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The Diocese of Lake Charles lcdiocese.org

Vol. 36, No. 11 Thousands trained annually by Office Let Us Pray The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles, has asked that during the hurricane sea- son of 2010 the people of the Diocese of Lake Charles of Child and Youth Protection pray the following prayer, composed by The Most Rev- erend Maurice Schexnayder, Bishop of Lafayette, fol- (See additional story Lake Charles website. family violence,” Mrs. Ezell (the Gavin Group) and with lowing Hurricane Audrey in 1957. this page.) The initial training ses- said. an independent agency to LAKE CHARLES – More sions provide a wealth of in- Following the hurricanes conduct studies (John Jay than 11,000 people, includ- formation including defining of the past five years, addi- College). Prayer for Safety in Hurricane Season ing clergy, religious, and lay the types of abuse one might tional information was added According to these reports O God, Master of this passing world, hear the humble voices volunteers such as educa- come across and show be- to the training. “This adds and studies the number of of your children. havioral indicators that discussion of how stress un- tors, coaches and others, cases of abuse in the U.S. The Sea of Galilee obeyed your order and returned to its were trained through the Of- everyone can watch for to in- der difficult situations can ef- took place during much ear- quietude. fice of Child and Youth Pro- dicate whether a child may fect parents in their decision lier time periods. In the most You are still the Master of land and sea. We live in the shad- tection during 2009, accord- be suffering abuse. making regarding children,” recent audits, there have ing to Mrs. Bernell Ezell, “We talk about not just Mrs. Ezell said. been relatively small num- ow of a danger over which we have no control: the Gulf, Director of the Office. sexual abuse but also physi- According to Mrs. Ezell, bers of reported cases. like a provoked and angry giant, can awake from its Attendance at a Safe Envi- cal and emotion abuse in ad- she is greatly aided by peo- “This makes sense, be- seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries, ronment Initial Training dition to neglect of the ple in each and every church cause back when those cases invade our land and spread chaos and disaster. Session and the subsequent child,” Mrs. Ezell said. “Mak- parish and school in the dio- occurred, neither the psy- During this hurricane season we turn to You, O loving Fa- ing sure everyone under- cese. “There are individuals screening process is mandat- chological nor the medical ther. Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are ed by the Charter for the stands the importance of re- in each place who serve as communities had today’s in- porting, whether it is the safe environment coordina- still so vivid and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal Protection of Children and formation about child sexual knowledge that abuse is tak- tors,” she said. “These indi- with passing of time. O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our Young People approved by abuse and those who perpe- ing place but also the suspi- viduals see to it that employ- Beloved Mother, we ask you to plead with your Son in the U.S. Bishops in 2002 and trate such abuse,” Mrs. Ezell cion of such abuse, particu- ees and volunteers attend our behalf, so that spared from the calamities common is the policy of the Diocese said. “As we have become of Lake Charles. The annual more informed as a society to this area and animated with a true spirit of gratitude, update lessons that are re- we have also determined we will walk in the footsteps of your Divine Son to reach quired of “all adults who how to better prevent such the heavenly Jerusalem where a stormless eternity have ongoing unsupervised things from happening to our awaits us. Amen. contact with minors in any children.” diocesan, parish or school The Most Reverend Maurice Schexnayder The Office of Child and program” is diocesan policy. Second Bishop of Lafayette Youth Protection also pro- “This system has been on- larly if some of the signs are initial training and do the vides training for children as going in the Diocese since evident. We also provide the yearly updates. They also well as their parents. 