September 2013 bayou catholic issue

Bayou

Catholic

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

Catholic Foundation Mar riage

Inside

Special Section

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Contents

On Our Cover

24

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Bishop Sam G. Jacobs has announced the implementation of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux’s “Continuing the Vision … Ensuring our Future” capital campaign with the goal of raising $10 million over the next four years to support seminarians, Catholic Charities and parishes.

Acadians Mass honors Cajuns

10 Jesus Is Lord

07

Cover Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier

Heavenly Recipes

Our Churches

Chicken and sausage gumbo

Maria Immacolata turns 50

Precepts of the church

28

4

45

Seeing Clairely

22

Marriage

The pleasure of not knowing why

• Pope Speaks

16

• Question Corner

17

32 • Reflections

18

• Diocesan Calendar

20

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. 34, No. 3

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.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • September 2013

See pages 45-64

• Appointments

26

• Young Voices

37

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

First Place Winner General Excellence

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 Barker Honda ............................................. 51 Bueche’s Jewelry ....................................... 30 Burma Hall ................................................. 55 Cannata’s Creative Catering ...................... 47 Capdeboscq .............................................. 56 Caro’s Cakes, Inc. ...................................... 60 Cashio’s Mobile Catering ........................... 55 Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge Youth & Young Adult Ministries Position ... 43 Catholic Foundation ................................... 64 Channel 10 ................................................. 25 Classic Business Products ........................ 42 Courtyard Marriott ...................................... 49 Diocesan Outreach Line .............................. 5 Diocesan Website ...................................... 21 Family Ministries ........................................ 57 Gina’s Catering .......................................... 62 God’s Promises Books & Gifts ................. 59 Gold n’ Gifts & Bridal Boutique .................. 46 Hampton Inn & Suites ................................ 53 Haydel Spine & Pain .................................. 29 Headache & Pain Center ........................... 39 Houma Terrebonne Civic Center ............... 58 HTeNews........................................................ 9 Journey Hospice ........................................ 35 LeBlanc & Associates, Inc. ........................ 42 Mpress ....................................................... 40 Norman’s Tuxedos ..................................... 63 Parish Social Ministry Training ................... 38 Re-Bath ...................................................... 44 Rod’s Superstore ....................................... 31 SEECA .......................................................... 3 Seminarian Education Burses ................... 23 Spotlight ..................................................... 40 St. Joseph Manor ....................................... 29 Synergy Bank ............................................. 41 Terminix ...................................................... 30 Terrebonne General Medical Center-Ideal Protein ................................... 2 The Wishing Well, Inc. ............................... 60 Thibodaux Physical Therapy ..................... 43 Wesley J. Landeche Sales & Service, Inc... 61

Diocesan Outreach Line

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

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

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

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

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

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

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

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

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

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän

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

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

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

5

Welcome

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

Reach out

6

As we are all finding out our new Holy Father teaches us in simple, yet profound, ways. Just a few weeks ago, on the Feast of St. Cajetan, Pope Francis spoke on Christian charity and how we are to treat “those who need us to give them a hand, who need us to look at them with love, to share their pain or their anxieties, their problems.”

Listen to the pope: “What’s important is that we don’t just look at them from afar or help from afar. No, no! We must reach out to them. This is being Christian! This is what Jesus taught us: to reach out to the needy.

Like Jesus who always reached out to the people. He went to meet them. Reaching out to those most in need.

“Sometimes I ask people ‘Do you give alms.’

They say, ‘Yes, father.’ ‘And when you give alms, do you look into the eyes of people you are giving alms to?’ ‘Ah, I do not know, I don’t really think about it.’ ‘Then you have not reached out to those people. You just tossed them some charity and went away. When you give alms, do you touch their hands or just toss them the coins?’ ‘No, I toss them the coins.’ ‘Then you have not touched them. And if you have not touched them, you have not reached out to them.’ What Jesus teaches us, first of all, is to reach out to each other, and in reaching out, helping one another.

The pope explained: “We must be able to reach out to each other. We must build, create, construct a culture of encounter. How many differences, family troubles, always!

Trouble in the neighborhood, trouble at work, trouble everywhere. And these differences do not help. The culture of encounter. Reaching out to encounter each other. And the theme says, “Reaching out to those most in need,” in short, with those who need me. With those who are going through a bad time, far worse than what I’m going through.

“There is always someone who is having [it] worse, eh? Always! There is always someone

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • September 2013

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

This stained glass window depicting “Giving help to the stranger” is located at St. Bridget Church in Schriever.

… To these people, it is to these people that we have to reach out.”

Catholics in our area have a great opportunity to reach out to others by learning more about social ministry at a regional training that will be taking place in New Orleans on Oct. 4-5 at Notre Dame Seminary. “Faith in Action - Taking Catholicism to the Streets” is a wonderful opportunity to hear nationally recognized speakers who can help us develop our parish social ministries. The training is available to laypeople, clergy and religious. Every parish in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is invited to send representatives. Registration is only $15.

Rob Gorman, diocesan director of Catholic Charities, says: “Whether your interest lies in deepening your spirituality, engaging parish leaders, creating social ministry strategies for your parish or learning more about specific social justice issues, there is a workshop for you at this conference.” He advises that you register early because space is limited. Call Gorman at Catholic Charities (985) 876-0490 or email him at rgorman@htdiocese.org.

Bayou Spirit

Cajun Mass The annual Acadian Mass held at St. Hilary of Poitiers Church in Mathews was celebrated in conjunction with the feast of the Assumption. Bishop Sam G. Jacobs was the main celebrant of the Mass which was in French. Mass was concelebrated by priests of the diocese and assisted by deacons. Catholics from across the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux gathered for the Mass which celebrates the Cajun culture of the bayou area.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

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Scripture Readings Monday

Tuesday

2 September 3

Wednesday

4

Thursday

5

and a listing of Feast days and saints.

Friday

6

Saturday

7

Sunday

8

Weekday Twenty-Third Colossians 1:21-23 Sunday in Luke 6:1-5 Ordinary Time Wisdom 9:13-18b Philemon 9-10, 12-17, Luke 14:25-33

9

10

11

12

Memorial of Peter Claver, priest Colossians 1:24— 2:3 Luke 6:6-11

Weekday Colossians 2:6-15 Luke 6:12-19

Weekday Colossians 3:1-11 Luke 6:20-26

16

17

Memorial of Cornelius, pope, and Cyprian, bishop, martyrs 1Timothy 2:1-8 Luke 7:1-10

14

15

Memorial of John Weekday Colossians 3:12-17 Chrysostom, bishop and doctor Luke 6:27-38 of the church 1Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14 Luke 6:39-42

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

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14 1Timothy 1:12-17 Luke 15:1-32

18

19

20

21

22

Weekday 1Timothy 3:1-13 Luke 7:11-17

Weekday 1Timothy 3:14-16 Luke 7:31-35

Weekday 1Timothy 4:12-16 Luke 7:36-50

Memorial of Andrew Kim Tae-gon, priest, Paul Chong Ha-sang, and companions, martyrs 1 Timothy 6:2c-12 Luke 8:1-3

Feast of Matthew, apostle and evangelist Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 Matthew 9:9-13

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Amos 8:4-7 1 Timothy 2:1-8 Luke 16:1-13

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

Memorial of Pius of Pietrelcina, priest Ezra 1:1-6 Luke 8:16-18

Weekday Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20 Luke 8:19-21

Weekday Ezra 9:5-9 Luke 9:1-6

Weekday Haggai 1:1-8 Luke 9:7-9

Memorial of Vincent de Paul, priest Haggai 2:1-9 Luke 9:18-22

Weekday Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a Luke 9:43b-45

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Amos 6:1a, 4-7 1 Timothy 6:11-16 Luke 16:19-31

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1 October 2

3

4

5

6

Memorial of Jerome, priest and doctor of the church Zechariah 8:1-8 Luke 9:46-50

Memorial of Therese of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the church Zechariah 8:20-23 Luke 9:51-56

Weekday Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12 Luke 10:1-12

Memorial of Francis of Assisi, religious Baruch 1:15-22 Luke 10:13-16

Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels Nehemiah 2:1-8 Matthew 18:1-5, 10

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g n i c n ou

n n A

HTeNews To visit and to subscribe go to:

g r o . s w seene

e c o i d ht

Welcome to HTeNews.

We have a number of means to communicate with you, the people of our diocese. We have the new magazine, Bayou Catholic, which comes out monthly. We have news releases which are issued as needed. We have our TV programs: Spotlight on the Diocese, Proclaim and Revival. We also have our website, htdiocese.org On May 20, we launched our latest communication tool: HTeNews, which will be emailed weekly. As you will see, it contains a message from me, religious news from the Vatican, around the world, nationally and locally. It will feature up-to-date announcements of events and offerings from the diocese. Also, there will be links to other interesting Catholic websites where you may find further helpful information about the church’s teachings. We welcome your responses to our new venture. We also want you to feel free to forward this to others who may not be on our email address list for them to consider subscribing free. We pray for God’s blessing on this new outreach. May it serve in the work of building the Kingdom of God in our diocese!

Comment Jesus Is Lord Bishop Sam G. Jacobs

B 10

Besides the Ten Commandments which are given to us by God as a way of life in our relationship with God and others, the church, in its teaching authority and nurturing role, has established further areas which are meant to enhance our life as followers of Jesus Christ.

These are called “precepts of the church.”

This is what the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “The precepts of the church are set in the context of a moral life bound to and nourished by liturgical life. The obligatory character of these positive laws decreed by the pastoral authorities is meant to guarantee to the faithful the very necessary minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor” (CCC No. 2041).

There are six precepts of the Church.

1. The celebration of the Eucharist The first precept: “To assist at Mass on all Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor.”

The first precept deals with the specification of the Third Commandment of God, as it now applies to baptized Christians.

This commandment states: “Keep holy the Lord’s Day.” For the Jewish people this was interpreted as going to the synagogue each Sabbath and refraining from any work as well as keeping the three major festivals by going to the Temple.

As a faithful member of the

1. The celebration of the Eucharist LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Covenant, Jesus did this. The early Christian converts from Judaism initially continue to frequent the synagogue and the Temple as well as do what Jesus did at the Last Supper according to his instructions.

In time there was a noticeable tension between the followers of Moses and the followers of Jesus. As a result, the Christian converts would gather at the end of the weekly Sabbath to worship. Instead of the Jewish Sabbath as the important day of worship, the first day of the week, the day commemorating Jesus’ resurrection, became the Lord’s Day early on in the life of the church. This is clear from one of the earliest non-biblical writings, written around 100 A.D., the “Didache.” This is what it says: “But every Lord’s Day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one who is at odds with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that

which was spoken by the Lord: “In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations.”

This church precept also reminds its members to refrain from any work that distracts them from the full, active participation in the Eucharist.

The holy days of obligation in the United States are these six: n Christmas Day (December 25) n The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (January 1) n Ascension Thursday (40 days after Easter) n The Assumption (August 15) n All Saints’ Day (November 1) n The Immaculate Conception (December 8) 2. Reception of the sacrament of reconciliation This second precept states: “To confess our sins at least once a year.”

We are struggling sinners, desiring to share God’s divine life eternally. Even though we are bound to receive the sacrament of reconciliation if we are in mortal sin, so as not to live in sin, we are encouraged to receive this sacrament

a

What are the precepts of the church?

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • September 2013

on a regular basis for the strength to avoid sin and grow in God’s life.

Thus, to show the importance of receiving this sign of God’s love and forgiveness, the church urges us to the more rather than just to the minimum.

The reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, though independent of the sacrament of Eucharist, does have a connection through the next precept.

3. The Easter Duty The third precept of the church is “To receive holy Communion during the Easter time.”

Even though as Catholics we are encouraged to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation regularly, we are more encouraged to receive the sacrament of Eucharist at every Mass we attend, unless prevented by being in the state of serious sin. Why did the church make a precept to receive at least once a year? There was a time over a century ago when Catholics received Eucharist infrequently, thinking they were unworthy.

They failed to realize that Jesus gave us himself in Eucharist for us to receive his body and blood, so as to grow in his divine life.

To overcome this false piety and to lead people into the fullness of truth, the church encourages weekly reception or at least during the Easter season. (This is from the Vigil of Easter Sunday and ends on Pentecost Sunday) Again, why settle for what is minimum when we can share in the gift of God’s love through sharing in his divine life?

