CHURCH TODAY

Volume L, No. 1 www.diocesealex.org Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970 January 21, 2019

A year like no other Join us in this month’s issue as we begin 2019 by celebrating and caring for life at all stages

INSIDE

And yet. Get to know our priests, Incorporating faith into fitness deacons, religious, and seminarians. and fitness into faith. Thank you for journeying with us as we jump into this new year with guest contributors We asked our priests, deacons, religious, Did you know that fitness can help you on from around the diocese, learn more about the and seminarians: What are you most thankful for your path to holiness? Join Kim Roberts, Guest history of our church parishes, share exciting from this past year, and why? Read a few of Contributor, on page 18 as she shares her story, events from our communities, and provide tools their answers on page 9, and commit to getting and provides a few ideas for those looking to start and inspiration for living out the faith in our daily to know your priest or deacon better in 2019. their own faith and fitness journey this new year. lives. See page 4 for more. PAGE 2 CHURCH TODAY JANUARY 21, 2019

INDEX Looking back National / World News ...... 3 January 2010: Love the Liturgy ...... 4 Diocese celebrates dedication of Immaculate Bishop’s Column ...... 5 Conception as a Minor Basilica - Feature Story ...... 6 Before a capacity-filled church and others viewing from Feature Story ...... 7 a nearby remote site, Rev. Scott Chemino, Vicar General for Social Justice ...... 8 the Diocese of Alexandria read the apostolic decree from His Vocations ...... 9 Holiness Benedict XVI proclaiming Immaculate Conception Diocesan / Local News ...... 10 in Natchitoches, Louisiana a Minor Basilica. Feature Story ...... 14 Multicultural ...... 16 The Most Reverend Ronald P. Herzog, Bishop of the Feature Story ...... 18 Diocese of Alexandria was the principal celebrant of the Schools / Youth ...... 20 Mass. The Most Reverend Greg Aymond, archbishop of New Diocesan Briefs ...... 22 Orleans was the homilist. Concelebrants included the Most Calendar ...... 23 Rev. Michael Duca, Bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport; the Most Rev. Michael Jarrell, Bishop of Lafayette; the Most Rev. Alfred Hughes, retired Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans.

January 2018: CHURCH Join us as we spotlight one parish in the Diocese of Alexandria each month, sharing a little of that parish’s history, ministries, and community. See page 11 for more TODAY on the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

Volume L, No. 1 Feast of the Month: St. Josephine Bakhita January 21, 2019 The Story of What We Can Learn • Visit www.dhs.gov/ blue- P. O. Box 7417 St. Josephine Bakhita From Her Story campaign/info-graphic for a great Alexandria, LA 71303 visual to help understand the [email protected] Born in Olgossa in For those who have had a problem and our (unintentional) 318-445-6424 southern Sudan, Josephine was life-altering conversion, who role in it. kidnapped at the age of 7, and have attended a timely retreat, • Support companies that Publisher: Most Rev. David P. Talley, Bishop of Alexandria sold into slavery. Ironically who have put in long hours with make an effort to label their Publication Manager / Editor: the name “Bakhita” in Arabic a counselor or spiritual director, product that has been made justly. Cari Terracina, ext. 255, means “lucky” - a name given or who have faced an addiction Check out the USCCB’s 2017 [email protected] to St. Josephine after her many head-on, you might recognize Lenten action for spotting slave- Multimedia Manager / Advertising: abductions caused her to forget the freedom that comes with free seafood at www.usccb.org/ Joan Ferguson, ext. 264; [email protected] her own name. She was resold acknowledging someone or about/anti-trafficking-program/ Circulation: Sandi Tarver, ext. 209; several times, finally in 1883 to something that has oppressed upload/Labeling-for-Lent/pdf. [email protected] Callisto Legnani, who later took you, and finding they no longer • Learn from the U.S. Josephine to Italy, and gave her to have a hold in your life. Catholic Sisters Working against The CHURCH TODAY (USPS slavery before Bakhita’s birth, 393-240) is published by the Catholic his friends, the Michieli family. and the Italians did not recognize Josephine Bakhita’s witness Human Trafficking at www. Diocese of Alexandria, once a Bakhita became babysitter slavery, by law Bakhita had is a lived metaphor for what Jesus sistersagainsttrafficking.org. month, free of charge to members of to Mimmina Michieli, whom actually been free since 1885. has already done in us. There is • Partner with A21 at www. the parishes in the Diocese of she accompanied to Venice’s Josephine entered the no circumstance, habit, secret, or a21.org to bring a campaign to Alexandria, Louisiana. Out of diocese subscriptions are $20 a year. Institute of the Catechumens, run Institute of St. Magdalene of shame we may find ourselves in your community. by the Canossian Sisters. While Canossa in 1893 and made her the clutches of that hasn’t already The office is located at Mimmina was being instructed, profession of vows three years been satisfied by His sacrifice. Source: 4400 Coliseum Blvd., Josephine felt drawn to the later. In 1902, she was transferred Our hope is in the one who has www.franciscanmedia.org Alexandria, LA 71303. Catholic Church, being baptized suffered, died, and rose out of Periodicals postage paid at to the city of Schio (northeast of Alexandria, LA. and confirmed in 1890, and Verona), where she assisted her love for us, who is inviting us into Postmaster: taking the name Josephine. religious community, and soon a place of freedom. St. Josephine Bakhita’s Send address changes to When the Michieli family became well loved by the children Feast Day: The CHURCH TODAY, P. O. Box came to collect Bakhita, she attending the sister’s school and Prayer and Action Friday, February 8 7417, Alexandria, LA 71306 refused to leave. During the the local citizens. The first steps Website: www.diocesealex.org ensuing court case, the Canossian toward her beatification began in National Human Trafficking To receive a free subscription, Sisters and the patriarch of Venice 1959. She was beatified in 1992, Awareness Day was January call 318-445-6424, ext 255 or intervened on Josephine’s behalf. and canonized eight years later. 11. To learn more about human e-mail [email protected] Eventually, an Italian court ruled trafficking and how you can help: that because Sudan had outlawed JANUARY 21, 2019 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 3 Shutdown won’t deter crowds from marching for life in nation’s capital

By Julie Asher Others who will address the Catholic News Service rally include Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, WASHINGTON (CNS) Kansas, chairman of the U.S. -- Neither snow nor sleet -- nor bishops’ Committee on Pro-life partial government shutdown -- Activities; Supreme Knight Carl will keep pro-lifers away from Anderson, CEO of the Knights of the nation’s capital for the March Columbus; Ben Shapiro, editor- for Life Jan. 18. in-chief of The Daily Wire; Abby If it continues, the shutdown Johnson, founder of And Then will be almost a month old by There Were None; Alveda King, then. Daily news reports show Priests for Life’s director of civil the closures of monuments, rights for the unborn; Dr. Kathi memorials and the Smithsonian Aultman, fellow of the American museums in Washington and College of Obstetricians and trash cans overflowing on some Gynecologists; and Ally Cavazos, federal property -- images that president of Princeton Pro-Life. might lead some folks around the Attending the March for Life country to think it is affecting big is something Cognetti has been events planned for the nation’s doing since she was a freshman in capital. high school, she told CNS. But not so. When she was younger, she “PLEASE NOTE: We plan would accompany her parents PARTICIPANTS MARCH FOR LIFE. March for Life participants are seen in Washington in this 2014 file photo. (CNS to march even if the government to the march, and later got photo/yler Orsburn) shutdown is not yet resolved,” involved on her own. To see the declares the March for Life “amount of people” gathered website, marchforlife.org. “We for life, “especially those in my have marched for 45 years and “This year, especially, we interview Jan. 9. This year’s theme, “Unique generation, really touched me. will march again this year to have tried to make this trip more “I don’t think at this time From Day One: Pro-life Is ... We have thousands of people end the human rights abuse of of a pilgrimage and less of a site- it’s going to affect anything,” she Pro-science” focuses on how coming to D.C. to defend what abortion.” seeing event,” he told Catholic said of the shutdown, recalling scientific advancements reveal they believe in and not just older Come to think of it, the start News Service. that Franciscan students came “the humanity of the unborn child people,” she said. of what was a two-day historic Ford added, “We look to Washington “when the whole from the moment of conception.” The March for Life is a great blizzard that hit Washington in forward to another great March storm” took place in 2016. Speakers will include three way for her and everyone from January 2016 had some impact for Life with our hundreds of They’re coming in eight members of Congress -- Sen. Franciscan University “to stand on numbers, but marchers by the thousands of friends!” buses. This year, like always, Steve Daines, R-Montana, and together, to stand firm in what we thousands still turned out that Jan. The same goes for the they will begin their trip on the Reps. Dan Lipinski, D-Illinois believe in. We know life starts at 22 to mark the anniversary of Roe 500-plus students coming in eve of the march with a late and Chris Smith, R-New Jersey conception.” v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court from Franciscan University in night Holy Hour. They depart at -- and a Democratic member of The march is “very eye- decision that legalized abortion Steubenville, Ohio. They’ll be midnight to arrive at the Basilica the Louisiana Legislature, Rep. opening,” she added, and provides virtually on demand. carrying a giant green banner and of the National Shrine of the Katrina Jackson. a chance for people who say they “The shutdown really did wearing winter hats especially Immaculate Conception about “We are delighted to have are pro-life to do something about not factor into our planning at designed for this year’s march, 6:00 a.m., in time for the 7:30 these four pro-life champions it. all,” said Patrick Ford of Belmont said Dominique Cognetti, a junior a.m. Mass that sends participants speak at the March for Life rally,” Cognetti added that she feels Abbey College in Belmont, North majoring in social work. forth for the March for Life rally, said Jeanne Mancini, president her generation is making “a name Carolina. Director of campus The entire effort -- from with a lineup of speakers, on the of March for Life. “The right to for ourselves and not sitting down ministry and the Hintemeyer promoting the march in late National Mall. life is a nonpartisan issue and, any more and saying we’re pro- Catholic Leadership Program September with fliers on campus After the rally, the march regardless of politics, we should life -- we’re taking action!” at the college, Ford is the point to designing their gear for the itself goes up Constitution all unite for life and stand against person for the school’s pro-life march -- is led by the students, Avenue and ends at the Supreme abortion, the greatest human Follow Asher on Twitter: contingent heading to the march. Cognetti told CNS in a telephone Court. rights abuse of our time.” @jlasher

