Vol. 27, No. 6 January 2018 ConnectionThe Catholic

Catholic Schools Week Help Your Child Get the Most from Life and Education

50th Anniversary of Also Inside Humanae Vitae, "Of Human Life"

January 2018 1 The Catholic Bishop’s January Calendar Connection Publisher JANUARY 1 Mass; Cathedral of Bishop Michael G. Duca St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; Editor 10:00 a.m. Jessica Rinaudo JANUARY 6 Annual Mardi Contributors Gras Mass; St. Pius X Parish, Lisa Cooper Fr. Rothell Price Shreveport; 9:00 a.m. JANUARY 20 Confirmation; Fr. Jerry Daigle Rosalba Quiroz Bishop Michael Duca Jessica Rinaudo JANUARY 7-11 Region V Jesus the Good Shepherd Grant Johnson Sr. Martinette Rivers Bishops’ Retreat, Archdiocese Parish, Monroe; 4:30 p.m. Raney Johnson Katie Sciba of New Orleans Retreat Center, Kim Long Randy Tiller JANUARY 21 2018 World New Orleans Bonnie Martinez Ashley Timmons Religion Day; Highland Center Lucy Medvec Mike Van Vranken JANUARY 13 Knights of Peter Ministries, Shreveport; 1:00 p.m. John Parker John Mark Willcox Claver Exemplification; Our JANUARY 22 Loyola College Editorial Board Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Prep Annual Fund Reception; Kim Long Parish, Shreveport; 10:00 a.m. Fr. Matthew Long Shreveport; 6:00 p.m. Kelly Phelan Powell Mass; St. Margaret Church, Dianne Rachal JANUARY 24 Diocesan Finance Homer; 5:00 p.m. Christine Rivers Council Meeting; Catholic Deacon Mike Whitehead Center, Shreveport; 12:00 p.m. John Mark Willcox JANUARY 14 Mass; Blessed Sacrament Church, Ringgold; Mission Statement JANUARY 25 Louisiana The Catholic Connection is a monthly 8:30 a.m. publication funded by your Diocesan Conference of Catholic Stewardship Appeal; mailed to every Bishops Meeting; Baton Rouge; known Catholic household in the Diocese Mass; St. Paul Parish, Minden; of Shreveport. Our Mission is to advance 11:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings JANUARY 16 Theology on JANUARY 28 St. Brigid of Kildare and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity Tap; Fieldhouse Bar and Grill, Feast Day Mass; St. Mary of within our family, parish, and diocesan faith Monroe; 6:30 p.m. the Pines Parish, Shreveport; community. 9:00 a.m. Subscriptions & Address Changes JANUARY 17 Investment Contact: Jessica Rinaudo, Editor Committee meeting; Catholic JANUARY 29 Catholic Schools Email: [email protected] Center; 10:00 a.m. Write: Week Mass; St. Frederick High Catholic Connection School, Monroe; 9:30 a.m. 3500 Fairfield Avenue JANUARY 18 Blessing/Open Shreveport, LA 71104 Eastern Deanery Appeal Call: 318-868-4441 House CHRISTUS Bossier Fax: 318-868-4609 Emergency Hospital, Bossier Reception; Monroe; 6:30 p.m. Website: www.thecatholicconnection.org City; 10:00 a.m. JANUARY 30 Southern Deanery The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association. JANUARY 19 University of Dallas Appeal Reception; Many; Board of Trustees Retreat 6:30 p.m.

The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’s from Kelly Phelan Powell Protecting God’s Children program. Classes are Reader Tip offered every second Wednesday of the month Cut out and laminate recipes (page 8), the Domestic Church side bars (page at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. To report child sexual abuse by a cleric or church worker in 9), Kids' Connection (page 28) Upcoming Events and Calendar (pages 30 the Diocese of Shreveport, call Glennda Lawson. & 31), and prayers throughout the issue. Hang them up on your fridge or Hotline is 318-294-1031 and your local law enforcement agency. bulletin board for faithful reminders throughout the month! 2 Catholic Connection contents January 2018 columns Make Small Commitments for Big Change by Bishop Michael Duca...... 4-5 Are You Radical? by Mike Van Vranken...... 6 In Review: A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms by Lisa M. Hendey 5 reviewed by Jessica Rinaudo ...... 7 Faithful Food: Be the Change You Want to See by Kim Long...... 8 Domestic Church: Liturgical Living by Katie Sciba...... 9 From the Pope: Why Attend Mass on Sunday? from VIS...... 10 Navigating the Faith: The Divine Praises and Praying the Psalms by Kim Long ...... 11 Second Collections for January and February by Fr. Rothell Price ...... 12 Vocations View: Discerning a Vocation in High School by Raney Johnson ...... 13 Kids' Connection: Saint Sebastian...... 28 14 features Catholic Schools Week: Help Your Child Get the Most from Life and Education by Lisa Cooper ...... 14-15 New Education Series on God and Sex...... 16

50th Anniversary of Humanae Vitae by John Parker ...... 17 news Employee Gives Help and Hope to CCNLA Clients by Lucy Medvec ...... 18 17 Diocese Welcomes New Youth Coordinator by Randy Tiller ...... 19 Pathways to Giving by John Mark Willcox ...... 20 Reflection: Even as You Age, Be a Source of Joy in the World on the cover by Sr. Martinette Rivers, ols ...... 20 Vol. 27, No. 6 January 2018 Celebrating the Spirituality of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul The Catholic by Bonnie Martinez ...... 21 Connection Diocesan Seminary Burses by Fr. Jerry Daigle ...... 22 Hispanic News by Rosalba Quiroz...... 23 School News ...... 24-25 Around the Diocese ...... 26-27 Across the Nation: President Should Work with Congress Toward Acceptable Catholic Schools Week Tax Bill, Says USCCB; Bishops Disappointed with U.S. Withdrawal from UN's Help Your Child Get the Most from Life and Education Development of Migration Compact 50th Anniversary of from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops ...... 29 Also Inside Humanae Vitae, "Of Human Life"

January 2018 1 Mark Your Calendar ...... 30 Loyola College Prep students January Calendar ...... 31 outside their school in Shreveport.

January 2018 3 la reflexiónDEL OBISPO por Obispo Michael G. Duca Compromisos Pequeños Para Cambios Grandes

uando reciban este volumen de la revista Catholic Connection, supongo que ya estarán practicando sus resoluciones de Año Nuevo. CHacer cambios es algo difícil porque con frecuencia comenzamos muy bien, pero al final nos damos por vencidos porque nos damos cuenta de que tan difícil es hacer cambio en nuestras vidas. Regresamos a los hábitos viejos porque no fuimos fuertes en nuestra resolución. Y aun así los mensajes del Evangelio nos llaman a la conversión y al cambio como una manera de regresar a dar forma a nuestras vidas para que al final podamos ser imagen y semejanza de Jesucristo. Intentamos continuamente, y debemos tratar de alinear nuestras vidas con la enseñanza de la Iglesia ya que ella nos enseña lo que significa amar y ser un discípulo de Jesucristo. Si no hacemos esta lucha de cambio una parte central de nuestra fe Cristiana, ¿Cómo podremos tener éxito en formar nuestras vidas como San Pablo nos dice, para que podamos “tener la mentalidad de Cristo?” Les propongo unas sugerencias basadas en algunos pasajes de las Escrituras Para que al examinar cada día cómo estamos, debemos que pueden ayudarnos a guiar nuestras decisiones. aceptar que no se trata de que tan perfectos somos en En el Evangelio escuchamos, “Sean ustedes perfectos como su Padre celestial alcanzar nuestras metas, sino en que tan perfectamente es perfecto.” (Mateo 5:48) aunque este pasaje pueda parecer que pone la continuamos comenzando una y otra vez buscando barra muy alta, bueno más bien, imposiblemente alta, es un buen lugar para la mente y el corazón de Cristo en nuestras vidas y empezar. La verdad es, y lo sabemos en el fondo del corazón, que nunca pedimos que nos ayude la gracia de Dios. seremos perfectos como Dios es perfecto. Eso no significa que la meta perfecta Después de todo se trata más de fidelidad que de sea equivocada o que no deberíamos tener nuestra esperanza en alto. La meta perfección. Por eso, si ya comenzaron su resolución que guía nuestro cambio es tan importante como el mal hábito o acción que de Año Nuevo y ya la rompieron –como fumar un queremos cambiar. De hecho, esta meta debería ser lo que consideramos cigarro, tomar demas, echar a perder su dieta– la primero porque en nuestro esfuerzo por un ideal en particular debemos formar respuesta no es darse por vencidos y decir “bueno, primero la meta sobre la persona que queremos llegar a ser. Si nuestro deseo de ya fallé este año, así que ya no tengo que empezar perder peso es más bien por vanidad, por ejemplo, entre más nos esforcemos otra vez hasta el próximo año,” más bien digan para alcanzar nuestra meta, más en vano será nuestro esfuerzo. simplemente, “fallé ayer, pero hoy comienzo otra vez.” Deberíamos siempre buscar una meta más alta que refleje el ideal perfecto Lo que nos lleva a crecer en virtud es la fiel decisión de que Dios nos ha dado en el ejemplo de Jesús, el cual descubrimos en nuestra levantar nuestra cruz cada día y seguir a Jesucristo. vida espiritual por medio de reflexión, de oración en el testimonio de Mi humilde y último consejo es que deberíamos Jesucristo, de las enseñanzas de la Iglesia y del entendimiento que tenemos comenzar por hacer los cambios pequeños, excepto de las Sagradas Escrituras. Esos ideales nos guían y, aunque nunca seremos cuando hay pecado serio. Si alguna de nuestras perfectos, nos ayudan a continuar buscando la perfección porque esos son los necesidades espirituales es cambiar nuestra manera valores que darán forma a nuestras vidas de una manera correcta. Deberíamos de ser y evitar pecados serios, debemos hacer una entender que nos seremos virtuosos no alcanzando la meta perfectamente, pausa no importa que tan grande sea el compromiso sino buscando la santidad. y depender de la misericordia y amor de Dios que nos Las palabras de Santiago van un poco más profundo en este misterio de la dará lo que necesitamos. En otras áreas de nuestras conversión: “procuren que esa fortaleza los lleve a la perfección, a la madurez vidas deberíamos realmente tomar pasos pequeños. plena, sin que les falte nada.” Santiago 1:4. Una de las cosas que con frecuencia intentamos hacer San Pablo lo dice de un punto de vista diferente: “He peleado la buena es cambiar toda nuestra vida en un solo paso. Cambiar batalla, he llegado al término de la carrera, me he mantenido fiel.” nuestra vida significa cambiar más de un acto pequeño (2 Timoteo 4:7) de comportamiento. Un compromiso pequeño hecho Ya teniendo el ideal espiritual que nos guiará, es importante continuar fielmente tendrá el efecto de hacer grandes cambios en tratando de alcanzar nuestra meta. Primero, siendo honestos. Para hacer un nuestras vidas y nos llevará a una revelación espiritual verdadero cambio no necesitamos decir que vamos a llegar a nuestra meta más profunda. rápido. Para llegar a un cambio serio en nuestras vidas, hablamos más bien Es mi oración que este Nuevo Año será un tiempo como de un maratón que por lo regular toma mucho tiempo. de conversión y de cambio santo en sus vidas. Que Como el apóstol Santiago nos dice, nuestra “perseverancia debe ser perfecta.” podamos decir que este fue un buen año, un año de Debemos poner nuestro énfasis no en ser perfectos, sino en la gracia de Dios. gracia y conversión. •