The deeper the intimacy between ourselves and God, the deeper the hunger for this gift of life!

4. Fasting and abstinence The fourth precept of the church is “to fast and to abstain on the days appointed.”

In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus teaches us about the spiritual enrichment that comes from fasting (Matthew 6:16-18). When the religious leaders confronted Jesus concerning the lack of fasting by his disciples, Jesus said the time of fasting will come when he goes. Jesus himself is said to have fasted 40 days and 40 nights at the beginning of his public ministry and before his temptations in the desert.

What is fasting? It is the decision to refrain from food and drink in order to become more focused on

the Lord. It is a form of penance.

Normally, it is recommended that we eat only one full meal with the other meals very light, not equaling to our main meal. Some people have even fasted on bread and water. What is abstinence? It is the decision not to eat meat.

What are the days of fasting and abstinence? Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are to be observed as days of fasting and abstinence. On the Fridays in Lent we are asked to observe abstinence. In the past every Friday was a day of abstinence.

Today, it is still a day of penance in the church.

To whom does fasting and abstinence apply? We read in the Code

2. Reception of the sacrament of reconciliation LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

of Canon Law (Can. 1252): “The law of abstinence binds those who have completed their 14th year.

The law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority, until the beginning of their 60th year.

Pastors of souls and parents are to ensure that even those who by reason of their age are not bound by the law of fasting and abstinence, are taught the true meaning of penance.”

5. Supporting the church The fifth precept of the church is “To contribute to the support of the church.”

In the Old Testament, God required a tithe as a sign of one’s dependency upon God and the centrality of God in one’s life and the source of all blessings. This concept continued in the New Testament to

the point where people sold their property and donated the proceeds for the support of the community (Acts 2:45; 4:34-35). Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:14: “In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the Gospel should get their living by the Gospel.”

We are called to be good stewards of the many blessings, including financial, that we have received from God. Good stewardship before God includes time, talent and treasure. The proclamation of the Gospel needs to be supported by the faithful to the extent they can, according to their means. We know that we can’t ever match God’s generosity to us, but we can reflect true gratitude.

6. Marriage within church The sixth precept of the church is: “To observe the laws of the church concerning marriage.”

The ordinary law of the church to be observed at the wedding of a Catholic is this: A Catholic can contract a true marriage only in the presence of an authorized priest and two witnesses. Once this has taken place, this marriage is to be 11 registered in the baptismal records of the parties. According to our sacramental theology of marriage, the sacrament is a covenant bond between God, the man and the woman. The witness of the priest and two others is to serve as a confirmation of this covenant. There was a time in the middle ages where couples secretly married because their parents were opposed to their union. It was their intent to make this public at a later date. But since there were no witnesses what was a valid bond before God was denied by the parents. So to avoid this from continuing, the church established the sixth precept.

There are other laws such as those governing a mixed religion marriage or a marriage with one who is not baptized. The marriage law requires a certain age and maturity to marry. Those who have a previous marriage commitment cannot be validly married until the first commitment is declared null and void.

All these are meant to ensure the sacredness of the sacrament of marriage. www.bayoucatholic.com

Comentario

¿Cuáles son los Preceptos de la Iglesia?

A 12

Además del Decálogo que hemos recibido de Dios como estilo de vida en nuestra relación con Dios y los demás, la Iglesia— que desempeña su autoridad doctrinal y su papel de caridad— ha establecido otras áreas con el fin de fortalecer nuestra vida de discípulos de Jesucristo. Estos son los «Los Preceptos de la Iglesia.»

Esto es lo que el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica declara: «Los preceptos de la Iglesia se sitúan en la línea de una vida moral referida a la vida litúrgica y que se alimenta de ella. El carácter obligatorio de estas leyes positivas promulgadas por la autoridad eclesiástica tiene por fin garantizar a los fieles en mínimo indispensable en el espíritu de oración y en el esfuerzo moral, en el crecimiento del amor de Dios y del prójimo» (CIC No. 2041).

Estos son los seis preceptos de la Iglesia.

La celebración Eu1. carística El primer precepto: «Oír misa entera los domingos y demás fiestas de precepto y no realizar trabajos serviles.»

El primer precepto trata con el tercer mandamiento de Dios, como se aplica a los cristianos bautizados. Este mandamiento declara: «Santifica el Día del Señor.» Para los judíos significaba ir a la sinagoga todos los sábados, evitar cualquier trabajo y celebrar tres festividades mayores en el Templo. Jesús hizo esto como todos los miembros fieles de la Alianza. Los primeros cristianos que se convirtieron del judaísmo al inicio continuaron a ir a la sinagoga, al Templo y también siguieron las instrucciones de Jesús en la Ultima Cena.

Con el tiempo hubo una notable tensión entre los seguidores de Moisés y los seguidores de Jesús.

El resultado fue que los cristianos convertidos se reunían al final del sábado para rezar. Estos

3. El Deber de la Pascua LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

cristianos, en lugar de celebrar el último día de la semana —el sábado judío— celebraban el primer día de la semana conmemorando la resurrección de Jesús y llamándolo el Día del Señor. Esto está claro en uno de los primeros escritos no bíblicos escrito cerca del año 100 d.c., el «Didache.» Esto es lo que dice: «Los Días del Señor los reúne a todos ustedes para compartir el pan y celebrar la acción de gracias después de haber confesado todos los pecados para que el sacrificio sea puro. Pero no permitan que el que está en conflicto con ustedes se reúna con ustedes hasta que se hayan reconciliado con él para que su sacrificio no sea deshonrado.

Es por eso que el Señor dijo: «En cada lugar y tiempo ofréceme un sacrificio puro; porque Yo soy el Rey, dijo el Señor y mi nombre es excelso entre las naciones.»

Este precepto de la Iglesia remembra a sus miembros de evitar el trabajo servil que los distraiga de la plena y activa participación en la Eucaristía.

Las fiestas de obligación en los Estados Unidos son las siguientes

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • September 2013

seis: n La Navidad (25 de diciembre) n La Solemnidad de María, la Madre de Dios (1 de enero) n El jueves de Ascensión (40 días después de la Pascua) n La Asunción (15 de agosto) n El Día de todos los Santos (1 de noviembre) n La Inmaculada Concepción (8 de diciembre) 2. El Sacramento de la Reconciliación El segundo precepto declara: «Confesar nuestros pecados al menos una vez al año.»

Somos pecadores que luchamos y deseamos ser parte de la vida divina de Dios para toda la eternidad.

A pesar de que recibimos el Sacramento de la Reconciliación, si vivimos en el pecado mortal, se nos alienta a recibir este sacramento con regularidad para fortalecer la habilidad de evitar el pecado y el crecer en la vida de Dios. Por tanto la Iglesia nos pide que hagamos mucho más en lugar del mínimo para demostrar que es importante recibir la señal del amor de Dios.

La recepción del Sacramento de la Reconciliación, a pesar de

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ser independiente al Sacramento de la Eucaristía, está enlazada por medio del próximo precepto.

3. El Deber de la Pascua El tercer precepto de la Iglesia es «Recibir la Santa Comunión durante la Pascua.»

Aunque seguido nosotros los católicos somos alentados a celebrar el Sacramento de la Reconciliación, se nos pide con más ahínco recibir el Sacramento de la Eucaristía en cada misa a excepción de que estemos en un estado de pecado. ¿Por qué la Iglesia creó el precepto de recibir la Eucaristía al menos una vez al año? Hubo un tiempo hace más de un siglo cuando los católicos recibían la Eucaristía sin regularidad pensando que no eran dignos. Ellos fracasaron en darse cuenta que Jesús se entregó a nosotros por medio de la Eucaristía para recibir su cuerpo y su sangre para que podamos crecer en su vida divina. Para combatir esta bondad falsa y guiar al pueblo a la plenitud de la verdad, la Iglesia nos anima a recibir la Eucaristía semanalmente o al menos una vez durante la Pascua (Esto es de la Vigilia del Domingo de Pascua y termina el Domingo de Pentecostés).

Nuevamente, ¿por qué conformarse con el mínimo cuando podemos compartir el don del amor de Dios compartiendo su vida divina? ¡Mientras más profunda sea nuestra intimidad con Dios más profundo será el hambre por recibir este don de vida!

4. El Ayuno y la Abstinencia El cuarto precepto de la Iglesia es «el ayuno y la abstinencia en los días indicados.»

En el Evangelio de Mateo, Jesús nos enseña sobre el enriquecimiento espiritual que proviene del ayuno (Mateo 6:16-18). Cuando los líderes religiosos confrontaron a Jesús sobre la falta de ayuno que sus discípulos demostraban, Jesús les dijo que el momento del ayuno vendrá cuando Él se vaya. Se dice que Jesús mismo ayunó por 40 días y 40 noches al comienzo de su ministerio y ante las tentaciones en el desierto. ¿Qué es el ayuno? Es la decisión de evitar el alimento y la bebida para concentrarse en el Señor. Es una clase de penitencia. Normalmente, es recomendado comer solamente un alimento completo con otros

alimentos muy ligeros. Algunas personas han ayunado con agua y pan. ¿Qué es la abstinencia? El miércoles de Ceniza y el Viernes Santo son los días en que se observa el ayuno y la abstinencia.

Los viernes de la Cuaresma son también días de abstinencia. En el pasado todos los viernes eran días de abstinencia. Hoy, es todavía un día de penitencia en la Iglesia. ¿Quién debe ayunar y practicar la abstinencia? Dice el Código de la Ley Canónica (Can. 1252): «La ley de la abstinencia es para aquéllos que han cumplido los 14 años de edad. La ley del ayuno es para mayores de edad hasta el comienzo

4. El Ayuno y la Abstinencia LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

de sus 60 años. Los pastores de las almas y los padres de familia deben asegurarse que aquéllos que no han alcanzado la edad necesaria para estar sujetos a la ley del ayuno y abstinencia aprendan el verdadero significado de la penitencia.»

5. Apoyando a la Iglesia El quinto precepto de la Iglesia es «Contribuir al apoyo de la Iglesia.»

En el Viejo Testamento, Dios requiere una contribución como señal de nuestra dependencia de Dios, el puesto céntrico que Dios tiene en nuestra vida y fuente de todas nuestras bendiciones. Este concepto continúa en el Nuevo Testamento y llegó al punto que muchos vendían su propiedad y donaban su dinero para apoyar a la comunidad (Hechos 2:45; 4:34-35).

Pablo dijo en 1 Corintios 9:14: « Del mismo modo, el Señor ha ordenado a los que anuncian el Evangelio que vivan del Evangelio.» Somos llamados a ser buenos servidores de las múltiples bendiciones— que incluyen finanzas— que hemos recibido de Dios. El buen manejo ante Dios incluye el tiempo, el talento y el tesoro. La proclamación del Evangelio necesita ser apoyada por los fieles todo lo que puedan según sus posibilidades. Sabemos que no podemos igualar la generosidad de Dios por nosotros pero sí podemos expresar gratitud verdadera.

6. El matrimonio dentro de la Iglesia El sexto precepto de la Iglesia es: «observar las leyes de la Iglesia sobre el matrimonio.» La ley ordinaria de la Iglesia que se debe observar en las bodas de los católicos es la siguiente: «El católico debe contraer un verdadero matrimonio solamente bajo la presencia de un sacerdote autorizado y dos testigos. Después de haberse llevado a cabo esto, el matrimonio deberá registrarse en los registros bautismales de ambos 13 partidos. Según nuestra teología sacramental del matrimonio, el sacramento es una alianza entre Dios el hombre y la mujer. El testimonio del sacerdote y los dos otros testigos sirven para confirmar esta alianza. Hubo un tiempo en la Edad Media que las parejas se casaban en secreto porque sus padres se oponían a su matrimonio.

Su intención era hacerlo público después. Ya que no había testigos, lo que era una unión legítima para Dios no era aceptado por sus padres. Para no continuar esto, la Iglesia ha establecido el sexto precepto.

Hay otras leyes como estas que gobiernan matrimonios de religiones mixtas o el matrimonio con alguien que no ha sido bautizado. La ley del matrimonio requiere una edad mínima y madurez para casarse. Los que han tenido un matrimonio previo no pueden casarse con validez hasta que el primer matrimonio sea anulado.

Todas estas cosas tienen el propósito de asegurar la santidad del Sacramento del Matrimonio.