A message from the Diocese of Alexandria’s Safe Environment Program Do you know someone who wants to receive If you have reason to believe that a child is being abused or neglected and that the abuse is by a parent or caretaker, the Church Today please call: Louisiana Child Abuse / Neglect Hotline at 1-855-4LA-KIDS (855-452-5437). FREE of charge? If suspected abuse is related to a diocesan/church/school program, or if abuse occured by anyone acting in Church Visit the sign-up form services, a report also should be made to the diocesan victim assistance coordinator, Dr. Lee Kneipp at 318-542-9805. at www.diocesealex.org, or email For updated information, news articles, and documents regarding ongoing activity and planning for securing and cari.terracina@ maintaining a Safe Environment for all, visit www.diocesealex.org/our-faith/healing (visit www.diocesealex.org and look diocesealex.org for “A Safe Environment For All” under the “Our Faith” tab). Here, you can find Bishop Talley’s message for November with their name and 2018, as well as updates from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Also found on this page is the letter from mailing address. Pope Francis to all Bishops in the United States regarding a meeting in February 2019 at the Vatican entitled “The Protection of Minors in the Church.” PAGE 4 CHURCH TODAY JANUARY 21, 2019 And yet Dear fellow disciple, And, He offers the same to you, I I’ve been thinking lately have no doubt. We can’t do it all about how I don’t know much. and do it well, but we can choose I don’t know much about the to focus on the opportunities God theological teachings of our faith, Letter from the Editor provides for us in this new year, or about how scholars interpret and cultivate what matters. Scripture. Mrs. Cari Terracina Thank you for journeying I don’t know all that much Publications Manager for the Diocese of Alexandria with us as we jump into this new about the lives of the Saints, or the year, ready to “begin again” in Doctors of the Church. knowing, loving, and serving God I don’t know much about and His Church. We invite you what this new year will hold for to peruse these pages as we focus any of us. present in our daily lives and in I’m with you if you’re There is always the fact that our on caring for life from conception To be perfectly honest, I just the hard and holy work of raising doubting. I’m with you if you God is bigger than how much we to deaht, and then join us on our don’t know much. a family. think you’re not equipped. I’m think we know. diocesan social media pages and And yet. I don’t know much. And yet, with you if you think that maybe If you think you weren’t website as we hear from new And yet, I have the honor to He asks me to serve. you heard a calling for this new made for this, or that the job God guest contributors from around serve thousands of you by way I don’t know much. And yet, year, but you aren’t actually sure has called you to is really better the diocese, share pieces of the of the Church Today and other He pours out new mercies daily, if it’s meant for you. I’m with suited for the woman next to you, history of our diocese, exciting diocesan publications. and asks me to share that same you if you don’t know what others or the man down the street, or events in the lives of our parishes, And yet, I get to serve mercy with others. already think about you or will the family you see in the Church tools to help us live out the faith in through cariterracina.com and I don’t know much. And yet, think about you. I’m with you if pew each weekend, I completely our daily lives, and inspiration for everydaymissionaries.com, He asks me to step into this new you’re scared about what this new understand. the journey. We’ll see you there. working alongside other women year with courage, dedication, and year holds for you, your job, and And yet. He “who began a to offer simplicity, joy, and the willingness to vulnerably work your family. I’m with you if you good work in you will continue to To each and every “and yet,” tactical tools for living simpler, alonside each of my co-workers in don’t know much. complete it until the day of Christ – Cari and Joan more grace-filled lives. the vineyard (Matthew 20). Because there is always the Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). And yet, I get to serve my So, if you don’t know much “and yet.” I am so grateful for every Follow Cari on family through being active and either, I’m with you. There is always the next step. “and yet” that God offers me. Instagram at @cariterracina Catholics and Cremation

I have recently spoken to have the cremains of your loved a few people and answered ones in your home. If this is the questions about the Catholic case, I would encourage you to QUIZ Church’s stance on cremation. Embracing speak to your pastor to ensure you Though some are uncomfortable take the proper steps to inter the discussing this, I think it is the Liturgy remains. important for Catholics to know Knowing that Mother Who said the following: the Church’s teaching on this By Deacon Richard W. Mitchell Church cares for us in life and at topic. the time of our death, certainly strengthens faith and helps us to “The supreme function From personal experience, of reason is to show man I can attest that end of life Love the Liturgy. that some things are decisions (either for our family because we must ensure that we intends to show the great dignity or for ourselves) can be difficult respect the cremains. To ensure of the human body as an integral beyond reason.” to make. However, making that we do so, the Congregation part of the human person whose these decisions and informing for the Doctrine of the Faith has body forms part of their identity. Send your questions and/or share your comments our loved ones of our wishes issued guidelines for us to follow. She cannot, therefore, condone Was it: makes things much easier for According to the guidelines, attitudes or permit rites that with Deacon Mitchell via email to: [email protected]. them during the emotionally if one chooses cremation, the involve erroneous ideas about A. St. Lawrence difficult time of death. Knowing cremains must be kept intact death, such as considering death B. Blaise Pascal we are honoring our loved one’s and treated as one would treat a as the definitive annihilation of decisions can certainly help us as body. They are to be placed in the person, or the moment of C. G.K. Chesterton we grieve. a proper vessel and interred in a fusion with Mother Nature or For more information D. St. Thomas Aquinas One such decision is the proper place, such as a cemetery. the universe, or as a stage in the concerning the Church’s teaching funeral liturgy, specifically the Therefore, the ashes should not cycle of regeneration, or as the on cremation, please visit disposition of our body. Some be scattered, kept on the mantel, definitive liberation from the www.diocesealex.org, wish to have their bodies cremated or divided among the family, “prison of the body.” or search for and inquire if it is allowed in the etc., but instead treated with the As long as the cremation “Congregation for the Doctrine ? Catholic Church, and if so, if they same respect and reverence as and guidelines set by the of the Faith cremation” ? ? can have a Catholic funeral with a body at a funeral. For as the Congregation for the Doctrine of for the Vatican’s the cremains. Congregation for the Doctrine the Faith are followed, one may official document on the topic. The short answer is “Yes,” of the Faith states, “By burying certainly have a Catholic funeral since 1963, the Catholic Church the bodies of the faithful, the liturgy. Answer on page 15. has permitted cremation. But Church confirms her faith in the After reading this article, please do not stop reading there resurrection of the body, and odds are that some of you may JANUARY 21, 2019 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 5 To live today, in Christ’s light and love, as branches of the vine In January, we begin a new lives…saying YES to all that is calendar year. How will you and I life-giving for our children and live the gift of life in 2019? Where saying NO to all that is death- is the road-map, or better today, I am the VINE; dealing for them. Intentional the GPS signal…that will point us disciples of the Lord Jesus are in the right direction, to find the to form their children through life we long for, the life we hope YOU are the BRANCHES(John 15:5) Christ’s Church…that they may for? Well. The saintly woman we Most Rev. David P. Talley live in the freedom of God’s light remember on the 1st of January Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria and love. might be able to give us a clue. We begin again, to work On the 1st, as the world-wide together with all who claim Christ, Catholic Church celebrated holy seeking the unity that the Lord Mass, remembering Mary, the When her baby boy had We have been given such of God and turning away from himself calls us to (John 17. 20- mother of Jesus, the mother of grown to full manhood and had a gift. But the gift requires us to every kind of sinfulness and the 21). This we celebrate in the week God, we were initiated anew into left the work of Nazareth to attend accept it, and act upon it. The temptations of the evil one…. of prayer, dedicated to the longing the incredible Good News that to his Father’s will, Mary would Door to God’s heart, the passage temptation to sin, both in our for Christian Unity (January 18 to God has given to us. In the Catholic answer all who asked about her way to the life we long for, the life personal lives and as a culture, 25). Church’s liturgical calendar, Jesus with a simple response. we hope for, has been given to us a society, through structural or We begin again, to take our the 1st of January is the eighth She said then…and…she and all through faith. The Gift has been institutional sin. This means place in the purifying fire of God’s or Octave Day of the Nativity the saints of God say to us today, given to you and to me. How do learning from the saints, seen love (Luke 12.49), seeking to live of the Lord, as we Catholics through their intercessory prayer we respond to this immense love? week by week on your Catholic the life we long for, the life we have celebrated Christmas Day for us…Do whatever he tells you We begin again, to live calendar. This means to discover hope for, as living braches of the for eight days! On the 1st, this (John 2.5). the sacredness of life, in loving again prayer and fasting and Vine of Life…and inviting every Solemnity of Mary, remembering And, what does Jesus of God with all we have and loving service. person we meet to join us, in her role in the gift of the Lord, we Nazareth say to you, in the here our neighbor as the Lord Jesus We begin again, to protect this Good News of God’s love… heard the proclamation from the and now of central Louisiana? instructs his followers. and guard and form all life. We manifest and complete, in Mary’s Gospel of Luke, where we learned How has his life, his Passion, his We begin again, to serve the must speak out against any civil son…and God’s. that Mary kept all of these things Resurrection, his Ascension… Lord’s Way of life, as members of law that betrays the sacredness of in her heart….marveling at what how has this revelation of the his Church…to be faith-filled and each human life. AMDG God had done through her (Luke living God impacted upon your obedient to his path. That means a We begin again…we who Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam 2.19). life? How do you live this gift of life of metanoia…conversion of are parents of children…to take (For The Greater Glory of God) life? heart…turning toward the light over the formation of their Vivir hoy, en la luz y el amor de Cristo, como ramas de la vid.

