Bayou Catholic | July 2012

Bayou

Catholic

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

Exuberance!

3,000 attend Steubenville on the Bayou

HOUMA, LA ~ JULY 2012 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

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The LifeStyle Choice Study Do EYE CARE CHOICES affect your LifeStyle? In the first study of its kind, SEECA sets out to answer this question. Previous studies suggest that certain eye procedures may enhance quality of life, safety, mobility and independence. Is that REALLY possible? If you have cataracts and want to be part of this landmark study, call 853-0900 to schedule a consultation.

Participants will receive $500 stipend at the end of the study.

®

July 2012

® Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Contents

On Our Cover

32

Our Churches Holy Savior serving Lockport since 1850

Steubenville on the Bayou 3,000 attend Catholic youth conference

36

Vandebilt Hall of Fame

28

Adult Faith Formation

School honors two alumni

Natural Family Planning

2012-2013 courses announced

Awareness Week July 22-28

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34

44

Father Joey Pilola

Back to School

Seeing God at work through his ministry

Students prep for upcoming school year

• Pope Speaks

16

• Question Corner

17

42

• Reflections

18

• Heavenly Recipes

22

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. 16 July 2012

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

26

• Where Am I? Contest 25 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

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

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 Advanced Eye Institute ......................19 Asbestos Notice...................................51 Bueche’s Jewelry ...............................30 Cannata’s .............................................3 Catholic School Annual Fund Drive ...55 Catholic Schools ................................47 Cenacle Retreats ................................43 Channel 10 .........................................21 Conference Office MOG Retreat..........35 Conference Office WOG Retreat..........39 Daigle Himel Daigle ...........................51 Diocesan Outreach Line ....................27 Diocesan Rome Pilgrimage ...............23 Diocesan Website ..............................31 Dr. Neil Maki Orthopaedics ................52 Fabregas Music .................................49 Family Vision Clinic ............................45 Felger’s Footwear ..............................50 Haydel Spine & Pain ..........................46 Headache & Pain Center ...................34 Holy Land Franciscan Pilgrimage ........5 Journey Hospice ..................................7 LeBlanc and Associates, Inc. .............41 Lee’s Education Center .....................49 Lewis & Company ..............................39 Lirette Ford ..........................................53 Mpress ...............................................43 Re-Bath ..............................................37 Rod’s Superstore ...............................25 SEECA ..................................................2 Seminary Burse ..................................33 Southland Mall ...................................56 Spotlight ...............................................6 St. Joseph Manor ...............................35 Synergy Bank .....................................54 Terminix ..............................................30 TGMC ...................................................9 Thibodaux Physical Therapy .............48 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Join us no h t i a F f o w in The Year HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGES Holy Land and Mt. Sinai

September 27 - October 8, 2012 • $3,617

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October 15-24, 2012 • $3,595

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Holy Land and Jordan

November 27 - December 7, 2012 • $3,380

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Holy Land

February 21 - March 1, 2013 • $3,290

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Join Father David Wathen, OFM, An experienced pilgrimage leader

CAll 1-800-566-7499 Holy Land Franciscan Pilgrimages Bringing pilgrims to the Holy Land for over 100 years www.HolyLandPilgrimages.org

July 2012

Welcome

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

Success

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The 2012 Steubenville on the Bayou has come and gone but its effects will be felt for many years to come. As 3,000 young people descended on Houma to attend the threeday spiritual extravaganza, hotel rooms were filled and the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center was rocking.

But more than an economic boost to businesses in the area, Steubenville on the Bayou is a spiritual boost for thousands of young people who are yearning for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Steubenville on the Bayou is successful because those attending the conference want it to be successful. They want to enter into that personal relationship with God. And the lasting effects of the conference for these young people should teach the rest of us a lesson. Jesus continues to extend his hand to us every day; he calls out to us and wants to be our brother. Are we answering his call?

Your parish and the diocese offer many ways for you to answer that call, be it at Mass on weekends, at special events and celebrations or simply by making adoration chapels available to you.

Take a look at this month’s Bayou Catholic and you will find many was to enrich your faith, especially through the 2012-2013 series of Adult Faith Formation courses.

Additionally, you may want to consider attending the Woman of God retreat on July 14 or the Man of God retreat on Aug. 4. The respective conferences will be in February for women and March for men.

In a similar way, schools will soon be opening their doors for yet another year of learning. We wish all students well and hope they will take advantage of the wonderful opportunities offered to them. For those attending Catholic schools we further wish they will be open to enriching their faith and to growing in a greater understanding and relationship with God and the church.

As we transition from summer to fall, let’s resolve to take advantage of the many learning opportunities so we may “recharge” ourselves academically, mentally and spiritually.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

WINNER!

A winner has been chosen for Bayou Catholic’s “Where Am I” contest for the month of June.

The rosette window can be found above the sanctuary at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. Many correct entries were received and a winner was drawn at random.

Theresa LeBlanc of Bourg is the winner of a gift card in the amount of $50 from Southland Mall.

Diocesan Programs This Week “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 Guests: Robert Gorman

Executive Director Catholic Charities Houma-Thibodaux

Monique Vicknair, EPC

Assisi Bridge House and Independent Living If you are not receiving these programs in your area, please contact your local cable provider.

July 2012

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Journey

Hospice

Our Philosophy on Hospice Care Includes:

• Allowing the patient to continue seeing their physicians.

• Providing the medications, supplies (diapers, nutritional supplements) and all medical equipment.

• Providing care for those who suffer from: Heart, Liver, and Kidney Disease, Dementia, Cancer, and other chronic illnesses.

• Providing Crisis Care for patients and their caregivers who experience symptoms that are related to the patient’s disease process.

• Providing hospice care for patients while at home, in assisted livings, nursing homes and hospitals.

• Our services are paid by Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance, or our indigent program.

• We continue medications and nutritional supplements while on our service.

• Our patients are allowed to be admitted to a hospital for symptom management.

• We use RN’s and LPN’s for our nursing care, along with CNA’s, Social Workers, Chaplains, and Volunteers.

• We provide bereavement for no less than a year following a patient’s passing.

• Along with our Medical Director, we work with the patient’s physician to provide the best continuity of care for the patient.

To learn more about our services Call: 985-223-1865 598 Corporate Drive • Houma, LA 70360 24 Hours 7 Days a Week

n Blessed Kateri Mass, Friday, July 13, Holy Family Church, Dulac, 6:30 p.m. n Women of God Retreat, Saturday, July 14, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Online registration: www. htconferences.org or by phone (985) 850-3171. Speaker will be Father Francis Valerio. Reg-

August

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n Man of God Retreat, Saturday, Aug. 4, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration is $24 per person and includes meals.

Visit www.htconferences.org or call (985)850-3171 to register.

Speaker will be Father Francis Valerio. Open to all men over 18 years of age. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Aug. 7, Quality Inn, Houma, 11:30 a.m. Speaker will be Father Joshua Rodrigue. n St. Lawrence the Martyr Church Parish in Kraemer and St. James Mission in Choctaw are culminating a yearlong observance of their 50th anniversary Aug. 12, with a 10 a.m. Mass followed by a reception in the Life Center. The all-day gathering will include food, entertainment,

istration is $24 per person and includes meals. Open to women over 18 years of age. n Christian Leadership Institute, July 18-22, Lumen Christi Retreat Center’s Souby Building. n aNew Experience, Thursday, July 19, St. Bernadette Church, Houma, 7-9 p.m. n Marriage Preparation Day

for pre-registered couples, Saturday, July 21, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Contact your church parish or call the Office of Family Ministries at (985) 850-3129 for registration details. Additional information is available online at www.htdiocese.org/fm.

a PowerPoint presentation of the parish history, games and music. n Woman of God Gathering, Tuesday, Aug. 14, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6 p.m. Meal will be served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m. Free event, all women over 18 years of age are invited. n Acadian Mass, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 6:30 p.m., St. Hilary of Poitiers Church, Mathews, n aNew Experience, Thursday, Aug. 16, 7 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Thibodaux, n Adult Faith Formation-Faith Enrichment, Thursday, Aug. 16, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Topic, “Components of Effective Teaching-High School.” Speaker, Mike DiSalvo. n Adult Faith Formation-Pro-

claiming and Living Our Faith, Wednesdays, Aug. 22, 29, 6-8:15 p.m., diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Topic, “Scripture II-The New Testament.” Deacon John Pippenger, speaker. n Adult Faith Formation-Faith Enrichment, Thursday, Aug. 23, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Topic, “Components of Effective Teaching-Elementary.” Speakers, Julie Brunet and Renee McAlister. n Family of God Mini-Conference, Saturday, Aug. 25, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. n Adult Faith Formation-Faith Enrichment, Thursday, Aug. 30, diocesan Pastoral Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Topic, “The Call to Holiness.” Speaker, Paul George.

September

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Sept. 4, Quality Inn, Houma, 11:30 a.m. Speaker will be Father Clyde Mahler. n Adult Faith FormationProclaiming and Living Our Faith Level, Wednesdays, Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Topic, “Scripture II-The New Testament.” Speaker, Deacon John Pippenger. n DRE/CRE Meeting, Thursday, Sept. 6, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 9:30 a.m. to Noon. n Adult Faith Formation-Faith Enrichment, Thursday, Sept. 6, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Topic, “God and the Human Person.”

Speaker, Katie Austin.

July 2012

DIOCESAN

July

n Marriage Preparation Day for pre-registered couples, Sunday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Contact your church parish or call the Office of Family Ministries at (985) 850-3129 for registration details. Additional information is available online at www.htdiocese.org/fm. n Man of God Gathering, Tuesday, Sept. 18, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6 p.m.

Meal will be served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m. Free event, all men over 18 years of age are invited. n aNew Experience, Wednesday, Sept. 19, 7-9 p.m., Maria Immacolata Church, Houma, n Blue Mass, Thursday, Sept.

20, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral,

Thibodaux, 11 a.m. n Adult Faith Formation-Faith Enrichment, Thursday, Sept. 20, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Topic, “Revelation, Tradition and Magisterium.” Speaker, Katie Austin. n Youth Ministry Adult Retreat, Saturday, Sept. 22-23, Lumen Christi Retreat Center’s Souby Building, Schriever, 10 a.m.

www.bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

EVENTS

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Another Reason to Choose TGMC.

Pathway to Excellence Certified Nurses Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) has achieved Pathway to Excellence® designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is one of only two facilities in the state of Louisiana to receive this nursing designation.

TGMC successfully underwent a thorough review process that documented foundational quality initiatives and is recognized as a Medical Center that provides an outstanding nursing practice environment.

As a Pathway to Excellence® designated organization, TGMC is committed to nurses, to what nurses identify as important to their practice and to valuing nurses’ contributions in the workplace. By providing this ideal practice environment at TGMC, nurses can focus their talents and skills on providing high quality, outstanding care to our patients.

tgmc.com Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

July 2012

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Comment Jesus Is Lord Bishop Sam G. Jacobs

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“If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

The call to repent is a consistent call from God in the Scriptures because of: n the sin of humanity from Adam and Eve and Cain to the sins of the chosen people in the dessert during their Exodus journey, from the sins of the people during the time of the Judges to the sin of Saul, David and Solomon and his descendants; n the sins of the people that led them into the Babylonian captivity to the sins of the people during the Maccabean era; n the demands of the death of Jesus to the sins of nations through the centuries in wars, plundering, murdering the innocent, enslavement of people and genocide, terrorism and the desecration of the dignity and sacredness of each being made in the image and likeness of God. From 2 Chronicles to Joel 2:1314: “Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God. For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment.

Perhaps he will again relent and leave behind a blessing.”

From the initial proclamation of Jesus in Mark’s Gospel: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel” (1:15).

To the Book of Revelation: “Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first” (2:4-5).

“Yet I hold a few things against you. You have some people who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who instructed Balak to put a stumbling block before the Israelites; to eat food sacrifices to idols and to play the harlot. Likewise, you also have some people who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

Therefore, repent” (2:14-16).

Why was God calling for repentance?

Genesis 6:5 tells us, “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of human beings was on earth, and how every desire that their heart conceived was always nothing but evil.”

Romans 1:18-31 tell us, “The wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heaven against every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness … . For although they knew God they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks.

Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for creatures … they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and revered and worshiped the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen … God handed them over to their undiscerning mind to do what is improper. They are filled with every form of wickedness, evil, greed and malice; full of envy, murder, rivalry, treachery and spite. They are gossips and scandalmongers and they hate God. They are insolent, haughty, boastful, ingenious in their

wickedness, and rebellious toward their parents. They are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.”

As we look at our world today, what do we see? We see many more people claiming publicly to be atheists and spewing their hatred toward those who believe in God, on billboards, T.V. spots and blogs.

The Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers forced the Air Force at Fort Bragg to remove all bibles in on-base lodging facilities.

Lord, we have sinned, have mercy on us.

Vanderbilt University has told a Christian student group that it will lose its recognized status on campus unless the group removes its requirement that its leaders have a “personal commitment to Jesus Christ.”

A proposed ordinance in Hutchinson, KS, could force individuals and institutionsincluding Catholic churches-to host and participate in events that violate church teachings on sexuality.

Lord, we have sinned, have mercy on us.

In a recent decree the U.S. Health and Human Resource Department, backed by the present administration has mandated mandatory group health plan coverage for “all Food and Drug Administrationapproved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures and patient education and counseling for all women with reproductive capacity.”

It substantially interferes with a citizen’s religious liberty protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and it violates the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Lord, we have sinned, have mercy on us.

In the U.S. alone, 54,559,615 abortions were performed between 1973 and 2011. Since 2001, 10 countries have begun allowing same-sex couples to marry

Lord, we have sinned, have mercy on us July 2012

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

nationwide: Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa and Sweden. Same-sex marriages are also performed and recognized in the Brazilian state of Alagoas, Mexico City and parts of the United States including Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and Washington, D.C. The states of Washington and Maryland have passed laws to begin granting same-sex marriage licenses during 2012, but each may be delayed or derailed by November 2012 voter referenda.

Lord, we have sinned, have mercy.

Legally sanctioning euthanasia and physician assisted suicide are 13 countries and three states in the U.S.: Oregon, Washington and Montana.

Over the centuries genocide has occurred. In the 20th and 21st century alone the estimates are staggering. Under Communist USSR, China and the Khmer Rouge, it is said that 100 million were killed. Over 5.7 million were killed by the Nazis during World War II. In Bosnia, 250,000 were killed from 1992-1995 (U.S. State Dept.); in Rwanda, 1 million killed in 1994; in Somalia: 300,000 killed from 1991-present (IRIN, a UN agency); in Darfur: at least 450,000 killed from 2003-present (UN High Commission on Refugees). Between 1980-2009 in the U.S., over 1 million murders, forcible rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults have occurred.

Lord, we have sinned, have mercy on us.

What are we to do?

“If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

With contrite hearts and humble spirit we are to cry out to the Lord: Lord, we have sinned, have mercy on us. In the words of Psalm 106:6, “We have sinned like our ancestors: we have done wrong and are guilty.”

We are called to turn away from our own wicked ways and intercede for the sins of the world before the Lord with fasting and weeping as Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

the Ninevites did at the preaching of Jonah.

Like Ezekiel we are called to be watchmen of the Lord for his people. What the Lord said to him, he says to us. “When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul” (Ezekiel 3:18-19).

conviction: “It is better for us to obey God than man.”

We need to heed the words of St. Paul to Timothy: “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.

For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will

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LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

“Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin and his righteousness which he has done will not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. Nevertheless, if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also, you have delivered your soul” (Ezekiel 3:20-21).