2003,” Mrs. Ezell said. The procedures for reporting to prepare and maintain files initial training sessions are “The program used by the both civil and diocesan au- for each person in their par- Diocese to educate the chil- Special Mass to Begin two-hour programs, of which thorities as well as the code ticular parish or school. about 40 per year are held, dren is called “Circle of of professional conduct and “We have been very fortu- Grace” with lesson plans either at the Diocesan dealing with boundary is- nate that all of those people Chancery or “on the road” available to all of the Hurricane Season sues. who are safe environment out in the Diocese. Catholic schools as well as “We also go over things to coordinators in our Diocese religious Education pro- CAMERON – The Most Heavenly Father’s will to The screening process in- say and do, as well as things have other jobs as well, but grams in the parishes,” Mrs. Reverend Glen John protect His children.” cludes reference checks, not to say or do, if a child has because of their commitment Ezell said. “It teaches that Provost, Bishop of Lake The special intention for criminal background checks, divulged to someone that they to the safety of our children, the initial training session every person has his or her Charles, will celebrate a the Mass will be “for protec- have been abused,” she con- they have worked with great own “circle of grace” to be “Mass to Avert Storms” on and the annual update tinued. “Throughout there is dedication,” said Ezell. “It is tion from all storms and loved and respected in the Tuesday, June 1, the first day lessons. “These annual up- always the reminder of the because of such dedication safety during this hurricane same way God loves and re- of hurricane season, in Our dates are a policy require- importance of prayer for the that we have had successful season,” according to the spect us. One thing to point Lady Star of the Sea Catholic ment of the Diocese,” she safety of children and also results in all of our audits.” Bishop. The Mass will con- out here is that the program Church beginning at 5 p.m. continued. “In some dioce- prayer for their parents as In fact, the Diocese was clude with a procession to is not sex education, which “‘This ‘Mass to Avert ses it is done every three or well would-be perpetrators.” informed in December of its the Shrine of Our Lady Star is better left to the parents. Storms’ is an opportunity for five years, but here it was Some of topics included compliance with the Charter of the Sea, which was erect- considered much too impor- “With all of these process- us, as a diocese, to pray for in the annual updates are e- following the 2009 audit. ed following the devastation tant to not maintain an annu- es in place, Catholic Church good weather,” Bishop safety, e-mail, and social net- The United States Confer- Provost commented. “We and terrible loss of life from al renewal.” works as well as cyber-bully- ence of Catholic Bishops has activities may be the safest The annual training up- place for children in the bring to this prayer a gen- Hurricane Audrey in 1957. ing. “In addition, we address contracted with a profes- uine heart of repentance. Father Richard Adiukwu, dates are prepared and real life bullying as well as sional group to do the audits United States today,” she placed on the Diocese of concluded. Every time we approach God pastor of St. Eugene Parish in prayer, we should do so in in Grand Chenier and Ad- true humility. This requires ministrator for Our Lady of us an acknowledgement of Star of the Sea in Cameron Two invested the sins of the past. At the and Sacred Heart of Jesus in same time, we acknowledge Creole, as well as Father Mary, Star of the Sea, as our in Order of mother and ask her powerful Rommel Tolentino, pastor of intercession for us in this St. Peter the Apostle Parish time of need. As we begin in Hackberry, will assist the the Holy the hurricane season, our Bishop. Other clergy of the ‘Mass to Avert Storms’ is a diocese are also expected. Sepulchre profession of faith in our All are welcome to attend. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Investiture of two new members into the Equestri- an Order of the Holy Sepul- Diocese receives chre of Jerusalem and the promotions of four others from the Diocese of Lake Charles highlighted the re- excellent mark cent meeting of the South- ern Lieutenancy. LAKE CHARLES -- The Diocese of Lake Charles re- Sir Edward Mason and ceived an excellent mark in its recent audit of the Safe Lady Sandra Mason, both of Environment Program. The Gavin Group, an indepen- St. Henry Church in Lake dent agency, located in Massachusetts and contracted by Charles, were invested into the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USC- the Order. New Orleans CB), has been responsible for audits of the dioceses of Archbishop Gregory Aymond the United States to review procedures and to ensure was the investing prelate. the protection of children and young people each fiscal Sir Erwin Engert, M.D., year. was promoted to Knight The Diocese is in compliance and has been promot- Grand Cross while Lady ing safeguards by having in-service meetings on a regu- Julie Engert was promoted lar basis for employees, catechists, students, and new to Lady Grand Cross. Sir employees. Clergy, religious, and seminarians are in Robert McCall was promot- compliance and continue to be updated annually in ed to Knight Commander Sandra Mason, at left, and her husband, Edward were invested into the Equestrian their knowledge of promoting a safe environment for all with Star. All three are from Order of the Holy Sepulchre recently. children. These annual updates are available on the Lake Charles. Lady Geneva Diocese of Lake Charles website – lcdiocese.org. The Prudhomme of Jennings was Diocese also requires