high school. A.P. worked as a deckhand until he was able to save enough to buy his own boat and crab traps.

By 2006, he saved the money to buy enough crab traps to start his own commercial fishing business.

He built his own boat. With the oil spill he lost all the crab traps he had in the oil polluted waters that were closed down for health reasons. His family now receives SNAP benefits (food stamps) and A.P. gets Social Security. Since he couldn’t go immediately back into crabbing, A.P. found a job with a wire company to build crab traps at his home. He is currently making 60 crab traps a week for this company, but he has to deliver them. Unfortunately, the transmission on the family’s only car broke. A.P. was not able to build traps for two weeks while finding a used transmission.

He had to take out an auto title loan to help pay for the repairs and other family expenses. When the family couldn’t meet the payments, they received a repossession notice and were in danger of losing their only transportation. Catholic Charities, through the Coastal Communities Fund grant, paid off the loan and prevented the repossession.

These are just a few of the thousands of stories of people in our diocese helped by the Catholic Church.

Catholic Charities is still helping families recover from the oil spill and now has a grant from the Greater New Orleans Foundation to help people with limited roof damage from Hurricane Isaac. Catholic Charities continues to offer matching grants to lowincome families buying flood insurance.

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www.bayoucatholic.com

In Memoriam

Msgr. James B. Songy 1930 - 2012

A ‘Man for All Seasons’

26

H

He was a “Man for All Seasons,” as he helped to guide the Catholic Church in South Louisiana through times of joy, sorrow, growth and change.

When Msgr. James B. Songy died early last month after decades of ministry, he left for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux an indelible legacy of outstanding work which will be felt here for generations to come.

“Jacques,” as he was affectionately known, left home in Edgard, LA, at the tender age of 12 to begin his journey into service to God’s people as a priest. Early in his priesthood Archbishop John P. Cody of New Orleans – a strong and legendary administrator – recognized the many administrative talents “Jacques” Songy possessed. The archbishop (who later headed the Archdiocese of Chicago and became a cardinal), saw in Father Songy many of his own strong traits and gave him responsibilities which at that time were normally reserved for much older and seasoned priests.

In New Orleans, Father Songy tackled every imaginable administrative task with the same straight-forward, no-nonsense approach for which he was well-known. A man of strong opinion and conviction, Father Songy went about building up God’s Kingdom in New Orleans much the same way as he did here: with the utmost integrity.

Next to Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux, he was perhaps the single-most influential priest when it came to the building up of the Kingdom in what is now the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. He had been convinced for years that this area could become its own diocese and assisted Archbishop Cody in the establishment of numerous new church parishes,

a

Story by Louis Aguirre Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2013

Most Rev. Sam G. Jacobs Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux We are saddened at the death of Msgr.

Songy. He has served the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux faithfully, even beyond what was expected. We will always be grateful for all that he did for the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, particularly in the area of administration. Now, our hope is that we have an intercessor before God. I am grateful to the Rogers’ family for all they have done to care for Monsignor during his retirement. May he rest in peace.

Msgr. Songy’s ordination photo schools and services. It is no coincidence that the largest expansion and growth of the church in South Louisiana took place during the same years that Father Songy was serving at the Chancery in New Orleans.

By the mid 1970s, Archbishop Philip M. Hannan oversaw the transition process which ultimately led to the establishment of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. Ahead of that momentous day of June 5, 1977, the archbishop saw to it that Father Songy would be recognized by Pope Paul VI as a prelate of honor with the title of monsignor.

Bishop Boudreaux, himself a seasoned priest and bishop, selected Msgr. Songy as chancellor of the new diocese. “What would we have done without ‘Jacques’?” he would say in later years. “He built this diocese from the ground up!”

Unmatched in the area of finance and administration, Msgr. Songy took a diocese which started out with a cash balance of $50,000 and turned it into a centrally-financed entity which today administers funds in tens of millions and employs over 1,000. He oversaw the construction of new churches, of Lumen Christi Retreat Center and the Historical Research Center, the establishment of a chancery on Aycock Street in Houma and later the new pastoral center on Hwy. 311 in Schriever, as well as many other major projects.