Like Ezekiel we too will be held accountable to the Lord for obeying or not obeying his word. Like Peter and John we need to say with full

be diverted to myths. But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:1-5).

In the words of Paul in Acts 17:3031, “God has overlooked the times of ignorance, but now he demands that all people everywhere repent because he has established a day on which he will ‘judge the world with justice’ through a man he has appointed, and he has provided confirmation for all by raising him from the dead.”

In the words of Revelation 2:7, “Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

July 2012

Comentario

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Señor, hemos pecado, ten misericordia de nosotros

«Y mi pueblo, sobre el cual es invocado mi Nombre, se humilla, rezando y buscando mi rostro, y se vuelven de sus malos caminos, yo entonces los oiré desde los cielos, perdonaré su pecado y sanaré su tierra.»

El llamado al arrepentimiento es un llamado que Dioshace con consistencia en las Escrituras encada una de estas instancias: n El pecado de la humanidad por Adán y Eva y Caín, los pecados del pueblo elegido en el desierto durante el camino del Éxodo, los pecados del pueblo desde los tiempos de El Libro de Los Jueces hasta el pecado de Saúl, David y Salomón y su descendencia. n Los pecados del pueblo judío que fue sometido a la esclavitud por los babilonios y los pecados durante los tiempos en el Libro de los Macabeos. n Las exigencias de la muerte de Jesúsy los pecados de las naciones durante los siglos por sus guerras, saqueos, asesinatos de inocentes, esclavitud y genocidio, terrorismo y la profanación de la dignidad y la santidad de seres humanos que han sido creados a imagen y semejanza de Dios.

Desde los tiempos del Segundo Libro de las Crónicas hasta Joel 2:13-14: «Rasguen su corazón, y no sus vestidos, y vuelvan a Yavé su Dios, porque Él es bondadoso y compasivo; le cuesta enojarse, y grande es su misericordia; envía la desgracia, pero luego perdona. ¡Quién sabe si volverá atrás y nos perdonará y hará producir de nuevo a nuestros campos, de los cuales sacaremos las ofrendas para Yavé!»

Desde la proclamación inicial de Jesús en el Evangelio de San Marcos: «El tiempo se ha cumplido, el Reino de Dios está cerca. Renuncien a su mal camino y crean en la Buena Nueva» (1:15); hasta el Libro de Apocalipsis: «Pero tengo

July 2012

algo en contra tuya, y es que has perdido tu amor del principio. Date cuenta, pues, de dónde has caído, recupérate y vuelve a lo que antes sabías hacer» (2:4-5).

«Pero tengo alguna cosa contra ti: toleras a los que profesan la doctrina de Balaam, el que enseñó a Balac a hacer tropezar a los israelitas con la prostitución y las carnes sacrificadas a los ídolos.

Lo mismo hacen los que siguen la doctrina de los nicolaítas ahí donde

necios. Incluso remplazaron al Dios de la Gloria, al Dios incorruptible, con imágenes de todo lo pasajero…

Cambiaron la verdad de Dios por la mentira. Adoraron y sirvieron a seres creados en lugar del Creador, que es bendecido por todos los siglos. ¡Amén! Dios los abandonó a los errores de su propio juicio, de tal modo que hacen absolutamente todo lo que es malo. En ellos no se va más que injusticia, perversidad, codicia y maldad. Rebosan de

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

tú estás. Por tanto, arrepiéntete» (2:14-16). ¿Por qué nos dice Dios que nos arrepintamos?

Génesis 6:5 nos dice: «Yavé vio que la maldad del hombre en la tierra era grande y que todos sus pensamientos tendían siempre al mal.»

Romanos 1:18-31 nos dice: «Desde el cielo nos amenaza la indignación de Dios por todas las maldades e injusticias de aquéllos que sofocan la verdad con el mal… A pesar de que conocían a Dios, no le rindieron honores ni le dieron gracias como corresponde. Al contrario, creyéndose sabios, se volvieron

envidia, crímenes, peleas, engaños, mala fe, chismes y calumnias.

Desafían a Dios, son altaneros, orgullosos, farsantes, hábiles para lo malo y no obedecen a sus padres.

Son insensatos, desleales, sin amor, despiadados.» ¿Qué vemos hoy en nuestro mundo? Vemos a muchas más personas declarar en público que son ateos y dirigiendo su odio hacia aquéllos que creen en Dios en letreros públicos, la televisión, y en blogs del internet. La Asociación Militar de Ateos y Librepensadores obligaron a la Fuerza Aérea en Fort Bragga quitar todas las biblias en las instalaciones de alojamiento.

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Señor, hemos pecado. Ten piedad de nosotros.

La Universidad Vandebilt le ha advertido a un grupo cristiano de estudiantes que perderá su estado legal en su campus si no quita su requisito para que sus líderes tengan un «compromiso personal con Jesucristo.»

Un decreto propuesto en Hutchinson, Kansas, podría obligar a personas e instituciones ­incluyendo iglesias católicas­ a llevar a cabo y participar en eventos que violan las doctrinas de la Iglesia sobre el tema de la sexualidad.

Señor, hemos pecado. Ten piedad de nosotros.

En un decreto reciente, el Departamento de Salud y Recursos Humanos con el apoyo del gobierno actual ha ordenado que los planes de seguro que las compañías proporcionan a sus empleados cubran «todo producto dela agencia deFood and DrugAdministration que incluye métodos anticonceptivos, procedimientos de esterilización, educación para pacientes y consejo profesional para todas las mujeres con capacidad reproductiva.»Este decreto interfiere sustancialmente con la libertad de religión del ciudadano resguardada por la primera enmienda a la constitución de Estados Unidos. El decreto viola el Acta de Restauración de Libertad Religiosa de 1993.

Señor, hemos pecado. Ten piedad de nosotros.

Sólo en Estados Unidos 54,559,615 abortos se han llevado a cabo entre 1973 y 2011. Desde el 2001, diez países han comenzado a permitir legalmente matrimonios del mismo sexo: Argentina, Bélgica, Canadá, Islandia, Los Países Bajos, Noruega, Portugal, España, Sudáfrica y Suecia. En la actualidad matrimonios del mismo sexo se llevan a cabo y son legales en el estado brasilero de Alagoas, Ciudad de México y zonas de Estados Unidos que incluyen Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont y Washington D.C. Los estados de Washington y Maryland han aprobado estatutos que permitirán otorgar licencias para matrimonios del mismo sexo durante el 2012, pero estos podrían ser postergados o descarrilados con Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

un referéndum que se llevará a cabo en noviembre del 2012.

Señor, hemos pecado. Ten piedad de nosotros.

Trece países y tres estados en Estados Unidos ­ Oregón, Washington y Montana­permiten legalmente la eutanasia y el suicidio asistido por un médico.

Durante siglos el mundo ha visto genocidios. En los siglos XX y XXIlas cifras han sido asombrosas.

Bajo la URSS comunista, China y el Jemer Rojo de Camboya, se calcula que han muerto cien millones de personas. Más de 5.7 millones fueron asesinados por los nazis durante las Segunda Guerra Mundial. En Bosnia, 250,000 fueron asesinados entre 1992 a 1995 (Departamento de Estado de E.U.); en Ruanda un millón fueron asesinados en 1994; en Somalia: 300,000 asesinados entre 1991 al presente (IRIN, servicio de noticias de la ONU); en Darfur: al menos 450,000 asesinados entre 2003 al presente (El Alto Comisionado para Refugiados de la ONU). Entre 1980 a 2009 en Estados Unidos, más de un millón de asesinatos, violaciones, asaltos y lesiones calificadas se han llevado a cabo.

Señor, hemos pecado. Ten piedad de nosotros. ¿Qué debemos hacer?

«Y mi pueblo, sobre el cual es invocado mi Nombre, se humilla, rezando y buscando mi rostro, y se vuelven de sus malos caminos, yo entonces los oiré desde los cielos, perdonaré su pecado y sanaré su tierra.»

Con el corazón contrito y el espíritu humilde debemos pedirle al Señor: «Señor, hemos pecado.

Ten piedad de nosotros.» El Salmo 106:6 dice: «Junto con nuestros padres hemos pecado, cometimos una falta, somos culpables.»

El llamado que se nos hace es de volver de nuestros malos caminos e interceder por los pecados del mundo ante el Señor ayunando y clamando a Dios como los ninivitas lo hicieron después del sermón de Jonás.

Así como Ezequiel hemos sido llamados a ser vigías del Señor para su pueblo. Lo que el Señor le dice a él, él nos lo dice. «Si le digo al malvado: ¡Vas a morir! y si tú no se lo adviertes, si no hablas de tal manera que ese malvado deje su mala conducta y así salve su

vida, ese malvado morirá debido a su falta, pero a ti te pediré cuenta de su sangre. En cambio, si se lo adviertes al malvado y él no quiera renunciar a su maldad y a su mala conducta, morirá debido a su falta, pero tú habrás salvado tu vida» (Ezequiel 3:18-19).

«Si el justo deja de hacer el bien y comete la injusticia, pondré una piedra delante de él para que se caiga y morirá. Si tú no se lo has advertido, morirá a causa de su pecado, se olvidarán de las buenas acciones que haya hecho, pero a ti te pediré cuenta de su sangre.

Pero, si tu adviertes al justo para que no peque y siga sin pecar, vivirá gracias a tu advertencia, y tú habrás salvado tu vida» (Ezequiel 3:20-21).

Como Ezequiel también debemos dar cuentas al Señor por haber obedecido o no obedecido su palabra.

Como Pedro y Juan necesitamos decir con plena convicción: «Hay que obedecer a Dios antes que a los hombres.»

Necesitamos prestar atención a las palabras de San Pablo en su segunda carta a Timoteo: «Te ruego delante de Dios y de Cristo 13 Jesús, juez de vivos y muertos, que ha de venir y reinar, y te digo: predica la Palabra, insiste a tiempo y a destiempo, rebatiendo, reprendiendo o aconsejando, siempre con paciencia y dejando una enseñanza. Pues llegará un tiempo en que los hombres ya no soportarán la sana doctrina, sino que se buscarán maestros según sus inclinaciones, hábiles en captar su atención; cerrarán los oídos a la verdad y se volverán hacia puros cuentos. Por eso debes estar siempre alerta. Supera las dificultades, dedícate a tu trabajo de evangelizador, cumple bien tu ministerio» (2-Timoteo 4:1-5).

Pablo dice en Hechos 17:30-31: «Ahora precisamente Dios quiere superar esos tiempos de ignorancia y pide a todos los hombres de todo el mundo un cambio total. Tiene ya fijado un día en que juzgará a todo el mundo con justicia, valiéndose de un hombre que ha designado, y al que todos pueden creer, pues él lo ha resucitado de entre los muertos».

Apocalipsis 2:7 dice: «El que tenga oídos, escuche este mensaje del Espíritu a las Iglesias.»

July 2012

Binh luan bang loi

Laïy Chuùa Chuùng Con Laø Keû Toäi Loãi, Xin Thöông Xoùt Chuùng Con

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“Neáu daân Ta, maø keâu caàu danh Ta, vaø chuùng haï mình xuoáng, caàu nguyeän vaø nhìn vaøo maët Ta vaø trôû laïi con ñöôøng ngay thaúng; töø trôøi cao Ta seõ laéng nghe chuùng vaø seõ tha toäi cho chuùng vaø seõ laøm cho ñaát chuùng ôû ñöôïc bình an.” Söï keâu goïi aên naên hoái caûi laø tieáng noùi khoâng ngöøng ñeán töø Thieân Chuùa trong Kinh Thaùnh vì: nToäi loãi do con ngöôøi phaïm phaùt xuaát töø Adong vaø Evaø vaø Ca-in cho ñeán töø nhöõng ngöôøi Chuùa choïn trong khi haønh trình trong hoang ñòa, phaùt xuaát töø nhöõng ngöôøi Chuùa choïn trong thôøi kyø Thaåm Phaùn ñeán töø toäi cuûa vua Saoloâ, Ña vít, Saloâmoân vaø nhöõng theá heä tieáp noái. nToäi loãi cuûa daân ñöôïc tuyeån choïn ñaõ ñöa hoï ñeán noâ leä beân Babylon vaø toäi loãi cuûa hoï trong thôøi kyø Macabee. nCaùi cheát khoâng theå thoaùt ñöôïc cuûa Chuùa Gieâsu vì toäi loãi cuûa caùc daân toäc qua bao theá kyû chieán tranh, töôùc ñoaït, gieát keû voâ toäi, baét nhieàu ngöôøi laøm noâ leä vaø dieät chuûng, khuûng boá vaø vi phaïm ñeán phaåm giaù con ngöôøi vaø söï toân nghieâm cuûa hoï ñaõ ñöôïc döïng neân do hình aûnh vaø taâm aûnh cuûa Ngaøi.

Töø cuoán saùch Chronicles thöù hai cho ñeán saùch tieân tri Joel ñoaïn 2 caâu 13-14: “Haõy söûa ñoåi taâm hoàn, khoâng phaûi manh aùo, vaø trôû veà vôùi Chuùa, laø Thieân Chuùa cuûa caùc ngöôi.

Vì Ngaøi roäng löôïng vaø töø bi, khoâng noùng giaän, luoân beàn bæ trong yeâu thöông, vaø chaäm raõi khi söûa phaït.

Coù theå Ngaøi seõ thay ñoåi, khoâng giaùng phaït nhöng chuùc phuùc.”

Ngay töø luùc baét ñaàu rao giaûng Chuùa Gieâsu noùi trong phuùc aâm Maùc Coâ: “Thôøi gian ñaõ gaàn keà. Nöôùc trôøi ñaõ gaàn ñeán. Haõy aên naên vaø tin vaøo Tin Möøng” (1:15). Ñeán saùch Khaûi Huyeàn: “Phaûi, Ta choáng laïi caùc ngöôi: caùc ngöôi ñaõ maát ñi tình yeâu ñaõ coù töø ban ñaàu.

Caùc ngöôi coù bieát caùc ngöôi ñaõ luùn saâu quaù xa khoâng. Haõy aên naên, vaø laøm vieäc thieän nhö caùc ngöôi ñaõ thöïc thi ngay töø luùc ban ñaàu” (2:45).

July 2012

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Phaûi, Ta choáng laïi caùc ngöôi. Trong caùc ngöôi coù moät soá ngöôøi ñang theo taø thaàn, nhöõng ngöôøi ñoù muoán Balak laøm côù vaáp phaïm cho daân Ngöôøi; nhö aên ñoà teá thaàn vaø ñaøng ñieám.

Cuõng theá, coøn moät soá khaùc tin theo lôøi daïy cuûa OÂng Nicoâlaitaân. Vì theá, haõy aên naên” (2: 14-16).