En enero, comenzamos un Dios había hecho. a través de ella Comenzamos de nuevo, a Comenzamos de nuevo ... del amor de Dios ... manifiesto y nuevo año calendario. ¿Cómo (Lucas 2.19). vivir lo sagrado de la vida, a amar nosotros, que somos padres de completo, en el hijo de María ... y viviremos tú y yo el don de la Cuando su bebé había a Dios con todo lo que tenemos niños ... para asumir la formación en el de Dios. vida en 2019? ¿Dónde está la alcanzado la edad adulta y había y amar a nuestro prójimo como de sus vidas ... diciendo SÍ a todo hoja de ruta, o mejor aún, la dejado la obra de Nazaret para el Señor Jesús instruye a sus lo que da vida a nuestros hijos AMDG señal GPS ... que nos indicará la atender la voluntad de su Padre, seguidores. y diciendo NO a todo lo que es Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam dirección correcta, para encontrar María respondería a todos los que Comenzamos de nuevo, muerte para ellos. Los discípulos (Para la mayor gloria de Dios) la vida que anhelamos, la vida que preguntaban sobre su Jesús con para servir el Camino de la vida intencionales del Señor Jesús esperamos? Bien. La mujer santa una simple respuesta. Ella dijo del Señor, como miembros de su deben formar a sus hijos a través que recordamos el 1 de enero entonces ... y ... ella y todos los Iglesia ... para ser llenos de fe de la Iglesia de Cristo ... para que podría darnos una pista. santos de Dios nos dicen hoy, a y obedientes a su camino. Eso puedan vivir en la libertad de la El día 1, mientras la Iglesia través de su oración de intercesión significa una vida de metanoia ... luz y el amor de Dios. católica de todo el mundo por nosotros ... Haz lo que te diga conversión de corazón ... girando Comenzamos de nuevo, a Diocese of Alexandria Website celebraba la Santa Misa, (Juan 2.5). hacia la luz de Dios y alejándose trabajar juntos con todos los que www.diocesealex.org recordando a María, la madre Y, ¿qué te dice Jesús de de todo tipo de pecaminosidad reclaman a Cristo, buscando la de Jesús, la madre de Dios, nos Nazaret, aquí y ahora, en el centro y las tentaciones del maligno unidad a la que el Señor mismo iniciamos nuevamente en la de Louisiana? ¿De qué manera su ... tentación de pecar, tanto en nos llama (Juan 17. 20-21). Esto increíble Buena Noticia que Dios vida, su pasión, su resurrección, su nuestra vida personal como en una lo celebramos en la semana de Diocese of Alexandria nos ha dado. En el calendario ascensión ... ¿cómo ha impactado cultura, una sociedad , a través del oración, dedicada al anhelo por la Facebook litúrgico de la Iglesia Católica, el esta revelación del Dios vivo en pecado estructural o institucional. Unidad de los Cristianos (18 al 25 facebook.com/ 1 de enero es el octavo o octavo su vida? ¿Cómo vives este don de Esto significa aprender de los de enero). DioceseofAlexandria día de la Natividad del Señor, la vida? santos, vistos semana a semana Comenzamos de nuevo, a ¡ya que nosotros los católicos Nos han dado tal regalo. Pero en su calendario católico. Esto tomar nuestro lugar en el fuego hemos celebrado el día de el don nos exige que lo aceptemos significa volver a descubrir la purificador del amor de Dios Navidad durante ocho días! En y actuemos en consecuencia. oración, el ayuno y el servicio. (Lucas 12.49), buscando vivir la primera, esta solemnidad de La Puerta al corazón de Dios, el Comenzamos de nuevo, la vida que anhelamos, la vida Diocese of Alexandria María, recordando su papel en camino a la vida que anhelamos, para proteger y proteger y formar que esperamos, como broches Instagram el don del Señor, escuchamos la la vida que esperamos, nos ha toda la vida. Debemos hablar en vivientes de la Vid de la Vida @dioceseofalexandria proclamación del Evangelio de sido dada a través de la fe. El contra de cualquier ley civil que ... e invitar a cada persona que Lucas, donde aprendimos que regalo le ha sido dado a usted y traicione lo sagrado de cada vida encontremos. para unirse a Bishop Talley on Twitter: María tenía todas estas cosas en a mí. ¿Cómo respondemos a este humana. nosotros, en esta Buena Nueva @BishopDavidT su corazón ... Marvel por lo que inmenso amor? PAGE 6 CHURCH TODAY JANUARY 21, 2019 7 Themes of Catholic Social Teaching By Will Travis Years resolutions, and I don’t want Guest Contributor to end this article without some practical takeaways! We have to About 6 years ago, my love. We have to act, or we say no daughter and I were able to go to serving the Lord. I think we can on a mission trip to India. We all agree that is a bad idea. The spent two and a half weeks “in bad news is, it isn’t always easy country” and had some incredible and can be messy. The good news experiences. For part of the trip, is, we don’t have to do it alone. we worked with the Missionaries Jesus gives us the grace to do what of Charity in Calcutta, praying he asks of us. with them and attending Mass with them daily. During the week we To stay plugged in to the spent there, we worked with them source of life and strength: until lunch, and then went into the 1. Live a Sacramental slums to evangelize and pray with ST. RITA CHURCH. Father Daniel Hart and members of St. Rita Church helped feed Hurricane Harvey evacuees. life! Frequent Holy Mass, go to the people in the afternoons. We Confession at least monthly, and also brought food to those we met. visit the Lord in Adoration. When we ate in a restaurant and roots in the dignity of the human agreed. The lawyer then asked, God puts in front of us. Jesus was 2. Pray! Spend time got a to-go box for our left overs, person: each of us is made in the “Who is my neighbor?” We all very clear whom we are serving with Jesus. Seek to be closer to you couldn’t go twenty feet out the image and likeness of God. Social know the story about how a man in His example of the sheep and Him, and spend time reading the door without seeing someone that teaching is how we are to treat one beaten by robbers was passed by the goats (Mt 25:31-46). It is Gospels. Spend part of your time needed it either for themselves another. How we are to navigate several people until a Samaritan Jesus who is the one being served quiet and listening. or for their family. It was an eye the demands of Love, and what takes care of him. This is where as we do for others, as we love 3. Keep your eyes open opener to say the least. that means for society. the rubber meets the road for others. Sometimes we can meet and look for opportunities to Not long after coming home, I Jesus talked about this many our understanding of the Social someone’s bodily needs such as love those God puts in front of was listening to a priest talk about times in the Gospels, but probably Doctrine of the Church. food, clothing, a ride, and so on. you. Whether you are at work, his time in Calcutta, so as you can the most well known example We can create scenarios Other times someone needs to talk, at the store, on the street, or most imagine, I listened up. The story is in the story of “The Good with each of the seven themes to to be prayed with, or to be told importantly, at home. he told summed up my time in Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37). I am substitute with the “man beaten the truth even if they don’t want India and my worldview since. sure you are all very familiar with by robbers.” Maybe it is someone to hear it. The Social Doctrine “Come, your brother He went to India to serve with the parable, so I am going to only very hungry, or an immigrant of the Church has its roots in the has need of you” the Missionaries of Charity and touch on a few points. First, the with needs, or an employee that individual’s dignity, and is played when he got to the motherhouse, lawyer asks Jesus what must he isn’t treated fairly. We all have out one act of love at a time. The Will is son of Deacon Bill Travis they put him in a room with a do to inherit eternal life, and Jesus situations that we run across where whole of society and culture is and brother to Father Adam window. After he got settled in, returns a question with a question we make a conscious choice, just changed by the actions of you and Travis. He and his wife Shelly he was near the window and he asking, “What is written in the like the passers by in the parable. me. have three children and live in smelled a horrible smell. It was Law?” The lawyer says “You Whether we will help...or not. Lastly, ‘tis the season of New Pineville, LA. terrible! He looked out and saw a shall love the Lord you God with Love is an action. Which man dressed in rags and covered in all your heart, and with all your passerby loved his neighbor? The filth lying on the sidewalk outside. soul, and with all your strength, Samaritan. We can love like this To use his word, the priest was and with all your mind; and your by following a simple rule: If “repulsed.” He moved away from neighbor as yourself.” Jesus you can, do. We must love those the window and tried to clear his senses. Right then, Mother Teresa came in and said, “Come, your brother has need of you,” and led him out to the man under his window. That sentence pierced his heart as it did mine while he • Behavior Modification • In home, Individual, and told his story. • Obedience and Therapy Group Sessions Available Catholic social teaching, as Pet Training • Phone Consultations provided by the Church, has seven • 30-day Money Back Guarantee and Phone Assessments themes. Each theme has everything from papal writings to magisterial 985.226.6458 • www.felinecaninecoach.com documents defining and providing clarity for the people of God. The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace put out the “Compendium Brigitte Paul Kelso Insurance, LLC of the Social Doctrine of the Church” that is available for free Brigitte Kelso on the Vatican’s website if you Owner/Agent want to take a 300 page deep 2918 S. MacArthur Dr. dive. But you don’t have to to Alexandria, La. 71301 understand what we are called to do as Missionary Disciples of our Phone: 318.448.2226 Lord. It’s important to realize that Fax: 318.448.2280 most of what the Church teaches [email protected] about social doctrine has its JANUARY 21, 2019 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 7

Former Planned Parenthood worker says “Unplanned” joins two other recent pro-life dramas. “Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer,” based on the crimes of Philadelphia abortionist Dr. James Gosnell, was released last year. ‘power of ultrasound’ changed her “Roe v. Wade”, a drama based on the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, has had a complicated production history and as yet has no release date.

“UNPLANNED” MOVIE JOINS TWO OTHER PRO-LIFE MOVIES IN THEATRES. Abby Johnson, left, is seen on the set of the movie “Unplanned” with actress Ashley Bratcher, who plays her. (CNS photo/courtesy Unplanned)

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- three “God’s Not Dead” films, Parenthood in 2001, joined its When it comes to speaking her and starring Ashley Bratcher as clinic in Bryan, Texas, shortly mind, Abby Johnson never holds Johnson, it’s set to hit theaters later, and resigned in 2009 after back. Affable in a way usually March 22. Excerpts will be shown participating, she says, in an B.K. ROOFING, LLC described as down-home, as the during the rally on the National ultrasound-guided abortion of a mother of seven children, she Mall. 13-week-old fetus. finds that a certain bluntness suits “I’m telling you, this is “It was the power of the her best. anointed,” Solomon said at ultrasound that changed my heart,” It’s the only way, she a November screening at the Johnson says. “Now science has concedes, to keep order in her Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities ruled definitely that there’s life in Residential Roofing Experts household. of the U.S. Conference of Catholic the womb.” Johnson, the pro-life activist Bishops in Washington. “This has “We’re trying to serve the www.bkroofingllc.com and founder of And Then There nothing to do with us.” Lord. And you know what? We’re Were None, will have just four “Abortion is not going to stop going to get ripped,” Solomon Brian Maddox, Owner minutes to make her points when on its own,” he added. “Media said. “America cannot continue 13 years experience she speaks to the March for Life (are) the most powerful weapon to exist if we do abortion. It will Licensed & insured • References available rally Jan. 18, and she’ll have to there is.” destroy us.” take some months off after her The film takes viewers Johnson found the two “It doesn’t cost any more to get it done right!” eighth child is born in June. inside procedures at the clinic filmmakers easy to work with. “I A new film drama, where Johnson worked, including wanted it to be accurate. We had “Unplanned,” based on her 2011 abortions resulting from the RU- a lot of conversations over what I Free estimates! memoir of working for Planned 486 (mifepristone) protocol, did and didn’t want.” When a draft Most estimates in 2 days Parenthood, will do all the talking and covers her life and career script was sent for her approval, Experienced in dealing with Insurance Companies for her soon. through the time she joined the she found “it was done really well. Let us handle the details! And that means losing a bit clinic, interactions with pro-life I told them go come down here to of the control she’s had over her protesters, her resignation, and a Texas. So we got started.” own life story since she began later legal challenge from Planned The film shows abortion making speeches almost 10 years Parenthood over revealing equipment and procedures, but 17 Glade St. • Pineville, LA 71460 ago. She’s thrilled, of course, information in clinic documents, stays away from many details, but quickly told Catholic News in which she prevailed. There’s usually reminding viewers that Service in an interview, “It felt also a cameo by Mike Lindell, pain is always involved. “I think like I’m making myself very founder of My Pillow, who helped it would have been really lost on Emergency vulnerable here in a way I haven’t finance the movie. people if they would have been service before.” Johnson will be among more medically detail-oriented.” available “Everyone in America is than 10 March for Life rally And that, Johnson says, suits going to have the opportunity to speakers, including journalist the goals of And Then There see the worst version of me. So I Ben Shapiro and Carl Anderson, Were None. “Our focus is not on really prayed about it. I felt very Supreme Knight of the Knights legislative issues. Our focus is not anxious about it.” of Columbus, along with several to make abortion illegal, but to Written and directed by members of Congress. make it unthinkable.” Chuck Konzelman and Cary Johnson, a Texas native, Solomon, who also made the began volunteering for Planned PAGE 8 CHURCH TODAY JANUARY 21, 2019 The Call to Address Racism in Our Hearts and Communities