Traducido por Julio Contreras, feligrés de la Iglesia Católica Annunziata en Houma www.bayoucatholic.com

Binh luan bang loi

Ñaâu Laø Nhöõng Ñieàu Raên Hoäi Thaùnh?

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Ngoaøi Möôøi Ñieàu raên do Chuùa ban laøm kim chæ nam ñeå giuùp ta gaén lieàn vôùi Ngaøi vaø nhöõng ngöôøi khaùc ra, Giaùo Hoäi vôùi quyeàn bính vaø boån phaän nuoâi naáng ban theâm nhöõng quy luaät khaùc ñeå toâ ñieåm cho ñôøi soáng Kytoâ höõu toát ñeïp hôn.

Nhöõng quy luaät naøy ta goïi laø Ñieàu Raên Hoäi Thaùnh. Ñieàu naøy thì saùch Giaùo Lyù Coâng Giaùo ghi roõ raèng: “Ñieàu Raên Hoäi Thaùnh ñöôïc trình baøy theo toân chæ cuûa luaân lyù vaø ñöôïc boài döôõng qua ñôøi soáng phuïng vuï. Nhöõng ñaëc thuø baát khaû nhöôïng cuûa nhöõng toân chæ luaân lyù naøy do Ñaáng Baûn Quyeàn ban ñeå giuùp caùc Kytoâ höõu coù ñöôïc söï lôïi loäc caên baûn caàn thieát trong khi caàu nguyeän vaø phaùt trieån veà maët luaân lyù, ñeå giuùp hoï lôùn maïnh trong tình yeâu Chuùa vaø tha nhaân” (CCC No. 2041).

Giaùo Hoäi coù 6 ñieàu raên 1. Phuïng vuï Thaùnh Theå: Ñieàu raên thöù nhaát Hoäi Thaùnh “Laø tham döï Thaùnh Leã cuoái tuaàn vaø caùc ngaøy Leã buoäc vaø kieâng vieäc xaùc.” Ñieàu raên thöù nhaát naøy boå sung cho Ñieàu Raên Thöù Ba cuûa Thieân Chuùa, nhöng baây giôø aùp duïng cho caùc Kytoâ höõu. Ñieàu raên naøy ghi: “Giöõ ngaøy cuûa Chuùa ñöôïc thaùnh thieän.”

Theo nhö ngöôøi Do Thaùi thì hoï hieåu raèng phaûi tham döï nghi leã ngaøy cuoái tuaàn ôû hoäi tröôøng vaø khoâng laøm baát cöù coâng vieäc tay chaân naøo, cuõng nhö giöõ ba ngaøy leã quan troïng baèng caùch thaêm vieáng ñeàn thôø Gieârusalem. Laø moät tín ñoà Do Thaùi trung thaønh, Chuùa Gieâsu ñaõ giöõ nhöõng ñieàu luaät ñoù. Nhöõng ngöôøi Kytoâ trôû laïi töø Do Thaùi Giaùo vaãn tieáp tuïc tôùi hoäi tröôøng thöôøng xuyeân vaø thaêm vieáng ñeàn thôø, keå caû vieäc cöû haønh böõa Tieäc Ly do chính Chuùa chæ baûo nhö Ngaøi ñaõ laøm.

Traûi qua moät thôøi gian thì coù söï caêng thaúng giöõa nhöõng ngöôøi ñaïo môùi vaø cuõ. Keát quaû thì nhöõng Kytoâ höõu naøy ñaõ tuï hoïp vaøo ngaøy chuû nhaät ñeå caàu nguyeän. Thay vì duøng

5. Giuùp ñôõ taøi chaùnh cho Giaùo Hoäi LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

ngaøy thöù baûy cuûa ngöôøi Do Thaùi ñeå thôø phöôïng thì hoï ñaõ duøng ngaøy ñaàu tuaàn (Chuû nhaät), ngaøy maø hoï ghi nhôù Chuùa ñaõ soáng laïi, ngaøy ñoù trôû thaønh ngaøy cuûa Chuùa ñeå thôø phöôïng trong ñôøi soáng Hoäi Thaùnh. Ñieàu naøy thì khoâng theå sai traät ñöôïc vì ñaõ ñöôïc ghi cheùp moät trong nhöõng taøi lieäu (ngoaøi Kinh Thaùnh ra) cuûa Hoäi Thaùnh, vieát vaøo naêm 100, goïi laø “Didache.” Taøi lieäu noùi nhö sau: “Nhöng vaøo moãi ngaøy cuûa Chuùa caùc Kytoâ tuï hoïp laïi, vaø beû baùnh, vaø caûm taï sau khi ñaõ xöng thuù toäi loãi mình, ñeå hy leã ñöôïc veïn toaøn. Nhöng khoâng ñeå nhöõng ai tham döï neáu hoï khoâng hoaø giaûi vôùi anh em mình, cho tôùi khi ñieàu ñoù xaûy ra, ñeå cho hy leã khoâng bò oâ ueá. Vì ñieàu naøy thì Chuùa ñaõ noùi: “ÔÛ moãi nôi vaø thôøi gian daâng cho Ta hy leã veïn toaøn; vì Chuùa ñaõ phaùn, Ta laø Chuùa Teå, vaø danh ta seõ ñöôïc raïng ngôøi ôû giöõa caùc daân toäc.” Ñieàu raên naøy cuõng nhaéc nhôû giaùo daân kieâng vieäc xaùc, ñeå traùnh khoûi tình traïng chia trí trong khi tham döï Thaùnh Leã.

Hoäi Ñoàng Giaùm Muïc Hoa Kyø choïn 6 ngaøy leã buoäc: n Leã Giaùng Sinh (25 thaùng 12) n Leã Ñöùc Maria, Meï Thieân Chuùa (1 thaùng 1)

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • September 2013

n Leã Chuùa Leân Trôøi (40 ngaøy sau Phuïc Sinh) n Leã Meï Hoàn Xaùc Leân Trôøi (15 thaùng 8) n Leã Caùc Thaùnh (1 thaùng 11) n Leã Meï Voâ Nhieãm Nghieâm Toäi (8 thaùng 12) 2. Laõnh Nhaän Bí Tích Hoaø Giaûi Ñieàu raên thöù hai Hoäi Thaùnh noùi raèng: “Xöng toäi ít nhaát moät naêm moät laàn.”

Chuùng ta laø nhöõng ngöôøi toäi loãi, ao öôùc ñöôïc chia seû ñôøi soáng vónh cöûu vôùi Thieân Chuùa. Maëc daàu chuùng ta chæ buoäc phaûi xöng toäi neáu chuùng ta maéc toäi troïng, ñeå khoûi soáng trong toäi, Giaùo Hoäi khuyeán khích chuùng ta xöng toäi thöôøng xuyeân ñeå coù söùc maïnh xa laùnh toäi loãi vaø lôùn maïnh trong aân suûng cuûa Chuùa. Vì theá, ñeå nhaän thaáy söï quan troïng daáu chæ tình yeâu Chuùa vaø söï tha thöù, Giaùo Hoäi khuyeán khích chuùng ta naêng laõnh nhaän Bí Tích Hoaø giaûi. Bí Tích Hoaø Giaûi vaø Mình Thaùnh Chuùa, tuy coù khaùc nhau, nhöng laïi laø moái giaây xieát chaët daãn ñeán Ñieàu Raên Thöù Ba Hoäi Thaùnh.

3. Boån Phaän Trong Muøa Phuïc Sinh Ñieàu raên thöù ba Hoäi Thaùnh laø “Röôùc Mình Maùu Thaùnh Chuùa trong Muøa Phuïc Sinh.” Laø ngöôøi Coâng Giaùo, maëc daàu ñöôïc khuyeán khích laõnh

a

nhaän Bí Tích Hoaø Giaûi thöôøng xuyeân, chuùng ta ñöôïc khuyeán khích röôùc Mình Maùu Thaùnh Chuùa moãi khi tham döï Thaùnh Leã, tröø khi trong ngöôøi ñang mang toäi troïng. Taïi sao Giaùo Hoäi ra luaät phaûi röôùc Mình Maùu Thaùnh ít nhaát moät naêm moät laàn? Vaøo moät thôøi ñieåm trong quaù khöù nhöõng ngöôøi Coâng Giaùo khoâng röôùc leã thöôøng xuyeân, vì nghó raèng baát xöùng. Hoï ñaõ khoâng nhaän ra raèng Chuùa Gieâsu ban Ngaøi cho chuùng ta trong hy leã qua Mình vaø Maùu Ngaøi, ñeå giuùp chuùng ta soáng trong aân suûng Chuùa. Ñeå daïy hoï vöôït ra khoûi nieàm tin khoâng ñuùng ñaén naøy vaø ñeå giuùp hoï tieán ñeán söï thaät hoaøn toaøn, neân Giaùo Hoäi muoán hoï röôùc leã haèng tuaàn vaø vaøo Muøa Phuïc Sinh. (Thôøi gian naøy tính töø thöù baûy Phuïc Sinh ñeán Leã Chuùa Thaùnh Thaàn Hieän Xuoáng) Moät laàn nöõa, taïi sao chæ laøm ñieàu toái caên baûn trong khi ñoù chuùng ta coù theå chia seû moùn quaø tình yeâu Chuùa baèng chính ñôøi soáng keát hieäp vôùi Chuùa? Caøng gaén boù vôùi Chuùa thì caøng laøm cho ta caûm thaáy thieáu moùn quaø (Mình vaø Maùu Chuùa) cuoäc soáng naøy!

4. AÊn Chay vaø Kieâng Thòt Ñieàu raên thö tö Hoäi Thaùnh laø “aên chay vaø kieâng thòt vaøo nhöõng ngaøy ñaõ ñöôïc quy ñònh.” Trong saùch Phuùc AÂm Thaùnh Matheâu Chuùa Gieâsu daïy veà ích lôïi thieâng lieâng do bôûi aên chay (Mat 6:16-18) Khi nhöõng nhaø laõnh ñaïo toân giaùo thôøi baáy giôø traùch Chuùa veà caùc moân ñeä vì hoï khoâng aên chay, Chuùa noùi thôøi gian aên chay seõ ñeán sau khi Chuùa ra ñi. Chuùa Gieâsu ñaõ aên chay 40 ñeâm ngaøy khôûi ñaàu cho nhöõng ngaøy giaûng coâng khai cuûa Ngaøi, xaûy ra tröôùc khi bò caùm doã trong sa maïc.

Taïi sao phaûi aên chay? Ñoù chính laø moät quyeát ñònh traùnh aên uoáng ñeå coù theå chuù taâm vaøo Chuùa hôn. Ñoù chính laø caùch ñeàn toäi. Thoâng thöôøng chuùng ta ñöôïc khích leä aên moät böõa chính vaø nhöõng böõa khaùc thì nheï nhaøng hôn, khoâng baèng böõa chính. Coù ngöôøi nhòn aên caû baùnh mì vaø uoáng nöôùc laïnh nöõa. Coøn kieâng thòt thì sao? Ñoù laø quyeát ñònh khoâng aên thòt. Nhöõng ngaøy naøo aên chay vaø kieâng thòt? Thöù tö Leã Tro vaø thöù saùu Tuaàn Thaùnh laø hai ngaøy aên chay vaø kieâng thòt. Coøn nhöõng thöù saùu khaùc trong muøa chay chuùng ta phaûi kieâng thòt. Trong quaù khöù moãi ngaøy thöù saùu phaûi kieâng thòt.

Thöù saùu vaãn laø ngaøy ñeàn toäi cuûa Giaùo Hoäi.

5. Giuùp ñôõ taøi chaùnh cho Giaùo Hoäi Ñieàu raên thöù naêm Hoäi Thaùnh laø “ñoùng goùp taøi chaùnh cho Giaùo Hoäi.”

Trong Cöïu Öôùc, Thieân Chuùa truyeàn phaûi ñoùng goùp taøi chaùnh nhö laø daáu chæ leä thuoäc vaøo Ngaøi vì Ngaøi chính laø troïng taâm cuûa ñôøi soáng vaø laø nguoàn maïch moïi aân suûng. Caùi nhìn naøy ñöôïc tieáp noái vaøo thôøi Taân Öôùc maø nhöõng ngöôøi giöõ noù ñaõ baùn heát taøi saûn vaø daâng cuùng cho coäng ñoaøn ñeå phaân phaùt cho moïi ngöôøi (Toâng Ñoà Coâng Vuï 2:45; 4:34-35). Thaùnh Phaoloâ noùi trong thö thöù nhaát göûi giaùo ñoaøn Corintoâ 9:14 raèng: “Cuõng theá, Chuùa phaùn baûo raèng nhöõng ai lo vieäc rao

cöôùi trong Giaùo Hoäi laø theá naøy: Hoân nhaân cuûa hai ngöôøi Coâng Giaùo thaønh söï thì caàn phaûi coù söï chöùng giaùm cuûa moät linh muïc coù quyeàn haønh cuøng vôùi hai nhaân chöùng. Sau khi thaønh hoân xong caàn phaûi löu tröõ hoà sô nôi mình ñaõ laõnh nhaän Bí Tích Röûa Toäi.