Saùch Khôûi Nguyeân noùi, “Thieân Chuùa ñaõ nhìn thaáy toäi loãi con ngöôøi quaù ñoãi, vaø loøng ao öôùc cuûa chuùng khoâng gì khaùc ngoaøi söï döõ.” Saùch Roâma ñoaïn 1 caâu 18-31 noùi, “Hình phaït cuûa Thieân Chuùa thaät söï ñang ñöôïc theå hieän töø treân cao choáng laïi caùc haønh vi nghòch ñaïo vaø ñoài baïi cuûa nhöõng ai choáâng laïi söï thaät qua haønh vi voâ tri cuûa chuùng…. Vì hoï ñaõ bieát Chuùa nhöng khoâng vinh danh Ngaøi hay caûm taï Ngaøi. Thay vaøo ñoù, hoï ñaõ coù loái suy luaän voâ lyù, vaø töï xöng laø khoân ngoan, hoï trôû neân ngu daïi vaø ñaõ ñoåi laáy vinh quang cuûa Ñaáng Toái Cao vôùi theá tuïc… hoï ñoåi moïi söï thaät cuûa Thieân Chuùa ñeå laáy söï giaû doái vaø toân thôø taø thaàn thay vì Ñaáng Taïo Hoùa, Ngöôøi ñaùng ñöôïc ca tuïng muoân ñôøi. Amen… Thieân Chuùa ñaõ boû

chuùng vì caùi ñaàu khoâng bieát suy nghó ñoù ñeå laøm nhöõng chuyeän sai traùi.

Chuùng chöùa moïi thöù ñoài baïi, taø ñaïo, kieâu ngaïo vaø aùc taâm, loøng hay ghen töông, xaùt nhaân, noåi loaïn, phaûn boäi vaø oaùn thuø. Chuùng noùi haønh, gieøm pha vaø thuø gheùt Thieân Chuùa. Chuùng xaác laùo, gheâ tôûm, töï cao, gian manh trong phöông caùch haønh ñaïo vaø noåi loaïn choáng laïi cha meï. Chuùng voâ tri, baát trung, voâ taâm vaø taøn nhaãn.”

Khi chuùng ta nhìn vaøo theá giôùi hoâm nay, anh chò em thaáy gì? Chuùng ta thaáy caøng nhieàu ngöôøi coâng khai töï coi mình laø voâ thaàn vaø phun ra söï caêm hôøn nhöõng ai tin vaøo Thieân Chuùa, nhö treân quaûn caùo ôû ñöôøng xe, treân TV vaø qua muïc xaõ giao treân maïng. Hoäi quaân nhaân cuûa lính voâ thaàn vaø nhöõng ngöôøi töï do suy nghó yeâu caàu nhöõng ngöôøi laõnh ñaïo ôû caên cöù Fort Bragg boû ñi taát caû saùch Kinh Thaùnh trong nhöõng khaùch saïn vaø truù nguï trong ñoù.

Laïy Chuùa, chuùng con laø keû toäi loãi, xin thöông xoùt chuùng con. Ñaïi hoïc Vanderbilt ñaõ noùi vôùi nhoùm hoïc sinh Kytoâ laø neáu hoï khoâng

a

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

coøn ñoøi hoûi nhöõng ngöôøi laõnh ñaïo phaûi laø nhöõng ngöôøi soáng ñaïo toát thì khoâng coøn quyeàn hoaït ñoäng trong khuoân vieân ñaïi hoïc nöõa.

Moät khoaûn luaät ñöôïc ñeà nghò ôû thaønh phoá Hutchinson, bang Kensas coù theå eùp caùc caù nhaân vaø vaø toå chöùc, keå caû nhaø thôø Coâng Giaùo, toå chöùc hoäi hoïp (event) vaø tham gia vaøo caùc hoäi hoïp keå caû nhöõng buoåi hoäi hoïp ñoù ñi ngöôïc laïi vôùi luaân lyù sinh lyù.

Laïy Chuùa, chuùng con laø keû coù toäi, xin thöông xoùt chuùng con.

Trong moät saéc leänh, Boä Chaêm Soùc Söùc Khoeû vaø Nguoàn Nhaân Löïc, do chính phuû ñöông thôøi uûng hoä ra leänh cho caùc coâng ty baûo hieåm “cung caáp thuoác ngöøa thai, dieät saûn, giaùo duïc vaø tö vaán do Vaên Phoøng Kieåm Soaùt Ñoà AÊn vaø Thuoác Men öng thuaän cho taát caû phuï nöõ coù theå sanh saûn.” Nhö theá ngang nhieân xuùc phaïm ñeán quyeàn töï do tín ngöôõng ñöôïc ñaûm baûo döôùi Khoaûn Tu Hieán ñaàu tieân vaø Luaät Töï Do Haønh Ñaïo coâng boá naêm 1993.

Chæ trong nöôùc Myõ maø thoâi ñaõ coù tôùi 54,559,615 vuï phaù thai tính töø naêm 1973 ñeán 2011. Töø naêm 2001 ñaõ coù 10 quoác gia chaáp thuaän cho ngöôøi ñoàng tính laáy nhau, ñoù laø Argentina, Bæ, Canaña, Iceland, Hoaø Lan, Na Uy, Boà Ñaøo Nha, Taây Ban Nha, Nam Phi, vaø Thuïy Ñieån. Hoân nhaân ñoàng tính cuõng ñöôïc chaáp thuaän vaø coâng nhaän ôû tieåu bang Ba Taây beân Alagoas, thaønh phoá Meã Taây Cô vaø vaøi tieåu bang treân nöôùc Myõ nhö Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont vaø Thuû Ñoâ Washington. Tieåu bang Washington vaø Maryland ñaõ thoâng qua luaät cho pheùp hoân nhaân ñoàng tính vaøo naêm 2012, nhöng moãi tieåu bang coù theå trì hoaõn cho ñeán ngaøy tröng caàu daân yù vaøo thaùng 11naêm nay.

Laïy Chuùa, chuùng con laø keû toäi loãi, xin thöông xoùt chuùng con. Ñaõ coù 13 quoác gia vaø 3 tieåu bang nhö Oregon, Washington vaø Montana coâng nhaän cheát eâm dòu vaø trôï töû. Qua nhieàu theá kyû, dieät chuûng ñaõ xaûy ra.

Chæ trong theá kyû 20 vaø 21 con soá ñoù ñaõ quaù lôùn. Trong cheá ñoä Coäng Saûn Nga, Trung Quoác vaø Khôø Me Ñoû coù tôùi 100 trieäu ngöôøi bò gieát haïi. Hôn 5.7 trieäu ngöôøi Do Thaùi bò tieâu huûy döôùi thôøi Ñöùc Quoác Xaõ trong thôøi gian Ñeä Nhò Theá Chieán xaûy ra. ÔÛ Bosnia, 250 ngaøn ngöôøi bi maát maïng töø 1992-95; ôû Rwanda 1 trieäu ngöôøi bò gieát vaøo naêm 1994; ôû Somalia 300 ngaøn ngöôøi bò thieät maïng töø naêm 1991 ñeán giôø; ôû Darfur, ít nhaát coù 450 ngaøn ngöôøi bò Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

maát maïng töø naêm 2003 ñeán giôø. Treân ñaát Hoa Kyø töø naêm 1980 ñeán 2009 ñaõ coù treân 1 trieäu ngöôøi bò saùt haïi, cöôõng daâm, troäm caép vaø taán coâng baèng baïo löïc.

Laïy Chuùa, chuùng con laø keû coù toäi, xin thöông xoùt chuùng con.

Chuùng ta caàn laøm gì?

“Neáu daân Ta, maø keâu caàu danh Ta, vaø chuùng haï mình xuoáng, caàu nguyeän vaø nhìn maët Ta vaø trôû laïi con ñöôøng ngay thaúng; töø trôøi cao Ta seõ laéng nghe chuùng vaø seõ tha toäi cho chuùng vaø seõ laøm cho ñaát chuùng ôû ñöôïc bình an.” Vôùi taâm hoàn khieâm nhöôøng vaø

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

thaàn trí khieâm nhu chuùng ta keâu leân Chuùa: Laïy Chuùa, chuùng con laø keû toäi loãi, xin thöông xoùt chuùng con. Nhöõng lôøi noùi trong Thaùnh Vònh 106:6, “Chuùng con ñaõ phaïm toäi nhö cha oâng chuùng con: chuùng con ñaõ laøm loãi vaø caûm thaáy aùy naùy.”

Chuùng ta ñöôïc keâu goïi töø boû ñöôøng loái gian taø vaø keâu xin Chuùa tha toäi cho theá giôùi baèng vieäc aên chay vaø than khoùc nhö Thaønh Niniveâ ñaõ laøm khi nghe lôøi caûnh caùo cuûa Jonah. Nhö Ezekiel chuùng ta ñöôïc keâu goïi laøm con maét cho ngöôøi cuûa Chuùa. Nhöõng gì Chuùa Noùi vôùi tieân tri thì ngaøi cuõng noùi vôùi chuùng ta, “Neáu ngöôi noùi vôùi

ngöôøi laàm laïc, ‘Ngöôi seõ cheát,’ vaø khoâng caûnh caùo noù, ñeå noù aên naên vaø xaùm hoái, ngöôøi laàm laïc ñoù seõ cheát treân toäi cuûa chuùng, nhöng maùu cuûa chuùng caùc ngöôi phaûi chòu traùch nhieäm. Vaâng, neáu ngöôi caûnh caùo ngöôøi laàm böôùc vaø noù khoâng hoaùn caûi trong haønh vi gian taø cuûa noù, noù seõ cheát trong söï gian taø cuûa noù, nhöng Ta seõ cöùu roãi ngöôi” (Ezikiel 3:18-19).

“Theâm vaøo ñoù, khi ngöôøi coâng chính boû con ñöôøng ngay thaúng vaø sa ngaõ, vaø ñaët chöôùng ngaïi vaät tröôùc maët noù, noù seõ cheát, bôûi vì ngöôi khoâng caûnh caùo noù, noù seõ cheát trong toäi cuûa noù vaø nhöõng vieäc coâng chính noù laøm khoâng ñöôïc nhôù ñeán, nhöng maùu cuûa noù seõ baét ngöôi phaûi ñeàn. Tuy nhieân, neáu ngöôi caûnh caùo ngöôøi coâng chính vaø ngöôøi coâng chính ñoù khoâng phaïm toäi vì coâng traïng cuûa ngöôi, noù chaéc chaén seõ soáng vì lôøi caûnh caùo cuûa ngöôi; cuõng theá, linh hoàn ngöôi cuõng ñöôïc cöùu thoaùt” (Ezekiel 3:20-21).

Nhö Ezekiel chuùng ta phaûi chòu traùch nhieäm tröôùc maët Chuùa coù hay khoâng nghe theo lôøi Ngaøi. Nhö Pheâroâ vaø Gioan chuùng ta quyeát chí noùi raèng: “Thaø nghe Chuùa hôn laø nghe theo lôøi con ngöôøi.”

Chuùng ta caàn nghe nhöõng lôøi Thaùnh Phaoloâ göûi Timoâthi: “Ta khuyeân con 15 trong söï hieän dieän cuûa Thieân Chuùa vaø Chuùa Gieâsu, ngöôøi seõ phaùn xeùt keû soáng vaø keû cheát, vaø söï hieän ra vaø quyeàn naêng cai trò cuûa Ngöôøi, haõy coâng boá lôøi Chuùa; caàn sieâng naêng khi thuaän tieän cuõng nhö khoâng thuaän tieän; thuyeát phuïc, söûa phaït, khuyeán khích vôùi loøng kieân nhaãn vaø raên daïy.

Seõ coù ngaøy ngöôøi ta khoâng coøn muoán nghe chaân lyù ñuùng daén, nhöng tin theo nhöõng khaùt voïng cuûa hoï,ï chieàu theo tính toø moø, seõ tìm caùc thaày theá tuïc vaø khoâng coøn nghe söï thaät nöõa vaø seõ ñam meâ huyeàn thoaïi. Nhöng con neân chieám laáy ñieàu toát laønh trong moïi hoaøn caûnh; chaáp nhaän khoù khaên; haønh xöû nhö nhöõng söù giaû; chu toaøn boån phaän” (2Timothy 4:1-5).

Nhöõng lôøi cuûa Thaùnh Phaoloâ trong Toâng Ñoà Coâng Vuï ñoaïn 17 caâu 3031, “Thieân Chuùa ñaõ laøm ngô trong thôøi gian laàm loãi, nhöng baây giôø Ngaøi ñoøi moïi ngöôøi ôû moïi nôi phaûi hoaùn caûi vì Ngaøi ñaõ daønh ra moät ngaøy ñeå xeùt xöû theá gian trong coâng lyù qua moät ngöôøi ñaõ ñöôïc tuyeån choïn, vaø chính Ngaøi ñaõ cho ngöôøi aáy soáng laïi töø coõi cheát.”

Nhöõng lôøi trong saùch Khaûi Huyeàn ñoïan 2 caâu 7, “Ai coù tai thì haõy nghe nhöõng gì Thaùnh Thaàn noùi vôùi giaùo hoäi.”

July 2012

Comment The Pope Speaks

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI called for prayers for the 50th International Eucharistic Congress under way in Dublin, expressing hopes it would lead to a greater appreciation of Jesus’ selfsacrifice and deeper love and unity in the church.

The weeklong gathering, which opened June 10, is “a precious occasion for reaffirming the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of the church,” the pope said at the end of his weekly general audience June 13.

The pope gave his “blessed greeting to the church in Ireland” and to the papal legate, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, head of the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, who was among the thousands of participants.

Christ’s true presence in the Eucharist is a reminder of his gift of self-sacrifice for all humanity, Pope Benedict said. It’s also through the Eucharist that Christ becomes nourishment for his flock so as “to assimilate ourselves to him and let us enter into communion with him,” which then unites all Christians to one another.

The pope invited everyone to “join me in praying that the congress will bear rich spiritual fruit in a greater appreciation of our Lord’s gift of himself to us in the Eucharist and a deeper love of the mystery of the church, which draws us into ever fuller communion with him and with

one another through the daily celebration of the eucharistic sacrifice.”

In his catechesis, the pope continued his series of talks on prayer in the letters of St. Paul, looking specifically at Paul’s realization that “God’s kingdom comes about not by our own efforts but by the power of God’s grace shining through our poor earthen vessels.”

In today’s world of advanced technology, it’s easy to put too much faith in the power and efficiency of human invention, the pope said.

The power of prayer and God’s

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet leads a eucharistic procession during the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin June 13. Cardinal Ouellet, prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, was serving as papal legate to the congress.

grace cannot be underestimated, the pope said, as he called on people to rediscover and give witness to how growing closer to Christ through prayer, reflection and the sacraments changes lives.

What’s critical, he said, is a consistent and faithful relationship with God every day, “above all during barren, difficult or painful situations and when God seems

absent.”

God doesn’t banish evil or suffering from people’s lives as much as he gives them the strength to withstand and overcome it, he said.

St. Paul learned to face persecution and problems by recognizing his own human weakness and having faith in God’s grace, the pope said.

“We need to have the humility not to rely on ourselves, but to work in the Lord’s vineyard, entrusting ourselves as fragile earthen vessels to him.”

The more people open themselves up to prayer and contemplation of God’s word, the more the Lord will be able to reside in their hearts and “transform our weakness into strength for the Gospel.”

“The divine Word, which came to dwell among humanity, wants to live in us, set up his tent within us, in order to enlighten and transform our lives and the world,” said the pope.

Dedicating time to prayer and reflection is not escaping from reality, he said. It is by contemplating and experiencing the peace and beauty of God’s love that people face the reality of human weakness and the real presence of evil, and draw the strength needed to help others and make an impact on the world.

At the end of the audience, attended by an estimated 8,000 pilgrims and visitors, the pope greeted about 110 priests of the Legionaries of Christ, encouraging them as they began a period of pastoral work, “to live this stage of your formative journey as a moment of grace and generous availability.”

The pope also said his prayers were with the world’s students who have either begun their summer vacations or are immersed in exams. “May the Lord help you to live this period with serenity, feeling his constant protection,” he said.