In their new pastoral letter about who you socialize with against racism, Open Wide Our on a regular basis. Intentionally Hearts: The Enduring Call to create opportunities to interact Love, the Catholic bishops of the with those you may not run into United States invite conversion over the normal course of your of hearts, minds, and institutions week. Where in your community in order to address the evil of do you see diverse groups of racism that still exists in our people come together? Parents: communities. talk with your children about By our baptism, we are race. Continuing to talk with members of Christ’s body and them about everyone’s human sharers in his mission. Imitating dignity and the pain of racism in Christ, we must care for all our country will help form them members of our communities, to respect the dignity of all. Find honoring each person as unique, prayers for children at usccb.org/ sacred, and created in the image ST. FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL KIDS. ... Our mission is to recognize and develop natural talents of our students racism. of God. We know that the evil of and form them in the ways of faith so that they may grow all their lives as committed disciples of Christ the Lord “in c. At school or work, ask: racism cuts to the core of God’s wisdom, age, and grace” and play their part in building the Kingdom of God. How you can learn more about plan for humanity, devaluing other cultures? What resources the diversity God created within are available to you? If there are the human family. As followers only end if we contend with the diversity, which is truly a gift the image of God and equal in others who are treated differently of Christ, we seek to reclaim policies and institutional barriers from God. dignity, or it can be systemic, because of their race, speak up. the God-given sanctity of each that perpetuate and preserve where practices or policies are Think about what you might person’s inviolable human the inequality—economic and How Can I Respond? upheld that treat certain groups do if you hear someone make dignity. The bishops remind us, social—that we still see all (1) Listen to and know of people unjustly. These systems disparaging remarks about a “The command of love requires around us.” the stories of our brothers and are often perpetuated due to the classmate or coworker. How can us to make room for others in Within the walls of the sisters who have suffered from silence or unawareness of many. you be ready to respond? our hearts. It means that we are Church, many people of color racism in history, and in the Commit to learning more about (4) As individuals and indeed our brother’s keeper (see have experienced discrimination present. racism and employment, housing, communities of faith, examine Gn 4:9).” and outright racism. Leadership True and authentic encounter wealth, education, criminal your conscience. Some among us may want has been lacking. The bishops is difficult but worth the effort. justice, and voting—and then We all must ask ourselves: to believe that our country has write, “All too often, leaders of Authentic relationships require get involved in diocesan, parish Where have I not lived as an moved beyond the reality of the Church have remained silent vulnerability, humility, and or community efforts to pray example of Christ’s love? racism that has so profoundly about the horrific violence and getting outside of your comfort and work for conversion of both Where have my attitudes or stained its past, or that racism other racial injustices perpetuated zones. For some, this will mean hearts and systems. perceptions caused me to devalue does not involve us. Almost every against African Americans and actively seeking opportunities to (3) Think about what you can persons of other cultures or day, news headlines demonstrate others.” Reflecting on these engage with people of diverse do, wherever you are. Commit ethnicities? When have I been that our country’s “original sin” realities, the bishops implore us backgrounds. For others, this to raising your awareness in unnecessarily suspicious or of racism continues to impact the to find ways to actively work might mean raising your voice whatever situations you find allowed a preconceived notion lives of many Americans, many against the evil of racism. or sharing your story. Through yourself. to overshadow the human nature of them Catholic—particularly We must seek racial justice authentic engagement we bring a. As people of faith, of another? When have I seen the those who belong to the African within our Church and in our together diverse perspectives we can intentionally work to “other” instead of welcoming an American, Hispanic/Latino, or country. Let us all allow the and experiences which honor the create spaces of welcome and opportunity to listen to the story Native American communities. Holy Spirit to convert our hearts fullness of God’s plan. opportunities for encounter. of that person’s life, struggles, or There are signs that racism’s to do the work of healing, so we (2) Work to address both Create opportunities for sharing joys? legacies remain prevalent in many may live authentically in true individual and systemic racism. of stories and learn how racism systemic inequalities that have relationship to one another. Let Racism can be individual, impacts our communities. For More Information deep impact on people of color. the fruit of this conversion be when persons fail to recognize Regularly think about whose Read the new pastoral letter, The bishops write, “Racism can evident in our full celebration and certain groups as created in voices may be missing as leaders Open Wide Our Hearts: The integration of ethnic and cultural and volunteers in parish ministry. Enduring Call to Love and then In parishes and schools, educators talk with others about how your can use activities from usccb.org/ community can respond to the racism to integrate content on the bishops’ invitation in the pastoral pastoral letter into their lessons. letter. USCCB resources against b. In your family, think racism are at usccb.org/racism.

Louis Lowrey, M.A.

Licensed Professional Counselor

Offices located at 207 Church Street, Natchitoches (318) 332-8422 • [email protected] Mail: 109 Royal Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457 JANUARY 21, 2019 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 9 Death Announcements

Fr. Terry Edward Allen, a priest of the Diocese of Alexandria, passed from this life on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018. Fr. Allen was born on Oct. 17, 1935 in Rayne, LA, the son of Wilson and Edith Allen. He attended Menard Memorial High School and Maryhill Seminary. Fr. Allen completed his B.A. degree at Notre Dame Seminary in New Or- leans and was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Alexandria on June 3, 1961. After 44 years of active ministry, Fr. Allen retired in June of 2005. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at the Maryhill Chapel on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, with Rev. Louis Sklar presiding. Interment followed in the Priests’ Cemetery at Maryhill.

Deacon Norman Gremillion, age 88 of Plaucheville, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018 at Mater Dolorosa Church with Rev. Martin Laird officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Mr. Gremillion retired from the U.S. Postal Service where he was Post Master in Plaucheville. Upon his retirement, he went on to study and become a Deacon for the Diocese of Alexandria.

Prayer for Priests SEMINARIAN MISSION TRIP. Seminarian David Keran poses with a group of seminarians along with the Bishop Gracious and loving God, we thank your for the gift of our priests. of Arecibo in Puerto Rico. First-year theology students at Notre Dame Seminary are required to go on a mission trip Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments. over winter break. For the past several years, these seminarians have traveled to Nicaragua, but with the current Help our priests to be strong in their vocation. Set their souls on fire with political unrest there, the trip was moved to Puerto Rico. The purpose of the trip was to learn about and experience love for your people. Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength the universality of the Church, insofar as, while a priest is ordained in a particular diocese, he is ordained to serve the they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Inspire them with the vision entire Church. of your Kingdom. Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel. Allow them to experience joy in their ministry. Help them to become instruments of your divine grace. Amen. GET TO KNOW OUR PRIESTS, DEACONS, RELIGIOUS, AND SEMINARIANS Seminarian Burses We asked our Priests, Deacons, Religious, and Seminarians: December 2018 Donations What are you most thankful for from this past year, and why?

Ms. Lilla Armand...... $5.00 Father Derek Ducote, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Alexandria: I’m thankful for Our Lady of Prompt Father Taylor Reynolds Burse Succor Parish and School, where I have been welcomed and invited into many homes, events, and classrooms to celebrate Sacraments, pray, teach, and play “dinosaurs” on the classroom rug with our students. Mr. and Mrs. Silton Innerarity...... $25.00 Monsignor Russell Richie Father Taylor Reynolds, Judicial Law student of Santa Croce University, Rome, Italy: New adventures, Father Peter Kuligowski...... $30.00 such as studying in Rome and future promises, such as being back home in June! Father Peter Kuligowski Burse Deacon Richard Mitchell, Director of the Office of Divine Worship: I’m thankful for the successful Mrs. Nelwyn Broussard...... $50.00 beginning of the new deacon program. Fifteen men were accepted into the program and continue to discern Monsignor Milburn Broussard their call to possible ordination. Seeing their excitement and eagerness to dive deeper into their faith is a Knights of Columbus Council #9217...... $50.00 beautiful blessing for our diocese. Father Adrian L. Molenschot Burse Check back here and on the diocese website each month for a new Q&A Father Rickey Gremillion ...... $50.00 with our priests, deacons, religious, and seminarians! Deacon L.G. Deloach Burse Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Schupbach...... $50.00 Deacon Gary Schupbach Burse Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Schupbach...... $100.00 Monsignor Steve Testa Burse Mrs. Nelwyn Broussard...... $100.00 Deacon Roderick “Benny” Broussard Burse Bayou Chateaux Nursing Center...... $100.00 Floyd LaCour, Sr. Seminary Burse Deacon and Mrs. L.G. Deloach...... $500.00 Father Rickey Gremillion Burse Mr. and Mrs. Tom Simms...... $3,525.00 Joe Simms, Jr. Burse

Total...... $4,585.00 PAGE 10 CHURCH TODAY JANUARY 21, 2019 Cenla Pregnancy Center turns dreams into realities in first year

By Bob Tompkins addition to the three-person staff, local Guest Contributor Ob-Gyn Doctor David Spence serves as the volunteer medical director along What started a little more than with 8-10 volunteers who work each a year ago as a dream has become week at the Cenla Pregnancy Center. a reality that exceeded expectation, The Center is located in the according to Claire Lemoine, the Baptist Building near the corner of executive director of the Cenla Jackson St. and MacArthur Dr. The Pregnancy Center. volunteers help in the advisory-client Since the Center opened role, or as a receptionist or with odd its doors in December of 2017, jobs. An intern from Louisiana College the Cenla Pregnancy Center has also started her internship as part of provided counseling to over 200 her requirement for the Bachelor of women for more than 550 services, Social Work Program, which requires reports Lemoine. 25 hours of weekly service. “Any mother finding herself Pastor Brian Gunter of First in a crisis pregnancy can receive Baptist of Pollock, a founder of the (free) services from us, including Cenla Pregnancy Center and president pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, BABY BOTTLE DONATION CAMPAIGN. Students from St. Anthony School support the Cenla Pregnacy Center of the center’s nine-member board, pro-life referrals, resources and by participating in a baby bottle donation campaign. works part-time with Louisiana education,” says Lemoine. “This Right to Life and has nurtured a past year we also started offering close network of support with other post-abortive Bible study,” she Lemoine says. “We talk with out, were negative and at least year was a banquet that featured pregnancy centers across the state, added. The Bible study consists of them about their circumstances three abortion-minded women actress, author and staunch pro- Lemoine says. a nine-week course that can be set while addressing their fears of this miscarried. Some did not return to life advocate Jennifer O’Neill. The leadership and grassroots up at the client’s convenience. unplanned pregnancy.” the center or answer their phone Another fund-raiser that has support for the center is multi- A young woman came to the “We have been able to counsel after their visit, but Lemoine said become popular especially denominational, with a heavy flavor Cenla Pregnancy Center one day them, offer ultrasounds,” she she knows eight of those 24 chose with youngsters is a baby of Catholics and Baptists. with intentions to have an abortion continues. “Having the ability to do life. bottle campaign. Churches “Everyone is coming together but changed her mind, Lemoine ultrasounds, especially on women Some have expressed interest and organizations, large or for the same cause on behalf of the says, noting the young woman also who are considering abortion, has in adoption, she says, but none have small, have hosted baby bottle belief that life begins at the moment of spoke at a pro-life rally in town last been a game-changer. Showing followed through with that option. campaigns in support of the conception,” says Lemoine. fall. them that beating heart at six Yet, if adoption is their plan, she pregnancy center. “Those baby To learn more about the Cenla With that woman, as with any weeks, that baby just needs time to says, the Cenla Pregnancy Center bottle donations add up,” she Pregnancy Center, go to the website client, the Center’s staff talked grow into what he or she needs to offers the help of an attorney to says. “Little kids sometimes at www.cenlapc.com, and follow the with her to address her concerns, be. answer legal questions about walk in with donations, and center on Facebook. Groups can call then offered counsel and asked “We dreamed about seeing adoption. The center also can put they’re so proud.” to request speaking engagements or to her to consider what impact such a clients and changing minds over them in touch with people who have Clients have different schedule a tour. decision would have in her life. a year ago,” she goes on, “and placed a child for adoption to tell ways they can earn points to The Cenla Pregnancy Center “We don’t lecture as if to tell this year we have seen 24 women them about their own experience. use at the boutique shop, which operates four days a week, Monday any client, in a demeaning manner, expressing intentions of having an “We dreamed about seeing is expanding because of an through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. ‘You can’t have an abortion,’” abortion.” Some tests, she points mothers,” she says, “and another outpouring of donations from through 5:00 p.m. Please call the reality is we’ve saved (unborn supporters. One client, says Center at 318-314-3061 for more children of) mothers whose next Lemoine, has a 10-month old information on servies provided or step would’ve been abortion. baby and has never purchased ways to support the center’s services. We’ve built relationships and a diaper from a store, always support systems with mothers and coming up with enough boutique Bob Tompkins is a retired sportswriter, they continue to come back or call bucks to get them for free at the husband, father, and grandfather. us with questions.” center. Connect with him on Facebook or The main fund-raiser for the Lemoine says that in Twitter. 2914 N. Bolton Ave. • Alexandria, LA

442-2325 JANUARY 21, 2019 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 11 Highlighting the Office of Development and Public Affairs Parish Spotlight: The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception The Office of Development The oldest parish in the and Public Affairs oversees Diocese of Alexandria, the Church stewardship programs that of the Immaculate Conception provide funding for the operation was placed under the patronage of Diocesan ministries, working of Mary in 1853 at the request to provide funding for the of Pope Pius IX. It was at this Diocesan offices, for the care of time that Pope Pius IX erected the Diocese’s retired priests, and the Diocese of Natchitoches, for other programs and events and named the pastor of then organized by the Diocese of St. Francis’ Church, Father Alexandria. Auguste Marie Martin, as the first The staff of the Office bishop. On September 4, 1892 of Development and Public Bishop Durier, the 3rd Bishop the 150th anniversary of the Affairs, Cole Churchman and Cole Churchman Sandi Tarver of Natchitoches, consecrated the beginnings of its construction with Sandi Tarver, is also involved in Director of Development Executive Secretary completed church, with the Sisters relics of Sts. Pius X, Elizabeth developing stewardship programs of Divine Providence later opening Ann Seton, and Therese of Lisieux for parishes within the Diocese. Bishop’s Golf Tournament, in the future of our faith. St. Mary’s School in 1888. being placed in the new altar. It Committed to keeping the hosted each October. Contributions to the Catholic In 1910, the cathedral see was at this time that the church was Catholic faithful informed of The Annual Diocesan Appeal Foundation are invested and was moved to Alexandria by order dedicated as an “induit” church, ways to practice stewardship, is held each year, encouraging the interest is used to fund any of Pope St. Pius X. The church sharing in the privileges of the thereby enhancing the spiritual the faithful of the diocese to program or ministry the donor underwent several restorations, Major Basilica of St. Mary Major life of everyone in the Diocesan continue to grow in generosity requests. For more information including the addition of a new in Rome. On Feb. 22, 2009, Pope community, Churchman and and in faithfulness by supporting on the Office of Development vestibule and a central air- Benedict XVI honored the church Tarver work closely with Bishop ministries throughout the diocese. and Public Affairs, and how you conditioning and heating system with the rank and title of minor Talley and other diocesan staff Churchman and Tarver are can contribute to the life and in 1955 and 1956. basilica in virtue of its being “for to coordinate events throughout also available to assist in planned ministries of the Diocese, please In 2006, Immaculate all Louisiana, in the United States, the year, including the annual giving as a means of investing call 318-445-6424, ext. 220. Conception Church observed a head and mother.