As the chief administrative officer in the diocese, Msgr. Songy also gave the support and impetus which has led to the establishment of dozens of diocesan offices and services. For 15 years Bishop Boudreaux relied on him to carry out some of the most difficult and demanding tasks in the diocese. Not one to shirk responsibility, Msgr. Songy carried out each and every one of these tasks, some of which included having to say “no” for reasons which Msgr. Songy knew would often be neither understood nor appreciated.

Yet “Jacques” had a heart. A big heart. Hanging

a

Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond Archbishop of New Orleans I remember with great fondness Msgr.

Songy who truly gave of himself to priestly ministry and took very seriously his call to make Christ the 27 priest present to the people entrusted to his pastoral care. Msgr. Songy not only served God’s people in various ministries, but he also served well the people of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux in pastoral governance. We will miss him. As he goes before us from this earthly journey, we commend him to the Lord’s kingdom and thank God that he has called Msgr. Jacques Songy to the priesthood and that he has lived out that priestly ministry in such a dedicated and generous way.

Most Rev. Michael Jarrell Bishop of Lafayette I will forever be grateful to Msgr.

Songy for his guidance and assistance during my time in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. He was a competent, dedicated and dependable vicar general who never failed to provide good advice. He loved the church and he loved the diocese. Other than Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux, I don’t know of anyone who has had more impact on the shape and character of the diocese. May he rest in peace. www.bayoucatholic.com

In Memoriam Most Rev. Joseph N. Latino Bishop of Jackson In Scripture the good servant is recognized and rewarded. His faithfulness to his master is not only expected, it is also freely given and worthy of praise and imitation. The good servant knows the mind and will of his master and fulfills and responds without hesitation or fear of punishment of recognition. The good servant is good because it is the right thing to do. It is the good servant who will hear the words of the master, “well done good and faithful servant, enter into the kingdom prepared for you.” I know that Msgr. James (Jacques) Songy was a good and faithful servant and I am confident he now enjoys the reward of his faithfulness.

Msgr. Songy’s closet and dearest friends: Ronnie and Marie Rogers of Lockport in his office was a banner signed by his co-workers at the pastoral center on the occasion of his 40th anniversary of priesthood which depicted a teddy bear who looked very much like Msgr. Songy at his 28 computer. The stern image which some may have had of him gave way readily to the teddy bear reality of who the man really was. Granted one needed to know him well to actually find that teddy bear inside of him. Few, I suppose, were there to see him grieving, to watch him suffer or witness him enduring the burdens of his office. Fewer still, grasped that in all he has done for the diocese he used his mind and his heart when arriving at decisions.

On the other hand, anyone who ever participated in a Mass celebrated by Msgr. Songy will attest that he was most joyful, most fulfilled, most disarming and charming when he was with the People of God during liturgy. He took on a different persona and transformed himself from a shy and busy executive into an obviously-happy and life-giving servant of God. His “Answers, please” column in the Bayou Catholic was quite possibly the best example of who Msgr.

Songy truly was. His answers, often dealing with controversial subjects, stand as classics in the art of enabling Catholics to think for themselves. Despite the protestations of some, his responses always provided the magisterial teachings of the church. But he never stopped there because he knew – as a Second Vatican Council priest – that rules, norms and even laws of the church cannot stand alone in decision making. Msgr. Songy was a priest who never stopped learning and growing in his understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. He valiantly defended and promoted the right of Catholics to use their knowledge, experience, personal situations and intelligence in arriving at the proper decisions in life.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2013

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Most Rev. Oscar A. Solis Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles I am deeply saddened by the death of Msgr. Songy and extend my personal condolences to Bishop Sam Jacobs, my brother priests and the faithful of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. It was a blessing to know Msgr. Songy and serve with him as a close partner in our ministry. He loved his priestly vocation and lived it with strong determination, dedication and great passion. He was one of those who provided me opportunities to share my priestly gifts for the service of our local church by inviting me on many occasions to be a part of his leadership team.

Msgr. Songy taught me some valuable lessons that guided me in my priestly ministry. I join you in praying for the eternal repose of his soul that God’s mercy and compassion may lead him to his reserved place in heaven.

Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Amedee Retired Priest, Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Having been a disciple of Archbishop John Cody in finances in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and with the establishment of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Msgr.

Songy assumed the position of vicar for temporalities of the diocese, a position which he would hold until his retirement. He served the bishops and priests very conscientiously and efficiently.