those working with children to un- promoted to Lady Comman- dergo a mandatory criminal background check through der with Star. the local city and parish police agencies. Sir Bernard Beaco of The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young Lake Charles, who serves as People requires dioceses to provide “safe environment” the Section Representative training each year to those employees and volunteers for the Diocese, led the 10- who have “regular” contact with children. In addition, member delegation at the dioceses were asked to establish a victims’ assistance of- annual meeting which in- fice that could provide a point of contact for persons cluded more than 400 mem- who may have been sexually abused by someone work- bers from Louisiana , Missis- ing under diocesan auspices. Mr. Scott Riviere, a li- sippi, Alabama, Florida, censed youth counselor and Catholic layperson, has Georgia, and South Caroli- been appointed by Bishop Glen John Provost to be the na. Victims Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese, taking over the post on July 1. Father Whitney Miller will con- tinue to serve as Victims’ Assistance Coordinator until Did you know... then. The Diocese also had implemented on its website Only five men have served as information on how to contact officials of the Diocese to pastor of St. Philip Neri report child sexual abuse. Church in Kinder, led in Mrs. Bernell Ezell, Director of Child and Youth Pro- number of years by its sec- tection for the Diocese, has been instrumental in work- ond pastor, Rev. Msgr. A. J. ing with church parishes and Catholic Schools to have Robichaud, who was pas- everyone in compliance with the safe environment tor for 43 years (1942-1985). guidelines. Mrs. Ezell provides training for all adults who have regular contact with children through Safe The Cathedral of the Immacu- Environment Initial Training Sessions, which are held late Conception has a great in the diocesan Chancery and in the churches of the dio- many Viennese stained glass Members of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre from the Diocese of Lake Charles hon- cese. windows. Do you know the ored at the recent investiture in Jacksonville, Fla., were Lady Sandra Mason, Sir theme of the windows? Find For more information on initial training sessions out in our next Catholic Cal- Edward Mason, Sir Robert McCall, Lady Geneva Prudhomme, Lady Julie Engert please contact Bernell Ezell at the Diocese at 337-439- endar. and Sir Erwin Engert, M.D. 7400, Ext. 305. ? This page paid for by the Diocese of Lake Charles through the generous sponsorships of the following: Memorialize/ Hear the Bishop’s For sponsorship information Watch “Glad Tidings” Your Knights Your Knights Crossroads Honor Your Mass Sundays Call 337-439-7400, Ext. 307 Sunday at 6 a.m. of Peter Claver of Columbus Your Store of Faith Loved One at 9:30 a.m. on KPLC-TV Council Here Council Here 474-7100 [email protected] Here 1290 & 1470 AM 00608562

The Most Reverend Glen John Provost Bishop of Lake Charles

May 21, 2010 Jazz Brunch for Catholic Charities slated June 6 LAKE CHARLES – The others in need throughout of the CDBG funding, all of 2010 Jazz Brunch for the Southwest Louisiana. this assistance was provided benefit of Southwest Loui- The Brunch will feature a by church subsidy and pri- siana Catholic Charities is live auction and local enter- vate donations. being held Sunday, June 6, tainment. In February Catholic from noon to 3 p.m. at Trea- During March, Catholic Charities assisted clients sures of Marilyn’s, located at Charities assisted clients with $93 in the first month of 3510 Fifth Avenue. with $795 from the Commu- the CDBG homelessness pre- Tickets are $100 per per- nity Development Block vention grant, $3,319 in rent son and can be purchased Grant (CDBG) for homeless- payments, over $5,300 in util- Last year’s Jazz Brunch drew a large crowd of supporters and benefactors for through the Catholic Chari- ness prevention in the City ity payments, $200 in funeral Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana and the 2010 event, set for Sunday June ties office, located at 612 of Lake Charles, $4,525 in expense assistance, over 6, will be held at Treasures of Marilyn’s. The Jazz Brunch is the major fundraiser Louisiana Avenue or by call- rent payments, over $5,600 in $350 in prescription drug as- for Catholic Charities. ing 439-7436. utility payments, over $260 sistance, and almost $400 in Catholic Charities is a face in prescription drug assis- ID/employment expense as- of compassion, a hand of sup- tance, and over $920 in sistance. port, a place of hope, and a ID/employment expense as- Office hours are 9 a.m. to way to bring the love of God to sistance. With the exception 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to Magazine poll shows 4:30 p.m. It is the policy of Catholic Charities to ensure equal opportunity in all as- Summer seminarian pects of its programs and services without regard to top“priest” movies race, color, national origin, assignments announced CINCINNATI—When of an article entitled “The ing