Pope prays Dublin congress draws people closer to Christ, one another

July 2012

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle

Catholics and their participation in reading the Bible

Q

I have been a practicing Catholic for my whole life, nearly 50 years now. Not too long ago, while seeking to renew my faith during Lent, I felt God very close to me, speaking to me and accepting me. Now I am trying my best to be an even more devoted Catholic. Meanwhile, though, my brother has been trying to convince me that I need to find a faith that ingests the Holy Bible -- such as his own Christian (non-Catholic) denomination.

Although I would never leave my Catholic faith, I do question why we don’t focus on the entire Bible.

Our readings at Mass seem to be the same throughout the year. Is there something that I’m missing?

(Charlottesville, Va.) Catholics do, in fact, value the entire Bible -- both the 46 books of the Hebrew Scriptures, which reflect the religious context into which Christianity was born and still exists, and the 27 books of the New Testament, which detail the life and teachings of Jesus and the history of the early church.

Your question may stem from the fact that certain parts of the Scriptures -- from both the Old and New Testaments -- are selected by the church as readings at the Sunday Mass.

Those passages are rotated over a 3-year cycle, so quite a bit

A

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

of the Bible is read and heard by Catholics who faithfully attend Mass -- though obviously not every verse of all 73 books.

In addition, Catholics are encouraged to read the Bible privately and to use it as part of their daily prayer. Rare these days is the Catholic parish that does not have a Bible study course or neighborhood Bible discussion groups.

In fairness to your brother, though, it is only relatively recently in history that the Catholic Church has come to this point of view. For centuries almost no one read the Bible; manuscripts were rare, and biblical stories were passed on by oral tradition.

The invention of the printing press changed that, and the Bible became the most common book in print. Not long after came the Protestant Reformation, with its rejection of papal authority and encouragement of private reading and interpretation of the Scriptures. Bible reading became the hallmark of Protestantism.

It was only in 1943, with Pope Pius XII’s encyclical “Divino Afflante Spiritu,” that Catholics were urged to read and reflect on the Scriptures. For most Catholics, scriptural understanding took a quantum leap forward in the 1960s when the Mass began to be celebrated in the vernacular.

The Bible is a complex compendium of literary genres,

including history, prophecy, poetry, instructional letters, to name just a few. The Catholic Church has traditionally seen itself as the guardian and authentic interpreter of Scripture.

The establishment by Christ of the church preceded any of the New Testament writings, and 17 the church’s guidance has always been helpful in viewing scriptural passages both in their original context and as applied in our day.

But that should not deter any Catholic from reading privately as much of the Bible as often as possible.

2012 Catholic News Service

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

July 2012

Reflections Readings Between The Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

Endurance and steadfastness in faith

E 18

Every day we enter and exit buildings and most of the time such movement only means that we are moving on to the next task in our day. Jesus’ departure from the Temple, however, is an action that has great symbolic impact in Mark’s story.

In Mark 12:38-44, Jesus, who has bested his opponents in debate in the Temple, denounces the religious leaders before his disciples. Their ostentation and abuse of widows demonstrates their malfeasance as leaders and lack of true authority.

Leaving the Temple, Jesus completes a process of turning away from established Israel and toward his disciples, a process that began in 4:11-12 in which Jesus explains that he speaks in parables “in order that” those who do not accept him may not understand the mysteries of the Kingdom. Jesus predicts the destruction of the very building (the Temple) where he has just engaged in controversy with the religious leaders. Early Christians saw the Roman army’s destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. as God’s judgment against those, especially the inept leaders, who refused to acknowledge God’s definitive visitation of his people in Jesus’ ministry, passion, death and resurrection.

The speech Jesus now addresses to his disciples in Mark 13:1-37 powerfully demonstrates the superiority of Jesus’ authority over that of the religious leaders. By means of a parenthetical expres-

July 2012

can be understood by the disciples in the story and the reader as having a purpose in God’s plan. The climax of the process of upheaval will be the presence of the “desolating abomination where he should not be” (13:14), a phrase which recalls Greek ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes’ desecration of the Temple in the mid-second century B.C. by dedicating it to Zeus (2 Maccabees 6:2; Daniel 9:27; 12:11). For the Marcan Christians the abomination will occur when the Roman army demolishes the Temple.

The response to this sacrilege is not to be military defense of Jerusalem, but flight and vigilance for God’s intervention. The darkening of the sun and moon (Mark 13:24) are cosmic symbols, perhaps a reversal of the creation of light and the heavenly luminaries (Genesis 1:3, 16). In their place comes the Son of Man, who in Daniel 7:13-14 represents the people of Israel ultimately victorious over their persecutors. Jesus’ return as this apocalyptic figure will signal God’s victory over evil and the advent of the new creation. Before Caiaphas Jesus will reiterate his return wielding ultimate authority (“at the right hand of the Power” [14:62]), just before he is condemned to death.

Thus, Jesus’ crucifixion will set in motion the process of God’s ultimate victory. The crowd’s earlier recognition that Jesus taught “as one having authority and not as the scribes” (1:22) receives fuller explanation in Jesus’ return wielding power as the end-time Son of Man. The virtues Mark desires the reader to develop here are patient endurance and steadfastness in faith in the midst of trial, as well as vigilant anticipation of God’s ultimate victory over the forces of evil.

sion in 13:14, “Let the reader understand,” Mark has Jesus deliver this speech to the reader as well. The discourse is prompted by a question asked by the first four disciples Jesus called at the seashore (1:16-20) about the times and accompanying signs of “these things.”

The first of the accompanying signs will be deception, and Jesus warns his disciples to be watchful for it (13:5). In addition, there will be rebellions and military uprisings (13:7-8). The first century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus reports the following: “Those Jews, also, who were for seditions, then arose when the times were disturbed ... for the Jews hoped that all of their nation which was beyond Euphrates would have raised an insurrection together with them. The Gauls also, in the neighborhood of the Romans, were in motion, and the Celtae were not quiet; but all was in disorder after the death of Nero.

And the opportunity now offered induced many to aim at the royal power; and the soldiers affected change, out of the hopes of getting money” (The Jewish War 1:4-5).

Jesus also warns of earthquakes and famines which, taken together with wars, constitute apocalyptic symbols. In other words, they symbolize the intervention of God into the course of world events, an intervention which will bring about a new order, the Kingdom of God, which Jesus proclaimed.

Also among the birth pangs of the advent of the Kingdom is persecution of Jesus’ disciples (13:9-13), and some persecutors will be fellow followers of Jesus who succumb to fear and hand over their brothers and sisters! Associated with the other cataclysmic phenomena which usher in the Kingdom, persecution

ons

sti n Que o i t c e efl

e that of hop e s s n e s a t seem en if i intain v a e m l i e v do w come e n How ys over a w l a ill ent God w to pati s e ? g t n n e rampa e chall aith? face th e w ss in f e n a n t c s a w f o n Ho d stead erms t tical t nce an c a a r r u p d ingdom en in mean God’s K t i of s e n o o i td sumpt n Wha he con t e t a ? p ce antici igilan tant v s n o c with

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Veronica first century July 12

Crosiers

Veronica does not appear in the Roman Martyrology, the church’s official list of feasts. According to legend, she was the woman who took pity on Jesus as he carried his cross, wiped his face with a cloth and was left with an image of the suffering Christ. Many such images, known as “veronicas” and “vernicles,” existed in the Middle Ages. Veronica was sometimes associated with other New Testament women, but there is no evidence that she was real. Her name may come from a combination of Latin (“vera” for true) and Greek (“eikon” for image) words. Her story was included in the Stations of the Cross in the 19th century.

Saints

Margaret of Antioch fourth century July 20

Crosiers

This virgin and martyr, the patron saint for a difficult childbirth, is associated with a series of stories about Pelagia of Antioch, who may have been martyred when Emperor Diocletian ordered the last persecution of Christians in 303. St. John Chrysostom in the sixth century and later St. Ambrose knew of a Margaret or Pelagia in Antioch (Marina in the Eastern church) who jumped off a building to save her chastity. Margaret had a strong following as one of the 14 helper saints in the Middle Ages, and was one of the “voices” that St. Joan of Arc heard, urging her to save France.

19

Saints

Joachim and Anne first century July 26

Crosiers

Not mentioned in the Bible, Joachim and Anne are first named as the parents of Mary in the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James, which may date from the second century. In this story, they are old and childless, like the Old Testament Hannah, mother of Samuel, when angels deliver the news that Anne will conceive a child. Anne was an especially popular saint in medieval England, and her feast was celebrated in the West by 1350; Joachim’s feast was authorized or suppressed by various popes, but was joined with Anne’s in 1969.

They are the patrons of married couples; Anne is also the patron of childless women, expectant mothers and miners.

Saints

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

July 2012

Scripture Readings Monday

2

July

Tuesday

3

Wednesday

4

Thursday

5

11

and a listing of Feast days and saints.

12

Friday

6

Sunday

7

8

Weekday Amos 9:11-15 Matthew 9:14-17

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Ezekiel 2:2-5 2 Corinthians 12:710 Mark 6:1-6a

14

15

9

10

Weekday Hosea 2:16, 17b18, 21-22 Matthew 9:18-26

Weekday Weekday Weekday Memorial of Hosea 11:1-4, 8c-9 Hosea 14:2-10 Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13 Benedict, Matthew 10:16-23 Matthew 10:7-15 Matthew 9:32-38 abbot Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12 Matthew 10:1-7

Memorial of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin Isaiah 6:1-8 Matthew 10:24-33

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Amos 7:12-15 Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:7-13

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

Weekday Isaiah 1:10-17 Matthew 10:3411:1

Weekday Isaiah 7:1-9 Matthew 11:20-24

Weekday Isaiah 10:5-7, 13b-16 Matthew 11:25-27

Weekday Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 Matthew 11:28-30

Weekday Isaiah 38:1-6, 2122, 7-8 Matthew 12:1-8

Weekday Micah 2:1-5 Matthew 12:14-21

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Jeremiah 23:1-6 Ephesians 2:13-18 Mark 6:30-34

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

Weekday Micah 6:1-4, 6-8 Matthew 12:38-42

Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Matthew 12:46-50

Feast of James, apostle 2 Corinthians 4:715 Matthew 20:20-28

Weekday Memorial of Jeremiah 3:14-17 Joachim and Anne, parents of the Matthew 13:18-23 Blessed Virgin Mary Jeremiah 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13 Matthew 13:10-17

Weekday Jeremiah 7:1-11 Matthew 13:24-30

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2 Kings 4:42-44 Ephesians 4:1-6 John 6:1-15

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

Weekday Jeremiah 13:1-11 Matthew 13:31-35

Memorial of Ignatius of Loyola, priest Jeremiah 14:17-22 Matthew 13:36-43

Memorial of Alphonsus Liguori, bishop and doctor of the church Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21 Matthew 13:44-46

Weekday Jeremiah 18:1-6 Matthew 13:47-53

Weekday Jeremiah 26:1-9 Matthew 13:54-58

August

13

Saturday

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

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

21

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

July 2012

Heavenly Recipes

Wanda’s Chicken Sauce Piquante 22

Story and Photo

by Lawrence Chatagnier This month’s heavenly recipe is a favorite in many kitchens across South Louisiana. Wanda’s chicken sauce piquante is typical of many sauce piquante recipes. It is a versatile recipe in that the chicken can be substituted with alligator, turtle, rabbit or other wild game. Wanda Swafford is the cook/housekeeper at Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux. She enjoys her work there especially preparing meals for Father John, Gallen, pastor.

“I enjoy cooking. I have been cooking at Christ the Redeemer for the past 10 years. Cooking is much easier when people enjoy the meals you prepare,” says Swafford.

She has been cooking since age 16. “My mother and father taught me how to cook. I have four brothers and two sisters and we all love to cook,” she says.

Swafford has found an Irish stew recipe that she prepares for Father Gallen. “I saw a recipe for Irish stew in the newspaper one day and cooked it for Father Gallen. He liked the stew; later I revised it a little to suit his taste,” says the cook.

Swafford also enjoys baking. “I began baking when I was 10 years old. My mom was known for her sweet potato pie. Everyone loved her pies. As I got older I began making the sweet potato pies and everyone thought that it was my mother’s pie. I guess she taught me well,” says Swafford.

July 2012

Wanda’s Chicken Sauce Piquante 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs 1 medium sized onion 1 medium sized bell pepper 1 29 oz. can tomato sauce 1 6 oz. can tomato paste 1 10 oz. can beef gravy 1 10 oz. can Rotel 3 bay leaves Salt, pepper, Season All, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, Kitchen Boquet, brown sugar Place the chicken thighs in a six quart pot. Season with salt, pepper, Season All, garlic powder, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon of Kitchen Boquet. Braise the meat until brown. Add chopped bell pepper and onion and cook until wilted.

Set the thighs aside to cool, break apart into bite sized pieces. Place thighs back into pot and add tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef gravy, Rotel and bay leaves. Cook on medium heat for approximately 40 minutes. Sprinkle a little brown sugar near the end of the cooking time.

Serve over cooked white rice. Top with chopped green onion (optional). Potato salad can be used as a side dish.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Renew Your Faith in the Year of Faith with a Pilgrimage to Rome The diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development along with Father Jay Baker as the spiritual guide, would like to invite all for a trip to Rome January 21-28, 2013.

Highlights of the tour will include:

• Attending the Papal Audience given by Pope Benedict XVI • Daily Mass in some of Rome’s most beautiful churches • One day trip to Florence • Four Star Hotel Accommodations a block from St. Peter’s Basilica • Airfare, daily breakfast, three dinners and much more Price for the trip is $2,500 based on a double occupancy not including all airport taxes and fuel surcharges.

Please contact Jeremy Becker Director of Stewardship and Development 985-850-3155 jtbecker@htdiocese.org

Entertainment

Seeing Clairely Claire Joller

M 24

My daughter thinks I’m a pushover when it comes to her children.

She’s right.

When one of her children calls me to ask whether he or she can sleep over “tonight” (never “tomorrow” or “this weekend”), my answer is rarely negative.

It happens this time on Monday afternoon, much earlier in the week than usual. “Janou, can I come over to spend the night?

Just me?” Seven-year-old Gian’s voice comes over the phone plaintively, expectantly.

(The “just me” is because his three-year-old sister Emilie never likes to be left out, and he knows she will ask to come, too.)

Glancing over at husband Emil, I remember that this week he has been starting on a job very early in the mornings, long before Gian is ready for summer day camp. My mind also goes to the television program I want to watch and the book I’m currently reading.

I know they will be impossible to watch and read, even with only one of the grandchildren here.

But when I hesitate, Gian amps up his persuasive powers with, “I really want to come over, Janou.

Please?”

A quick consultation with Opa (Grandpa) leaves the decision to me. This is just what Gian knows would happen. It’s why he doesn’t ask to speak to Opa, who can be much more resistant to pleadings than I can.

The minute I give in, the boy begins negotiating supper. Yes, he can have supper with us. But no, Janou, he doesn’t care for the dish I’m making. After I refuse his suggestion of a take-in pizza, he gives up. He decides to have supper with his family, where the

July 2012

Pushover with an agenda

Emilie and Gian

choosing is much more to his liking.

After this very small battle of wills, I’m actually proud of myself for holding the line on supper. Gotta draw the line somewhere, right?

My daughter calls me back right after Gian hangs up to tell her he has received the go-ahead. “Mom, you are such a s-u-c-k-e-r!” she laughs at me. “You know you have the choice of saying no, right?”

I can’t explain to her in a few words why I find that so difficult.