Chieáu theo thaàn hoïc hoân nhaân thì bí tích naøy laø giao öôùc giöõa Chuùa, moät ngöôøi nam vaø moät ngöôøi nöõ. Chöùng giaùm cuûa linh muïc vaø hai ngöôøi nöõa chæ laø laøm chöùng cho giao öôùc naøy thoâi. Vaøo thôøi trung coå ñoâi khi coù vaøi caëp hoân nhaân cöôùi trong söï kín ñaùo vì cha meï hoï phaûn ñoái. Hoï coù yù ñònh coâng khai sau naøy. Nhöng vì khoâng

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6. Hoân Nhaân trong Hoäi Thaùnh KRISTIN GUIN PHOTOGRAPHY

giaûng caàn ñöôïc nuoâi döôõng do Phuùc AÂm hoï rao truyeàn.” Chuùng ta ñöôïc môøi goïi laø nhöõng ngöôøi quaûn lyù toát veà moïi maët keå caû taøi chaùnh, maø chuùng ta nhaän ñöôïc töø Thieân Chuùa. Quaûn lyù toát tröôùc maët Chuùa bao goàm thôøi gian, khaû naêng vaø tieàn baïc. Söï rao giaûng tin möøng caàn phaûi ñöôïc tieáp öùng bôûi giaùo daân bao nhieâu coù theå, tuyø vaøo loøng haûo taâm. Chuùng ta neân bieát raèng chuùng ta khoâng theå ñeàn buø xöùng ñaùng cho Chuùa veà nhöõng ñieàu Ngaøi ñaõ ban, nhöng cuõng coù theå ñoùng goùp moät phaàn naøo ñoù vôùi loøng bieát ôn.

6. Hoân Nhaân trong Hoäi Thaùnh Ñieàu raên thöù saùu Hoäi Thaùnh laø: “Tuaân chæ luaät leä cuûa Giaùo Hoäi lieân can ñeán hoân nhaân.” Luaät leä thoâng thöôøng caàn thi haønh khi cöû haønh ñaùm

coù nhaân chöùng thì laøm sao coù giaù trò tröôùc maët Chuùa neân cha meï hoï ñaõ töø choái. Vì ñeå traùnh tình traïng naøy tieáp tuïc xaûy ra, Giaùo Hoäi ban theâm ñieàu raên thöù saùu Hoäi Thaùnh naøy. Coøn coù nhöõng luaät leä khaùc nöõa giuùp nhöõng ai cöôùi ngöôøi khoâng cuøng toân giaùo hoaëc chöa röûa toäi bao giôø. Luaät hoân nhaân ñoøi hoûi tuoåi nhaát ñònh vaø tröôûng thaønh. Ai ñaõ keát hoân tröôùc ñaây khoâng theå keát hoân thaønh söï ñöôïc cho tôùi khi naøo hoân nhaân tröôùc bò coi laø tieâu hoân. Taát caû nhöõng ñieàu ñoù coù nghóa laø ñaûm baûo söï linh thieâng cuûa Bí Tích Hoân Nhaân.

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

Comment The Pope Speaks

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Mary, the mother of Jesus and mother of the church, already is in glory in heaven, but she is always with the church and helps it face the trials of the devil, Pope Francis said.

While the church is blessed and holy, on earth it continues to live through “the trials and challenges which the conflict between God and the evil one, the perennial enemy, brings,” the pope said in his homily Aug. 15 at a Mass for the feast of the Assumption of Mary.

The pope celebrated the Mass in the main square of Castel Gandolfo, a small town in the hills about 13 miles south of Rome where previous popes have spent the summer months. An estimated 12,000 were gathered in the square and down the main street for the Mass.

Commenting on the Mass readings, Pope Francis said the passage from the 11th chapter of the Book of Revelation -describing a woman in labor and a dragon waiting to devour the newborn child -- represents the church “glorious and triumphant and yet, on the other hand, still in travail.”

But as the followers of Jesus continue to face temptation and problems, Mary remains at their side, just as she remained with the apostles during her earthly life.

“She has, of course, already

entered, once and for all, into heavenly glory,” the pope said.

“But this does not mean that she is distant or detached from us; rather Mary accompanies us, struggles with us, sustains Christians in their fight against the forces of evil.”

Pope Francis told the crowd that praying the rosary and meditating on the events of suffering and joy

in the life of Mary and Jesus can give them the strength they need to continue “the battle against the evil one and his accomplices.”

“Do you pray the rosary every day?” he asked. The crowd shouted, “Yes,” and he said, “Really?”

The pope encouraged people to pray with Mary and to trust her as “our mother, our representative, our sister, the first believer to arrive in heaven.”

He said the Magnificat -- Mary’s response to the Angel Gabriel: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord ...” from Luke 1:46-55 -- is a song of hope, a song sung by “many

saints,” including “moms, dads, grandmothers and grandfathers, missionaries, priests, sisters, young people, even children, who have faced the struggle of life” with the firm hope of the victory of the resurrection, “the victory of love.”

“Where there is the cross, there is hope,” he said.

Reciting the Angelus after Mass, Pope Francis said Mary’s glory began with her saying “yes” to God’s plan.

“Every ‘yes’ to God is a step toward heaven, toward eternal life,” he said. “This is what the Lord wants: that all his children have life in abundance. God wants us all with him, in his house.”

Pope Francis also reminded people that Aug. 15 was the 25th anniversary of the day Blessed John Paul II signed his apostolic letter on women in the church and society, “Mulieris Dignitatem.”

As he had told reporters July 28 on the flight back to Rome from Brazil, Pope Francis said Blessed John Paul’s teaching “deserves to be taken up again and developed further.”

By meditating on the women in the Bible, “condensed in Mary,” he prayed, “may all women find themselves and the fullness of their vocations.”

And, he added, may all in the church recognize the “great, important role of women.”

The pope began his daylong visit to Castel Gandolfo by stopping to spend time with a group of cloistered Poor Clare nuns, whom he had visited July 14, the last time he spent a day at the papal villa.

After reciting the Angelus, he went to the Barberini Palace in the garden of the papal villas. The palace is the summer residence of the Vatican secretary of state and Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the current secretary, hosted a luncheon for Pope Francis. The lunch marked both the feast of the Assumption and the feast of St. Tarcisius, the cardinal’s name day.

Mary is always with the church, helps us face trials of the devil Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • September 2013

Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle

Catholics and DNR

Q

Q. I am an 83-year-old woman currently considering how to word my health care proxy.

I’m wondering about the ethics of requesting that I not be resuscitated if I stop breathing or my heart stops. Might I consider this to be “God calling me home” or would that be premature since I am not very elderly or very ill?

(I’ve heard that resuscitation can cause ribs to break, which in turn can injure lungs and heart; I’ve also been told that one does not necessarily recapture the original state of health after being revived.) (Green Bay, Wis.)

But for an otherwise healthy person who has suffered cardiac arrest, CPR is the proper call since it would likely restore the patient to a fairly normal life. In the traditional terminology of Catholic medical ethics, whether CPR constitutes ordinary or extraordinary care can only be judged as it pertains to an individual set of circumstances.

In your situation, since no serious medical emergency has yet arisen and you have no way of forecasting the exact details of such an emergency, I believe it would be premature and unwise for you to sign a DNR. It’s probably best for you simply to indicate to your health care proxy that you would be comfortable with a DNR in a circumstance where Catholic moral teaching would allow it.

A

A

A. A DNR (“Do Not Resuscitate”) order instructs medical personnel not to attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when a patient’s heartbeat or breathing stops.

CPR may involve a combination of techniques, including chest compression, electrical shock and the insertion of an airway tube, which, as you indicate, have risks, particularly when the patient’s health is already in serious decline.

A DNR order may or may not be morally appropriate, depending on the circumstances of a particular case. The decision requires a balancing of burdens and benefits. For a patient who is frail and elderly, one who is terminally ill or one who has suffered extensive brain damage, it may appropriately be judged that CPR would be excessively burdensome compared to the transitory benefit it might offer.

question itself. A woman wrote to complain about the length of her parish’s Sunday Mass. She moaned that it took more than an hour, and I say, “So what?”

She minded the fact that the lector had to walk from pew to the lectern (which probably took all of 30 seconds). She mentioned that she and her husband are of Social Security age and have no patience for delay. (My husband and I are that same age, and we love going to Mass.)

Think about this: Jesus spent three hours on the cross in a terrible agony. Before that, he was whipped by Roman soldiers, had thorns pushed into his head and was made to carry a cross.

And we can’t spend an hour a week honoring him? That woman definitely needs prayers, and I will include her in mine.

(Metuchen, N.J.)

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

So what if a Mass lasts an hour?

Q

Q. I enjoy reading your column, and your answers are informative and insightful. A while ago, though, one of your columns really irked me -- not your answer, which was fine, but the

A. Direct language from a true New Jerseyan. You’re right, an hour given back to God seems rather modest. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal makes a strong plea for reverence in the eucharistic 17 celebration, including periods of silent reflection.

The need to empty the parking lot before the crowd arrives for the next Mass is a valid concern, but it shouldn’t be allowed to trump everything else. As with many things, though, balance is the key.

In No. 40 of the general instruction, we’re told that there should be “due consideration for the culture of the people and abilities of each liturgical assembly,” and a parish church is not a monastery.

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

Reflections Readings Between The Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

Church transitions involve uneasiness

B 18

Between Feb. 28 and March 13, 2013, many Catholics felt uneasy. Do you remember what happened then? We had no pope!

Whether they involve popes, parish priests or staff members who greatly affected parish life, church transitions always involve some uneasiness for church members.

The first big transition the church had to face was when the apostles were put to death.

The clearest example available to us of church communities in transition at the death of an apostle is to be found in the letters of Paul. Three epistles (Titus, 1-2 Timothy) depict churches in a very different situation from that of the letters that certainly can be dated prior to Paul’s death, probably around 64 A.D. In this article, I will consider the teaching and situation of 1 Timothy, from which we will read for three Sundays in this month.

The author writes to Timothy, the leader of the church in Ephesus, as if he were Paul.

Even if he were not Paul, a disciple who had mastered his teacher’s doctrine would have been seen as having authority to write in his teacher’s name. The letter begins with the customary identification of author and addressee (1:1-2), but lacks the customary thanksgiving section.

The author then states the first of his concerns, the danger of false doctrine (1:3).

The author’s mention of

people spreading meaningless talk regarding “the Law” seems to indicate that some were advocating some kind of adherence to the Jewish Law (1:6-7). “Paul,” however, reminds Timothy that the good of the Law lies only in its ability to clarify moral and immoral behavior, but the grace, faith and love of Jesus Christ alone constitute the power for salvation (1:8-17).

Admonitions on worship given by the author point to a time after Paul’s death. The author advocates prayer for public officials (2:1-2), a bit of counsel that seems to indicate a time when Christians are trying to fit into the milieu of society. The author’s concern with the place of Christians within the general populace is further indicated when “Paul” describes the motive for the prayer mentioned above as stemming from God’s will that all be saved (2:3-4). In general, prayer seems to counteract factionalism (2:8), a phenomenon which occurred in Corinth earlier (1 Corinthians 1:11-12).

The author addresses certain issues to women in the community.

He urges them to adorn themselves with good deeds and the virtue of modesty, rather than with material adornments (2:9). They are to behave as “godfearers” (2:10).

Perhaps the author suggests that they distance themselves from banal societal practices and instead express their newfound identity in Christ.