Grace (1981) in which sex, age, religion, political Pope Benedict XVI an- Best Movie Priests” for the Tom Conti plays a youthful beliefs or disability. nounced the Year for Priests June issue of St. Anthony LAKE CHARLES – The San Antonio, Texas. Pope Leo XIV who finds last June, he wanted it “to Messenger. Among those who nine men studying for the Other assignments have Those generous benefac- himself locked outside of the tors in the community who deepen the commitment of responded to her poll, the Vatican. Disguised by a priesthood for the Diocese of David Hardey at St. Philip all priests to interior renew- representation of the priest beard, he takes a holiday in Lake Charles have been giv- Neri Catholic Church in may not be able to attend the al for the sake of a stronger they most admire is one who en their summer assign- Kinder, Matthew Cormier at function, which is the major and more incisive witness to is realistic and down-to- a remote village, where he ments, eight within the Dio- St. Joseph Catholic Church outside fundraiser for the or- the Gospel in today’s world.” earth, self-sacrificing and helps the community build cese and one outside. an aqueduct and stave off lo- in Vinton, Brandon Jones at ganization, are urged to con- His announcement inspired prayerful. The film that was John Huckaby will be as- cal crooks. St. Raphael Catholic Church lists of favorite priest films named most often as a fa- sisting at St. Henry Catholic sider making an outright or priest characters posted vorite priest film is 1981’s Another popular film is in Iowa, Korey LaVergne at Church in Lake Charles contribution to aid Catholic on various blogs. An infor- True Confessions, starring 1986’s The Mission, directed Christ the King Catholic while Jeff Starkovich will be Charities in its important mal poll sent out via the In- Robert De Niro and Robert by Roland Joffé, about Jesuit Church in Lake Charles, at Our Lady Help of Chris- ministry to those most in ternet by Sister Rose Pacat- Duvall, about loving but missionaries who try and Cristian Gonzalez at Our te, F.S.P., film reviewer for sparring brothers—one a de- tians Catholic Church in Jen- need in our area. Anyone in- protect a band of Indians nings. Lady Queen of Heaven St. Anthony Messenger, re- tective and the other a terested in helping in this vealed that people have priest. from enslavement and de- Bryan Thompson will be Catholic Church in Lake strong opinions about their On the Waterfront, a 1954 struction. Others include doing his Clinical Pastoral Charles, and Ruben Villar- way should contact Trish favorite movie priests. classic, is a favorite on al- Keeping the Faith, The Keys real at Immaculate Heart of Trejo, Director of Catholic Education program at Chris- Sister Rose’s analysis of most every list of cinema of the Kingdom and The Third tus/Santa Rosa Hospital in Mary in Lake Charles. Charities, at 439-7436. priests in films is the subject priests. Others include Sav- Miracle.

Bishop Glen John Provost continued his teachings on the Book of Revelation during May at the Women’s Luncheon, at right, and at the Friday Men’s Prayer Breakfast at left. The next Men’s Prayer Breakfast is June 4 and the Women’s Luncheon will be June 1. Diocesan Briefs..... Deacon's Council officers named Christ the King Church Hall, 7680 Gulf Highway, will be lished in the name of the late Barbe High School and LSU the site of the July 6 session beginning at 6 p.m. baseball player who lost his life in an automobile accident in LAKE CHARLES – Deacon Glen Viau of Our Lady of Good Those clergy, religious, and lay adult volunteers who have 2005, provides assistance to the San Cristobal Boys Home in Counsel Catholic Church has been elected chairman of the unsupervised contact with minors in any diocesan, parish, or Managua, Nicaragua. The home is also a project of the Deacon’s Council of the Diocese of Lake Charles. school program must attend an Initial Training Session. Abrazando Cristo Mission Program. Re-elected to two-year terms were Deacon Ray Menard of Contact Mrs. Ezell at 337-439-7400, Ext. 305 to register. Call Johnnie or Susan Thibodeaux at 337-478-4095 for St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church in Lake Charles, more information. vice-chairman, and Deacon Mike Tramel of St. Lawrence Watch Glad Tidings on Internet Catholic Church in Raymond, secretary. LAKE CHALES – The Sunday morning television program Wedding Anniversary Mass June 13 The deacon community will celebrate the Feast Day of its produced by the Diocese of Lake Charles, Glad Tidings, can LAKE CHARLES – Bishop Glen John Provost will honor patron, St. Lawrence, on Tuesday, August 12, at St. Lawrence be seen on the Internet at the website of the Diocese – lcdio- couples celebrating their 25th or 50th wedding anniversaries Catholic Church in Raymond. cese.org. during 2010 as well as those couples with anniversaries of If viewers missed last Sunday’s, it is available for viewing more than 50 years that divisible by five at the 9:30 a.m. Mass Feast of Corpus Christi procession set at the site as well as archived