4 Catholic Connection bishop’s REFLECTION by Bishop Michael G. Duca Make Small Commitments for Big Changes s you receive this Catholic Connection, I suppose we are all well into our New Year’s resolutions. Changes are tricky things Abecause we often have a strong beginning, but in the end give up because we realize how hard it is to change. We give in to the old ways because we were not perfect in our resolve. And yet the Gospel messages call us to conversion and change as a means of reshaping of our lives ultimately in the image and likeness of Jesus Christ. We are continually trying, and should be trying, to conform our lives with the teaching of the Church as it reflects what it means to love and to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. If this is so central to our Christian faith, how can we be more successful in shaping our lives, as St. Paul says, so that we might “take on the mind of Christ?” Bishop Duca I have a few suggestions that might guide our decisions based on a few passages of scripture. In the Gospel we hear, “so be perfect just as your heavenly father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) While this passage may seem to put the as we examine how we are doing, we should accept that achievement bar fairly high, okay, impossibly high, it is a good place each day it is not about how perfect we are in achieving to start. The truth is, and we know this deep in our hearts, that we will our goals, but how perfectly we continue to begin over never be perfect as God is perfect. But that doesn’t mean that the perfect and over again to seek the mind and the heart of Christ goal is wrong or that we should not set our hopes high. The goal that in our lives and call upon the grace of God to help us. guides our change is as important as the bad habit or action we want In the end it is more about faithfulness than to change. In fact, this goal should be the first consideration because perfection. And so if you have begun your New Year’s in our striving for a particular ideal we are shaping the person we are resolution and you have already blown it – smoked a becoming. If our desire to lose weight is really about vanity, for example, cigarette, had too much drink or cheated on your diet the more we strive to reach our goal the more vain we will become. – the answer is not to give up and say, “well, I blew it We should always seek a higher goal that reflects the perfect ideal this year, so I won’t have to start again until next year,” that God has given us in the example of Jesus, which we discover in but rather to simply say, “I blew it yesterday, but today our spiritual lives through prayerful reflection on the witness of Jesus I begin again.” It is that faithful decision each day to Christ, the teachings of the Church and the understanding we have pick up our cross and to follow Christ that causes us to of the scriptures. Those ideals guide us and, even though we will grow in virtue. never be perfect, we keep striving for perfection because these are the My last humble insight is that we should take small values that will rightly shape our lives. We should understand that we changes except where serious sin is involved. If our become virtuous not in achieving the goal perfectly, but in the striving spiritual need is to change our behavior and avoid serious for holiness. sin, then we must make a complete break no matter how The words of St. James take us a little deeper into this mystery of big the commitment is and depend on the mercy and conversion: “and let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect love of God who will provide what we need. In other and completely lacking in nothing.” James 1:4 areas of our lives we should take really small steps. One Saint Paul says from a different point of view: “I have competed well; of the things we often try to do is change our whole life I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) at once. To change our life means to change more than Once we have the spiritual ideal that will guide us, it is important to one little behavior. A small commitment done faithfully keep trying to reach our goal. First, be honest. To make a real change will often have the effect of making big changes in our we are not talking about a sprint to the finish as in a quick race. We lives and lead us to deep spiritual insights. are talking about a marathon because it will usually take a long time to It is my prayer that this New Year will be a time of affect a serious change in our lives. conversion and holy change in your life. May we say As St. James says, our “perseverance should be perfect.” We must put next year that this was a good year, a year of grace and our emphasis not on being perfect, but on the grace of God. So each day conversion. • January 2018 5 mike’s MEDITATIONS by Mike Van Vranken Are You Radical? perfectly moral men and women. They were free to choose to accept or reject what Jesus was offering. This is the same choice that you and I face every day. How radically are we working each day to be “fishers of men” – to bring equality to the citizens of our community? Pope John Paul II said: “No one can say that he is not responsible for the well-being of his brother or sister” in his encyclical Centesimus Annus in 1991. In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI said acts of charity must not replace our commitment to social justice. He went on to say that true social justice happens when we live and work for one another. And in his 2013 Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis says we must help the poor with spiritual gifts as well as economic. From Jesus’ time to today, church leaders continue to remind us of our radical need to take care of each other both spiritually and materially. As St. Ambrose ecently a new English translation of the New Testament was said: “It’s not from your own possessions that you published with the intention of creating the most literal rendering bestow alms on the poor, you are restoring to them Rof those sacred writings. The purpose, in part, what is theirs by right.” was to highlight the belief that the Gospel of Jesus It seems to me, the Gospel of Jesus may very well Christ requires a much more radical conversion and be more radical than we currently believe. Maybe transformation than most of us have experienced. we’ve been lulled to sleep and we no longer recognize While many critics have already analyzed this work, the lifestyle demands Jesus made on us. Perhaps we’ve our question today has to be: “How have I responded become experts at trivializing all that he said. Now to the gospel demands of missionary discipleship?’ seems to be a good time to ask: “As a missionary In Mark’s gospel, Jesus called Andrew and Peter. Van Vranken disciple, how well have I become a fisher of men?” • They abandoned their fishing nets and followed him. He then called James and John, who did the same; even leaving their father and all the hired hands. Jesus said they would become “fishers of Reflection This month, let’s spend some time listening in prayer men.” Do you think you know what that means? rather than talking. As we begin our time with In Amos 4:1-2, the prophet says those who oppress the destitute and God each day, let’s ask Him how he wants us to be abuse the needy will be dragged away with ropes and fishhooks. And in transformed today to be His missionary disciples. his work, the prophet Ezekiel condemns the powerful Pharoah saying Then, spend about 15 minutes or so just listening – God will put hooks in his jaws and make all the fish of the Nile cling to staying quiet. Allow Him to work on your emotions, his scales. Now Jesus, using these Old Testament prophets as his source, your feelings, and your imagination, and ask Him invites his disciples to join him in his mission to change the existing what it all means. Listen carefully to what seems conditions where the rich, powerful and privileged rule over everyone to be moving within you. Ask God for the grace to else. Jesus’ “fishers of men” left their world behind and spent the rest radically transform you each day so you can do what of their lives proclaiming that, in the reign of God that Jesus preaches, He’s asking of you. The changes may seem slow and everyone is equal. Living the good news meant working for change incremental. But in the process, you’ll do much more wherever socio-economic relationships were distorted between the haves than catch men – you’ll change the world. and the have-nots. You and I are called to this same ministry; this same missionary Mike is a spiritual director, author, speaker discipleship. Every gospel account shows that Jesus called plain, ordinary and teacher. You can contact him at people to be his disciples. They were not educated, nor were they [email protected] 6 Catholic Connection in REVIEW reviewed by Jessica Rinaudo

A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms by Lisa M. Hendey 52 Companions for Your Heart, Mind, Body and Soul

s a mother of four children, I accomplish domestic tasks to finding often find myself caught up grace in our challenges and struggles. Ain the chaos of every day life. Hendey shows us how St. Damien can So many times I’m quick to throw up grant us patience for our sick family my hands in frustration, feeling like it’s members who need us, while St. Isidore impossible to accomplish anything. It’s can help guide us through the struggles of an isolating feeling, and it’s easy to feel living in a tech-driven world. like I’m the only one facing these daily One chapter that stood out to me in struggles, or that I’m a bad mom for particular was that of St. Rose Venerini, feeling that way. whose life didn’t go as she had planned, But in Lisa Hendey’s A Book of Saints but still took her situation and not only for Catholic Moms, she reminds us that lived a good life, but improved the lives we aren’t doing this alone because Christ of those around her. Heney emphasizes is with us every step of the way and that the important lesson of “blooming where these are struggles moms everywhere you’re planted” instead of focusing on the face. To help us not only endure, but “what ifs” of our lives. find joy in these moments of life, she’s “Ultimately, Rose’s teaching vocation penned 52 chapters – one for each week blossomed through her relationships of the year – focusing on a different with women,” said Hendey. “I often “In those moments when I “saintly friend” and how their struggles find myself turning to my own informal care for ills, big and little, and companionship can help us in our female societies for support just as [Saint] Damien's example own lives. my mother did. Interestingly, online reminds me that in helping Each chapter takes the time to help communities now supplement my own others to carry the cross us get familiar with the saint. Hendey local friendships as I connect with fellow of illness, and in bearing it shares their life story and their legacy: Catholic moms around the world on a myself, I gain the promises including popular devotions associated daily basis. The common denominator of Christ. I am his hands and with the particular saint, their words, in these friendships – whether physical his heart in those moments, and lessons she herself has gleaned. There proximity or online – is a mutual love difficult as they may be." are suggestions for activities and projects and a commitment to communal prayer. – Lisa M. Hendey in A Book of separately for mom and then another for In our relationships with each other, we Saints for Catholic Moms the family together. There are scriptures, live out our commitment to the larger prayers and reflection questions, all geared Body of Christ just as Rose did with her to help you bring the saints and your faith friends in Viterbo.” more fully into your everyday life. Through this book I also learned In the introduction, Hendey about saints who I was not familiar with, offers two ways of reading her book: like St. Zita of Lucca, and the much chronologically, chapter by chapter, each more recent Blessed Chiara “Luce” week of the year; or you can browse for Badano, who died at the age of 19 from the saint that you need in that moment osteosarcoma in 1990. in time. Each saint and their feast day A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms is is listed in the back index to help you is a great companion for any Catholic available to purchase from Ave Maria navigate the book more easily. mother – whether she needs more faith Press and Amazon.com. This book is chocked full of wisdom direction in her life, or she just wants to It is available to borrow from the and understanding. Hendey tackles learn more about saints and how their Slattery Library inside the Catholic Center in Shreveport. everything from the struggle to lives parallel our own. •