Maybe it’s because I love to hear Gian singing in loud imitation of operatic baritones when he takes a shower before bedtime, and I love to see Emilie take such sudsy delight in her soaking tub bubble bath.

Maybe it’s because when they fall asleep their long eyelashes look so sweet against their faces, and their steady breathing speaks of peace and trust and contentment, even hope.

Maybe it’s because the first few seconds of fluttering eyelids just before they wake up still contains

the innocence of meeting a new day with expectation, an unreserved expectation that belongs only to the realm of children.

Maybe it’s because their little faces feel so soft and warm during that first hug of the day.

Maybe it’s the fact that their childhood will not last forever, and all too soon that phone will no longer ring with those requests to sleep over at older Janou and Opa’s. They’ll still love us, sure.

But we will no longer loom so important to them when friends of their older childhood years take over as the ones who can answer all questions, who can supply much more appealing distractions than they think we are able to.

So before that happens … and while Gian still unashamedly sings silly songs in the shower and Emilie still sucks her thumb as she’s falling asleep … I’ll probably continue to be a sucker for their supplications, a pushover for their pleas.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Contest

W

here Am I?

na i w d n a r Ente ard $50 Gift C

ATHOLIC

R/BAYOU C

HATAGNIE

EC LAWRENC

This unique depiction of Jesus teaching the children is located somewhere in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

Do you know where it can be found? If so you can win a gift card in the amount of $50 to redeem at Southland Mall. Send your guess entitled “Where Am I?” by email to: bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org, by fax to: (985) 850-3232, or to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Deadline to enter is July 31. In the event of a tie, the winner will be randomly selected from all of the correct entries. Winner will be announced in the September issue of Bayou Catholic. Diocesan employees of the Pastoral Center and its satellite offices are not eligible to participate.

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA Rod’s

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July 2012

Young Voices

What advice would you give friends struggling with their faith?

To a friend struggling with their faith, I would have much advice to offer in order to point them in the right path and to strengthen their Catholic faith. As stated in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

These words help me not only through the struggles I face in my own life but also through the endeavors that I encounter when learning about and furthering my faith. I would encourage my friend who is struggling to listen to the very words that get me through hard times. I would

tell my friend to let go of any doubt they have about the Catholic faith and believe.

I would tell him or her to let God guide them, to pray, and to listen to the words of his only son, Jesus Christ. I would encourage my friend to follow the teachings and commandments of God because ultimately, his final judgment is the only one that truly matters.

Katelyn Cortez, 15 years old Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish, Chackbay Thibodaux High School

What I would suggest to a friend who is struggling with their faith is to try to attend a retreat. For me, this was one thing that helped and strengthened my bond with God immediately. I gave this advice to one of my really close friends and when she came back from the retreat she was changed in such a positive way. It is amazing how much God’s love can bring us all peace.

26

Kate Patterson, 16 years old St. Stevens Church parish, Berwick Central Catholic High School

The first thing I would tell a teen struggling with their faith is that God loves them no matter what they have done. After that, I would talk to them about their faith slowly and over time when they have questions. If I were to “shove” and force religion in their face, it would turn them away.

Also, I would pray for that particular person. If that person wants to go to God on their own, I would point them in the right direction and be a brother to that person on their faith journey.

Jovan Fuselier, 17 years old Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish, Larose Vandebilt Catholic High School

July 2012

I think it’s important to understand our nature as teenagers. Sometimes, we have a tendency to want to know or control a little too much. We cloud our relationship with God with this prideful mentality. We all do it, but thankfully Christ calls us to humility in the embrace of his love every day. With a desire for God’s will to be done rather than our own, we can all become closer to the Lord through a humble life of prayer and fasting.

James Daigle, 18 years old Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales parish Vandebilt Catholic High School, 2012 graduate

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Special Events

Rev. Joshua Rodrigue

Food for the Journey is Aug. 7 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 Aug. 7 is St. Charles Community native Father Joshua Rodrigue.

Father Rodrigue, rector of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales parish in Houma, attended St. Joseph Seminary in St. Benedict and the Pontifical North American College in Vatican City State. He was ordained to the priesthood Aug. 10, 2002. Father Rodrigue did post graduate studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University and Pontifical Athaneum of St. Anselmo in Rome, Italy.

He served as pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church parish in Bayou Black from July 2006 until June 2012. He is the diocesan director of the Vocations Office, diocesan assistant master of ceremonies, chaplain of the diocesan Committee on Scouting, a member of the Priests’ Council, the Permanent Diaconate Committee, the diocesan Communications Committee, and the diocesan Building Commission. He is also a senior professor of theology and an adjunct spiritual director at St. Joseph Seminary in St. Benedict.

Those who plan to attend the Aug. 7th event should RSVP with their name, phone number and church parish

by Thursday, Aug. 2. To RSVP, email FoodForTheJourney@htdiocese.org or call (985) 850-3178.

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.”

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

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

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

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 July 2012

27

Our Churches

Holy Savior

Serving Lockport since 1850

Holy Savior Church parish in Lockport was established Feb. 21, 1850, when Pere Charles Menard, the legendary “Apostle of Bayou Lafourche,” dedicated a chapel to Saints Andre and Charles. “St. Andre’s” served as a mission of St. Joseph’s in Thibodaux for three years until it achieved parish status in 1953. The parish’s cemetery was founded in 1860, and in 1866, the first church dedicated to Holy Savior was built.

The present church, built in 1955 in the Romanesque style of architecture, features beautiful stained glass windows which incorporate the stations of the cross, imported Italian marble, a vaulted ceiling and a high altar.

Once the leading church parish for all of southern Lafourche Parish, today it finds itself geographically locked between the neighboring church parishes of Our Lady of the Rosary in Larose to the south and St. Hilary of Poitiers in Mathews to the north.

The approximately 1,500 families currently in the parish are mostly middle-aged to older couples. “Probably 98 percent of the parishioners have lived here for many, many years. Lockport is an aging community; so there is not much growth in the parish, mostly because of its geography,” says Bayou Blue native and dean of the South Lafourche Deanery, the Very Rev. Robert Rogers, V.F., pastor of the church parish since June 2009. “Part of my task here is to help the people see the gift of the legacy of faith they have been given by their ancestors.”

The parish has many organizations and ministries to offer including a Ladies Altar Society, hospitality ministry, social ministry, nursing home ministry, music ministry, liturgy committee, pro-life committee, welcoming committee, Knights of Columbus Council 3054, Ladies KC Auxiliary, Columbian Squires Circle 1018, rosary prayer group, Cursillo Movement,

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Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Our Churches

Staff Holy Savior’s church parish personnel from left are Mike Breaux, cemetery supervisor; Fran Boudreaux, secretary; Gail Melancon, bookkeeper; Very Rev. Father Robert Rogers, V.F., pastor; Toodie Guidroz, housekeeper; Karen Charpentier, coordinator of religious education; and Jesse Davaine, cemetery helper. Not pictured are school personnel Blaine Degruise, principal; Rosita Dufrene, secretary; and Terri Vedros, bookkeeper.

Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM), and Life Teen, etc.

Holy Savior Catholic Elementary School is a huge part of the parish, says the pastor, adding that a little known fact about the school is that it pre-dates public school education in the area. In May 1879, the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception officially opened and staffed the convent school which later became Holy Savior Catholic School.

One of the many positive aspects of the parish is the great sense of commitment to volunteerism and service by parishioners, explains Father Rogers.

30 “Even though many parishioners don’t have a lot of money, they contribute not only their finances but also give generously of their time. I’m very proud of the parishioners for their generosity, loyalty, and sense of community and ownership in the parish.”

As part of its social outreach efforts, the parish is working on reopening its thrift store which was forced to close when a hurricane destroyed the building where it was housed. Currently there is a “food pantry” stocked with items that are available for the poor and needy of the area.

“There is a core group of dedicated workers here who love their parish, their church and one another, and they work well together in groups and on projects.

They are very agreeable and that makes my work here in the parish very enjoyable,” says the pastor.

Some noteworthy aspects of the parish include its

active music ministry which has a number of talented volunteer musicians, a monthly children’s liturgy where youth read at Mass and participate in the choir, and a newly implemented nursing home ministry with many volunteers who prepare for the Masses, and visit and pray with residents. There are several small prayer groups of different types, many of which have been formed by the laity, such as Bible study groups, rosary groups and an Adoration society, that truly strengthen the parish, notes the pastor. A lot of effort also goes into the parish’s CCD program and they work hard on always trying to reach the children and their parents.

“Our people here work hard for the things they have, and they have a sense of appreciation of stewardship.

They are not destitute by any means, but they’ve taken on their difficulty and life struggles in a spiritual way.

We often say ‘unite your sufferings to Jesus on the cross.’ The parishioners exemplify that by their service, because they give even when they’re in need. That is what is so edifying for me as a priest … the people give out of their struggle. We do a lot here with a little. Our financial weakness is our strength, because maybe if we had a lot more we wouldn’t know generosity. We wouldn’t know how to give, and the parishioners here truly believe that it is in giving that you receive,” says Father Rogers.

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

In 2011 the site averaged 113,865 hits from all continents 194,769 page views 26.50% new visitors 73.49% returning visitors

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

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July 2012

Vandebilt Hall of Fame honors two

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Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma recently installed Angelique Thibodeaux Barker and Thomas J. Chauvin into its Hall of Fame at a ceremony at the Vandebilt Brothers’ Hall.

Angelique Barker has had a lifelong affiliation with Catholic education. Beginning first grade at St. Gregory Elementary School in Houma, Barker received her primary education there until completing seventh grade. She then entered Vandebilt as an eighth grader and finished her high-school education when she graduated in 1979. Barker recalls, “My high-school years are still some of my most special memories. I have made many wonderful friends that are still my best friends today.” Upon graduation from Vandebilt Catholic High School, Barker attended USL for three years and completed her college education at Nicholls State University in 1983. Her business degree prepared her for a career as a CPA, which she has been since 1986. As a certified public accountant, Barker has belonged to several professional organizations both locally and nationally. Barker’s community involvement also includes a 25 year membership in the Krewe of Hyacinthians and a membership on the board of the Houma-Terrebonne Soccer Association. Barker and her husband, Mike, together belong to Legatus, a diocesan group of ambassadors for Christ. They are business professionals who lead by example to model as couples who focus on the three key areas of Catholic faith, family and business. Additionally, Barker currently serves on the diocesan finance council. Barker says that she always wanted her children “to have the same wonderful experience” that she had attending Catholic school. Barker and her husband have three children who all attended St. Gregory and Vandebilt. Michael Jr. is a 2006 Vandebilt graduate, Mitchell graduated in 2007, and Allyson graduated in 2012. While her children attended St. Gregory, Barker served on the school’s finance committee and also contributed as a lector and commentator for the church parish. Barker has been an active participant throughout her years as a Vandebilt parent. She served on the Vandebilt advisory board from 2000-2006 and has since been a member of the advisory board finance committee. For the past three years, Barker has volunteered tirelessly to aid in communication efforts in the Vandebilt Athletic Department. She successfully coordinates a parent worker program and assists with organizational tasks and required paperwork for the state. Barker credits her parents’ example in her formation. She “will always be grateful to them and to God” for the opportunity to attend Catholic school and also for her children to have that same opportunity.

Thomas Chauvin, a native and resident of Houma, has given a lifetime of service to the Catholic Church and to Catholic education. Chauvin’s early education included attendance at both Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary School and St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School in Houma. His Catholic education continued at Vandebilt, where he graduated in 1976. An avid supporter of Catholic education, Chauvin feels that “Catholic schools reinforce the Christian values that are instilled in us by our parents.” After graduation from Vandebilt, Chauvin continued his education July 2012

by attending Northwestern State University and the University of South Alabama. As a professional, Chauvin belongs to the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce. He serves as president and general manager of Chauvin Brothers, Inc., a family business that has been in existence for more than a century. Chauvin is also president of a local real estate company, and he is a member and officer of several business associations on the local and regional levels. Chauvin and his wife, the former Charlene Champagne of Raceland, are the parents of three sons, all graduates of Vandebilt Catholic High School. Jamie and Jason belong to the Vandebilt Class of 2006, and Eric graduated from Vandebilt in 2011. Chauvin and his wife spent many active years as Vandebilt parents. They chaired the annual fund drive in 2004 and again in 2011. In addition, Chauvin has been a longtime member of the Vandebilt School Advisory Council, serving as council president and as a member of the finance and facilities committees.

Chauvin also was on the board of the Terrier Club and was a member of the Terrier Regiment Band Boosters.

Chauvin directly worked with the students as a group leader for Challenge Day. Having a strong belief in the role of Catholic education, Chauvin observes that “Catholic schools encourage prayer daily and often, and offer opportunities to share in the Eucharist on a regular basis.” Chauvin is a former member of the diocesan school advisory council and is an active member of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral parish. He has contributed as a member of the pastoral council, and he currently participates as a lector, commentator and cantor. Chauvin is also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1317. Chauvin sincerely believes that by focusing on God and prayer, Catholic schools create an atmosphere conducive to the teaching and learning process. Chauvin says, “The Catholic school environment broadens students’ knowledge and increases their potential to be fruitful in life.”

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

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

May 2012 Burse Contributions Elie & Dot Klingman ......................................$2,125.00 Donald Peltier, Sr. #3 ......................................$1,000.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ..........................................$1,000.00 Mr. Eledier Broussard ........................................$200.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta ..........................................$100.00

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

Mr. Eledier Broussard

Open Burses with Balance as of 5/31/12

................. $11,800.00

Harry Booker #2 .................................... $4,138.00

Rev. Guy Zeringue ................................ $1,150.00

Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis ........... $10,800.00

Rev. Gerard Hayes ................................ $3,886.00

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

Msgr. Raphael C. Labit #2 .................. $10,720.00

Rev. Henry Naquin ................................ $3,810.00

St. Joseph Italian Society ...................... $1,000.00

Harvey Peltier #31 .............................. $10,486.91

Msgr. William Koninkx ........................... $3,700.00

Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux #4 ........... $1,000.00

Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis #2 .......... $10,000.00

Kelly Curole Frazier ............................... $3,490.96

Msgr. John G. Keller .............................. $1,000.00

C. Remie Duplantis #2 ........................ $10,000.00

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

Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 .......................... $900.00

Marie Elise Duplantis #2 ..................... $10,000.00

Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .............................. $3,145.00

Deacon Willie Orgeron ............................. $800.00

Maude & Edith Daspit #2 .................... $10,000.00

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

Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................... $800.00

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

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

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

St. Bernadette Men’s Club .................... $8,100.00

Catholic Daughters ................................ $2,930.00

Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande ...................... $700.00

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

Diocesan K of C #2 ............................... $2,894.62

Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ................... $660.00

Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................. $6,700.00

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

James J. Buquet, Jr. ................................. $650.00

Donald Peltier, Sr. # 3............................. $6,100.00

Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ..................... $2,000.00

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

Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $5,935.00

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

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

Rev. Peter Nies ..................................... $5,540.00

Msgr. Francis J. Legendre #2 ................ $1,645.00

Deacon Robert Dusse’ ............................. $450.00

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

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

Deacon Harold Hurtz ................................ $300.00

Anonymous #2 ...................................... $5,000.00

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

Richard Peltier #2 ..................................... $300.00

Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Fmly.#4..... $5,000.00

Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski ................ $1,525.00

Claude Bergeron ...................................... $200.00

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

Anawin Community ............................... $1,500.00

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin .......................... $150.00

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

Rev. Robert J. Sevigny .......................... $1,400.00

Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ........................ $ 50.00

Elie & Dot Klingman .............................. $4,740.00

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

Overall Seminarian Burse Totals: $1,339,102.39 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

July 2012

33

Special Events

Adult Faith Formation program announced

By DR. FAITH ANN SPINELLA he Adult Faith Formation program for 2012-2013 offered by the diocesan Office of Religious Education will begin Thursday, Aug. 16.