LOCAL PRIESTS RECEIVE CANON LAW DIPLOMA. Father Chad Partain BISHOP TALLEY SERVES AS CO-CHAIR OF USCCB COMMITTEE. As a member of the USCCB’s Committee for and Father Adam Travis both received their graduate diploma after completing Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs, Bishop David Talley is assigned to co-chair this dialogue concerning ecumenism. specialized courses in Canon Law. The committee met this past December, and is working on documents that commemorate 50 years of work, seeking common ground in Christ.

Lacombe Floor Finishing For more pictures 310 N. Briarwood, Bunkie, LA 71322 from around the Specializing in installation • Floor Finishing • Ceramic Tile Floors Diocese, please visit • Hardwood Floors • Reseal Tile Floors the photo galleries at www.diocesealex.org. Ph: (318) 481-0950 Morgan Newton, Owner PAGE 12 CHURCH TODAY JANUARY 21, 2019 The Diocese celebrates with joy and giving this Christmas season!

SAINT MARGARET CHURCH, GORUM. The Christmas Vigil Mass at St. Margaret Church was colored by the presentation of the Christmas Play, reenacting the birth of Jesus. Participants included (Front Row) Father Silverino Kwebuza, Hattie Bynog, Charles Bailey, Susan Slatten, DEACON ASPIRANTS. Deacon Aspirants and their wives gather together for a Christmas Emelise Cormier, and Linda Willis, and (Back Row) Robert Williams, Tracy Williams, Be Deshotels, celebration on Dec. 17. Jessica Bailey, Glenn Cormier, and Thomas Swift. (Not pictured is Corine Cormier.)

SEMINARIAN MISSION TRIP. Seminarian David Keran poses along the GUMBO COOKOFF. Winner of the Saints Francis and TOYS FOR TOTS. Saint Mary’s School, Natchitoches, 4-H coast of Puerto Rico during his stay for a mission trip. Anne church cookoff, Roman Ray won the most votes members collected toys for tots, and donated them to the local out of the 7 teams that participated on Dec. 3. toy drive.

THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS GIVING. Each year, parishioners of St. Patrick Mission, Montgomery HOLY GHOST CHURCH AND SAINT RICHARD’S CHAPEL CHRISTMAS GATHERING. and St. Joseph, Colfax, along with their pastor, Father Silverino Kwebuza, adopt the residents Parishioners gathered for a Christmas celebration in Marksville on Dec. 20. Participants included of St. Mary’s Training Facility as part of their loving outreach program. This year, supporters Patricia Lavalais, Sheila Augustine, Brad Augustine, Dariyon Greenhouse, Rose Noel, Brian Barton, contributed $1,030 towards St. Mary’s mission of caring for individuals with developmental Patricia Jacob, Bertha Lavalais, Freddie Greenhouse, Deacon Ted Moulard, Annatrail Simon, disabilities. Pictured are: Fr. Silverino, Mr. Robert Watson of St. Patrick Mission, and Karen Weldon Simon, Father Abraham Palakkattuchira, Francine Darby, Father Abraham Varghese, and Guillory and Dorothy Jones of St. Joseph Church and St. Mary’s Programs Director, Bo Vets. Christian Bayonne. JANUARY 21, 2019 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 13

OUR LADY OF LOURDES, WINNFIELD. Members of the Our Lady of Lourdes, Winnfield children’s Christmas program pose with Pastoral Administrator, Father Brian Seiler. BUNKIE CHRISTMAS PARADE. Saint Anthony’s Childrens Choir participated in the Christmas parade for the town of Bunkie on Dec. 15.

SAINT MARY’S SCHOOL, NATCHITOCHES. The Praise Team from Saint Mary’s School, Natchitoches visited a local nursing home to sing Christmas carols to the residents.

SAINT JAMES MEMORIAL CHURCH, ALEXANDRIA. Saint James Church hosted their annual Christmas play on Saturday, Dec. 15.

OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR SCHOOL, ALEXANDRIA. First grade students donate food to the Christmas Food Drive to help provide over 100 meals to families in need. These families received donations of gifts and food.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL, MOREAUVILLE. Mrs. Cindy Robin and Mrs. Claudia Crabtree teach their first grade students about giving to others this Christmas season. The teddy bears pictured above were mailed to hospitalized children in Children’s Medical Center in Plano, TX.

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES, ECHO. Right: Students from Saint Francis de Sales Church, Echo participate in the annual Christmas program. PAGE 14 CHURCH TODAY JANUARY 21, 2019 Our Parishes Need Us to Lead by Example

By Kristi Denoy manpower to take it from idea to Blessed Is She reality. You even know who you need to convince. I love my parish for many But you do still have to reasons. We have one priest who’s convince them. a dynamic homilist, and another Pull everything together into who is the most pastoral confessor a PowerPoint presentation. Feeling I could hope to have. extra tech-savvy? Make a video, Our Community Life Director including parishioner testimony is amazing and is constantly supporting your endeavor. Make organizing activities to enrich sure you have a list of names of the lives of our parishioners. those volunteering to help. Our Children’s Faith Formation If what you’re proposing is Director is impeccable. She attends going to cost money, you have extra to every detail that someone could work cut out for you. But don’t possibly think of in all her myriad give up on it entirely. Research PRAYER WARRIORS. Father Bill Gearheard leads a group in bible study and prayer recently at Our Lady of Prompt programs and activities. even more. Know the costs. Have Succor Church, Alexandria. Even with all of that, it still names and managerial contacts of isn’t enough. companies willing to donate items Our parishes are trying to welcomed upon arrival, depending check out at the Welcome Table. and it gives them ownership for the project. If you’re modeling meet people where they are in their on which Mass they choose to You may even be able to get over something in their parish it on a program at another church, current faith formation journeys. attend? donations from local companies community. show what that looks like (and That’s a wonderful goal. What aren’t you offering and fellow parishioners. You’d be again, include contacts). But they’re also trying to that could help you meet others surprised how people meet a need Step Four: Know Who to Go to Show how your proposal is maintain the building and facilities, where they are? Do you have a when it’s made known. This is going to be a key step. necessary for parish life, but also and schedule every ministry around large population that doesn’t speak Do your research and You want to approach the correct how little the priests will have to liturgies and Bible studies and English and no ESL classes at the formulate a plan for attacking your person to get the ball rolling as do to implement it. Remember that requests for space for meetings. parish? Several single moms and issue head-on. soon as possible. they’ve got their hands full. They can only do so much. no help extended their way? Think about the area you’re Identify the need. Step Three: Enlist Others trying to fix. Does it have to do The Church Needs Us How to Lead in Our Parishes By Don’t go it alone. Recruit with the parish at-large? Reach out The church is more than a Example Step Two: Make a Plan fellow parishioners to help out. to your Community Life Director. building. It’s you and me. If we That’s why our parishes need Once you’ve identified They can be Mass friends, Bible Are you targeting newlyweds? want our churches to reflect that in us to step up to the plate. We have “the thing,” make a plan to meet study classmates, or people you Empty nesters? That’s Adult & every way, we have to be willing to to be willing to be the hands and that need. Do you need better know from other interactions at Family Life territory. Does it have do something about it. feet of our parishes. community outreach? Why isn’t church. to do with religious education? Do you feel the call to be more Easier said than done, right? yours as effective as it needs to be? Admittedly, this may be Reach out to that director. active and involved in spearheading Maybe not. How do other local churches do it the hardest part. People love to Figure out where the need ministries in your parish? effectively? Are there events made participate in things, but that you’re addressing fits into your Step One: Observe accessible to the public? Does your doesn’t always carry over to a parish and know who you need to Kristi Denoy is a wife to her The first step is to look around. parish charge for them? love of helping set things up. If speak with. Catholic Match and momma to two What is missing in your parish? Is Want parents of little ones to you’re smart about it, though, you beautiful daughters, ages 9 and 3 it a mothers’ group? Assistance for feel supported rather than treated can work around that. I’m sure Step Five: Make a Proposal months, respectively. She enjoys those who are homebound? like second-class citizens relegated there are several confirmandi who You’ve done the research. The mom and pop coffee shops, reading, What is present and necessary, to the cry room or Narthex? Try require service hour fulfillment— need is there and you can state why. and all things theatre. Find out but floundering? Are people making Mass bags available for there’s a great source of manpower You have both the solution and the more about her at hailmarry.org

Let us help your family manage your financial goals.

*Education Funding *Retirement Planning Family Risk Management *Mutual Funds Small Business Planning *Annuities Emile P. Oestriecher, III, CPA Anne Oestriecher, CPA, CFP® 4641 Windermere Place, Alexandria, LA 71303 318-448-3556 • www.o-fms.com

*Securities offered through HD Vest Investment ServicesSM, Member: SIPC Advisory services are offered through HD Vest Advisory ServicesSM 6333 North State Highway 161, Fourth Floor, Irving, Texas 75038, 972-870-6000 Oestriecher Financial Management Services is not a broker/dealer or independent investment advisory firm. JANUARY 21, 2019 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 15 Maryhill Wish List Celebrating ACTS Mission Chapter Maryhill Renewal Center opened in 1948 and has been in continuous operation ever since. It consists of 186 partially wooded acres and a large lake, with multiple, various-use buildings onsite and requires ongoing maintenance every day of the year. As with any facility of this size (and age), personnel, equipment and outsourced services are used to help with the upkeep.

To help offset the minimal budget available to Maryhill for these purposes, a “Wish List” has been created so that you may donate needed items or services if you would like. This list will be updated from time to time. Please contact Deacon Luke White, Maryhill Facilities Manager, if you are interested in donating any of these items and to make sure the list is up-do-date. He can be reached at: [email protected] or (318) 542-1707.

Smoke alarm detectors: 6 for 29.99/Need 8 packs 6= $233 Part # 126505. Shower heads: $4.99 x 23 = 114.77/Part# 530320 These may be purchased here: HD Supply: Hdsupplysolutions.com or ACTS MISSIONS, CHAPTER OF ALEXANDRIA COMMISSIONING MASS. Bishop David Talley celebrated the 1-800-431-3000 formation of the Diocese of Alexandria ACTS Chapter, with a Commissioning Mass March 11, 2018 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. As celebrant of this Mass, Bishop Talley welcomed parishioners from the Diocese ACTS Core Parishes -- St. Chain Saw, Stihl, Model: MS 180 c BE/$245.00 Joseph Church, Marksville; St. Mary’s Assumption Church, Cottonport; Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pineville; and Our Lady Weed Trimmer,Stihl, Model: FS 70 R/$280.00 of Prompt Succor Church, Alexandria. Pictured with Deacon Richard Mitchell (forefront) are (front row) Mark Neely, These prices were quoted from Randy’s One Shop, Hwy 1, Alexandria Sue Welch, Bishop Talley, Chris Armstrong, and Jeannie Gauthier. Back row: Robert Kinberger, Nicki Mitchell, Melanie Dupré, and Tom Bouchie. Not pictured are Dixie Clement and Robert Johnson.

HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTIONS In January 2018, the ACTS opportunity to participate in the Forest Hill will conduct the first- for December Missions Chapter of Alexandria Church’s New Evangelization ever Spanish ACTS retreats in the was established. The group is and become the joyful missionary entire state of Louisiana. Their That people, who are involved in the service and transmission composed of twelve volunteer disciples called for by Pope first men’s retreat will be Jan. of faith, may find, in their dialogue with culture, lay people from four parishes Francis. 31-Feb. 3, 2019, and their first a language suited to the conditions of the present time. in the diocese—St. Joseph One benefit of establishing women’s retreat will be held Mar. Church, Marksville; St. Mary’s an ACTS Chapter in Alexandria 28 - 31, 2019. Assumption Church, Cottonport; is to provide retreat training In 2019, the ACTS Chapter “Those who want to be rich are falling into Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pineville; in Central Louisiana that was of Alexandria will continue in and Our Lady of Prompt Succor previously only available online its mission of education and temptation and a trap. They are letting Church, Alexandria. A subsidiary or by traveling hours away. On evangelization throughout the of ACTS Missions in San Antonio, December 1, 2018, the Chapter diocese. Some of their goals themselves be captured by foolish and Texas, the Chapter partners with held its first independent training include hosting retreat and Core parishes in the diocese to build for those interested in learning training events in Alexandria, harmful desires which drag men down to vibrant, active communities more about the retreat process. as well as town hall meetings through ACTS retreats and Twenty people attended the event throughout the diocese. Their ruin and destruction. The love of money provide ongoing parish support. and learned more about how to hope is to continue growing Its primary function is to support conduct an ACTS retreat and the ACTS ministry so other is the root of all evil. Some men in their and serve the parishes of the ensure it remains simple, reverent, parishes can have another tool Diocese of Alexandria, as well as and Catholic. to help their parishioners deepen passion for it have strayed from the faith, education concerning the ACTS Evangelization, as the second their Christian faith through an ministry. function of the Chapter, has begun encounter with Jesus Christ, and have come to grief amid great pain.” The ACTS Apostolate enables this year by the addition of two grow in faith and discipleship, Catholic parish communities new parishes that will offer ACTS and build their parish community. to utilize ACTS retreats as an retreats to their parishioners. For more information, contact the 1 Timothy 6: 9-10 evangelization tool to inspire St. Alphonsus in Hessmer will ACTS Chapter of Alexandria by intentional, Christ-centered conduct their first men’s retreat phone (318-445-2401) or email discipleship through adoration, on Feb. 7-10, 2019, and their first (actschapteralexandria@gmail. community, theology, and service. women’s retreat on Sept. 26-29, com), or visit their website at Through ACTS, the laity have an 2019. Our Lady of Guadalupe in www.actschapteralexandria.com.

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(1623-1662) French French (1623-1662) ANSWER: B. Blaise Pascal Blaise B. ANSWER: PAGE 16 CHURCH TODAY JANUARY 21, 2019 Nuestras parroquias nos necesitan para liderar con el ejemplo Por Kristi Denoy ayudar. Bendita es ella Si lo que estás proponiendo va a costar dinero, tienes un trabajo Amo mi parroquia por muchas adicional que no tienes para ti. razones. Tenemos un sacerdote que Pero no te rindas por completo. es un homilista dinámico y otro Investiga aún más. Conozca los que es el confesor más pastoral que costos. Tener nombres y contactos puedo esperar tener. administrativos de empresas que Nuestro Director de Vida deseen donar artículos para el Comunitaria es increíble y organiza proyecto. Si lo estás modelando constantemente actividades para en un programa en otra iglesia, enriquecer las vidas de nuestros muestra cómo se ve (y nuevamente, feligreses. Nuestro Director de incluye contactos). Formación en la Fe de los Niños Muestra cómo tu propuesta es es impecable. Ella atiende todos necesaria para la vida parroquial, los detalles que alguien pueda PRAYER WARRIORS. Oración El padre Bill Gearheard, guerrero de la oración, dirige un grupo de estudio bíblico y pero también qué poco deberán pensar en todos sus innumerables oración en la iglesia Our Lady of Prompt Succor en Alexandria. hacer los sacerdotes para programas y actividades. implementarla. Recuerda que Incluso con todo eso, todavía tienen las manos llenas. no es suficiente. otras iglesias locales lo hacen pero eso no siempre se transmite hablar. Nuestras parroquias están con eficacia? ¿Hay eventos al amor por ayudar a preparar La iglesia nos necesita Quinto paso: hacer una tratando de reunirse con las hechos accesibles al público? ¿Su las cosas. Sin embargo, si eres La iglesia es más que un propuesta personas en su camino actual de parroquia cobra por ellos? inteligente al respecto, puedes edificio. Somos tu y yo. Si formación en la fe. Esa es una meta ¿Quiere que los padres de solucionarlo. Estoy seguro de Has hecho la investigación. La queremos que nuestras iglesias maravillosa. los pequeños se sientan apoyados que hay varios confirmandi que necesidad está ahí y puedes decir lo reflejen en todos los aspectos, Pero también están tratando en lugar de ser tratados como requieren el cumplimiento de las por qué. Tienes tanto la solución debemos estar dispuestos a hacer de mantener el edificio y las ciudadanos de segunda clase horas de servicio; hay una gran como la mano de obra para llevarla algo al respecto. instalaciones, y programar cada relegados a la sala de los gritos o fuente de mano de obra y les da la de la idea a la realidad. Incluso ¿Sientes el llamado a ser más ministerio en torno a liturgias y Narthex? Trate de hacer bolsas de propiedad de algo en su comunidad sabes a quién necesitas convencer. activo e involucrado en dirigir estudios bíblicos y solicitudes de masa disponibles para la salida parroquial. Pero todavía tienes que ministerios en tu parroquia? espacio para reuniones. en la mesa de bienvenida. Incluso convencerlos. Kristi Denoy es esposa de Paso cuatro: saber a quién ir Solo pueden hacer mucho. puede obtener donaciones de Reunir todo en una su pareja católica y madre de compañías locales y feligreses. Se Este va a ser un paso clave. presentación de PowerPoint. ¿Te dos hermosas hijas, de 9 y 3 Cómo liderar en nuestras sorprendería de cómo las personas Debes acercarte a la persona sientes experto en tecnología? Haga meses de edad, respectivamente. parroquias por ejemplo satisfacen una necesidad cuando se correcta para hacer rodar la bola lo un video, incluido el testimonio de A ella le gustan las cafeterías de Es por eso que nuestras da a conocer. antes posible. feligreses que respalde su esfuerzo. mamá y papá, la lectura y todo lo parroquias necesitan que demos un Haga su investigación y Piensa en el área que estás Asegúrese de tener una lista de los relacionado con el teatro. Descubre paso al plato. Tenemos que estar formule un plan para atacar su tratando de arreglar. ¿Tiene que nombres de los voluntarios para más sobre ella en hailmarry.org dispuestos a ser las manos y los problema de frente. ver con la parroquia en general? pies de nuestras parroquias. Póngase en contacto con su Paso tres: Aliste a otros Es mas facil decirlo que Director de Vida Comunitaria. hacerlo. ¿verdad? Tal vez no. No lo hagas solo. Recluta ¿Estás apuntando a los recién compañeros feligreses para ayudar. casados? ¿Vacíos anidados? Eso Paso uno: observar Pueden ser amigos de la Misa, es territorio de vida de adulto y El primer paso es mirar compañeros de estudio bíblico o familia. ¿Tiene que ver con la Monday-Saturday: personas que conozcan de otras educación religiosa? Póngase en alrededor. ¿Qué falta en tu 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. parroquia? ¿Es un grupo de interacciones en la iglesia. contacto con ese director. madres? ¿Asistencia para los que Es cierto que esta puede ser Descubra dónde encaja la están confinados? la parte más difícil. A la gente le necesidad que está abordando en su Sundays: ¿Qué es presente y necesario, encanta participar en las cosas, parroquia y sepa con quién necesita 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. pero tambaleante? ¿Se da la bienvenida a las personas a su llegada, según a qué misa asistan? ¿Qué no estás ofreciendo que pueda ayudarte a encontrar a otros donde están? ¿Tiene una gran población que no habla inglés y no Monday-Saturday: tiene clases de ESL en la parroquia? 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. ¿Varias madres solteras y sin ayuda (Oyster Bar is closed on Sundays) se extendieron en su camino? Identificar la necesidad.

Paso dos: hacer un plan On Hwy 28 West Una vez que haya identificado 8.5 miles past the Coliseum “la cosa”, haga un plan para satisfacer esa necesidad. ¿Necesita 487-4014 una mejor difusión comunitaria? www.tunkscypressinn.com ¿Por qué el suyo no es tan Like us on Facebook! efectivo como debe ser? ¿Cómo JANUARY 21, 2019 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 17

SPANISH ACTS RETREATS COMING TO THE DIOCESE OF ALEXANDRIA Heart of Saint Kateri Circle Our Lady of Guadalupe mission church in Forest Hill will conduct the first-ever Do you have a devotion to Saint Kateri Tekakwitha? Spanish ACTS retreats in the entire state of Louisiana! Do you have a desire to learn and become more involved with this vital ministry to and with our indigenous brothers and sisters? Hispanic ACTS Retreat for Men: January 31-February 3 | Hispanic ACTS Retreat for Women: March 28-31 Are you looking for new opportunities to pray, serve and grow alongside believers right in your own community? Call 318-776-9480 for more information or to register. You are invited to COME & SEE what we’re all about! MANNA HOUSE OPEN POSITION: COOK / SUPERVISOR • Tribal affiliation, though welcome, is not a requirement • The “Heart of Saint Kateri” Circle meets: Manna House currently has an open position for a Cook / Supervisor. 2nd Thursday of each month 5:30 p.m. All applicants are encouraged to apply at indeed.com (Seach “Manna House” under “What”). Tekakwitha Conference National Center 2225 North Bolton Avenue • Alexandria, LA 71303 Requirements include 3 years of food service experience, food safety and sanitation certification, ability For more information, call (318) 227-0545 or (318) 471-2044 to lead a team, maintain a safe and positive work environment, abillity to work under stress in a high- speed environment, lift objects up to 50lbs. and work standing for long periods of time. Share your faith with a FREE gift subscription to the Church Today! A unique gift idea for weddings, graduations, and holidays! Email [email protected] for more information.

The Little One I hear a voice, a voice from above. I wonder who, and if there will be love. As I sleep here in my mother’s womb, I wonder if it will be my tomb.

My heart aches, and sometimes I cry; Just from not knowing if I live or die! I plead with my mom to have mercy on me, And I pray to God that she may see.

For I have a soul - I am full of life, And I don’t wish to die via a blade of a knife.