January 2018 7 faithful FOOD by Kim Long Be the Change You Want to See

ime passes. Things change. Events occur. These statements hold true Colleen's Pot Roast Chicken in many areas T Ingredients: of life and in every • Pick of chicken pieces single relationship • Salt, pepper and garlic powder in which we are • ½ cup chopped onion engaged, including our • Chopped bell pepper or celery relationship with food. • Vegetable oil And believe me, we Long • Flour ALL have a relationship • Chicken broth with food! Directions: When I was young I bragged that I had 1) Season chicken with salt, pepper an iron stomach, I could eat peppers and and garlic powder to taste. onions raw with no repercussions. Today, I am loathed to admit that I would pay 2) Flour and brown all chicken heavily for the same food choices. pieces lightly in enough oil to cover We do not usually abandon the bottom of the pot and then a little Directions: relationships because things alter a bit, more. Brown chicken in just enough oil 1) Whisk eggs, milk and oil together, or because we need to add or subtract so they don’t stick. then stir in flour with a fork or your something from the dynamic, and 3) Add onion and other veggies and fingers until it forms a ball. neither should we do that with the foods continue browning until onions are we have enjoyed for most of our lives. wilted and clear. 2) Knead on a floured surface for five minutes. Be sensible, of course. If a doctor or 4) Continue browning and add nutritionist says thou shalt not eat this enough broth (or water) to cover. 3) Split dough in half and wrap each or that, then we shall not! If, however, half in plastic wrap and let stand for 15 5) Add “noodles” or dumplings you notice that you enjoy a particular minutes. (See following recipe). food, but something just isn’t “agreeing” 6) Reduce heat and continue cooking 4) Unwrap and knead briefly on a with you, then try altering an ingredient floured surface and roll out to desired or a cooking method. until chicken is done and dumplings or noodles are tender. thickness (for this dish I made mine A dear friend, who formerly enjoyed thicker than you would for “noodles” – chicken and dumplings, complained that Trisha Jean's Noodle Recipe this was what I call dumpling weight). they were no longer a menu choice due You can use a rolling pin to start and, if Ingredients: to an issue with lactose, so I thought I you have one, a pasta roller latter. would try an experiment. My sister has • 2 cups all-purpose flour 5) Cut into desired strips and let dry the best way to “make chicken” using • 4 brown eggs (white can be used for about 15 minutes. a method called pot roasting. So I got but brown are richer) the bright idea to combine pot roasted • 1 tablespoon milk (can substitute 6) Drop into the chicken pot and chicken and thick egg noodles, and Lactaid milk) check to see if additional broth needs to letting them swim in gravy sans milk or • 1 teaspoon olive oil be added. cream. Guess what? It was delish! In my research for this culinary area of culinary science. changes. May we all be the change we adventure, I decided I should check out I admit this dish did not LOOK like want to see in the world, in our families, the patron saint of cooking. Silly me, I typical chicken and dumplings, but the our hearts and in our kitchens! • thought there could be only one. Not taste was heavenly! After all, if any of true – there are 11! After reading their our relationships look “exactly the same” Kim Long is the Director of Religious stories and areas of patronage, I realized we must be viewing a photo album of Education at St. Mary of the Pines that I never ever have to feel alone in any something in the past, because everything Parish in Shreveport.

8 Catholic Connection domestic CHURCH by Katie Sciba Live Liturgical Living Liturgically ne of the biggest trends with Ease happening now among lay OCatholics is a mode de vie called “liturgical living” – the intentional synchronization of your Be Encouraged Chances are you’re already daily on-goings with those living liturgically if you got out of the Church at large. your Advent wreath last month. I’ve heard about Even attending Mass every liturgical living for years, Sunday is living liturgically. Take but the phrase and it a step further by researching all my inferences felt Sciba upcoming feast days, or simply daunting. I could only commemorating your favorites imagine Pinterest-worthy celebrations of with family and foods. the Catholic calendar: feasts and seasons honor of she whose name means “light.” that would undoubtedly demand time For Marian solemnities, every member and knowledge that I don’t have. I’ve seen of our clan dons blue somewhere on their Be Inspired Facebook posts of All Saints parties with clothing because “it’s Mary’s color,” as If you’re dry for ideas, search elaborately detailed costumes and Marian my kids say. Andrew and I tell them the Pinterest for liturgical living and feasts with corresponding cupcakes; both significance of Mary in Sacred Scripture you’re bound to find something the cherries on top of special prayers and in our family. you can go with or put your own offered and traditions practiced. I didn’t plan in advance for any of the spin on. No need to be fancy or The families pulling off liturgical living above. We bought nothing extra, baked over-the-top. Remember that made it seem effortless and consistent. I nothing fancy, and kept our celebrations celebrating feasts and seasons is knew I wanted the same Catholic culture suited to our family’s means, yet they meant to draw your soul to Christ, in my own domestic church, the same joy were all effective. We made memories and not stress you out over details. and spiritual education flowing through participated in a realm so much bigger and my home; but how was I to scale the more important than our general day-to- heights of aligning my family’s life with day. Such small gestures cultivate a new Go Fashionably that of the Church? awareness of not only what the Catholic Spiritual One step at a time. Church is doing and praying all over the Sport the color of the liturgical It started with the Feast of St. Nicholas. world that same day, but also of Christ’s day - red for martyrs, white for After years of hardly acknowledging the life. And I found that in just beginning Christmas and Easter, blue for day except in brief conversation, I stepped with the Feast of St. Nicholas, I had Mary, purple for Advent and Lent, up my game at the last minute. Pulling motivation and enthusiasm to continue. and green for ordinary days. candy reserved for Christmas morning, I I can’t claim that we’ve made a huge stuffed my kids’ stockings and laid them overhaul in our family’s lifestyle by out for the little ones to discover. Then adopting liturgical living, but I’m hoping Wear Out I turned on Formed.org, and playing a we get there. By adopting these practices cartoon of the story behind their jolly ol’ and being more aware of the liturgical Your Bi Check out the dailyble Mass saint. My kids were over the moon and life of the Church in our daily lives, we readings, even if you don’t attend brimming with new understanding of are gradually aligning our lives with the during the week. Read all three or who Santa Claus is and why he gives at liturgical calendar. We are breathing with go straight to the Gospel. Ask the Christmas. Just these few little things made the Church, with the life of the Body of Lord what He wants to reveal to an impression and gave our whole family Christ on earth, and getting a glimpse of you through His words. Read the more insight into the depth of Catholic what matters in the Kingdom of God. • Gospel of the day to your family history and tradition. Katie Sciba is married to Andrew and before, during or after a meal. For the Feast of St. Lucy, we drove together they have five children. She is around town looking at Christmas lights in the author of thecatholicwife.net.

January 2018 9 from the POPE from Vatican Information Services Why Attend Mass on Sunday? ear brothers and sisters, good morning! labor. It was the Christian sense of living as sons and not Resuming the journey of our catechesis on Mass, slaves, animated by the Eucharist, that made Sunday – almost Dtoday we ask ourselves: why attend Mass on Sunday? universally – the day of rest. The Sunday celebration of the Eucharist Without Christ we are condemned to be dominated by is at the center of the life of the Church (cf. the fatigue of everyday life, with its worries, and by the fear Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2177). We of tomorrow. The Sunday meeting with the Lord gives us the Christians go to Mass on Sundays to meet strength to live today with trust and courage and to move the Risen Lord, or rather to let ourselves forward with hope. This is why we Christians go to encounter be met by Him, to listen to His word, be the Lord on Sunday, in the Eucharistic celebration. nourished at His table, and thus become The Eucharistic communion with Jesus, Risen and Living Church, or rather His mystical living Body Pope Francis in eternity, is a foretaste of Sunday without sunset, when there in the world today. will be no more effort, nor will there be pain, nor grief, nor From the first hour the disciples of Jesus understood him; tears, but only the joy of living fully and forever with the Lord. they celebrated the Eucharistic encounter with the Lord on The Sunday Mass also speaks to us of this blessed repose, the day of the week that the Jews called “the first of the week” teaching us, as the week flows, to entrust ourselves to the and the Romans “day of the sun,” because on that day Jesus hands of the Father Who is in heaven. had risen from the dead and appeared to the disciples, talking to them, eating with them, giving them the Holy Spirit (cf. “We Christians go to Mass on Mt 28: 1, Mk 16: 9-14, Lk 24: 1-13, Jn 20: 1-19). The great outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost also took place on Sundays to meet the Risen Sunday, the fiftieth day after the resurrection of Jesus. For Lord, or rather, to let ourselves be these reasons, Sunday is a holy day for us, sanctified by the Eucharistic celebration, the living presence of the Lord among met by Him, to listen to His word, us and for us. It is the Mass, therefore, that makes Christian be nourished at His table, and thus Sunday! What kind of Sunday, for a Christian, is one in which there is no meeting with the Lord? become the Church... .” There are Christian communities that, unfortunately, can not enjoy Mass every Sunday; however, on this holy day, What can we answer to those who say that there is no need they are called to gather in prayer in the name of the Lord, to go to Mass, not even on a Sunday, why is it important to listening to the Word of God and keeping alive the desire of live well, to love others? It is true that the quality of Christian the Eucharist. life is measured by the capacity to love, as Jesus said: “By Some secular societies have lost the Christian meaning of this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you Sunday illuminated by the Eucharist. This is a shame! In these love one another” (Jn 13:35); but how can we practice the contexts it is necessary to revive this awareness, in order to Gospel without drawing the necessary energy to do so, one recover the meaning of the celebration, the meaning of joy, Sunday after another, from the inexhaustible source of the of the parish community, of solidarity, of rest that restores Eucharist? We do not go to Mass to give something to God, the soul and the body (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, but to receive from Him what we really need. This is recalled 2777-2188). The Eucharist is the teacher of all these values, by Church’s prayer, which thus addresses God: “You have no Sunday after Sunday. This is why Vatican Council II wanted need of our praise, yet our thanksgiving itself your gift, since to reiterate that “the Lord’s day is the original feast day, and it our praises add nothing to your greatness, but profit us for should be proposed to the piety of the faithful and taught to salvation” (Roman Missal, Common Preface IV). them so that it may become in fact a day of joy and of freedom In conclusion, why go to Mass on Sundays? It is not enough from work” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum to answer that it is a precept of the Church; this helps to Concilium, 106). preserve its value, but it is not enough alone. We Christians Abstention from work on a Sunday did not exist in the need to participate in Sunday Mass because only with the first centuries: it is a specific contribution of Christianity. By grace of Jesus, with His living presence in us and among us, biblical tradition, the Jews rest on Saturday, while in Roman can we put into practice His commandment, and thus be His society there was no weekly day of abstention from servile credible witnesses. •