The explicit description of the particular leadership roles of episkopoi (“overseers,” “bishops”) and diakonoi (“ministers,” “deacons”) and the corresponding requirements for these offices (3:1-13) indicates a much more developed church leadership structure than we see in the time

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • September 2013

of Paul. No longer do we see a commissioning of apostles by Jesus or designation of leadership by God’s Spirit, but now volunteers are validated by church authority.

What we see here in 1 Timothy is a change in leadership structure that is necessary for the preservation of authentic doctrine and cohesion of the community in the absence of Paul, the source of Christian teaching for this community.

Interestingly, 1 Timothy 3:11 mentions women among the diakonoi.

1 Timothy 5:17 commends “elders” who “lead” or “rule” well.

“Elder” indicates yet another class of church leader in the Ephesian Church. The three “offices” of overseer, elder and deacon have been seen as the roots of the orders of bishops, priests and deacons today. However, we can only see the offices in 1 Timothy as early foundations for the later orders, because the distinctions among the offices of overseers, elders and deacons in the New Testament are not altogether clear.

Widows in the Ephesian community have a distinct role, which is to pray, exercise hospitality and assist the needy (1 Timothy 5:3-16).

The famous proverb, “The love of money is the root of all evils” originates from 1 Timothy 6:10. In 6:5-10, 17-19, “Paul” warns against the corrupting power of wealth and exhorts the wealthy to use their abundance for the good of others.

1 Timothy provides us with a model for the survival of the church in times of change. As the church faces transition today, not only in terms of leadership but also in its place in society, we draw on the model of 1-2 Timothy and Titus, and learn to develop our own strategies for survival.

s Question d your n o i t c versal an e i n u h Refl c r popes? chu

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H n ory future? cent hist into the e r h c n r i u d h e c e chang val of th the survi te ta li i c fa

Saints

John Gabriel Perboyre 1802-1840 September 11

Crosiers

A Frenchman drawn to the missions, John Gabriel in 1818 joined the Congregation of the Mission, whose members are called Lazarists or Vincentians. Ordained in 1826, he was assigned to seminary formation work in France. In 1835, he finally was sent to Macao, to learn Chinese, then to Hunan. For two years, he rescued abandoned children and taught them Christianity. In 1839 in Hupeh, persecution forced missionaries into hiding; John Gabriel was turned in by a recent convert. Paraded before bureaucrats and mandarins, he would not betray other missionaries or trample the cross. He was tortured at least 20 times before being strangled on a cross a year after his arrest. This martyr was canonized in 1996.

Saints © 2013 Catholic News Service

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Our Lady of Sorrows September 15

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This feast, a patronage for all the sorrowing, honors Mary’s tribulations as Jesus’s mother. Blessed Henry Suso, a German mystic who lived 1295-1366, practiced devotions he called the Five Joys of Mary and the Five Sorrows of Mary. Father John de Coudenberghe, a parish priest in Flanders, began preaching a devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary in 1482. The Servites have celebrated this feast since the 17th century, and in 1814 Pope Pius VII made it universal.

The biblically-based sorrows are: the prophecy of Simeon, the flight to Egypt, the boy Jesus being lost for three days, his adult ascent to Calvary, his crucifixion and death, his body being removed from the cross, and his body being entombed.

Saints

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Wenceslas c. 907-929 September 28

Crosiers

Educated by his grandmother, St. Ludmilla, Wenceslas became duke of Bohemia (in the Czech Republic) at 15, after his father’s death and an unsuccessful regency by his mother. Though young, he tried to establish the rule of law, improve education, extend Christianity and open Bohemia to the West. But he ran afoul of his nobles, who did not approve of his acknowledging the German king as their overlord, and of his younger brother’s ambition. At a church dedication, Boleslas, the brother, provoked a fight with Wenceslas in which the latter was killed. He was immediately venerated as a martyr. The relics of this patron saint of Bohemia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia are in St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague.

Saints

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n Scripture I - The New Testament, Wednesdays, Sept. 4, 11 and 25, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Deacon John Pippenger, speaker. n ADORE, Wednesday, Sept.

11, 7 p.m., at the Houma Municipal Auditorium. n Components of Effective Teaching-High School, Thursday, Sept. 12, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Mike DiSalvo, speaker. n Liturgy Committee Workshop, Saturday, Sept. 14, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. n Annual Retreat for Permanent Deacons and their wives of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Sept. 13-15 at the Lumen Christi Retreat Center. The retreat theme is “The Deacon and the

October

20

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Oct. 1, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Rev. Glenn LeCompte, speaker. n Christology, Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 16 and 30, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L., speaker. n Woman of God Gathering, Tues., Oct. 8, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Meal served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m. Free event, all women over 18 years of age invited. n Red Mass, Thurs. Oct. 10, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma, 11 a.m. n White Mass, Sun., Oct. 13, at all church parishes. See church

Spirituality Mission.” The weekend will be directed by Deacon Steven DeMartino, MPA, CASAC. Deacon DeMartino is the national co-director of the Maryknoll Deacon Mission Partners Program which engages the U.D. Deacon Community to understand and communicate the connection between the diaconate charism of charity, justice and animation of the mission of the faithful. Deacon DiMartino is from the Archdiocese of New York, NY. n aNew Experience, Wednesday, Sept. 18, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma, 7-9 p.m. n Components of Effective Teaching-Elementary, Thursday, Sept. 19, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m.

Julie Brunet and Renee McAlister,

speakers. n The Call to Holiness, Thursday, Sept. 26, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Rev. Mark Toups, speaker. n Blue Mass, Thursday, Sept.

26, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, 11 a.m. n C.E.N.T.S. will be offering the Small Business Course beginning in September through Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. This course is free and is designed to help people who are interested in starting a small business. It will be held one evening a week for nine weeks.

A different business topic will be discussed each week. Anyone who is interested in participating can call Brooks Lirette at (985) 876-0490 to schedule an orientation appointment.

parish bulletins for time. n Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux will be taking applications for its annual Christmas Toy Drive for residents of Terrebonne Parish on Oct. 1417, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the St. Bernadette KC Hall, 5522 West Main Street – the driveway right before H&H Storage. Any Terrebonne Parish residents on the Food Stamp Program can apply.

Items needed to register are: Food stamp print out, child support print out, proof of birthdates for all children, check stubs and proof of all monthly household expenses. n Catholic Charities USA Partners in Excellence, A Regional Convening on Mission, Connec-

tion and Professional Development will be held Oct. 22-23 at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, New Orleans. Call 1(866) 513-9744 for reservations. Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, will be the keynote speaker. n God and the Human Person, Thursday, Oct. 24, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Katie Austin, speaker. n Liturgy Committee Workshop, Sat. Oct. 26, Annunziata, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. n Man of God Gathering, Tues., Oct. 29, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Meal served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m.

Free event, all men over 18 years of age invited.

november

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Nov. 5, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45-12:45 p.m. Rev. Simon Peter Engurait, speaker. n ADORE, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m., at the Houma Municipal Auditorium. n Revelation, Tradition and Magisterium Thursday, Nov. 7, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Rev. Michael Bergeron, speaker. n aNew Experience, Wednesday, Nov. 13, Annunziata, Houma, 7-9 p.m.

DIOCESAN

september

n Christology, Wednesdays, Nov. 13 and 20, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 pm. Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L., speaker. n The Old Testament, Thursday, Nov. 14, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Deacon John Pippenger, speaker. n TEC 70 retreat, Nov. 15-17, Souby Retreat Building, 5 p.m. n Liturgy Committee Workshop, Saturday, Nov. 16, Holy Cross, Morgan City, 8 a.m.-1p.m.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • September 2013

n Jesus in the Gospels, Thursday, Nov. 21, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Deacon John Pippenger, speaker. n NCYC, Nov. 21-23, Indianapolis, IN. n Mass for Black Catholics, Friday, Nov. 22, St. Lucy, Houma, 7 p.m. n Native American Mass, Friday, Nov. 29, St. Charles Borromeo, Pointe-aux-Chenes, 6:30 p.m. Reception will follow at the KC Home.

EVENTS

United in Faith and Mission

...they gathered the church together and reported all God had done for them and how he had opened the door of faith...

Acts 14:27

By Being United in Faith and Mission, the Annual Bishop’s Appeal Can Provide the Pastoral, Spiritual and Educational Works Needed in Our Diocese.

Each of us has the Christian responsibility of sharing his or her blessings with others. Since the establishment of our diocese, this tradition of giving has been a hallmark and a strength of our spiritual family, enabling the church in South Louisiana to accomplish the Lord’s work.

Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

After reviewing the important and indispensable works of education, charity, outreach, and formation through the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, please help by reviewing the giving guide below to prayerfully make your commitment.

All gifts will be acknowledged.

Total Commitment

Down Payment

7 Monthly payments

Commitments are payable over 8 months and commitment reminders will be mailed monthly.

Checks are made payable to Annual Bishop’s Appeal.

For online credit card gifts visit: www.htstewardship.org

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

2013 Annual Bishop’s Appeal

21

V Conference registrations available

Latest Videos

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

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

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Catholic

Past Ordinations Daily Scripture Other Resources

For a monthly inspirational message from Bishop Jacobs E-mailed directly to you, sign up below.

w w w. h t d i o c e s e . o r g www.bayoucatholic.com

Heavenly Recipes Story and Photo

by Lawrence Chatagnier This month’s heavenly recipe comes from Mrs. Emily Waguespack, a parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish located on the Nicholls State University Campus in Thibodaux.

Her recipe, chicken and sausage gumbo, is a Cajun favorite which has many variations. Like many new brides she had to consult with her mother during the early years of married life. “I didn’t know how to cook when I was first married. I would call my mother and ask her how to cook certain foods. After time I would change the recipes to suit me and my husband’s taste,” she says.

Mrs. Emily, a native of Vacherie, moved to Thibodaux in 2007 after her husband died.

She says that she feels right at home at St. Thomas.

“St. Thomas feels like home to me. The parishioners here make it a warm, welcoming parish. I felt at home right away,” says Mrs. Emily.

When not cooking she volunteers at the church parish. She is a lector and eucharistic minister. She is 22 also at the parish on Mondays helping other volunteers count the parish Sunday collections and is there on any given day helping in whatever way she can. “I like being on hand to help. I have the time. It’s easy for me to do some duties for the church parish.”

She enjoys cooking, especially when she gets to cook for others. “I enjoy welcoming the parish priest into my home for a home cooked meal. I began cooking for the priest of the parish while Father Joey Pilola was pastor at St. Thomas. I also enjoy cooking for the seminarians who are either serving in the parish or visiting. Those guys are so good. I knew some of them before they were in the seminary. I would see them praying in the church as young boys,” she says.

While Mrs. Emily enjoys cooking she enjoys baking more than cooking. Her favorite things to bake are German chocolate cake, petit fours and what she calls a “white moon cake.”

Father Andre’ who is conscious of what he eats explains his take on successful dieting and gumbo. “I have recently lost 55 pounds by following a diet called “Take Shape for Life” and exercising regularly. But part of being successful on the diet is occasionally eating foods that you really enjoy. Gumbo is definitely one of them. I try to eat it only on special occasions but enjoy it when I do. People say that you should only eat gumbo when it is cold. I never agreed with that. Gumbo to me tastes as good in the middle of August as it does in the middle of January. I say the same thing about snowballs. I could eat them 12 months out of the year.

Whatever the time, a good bowl of gumbo is a great dish to bring a priest and his parishioners together!”

A Cajun cook, a bowl of gumbo and someone who enjoys a great bowl of gumbo is a great combination.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • September 2013

M

. Emily’s s r

G

Chicken and Sausage

O B M U

During a recent lunch Mrs. Emily cooked a chicken and sausage gumbo for the current pastor, Father Andre’ Melancon and seminarians Patrick Riviere and Luke Robichaux.

Mrs. Emily knows that sharing a bowl of gumbo with friends not only satisfies the hunger but also warms the heart.

Mrs. Emily’s Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

1 cup oil 2 1/2 cups flour 2 pounds smoked sausage (turkey) 4 pounds boneless chicken (seasoned) 3 medium onions chopped 2 bell peppers chopped 3 stalks of celery chopped 1 bunch of green onions chopped 1 cup parsley chopped Heat oil in a heavy pot, then add flour, stirring constantly, and brown to a dark caramel color. While roux is browning boil four quarts of water in a separate heavy 12 quart pot. When roux is done add to boiling water, lower heat and stir mixture well. Then add all chopped seasonings except parsley; add sausage and boil on a medium heat for one and one half hours. Then add chicken and cook until chicken is tender. Add chopped parsley about five minutes before done.