Very Rev. Jay L. Baker, V.G. Vicar General Humorous to serious, a story: Msgr. Songy had settled into the anonymity and obscurity of a muchdeserved retirement in the sleepy boat-building village of Lockport.

“And you, Lockport, are by no means the least of all the cities of Houma-Thibodaux, since from you shall come forth an Apostolic Administrator who is to shepherd my people.” But while taking his shower on a January morning almost nine years ago, Monsignor learned first-hand that “he could run from the Holy See, but he could not hide!” quite literally, when he stepped out of the shower, he stepped out of retirement. He dried himself off, then wrapped that towel around his waist, and continued to be the priest he had always been: he washed our feet. Msgr. Songy had a well-known public persona. But it was not until I was privileged to sit with him behind the closed doors of the bishop’s conference room that I truly got a glimpse of the man behind the collar, the priest who took to heart the model Jesus Christ gave him to follow. Then and there I discovered that Msgr. Songy was more lamb than lion. He was more shepherd than sheriff. He was more Kingdom of God than checks and balances.

Rev. Msgr. Frederic Brunet Pastor, St. Joseph, Chauvin I have known Msgr. James (Jacques) Songy for many, many years. In the seminary he was in my brother’s (Father Jules Brunet) class. Over all these years, I have had the greatest respect for him as a good seminarian and a great priest. In the institution of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, we had many meetings to help establish the diocese. He was made the vicar general of the diocese and I was president of the Priests’ Senate, a member of the Finance Committee and the Cemetery Committee. He was always very dedicated to the good of the diocese, an honest and fair man who managed the affairs of the diocese with integrity and great competence. When Bishop Jarrell left the diocese to become Bishop of Lafayette and before Bishop Sam Jacobs was appointed to Houma-Thibodaux, Msgr. Songy was appointed as the apostolic administrator of Houma-Thibodaux, and he did a splendid job of guiding the diocese during this change. You could always feel safe when Jacques was around; you knew it would be all right. We were good friends and I’m sure the whole diocese and many others will miss him greatly, as well as miss his steady, strong guidance.

www.bayoucatholic.com

29

In Memoriam

Msgr.

Songy His columns have been hailed and ridiculed; they have been reprinted in dozens of publications across the country; have been discussed and decried from street corners to television programs. But they are his and his only. And they have stood the test of time.

Young and energetic Bishop Michael Jarrell arrived in Houma-Thibodaux in 1993 and quickly found out that Msgr. Songy was the man he needed to help him carry out the task of running the diocese. Bishop Boudreaux’s gift to Bishop Jarrell was quite simply that of handing over to him a well-established, wellrun and successful diocese which enjoyed – among many notable things – the expert administrative guidance of Msgr. Songy.

Bishop Jarrell actually increased Msgr. Songy’s 30 duties and responsibilities. He gave him – once again – some of the most difficult and sensitive tasks and watched with satisfaction how Msgr. Songy carried each and every one of those tasks with great vigor and integrity.

After his first retirement, in 1998, he was persuaded to publish Questions and Answers for Catholics, a book that was issued in 2000 and which went into a third printing. The popularity of the book then extended to Europe and Latin America as his book was published in two volumes in the Spanish language. As it turns out a Spaniard who read his English language version was so moved by the answers that he translated the full text and proposed to Msgr. Songy that it be published in Spain. Today, it may be found all over the Spanish-speaking world.

When Bishop Jarrell was named bishop of Lafayette, Pope John Paul II named Msgr. Songy as apostolic administrator of the diocese in 2003.

The good and faithful monsignor learned about the appointment while he was taking a shower. He wrapped himself with a towel, took the call from the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States and accepted the task of coming out of retirement to guide the diocese in the transition until Bishop Sam G. Jacobs was installed here in October of that year.

Yes, Msgr. Songy was a Man for All Seasons and now that he is enjoying his heavenly rewards I keep thinking that the minute he arrived up there, St. Peter asked if he would be willing to serve in Heaven’s Administrative Offices. No matter what, I know we have a friend who will intercede for us and for the diocese he loved so deeply.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2013

In the photo above Bishop Sam G. Jacobs blesses the cremated remains of Msgr. James B. Songy during the Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. In the bottom photo Msgr. Songy’s sister Enid Nielsen and her husband Thomas are shown during the recession at the Mass.