10 Catholic Connection navigating the FAITH by Kim Long The Divine Praises & Praying the Psalms enjoy a love/hate relationship with New Year’s resolutions. Oh I make them, but keeping them is well… another story. My Iprayer life needed a bump, some insight. My prayer is usually conversational, but at times I just don’t “say much.” I felt I needed a new start for a new year. To facilitate this I looked into our Catholic heritage and chose two “old standards” to get me back onto a workable routine. The Divine Praises I cannot recall the first time I heard this litany, but I can tell you when it stuck with me. I was on a family vacation where everyone packed the “wrong” things (read here hurts, little offenses, pride, ego, etc). I always attend Mass on my birthday and this year was no exception. So early that morning, I drove to Our Lady of the Gulf with reluctant family members rubbing sleep from their eyes and filing into the pew for “Mass as usual.” Blessed be God in His angels and in His Saints. What I distinctly recall was the elderly priest coming up the aisle May the heart of Jesus, in the Most Blessed Sacrament, be at the close of Mass praying The Divine Praises. God had given praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection, at every me a lovely birthday gift; his voice undulating as the recessional moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of reached the back of the church had me struggling to recall each time. Amen. part of this prayer. So I decided to dust it off and employ it in the new year. Praying the Psalms First penned in 1797 by Luigi Felici, a Jesuit priest, this The Church has a long-standing tradition of “praying” the prayer is also known by its Latin name Laudes Divinae. These psalms. The word psalm means praise. The psalms, like our lives, “Divine Praises” are often recited after Benediction of the Blessed run the gamut from petitions, laments, prayers of thanksgiving, Sacrament and before the Holy Eucharist is returned to the confidence in God, penitence and extoling the royalty of God. tabernacle. They were composed in reparation for blasphemy I decided to “retrieve” Psalm 150 for part of my daily prayers. I and profanity. Private recitation of the Divine Praises is always chose it because it is a psalm of praise, making it a natural segue appropriate and, as a side note, they have been traditionally used from The Divine Praises. The practice of praying the psalms was to “ward off” or make reparations for use of foul language. given to me many years ago by Fr. John Scanlon. I was “stuck” St. Thomas Aquinas once noted that the Divine Praises and felt that I couldn’t pray. In his wisdom he suggested I follow can increase the fervor of our devotion to God, and that thus many of the saints in our history and give the psalms a try. I was “we praise God not for His benefit, but for ours.” This prayer put off by it. Firstly the language wasn’t mine, it seemed stilted reminds us of the glories of the Trinity, and of the key role our and even contrived; they did not seem relatable. Blessed Mother, St. Joseph the angels and saints have played in I was very young when Fr. Scanlon counseled with me. our salvation as well. Now, I have some age, experience, heartache and joy under my The Divine Praises: belt, this practice hits a homerun. Psalm 150 is an unbridled Blessed be God. expression of joy and we can never experience too much of that. Blessed be His Holy Name. Fr. Scanlon recommended that I pray before reading the psalm Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man. once through, and then go back and slowly read it a second time Blessed be the name of Jesus. allowing the Lord to show me what He had for me. It works. Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart. Here is Psalm 150 in all its glory. May your new year be filled Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. with every good and perfect gift which is from above. Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the paraclete. Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; Praise Him in His Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy. mighty expanse. Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception. Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Blessed be her glorious Assumption. Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. instruments and pipe. Praise Him with loud cymbals; Let Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse. everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. • January 2018 11 second COLLECTIONS by Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General Second Collections for January & February

DIOCESAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Announcement Dates: January 21st & 22nd Collection Dates: February 3rd & 4th ur Diocesan Catholic Schools Collection is a concrete sign of our support for Catholic education in Oour diocese. Your contribution bridges the gap between what families can pay and the actual cost of religiously educating the children of families who want their children to have a Catholic education. Your donation is one of the best demonstrations of our commitment to the children who attend our schools and their families. Some of us do not or no longer have children and youth in Catholic schools, but we are still called and depended on to take this opportunity to wish you a happy, blessed, healthy and Abundant embrace these children as our own. They are New Year, as well as a joyful conclusion of the Christmas season. our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. I Your donation is one of COLLECTION FOR THE CHURCH IN LATIN AMERICA the best demonstrations of Announcement Dates: January 14th & 21st Collection Dates: January 27th & 28th our commitment to the “ hare Your Faith: Support the Collection for the Church in Latin children who attend America.” our schools and their Please give generously to the Collection for the Church in Latin S America. Your contributions support the Holy Roman families. Catholic Church throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The Church proclaims the Good News of life St. Frederick High School and Loyola in Jesus Christ. For many living in Latin America and College Prep, our Catholic high schools, the Caribbean, rural terrain and lack of ministers make it as well as our Catholic elementary schools, difficult to practice the faith. Your donations and renewed Our Lady of Fatima School, Jesus the Good Price support will fund catechesis, marriage and family life Shepherd School, St. Joseph School, and programs and seminarian formation, so people can grow closer to Christ. St. John Berchmans School, operate, in Please prayerfully consider supporting this collection as a way to share your part, on your contribution. Your donation faith with our brothers and sisters in Latin America and the Caribbean. is essential to the vibrancy of these religious The storms of last summer have greatly hurt the peoples of the Caribbean environments. Here, our children and youth and Latin America. Many Catholic churches, schools, orphanages and encounter Jesus Christ, the teachings of the diocesan centers have been damaged or destroyed. Your donation to the Church, the witness of the saints and the Collection for the Church in Latin America is even more precious today missionary discipleship of our parishes. Please than ever. Many women, children and men are looking to the Church, as give generously to our Diocesan Catholic well as their governments, for whatever help can be given to them. Bishops Schools Collection. • in these areas are working heroically to keep Catholic institutions open; so many are depending on them. Please share your faith and give generously. Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General, is the Director of Second Collections. Support the Collection for the Church in Latin America.

12 Catholic Connection vocations VIEW by Raney Johnson, Diocese of Shreveport Seminarian Discerning a Vocation in High School helping to discern a vocation. In the Diocese of Shreveport, Fr. Jerry Daigle is the Church Vocations Director. My next tip is to include mom and dad. This could be a simple heads up that discerning the priesthood is on the radar, or a sit down conversation. Bringing up discerning the priesthood with parents should happen whenever it feels comfortable to do so. Parents only want what is best for their children, so any reservations about a discernment to the priesthood are probably coming from a particular concern. So, if mom or dad react negatively to the idea of discerning the priesthood, do not feel discouraged, and if mom and dad get overly excited about the idea of discerning the priesthood, do not feel pressured. Simply ask them to be patient and understanding, and maybe even try to set up a meeting between them and the Church Vocations Director to discuss any questions or concerns. My third tip is to visit a seminary to see what it is like to igh school can be a fun but stressful time. Life can be a seminarian discerning the priesthood. St. Joseph College easily become consumed with classes, extracurricular Seminary in Covington, LA has a Come and See retreat every Hactivities, jobs and finding moments to spend time year so that young men discerning a priestly vocation can visit with friends. Added to the stress of all this is the anxiety that and learn about life in the seminary. If possible, try to go to one comes with thinking about what to do after high school. It can of these retreats or another retreat that is specifically for young be difficult to see where exactly discerning a vocation fits into men in high school discerning the priesthood. the active life of a high school student. My fourth tip is probably the most important. Always I started discerning my vocation at the end of my freshmen keep God at the center of your vocation, and it definitely year of high school. Some start the discernment process at helps to also keep the Mother of God, Mary, close while the end of their time in high school as seniors. Whether a discerning. Visiting Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament freshman, sophomore, junior or senior, it is never too late or during adoration every so often, receiving the Sacrament of too early to discern a vocation in high school. Reconciliation at least once a month, and praying the rosary Since my own vocational discernment has been to the were all spiritual practices that helped me to discern in an priesthood, I’m going to focus on discerning a vocation to the active way while in high school. I would encourage these priesthood in high school. However, some of the tips I will spiritual practices to anyone discerning a vocation to the give are applicable to the discernment of any vocation while in priesthood. Becoming an altar server and helping at the Lord’s high school. altar is also a great way to discern the priesthood in high My first tip is to find someone to talk to about discerning school. My experiences as an altar server in high school kept the priesthood on a regular basis. Thinking back to my my desire to be a priest strong. freshman and sophomore years, speaking with someone My final tip is to stay calm. Discernment of any vocation regularly about my desire to be a priest would have been should always be peaceful, especially discernment of the very helpful. I kept my desire to be a priest very private until priesthood. Never feel pressured to become a priest and always around the beginning of my junior year. I waited to discuss discern in freedom. Jesus stayed close to me throughout my wanting to become a priest due to a mixture of fear and discernment of the priesthood in high school, and any young feeling unworthy of the priesthood. I know other young men man discerning a vocation in high school should know that discerning the priesthood might experience the same emotions, Jesus will do the same for him. • but these feelings should not be a deterrent to seeking out someone to talk to. The person could be a religious education If you would like more information about the priesthood, teacher, a youth director or a priest. Each diocese even has a contact Father Jerry Daigle, [email protected], or call 318.868.4441. Church Vocations Director who is specifically charged with January 2018 13 Catholic Schools Week Help Your Child Get the Most from Life and Education by Lisa Cooper