I wish to be born and give glory to God. And woe the man struck by the rod. For when all is said and all is done, He must pay - pay for the death Of the little one! PAGE 18 CHURCH TODAY JANUARY 21, 2019 Incorporating Faith into Fitness and Fitness into Faith By Kim Roberts awkward. But I loved exercise to draw closer to her son Jesus, Guest Contributor and I loved Jesus, so I took one and I now have a fire and joy that tiny step: I started offering my cannot be contained. Did you know that fitness workout as a prayer for a friend The fruits of this journey can help you on your path to that was struggling. This new have been overwhelming and holiness? It’s true! If someone habit took root because it infused it defies all logic. In 5 years, I would have told me that 5 years a supernatural peace and joy that went from a desperate, dark place ago, I might have laughed in their far outlasted any endorphins I spiritually to a place of radiant face. You see, for several years I had produced from exercise. I light. And that just shows you how wasn’t plugged into my faith and soon began running online faith relentless and loving our Father kept a distance from the Lord. and fitness challenge groups for in heaven is. He comes to us so So, if you would have also told friends to share the goodness I’d personally. He knew my love for me I would be writing an article found. exercise and used it to reach His for the Church Today, I might In 2016, a friend told me lost sheep of a daughter. have choked laughing! But here that I should really look into an This brings tears to my eyes is what I know for sure: God was, online workout program called every time I reflect on it. God is is, and ever shall be - the one with SoulCORE. I did not realize at the so good, y’all. And He is a God the last laugh. Let me share with time what a gift she gave me in that of joy. In our journey together, He you how I know. simple suggestion. The website continues to have the last laugh… I am a cradle Catholic and explained that SoulCORE “pairs and I absolutely adore laughing attended Catholic schools, but core strengthening, stretching and with Him. I never really developed my functional movement with the relationship with God. One or prayers of the rosary.” Thank you for listening to two encounters maybe, but I I was intrigued, so I my story. If this has sparked never fed that flame. Some of it immediately downloaded the interest to start your own Faith was due to lack of opportunity, Sorrowful Mysteries Workout. I and Fitness journey, here are a but the rest was due to my poor absolutely loved it. The workout few ideas for you: choices. God was basically INCORPORATING FAITH INTO FITNESS. Three parishioners from Sacred was challenging yet peaceful. • Offer your exercise time as confined to church on Sundays, Heart of Jesus in Pineville participated in and completed the Wild Azalea Trail The beauty of the Rosary is that a prayer for specific intentions. grace occasionally before meals, 1/2 Marathon on Jan. 5. it is for anyone who wants to • Give thanks to God for your and prayer requests only when I grow in virtue and gain interior health before, during, and/or after really needed something. peace. Growing in virtue helps your workout. My faith life was on cruise us to grow in holiness. Gaining • Listen to the Rosary, Divine control for years. Then in my precious convert husband fought retreat shortly afterwards. These strength and flexibility is just a Mercy Chaplet or prayerful early 30’s I suffered from grief to keep it afloat. experiences brought us closer to bonus! podcasts on your phone when and loss due to events out of my My unlikely faith and fitness God and each other more than I I began excitedly inviting you go for a walk. Laudate or control. The pain unfortunately journey began in 2013. At the ever imagined possible. friends to pray and workout at Catholic Daily Reflection apps was due to hurts from within the repeated promptings of our As my relationship with the my house. After several months, I contain these resources. Church. During this time, I was loving friends, Ted attended a Lord grew, I wanted to invite felt called to attend a SoulCORE • Follow along to a Christian terribly sad and angry. Attending men’s ACTS retreat at Maryhill. Him into every part of my life. Leader Discovery Retreat to workout DVD or online streaming mass was difficult, but thankfully With his “yes” to that retreat, I wanted to “rejoice always and discern becoming an instructor. workout such as SoulCORE. my husband Ted insisted we our family began a journey of pray without ceasing” as St. Paul In October of 2017, I became • Listen to Christian music go for our family’s sake. My profound ongoing conversion. tells us. But incorporate God certified. Since then, Mother as you exercise. And sing! St faith life was drowning, but my I attended the women’s ACTS into my workouts? It seemed Mary keeps gently inviting me Augustine has said, “When you sing, you pray twice.” I don’t know about you, but I need all the prayers I can get! • Invite people to join you. “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). We were created for community and fellowship. If it’s not realistic to meet others in person, there are online communities to support your journey. If you can’t find one, start your own group!

I encourage you to begin one small step at a time. Allow God to surprise you. Then we can all rejoice and laugh together!

Kim and her husband Ted have two active teenage sons. They live in Alexandria, LA and attend Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church. Kim is a Licensed Counselor and SoulCORE Fitness Instructor. JANUARY 21, 2019 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 19 ‘Thank you for your service’ By Sister Constance Veit, l.s.p. sons and daughters, parents and the Supreme Court decision that Director of Communications grandparents, aunts and uncles legalized abortion in our country, Little Sisters of the Poor … Thank you for your service so it goes without saying that as educators, nurses, factory they focus on the unborn. But the Together with another Little workers, engineers, farmers and elderly need our protection, too. Sister I was invited to represent businessmen…” The fact that physician our Congregation at a somewhat More profoundly, we assisted suicide is now legal in exclusive reception during the should thank our elders for their Washington, D.C. and California Christmas season. We were happy wisdom, their faithfulness and should drive this point home to bring two of our Residents their selfless generosity toward as we pound the pavement for along with us. One of them, a 97- us. We owe them a great debt of life at these events. I would like year old veteran of World War gratitude for all that they share to propose that after we have II, proudly wore his best tweed with us and pass on to us – their marched for life this January, sport coat and his VFW Garrison faith, their life experience, their we return home and reach out cap decorated with a host of family history and the history of to the elders in our family, our ribbons. The other, an immigrant our communities and nations. We neighborhood or our local nursing and artist, is the widow of a U.S. need to remember our elders, take home to say thank you – Thank Navy veteran. a lively interest in them and offer you for giving me life! Thank During the reception we them our support so that they will you for your service to family, sampled the luscious buffet, be able to go on contributing to community and this great nation! admired the beautiful Christmas the formation of new generations Thank you for passing on your decorations and met a few notable service. More than a few people of the V.I.P.s we met that day Pope Francis has often said wisdom, your experience and personalities. But what really knelt beside him to ask about his for our elderly Residents was that a people that does not take your faith to my generation! struck me was all the attention military experience and his life moving. “Thank you for your care of grandparents has no future. Pope Francis has said that and affection the partygoers gave story, listening attentively as he service,” they kept repeating. Let’s keep this in mind as we he longs for “a Church that our two Residents, especially our sketched out the details of his long Without diminishing in any begin a new year, and especially challenges the throw-away retired airman. Women and men, life. Our Resident felt so special! way, the unique contribution of as we gather from Washington, culture by the overflowing joy of both old and young, paused to let He returned home beaming and is our veterans, it struck me that D.C. to San Francisco this month a new embrace between young him pass through the crowd in still talking about this once-in-a- this is something we should to march for life. These annual and old!” In 2019, let’s help make his wheelchair, offered to wait lifetime experience. be saying to all of our elders. prolife events commemorate the his dream a reality! on him and thanked him for his The reverence and esteem “Thank you for your service … as passing of Roe vs. Wade in 1973, Celebrate with us in February 2019!

Join us next month to celebrate weddings and anniversaries! Celebrate the marriages of your children and parents or grandparents, or even your own, by submitting pictures of weddings celebrated in a Catholic Church within the Diocese of Alexandria for a chance to be featured in the February issue of the Church Today paper.

Submit one picture per email to [email protected] by Friday, February 8 (the larger the image size the better). If you cannot email the photo, please contact us at (318) 445-6424, ext. 264 to discuss how to submit your picture. Please include the names of the bride, groom, and celebrant, the church name, and date of the ceremony.

Those pictures chosen to be featured in the February issue of the Church Today will receive a small prize package of coffee table books. We will attempt to publish as many photos as possible in the February Church Today, but due to limited space, your photo may be featured on the Diocese of Alexandria website and/or Facebook page instead. BUDGET BLINDS 1cx4 REV2016_BBL-04-0

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Melanie Blanchard, Broker Donald Baker, Agent Robert Tassin, Agent Huge selection of the best brands! Licensed in Louisiana, USA Phone: 318-473-8751 (318) 443-9730 FREE In-Home Consultation 3306 Giamanco St. Alexandria, LA & Estimates Professional Installation • Low Price Promise Each Franchise Independently Owned and Operated Website: bakeragproperties.com www.budgetblinds.com Signature Series • Lafayette Interior Fashions We specialize in forest, recreation, and agriculture properties. Exterior Window Screens PAGE 20 CHURCH TODAY JANUARY 21, 2019 Cabrini students surpass fundraising goal to build home in Haiti Applications for Free and Reduced Meals now available priest from Abbeville, LA who has facilitated mission work in Applications are being accepted for Free & Reduced Meals. It’s Haiti for over two decades. never too late, even within the school year, to apply for Free and Normally the school raises Reduced Meals. If your family income has been adversely affected by about $2,000 to $3,000 each year the economy (specifically, the Federal Government Shutdown), please to fund an organization. But, by pick-up a Free & Reduced Meal Application in your school office, or raising $7155, more than double contact our Child Nutrition Supervisor, Janet Burgess (318) 445-6424 the amount normally raised, the Ext.234. students will help to support the Applications are available at the Diocese of Alexandria Child Nu- other needs of Cross Catholic trition Program office at 4400 Coliseum Boulevard, Alexandria, LA Outreach, said Cobb. 71303. The fundraising for the house ended Friday, Dec. 21 with Catholic Schools Week: Jan. 27-Feb. 2 a pajamas day, while additional fundraising efforts included a For information about school activities middle school dance sponsored for Catholic Schools Week, by the student council. Students please visit www.diocesealex.org also “collected funds from their families, opened piggy banks, and dug in cup holders in the car,” notes Cobb. The first grade students of teacher Renee Gutierrez brought in a large portion of the donations, while other large donations were given STUDENTS RAISE FUNDS TO HELP FAMILIES IN HAITI. St. Frances by some of the students’ families, Cabrini School students listen to Mrs. June Lawrence of Cross Catholic as well as several individuals and Outreach, as she presents videos and pictures of families who benefited from businesses who wanted to see St. previous campaigns. Frances Cabrini reach their goal. While Cabrini school has several fundraisers and projects St. Frances Cabrini School staff felt it was important to for local organizations during the students surpassed their goal of help others through the corporal year, “this one seemed special,” raising $6,000 to help to build a work of mercy: sheltering the says Cobb, “how often does a house in Haiti. homeless. Mrs. June Lawrence, a school provide a place to live for Dean of students Clayton representative of Cross Catholic a family they will never meet?” Cobb said the school helps Outreach, spoke to the students Cobb said the children will missionary companies around the in November, showing them get to know the meaning of the world during the Advent season images of the living conditions Bible passage in Matthew 25:34- through their annual Silver Coin in Haiti, the great need that exists 40: Collection, raising funds to assist there, and how the organization “Truly I tell you, whatever specific projects. provides for temporal and you did for one of the least of Cross Catholic Outreach is spiritual needs through the these brothers and sisters of mine, the non-profit organization the direction of Fr. Glenn Meaux, a you did for me.’” school chose to partner with this year. “They have a project called Home for Christmas,” said Cobb. “And our school is looking to provide the funds to build a home for a family in Haiti — the poorest country in North America.” Cabrini school and gift boutique Flu Shots & Vaccinations Upcoming Many gifts including large selection of religious items: VIRTUS sessions • My Saint My Hero religious jewelry • Holy Medals • Jan. 22, 6:00 p.m. • Jesus Calling & other inspirational books St. Joseph Catholic Center, • Rosaries Alexandria • ACTS bracelets • First Communion, Confirmation & Baptism gifts

• Jan. 24, 6:00 p.m. Follow us on Facebook @ Cottonportcornerdrug.giftboutique Sacred Heart School, Moreauville (318) 876-3665 Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm To register, 206 Choupique Lane • Cottonport, LA 71327 go to www.virtus.org Kim & Stewart Wixson, Owners JANUARY 21, 2019 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 21

HOLY CROSS YOUTH GROUP, NATCHITOCHES. Holy Cross Youth Group celebrates the Christmas season with a SAINT MARY’S SCHOOL, NATCHITOCHES. St. Mary’s High School Life Night (Life Teen youth group meetiing) on Sunday, Dec. 9. religion students visited local nursing home residents to deliver Christmas art, handmade cards, wooden puzzles, and sing Christmas carols.