Msgr. Allen Roy Classmate Another of our Class of 1954 has gone to God (including Msgrs.

Clinton Doskey, J.O. Lorio and now Jacques Songy.) To be 82 years old seems to be a dangerous place these days. Jacques was a dear friend who touched so many lives and did so deeply. Together in the seminary, he was a friend who could be counted on to be there for what was right, solidly, prayerfully, and always as a friend. His writing always came from the heart as well as from his head. He was so proud of what Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux said about him, and what Jacques had meant to him as the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux was formed and began to exist and grow. I suppose that few of us really knew what Jacques endured as the early days of the diocese demanded of all the officials in the “baby steps” of building a new diocese. And he was deeply involved in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before that. He will be missed, but he left his mark on all of us. May Jacques with Bishop Boudreaux and Sister Paula Richard (as well as Msgr. Bill Koninkx) now enjoy their rest in the vision of the almighty for whom they all aspired.

Sister Miriam Mitchell, S.H.Sp. Superior General, Sisters of the Holy Spirit and Mary Immaculate It was with great sadness that I received the news of Msgr. Songy’s death. He was truly a legend in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux being one of its ‘four founding fathers.’

When we became a new diocese in 1977, I knew we were in good hands, with the leadership of Msgr. Songy and the other three diocesan leaders (Msgrs. Francis J. Amedee, Bill Koninkx and John L. Newfield). What stands out for me from my years of knowing and working with Msgr. Songy was his absolute commitment to his priesthood and the diocese. In every position he held, he ministered with great fortitude and integrity, whether as pastor, chancellor, vicar general or apostolic administrator. I feel I have lost a pastor, great role model and friend. I can truly say Msgr.

Songy was a blessing in my life.

For complete coverage of Msgr. Songy’s Mass of Christian Burial, including Very Rev. Jay Baker’s homily, please go to www.htdiocese.org.

31

126 Corporate Drive • Houma, LA

985.851.2211

Mon. - Fri. 8:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Saturday by appointment

www.fvchouma.com

www.bayoucatholic.com

Our Lady of Pro Heart of the Chackbay Community Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Chackbay was established in April 1892, with Father Alexander Jullie appointed as the first pastor in June of the same year.

The present church, which was blessed June 10, 1951, by Auxiliary Bishop Abel Caillouet of New Orleans, is situated in a wide curve along Highway 20 in Chackbay. Some of the interior furnishings of the church are unique to the building. According to the history of the parish, the floor of the sanctuary is imported mosaic tile from Mexico; the Our Lady of Prompt Succor mural which adorns the wall behind the altar was painted by an Italian artist named Albert Tango; and the cross hanging above the sanctuary is a replica of the crucifix at Limpayas, Spain.

When the parish celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1992, a statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor which was donated to the church around 1900 was refurbished in 23 karat gold by Mary Ann Rodrigue Zeringue.

After enough funds were raised in 1958, Our Lady of Prompt Succor became the first Catholic Church in Lafourche parish to be air-conditioned.

In 1986, the sanctuary was remodeled with a new marble altar, lectern, tabernacle stand and presider’s chair.

Father Robert-Joel Cruz, pastor since June 2008, reports there are approximately 1,400 families currently in the parish, with a mixture of younger as well as older families. The area which encompasses the church parish has seen a lot of growth in recent years with entirely new subdivisions being developed and many young families moving here, says the pastor.

The parish has about 30 different organizations/ ministries to offer with 15 or so being the most active. Among those that are active are the Our Lady of Prompt Succor Knights of Columbus Council 8743, Ladies Altar Society, CCD, Teen Ministry and Healing Ministry. There are also many liturgical ministers such as eucharistic ministers, lectors, commentators, altar servers, ushers, and five different music groups which play all different genres of music. The KCs have also teamed up with the Heaven’s Handymen of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral parish in Thibodaux.

“One thing that we are excited about here in Chackbay is our participation in the mission of the church. Every year about 70 parishioners participate in a mission trip where they share the love of God with the poor in Guatemala,” says Father Cruz.