olding our children for the first time, we are Catholic school graduates are doing more than earning their way overwhelmed with love, our desire to protect them into the nation’s top universities; they’re earning scholarships and and to see them experience the lives God has planned credit hours in the process. for them. As we watch them grow, we feel more and But any education pointing only toward the direction of a more the weight of responsibility to help them get to diploma misses the mark. Fr. Jerry Daigle, Chaplain at heaven—of returning to God these precious souls He St. Frederick High School and diocesan Church Vocations shared with us. We strive to afford them with every opportunity Director, said, “A good education will teach a lot about the to better themselves, to grow in character. We want them to natural world, laying a strong foundation in the arts and be successful, gaining admission to college and providing for sciences, but a Catholic education goes beyond that to help us families of their own one day. But often our measure of success understand the ‘why’ behind that knowledge.” falls short of God’s expectation, and so too does our idea of the Celeste Lirette, a junior at Loyola College Prep, echoes Fr. type of education our children need to get there. Daigle as she describes her own involvement in the classroom. The best education offers much more than academic rigor and “The education I get at Loyola focuses on thinking about things opportunities for scholarship. Our children need an education according to their higher purpose. Yes, we learn biology and that not only requires excellence of them in the classroom, but math, but we examine what we learn in the context of God’s also nurtures them in an environment where they are formed as order and plan.” full persons, ready to make a difference in this life. From an educational perspective, studies show that students For generations, Catholics and non-Catholics alike have relied who are able to explain the “why” behind a concept are more on Catholic education to equip their children with the academic likely to use and build upon that knowledge. From the vantage challenge and faith formation essential for success. point of faith, students who are able to understand that “why” as it relates to God’s purpose are far more likely to stay rooted in Academics: As with any good education, this journey their faith throughout their lives. begins with a strong academic foundation. We want our children to be prepared and confident by the time they finish high Community: Ask students what the most important school, and a Catholic education is the surest path to that end. component of their school experience is, and they will probably According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops point to their friends. A Catholic school environment is most (USCCB), 99% of all students who attend Catholic schools likely to provide students with a sense of belonging. Jackson graduate, and 86% of them graduate college. On a local level, Khur, a senior, says of his experience at Loyola, “I like being part 14 Catholic Connection of a smaller school. It feels like a family. The classes are smaller, themselves, and consequently the faith, relatable and accessible and I have better access to all my teachers.” in daily life. Whether eating lunch and laughing with students The sense of closeness among Catholic school students isn’t or offering counsel and comfort, priests help bring faith to life unique to Loyola. Fr. Daigle said of St. Frederick, “We see less in the halls of Catholic schools. Students not only appreciate the conflict. Students are kinder to each other.” That kindness is due presence of priests on campus, they have come to rely on them – in large part to the responsibility to care for each other which turning to these mentors to answer their questions and hear their comes naturally as students spend each day praying, working confessions. They get to see priests as ordinary guys living their and playing alongside one other. faith with joy. In fact, being part of a smaller school also generates benefits “Having chaplains on campus humanizes the priesthood,” both in and out of the classroom. Two separate studies named said Fr. Daigle. “Seeing the joy of the priesthood, someone who in a recent Education World article, “Credit small schools with enjoys life and loves people, allows the Holy Spirit to speak more reducing the negative effects of poverty on student achievement, loudly to those who are actively discerning a vocation.” reducing student violence, increasing parent involvement and The benefits of Catholic education are not exclusive to those making students feel accountable for their behavior and grades.” students who are Catholic. Students enrolled in Catholic Students in Catholic school communities are expected to schools, regardless of denomination, find their faith sharpened practice those aspects of the faith which draw them to serve each and supported through Catholic education. Jackson Kuhr, raised other. “We aren’t just forming good citizens,” said Fr. Daigle, “we in the Baptist church, says his faith has grown stronger because are letting the Holy Spirit flow through the hallways, forming of his interaction with students from different faiths. “We thrive disciples for Christ—and that’s what changes the world.” on being part of a community of faith,” Kuhr said. And that community of faith is exactly what Fr. Daigle calls the Catholic Faith: While faith would seem the most obvious talking point school experience. “When all of these faiths come together in with regard to a Catholic education, few realize the significant one place,” said Fr. Daigle, “it teaches us to worship together as a role Catholic teaching plays in the daily formation of students. community of faith in an academic setting.” Catholic schools support a student’s faith in addition to what they learn at home. As Fr. Daigle points out, the spirit is an Success: The ultimate end of any quality education should important component of the human person, and Catholic be the success of the student. But what constitutes success? Is it schools are uniquely equipped to provide students with the tools the ability to make money and to buy things for ourselves and they need to be fully formed, intellectually and spiritually. our families? Do our greatest expectations for our children rest Infused into every expectation, prayer, teaching experience, in where they will go to college? Or live? Or work? Rather than act of service or kindness on a Catholic school campus is the ask where our children will be, shouldn’t we also ask who they reminder of the great “why.” Catholic school students are will be? undergirded with a faith that propels them through their daily Fr. Daigle challenges us to look at success through a different lives with a sense of purpose. lens – the lens of God’s expectation for us. “Catholic education,” Discussing the influence of faith in her everyday student life, he explained, “gives students the tools for success and shows Lirette said, “I am able to look at the world through the eyes of them how to use those tools to build the society that God wants faith and discern right from wrong much more clearly because I to build – one where we use our gifts to benefit one another.” am encouraged to see everything through faith.” She continued, While countless Catholic school alumni have become “Being in Catholic school has protected my faith and has also extraordinary leaders, almost all of them consider what they helped me overcome my fear of standing up for what’s right.” have done for others as their true mark of success. And they will Campus chaplains also play a crucial role in stirring the readily tell you that the seeds of their greatest successes ... were faith in Catholic schools by making planted in Catholic school. •

January 2018 15 16 Catholic Connection 50th Anniversary of Humanae Vitae and a New Education Series on God, Sex & the Church by John Parker

"This love is above all fully human, a compound of sense and spirit. It is not, then, merely a question of natural instinct or emotional drive. It is also, and above all, an act of the free will, whose trust is such that it is meant not only to survive the joys and sorrows of daily life, but also to grow, so that husband and wife become in a way one heart and one soul, and together attain their human fulfillment." -Humanae Vitae

n July 25th 1968, Pope Paul VI issued a brief but desires, no longer considering her as his partner whom he controversial document that shook the secular and should surround with care and affection.” ecclesial world. The document was Humanae Vitae, We have seen the profound effects that these new norms OfO Human Life, and within its short 31 paragraphs, the pope have had on our world: millions of children sacrificed at the affirmed the truths of the Catholic Church, that same Church altar of convenience, the destruction of the dignity of women established on the rock of Peter by Jesus Christ, who Paul by pornography and rampant sex trafficking, homes shattered declares is the same “yesterday and today and forever.” It is by divorce, children growing up without a coherent family through this authority, handed down by apostolic succession, unit, creating hurt and confusion that strikes right to our that our popes have the courage to speak the truth with very identity, that we are beloved children of our Heavenly boldness. Paul VI did this with Humanae Vitae, and was Father. castigated and rejected by the world and practicing Catholics There has to be another way than the one the world has alike. But what was it that we were rejecting? And what have chosen for us, the world that tried to reduce Pope Paul VI’s been the consequences of our rebellion? encyclical to the last gasp of a dying patriarchy. But it wasn’t The world was in the throes of change when Humanae Vitae a dying patriarchy that proclaimed Humanae Vitae, it was the was issued to the masses. The reforms of the Second Vatican Church established by Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd who Council were in its infancy and struggling to find purpose with loves us and shows us the way. both clergy and laity. The sexual revolution was in full swing, Fifty years later, I would like to believe that we can now and “free love” reigned. Intoxicated by the spirit of newfound look soberly at our situation. Fifty years later, I believe the liberty, we cast off the morals that anchored our culture and words of Pope Paul VI, words spoken with the authority of Christian tradition and allowed ourselves to become adrift the Good Shepherd, can ring true and fruitfully in our hearts. in moral autonomy. We shared again in the sin of Adam and It is with great joy that I introduce you to the 50th Eve, choosing for ourselves the definitions of good and evil. Anniversary of the proclamation of Humanae Vitae, Of Sexual license, the devaluation of human life through eugenics, Human Life. In commemoration of this most important abortion and euthanasia, and the widespread acceptance of document, St. Joseph Parish, Shreveport and the Cathedral contraception – these became the new norms, the new good. of St. John Berchmans will host a series of speakers who will In the midst of all the mania, Pope Paul VI saw the future. flesh out the meaning of Humanae Vitae and help breathe Speaking of contraception, he wrote in Humanae Vitae, “this new life into this starved world. I invite you to open your course of action could open wide the way for marital infidelity hearts to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and participate and a general lowering of moral standards…[furthermore] in these events. You can find a list of the speakers, topics, a man who grows accustomed to the use of contraceptive locations, dates and times on the page to the left. Nursery methods may forget the reverence due a woman, and, care is available with a prior reservation. disregarding her physical and emotional equilibrium, reduce May the God who is the Way, the Truth and the Life bless her to being a mere instrument for the satisfaction of his own us on this journey. Amen! • January 2018 17 local NEWS Employee Gives Help and Hope to CCNLA Clients by Lucy Medvec

or Allison Kulbeth, a typical day in entry on a short-term the Shreveport office of Catholic basis. When the Intake FCharities of North Louisiana Coordinator position consists of answering or returning over became available, Executive 100 phone calls, coordinating client Director Meg Goorley knew appointments, organizing files and that Kulbeth would be the paperwork, data entry, fulfilling staff perfect hire. requests and helping people who walk “When Allison was first into the office requesting assistance. working here as a temp Through it all, no matter how hectic it employee, she was a hard gets, she greets everyone with a sincere worker, very organized, and smile and an encouraging word. got along with everyone she “Allison is truly the face of Catholic met.” said Goorley. “One Charities,” said Carl Piehl, Director of of her strengths as our Financial Stability for CCNLA. “She Intake Coordinator is that reflects who we are and what we do. she makes everyone who She believes that as God’s children, we walks into our building feel can raise ourselves up, no matter what special.” Allison Kulbeth, a former client of Catholic Charities challenges life gives us. She is good at Kulbeth is also described of North Louisiana, now works for CCNLA as their Intake Coordinator and spreads warmth to all who reminding people, ‘You can do this.’” as a great listener. “She walk through the door. Kulbeth’s role is more than engages people and is just serving as CCNLA’s Intake sympathetic to their about her role at Catholic Charities, she Coordinator; she wants to truly situation,” said Piehl. “She listens to immediately replied, “the interaction help people because she was once in their story and is patient when giving with people.” “I do enjoy listening to their shoes. Her first experience with information and other resources to our clients’ stories, because sometimes Catholic Charities was as a client, clients. She can be empathetic, but that’s what they need most – someone seeking assistance with her rent. Like all to just listen,” said Kulbeth. clients, she attended the Money School, Kulbeth's role is more While she finds it hard that CCNLA a three-hour class that teaches the basics isn’t able to help everyone, there are in financial education. After meeting than just serving many client stories that make her smile. with Piehl to assess her financial as CCNLA's Intake “Just last week, I was talking to one situation, she was denied assistance. Coordinator; she wants of our clients who did not have a job. “I wasn’t working at the time and As she was leaving our office, I had had gotten behind on my rent,” said to truly help people a feeling that I needed to help her. I Kulbeth. “Carl gave me some advice on because she was followed her out the door and suggested how to make changes to my budget and once in their shoes. that she call Jean Simpson’s office to my living situation in order to improve find a job. They were able to help her my finances. He was supportive, but and she will start working in January. also helped me to take an honest look at also holds them accountable when they When I hear back from our clients that my situation.” need to provide the proper information we were able to truly help them, that’s The next time she walked through and paperwork. Her attention to detail what makes my job most rewarding.” CCNLA’s doors, it was as a temporary helps us do our job efficiently when the For more information about Catholic employee through Jean Simpson clients come in for their appointments.” Charities of North Louisiana, visit Personnel Services, hired to do data When asked what Kulbeth enjoys www.ccnla.org or call 318-865-0200. •