SAINT ANTHONY CONFIRMATION CLASS, BUNKIE. Members of the 2019 SACRED HEART SCHOOL STUDENT OF THE SAINT ANTHONY SCHOOL, BUNKIE. Students of the Confirmation Class from St. Anthony Church in Bunkie filled and wrapped food YEAR COMPETITION, MOREAUVILLE. One month for December boxes for St. Anthony Food Pantry recipients. student was chosen to represent each class and the school. the winners for 2019, going on to compete at the Diocesan level in January.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Registration is now open for the Steubenville South Catholic High School Youth and Beyond the Limits Junior High Youth Conferences!

Go to www.diocesealex.org/beyond-the-limits to register for the Junior High Beyond the Limits Conference, Feb. 16-17, 2019. Special guests include: Jackie Francois-Angel • Fr. John Wiltse Bishop David Talley • Paul Hood • Kelly Pease Lombardi

Go to www.steubenvillesouth.com to register for the Steubenville South Youth Conference, June 21-23, 2019. Like both conferences on Facebook LIKE US ON to keep up with the latest news and pictures! FACEBOOK! facebook.com/STEUBENVILLESTH facebook.com/Beyond-the-Limits-Jr-High-Conference PAGE 22 CHURCH TODAY JANUARY 21, 2019 International Week of Prayer for Christian Louisiana Life March: Central Louisiana - Feb. 2 Unity - Jan. 18-25 DIOCESAN Life March Cenla will be held Saturday, Feb. 2. The theme of this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Join the inspiring pro-life march from Pineville over the Unity is “Justice, Only Justice, You Shall Pursue.” BRIEFS Red River to downtown Alexandria. Meet at Louisiana (Deuteronomy 16:18-20). The Week of Prayer for College (1140 College Drive, Pineville, LA 71360) before Christian Unity has a history of over 100 years in which 10:00 a.m. The event will end at 12:00 p.m. Life March Christians around the world have taken part in an octave of Cenla is sponsored by Louisiana Right to Life, Louisiana prayer for visible Christian unity. By annually observing College, Louisiana Baptist Convention, Louisiana Family fundraiser sponsored by the Altar Society members. Food Forum, the Knights of Columbus, and Concerned Women the WPCU, Christians move toward the fulfillment of will be served, Silent Auction and Bingo games feature Jesus’ prayer at the Last Supper “that they all may be one.” for America. Visit www.prolifelouisiana.org for more among the activities. Come and join St. Joseph Church on information. (cf. John 17:21) For more information, visit the USCCB this day of fun and social interaction. website at usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/ecumenical- and-interreligious/events/week-of-prayer-for-christian- Worldwide Marriage Encounter - Feb. 15-17 unity.cfm. Rapides Symphony - Jan. 27 A NEW YEAR: Let a New Year and a Renewed Love The Rapides Symphony will present a concert on Be Reflected in Your Marriage. The holidays are over Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Sunday, Jan. 27 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. and the kids are back in school... now give some time to Approximately twenty of the Symphony’s musicians will the two of you. Consider making a Worldwide Marriage the Unborn Children - Jan. 22 be joined by piano soloist Nanette Kaplan Solomon. To Encounter weekend and bring joy and passtion to your Jan. 22 has been designated the “Day of Prayer for the purchase tickets, please visit rapidessymphony.org or call special love. The next weekend in Louisiana is scheduled Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” In all the dioceses 318-442-9709. for Feb. 15-17 at the Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center in of the United States, Jan. 22 is observed as a particular day Baton Rouge, LA. You can register online today at www. of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of Catholic Schools Week - Jan. 27-Feb. 2 LAMS-wwme.org or by calling Matt and Gail Quinn at the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity Sponsored by the National Catholic Educators 800-586-5469. of the human person committed through acts of abortion. Association, Catholic Schools Week is an annual 2019 marks the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. celebration of Catholic education in the United States. “Mary Poppins, JR” - Feb. 15-17 Schools typically observe the week with Masses, open Our Lady of Prompt Succor School will perform their Holy Spirit Women’s Retreat - Jan. 25-27 houses, and other activities for students, families, annual play at Coughlin Saunders Center. This year’s play parishioners, and community members. Through these Msgr. David Toups, Deacon Larry and Andi Oney will be “Mary Poppins, JR,” to be performed Friday, Feb. events, schools focus on the value Catholic edication will be featured at the annual Holy Spirit Women’s 15 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m.; and Sunday, provides to young people and its contributions to Church, Retreat from Jan. 25-27, 2019 at the DoubleTree by Feb. 17 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets and more information will be local communities, and the nation. Hilton in Lafayette, LA. The prophetic theme is “For available at www.promptsuccor.org. Such a Time as This.” The liturgies, music, prayer, teaching, and fellowship will bring encouragement to all TobyMac Hits Deep Tour 2019 - Jan. 29 Worship Night for Women - Feb. 25 those who love the Lord and the Church. Msgr. Toups is TobyMac’s popular “HITS DEEP Tour” will trek A worship night for women will be held Monday, Feb. Rector of St. Vincent Seminary in Florida and Spiritual 34 stops nationwide in 2019, with Jeremy Camp, Jordan 25 at 6:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Director for Magnificat Ministry to Catholic Women. He Feliz, Ryan Stevenson, We Are Messengers, and Aaron Marksville. The night will include worship music led by writes and speaks out of his deep love for God and his Cole. The seven time GRAMMY winner’s headlining Angela McCann and a talk by Mary Wilson. Fellowship profound faith. Deacon Larry and Andi Oney will be jaunt is a partnership with K-LOVE, Air1, Awakening and refreshments will follow in the Church hall. The night leading an Empowerment Service Saturday night. Their Events, and Food for the Hungry. Tickets are available is free and open to all women, ages 15 and up. For more preaching ministry has brought them around the world, at the Rapides Parish Coliseum Box Office, Ticketmaster. information, contact Tammy Bernard at 318-305-1730 or most recently to Poland and Canada. Patti Mansfield will com, KLove.com, Air1.com, and by phone at 1800-745- Christy Reed at 318-305-8886. be teaching on Spiritual Warfare and Janice Charbonnet 3000. Group prices are available at all points of purchase on the Feminine Genius. This retreat is sponsored by the of 10 or more tickets. Manna House Golf Tournament - March 12 Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans (CCRNO) and has been serving hundreds of women from the Gulf Nocturnal Adoration - Jan. 31 Manna House will host their annual Hixson-Ford Pro- South since 1988. Weekend and Saturday commuters are Am Golf Tournament on Tuesday, Mar. 12. The cost is St. Frances Cabrini Church will host a nocturnal period $1,000 per team, which includes a three-man team with a welcome. Early bird savings until noon Dec 3. Register of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in reparation for online at www.ccrno.org or call 504-828-1368. pro, plus a hole sign, lunch provided by Tony Chachere’s, sins committed by clergy, to pray for priests and victims, the Pro Am Party, and the Awards Party. Please call and for the Church. We ask all Catholic men of good Jessica Viator at 318-445-9053 or Theresa Slater at 318- Winter Festival, St. Joseph, Colfax - Jan. 27 will of all parishes and organizations to consider keeping 664-3603 for more information or to register. St. Joseph Church in Colfax will have its annual watch with us on Thursday, Jan. 31, 7:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. Winter Festival on Sunday, Jan. 27. It starts after 11:00 We are asking for two volunteers per hour. If interested, a.m. Mass and lasts until evening. This is a Church please call Michelle at 318-445-4588.

Visit www.diocesealex.org for more information about school activities for Catholic Schools Week.

Church Today Upcoming Retreats News Deadlines Custom draperies, valances, Roman shades, home accessories, custom t-shirts & The following ACTS retreats personalized gifts for all occassions will be offered: Next issue: Feb. 18 PO Box 26 / 907 Benny’s Lane • Jan. 31-Feb. 3 • Feb. 7-10 Deadline for news: Hessmer, LA 71341 Hispanic ACTS for Men St. Alphonsus ACTS for Women [email protected] Contact Fr. Adam Travis Contact Fr. Edwin Rodriguez Friday, Feb. 8 at 318-776-9480. at 318-563-4550. Etsy: Pamela Anne Creations Facebook: Window Accents LLC Ph: (318) 201-1822 JANUARY 21, 2019 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 23 January - February

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

21 National Day 22 23 24 25 26 27 Martin Luther King Day of Prayer for the Legal VIRTUS Training Winter Festival Parade Protection of Unborn 6:00 p.m. St. Joseph Church, Colfax 10:00 a.m. Babies Sacred Heart School, Bolton Avenue, Alexandria Moreauville Rapides Symphony Concert VIRTUS Training, 6:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Center St. Francis Xavier Cathedral International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity MARTIN LUTHER KING Holy Spirit Women’s Retreat -- Lafayette JR.’S BIRTHDAY PRAY FOR FR. J. MICHALCHUK PRAY FOR FR. K. MICHIELS PRAY FOR FR. B. MILLER PRAY FOR FR. C. MORGAN PRAY FOR FR. C. NAYAK PRAY FOR FR. M. NOEL PRAY FOR FR. K. OBIEKWE

28 29 OPEN HOUSE 30 31 FEBRUARY 1 2 3 OPEN HOUSE all day during school hours OPEN HOUSE Louisiana Life March: 5:30-7:00 p.m. Sacred Heart School, Moreauville 6:00 p.m. Central Louisiana St. Frances Cabrini School, Holy Savior Menard HS 10:00 a.m. Alexandria OPEN HOUSE Alexandria begins at Louisiana 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. College campus Our Lady of Prompt Succor School, Alexandria Hispanic ACTS Retreat for Men -- Maryhill Renewal Center Catholic Schools Week FIRST FRIDAY FIRST SATURDAY PRAY FOR FR. J. O’BRIEN PRAY FOR FR. D. O’CONNOR PRAY FOR C. OGBONNA PRAY FOR FR. A. PALAKKATTUCHIRA PRAY FOR BISHOP D. TALLEY PRAY FOR FR. B. PALLIPPARAMBIL PRAY FOR FR. J. PALLIPURATH 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

St. Alphonsus ACTS Retreat for Women -- Maryhill Renewal Center

PRAY FOR FR. J. PARDUE PRAY FOR FR. C. PARTAIN PRAY FOR FR. T. PAUL PRAY FOR FR. G. POOKKATTU PRAY FOR FR. R. RABALAIS PRAY FOR FR. C. RAY PRAY FOR FR. T. REYNOLDS 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Beyond the Limits Jr. High Conference OLPS Presents: Mary Poppins, Jr. VALENTINE’S DAY Worldwide Marriage Encounter -- Baton Rouge

PRAY FOR FR. J. ROBLES-SANCHEZ PRAY FOR FR. E. RODRIGUEZ-HERNANDEZ PRAY FOR FR. J. RYAN PRAY FOR FR. C. SCOTT PRAY FOR FR. B. SEILER PRAY FOR FR. R. SHOURY PRAY FOR FR. P. SIERRA-POSADA 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

PRAY FOR FR. L. SKLAR PRAY FOR FR. I. ST. ROMAIN PRAY FOR BISHOP D. TALLEY PRAY FOR MSGR. S. TESTA PRAY FOR FR. J. THOMAS PRAY FOR FR. A. THOMPSON PRAY FOR MSGR. J. TIMMERMAMS CHURCH TODAY