A Healing Mass, which is regularly attended by 150 to 200 people from throughout the diocese, is celebrated once a month by the pastor, who has been involved in the Pax Christi healing ministry since 1995. However, it was while leading a pilgrimage in Rome in 2005 that it became very clear to him that he should begin his own ministry. The gift of healing “is a blessing from God … I don’t ask for it; the Lord just allows me to participate in it,” says Father Cruz.

Part of the gift of healing which Father Cruz says the Lord allows him to be a part of is the deliverance ministry, which focuses on freeing people from their different bondages which include spirits that may have attached themselves to us, such as different types of addictions, fears, the woundednesses of the past, etc.

a

ompt Succor

Father Cruz is a strong believer in Catholic education, so it was somewhat of an adjustment coming from a church parish with a school to one without. However, being director of the Holy Childhood Association allows him to visit the schools and connect with the students there, which he says is a blessing.

The pastor says he has also been fortunate to have a good staff. “We all work well together, which makes being here a joy.”

“There are many volunteers in the parish who minister in a variety of different areas such as in hospitals, nursing homes, and at the local food banks.

The people here in Chackbay are very family-oriented.

They are all welcoming, kind and faithful, and their generosity is amazing. Whenever you ask for something and explain to them what needs to be done, they always help out,” says Father Cruz.

Staff 34 Our Lady of Prompt Succor parish staff are first row from left, Nancy Benoit, DRE; Allison Trosclair, housekeeper; second row, Helen Truxillo, business manager; Father Robert-Joel Cruz, pastor; back row, Christopher Becnel, maintenance/cemetery worker; and Rudy Panvelle, maintenance/cemetery worker.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2013

]

] the diocese of

houma-thibodaux

seminarians 2012-2013

Deacon Simon Peter Engurait 4th theology u notre dame

Deacon Joseph Tregre 4th Theology u Notre Dame

Cody Chatagnier

2nd theology u notre dame

Alex Gaudet

2nd theology u notre dame

Simon Peter Engurait 3rd Theology u Notre Dame

Christopher Dehart

Brice Higginbotham

year of spiritual formation

year of spiritual formation

Jacob Lipari

1st Theology u Notre Dame

John David Matherne senior u saint ben’s

Brett Lapeyrouse

sophomore u Saint ben’s

Stephen Lefort

Jacob Lipari

2nd theology u notre dame

2nd theology u notre dame

Cody Chatagnier

Alex Gaudet

1st Theology u Notre Dame

1st Theology u Notre Dame

Jean-Marie Nsambu

Paul Birdsall

2nd pre-theology u notre dame

senior

u

saint ben’s

Christopher Dehart

2nd Pre-Theology u Saint Ben’s

Cody Murphy

Tyler Theriot

sophomore u Saint ben’s

sophomore u saint ben’s

“I urge you [seminarians]...to strive for a pattern of life truly marked by charity, chastity, and humility, in imitation of Christ, the Eternal High Priest, of whom you are to become living icons.” pope benedict xvi, meeting with seminarians

(985) 850-3149 | vocations@htdiocese.org | htvocations.com |

htvocations |

@htvocations |

htvocations

Special

Brothers of the Sacred Heart: Bringing Christ to the classroom

Archbishop Blenk of New Orleans and clergymen are processing to dedicate the new Thibodaux College Nov. 28, 1912.

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Thibodaux College celebrates 100 Guest Columnist Brother Ronald Talbot, S.C.

T

The Rule of Life of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart guides every Brother in ways to live out his life through prayer, community and apostolate. Rule 13 states: “To belong to the Institute today is to believe in God’s love, to live it, and to spread it; it is to contribute as religious educators to the evangelization of the world, particularly through the education of children and youth.”

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2013

For 100 years, northern Lafourche Parish has been fertile ground where Brothers have grown in faith, in love, and in service.

The Brothers first arrived in Thibodaux in 1891, at the request of Pere’ Charles Menard of St. Joseph Church parish, to take charge of Thibodaux College.

Thibodaux College predated the arrival of the brothers. It has its origins in Shifferstein Academy, a non-sectarian school for boys. In May of 1859, the state legislature incorporated the Academy as Thibodaux College, and in 1861 it came under the administration of Pere’ Menard.

The Brothers originally stayed only three years in Thibodaux because of poor conditions in the school. Pere’ Menard’s declining health prevented him from giving adequate attention to educational needs. The school continued under

the administration of lay teachers.