18 Catholic Connection Diocese Welcomes New Youth Coordinator Diocese of Shreveport and St. Joseph Parish Embark on Joint Endeavor to Serve the Youth and Young Adults of the Diocese by Randy Tiller

with people and reach out to our smaller parishes in the Trey Weaver will be the Coordinator of diocese,” said Weaver. He added, “I’m going to be getting Youth and Young Adult to know the people connected with youth ministry in our Ministry for the Diocese diocese and learn what we can do for them in the future.” of Shreveport and work Trey’s past achievements and employment includes assisting with youth ministry at with planning various retreats, leading worship and music St. Joseph Parish in services, and giving talks for ministries and youth groups Shreveport. across the state from Monroe, Shreveport, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge and New Orleans. He worked as a missionary for Camp ECHO (Dumb Ox Ministries) and helped lead Theology of the Body camps for teenagers and young adults while ministering to the retreatants through various activities such as games, talks, testimonies and prayer ministries. He has served as a Louisiana Boys State counselor since 2011, planned Tiger Awakening Retreats at LSU since 2012, and has been involved with Teen and Young Adult ACTS retreats in Monroe since 2008. Trey is also an Eagle Scout. Trey managed to serve in ministry while also working as s of January 1, 2018, the Diocese of Shreveport and a worship leader and musician at St. Thomas More Parish St. Joseph Parish of Shreveport are embarking on a in Baton Rouge, LA, and most recently, by working as a Ajoint endeavor to better serve the youth and young facilitator for at-risk and troubled youth and their families adults of our diocese and eventually help with coordination by building relationships, empowering the families and efforts for Campus Ministry. This is a new arrangement with brainstorming creative solutions to help each family persevere high expectations and hopes of matching up needs and wants through hardship. with talent and expertise. Mr. Trey Weaver has relocated to Shreveport from the "The thing that makes me most Monroe area and will be a full-time staff member of St. Joseph Parish in Shreveport. Trey will also serve as the excited about this new endeavor is Coordinator of Campus, Youth and Young Adult Ministry on that I feel like the Holy Spirit a diocesan basis. This arrangement will be a shared position both in is ready to do new things. terms of duties and responsibilities and time and expenses I feel like this is the time." associated with youth in our diocese. While continuing to work with the Diocesan Youth Council and the various youth ministers across our diocese, a lot of Trey’s focus will I join Fr. Matthew Long in welcoming Trey to this new be on re-energizing the youth of St. Joseph Parish through joint endeavor. Trey will be seen at St. Joseph, the Catholic fellowship and evangelization along with the youth in our Center and around the diocese eagerly engaged in working Catholic schools, and the Catholic youth who are attending with the youth of the diocese in an efficient and professional other schools in the area. manner to see the involvement and commitment of the Additionally, Trey will be a resource to the youth ministers youth grow throughout the diocese. and youth volunteers in all the parishes, particularly when “The thing that makes me most excited about this new hosting diocesan events such as Encounter Jesus, NCYC, endeavor is that I feel like the Holy Spirit is ready to do new and any other events held jointly with the Catholic schools things. I feel like this is the time,” said Weaver. “A lot of in Shreveport/Bossier, Monroe and Zwolle, as well as people are coming together to make things happen – not just continuing to work with the Monroe and Shreveport here in our diocese, but in the Church as a whole. There are Theology on Tap groups. Also, the Diocesan Youth Council many new movements and exciting new things, and I think will continue to function with Trey’s leadership and input. this is our chance to make some of those things happen here “In the beginning I’m going to try to build relationships in our diocese, and that makes me really excited.” •

January 2018 19 Pathways to Reflection: Even as We Age, Be a Source of Joy in the World Giving by Sr. Martinette Rivers, ols by John Mark Willcox In addition to opportunities to donate to Diocesan Seminary Burses, (pg. 22), did you know there are a variety of burses and funds created for ministries of our faith community? The Lucille and Joseph B. Cordaro Memorial Fund Established in 1993 to assist with medical expenses incurred by clergy, this fund is a way to provide for a healthy future for our priests. The Heller Trust “ n this world of ours, every believer is the gigantic secret of the Christian.” I Established in 1991, the Heller Trust must be a spark of light, a center think we were made for joy. It enhances was created to provide for training and Iof love, a vivifying ferment for the everything we do and improves our inservice costs for ordained deacons. mass…” (St. Pope John XXIII). health. In this world of ours, there is a lot The K C Burse In our fast changing world it is often of suffering. Still, we must not lose sight Founded by the Knights of Columbus difficult to know how to act. There are of what we want our lives to be and what Council #1337 to serve as a special too many demands on our spirit and we were meant to be. Aging and joy are burse contributing to the educational psyche. It becomes overwhelming, yet we our vocations now. This has become our needs of seminarians. can still remain in sync with God. Don’t real wealth, not our money. The Winston-Gandy Fund lose sight of what we want our aging lives What does God require of you in Created in 1995, the Winston-Gandy to be about. It can be a challenge to sit 2018? “To act justly and to love mercy Fund is a special fund designed to still without all the memories looming and to walk humbly with your God.” support seminarians in training to be up before our eyes. (Micah 6:8). If we follow this advice, we ordained priests for the Diocese of God fills our aging hearts with love will all have what is necessary to live a Shreveport. and joy and we know our future is still good life as we age. All the negative stuff brimming with potential. You may feel has to go. Keep your heart and mind The Theresian Endowment like you got all A’s in school when you open to what is new. This new year gives Created from the sale of St. Theresa were young, and then aged and flunked us the opportunity to shape our future Church in Shreveport, this special fund life. But that isn’t true! We have become differently by what we do today. was created in 1990, and is dedicated millionaires with a bank full of joy and We need to think about who brought to supporting area faithful choosing happiness, to share with the world. us to this day: God, of course. Then we to send their children to Catholic God fills our hearts with love and joy should remember all the people who elementary schools. to keep us on His path. All the signs you helped us along the way. What is it Daughters of the Cross pass will be older, but those of joy will that we actually want for the rest of our Educational Fund permit you to be your best self. Live in years? How do we make sure we don’t Established in 1998 by the pioneers of the present moment. Pope St. John Paul get in our own way? Do I pray more in Catholic Education in our region, the II echoed the challenge of Jesus, “Christ my elder years for patience with myself Daughters of the Cross Fund supports came to bring joy... Go, therefore, and and others? How do I deal with life’s Catholic education across our diocese. become messengers of joy.” Let’s choose uncertainties? What barriers in my own to become joyful agers so we can make a heart must I overcome? Is your love for Gifts are always welcomed to these difference in the lives of others. others the great definer of your life? Have meaningful vehicles of support for the Jesus lives on in our modern world. we become the best version of ourselves? work of Christ in our diocese. To learn The miserable condition of the world These questions are for your reflection more about how you can contribute we live in is the legacy of our failure to as you begin the New Year. May 2018 to these funds, contact the Diocesan love one another. We all need to trust be a year filled with all God’s blessings! Office of Development, 318-868-4441. someone. G.K.Chesterton said, “Joy… Never give up hope. Happy New Year! • 20 Catholic Connection Celebrating the Spirituality of the Find Us Society of St. Vincent de Paul ONLINE! by Bonnie Martinez www.dioshpt.org thecatholicconnection.org

CatholicConnections App

@catholicconnection hose who serve as members of Diocese of Shreveport, the many the Society of St. Vincent de Paul associate members such as St. Vincent T(SVdP) have chosen a vocation de Paul Help Line volunteers, and to grow in spirituality through the the numerous contributing members ministry of serving the poor. We are whose generous donations provide the truly blessed to live the gospel by seeing resources to help the needy. Jim also www.facebook.com/ the face of Christ in each person we provided an overview of the Society’s DioceseofShreveport encounter, especially in our home visits. 2017 accomplishments and challenged In fact, the most important parts of any all Vincentians to work diligently to St. Vincent de Paul meeting, training, increase membership and grow new service or work are prayer, reflection and leadership. Fr. Mark Watson, Western meditation. District St. Vincent de Paul Spiritual Sunday, December 10, brought Advisor, led the closing prayer. together Vincentians from the SVdP twitter.com/cathconnection Council of Shreveport to celebrate the ... for those who 11:00 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of choose this ministry, St. John Berchmans. Bishop Michael Duca celebrated Mass and shared some the opportunity to inspiring words about our ministry. grow in spirituality is Following Mass, Vincentians www.flickr.com/ attended the St. Vincent de Paul Annual unsurpassed. photos/23683423@N05/ Appreciation Dinner in Loyola’s St. Vincent’s Hall. The gathering began Many of those who attended with prayer led by Fr. Peter Mangum. continue to reflect upon Bishop Duca’s Everyone enjoyed the delicious meal observation that the membership of and fellowship. Bishop Duca praised the the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is positive impact of the SVdP members not always large in number, but for www.youtube.com/dioshpt locally who go about their service to the those who choose this ministry, the poor quietly, humbly and effectively. opportunity to grow in spirituality is The celebration continued unsurpassed. with Bishop Duca conducting the I encourage anyone reading this commissioning ceremony for the newly to contact your parish’s Society of St. elected Diocesan Council President, Jim Vincent de Paul conference leadership Beadles. if you are interested in learning more www.pinterest.com/ Jim expressed sincere gratitude about this ministry and the opportunity cathconnection to all Vincentians, the clergy of the to grow in your spirituality. • January 2018 21 Diocesan Seminary Burses by Fr. Jerry Daigle

ishop Duca and the Office of Church Vocations are Vocations, Diocese of Shreveport, 3500 Fairfield Avenue, pleased to announce the establishment of a Diocesan Shreveport, LA 71104. Be sure to note the name of the burse BSeminary Burse program to provide all the faithful of in the memo line. North Louisiana the opportunity to invest in the education and formation of our seminarians into holy and effective priests to When is a burse completed? serve the Diocese of Shreveport. Seminary burses are completed when the balance reaches $10,000. Once this goal, which is not a pledge, has been What is a seminary burse, and how do they reached, and those who established the original burse wish to contribute to seminarians? continue their donations, a new burse in the same name may A seminary burse is an endowment used to pay tuition, room be opened. and board for the seminarians of the Diocese of Shreveport. The principal amount donated is not touched, but invested, and the Where can I get more information? support for our seminarians comes from the earned interest. For more information, please contact Fr. Jerry Daigle, Director Each donation to a burse is truly a gift that will continue giving of Church Vocations, at 318-219-7311. as more men enter priestly formation in the years to come! Who can establish a burse? THANKS TO OUR RECENT DONORS Anyone can establish a seminary burse, and name it in honor 007 Friends of Dr. Christopher ($100) of loved ones (e.g., family members, teachers, mentors, pastors), 009 Dr. George and Sandra Bakowski Foundation ($250) in honor of organizations and faith or social groups (e.g., Knights of Columbus councils, ACTS, schools, church parishes, COMPLETED BURSE cultural organizations), for themselves or their families as an 001 Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse ($10,000) instrument of personal giving, or in memory of a deceased loved one. Burses and their balances, and new contributions, will be INCOMPLETE BURSE listed in future issues of The Catholic Connection. 002 Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($2,000) 003 Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1,200) Who can contribute to a burse? 004 Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350) Anyone can contribute any amount to any established seminary burse. 005 Cathedral of St. John Berchmans ($250) 006 Bishop’s Burse ($250) How can I establish or contribute to a burse? 007 Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($600) You can establish and name* a burse with a donation of 008 St. Jude Parish ($250) at least $250, or you can contribute any amount to a burse 009 St. John Berchmans Knights of Columbus simply by designating its name when the contribution is Council #10728 ($250) made. Contributions may be mailed to the Office of Church We offer a special word of gratitude to Dr. George Bakowski for suggesting this program for the support of the seminarians of the Diocese of Shreveport, and for his generous efforts for its establishment and promotion. *Burse names subject to Bishop’s approval and may be changed by him at any time.