Again this year we are offering all catechists the opportunity to begin the year of religious education by attending a free session entitled “Components of Effective Teaching.” Our own diocesan director of the Office of Youth Ministry, Mike DiSalvo, will present the session for teachers of grades 7-11. On the following Thursday, Aug. 23, Julie Brunet and Renee McAlister from the Diocese of Lafayette will present a session for teachers of children in grades K-6. All teachers, aides, DRE’s, CRE’s and confirmation coordinators should register for one of these free sessions by Aug. 8.

All will benefit from this wonderful experience.

The Bishops of the United States have called the church to a “renewed commitment to adult faith formation, positioning it at the heart of our catechetical vision and practice.” The bishops have noted that as adults develop a better understanding of and participation in the full sacramental life of the

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church the experience and practice will take them gracefully and fully into old age. It will lead them to becoming more effective ministers in the church and to fully accepting responsibilities in the church today.

By attending ongoing formation classes individuals join with others in our diocese in shaping and strengthening their own faith lives and together they walk side by side on the pathway of life.

We believe that this diocesan Adult Faith Formation program meets the needs of the laity to grow in knowledge and in faith. This program has proven to provide something for everyone. The total Faith Enrichment program, an introductory course, is 16 sessions.

The following sessions in the Faith Enrichment Level are rich with inspiring information from which all will receive great benefits. The various topics are on the following dates and with the specific presenters.

Aug. 16 – Components of Effective Teaching - High School Mike DiSalvo Aug. 23 – Components of Effective Teaching - Elementary Julie Brunet and Renee McAlister Aug. 30 – The Call to Holiness Paul George

Sept. 6 – God and the Human Person Katie Austin Sept. 20 – Revelation, Tradition and Magisterium Katie Austin Oct. 4 – The Old Testament Deacon John Pippenger Oct. 18 – Jesus in the Gospels Deacon John Pippenger Nov. 29 – The Trinity Father Jules Brunet Dec. 6 – Baptism and Confirmation Father Robert Rogers Dec. 13 – Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick Father Robert Rogers Jan. 10, 2013 – Matrimony and Holy Orders Father Robert Rogers Jan. 17 – The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Church Father Jules Brunet Jan. 31 – Freedom, Law and the Beatitudes Father Andre Melancon Feb. 7 – The Commandments 1-3 Father Andre Melancon Feb. 28 – The Commandments 4-10 Father Andre Melancon TBA – Distribution of Certificates and Prayer Service

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Participation in the Faith Enrichment Level is only $50 per year for the 16 sessions plus the cost of books. All levels will be offered at the Diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall from 6–8:15 p.m.

The Faith Enrichment Level offers a comprehensive introduction to the Catholic faith, as well as effective catechesis. Besides providing effective formation for all Catholics it is the entry level certification program for directors of religious education (DREs), coordinators of religious education (CREs), catechists, lay ministers, Catholic school teachers, church office workers, individuals who wish to grow in their faith and those who are beginning the faith journey.

Certification is available for catechists, but everyone is encouraged to attend whether they wish to receive catechist certification or not.

Those who completed the Faith Enrichment Level in previous years may wish to come join us for the upper level of the Adult Faith Formation program, Proclaiming

and Living Our Faith. This level allows participants an opportunity to dive deeper into the mysteries and truths of our rich Catholic faith. Each course has so much to offer individuals at various points in their lives. For example, if you have taken no other courses and you work in the parish you may wish to register for Pastoral Theology and Administration to sharpen your skills for use in the parish setting. Those who wish to become knowledgeable about Scripture may wish to take Scripture II and sharpen their knowledge about the New Testament.

The topics and dates for Proclaiming and Living Our Faith are as follows: Scripture II – The New Testament Deacon John Pippenger Dates: Aug. 22, 29; Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 Pastoral Theology and Administration Kathy Lirette Nov. 14, 28; Dec. 12 Trinity Father Jules Brunet Jan. 9, 16, 23; Feb. 6, 20, 2013

Liturgy Father Josh Rodrigue Feb. 27; March 6, 13, 20; April 10, 17, 2013 All are welcome to attend these Adult Faith Formation classes during 2012-2013. The courses need not be taken in any particular order; however, if a person is seeking catechist certification the first level entitled Faith Enrichment should be completed first. Registrations are being accepted now for all courses and all registrations should be received by us at least two weeks prior to the beginning of a course. Registration forms can be obtained by calling the Office of Religious Education at (985) 8503144 and speaking to Margaret Vargas, administrative assistant, or to Dr. Faith Ann Spinella, director, contacting your parish director of religious education, or by going to the diocesan website at www.htdiocese.org and clicking on Formation Ministries, then Religious Education and following the links for Adult Faith Formation.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

35

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

July 2012

Cover Story

2012 Steubenville on

By WENDY COUVILLON An icebreaker that is done at youth retreats pins the name of a famous person on the back of a participant. The teen then goes to different people asking them to tell them who they are, to identify themselves through what others say. Throughout our country, teens often allow society to identify them.

At the Steubenville on the Bayou Catholic Youth Conference held June 15-17, 3,000 teens gathered at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center to solidify their identity as Catholic teens who are redeemed through Christ in the new July 2012

creation, the Eighth Day. Through fellowship, speakers, activities, Mass and eucharistic adoration, the attendees were given the opportunity to share their faith and stories with other teens throughout the country.

As the conference opened on Friday afternoon, conference host Tammy Eveverd welcomed the attendees and explained the theme of this year’s conference, the Eighth Day. Through God, there were originally seven days of creation.

The Eighth Day begins the new creation, which is redemption through the resurrection of Jesus

Christ. This theme of redemption was a facet of the first speaker, Dr. Deregal Burbank, a pediatrician and speaker from New Orleans.

After Dr. Dee’s talk, Father Jose Robles-Sanchez led the youth in eucharistic adoration, which included songs of worship and moments of silence. For many of the youth, the Friday night adoration is a chance to reconnect with their God, without the distraction of school, family or activities.

Throughout the weekend, the sacrament of reconciliation was available for participants, with most seeking the

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

the Bayou Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier sacrament during the weekend. For those wanting a moment of prayer in between sessions, there was also an adoration chapel available for meditation and quiet prayer.

During the day Saturday, sessions were targeted to specific attendees: new and recurring, men and women, and young adult.

Speakers such as Paul George, Jason Evert and Gretchen George brought unique insight into being a Catholic in today’s world. These sessions allowed the teens to go deeper and address specific challenges and unique blessings.

Being a Catholic teen isn’t just dogma and doctrine, however.

It is also fellowship and fun, as evidenced by the entertainment provided by local worship band, “More Than Sunday.” Typifying their name, the band used laughter and music to show the teens that their faith translates into everyday

SINCE FAST

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life, much more than just on Sunday or within their parish. The entire conference allowed the teens to realize that we, as Catholics united in faith, share in the blessings and the burdens of this life. To illustrate that we carry each other’s crosses, in the lobby was a five foot wooden cross on which participants wrote their intentions and struggles.

This cross, covered in graffiti of petitions and prayers, was then processed during the offertory at the closing Mass. To further this idea, there were wooden cross necklaces on which the teens wrote anything they were struggling with currently. They then left their cross and chose a random cross left by another attendee. The teens then prayed for God to help each other carry the problems on their cross. This sense of community and faith culminated in Saturday night’s eucharistic adoration. If

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Friday night was a reconnection, then Saturday’s adoration was a submission and exaltation.

Through the worship music, the prayers and the eucharistic procession led by Bishop Sam Jacobs, many of the youth were able to surrender themselves and 37 the expectations of the world. The conference concluded with Mass on Sunday, attended by many in the community. As the teens left this year’s Steubenville on the Bayou, empowered by fellowship, talk and activities, they return to their schools, parish, friends and family, afire with renewed faith. Never again will they have to ask others to identify them, to tell them who they are. After this weekend, despite any way society attempts to define them, they are assured of their identity: new creations of Christ.

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Special Events

35th Anniversary honorees

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

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As part of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux’s 35th anniversary, clergy, religious and laity who have served the diocese for 35 years or more were recently honored at their parishes. Here is a list of honorees:

Priests

Msgr. Francis Amedee, Msgr. Frederic Brunet, Father Warren Chassaniol, Father Brendan Foley, Father Gerard Hayes, Msgr. Donald Ledet, Father Roch Naquin, Father Patrick O’ Brien, Msgr. James Songy, Father Roland Timbre, Father Wilmer Todd

Permanent Deacons

Deacon Daniel Bascle, Deacon Ed Blanchard, Deacon Sam Burregi, Deacon Andrew Dragna, Deacon Harold Fanguy, Deacon Eldon Frazier (posthumously), Deacon Charles Giroir, Deacon Mel Marts, Deacon Glenn Porche, Deacon Pedro Pujals

Brothers

Brother Carl Evans, S.C., Brother Patrick McGinity, S.C.

Sisters

Sister Kateri Battaglia, M.S.C., Sister Marguerite Anne Champagne, S.F.C.C., Sister Mary Elizabeth Dupree, O.P., Sister Miriam Mire, C.S.J., Sister Miriam Mitchell, S.H.Sp., Sister Rosario O’ Connell, S.H.Sp., Sister Immaculata Paisant, M.S.C., Sister Diane Poynot, C.S.J., Sister Paula Richard, O.P., Sister Anna Schellhaas, C.S.J.

Parish Honorees

Annunziata, Houma: Marie Fazzio, Myron “Pepe” LeBoeuf, Carolyn LeCompte, Terry Pellegrin, Ed and Marian Weisheit Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma: Clemsy and Marjorie Amedee, Katherine Daspit, James Gueydan, Lucy Michel, Ruth Wright July 2012

Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux: Danny Cavell, Guy and Clarice Gauthreaux, Howard and Bonnie Landry, Alvin and Floradee Ordoyne, Shirley Richard Community of St. Anthony, Gheens: Margie and Dally Breaux Sr., Lilly Champagne, Shirley Champagne, Elmer Griffin, Sherrie Guidry Holy Cross, Morgan City: Elaine Gussman, Edie Hover, Andrew Jones, Theresa Keller, Oswald Verret Holy Family, Grand Caillou: Melvin Benoit Jr., James Collins, Diane Fanguy, Stella LeBouef, Faye Pellegrin Holy Savior, Lockport: Curtis Arcement, Donovon Barker, Delores Legendre, Irvin Orgeron, Doyle Rogers Maria Immacolata, Houma: Sheila Guidry, Yvonne Hutchinson, Darwin LaFont, James Lagarde, Harvey Songe Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay: Rose Adams, Guy Clement, Nellie Clement, Ernest and Mary LaRose, Rita “Nana” and Gaston Rodrigue Sr. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow: Gloria Callais, Roy and Sally Champagne, Earline Duet, Roy and Jeanette Eserman, Loredia Terrebonne Our Lady of the Isle, Grand Isle: Kelly and Roselyn Besson, Alva Chighizola, Ruby Mitchell, Glenda and Russell Santiny, Layman and Margie Savoie Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma: Allen Hamilton, Marilyn Null, Henry Rodrigue, Molly and Burleigh Ruiz, Marie Walker Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose: Ned Cheramie, Hilda Guidry, Jesse and Loretta Guidry, Mary Rabb, Roland and Daria Thomassie

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

Sacred Heart Church, Cut Off: Joseph Crosby, Harry Danos, Ruby Pierce Sacred Heart, Montegut: Beulah Blanchard, Bernard and Dorothy Dupre, Earl and Mazie Freeman, Gloria Pellegrin, Ruth Pinell Sacred Heart, Morgan City: Sidney and Gen Boudreaux, Eugene and Rose Fields, Daisy Madise, Lorraine Brownell Moreau, Therol R. Naquin St. Andrew, Amelia: Pat and Sterling Fryou Sr., Elise Landry, Donald and Sweetie Mire, Harold and Jeanette Rentrop, Herman Verret St. Ann, Bourg: Horace Boquet, Geraldine Callahan, Selwyn and Mabel Gilmore, Joyce LeBlanc, Dorothy Rogers St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black: Bernard and Joan Daigle, Ulysse and Bonnie Guidry, L.J. and Meryl Portier, Warren and Marguerite Schexnayder, Nelson and Joyce Trahan St. Bernadette Soubirous, Houma: Edna Ball, Cullen Boudreaux, Gloria Clements, Clyde and Raley Duplantis, Allen Lacoste St. Charles Borromeo, Pointe-aux-Chenes: Davis Dardar, Anna Mae and Raymond Dupre Sr., Eura and Mary Jane Dupre, Junius and Helen Plaisance, Lucille Thibodaux St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles: Blanche Baudouin, Cal Boudreaux, Tarlton David, Jerry Guillot, Melvin Morvant St. Eloi, Theriot: Irene Falgout, Sines “Doogie” Liner Jr., Marvin Marmande, Robert Vice, Nolan Voisin St. Genevieve, Thibodaux: Margaret and John Barrilleaux, Annabel and Joseph Bonvillain, Mamie and Charles Breaux, Richard Knight, Rita Usey St. Gregory Barbarigo, Houma: Melvin and Betty Abadie, Olga Engeron, Genevieve “Jenny” Gaudet, Anthony “Tony” Pizzolatto, Myrtle Rome St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews: Milton and Peggy Arabie, Alice Arceneaux, Aline Barker, Milton and Esther Mayet, Tommy and Rita Robichaux St. John the Evangelist, Thibodaux: Inez and Sterling Aysen, Leland and Teresa Hoffman, Irene Landry, Willie and Nobie Landry, Ralph and Carol Miller St. Joseph, Chauvin: Emile Fanguy, Odis and Janice LeCompte, Morgan Neil, Aubrey Portier, Jimmie and Veralyn Price St. Joseph, Galliano: Brother Bryce Autin, Lorey Autin, Linda Cheramie, Gilbert and Irene Griffin, Kyle and Amy Pierce St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux: Margaret and Jimmie Labit, Margaret Orgeron, Jane Riviere, Joann and Gibbens Robichaux, Raetta “Sis” and H.J. “Rog” Roger St. Lawrence, Chacahoula: Brenda Arceneaux, Carmen Deslatte, Nelson Dupre, Rodney Hebert, Gayle Thibodaux St. Lawrence the Martyr, Kraemer: Bea Cortez, Morris Granier, Tousilla Kraemer, Frances Martinez, Jack Martinez St. James Mission, Choctaw Settlement: Rosa Delatte, Yvonne Hebert, Florence Landry, Victoria Landry, Wilfred Tabor St. Louis, Bayou Blue: Richard and Linda Charpentier, Doris Chauvin, A.J. and Joyce Duet, Irma Hebert, Barbara Ledet Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

St. Lucy, Houma: Leonard and Teresa Bergeron, Laura Harris, Lucille and Alvin Henry Sr., Leonard and Wava Neville, Geraldine Theriot St. Luke, Thibodaux: Mitchell Jackson, Sylvester and Delores Jackson, Barbara Johnson, Charles Mack, James and Hazel Stark St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux: Bert and Loretta Andry, James and Violet Chiasson, Drs. Leo and Carolyn Hebert, Angelina Mitchell, Emily Waguespack Thanh Gia, Amelia: Nghi Van Bui, Thu Van Pham, Nghi Ba Nguyen, Phuong Thi Nguyen, Thieu Van Nguyen.