In 1912, Father Alexander Barbier, one of Pere’ Menard’s successors as pastor of St. Joseph, received a generous donation of property from Mrs. Cecilia T. Blake and undertook the building of a new Thibodaux College. He offered the Brothers of the Sacred Heart a written contract to administer the school. Brothers Theodosius, Paul, Florent and Dominic began the 1912-13 school session, teaching about 100 boys and living in the former home of Mrs. Blake.

During the first 50 years, Thibodaux College prospered under the leadership of men like Brothers Lambert, Macarius, Casimir and Carol. In 1917, Thibodaux College began accepting boarding students.

The high school department became accredited by the state. During the 1954-55 school year, nine brothers were stationed

a

at Thibodaux College, teaching 330 students in grades 4-12 and caring for 25 boarders.

The second 50 years of the Brothers in Thibodaux saw the school transformed from an allboys, grades 4-12 school to a coinstitutional, then co-educational, secondary school. In 1962 Thibodaux College dropped the fourth grade, and then discontinued one grade a year until the school achieved a grades 8-12 configuration. Through the foresight of Msgr. Ralph Labit and the generosity of Harvey Peltier, plans to build a new high school came to fruition in 1965 with the merger of Thibodaux College and Mt. Carmel Academy into a new co-institutional school called Thibodaux Central Catholic High School.

The move to TCCHS came prematurely because Hurricane Betsy damaged the old schools.

On Sept. 10, 1965, TCCHS began under the principalships of Brother Louis Joseph Richard and Sister Marie Therese Broussard and the coordination of Father Lanaux Rareshide.

In 1966, Archbishop Philip Hannan dedicated the new school and renamed it Edward Douglas White Catholic High School in honor of the former Supreme Court Chief Justice from Thibodaux.

Quickly, the academic, music and athletic departments of E.D. White developed outstanding programs.

In 1969, Brother Paul Montero became principal of the school which was now co-educational and under his sole direction. When Brother Xavier Werneth became principal in 1976, the enrollment was 620. He led the school through a successful first-time accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and initiated a development program for the school.

Brother Linus Meyers spent 22 years at the school, and his success and techniques as a math teacher became legendary. Brother Ray Hebert, who was principal for three years, and Brother John Hotstream served at E.D. White during the late 1970s and most of the 1980s and enhanced programs of guidance, religious development and outreach. I served as the last brother-principal of the school

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Brothers of the Sacred Heart are from left, John Hotstream, Patrick McGinity, Francis David and Carl Evans.

E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux will host a “Brothers of the Sacred Heart Gala” Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Thibodaux College and 100 years of continuous service of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in Thibodaux. Tickets for the event can be obtained by visiting or calling the school’s Advancement Office at (985) 449-1859. from 1989-94. During my tenure, enrollment increased from 564 to 720 and a new cafeteria was added to the campus.

The brothers continue to serve joyfully, effectively and energetically in the school under the direction of fine lay leaders who actively participate in ongoing education in the charism of the

Brothers of the Sacred Heart. These leaders and the Brothers maintain a partnership to keep the spirit of the Brothers alive and at work in the E.D. White school community.

From the very beginning of this 37 100 year history, the Brothers fell in love with Thibodaux and its people. Pastors like Father Barbier and Msgr. Francis Amedee have offered the Brothers spiritual guidance, educational support and friendship. Local people and school parents have embraced the Brothers with love, welcomed them into their homes, volunteered at school events, and supported the Brothers emotionally and financially.

Students, through their curiosity, playfulness, studiousness, respectfulness, and cooperation, have enriched the lives of the Brothers by sharing with the Brothers their joys and sorrows, successes and failures, faith and doubts, hopes and disappointments.

The people of Thibodaux, the school community of Thibodaux College and E.D. White, and the local church of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux have been a “pearl of great price” to the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.

(Brother Ronald Talbot, S.C., currently serves as Provincial of the New Orleans Province of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.) www.bayoucatholic.com

Special Events

WINNER

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/ BAYOU CATHOLIC

38

A winner has been chosen for Bayou Catholic’s “Where Am I” contest for the month of November. This statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is located above the doors to the entrance of the church at Sacred Heart in Cut Off. Many correct entries were received and a winner was drawn at random. Heather Compeaux of Cut Off is the winner of a gift card in the amount of $50 from God’s Precious Word and Gifts.