22 Catholic Connection hispanic NEWS por Rosalba Quiroz Clases de Formación Pastoral Catholic Extension, el cual ya va en su segundo año; este programa consiste en tres años de estudio, tomando ocho clases al año por tres años. La enseñanza que reciben los estudiantes es una excelente herramienta para ser semillas crecientes y ser parte integral en la Evangelización. Es de suma importancia que las personas que se comprometieron y comenzaron el programa hace mas de un año, sigan aprovechando esta oportunidad. Cada clase contiene información de ayuda personal, espiritual, y para el desarrollo y ejecución de ministerios para todo servidor pastoral. Las clases son presentadas por un profesor experto en la materia enviado por el Instituto Pastoral del Sureste (SEPI) y la próxima será el 20 de enero – recuerden que son totalmente GRATIS. Sin embargo, para mantener la beca por el año y medio restante, la diócesis tiene que mantener la asistencia de todos n su primer Encíclica, el Papa Francisco nos dice: “un los estudiates registrados. Se tiene que comprobar que el buen líder es aquel que puede hacer surgir mas líderes y programa se toma en serio enviando listas de los participantes Esi alguien aspira a ser líder sin ser servidor, es un tirano. a cada clase y el desgloce de gastos. Cumpliendo estos El verdadero liderazgo es fecundo y, cada uno de ustedes, tiene requisitos abre puertas para recibir otras becas en el futuro la semilla de liderazgo dentro, háganla crecer; sean líderes en lo para programas como este y otros de igual beneficio. Por que les toca serlo. Líderes de acción, alegría, y esperanza para favor reflexionen sobre la importancia de este compromiso construir un mundo mejor”. El Papa asegura que tenemos ya y privilegio de recibir esta formación que servirá tanto para la semilla pero si no la sembramos ni cuidamos por medio de ustedes mismos, como para su familia y su parroquia. una formación pastoral, no podremos dar frutos. No se puede Recordando otra frase del Papa que nos dice: “Jesús quiere dar buen testimonio sin capacitarse porque Evangelizar es dar evangelizadores que anuncien la Buena Noticia no solo con testimonio de la vida personal y la relación con Dios. palabras sino sobre todo con una vida que se ha transfigurado El programa de Formación Pastoral fue creado gracias a en la presencia de Dios” Exhortación Apostólica “Evangelli una beca otorgada al Ministerio Hispano por la organización Gaudium”, (El Gozo del Evangelio), # 259. • Calendario del Mes Enero 2018 1. Solemnidad de la Virgen Maria (pero no es día de obligación en USA). 20. Escuela de Liderazgo Pastoral. 25. Clase de Protegiendo a los Hijos de Dios, Santa María de los Pinos 6-9 p.m.

MINISTERIO HISPANO CATOLICO - DIOCESIS DE SHREVEPORT Rosalba Quiroz, Directora (318) 219-7265; [email protected] Melina Sanchez, Secretaria (318) 219-7257; [email protected]

Cristo Rey, Bossier City Santo Tomás Aquino, San Juan Bautista, Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo 425 McCormick Street Ruston Many Socorro, Farmerville P. Rigo Betancurt 810 Carey Avenue 1130 San Antonio Ave. 600 East Water Street P. Mark Watson P. Luis Jost P. Michael Thang’wa P. Luis Jost (318) 221-0238 (318) 243-0115 (318) 256-5680 (318) 243-0115 Domingo-3:00 pm Domingo-1:30pm 1er Domingo de Mes-5pm Sábado-7:00 pm Lunes y Martes-7pm

Sagrado Corazon, San Pascual, W. Monroe Sta Maria de los Pinos, San José, Mansfield Oak Grove 711 North 7th Street Shreveport 305 Jefferson Street 201 Purvis St. P. Luis Jost 1050 Bert Kouns Ind. Loop P. Juan Garcia P. Joseph Kallookalam (318) 243-0115 P. Fidel Mondragon (318) 872-1158 (318) 559-2876 Domingo-4:00 pm Domingo-3:00 pm Domingo-5:00 pm (318) 455-2300 Domingo-11:30 am

January 2018 23 school NEWS Day of the Dead at St. Fred's Bishop Duca Visits by Grant Johnson, Spanish Club President at St. Frederick High School St. Joseph School

ishop Michael Duca visited St. Joseph he Day of the Dead is a time to altar. I have developed an appreciation School on Friday, December 1, to celebrate the lives of those who for this beautiful celebration and I am Bcelebrate Mass with the students. have died. This tradition was honored to share it with others.” T After Mass, he visited classrooms where he Catholicized when the Spanish came The St. Frederick High School allowed students to ask questions and offer to the Americas. It is filled with lots of Spanish Club has taken part in a blessing to all. He shared that his middle color and joy. In the Mexican culture, many other cultural activities as name is Gerard, because St. Gerard is the death is not something that is filled with well, including visiting a Latin Food patron saint of expectant mothers. sadness, but a time to remember and Restaurant to not only eat, but honor our deceased loved ones. utilize our Spanish skills gained from The Spanish Club at St. Frederick our classes. We also went to see the High School created a traditional “Dia movie Coco, a beautiful film by Pixar OLF and JGS Work de los Muertos” altar with photos Together on STEM! collected from students throughout “I have developed an the school. A large cross, paper flowers, sugar skulls, and many candles were appreciation for this placed on the altar as well. There was beautiful celebration a book where students could write the names of their loved ones. The school and I'm honored to chaplain, Fr. Jerry Daigle, brought the book with him to the altar and prayed share it with others.” over the names during Mass. Our Spanish III and IV classes portraying the customs that make up went to Our Lady of Fatima and Jesus the Day of the Dead. the Good Shepherd schools to talk St. Frederick High School was to them about the Day of the Dead. recently approved to create a new We explained the significance of chapter of the Sociedad Honoraria the celebration and taught them the Hispánica, Los Guerreros de San ifth and sixth graders from Jesus meanings of all the items on the altar. Féderico (The St. Frederick Warriors). the Good Shepherd School and Grant Johnson, the Spanish club At St. Frederick, we are gaining FOur Lady of Fatima School worked president said, “Before my Spanish class the Spanish skills necessary to go out together on a STEM project: cup stacking at St. Frederick, I knew almost nothing into the world and work in the global without touching the cups with their about the Day of the Dead and the economy we now live in. • hands! 24 Catholic Connection St. John Berchmans Preps for Religion Scholars Bowl by Ashley Timmons ormer St. John Berchmans School principal, Jo Cazes, hasn’t gone too far. She is busy preparing for SJB’s FReligion Scholars Bowl to be held February 1 during Catholic Schools Week. This is the ninth year SJB has hosted this event. This year, SJB has invited five Catholic schools from around the state to compete. Students from Jesus the Good Shepherd School (Monroe), Our Lady of Fatima School (Monroe), St. Frederick High School (Monroe), St. Mary’s School (Natchitoches), St. Joseph School (Shreveport) and St. John Berchmans will compete by grade level, third through eighth, in the day-long event featuring religious education questions, team activities and skits about the Catholic faith. The competition will be divided up into a written test, three oral rounds and a skit from each grade level. Students will work in pairs to take the written test, which will consist of 30 multiple choice and true/false questions. The questions will be on the Mass, Sacraments, people, scripture and other general knowledge questions from religion books. of St. John Berchmans will judge the event. Bishop Michael Moderating the event will be John Mark Willcox, G. Duca will present the awards. Director of Stewardship and Development, from Diocese Cazes is excited about coming back to SJB to coordinate of Shreveport. Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Sr. this school favorite for the ninth time. “This is such a great Carol Shively, osu, Associate Superintendent Sr. Ann way to build community within our local parish, our diocese Middlebrooks, sec, and Deacon John Basco from Cathedral and the state,” said Cazes. •

Jesus the Good Shepherd School Our Lady of Receives a Big Texas Thank You Fatima Provides Supplies to Harvey Victims

esus the Good Shepherd School collected donations during their annual Grandparents’ Day celebration and book fair for St. Mary Catholic School Jin Orange, Texas. St. Mary’s school library suffered catastrophic loss during Hurricane Harvey with the majority of their school books being destroyed. JGS, ur Lady of Fatima School’s with the help of the school community, was able to collect $1,000 in donations 4-H members collected to send to St. Mary’s to help rebuild and replenish their school library. In return, Opersonal hygiene products JGS received a thank you letter and photograph from St. Mary’s School. JGS is and school supplies to send to grateful to be able to extend a helpful hand to our neighbors in need. Hurricane Harvey victims.

January 2018 25 around the Farewell Deacon Ligon DIOCESE SEAS Provided Coats for Kids

t. Jude Parish held a farewell reception for Deacon Freeman Ligon. Deacon SLigon has moved to St. Joseph Parish in Shreveport. n 2016, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s the additional help of Claire Bissell, (SEAS) Knights of Columbus the Growing in Faith Together Tech Students Hosted I Council #9260 raised funds for (GIFT) director, the parish children "Life Tree" a dozen coats for kids through the and their parents stepped up in a big KofC annual new coats program. way to support this year’s program. Knights voted to have the coats They collected a total of 58 coats presented in Shreveport’s most – all completely unblemished, disadvantaged neighborhoods and many with price tags still on by the SPD, hoping to help law them. United in faith and love, our enforcement bond in those areas. It parish worked together to create worked extremely well, according to this outpouring of care for our Cpl. Marcus Hines, SPD. community. So when Fr. Tim Hurd, a Knight Pictured: Claire Bissell and himself, became the new SEAS Larry Miller in a room full of coats pastor, it was easy for him to bless donated by the SEAS GIFT students the initiative for another year. With and their parents. NPM's Multi-Cultural Hymn Festival

he Association of Catholic Tech Students (ACTS) at St. Thomas TAquinas Parish in Ruston partnered with Louisiana Tech’s pro-life group, Bulldogs for Life, to host a “Life Tree” for the Christmas season in cooperation with Life Choices pregnancy center in Ruston. The tree holds 50 snowflake ornaments, each requesting specific infant appropriate items. Participants were asked to select a snowflake n November, the Shreveport the Pines Parish in Shreveport. The and then purchase the item requested on chapter of National Association of event was well attended and included the ornament. The gifts were given to Life Pastoral Musicians (NPM) held groups and soloist representing the I Choices of Ruston who distributed them to a Multi-Cultural Hymn Festival in Philippines, Mexico, Africa, France, mothers facing unplanned pregnancies. honor of St. Cecilia at St. Mary of Ireland and Ecuador. 26 Catholic Connection Advent Activities Surprise for Father Breakfast with at St. Joseph Mike Thang'wa Santa at St. Jude

arish School of Religion students arishioners of St. John the t. Jude held a Breakfast and families gathered together on Baptist Parish and St. Terence with St. Nicholas as a whole PDecember 3, the first Sunday of PChurch surprised their pastor, Sfamily catechetical event. The Advent, for the blessing of the Advent Fr. Mike Thang’wa, with a visit from Disciplemen Ministry made pancakes wreath with Fr. Matthew Long. The his mother, Lucia Thang’wa, and his for all parishioners, and asked for younger students made Jesse Trees to sister, Anne, from Kenya. Fr. Mike was donations to sponsor the Christ the share with their families during Advent surprised and very happy to have his King Food Pantry. They collected and older students made Advent wreaths. family with him. $233 for donations. A Taste of Christ the King St. Paschal Youth Held Feast Day Celebration Advent Service Project

n November 29, Christ the King Parish he fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades at celebrated its feast day with “A Taste of Christ St. Paschal Parish’s Sunday School in West Monroe Othe King” meal. Bishop Duca blessed the Our Tdonated toiletries and socks to make stockings for Lady of Guadalupe Memorial Wall. Afterwards the parish the Desiard Street Shelter as its annual Advent service shared a meal together with music from Los Misioneros project this past December. de Cristo. The staff and key volunteers were recognized and Carmen Pardo and Mary Morgan each received a Send submissions to "Around the Diocese" to Jessica at [email protected]. Please include a photo that has not certificate for their service to Christ the King parish. been resized and a brief description.