(Please note: Two parishes did not participate).

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July 2012

Personalities

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Father Joey Pilola

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Seeing the power of God working in and through his ministry Father Joseph Pilola, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish in Thibodaux since June 2007, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood this year. He was ordained by the late Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma on May 30, 1987.

Father Pilola says that his mother and father were always very much involved in the church. He believes his first calling to the priesthood was at the age of four and a half years while he was in the hospital with spinal meningitis. “I was very impressed by a young priest who came to visit me, but I don’t know who the priest was or where he came from, because we didn’t have any young priests at the time.”

After he was released from the hospital, he wasn’t allowed to get overheated so his kindergarten teacher would sit in the classroom with him during recess. On the day he celebrated his first Mass, this teacher told him that during those conversations one day at recess he told her he wanted to become a priest. Father Pilola attended a Catholic school from kindergarten until third grade, but the small Catholic population in his parish couldn’t support the school, so it closed down.

“I became an altar server in the third grade and July 2012

since then I have never stopped serving Mass,” says the priest.

Father Pilola, who is part Filipino, Spanish, Chinese and Italian, was born in Fort Dix, NJ, the seventh of nine children, six boys and three girls. His youngest brother died when Father Pilola was eight years old of complications from Leukemia. His family moved to Alaska six months after he was born, where they lived for three and a half years until moving to Leesville, LA. He attended LSU for one year to study medicine and says the idea of healing people always appealed to him, adding that there are seven nurses and two physical therapists in his family. Military service was also a consideration as his father served in the military for over 30 years and three of his brothers were in the military. He also considered Army chaplaincy because he was familiar with the needs of military families. And, while he was in the seminary he gave serious thought to joining a religious order.

During the spring semester of his freshman year at LSU he was becoming more and more involved with his faith through the Christian Awakening Movement and strongly considered the priesthood again.

One of his professors advised him to finish out the

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

semester but pray about it over the summer. Then at a charismatic prayer meeting, he was presented with a Scripture reading from the Gospel of John 15:12-13, “My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you. The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them,” and that was key, he says.

“I figured the way the Lord loved us is that he gave his life for us; and the way that I could love the way he loved was to give my life to the priesthood. So at that point I signed up for the seminary,” says father Pilola.

He says St. Joseph Seminary was a time of formation and decision making for him. He originally went there because of his love for God and his people.

However, he admits that he got caught up in a lot of good reasons for being there, but they weren’t the best reasons.

“In the seminary, I got caught up in the mutual journey of good friends, the challenge of the academics, going on to higher studies, and the parental push toward priesthood,” says Father Pilola.

Needing to find his own reasons to stay, he entered a Trappist Monastery in South Carolina where he stayed for a three month retreat.

His best friends in the seminary were from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and after he came here several times with them, he realized this area was more like his family, which lead to a struggle about which people he would minister to. At the end of his time at the monastery he realized there was a job to be done in this diocese. He says that ultimately his talent for sign language and interest in ministering to the deaf was what made him decide to leave the more geographically spread out area which at the time made up the Diocese of Alexandria-Shreveport, and in August 1982 he formerly joined the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux.

Father Pilola says, “When (the late) Bishop Boudreaux put his hands over my head for the ordination rite, I felt something pass from the palms of his hands and it went through my body like a scanner. I actually felt it move; it went through the top of my head, down to my toes and back. I physically felt something happen to me.”

During his 25 years of ministry as a priest the three things he has enjoyed most are celebrating the Eucharist, including preaching about the Word of God; administering the sacrament of reconciliation, and his work with marriage preparation.

His most memorable moments as a priest have been when he has actually seen the power of God working in and through his ministry – whether it was preaching the Word of God, administering the sacrament of reconciliation or the sacrament of the anointing of the sick – and seeing people’s lives change as a result of something he did or said.

When asked what the most challenging aspect of being a priest has been, his response is twofold. “The most challenging aspect of being a priest has been ‘not being in charge’ – having to be obedient and finding a way to support policies and carry them out even when we don’t entirely agree with them; and ‘being in charge’ – when the full responsibility for things lands on your shoulders,” says Father Pilola.

He has been intensely involved in the lives of the people of the diocese in many different ways including Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

in the areas of music, education, art and language.

He works with Hispanic Ministry in the diocese and has done mission work in several countries.

He has been involved with the Life Teen Band in three different church parishes, was a member of the South Louisiana Community Orchestra, and plays the guitar, recorder, piano, is a percussionist and a beginner level violinist. He began singing in the church choir in the third grade. He has tutored dyslexic students from elementary school age through college. He also enjoys various forms of art (drawing, painting, calligraphy and sculpture), poetry, and is an award winning journalist – all areas that he has incorporated into his ministry.

He enjoys the outdoors, playing racquetball, is interested in martial arts and the philosophy behind it, and likes to read about many different subjects.

He has studied 27 different languages including American Sign Language, in which he says he is most fluent.

Father Pilola feels that his greatest accomplishment is having been a priest for 25 years and still being happy that he became a priest. In fact, he explains for the past 10 years he has become more and more involved with seminarian formation and supporting the men in formation, so much so that he was asked to be an adjunct spiritual director at St. Joseph Seminary College, then a guest presenter for the formation program, then to teach the Christian formation class. He hopes that in the future he can continue to be involved with seminarian formation at St. Joseph Seminary.

41

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July 2012

Special

Guest Columnists

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Deacon Lloyd and Faie Duplantis

Natural Family Planning (NFP) Awareness Week, celebrated July 22-28, is a national educational campaign sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops which has as its theme for this year, “Faithfully Yours.” These dates highlight the anniversary of the papal encyclical Humanae Vitae (July 25, 1968) which explains Catholic beliefs about human sexuality, conjugal love and responsible parenthood. “Sexuality is realized in a truly human way only if it is an integral part of the love by which a man and a woman commit themselves totally to each other until death …” (Pope John Paul II, Theology of the Body). In other words, marriage is making love for a lifetime.

The Catholic Church’s official teaching as stated in “Humanae Vitae” and reaffirmed in “Familaris Consortio” is that every marriage act must remain open to both the love-giving (unitive) and the life-giving (procreative) aspects. Therefore, it opposes the use of all artificial contraceptives, temporary or permanent, sterilization and abortion as a means of birth regulation. When making the sex act sterile by the use of contraception or voluntary sterilization, one spouse is telling the other one, “You can have all of me except my fertility,” making the two-fold purpose of the love-giving and life-giving aspects void. Contraceptive sex can destroy trust, marriage and families. Natural Family Planning, on the other hand, reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life and recognizes the value of every child. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between hus-

July 2012

Natural Family Planning

WHAT IS IT?

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

band and wife. Everyone today has insurance to cover every aspect of their lives. We say taking one class on NFP is like purchasing marriage insurance. This is why the church is urging everyone of childbearing age to learn this valuable information. So what is NFP? Natural Family Planning is knowing, understanding and using the normal phases of a woman’s cycles of fertility and infertility to space the births of children. The couple learns to identify and accurately chart these simple natural signs of fertility to predict ovulation. This information helps the

couple either to achieve a pregnancy by having marital relations during the peak of their fertility or to abstain from intercourse during this time, if a serious reason exists for their postponing a pregnancy.

Modern NFP is based on sound scientific facts and should not be confused with the “old” Rhythm method, which merely estimated fertility by counting days according to previous menstrual cycles. The present NFP methods allow the couple to detect changes in each individual cycle, whether they occur monthly or sporadically. The beauty of this method is that it can be applied to all circumstances throughout a woman’s reproductive life –– in regular, irregular, or anovulatory cycles, low fertility, approaching menopause and while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding works well in conjunction with NFP. Not only does breastfeeding benefit the physical and psychological health of both the mother and the child, but it also allows several months of natural infertility.

Results of a recent worldwide study of NFP couples taken by the World Health Organization show its effectiveness rate to be over 99 percent when the rules are followed. The effectiveness is further proven by the high continuance rate of couples using modern NFP. Over 90 percent of couples who are taught the method by certified teachers decide to continue to rely upon it throughout their married life.

A major factor in dissatisfaction with artificial contraceptives is the health risks that they impose.

The “pill” has many proven harmful side effects ranging from headaches, anxiety and lack of libido to strokes and heart attacks. The IUD may cause infections, perforated uterus, pelvic inflammatory disease and primarily acts as an abortion-causing device. Oral

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

contraceptives, implants, and injectable progestins work in a number of ways. They are designed to stop ovulation and change the consistency of cervical mucous to hamper the passage of sperm. These chemicals also alter the lining of the woman’s uterus and in random cycles prevent implantation causing the spontaneous abortion of the already fertilized egg. Contraceptives in general often produce a feeling of interfering with a sense of total giving and completion of the marital act.

In this age of “empowerment of women,” the use of NFP fulfills a woman’s self-awareness and selfconfidence in her own ability to understand the unique individual way in which her body functions. Since it does no physical nor psychological harm to a person and requires no purchasing of any chemicals, or gadgets, this can be looked upon as “a green” method of family planning. For a better understanding of their own natural reproductive functions, every young couple owes it to themselves to become familiar with the principles on which NFP is based. This information can help

them to have a positive approach in working with their combined fertility rather than looking upon it as a negative, fearful aspect. Once NFP is learned and implemented in a couple’s marital relationship, it allows them to mutually value, respect and understand their fertility as a precious gift from God to be loved, respected, understood and wisely used. It can also help families to view children not as a burden to be endured, but as a gift to be joyfully received as the crowning glory of family life. Couples who use NFP in their married life celebrate and respect God’s vision of human sexuality.

Although taking an NFP class with a trained instructor is still considered vital to proper understanding of fertility awareness in each couple, there are many online resources and cell phone charting apps available. Most of the more popular sites are listed on the diocesan website at www.htdiocese.org/ fm. If you would like more detailed information about current initiatives in Natural Family Planning call the diocesan Office of Family Ministries at (985) 850-3129.

Blessed Kateri celebration Friday, July 13

The 18th annual Native American liturgical celebration for the feast of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, the “Lily of the Mohawks,” will be celebrated Friday, July 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Holy Family Church in Grand Caillou. The Kateri Chaplet and excerpts of Kateri’s life will begin at 6:10 p.m. Fellowship will follow at the Grand Caillou Recreation Center, 106 Badou Drive. The recreation center is approximately one quarter mile south of Holy Family Church.

The reception which includes Native American drumming, dancing, festive dress, food and the “Treater Band” will be held immediately following the Mass.

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Retreats At The Cenacle July, August, September 2012

July 13-15

All for Me or Me for All? Presenter: Rev. Donald Blanchard

July 14

Young Adult Ministry Contact: Vince Liberto at (504) 250-9697

July 19-25

Reinventing Our Identity as Sacraments of Christ: Our Biblical Origins Presenter: Anthony O. Ewherido

August 3-5

The Practice of Reconciliation Presenter: Rev. Simeon Gallagher, OFMCap

August 10-12

Recovery is the Heart of the Matter and a Matter of the Heart Presenter: Sr. Maureen Murphy, OP

August 15-18

All for Me or Me for All? Presenter: Rev. Donald Blanchard

July 19-27

House Open for Directed Retreats Contact: (504) 887-1420

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July 2012

Back To School

Guest Columnist Marian Fertitta

Have a blessed and faith-filled school year

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t is hard to believe that one year has passed since I wrote my first article for Bayou Catholic introducing myself as the new superintendent and welcoming administrators, teachers, students and parents back to a new school year. First I would like to thank our school personnel, students and parents for a wonderful 2011-2012 year. Our schools and the Catholic Schools Office made great strides in continuing to bring quality Catholic education to their students.

We have had many accomplishments during the 2011– 2012 school year. Among these are the student academic successes.

Again this year the Stanford Achievement Test results indicate that our students in grades 1 through 9 continue to score in the top quarter of the nation. ACT scores continue to improve and the amount of scholarship money received has increased. Athletics and band programs have received numerous recognitions.

The schools have revised their strategic plans to address the five standards set by AdvancED to assure that these standards are being met and that our system remains nationally accredited. As we begin this new school year we will continue to move forward with more positive changes to Catholicity, enrollment and curriculum.

Enrollment has remained constant with the implementation of the Louisiana Student Scholarships

July 2012

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Parents all across the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux are preparing for the new school year which is right around the corner. Leslie Domangue and her son Aaron test a trombone while James Doiron of Fabregas Music in Houma looks on.

for Academic Excellence program.

Many of our schools have decided to participate and are very excited to welcome the new students and their parents into their school community. The legislature also passed a bill that will provide tax rebates for individuals and companies who donate $1,000 or more to a scholarship fund that will be handled through the Catholic Schools Office. This will provide opportunities for more families to enroll their children in Catholic schools. More information concerning this program will follow in the coming months.

Continuing our commitment to quality education, parents will see changes in the curriculum, what and how teachers teach and assess their students, as the adapted Common Core State Standards are implemented. The current curriculum has followed the state’s Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) since these were adopted.

Louisiana has now adopted the Common Core State Standards along with 45 other states in the nation. The standards define the knowledge and skills that students should acquire in kindergarten through 12th grade in order to

better prepare them for postsecondary education or their career pursuits. Our Catholic schools have also chosen to align the curriculum with these standards.

The difference will be less focus on memorizing content with emphasis on students being able to process and apply knowledge. The teachers will be working throughout the year to align the present curriculum with the standards and to begin integrating these into instruction.

Our Catholic schools are committed to placing up-to-date technology into the hands of teachers and students. The three high schools are implementing a one to one iPad program beginning a new era in classroom instruction.

The teachers and students are very excited about this new technology and the potential it brings to teaching and learning. Many of the elementary schools are also introducing iPads to their students on a smaller scale. Our teachers are saying good-bye to “chalkboards” as these are replaced with interactive boards that further engage students in their learning.

Our mission to assist students in developing a personal relationship with Christ is primary. This is

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

the main focus in every aspect of our programs, school life and activities.

The school environments must express the signs of our Catholic culture. We have worked diligently to nurture and strengthen Catholicity in all schools. The administrators, teachers, and parents have been invited to grow in their own faith and to renew their relationship with Christ.

It is through seeing these adults living and expressing their faith

that students will recognize the importance of living a Christcentered life. These significant adults must set examples for our young people. To continue and expand this mission we will again provide programs for students, administrators, teachers and parents to grow in their faith. As parents, you are urged to practice your faith through Mass attendance and to enrich your spiritual life through participation in one or more of the activities offered at the school or diocesan level.

In 2005, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in their document “Renewing our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium” stated “Our vision is clear: our Catholic schools are a vital part of the teaching mission of the church …

We must respond to challenging times with faith vision and the will to succeed because the Catholic school’s mission is vital to the future of our young people, our nation and our church.” Our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma–Thibodaux are also essential in building the future of our church throughout the diocese.

It is through prayer, living our faith, and encouraging our young people to do the same that our schools will not only survive but flourish now and for generations to come.

45

Quick facts

Quick Facts of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux schools: Approximately 5,500 students will report to Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in the 2012-2013 school year.

Ten percent of the student population during the 2011-2012 school year were non-Catholic; minority students made up 14 percent of the population. Six schools had waiting lists for admission.

There are 385 professional staff members (administrators and teachers) and 171 support staff members in the schools. Two hundred seven teachers serve the 10 elementary schools and 152 teachers serve the three high Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

schools. The laity makes up over 99 percent of the faculty; less than one percent is religious. The student/ teacher ratio is 15:1.