episodes. on June 13 in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. HACKBERRY – On Sunday, June 6, the Feast of Corpus To see the program, go to lcdiocese.org and place the cur- Couples who celebrate anniversaries of more than 50 years Christi, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Hackberry sor on the Resources tab at the top right of the page, move that are divisible by five are also invited to attend. and Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel in Johnson Bayou the cursor down the list of items until you get to Glad Tid- The Bishop will bless the couples in attendance and, fol- will hold a Eucharistic Procession immediately following the ings. Click on Glad Tidings and a new page brings up the lat- lowing the liturgy, will present special certificates of recog- 9:00 a.m. Mass in Hackberry. est program. Place the cursor on the black screen and click nition to those celebrating these significant jubilee anniver- The procession, in honor of the Most Holy Body and Blood and the program begins. saries at a reception in Ave Maria Hall of the Cathedral of Christ truly and substantially present in the Blessed Any comments or suggestions can be made by e-mail to office building on the corner of Kirby and Bilbo Streets. Sacrament, will be offered to thank Almighty God for the [email protected]. Couples must contact their parish of their intention to at- graces of the Year for Priests, which closes in mid June, and tend the Mass. The parish will forward those names to Mrs. to beseech Him to grant us a peaceful hurricane season this Abrazando Cristo Mission raffle tickets available Kathy Owen, director of the Office of Family Life, which year, according to Father Rommel Tolentino, pastor. LAKE CHARLES – The annual fundraising raffle for the sponsors this annual event. A special invitation will then be Everyone is invited to participate and there will be a re- Abrazando Cristo Mission Program has now begun with the sent back to the couple. ception in the parish hall at the conclusion of the procession. selling of raffle tickets for the top prize of $5,000. Second prize is $1,000 while third prize is $500. The draw- Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreat set St. Thomas More Society elects officers ing for the prizes will be Sunday, June 20 at 2 p.m. in the St. LAKE CHARLES – Rachel’s Vineyard, a post-abortion LAKE CHARLES -- Officers were recently elected for the Henry Community Center, 1021 Eighth Avenue. ministry of healing provided through the Office of Pro-Life of St. Thomas More Society, Judge Henry L. Yelverton Chapter, Tickets are $100 each and may be purchased by sending a the Diocese of Lake Charles, will hold its first weekend re- to serve from March 2010 to March 2011. check to Rev. Daniel Torres, Abrazando Cristo Mission Pro- treat Friday through Sunday, July 30-August 1 at Tabor Re- John F. (Jack) Robichaux will serve as president, Sidney J. gram, 414 Iris Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601. Your raffle treat House of Saint Charles Center. (Sid) Rosteet was named vice president/president-elect; ticket will be mailed back to you. Only 500 tickets will be For more information contact the Office of Pro Life at 337- Jared L. Watson, secretary; and Timothy O’Dowd, treasurer. sold. 439-7400, Extension 313 or 317. Rosteet will also serve as chairman for the annual Red Proceeds from the raffle benefit the mission program by Mass, this year set for October 15 in the Cathedral of the Im- purchasing medicines, food, bibles and aid in the completion Diocesan Altar Society luncheon slated maculate Conception. of construction of the Church of St. John the Baptist in the LAKE CHARLES – The annual Diocesan Altar Society Diocese of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Luncheon for members of Altar Societies of all of the 38 Safe Environment Training parishes of the Diocese of Lake Charles will be held on Tues- LAKE CHARLES – The next Safe Environment Initial Benefit golf tournament scheduled day, August 31 in Ave Maria Hall of the Cathedral of the Im- Training Session will be held on Tuesday, May 25, beginning LAKE CHARLES – The annual Johnnie Thibodeaux, Jr. maculate Conception. at 2 p.m. in the Chancery of the Diocese, 414 Iris Street, ac- golf tournament will be held Saturday, June 5 at the Mallard Members will meet at 11 a.m. and then attend the 12:05 cording to Mrs. Bernell Ezell, Director of the Office of Child Cove Golf Course. p.m. Mass in the Cathedral. The luncheon will follow the and Youth Protection. The tournament, which benefits the foundation estab- liturgy. This page paid for by the Diocese of Lake Charles through the generous sponsorships of the following: Catholic Charities Hear the Bishop’s Saint Charles “Connected Catholics” Watch “Glad Tidings” In Thanksgiving For sponsorship information Diocese of Mass Sundays Center/Tabor Diocesan Singles Sunday at 6 a.m. Eric and Barbara Call 337-439-7400, Ext. 307 Lake Charles at 9:30 a.m. Retreat House Ministry 337-439-7400 on KPLC-TV Phillips 337-439-7436 1290 & 1470 AM 337-855-1232 [email protected]