January 2018 27 This Month We Learn About

Saint Sebastian Sebastianwho lived in wasMilan around he? 280 AD. • Two brothers,Interesting who refused to factssacrifice to Roman He became a soldier in Rome. He was very gods were arrested and put in jail. Sebastian courageous and because of this he became worked to convert their parents, as well as the a captain of the Praetorian Guards under son of the local prefect and other officials.The Diocletian, who did not know he was a converted officials set all the prisoners free from Christian. When it was discovered that Sebastian jail, resigned their positions and moved to the country. was a Christian, he was ordered to be tied to a tree and shot with arrows. The arrows did • It was said that an altar in honor of Sebastian not kill him though, and he was rescued and in the Church of Saint Peter in Pavia served as a healed by Irene of Rome. He later confronted defense against the plague. Diocletian about his sins. Diocletian, though shocked Sebastian wasn't dead, ordered his death again, this time by beating. After Sebastian died, a pious lady rescued his body and buried it.

Word Find ARROWS DIOCLETIAN PERSECUTION CONVERTER IRENE OF ROME PLAGUE CUDGELS MARTYR SEBASTIAN DEFENSE MILAN SOLDIER

28 Catholic Connection across the NATION from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Bishops Disappointed ... the Joint Committee with U.S. Withdrawal on Taxation indicates that from UN’s the bill will eventually Development of raise taxes on those Migration Compact with lower incomes ASHINGTON – Archbishop Timothy Broglio and Bishop while simultaneously WJoe S. Vásquez, expressed disappointment after the Trump cutting taxes for the Administration announced that the U.S. wealthy. government is withdrawing from the process of the United Nations (UN) to develop a Global Compact on Migration. President Should Work with Congress “Catholic social teaching on migration Toward Acceptable Tax Bill, Says USCCB recognizes and respects the sovereignty of each nation, indeed each nation’s right ASHINGTON – After the simultaneously cutting taxes for the and responsibility, to ultimately decide U.S. House of Representatives wealthy. This is clearly problematic, how it will regulate migration into its Wand U.S. Senate passed The especially for the poor. The repeal of territory,” explained Bishop Vásquez. Tax Reform and Jobs Act, Bishop Frank the personal exemption will cause larger “The Church has long articulated that J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, chairman families, including many in the middle it is the obligation of nations to assure of the U.S. Conference of Catholic class, to be financially worse off. The human rights for all migrants and special Bishops’ Committee on Domestic final bill creates a large deficit that, as protections for vulnerable migrants, such Justice and Human Development, drew early as next year, will be used as a basis as refugees, forced migrants, victims attention to unacceptable problems that to cut programs that help the poor of human trafficking, and women and remain, and called on President Trump and vulnerable toward stability. The children at risk. Pope Francis has described to insist that Congress fix them before he legislation is also likely to produce up to such obligations as part of building ‘global signs a bill into law. a $13 billion drop in annual charitable solidarity’ on behalf of migrants and The full statement follows: giving to nonprofits that are relied upon refugees. In fact, the bishops continue “Today, Congress passed its tax reform to help those struggling on the margins. to promote the international campaign legislation, The Tax Reform and Jobs This will also significantly diminish the initiated by Pope Francis, Share the Act, and it has been sent to the President role of civil society in promoting the Journey, as a sign of solidarity with our to consider. The legislation achieves common good. immigrant brothers and sisters.” some laudable things, like doubling As the President considers the tax “With a growing global concern about the standard deduction, which will bill before him, we ask that he take into protracted forced migration situations, help many struggling families avoid account the full consequences of its the UN process provides an opportunity tax liability, expanding the use of 529 provisions and work with Congress to for the United States to help build education plans, and increasing the child remedy them before signing a tax bill international cooperation that respects tax credit. into law.” such rights and protections on behalf However, the Act contains a Bishop Frank J. Dewane’s December of those seeking safety and security number of problematic provisions 6, 2017, letter analyzing the Senate for their families. Participation in that that will have dramatic negative and House bills prior to reconciliation process allows the U.S. to draw on our consequences, particularly for those can be found at: http://www.usccb. experience and influence the compact,” most in need. Among other things, the org/issues-and-action/human- said Archbishop Broglio. “Therefore, the Joint Committee on Taxation indicates life-and-dignity/federal-budget/ USCCB encourages the Administration to that the bill will eventually raise taxes upload/Tax-Conference-Letter- reconsider its decision to withdraw from on those with lower incomes while Congress-2017-12-06.pdf • this process.” •

January 2018 29 mark your CALENDAR Theology on Tap- Shreveport St. Brigid of Kildare Feast Day Mass 1/10 Theology on Tap is an event for young 1/28 St. Mary of the Pines Parish will celebrate adults to gather together in a casual setting and learn more the Feast of St. Brigid of Kildare on Sunday, January 28, about an aspect of the Catholic faith. The January 10 event beginning with rosary at 8:30 a.m., Mass at 9:00 a.m., and will feature speaker Fr. Tim Hurd, pastor of St. Elizabeth Irish brunch and ceili following Mass. All are welcome. Ann Seton Parish. It will take place at Rotolos in Shreveport St. Mary of the Pines Parish is located at 1050 Bert Kouns and begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Trey Industrial Loop in Shreveport. For more information, Weaver at 318-868-4441, or [email protected]. contact the church office at 318-687-5121.

Theology on Tap- Monroe Open House at St. John 1/16 Theology on Tap is an event for young 1/28 Berchmans Catholic School St. adults to gather together in a casual setting and learn more John Berchmans Catholic School will host an open house in about an aspect of the Catholic faith. The January 16 event January during Catholic Schools Week. This is the perfect will feature speaker Bishop Michael G. Duca. It will take opportunity to tour the school, meet the teachers and staff, place at Fieldhouse Bar and Grill in Monroe and begin at ask questions and learn more about the SJB family. SJB 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Trey Weaver at School has classes for children ages PreK3 through eighth 318-868-4441, or [email protected]. grade. Join them and see the SJB difference. To register for Open House, please visit the school’s website, World Religion Day Celebration in www.sjbcathedralschool.org, or call 318- 221-6005. 1/21 Shreveport World Religion Day is an international holiday now celebrated for more than 50 years on the third Sunday in January with multi-faith gatherings around the world. One of the most religiously diverse of these celebrations takes place in Shreveport. Every year the App on the Sunday following the Martin Luther King holiday Tap celebration, religious groups from Shreveport, neighboring Did you know that the diocese has an APP? Bossier City and throughout the state join together to seek It is true! Since spring 2015 the Catholic Connections common ground. app has been live! Much of what people look for in a Catholic App, we provide. Let’s take a look: The event is planned and hosted by a multi-faith non- profit formed expressly for that purpose, the World Religion Info Catholic Connections Other Popular Catholic Apps Day Committee of Shreveport-Bossier. Liturgy of the This year’s event will feature Bishop Michael Duca as Hours/ Divine Office X X the keynote speaker. It will take place at Highland Center Daily Readings Ministries, located at 520 Olive Street in Shreveport, from Audio and Text X X 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All are welcome. Saint of the Day X X God, Sex and the Church with Liturgical Calendar X X 1/25 Bishop Michael Duca Please join us NA Bible Revised Ed. X X as Bishop Michael Duca kicks off the God & Sex Speaker Vatican Website X Series with “The Courage to be Catholic.” What does Catholic News Service X being a Catholic in your modern world mean? Should the teachings about sex and marriage change? Bishop Duca will Diocesan Social Media X address these questions and others and give an overview of Diocesan Calendar X the upcoming year. This talk will take place at St. Joseph The Catholic Connection X Parish, Shreveport, on Thursday, January 25, at 6:30 p.m. Nursery will be available. Please call to make nursery Diocesan Churches X reservations. 318-865-358. Visit www.godsexandthechurch. Diocesan News X org for more information on this new speaker series.

30 Catholic Connection JANUARY 2018

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

31 1 2 3 4 5 6 The Holy Family Solemnity of Sts. Basil the The Most Holy St. Elizabeth Ann St. John Annual Mardi of Jesus, Mary Mary, the Holy Great & Gregory Name of Jesus Seton, religious Neumann, Gras Mass, & Joseph Mother of God Nazianzen, bishop St. Pius X, bishops & 9am New Year's Day doctors of the Church St. Andre World Day of Bessette, Prayer for Peace Catholic Center religious Closed Catholic Center Closed SOLEMNITY OF MARY / JAN 1 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 The Epiphany of The Baptism of Protecting Protecting the Lord the Lord God's Children, God's Children, Catholic Center, St. Matthew 6pm Parish, 9am Theology on Tap, Rotolos, St. Hilary, Shreveport, 6pm bishop & doctor of the Deadline Church for February Catholic Connection EPIPHANY/ JAN 7 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Martin Luther Theology on Investment Blessing & Confirmation, King, Jr. Day Tap, Fieldhouse Committee Open House, Jesus the Good Bar & Grill, Meeting, CHRISTUS Shepherd Catholic Center Monroe, 6:30pm Catholic Center, Bossier Parish, Monroe, Closed 10am Emergency 4:30pm Hospital, Bossier St. Anthony, City, 10am St. Fabian, abbot pope & martyr; St. Sebastian, martyr MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY / JAN 15 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 World Religion Spiritual Directors St. Marianne Diocesan God, Sex & the St. Timothy & St. Louisiana Day, HIghland Peer Supervision, Cope, virgin; Finance Council Church: The Titus, bishops Life March Center Catholic Center, St. Vincent, Meeting, Courage to be North, Texas Ministries, 10am deacon & Catholic Catholic, Street Bridge, Shreveport, 1pm martyr Center, 12pm St. Joseph Shreveport Day of Prayer Parish, for the Legal St. Frances de Shreveport, St. Angela Protection of Sales, bishop & 6:30pm Merici, virgin Unborn Children doctor of the & religious Church The Conversion founder LOUISIANA LIFE of St. Paul, apostle MARCH/JAN 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 2nd Collection: National St. John Bosco, The Presentation 2nd Church in Latin Catholic Schools priest of the Lord Collection: America Week Begins Diocesan World Day for Catholic St. Brigid of Catholic Schools Consecrated Schools Kildare Feast Week Mass, St. Life Day Mass, St. Frederick High St. Blaise, Mary of the School, Monroe, bishop & Pines Parish, 9:30am martyr; St. Shreveport, 9am Ansgar, CATHOLIC SCHOOLS bishop WEEK / JAN 29

January 2018 31 ConnectionThe Catholic DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave. • Shreveport, LA 71104 Fairfield

Photo of the Month Youth from across the Diocese of Shreveport traveled together to Indianapolis to attend the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC).

32 Catholic Connection