Average tuition per pupil is $6,173 for high schools and $3,375 for elementary schools.

Average salary for a high school lay teacher is $44,204; and $32,727 is the average salary for an elementary school lay teacher.

Number of graduates in the 20102011 school year was 323.

Percentage of seniors who graduated was 97 percent.

Percentage of graduates who entered college was 94 percent.

Total college scholarship dollars awarded in 2010-2011 was $ 9,583,931.

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July 2012

Back To School

Thoughts

BY KASE JOHNSTUN

Catholic News Service

I was conducting a quick Google search -- my Internet mode of scouring for needed information.

I typed “back to school” into the search box, hoping to find loads of information about teens going back to school and issues that come up that first day or within that first month when everything is new, confusing and even a little scary at times. I found nothing until close to the 20th “page” of sites.

What I did find were articles for kids going back to school and a million back-to-school shopping pages, including articles on which stocks to buy to cash in on the current purchasing patterns of teens.

Typical.

But searching and searching I 46 stumbled upon YouthNoise.com and liked this site. While I don’t advocate everything I found, there is a lot of good stuff there. The site encourages teens to take stock of their world and to change things for the better by making their voices heard. Check it out, but, like all things on the Internet, use discretion. This site really seems to be on the right track in many ways, pushing toward changing the world to make it a better place.

Michael S. Haydel, M.D., FIPP Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice Board Board Certified CertifiedininAnesthesiology Interventional Pain Management and Anesthesiology

as school gets underway

While on this Web site I found a “Top 10” list that I liked: the Top 10 things to do before going back to school. No. 10 and No. 9 urged teens to read at least one more book on their summer reading lists and to see a summer movie.

Next was to “clean out your closet” and “take the clothes, shoes and accessories you don’t wear anymore to your local Good Will or Salvation Army” center.

No. 7 was to “brush up on current events,” and No. 6 was to purchase school supplies. This point noted that “everyone loves getting new pens and binders, but some kids can’t afford them.” So it urged teens to “buy some extra supplies and donate them through your church or school. Or when you check-out at stores like Office Depot, request that 5 percent gets donated to your school of choice.”

Next the list urged teens, rather than walking through the doors of the school and beginning to complain, to “think of ways to make your school better.”

Getting a haircut came next on the list, along with a recommendation that those with long hair donate their tresses to “Locks of Love or Wigs for Kids to help kids with cancer.”

The list’s third point was a

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recommendation that teens think about where they stand on standardized testing and teen drinking.

No. 2 urged teens to learn about volunteer opportunities that could help meet their school’s service requirement.

Finally, the top thing to do before going back to school was to “trust yourself.” As the list put it, “only you know who you are, what you believe and what you stand for.”

It urged teens to stand by their decisions on “drugs, alcohol, sex, smoking and violence” and to “know how to get out of risky situations before you get into them!”

So many of these 10 points shout “Give!” I like that.

And that final point -- “trust yourself” -- really nails it. Know what you think going in. Bring your Christian values with you and defend them.

You don’t have to yell at the top of your lungs “I’m Catholic and proud of it,” because your actions will make the noise for you. Defend what you believe in simply by refusing to cave in to peer pressure, by standing up for others and avoiding situations you shouldn’t be in anyway.

Michael P. Charlet, M.D., FAAN Board Certified in Neurology Fellowship in Neuromuscular Diseases

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Holy Cross Elementary 2100 Cedar St. Morgan City, LA 70380 Grades PK-6 Mamie Bergeron, Principal Phyllis Jensen, Secretary 384-1933 • Fax 384-3270 holycrosselm@htdiocese.org www.holycrosselementary.org Holy Rosary Elementary P.O. Box 40 Larose, LA 70373 Grades PK-8 Scott Bouzigard, Principal Angie Loupe, Secretary 693-3342 • Fax 693-3348 holyroselm@htdiocese.org www.holyrosary.org St. Gregory Elementary 441 Sixth St. Houma, LA 70364 Grades PS-7 Elizabeth Scurto, Principal Yvonne Lirette, Admin. Asst.

876-2038 • Fax 879-2789 stgregelm@htdiocese.org www.stgregorycatholic.org Maria Immacolata Elementary 324 Estate Dr. Houma, LA 70364 Grades PK-7 Yvonne Weimer, Principal Donna Hill, Secretary 876-1631 • Fax 876-1608 mariaimmacoelm@htdiocese.org www.mariaimmacolata.org St. Bernadette Elementary 309 Funderburk Ave. Houma, LA 70364 Grades PK-7 Joan LeBouef, Principal Susan Chauvin, Secretary 872-3854 • Fax 872-5780 stbernelm@htdiocese.org www.saintbernadettepandas.com

St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School 300 Verret St. Houma, LA 70360 Grades PS-7 Brenda Tanner, Principal Christy Pitre, Secretary 868-6646 • Fax 851-5896 stfranciselm@htdiocese.org www.stfrancishouma.org St. Genevieve Elementary 807 Barbier Ave. Thibodaux, LA 70301 Grades PK-7 Chris Knobloch, Principal Michelle Adams, Secretary 447-9291 • Fax 447-9883 stgenelm@htdiocese.org www.stgenevieveschool.com Holy Savior Elementary 201 Church St. Lockport, LA 70374 Grades PK-8 Blaine Degruise, Principal Terri Vedros, Secretary 532-2536 • Fax 532-2269 holysavelm@htdiocese.org www.holysaviorschool.org St. Joseph Elementary 501 Cardinal Dr. Thibodaux, LA 70301 Grades PK-7 Gerard Rodrigue Jr., Principal Barbara Kliebert, Secretary 446-1346 • Fax 449-0760 stjoeelm@htdiocese.org www.stjosephcatholicschool.net

Central Catholic High School 2100 Cedar St. Morgan City, LA 70380 Grades 7-12 Vic Bonnaffee, Principal Sandy Daigle, Secretary 385-5372 • Fax 385-3444 centcathi@htdiocese.org www.cchseagles.com Vandebilt High School 209 S. Hollywood Rd. Houma, LA 70360 Grades 8-12 James Reiss, Principal Shirley Cunningham, Secretary David Keife, President 876-2551 • Fax 868-9774 vandebilthi@htdiocese.org www.vandebiltcatholic.org E.D. White High School 555 Cardinal Dr. Thibodaux, LA 70301 Grades 8-12 Michelle Chiasson, Principal Cathy Hebert, Secretary David Boudreaux, President 446-8486 • Fax 448-1275 edwhitehi@htdiocese.org www.edwhite.org Catholic Schools Office Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Marian Fertitta Superintendent of Schools mfertitta@htdiocese.org Janet Marcel Administrative Assistant 850-3114 • Fax 850-3214

St. Mary’s Nativity Elementary 3492 Nies Street Raceland, LA 70394 Grades PK-8 Marissa Bagala, Principal Judy Watts, Secretary 537-7544 • Fax 537-4020 stmarelm@htdiocese.org

Our Catholic schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex or national origin.

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LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

for Peacemaking 101

BY CHRISTOPHER CARSTENS 48

Catholic News Service

Every year kids go back to school planning on some improvements. Maybe you want to keep tidier notebooks or do all your homework on time. Those are fine ideas, but I would like to suggest another goal in the context of your Christian life.

This year, when you go back to class, be a peacemaker in your own life.

It’s easy to talk about how the Israelis and the Palestinians need to make peace. It’s not hard to think up ways other people could solve their struggles. The real challenge for peacemaking comes when one of the people in the fight is you.

Jesus made it clear that making peace was not just a nice idea. It was a basic requirement for Christian living. Right now, you could probably list three people at school for whom you hold some kind of a grudge.

The guy who insulted you in the lunch line.

Your former boyfriend or girlfriend, the one who went out with somebody else behind your back.

The kid who spread rumors about you.

The student who got the part you wanted in the spring musical.

The wise guy in English who makes condescending remarks about anybody else’s ideas.

Often we don’t even notice that we are not at peace. We just think that there’s something wrong with the other guy, who is too selfish, too stupid or too inconsiderate to see things our way.

If you spend time grinding your teeth, because somebody angered you or hurt your feelings, you are not at peace. If you avoid certain people or don’t have lunch at certain tables, the peace in your heart is troubled.

If you’re holding a grudge, or nursing an

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Craig Hebert, PT • Craig Pate, PT

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA

old resentment, it’s time for you to face the challenge of peacemaking. Staying angry is the most natural thing to do -- one of the things we humans are best at. Jesus calls on us to do something totally unnatural.

There is no instant or easy formula for making peace.

If there were, a long list of ancient hatreds would have been laid to rest long ago. Peacemaking, however, has three clear components: thoughts, words and deeds.

First, declare peace. If the conflict was internal (a burning annoyance or resentment), there’s no need to say anything out loud. Just internally declare peace, saying to yourself, “Doug, I’m not going to be angry about your stupid jokes anymore.”

If your conflict has been out in the open, tell the person of your intention to make peace. No lengthy explanation is needed. A simple statement will do.

“Jenna,” you might say, “I’m not going to avoid you anymore -- I figure we might as well get along.”

You may get a frigid reaction. “Sure, like I want to get along with you!” You offer peace and then live it out, whatever the reaction may be.

Next, stop throwing wood on an old fire. No catty remarks behind the other guy’s back. No grinning while other people put him down either. When your intent is to make peace, you need to bow out of the hateful talk altogether.

Finally, live as if you don’t have the old grudge anymore. Talk to the person as often as the opportunity arises. Look for chances to say or do things that help the person. Translate your intentions into actions.

Sign up for a new course this year: Peacemaking 101.

The homework can be tough, but you’re really going to love the Teacher.

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Time-pressed families heading back to school this fall may find they really need that extra hour of morning sun offered by daylight savings time. The transition from the schedule-free days of summer to the more regimented requirements of school can create chaos in even the most orderly home.

Parents can employ planning and preparation to streamline the back-to-school transition, and help ensure everyone leaves the house on time - and in a good mood. Here are some simple tips: Create a Family Calendar From Dad’s golf lessons to Mom’s business meetings, from Sam’s

soccer practice to Dylan’s debate team sessions, the school year is full of important moments that require parents to develop the scheduling skill of a diplomat’s personal assistant. Creating a family calendar and posting it in a central place in the home can help ensure no important dates get missed - and everyone knows what everyone else is doing and when.

To make it even easier to track schedules, use different colored markers for each family member.

Use a stand-out color such as red to note events that will require participation from every family member, like Grandma’s 80th

birthday party. Gather everyone together on Sunday night and make updating the calendar for the week ahead a group activity.

Pre-route Travel Jill’s off to college this fall and Ted is starting as a freshman at the new high school across town.

Dad has new clients an hour’s drive away and Mom’s networking sales business is taking off. Pre-planning the routes your family will travel to school, work or events can save time and money.

Use a navigation system or the internet-based traffic service Traffic.com to avoid traffic jams, detours, construction delays

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and time lost to being lost. Traffic.com offers realtime information on current traffic conditions in most regions of the country. Didn’t have time to hop online before you left the house? Traffic.com information can be accessed from your cell phone by calling (866) MYTRAFC (866-698-7232).

If you have a GPS device, be sure it’s up-to-date with the latest maps. Updating your device’s maps at www. navigation.com helps you to identify the best route to your destination, gets you around detours, and can even help you find a gas station, ATM or convenience store, helping you manage your already busy schedule.

Create Time Of course you can’t really add hours to the day, but you can copy the daylight savings time approach. Set the clock back by performing “morning tasks” - like organizing outfits, lunch boxes, book bags - the night before.

Also, fill the gas tank on the drive home instead of adding a stop to your morning commute. Use a coffeemaker with a timer, prepare the coffee the night before and then set to perk automatically in the morning. Each task may take just a few minutes to complete in the morning, but by bundling them together and moving them to the night before, you enjoy real-time savings during your morning routine.

With planning and preparation, you can help ensure you family stays on track - and on time - this school year. Then you can all use that extra hour of daylight for family fun.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

NOTICE In accordance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) regulations, each of the thirteen Catholic schools, within the parochial school system of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, has a copy of its Asbestos Management Plan on file in the Principal’s Office. Anyone interested in reviewing a particular schools’ Asbestos Management Plan should first contact the school’s principal to schedule a time for the review.

This notice applies to the following individuals: • Parents of children who attend one of the thirteen Catholic schools within the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

• Teachers and all other employees within the parochial school system of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux 51

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July 2012

Back To School

Back to homework

BY BILL AND MONICA DODDS Catholic News Service

Admit it. Teaching sounds like a wonderful profession in mid-June but not as great come late-August.

(Unless, of course, you’re a true teacher and that’s your God-given vocation. If that’s the case, thank you for answering that call!) One of the drawbacks is: Teachers have homework. A lot of homework.

For most of us moms and dads, there was a golden time between A.D. and B.C. That is, After Diploma but Before Children. Graduating meant no more homework ... until those youngsters reached school age. Then, suddenly, worksheets, book reports, dioramas and more all returned with a vengeance.

Only now it isn’t you having

to complete an assignment (with your mom or dad harping in the background), it’s your son or daughter -- foolishly -- putting off a project which would have been so much easier if only he or she had started it a little earlier and ...

And, no, you don’t harp. You remind. Keep on task. Point out.

Encourage. Remind. (Did we already mention “remind”? Well, remind again.)

On the other hand, when it comes to teachers, students and homework, some things really have changed. Or are slightly altered, anyway.

--Then it was “the dog ate my homework.” Now it’s “my hard drive crashed.”

--In your time

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Back To School plagiarizing meant stealing material word-for-word from Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedia. (Most likely something from Volume 1, A-Ameri, because that was the only one your parents bought.

At the grocery store it had the introductory price of 19 cents. The other 30 or so volumes were more than a buck each.) Now it means copying and pasting from the Web site for the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution or MySpace.

--Back in the day, a teacher’s instruction included, “No referring to the times table printed on the inside flap of your Pee Chee.” Now your child may be told, “Don’t use your calculator.”

--Way back when, your very elaborate science project required an empty oatmeal box and the cardboard from a roll of toilet paper. These days your child may -- seriously -- request a computer chip and solar panel.

On the Web: Homework Tips for Parents The U.S. Department of Education has homework tips for

parents at www.ed.gov/parents/ academic/involve/homework/index. html.

Some of the basics include: 1. Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit place to do homework.

2. Make sure the materials your child needs, such as paper, pencils and a dictionary, are available.

3. Help your child with time management.

4. Be positive about homework.

5. When your child asks for help, provide guidance, not answers.

6. When the teacher asks that you play a role in homework, do it.

7. If homework is meant to be done by your child alone, stay away.

8. Stay informed; talk with your child’s teacher.

9. Help your child figure out what is hard homework and what is easy homework, and have your child do the hard work first.

Bill and Monica Dodds are the founders of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver and editors of My Daily Visitor magazine. Their Web site is www.FSJC.org. They can be contacted at MonicaDodds@ YourAgingParent.com.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

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s k n a

! o 12 e h v i w r 0 l l 1-2 d D a n to 201 u F l a a d u e t n r n o A p l p o su cho S c i l o h

h T t a C

Over $2,195,896 million raised for Catholic education diocesan wide.

Your continued support for the Catholic Schools’ Annuual Fund Drive is greatly appreciated and needed.

To learn more about the Annual Fund Plan, visit your schools’ website or the diocese at www.htstewardship.org

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

2779 Hwy. 311 • P.O. Box 505 • Schriever, LA 70395 (985) 850-3155 • Fax (985) 850-3255