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. (3)*

- Msgr. Lucien J. Caillouet

- Harvey Peltier (30)*

- Abdon J. & Ada B. Callais

- Richard Peltier

- Harold & Gloria Callais Family

- The Peltier Foundation (2)

- Paul A. Callais

- Orleans & Louella Pitre

- Peter W. Callais

- Msgr. Joseph Wester

- Vincent & Fannie Cannata

- Robert R. Wright, Jr.

- Minor Sr. & Lou Ella Cheramie

- Rev. Kermit Trahan

- Maude & Edith Daspit

- Diocesan K of C

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

- Endowment Fund - $119,136.90

July 2013 Burse Contributions Donald Peltier #4 ............................................ $1,000.00 Elie & Dot Klingman ......................................... $300.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ............................................. $250.00 Kelly Curole Frazier .......................................... $120.00 Mr. Eledier Broussard ........................................ $100.00

Open Burses with Balance as of 7/31/13 Mr. Eledier Broussard ................. $13,000.00 St. Bernadette Men’s Club ................... $12,000.00 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit #2 .................. $10,840.00 Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis ........... $10,800.00 Harvey Peltier #31 .............................. $10,486.91 Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis #2 .......... $10,000.00 C. Remie Duplantis #2 ........................ $10,000.00 Marie Elise Duplantis #2 ..................... $10,000.00 Maude & Edith Daspit #2 .................... $10,000.00 Msgr. George A. Landry ...................... $10,000.00 Elie & Dot Klingman .............................. $8,320.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..................................... $7,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................. $7,000.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $5,935.00 Rev. Peter Nies ..................................... $5,810.00 Mr. & Mrs. Love W. Pellegrin ................. $5,000.00 Anonymous #2 ...................................... $5,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Fmly.#4..... $5,000.00 Rev. William M. Fleming ........................ $5,000.00 Donald Peltier, Sr. #4 .............................. $5,000.00 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ..................... $4,839.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ................................ $4,636.00 Rev. Henry Naquin ................................. $4,161.00

Harry Booker #2 .................................... $4,138.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ........................... $4,000.00 Catholic Daughters ................................ $3,680.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ............................... $3,610.96 J. R. Occhipinti ...................................... $3,400.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .............................. $3,395.00 Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ........................ $3,060.00 St. Jude ................................................. $3,000.00 Diocesan K of C #2 ............................... $2,894.62 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ........................ $2,600.00 Anawin Community ............................... $2,300.00 Msgr. James Songy ............................... $2,075.00 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ..................... $2,000.00 Willie & Emelda St. Pierre ...................... $2,000.00 Rev. H. C. Paul Daigle ........................... $1,900.00 James J. Buquet, Jr. ............................... $1,650.00 Msgr. Francis J. Legendre #2 ................ $1,645.00 Rev. Robert J. Sevigny .......................... $1,600.00 Msgr. Emile J. Fossier ........................... $1,545.00 Dr. William Barlette, Sr........................... $1,525.00 Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski ................ $1,525.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield .......................... $1,200.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ................................ $1,200.00

Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 ......................... $1,100.00 Rev. Clemens Schneider ....................... $1,000.00 St. Joseph Italian Society ...................... $1,000.00 Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux #4 ........... $1,000.00 Msgr. John G. Keller .............................. $1,000.00 Mrs. Shirley Conrad ............................... $1,000.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ ............................. $950.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................... $850.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ............................. $800.00 Deacon Roland Dufrene ........................... $750.00 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande ...................... $700.00 Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ................... $660.00 Deacon Raymond LeBouef ...................... $550.00 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata .................... $500.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz ................................ $300.00 Richard Peltier #2 ..................................... $300.00 Claude Bergeron ...................................... $250.00 Ronnie Haydel .......................................... $235.00 Jacob Marcello .......................................... $200.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin .......................... $150.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ........................ $ 50.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier .............................. $ 50.00 Deacon Nick Messina .............................. $ 50.00

Overall Seminarian Burse Totals: $1,403,393.39 www.bayoucatholic.com

23

Special

Catholic Foundation will support seminarians, charities, parishes

Story by Janet Marcel “ … No one shall appear before the Lord emptyhanded, but each of you with as much as you can give, in proportion to the blessings which the Lord has bestowed upon you” (Deuteronomy 16:10, 16-17).

In order to strengthen the diocese and to ensure that it has the financial resources to provide the programs, ministries and services in the future necessary to meet the needs of the Catholic faithful, Bishop Sam G. Jacobs announces the implementation of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux’s “Continuing the Vision …

Ensuring Our Future” capital campaign with a goal of raising $10 million over the next four years – which includes a $4 million endowment fund for seminarian support and a $4 million endowment fund for Catholic Charities.

Additionally, the campaign will offer support for the needs of local church parishes with each parish retaining 20 percent of all 24 funds raised up to its individual campaign target. When a parish exceeds its campaign target, it will retain 40 percent of the funds raised over the campaign target.

“The success of our campaign will depend upon our active participation through prayer, as well as our financial commitment.

This campaign will give us the opportunity to make sacrifices in the name of Jesus Christ and, as a result, accomplish great things for our local church. While this effort will require sacrifice by each of us, I have every confidence that in doing so, we will achieve our goal,” says Bishop Jacobs.

According to Jeremy Becker, diocesan director of the Office of Stewardship and Development and executive director of the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana (CFSL), “the funds raised during this capital campaign will be channeled directly to the foundation, which was established in March 2012 as a nonprofit organization (separate from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux) to promote, encourage and assist individuals, families and businesses in giving to Catholic entities in South Louisiana. The foundation’s primary goal is to ensure long-term financial stability for charitable, religious and educational institutions of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux.”

Every diocese has a responsibility to seek, encourage and support men who are interested in serving the church as priests – because every diocese needs holy, dedicated priests to shepherd its flock, says Becker.

Ten years ago, this diocese had four seminarians in Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • September 2013

formation; this year it has 16. The cost to educate and support 16 seminarians is currently $672,000 annually.

While it is a tremendous blessing to have this many men in formation, it is also a tremendous financial responsibility for the diocese.

As Catholic Christians, we are called in a special way to care for the poor and disadvantaged among us. Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux has been responding to this call for decades through ministries which include Adopt-A-Family Christmas program, Assisi Bridge House, Good Samaritan Food Banks, and Matthew 25 Disaster Preparedness and Response Ministry, reports Becker. These, and other Catholic Charities ministries, must continue to grow and expand to meet the changing charitable and social justice needs of the people of the diocese.

Local church parishes, where the faithful most deeply experience the sacraments, must be financially stable in order to adequately meet the needs of the faithful in the diocese, says Becker. Whether it is paying down parish debt, maintaining aging facilities or acquiring additional personnel or resources, every parish faces financial challenges.

Funding raised by individual church parishes may be used in any manner deemed appropriate by parish leadership and will not be subject to assessment from the diocese, so that they will realize the maximum benefit from this campaign.

During the months of September and October, every church parish in the diocese will host a reception designed to last approximately one hour. Those who attend will view a video about the campaign and receive information about how to make a gift. A diocesan representative will be on hand at each reception to answer questions. Everyone parishioner in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux will receive an informational brochure in the mail.

During the campaign, everyone in the diocese is being asked to pray for its success, be an ambassador by getting involved and sharing information about it with others, and make a sacrificial pledge. Pledges can be made monthly, quarterly or annually over four years; are not legally binding; are in addition to your weekly offerings and/or your support of the Annual Bishop’s Appeal; and are tax-deductible as provided by law.

For more information about the capital campaign, contact Becker at (985) 850-3116. To make a gift online, go to www.catholicfoundationsl.org.

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* AT&T U-Verse *Channel 10 is provided by and in cooperation with HTV of Houma. ~ Channel 71, ALLEN’S TV CABLE of Morgan City

SUNDAY

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

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

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Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Focus Spotlight/Revival

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Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Real Food Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

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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.

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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 The Choices We Face Spotlight/Revival

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

Official

Very Rev. Baker

Rev. Chacko

Rev. Mahler

Rev. Mariadoss

26 Rev. Nguyen

Rev. Rayappan

Rev. Varughese

Pastoral appointments given Four pastoral appointments and three reappointments, effective immediately, have been announced

by Bishop Sam G. Jacobs.

The Very Rev. Jay L. Baker, V.G., rector of St. Joseph CoCathedral in Thibodaux since June 2004 and administrator of St. Mary’s Nativity Church parish in Raceland since June 2013, has been reappointed as rector of the co-cathedral for a period of up to three years. He was ordained June 13, 1992.

The Rev. Vincent Chacko, a native of Thannirmukkom, Kerala, India, has been appointed as chaplain at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, for a period of six years. Father Chacko was ordained May 9, 1980.

The Rev. Clyde Mahler, pastor of

Maria Immacolata Church parish in Houma since June 2004, has been reappointed as pastor of the parish for a period of up to three years. He was ordained May 22, 1999.

The Rev. Selvam Mariadoss, who has been serving as parish priest at St. Thomas Church parish in Vembar, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India, since 2011, has been appointed as associate pastor at St. Joseph Co-cathedral Church parish in Thibodaux, for a period of three years. Father Mariadoss is a native of Udayendiram, Vaniyambadi, Tamil Nadu, India.

He was ordained May 21, 2005.

The Rev. Ty Van Nguyen, pastor of St. Ann Church parish in Bourg since June 2002, has been reappointed as pastor of the parish

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • September 2013

for a period of up to three years. He was ordained May 25, 1985.

The Rev. Vanathu “Raj” Rayappan, who has been serving as assistant parish priest at Little Mount Church parish in Chennai, India, since 2011, has been appoiwnted as associate pastor at St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma, for a period of three years.

Father Rayappan is a native of Elamangalam, Kerala, India. He was ordained Dec. 27, 2007.

The Rev. Joseph Poovathumkal Varughese, who has been serving as a parish priest in Podimattom, Kerala, India, since 2011, has been appointed as associate pastor at Maria Immacolata Church parish, for a period of two years.

Father Varughese is a native of Mundakayam, Kerala, India. He was ordained April 11, 1994.

Church Life

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Masses, Altar honor Charlene Masses were celebrated in French recently at St. John the Evangelist Church in Thibodaux honoring Charlene Richard, referred to by many as the “Little Cajun Saint.� Father Roch Naquin celebrated the Masses which were concelebrated by Father Michael Bergeron, pastor of St. John. A Charlene Richard Altar was set up in the parish hall along with a miniature Cajun village. There was Cajun music and dancing for entertainment.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier www.bayoucatholic.com

Entertainment

Seeing Clairely Claire Joller

O 28

One day when July was angling toward August, the inside corner formed by an L of walls behind our home became a tableau that we will remember a long time.

Tall indigo salvia, straining from their own overgrown weight, bent low over boxwood borders seven feet or so from our back windows during that late summer day.

The boxwoods were failing miserably in their duty to subdue the towering salvia within their confines.

Rain had fallen during the morning hours, loosening limb-ladening blooms on the crepe myrtle tree that drapes from around the corner over the little boxwood garden.

That early afternoon, white crepe myrtle flowerets blown by a soft breeze swirled down in thick snowy drifts onto the little flower garden.

They became a delicate white blanket over the almostpurple salvia spikes, dark green boxwood, and grass alley that separates the small beds.

Plump black and yellow bumblebees flew slowly and heavily from stalk to stalk to feast on the blue flowers, competing with more agile honeybees and one ruby-throat hummingbird for the nectar the long slender flower heads produce. At one point, an orange and black Viceroy butterfly drifted into the fray, but soon flew away along its zigzag course.

We thought these appealing little vignettes were a treat in themselves. But Mother Nature held even more.

After the hummingbird flew away, there was a short lull, and

The pleasure of not knowing why then a virtual aerial invasion of dragonflies from the field behind our house into our back yard. We hadn’t seen them approach until the air was teeming with large bronze dragonflies weaving steady flight patterns just beyond our windows. Every now and then one would brush the tip of a fragile

wing against the glass.

Hundreds of slender bodies flashed neon orangey-red in the midday sunlight, finally overwhelming by their sheer numbers the other insects that considered this area their private property. Soon, it was just the horde of big bronze dragonflies, plus a small green and a smaller blue mosquito hawk—interlopers crashing a members-only party.