Food for the Journey is Feb. 5 in Houma

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 Feb. 5 is Houma native Father Glenn D. LeCompte.

Father LeCompte attended Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood May 24, 1986.

He currently serves the diocese as spiritual director of the Lumen Christi Retreat Center in Schriever, diocesan director of the Offices of Worship, Continuing Education of the Clergy and Ecumenism, and as diocesan Master of Ceremonies.

He has served as associate pastor of St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma, the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales parish in Houma, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral parish in Thibodaux, St. Hilary of Poitiers Church parish in Mathews, Holy Cross Church parish in Morgan City, as sacramental priest at St. Lucy Church parish in Houma and St. Luke the Evangelist Church parish in Thibodaux, and as pastor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Chackbay.

Rev. Glenn LeCompte

Father LeCompte has also served on the Priests Council, and as a teacher at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

Those who plan to attend the Feb. 5th event should RSVP with their name, phone number and church parish by Thursday, Jan. 31. 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.”

www.bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

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Sports

Overtime

T

Ed Daniels

Thirty-nine years later, it is still the greatest college football game ever played.

But, at four o’clock on the afternoon of Dec. 31, 1973, I had additional worries.

Could we get to Tulane Stadium?

A heavy line of thunderstorms rolled in the metro area. As my friends and I drove to the Sugar Bowl game, water brushed up against our car doors on West Esplanade Avenue.

For a 16-year-old student who had tickets to see Alabama vs.

Notre Dame, I wondered if we would ever get uptown.

When we finally arrived, we knew we’d see a championship game. We didn’t know we were about to see something very special.

Leading 7-6, the Crimson Tide kicked off to Al Hunter. Hunter ran straight at us to the south end zone for a 93-yard touchdown.

Late in the fourth quarter, with Notre Dame leading 24-23, Tide punter Greg Gantt came up with one of the clutch kicks in the history of college football. His 69-yard punt was boomed to the Notre Dame one yard line.

The greatest college football game To this day, I can still see Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant on the sidelines, as the Tide punt return team lined up behind him.

What followed next was one of the most famous plays in the history of the college game. Notre Dame quarterback Tom Clements faked a handoff on third and eight and threw a 35-yard completion to obscure tight end Robin Weber.

The play was designed to go to Notre Dame’s star tight end Dave Caspar. But, Weber was so wide open that Clements had no choice but to toss it his way.

Weber, who needed a cortisone shot in his knee just to play in the game, caught the Clements floater for a 35-yard completion.

With that catch, Robin Weber had doubled his reception total for the season.

Notre Dame ran out the clock and won its ninth national championship.

The Notre Dame students, huddled by the thousands in the south end zone, stormed the field.

That week, I had asked buddies who were Notre Dame fans, “Who’s the best team in the country?”

“Oklahoma, of course.”

The Sooners were 10-0-1 that

S E T I TERM

season. But, they were in the first year of a two year probation and bowl ban.

Moments after we walked out of Tulane Stadium, a disappointed son of the south, and fan of the Southeastern Conference asked again, “Who’s the best team in the country?”

“Notre Dame, of course.”

Alabama was still the national champion, too. The wire service United Press International (UPI) had awarded Alabama a national championship before the bowls.

A little remembered fact from that night. Alabama’s bowl winless streak under the legendary Bryant 39 was stretched to seven games.

In 1973, tickets to a national championship game were still financially feasible for a high school student working part time for Jack Hayes at Winn-Dixie store no. 1412 on Williams Boulevard.

The demanding Hayes did not like it one bit when one of his part timers asked off on one of the biggest grocery shopping days of the season.

But, he relented.

And, a high school kid who loved college football (and still does) had a lifetime memory.

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W Contest

here Am I?

a n i w d n a Enter rd a C t f i G 0 $5

This stained glass window is located somewhere in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Do you know where it can be found? If so you can win a Visa® gift card in the amount of $50. Send your guess entitled “Where Am I?” by email to: bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org, by fax to: (985) 8503232, or to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Deadline to enter is Jan. 31. The winner will be randomly selected from all of the correct entries. Winner will be announced in the March issue of Bayou Catholic. Diocesan employees of the Pastoral Center and its satellite offices are not eligible to participate.

40

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • January 2013

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