Dragonflies within the swarm flew in meandering circles and figure eights, up and down, randomly alternating positions with each other in midair. They

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • September 2013

became a pulsating cloud of fluttering ocher wings, in constant, graceful motion.

During a half hour of the thickest airborne congregation, hardly any of them lighted on any surface.

Individual mosquito hawks, if they did light anywhere, did so on the very tip of the tallest flowers, not on leaves or foliage.

Slowly, almost defying notice, the swarm became less and less dense, until only 20 or so remained to cruise six feet over the ground.

When even these stragglers left, I tried to find out the reason for this phenomenon, which I’ve been privileged to see in full force twice now. In researching dragonflies online, I found many mentions of dragonfly “swarms”—which I’d prefer to think of as performances.

One theory is that dragonflies swarm when a food source is particularly abundant. In fact, at one place in the upper South, this display has been seen numbers of times, all unpredictably.

Another guess is that this beautiful aeronautical dance signifies a mating ritual. The only regularity seems to be that swarms seem to occur most often in late July and part of August.

The scientific interest is so great in dragonfly ways that one person has begun something called the Dragonfly Project. The director of this study asks anyone who witnesses what I call the Dragonfly Dance to contact him with specific time, conditions, estimated numbers, and so on.

I won’t be responding to that request. I’d prefer not to know a cold scientific answer to why so many dragonflies suddenly fly together in such beautiful harmony. The Dance would not be as wondrous if I knew.

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

Bishop Jude Speyrer dies at age 84 Bishop Jude Speyrer, who served as founding bishop of Lake Charles from 1980 to 2000, died July 21 in Opelousas at the age of 84. A native of Leonville, LA, he was one of 12 children of Emelie and Antoine Speyrer.

He was ordained to the priesthood in 1953.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on July 31. He was interred in New Bethany Cemetery on the grounds of Saint Charles Center in Moss Bluff.

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Special Events

Educators Conference is Sept. 3

Father Mark Toups, diocesan director of Seminarians, will be the keynote speaker for the 27th annual diocesan Catholic School Educators Conference, as announced by Marian Fertitta, diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools.

The conference will be held Tuesday, Sept. 3 at E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux.

The theme for this year’s conference is “Abide in Me.” Father Toups is a native of Houma. He is a graduate of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux and received a master’s of divinity degree from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

Father Toups was ordained to the priesthood May 26, 2001, and currently serves as diocesan

director of Seminarian Formation and administrator/sacramental priest at Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux. He is an adjunct faculty member and spiritual director for the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha, NE, and serves as a spiritual

Suzanne D. Troxclair, a native of Thibodaux who has been working 30 as a middle school curriculum specialist for Lafourche Parish Schools, has been named the new curriculum specialist for the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

Troxclair obtained a bachelor’s degree in government, completed the alternative certification program and received a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. Throughout her career she has taught students at the elementary, middle and high school level. Troxclair has also worked as an elementary school curriculum

facilitator and intervention strategist. She is a member of the Thibodaux Service League and the Thibodaux Civic Leaders Group.

She is married to Allen Troxclair Jr. and they have three children, Benton, 19 (2012 graduate of EDW who attends LSU); Courtney, 17 (senior at EDW); and Dexter, 13 (8th grader at EDW). They are parishioners of St. Joseph CoCathedral parish in Thibodaux.

“I am very pleased to welcome Suzanne to the Catholic Schools Office.

Her knowledge and experience in working with administrators and teachers will enhance the support that we provide to the schools. We are looking

Rev. Mark Toups

director for students at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. Since being ordained, he has served as associate pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish in Larose, as pastor of St. Lucy Church parish in Houma and St. Luke Church parish in Thibodaux, and as diocesan director of the Office of Vocations.

Approximately 500 Catholic school educators will attend the conference this year. Bishop Sam G. Jacobs will celebrate Mass to begin the conference. Those who have completed 25 years in Catholic education in the diocese will be recognized after the Mass.

The 2013 Inspirational Teachers of the Year and grant award recipients will also be announced at the conference.

Curriculum specialist is named

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forward to her joining our amazing Catholic schools family,” says Marian Fertitta, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools.

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Hispanics in Morgan City celebrate 50 years Bishop Sam G. Jacobs will be the main celebrant at a Mass celebrating 50 years of Hispanic Ministry in Morgan City on Sunday, Sept. 8, at 3 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church.

“From its humble beginnings in 1963, Hispanic Ministry has grown all over the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, now serving over 10,000 Spanish-speaking Catholics,” says Father Greg Fratt, pastor of Sacred Heart. A reception will follow the Mass. Our Lady of Charity of Cobre is the Patroness of Cuba. Her feast day is Sept. 8. Everyone is invited to attend.

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Our Churches

Maria

Immacolata

Maria Immacolata Church parish in Houma, which was established Sept. 29, 1963, is “Celebrating 50 Years of Faith and Family” this year.

Father William Fleming, the parish’s founding pastor, celebrated Masses in the Houma Junior High School gymnasium until a church-school complex, which was located at the end of Estate Drive, was completed and blessed in April 1965. The building featured a wall of folding panels that were used to close off an area of permanent pews from a section that could be used as a school cafeteria and meeting hall.

Although it is the youngest church parish in Houma, it has undergone a significant change in its brief history – the relocation of the church building from Estate Drive, where Maria Immacolata Elementary School is still located, to its current location on Corporate Drive in 1988.

According to Father Clyde Mahler, pastor since June 2004, one of the most unique features of the church parish is its location. “We are located in a very commercial area of the city. The church is literally

‘Celebrating 50 Years of Faith and Family’

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

surrounded by doctor’s offices, dentists, accounting firms and a medical surgical complex, with residences on the peripheral. In addition to that, the school and church are in different locations.”

The parish’s first permanent church is a modern, brick structure that was dedicated in 1988. The interior features unique theater style seating and a beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother from the Philippines. A bell tower was later built on the grounds as a memorial to Father Richard Hemenway who was pastor of the parish at the time of his death.

In addition to Father Fleming and Father Hemenway, there have only been two other pastors in the church’s 50-year history. Father Caesar Silva was appointed pastor in July 1996 and served in that capacity until June 2004.

There are currently 1,264 registered families in the parish, made up of mostly young to middleaged families with children which results in a lot of baptisms and weddings, says the pastor.

a

34

The parish has many active organizations and ministries such as the youth ministry, Knights of Columbus, a baking ministry that makes various types of desserts for special events in the parish and for fundraisers for youth group activities, and a children’s liturgy during all four weekend Masses.

Father Mahler says the parish has an active pastoral and finance council, which he tries to nurture because he counts on their advice and they are very supportive of his decisions.

Some of the other organizations/ministries of the parish include a St. Vincent de Paul Society, food bank ministry, Legion of Mary, Good Samaritan group, bereavement and homebound ministries, vacation Bible school, annual St. Joseph Altar organized by parishioners that is attended by at least 600 people each year, and a Matthew 25 group. The pastor and associate pastor provide services to four nursing homes each week and they make hospital visits.

Father Mahler says that family and fellowship are important to his parishioners and that he tries to promote that and embrace the concept of family and church in his parish.

“The people here are extremely generous to respond to various special needs collections because they really Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • September 2013

believe they are doing the Lord’s work and trying to make a difference,” says Father Mahler. “They are a holy people who want to respond out of their faith.”

Parishioners have a strong devotion to the blessed mother that is promoted by the pastor. “She can only bring us to God,” he says. In the foyer above the doors leading into the church, there is a quote etched in the glass that embodies this special devotion of the parishioners. It reads, All to Jesus through Mary, All to Mary for Jesus. “I think that is what the special, tender family aspect of the parish is all about,” adds the pastor.

Parishioners will be invited to speak at the Masses beginning five weekends before the anniversary Mass to witness to their faith in time periods of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years ago to share what it was like when they were there. Bishop Sam G. Jacobs will celebrate the anniversary Mass at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 29.

After the Mass, there will be food and fun for everyone on the church grounds featuring music and dancing, door prizes, bounce houses, face painting, a history video, photo album, and more.

Father Mahler says, “It has been a privilege to be here at Maria Immacolata with the people I work with and minister to in our parish. It has been life-giving to me as a priest. I feel really blessed to be here.”

Staff

Maria Immacolata parish personnel are from left Father Clyde Mahler, pastor; Mona Moss, business manager/events coordinator; Fern Tabor, DRE; Tammy Folse, housekeeper; Pam Zierolf, administrative assistant/bulletin editor; Willie St. Pierre, youth coordinator; Rosemary Porche, volunteer receptionist; Errol Bourgeois, music director; Deacon Chris Prestenback, Wayne Duplantis, maintenance; and Father Joseph Poovathumkal Varughese; associate pastor.

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Journey

Why Journey Hospice?

• Located in Houma, we proudly serve South Louisiana.

• We admit patients within two hours of the doctor’s order with patient and family consents.

• Patients on service with Journey Hospice receive contact from our staff 7 days a week.

• Our nurses are on call and available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

• We communicate with the patient’s physician and family regarding the process of care provided in the manner they choose.

• We encourage our patients to continue seeing their physicians.

Hospice

• We continue to provide care for our patient’s families through our Bereavement Program for no less than 13 months following the patient’s passing.

Specialized Care For The Entire Family.

Hospice benefits everyone, and is merely a shift in medical priorities, not abandonment. Our number one goal is always patient comfort and pain management delivered at home by professionals. This process eases the financial and emotional burdens on the family, while ensuring the patient’s dignity and wishes are respected.

Journey Hospice Pays For:

• On call Professional Nursing 24/7 • Certified Nursing Assistants • Psychosocial and Spiritual Care • Bereavement • Trained Volunteers • Medicines Related To The Terminal Diagnosis • Medical Supplies (gloves, bandages, diapers, etc.)

• Medical Equipment (O2, wheelchair, hospital bed, etc.)

Who Pays For Hospice?

Hospice is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance or Private Pay. We also provide care to the uninsured through our indigent program.

For a personal consultation to see if hospice is right for you or a loved one, please call Journey Hospice • 985-223-1865 • 598 Corporate Drive • Houma, La 70360 • 24 Hours 7 Days A Week www.bayoucatholic.com

Special Events

Parish Social Ministry training Oct. 4-5 “Faith in Action – Taking Catholicism to the Streets,” is a parish social ministry regional training at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Oct. 4-5. Participants will have the opportunity to hear nationally recognized speakers who can help them develop parish social ministries.

The training is available to laypeople, clergy and religious.

Every church parish in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is invited to send representatives.

Rob Gorman, executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux says that this training would be valuable for parishes working on the social ministry/service goals and objectives set during the bishop’s five year visit. It is equally helpful for those parishes developing its new pastoral plan in preparation for an upcoming bishop’s visit.

Pope Francis has called on the 36 laity “to live and spread the faith in their families, workplaces, schools, neighborhoods and beyond … to be a leaven of the love of God in society itself … . The layperson is to create and sow hope, to proclaim the faith, not from a pulpit but from … everyday life.” He has called on all of us to “protect all of God’s people and embrace with tender affection the whole of humanity, especially

the poorest, the weakest, the least important.”

Topics include: “Life after JustFaith: Are you thriving or surviving?” “Strategies for Success for Parish Social Ministry,” “Deepening Our Spirituality,” “Theological Foundations for Social Ministry,” and “Engaging Leaders in Your Parish.” The closing session is “Faith in Action – Taking Catholicism to the Streets.” Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans.

The Friday evening keynote will be delivered by Father Fred Kammer, S.J., executive director, Jesuit Social Research Institute, Loyola University, New Orleans.

Registration is $15 and participants can commute or stay in New Orleans on Friday night (several hotels have agreements for $150 rooms). Register early because space is limited.

Whether your interest lies in deepening your spirituality, engaging parish leaders, creating social ministry strategies for the parish or learning more about specific social justice issues, there is a workshop for you at this conference. To register call Rob Gorman at Catholic Charities at (985) 876-0490 or email rgorman@ htdiocese.org.

CNS PHOTO/NANCY WIECHEC

Lindy Boggs dies at 97 Lindy Boggs, right, receives the first Education for Parish Service Award from Sister Mary Ann Cook in Washington in this Oct. 28, 1998, file photo. Boggs, a former member of Congress and a former U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, died July 27 at age 97. She was a native of New Orleans. The EPS award she received recognized a layperson for living out the ideals and practices of the Catholic faith.

Food for the Journey set Oct. 1

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 Oct. 1 is Houma native Father Glenn D. LeCompte.

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

Those who plan to attend the Oct. 1st event should RSVP with their name, phone number and church parish by Thursday, Sept. 26. To RSVP, email FoodForTheJourney@ htdiocese.org or call (985) 8503178.

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

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

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

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • September 2013

Rev. Glenn LeCompte

Young Voices The teachings of Pope Francis have helped me to live more like Christ by serving others with true humility. His teachings have taught me to give of not just love, but self-sacrificing love. His teachings have also helped me to realize that I must be a witness to Christ, and that it’s okay to bring the Gospel to everyone, no matter the circumstance.

In my opinion Pope Francis speaks more through his actions than his words and teachings. I have always considered Pope Francis’ humility one of his most admirable qualities.

He seeks a simpler church, more closely identified with the poor. Pope Francis is a true leader in the church, always leading by his example. He has truly inspired me to live a simpler, more humbled way of life. Pope Francis serves as a role model for all leaders worldwide.

Lauren Neil, 16 years old Annunziata Church parish Vandebilt Catholic High School

Rachel Bourgeois, 17 years old St. Joseph Co-Cathedral E.D. White Catholic High School

In what ways have the teachings of Pope Francis inspired you to live your life more like Christ?

Joseph Schonacher, 16 years old St. Genevieve Church parish E.D. White Catholic High School

The most evident characteristic of Pope Francis that I noticed would have to be his humility. The first time he spoke to the world he asked for our prayers. Through his humility he serves everyone, rich or poor. This makes me want to be a better Christian and follow the teachings of Christ to the best of my ability. From his example I will lead a life more focused on serving Christ in humility.

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Derek Brondum, 17 years old St. Hilary of Poitiers Church parish Vandebilt Catholic High School

I strive to follow Pope Francis’ example of humility and service to others at all times. Through his actions and teachings, he has shown me that a life dedicated to service is one dedicated to the Lord. He has modeled a Christian life by his actions, and he has inspired me to evangelize by the way I live. Pope Francis’ example of humility and service has brought me closer to Christ.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Personalities

Local student wins international award Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier Nicole Dominique, parishioner of St. Joseph CoCathedral parish in Thibodaux and 2013 graduate of E.D. White Catholic High School, was the 2nd place winner at the international level of the Knights of Columbus Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest at the 12th grade level for the theme “The Importance of Religious Freedom.”

She was recognized by local Knights of Columbus Christ the Redeemer Council 8906 for her achievement and received a certificate and a stipend from the local, state and international level.

During her high school years Nicole participated in cross country, soccer, science Olympiad, literary rally – where she was a regional winner in English, and was a member of the Key Club, National Honor Society, academic team, Campus Ministry retreat team, art club and student ambassadors.

She will be attending Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in the fall where she will pursue a dual degree in microbiology and literature.

38 “I am humbled to be recognized on such a large scale just for something that I kind of wrote almost as a second thought. After I finished my calculus homework (one night) I thought, I guess I should write this because it is for a scholarship. I really enjoy writing,” says Nicole. “And it is a great opportunity to be able to write about your faith, first of all, and then maybe receive an award for that. I’m very grateful and thankful to the KCs for their recognition and generosity, and for sponsoring the contest.”

a

Nicole Dominique

Parish Social Ministry Fostering Communities of Salt & Light (Friday Evening & Saturday) Faith in Action - Taking Catholicism to the Streets

October 4-5, 2013

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Faith in Action - Taking Catholicism to the Streets Working to Reduce Poverty in America.

October 4-5, 2013 Parish Social Ministry Training in New Orleans

National Keynote Speakers and Workshop Presenters include: • The Most Reverend Gregory Michael Aymond Archbishop of New Orleans • Rev. Fred Kammer, S.J., J.D. Jesuit Social Research Institute, Loyola University New Orleans • Sheila Gilbert The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, National Council of the United States • Fr. Ted Arroyo, S.J. Jesuit Social Research Institute (JSRI), Loyola University New Orleans • Ansel Augustine REGISTER NOW! Archdiocese of New Orleans early-bird (until 20) Ministry: Strategies for Success $15 • Tom Ulrich, author of September Parish Social • Jeffry author $20Odell (afterKorgen, September 20) of My Lord and My God Track Sessions Include: • Leadership Development in your parish FOR MORE INFORMATION • Theological Foundations for Social Ministry Tom Costanza • Caring for the Poor and Working for Justice Catholica Charities of the Archdiocese • Building Relational Culture: Catchesis and Vocations of New Orleans • Deepening our Spirituality (504) 596-3097

tcostanza@ccano.org

SchulteCatholic Auditorium at Notre Dame Seminary Bayou • Houma, LA • September 2901 S Carrollton Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118

2013

Deacon Ed Boustany Secretariat of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Lafayette

CONTACT INFORMATION Robert Gorman Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux 985-876-0490 rgorman@htdiocese.org

“Special hotel rates available for overnight stays”

from Knights of Columbus “Call us Following is her winning essay: Under the contiguous reigns of Mary I and Elizabeth I of England, oppressive enforcement of Catholicism was forced on Mary I’s subjects, but perplexingly, after the death of Mary I and Elizabeth I’s ascension to the throne, a similar enforcement, this time of anti-Catholicism, occurred. Due to circumstances such as this, the founders of the United States enabled its citizens to possess the freedom of religion and thus avoid the whims of a leader.

Although prejudice has always existed towards different religions, the United States with its freedom of religion mandates tolerance by the government regardless of an individual’s religion. With this crucial freedom, citizens can choose and follow their own creeds and beliefs without fear of government persecution, which is still relevant today. Although the times of the Crusades and Inquisition seem barbaric and far distant, a similar occurrence happened in the last century with World War II. The Jewish people and also people of other denominations were ruthlessly slaughtered for just being a part of their religion. Even today, persecution over religion can be found in the disputes between the Israelis and Palestinians, but with the United States’ clearly defined policies, situations such as these shall never occur by an American government official.

While the United States is fortunate to have religious freedom, other nations of the world either mandate a certain faith or blatantly deny all practice of religion, which allows every American to ponder how truly blessed he is. On every street corner in America, a plethora of different churches, synagogues, and mosques can be easily visible to even the least discerning eye while citizens of other countries have little or no option. The American privilege to freedom of religion is so inherent to our society that it can be overlooked even though others yearn to have just a semblance of this right.

However, recent political decisions have been occurring that impinge upon the rights of every citizen, which is granted to them from religious freedom. Mandating an individual or religious organization to fund a procedure or substance that is so intrinsically evil could never qualify as a just application of religious freedom. Although the United States is far from becoming a communist nation banning religion or a government enforcing a certain one, legislative actions such as these should elicit a response due to its unconstitutionality and interference with religious rights. Religious freedom, one of the five freedoms granted by the First Amendment, can no sooner be denied than the other four freedoms without tearing away at the very foundations of our government. Without freedom of religion, our government would lose its “American” status.

Throughout history, persecution and government interference have existed in religion. Because history always repeats itself, similar persecutions happened in World War II and remain present today in the relations between Israelis and Palestinians. Due to the privilege of religious freedom, America has never first-hand experienced religious persecution, and it will remain that way due to our Constitution as long as our standards are upheld. Recent political actions have been impinging on religious freedoms, but without religious freedom, our country would fail to be American. Religious freedom and the other four rights held in the First Amendment grant Americans the independence that America is known for and are indissoluble aspects of our government.

First”

Mimi Wilson, OT, PA-C Jimmy N. Ponder, Jr., MD Adolfo Cuadra, MD

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Couples’ Conference Approximately 100 couples attended the Married Couples Conference cosponsored by the diocesan Office of Family Ministries and Conference Office at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. Christopher West, a research fellow and faculty member of the Theology of the Body Institute and one of the most sought after speakers in the church today, discussed his book Fill These Hearts.

Photos by Maria Havis

40

Diocesan Programs This Month “Revival”

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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: Dr. Faith Ann Spinella,

Director, Office of Religious Education

Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L. Rector, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales

If you are not receiving these programs in your area, please contact your local cable provider.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • September 2013

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

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Pope Francis in Pilgrims prayed, danced, listened and sang during the World Youth Day events in Rio de Janeiro, led by Pope Francis. At the closing Mass on Copacabana beach on July 28, the pope commissioned an estimated three million people in attendance to become missionaries without borders. The crowd was estimated to be one of the largest ever for World Youth Day.

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Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge

Associate Director for Youth & Young Adult Ministries

General Statement of Duties The Associate Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministries: • Works within the Office of Evangelization & Catechesis of

the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge; • Seeks to foster within all young people and those who minister to them a deeper, life-giving relationship with Jesus and the Church; • Works with the Director to provide the vision and leadership necessary to serve parish youth and young adult ministry efforts; and, • Directly responsible for the direction of all youth and young adult activity Education and Experience Requirements • Master’s degree in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, Religious Education or a related field required.

• Minimum of two years direct experience at the parish or diocesan level working with youth ministry programs, adolescents, young adults, and adults who minister to youth.

• National certification in Youth Ministry preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the USCCBs’ document “Renewing the Vision” • Be a practicing Roman Catholic who is registered and active in a parish and possesses a working knowledge of Catholic teachings and doctrine.

Other Requirements • Ability to develop, plan, coordinate, and implement training programs to teach leadership skills • Ability to teach, facilitate online courses, and train others to facilitate online coursework.

Please submit letter of interest, résumé and references to hr@diobr.org.

Application Deadline is Sept. 15, 2013.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Sports

Overtime

I 44

Ed Daniels

It doesn’t seem like that long ago.

In the 4A championship game, South Terrebonne defeats Crowley 14-12.

In the first ever 5A championship, Thibodaux defeats Neville 18-15 in overtime.

The year was 1991.

A state football championship hasn’t been won on the bayou since.

Vandebilt Catholic athletic director Laury Dupont says that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Dupont coached three state champions in a span of seven years at West St. John.

“We are balanced in this parish (Terrebonne),” says Dupont.

“There is no dominant team, but the competition is still fierce.”

Dupont says there is a team on the rise on the bayou.

“South Lafourche has a great young coach in Dennis Skains,” said Dupont.

“He is energetic and intelligent.

And, he runs a great offense.”

South Lafourche won its last state football title in 1977.

The Tarpons beat Bonnabel 2120.

“Yes, we can win the state championship here,” said Skains.

SINCE FAST

l

You can’t treat high school football like P.E. “South Lafouche is a tight knit community. When kids are very young, they are playing flag football,” said Skains.

“You can’t be afraid to say that (a state championship) is your goal.”

“You cannot be afraid of failure.”

In Mathews, Mike Detillier, publisher of Mike Detillier’s Draft Guide, has a different take.

“There are not enough coaches in administration anymore,” said Detillier.

Detillier said some administrators want to de-emphasize sports.

“They don’t really know what sports means to a community,” said Detillier.

He rattles off a host of great football names on the bayou.

“Ed Orgeron and Bobby Hebert of South Lafouche; Clarence Verdin and Jay Pennison of South Terrebonne were great players,” said Detillier.

“Then there’s Jessie Myles and Mitch Andrews at H.L. Bourgeois; and, Johnny Meads of Assumption, and another one from South Terrebonne, David Butler.”

Detillier said athletics can be a catalyst for an entire school.

“J.T. (Curtis) put that school on the map.”

E.D. White director of athletics

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Preston Lejeune coached the Cardinals to the class 2A finals in 1981.

E.D. White lost to John Curtis 21-17 in the first ever Superdome Classic.

Lejeune said the 22 year title drought on the bayou is something he cannot explain.

“I really can’t say why,” said Lejeune. “We have the same numbers.”

“Maybe the talent has dropped off a little bit,” said Lejeune.

But, he says E.D. White has had a lot of success lately.

The Cardinals reached the state football quarterfinals in 2007, 2009 and 2010 under head coach Kyle Lasseigne.

Detillier said coaching stability is the key. He rattled off a host of names of former Central Lafourche football coaches.

He thinks the Trojans made a great hire when they tabbed former Nicholls State quarterback Keith Menard.

Menard spent the past three seasons as the head coach at Catholic-New Iberia. He was 8-3 last season.

“You can win down here,” said Detillier.

“But, you can’t treat football like P.E.”

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