The Baptism of the Lord January 12, 2020 Joseph P. O. Box 365 117 South Main St. Loreauville, 70552 (337) 229-4254 FAX (337) 229-4255 Rev. Barry F. Crochet, Pastor Rev. Godwin Nzeh CMF, Associate Pastor Deacon Christopher Doumit, Pastoral Assistant [email protected] stjosephparishonline.org MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil Mass — 4:00 p.m. Sunday — 7:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. [9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory] Monday, Wednesday and Friday — 6:45 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Tuesday and Thursday — 5:30 p.m. at Saint Joseph Thursday — 10:00 a.m. at Saint Catherine Apartments First Saturday — 8:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION Every Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. and one-half hour before all weekday Masses, or by appointment during office hours. OFFICE HOURS Monday through Thursday — 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. RECEPTIONIST/BOOKKEEPER/CEMETERIAN Mrs. Gail Borel — [email protected] RECORDS CLERK/PLANT MANAGER Gladys Lasseigne RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Mrs. Sherry Hebert — [email protected] MUSIC MINISTRY Mrs. Janice Carboni & Miss Amber DeMarco (Saturday — 4:00 p.m.) Mr. Michael Arceneaux (Sunday — 10:30 a.m.) BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE Mr. Ken Theriot and John Thomas Neuville EUCHARISTIC ADORATION The chapel is open every day from 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. FUNERALS Please contact the office prior to contacting the funeral home. Funerals are celebrated in the morning of Tuesdays through Saturdays no later than 11:00 a.m. Almighty ever-living God, Who, when Christ A Funeral Vigil is celebrated on the preceding evening at 6:00 p.m. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM had been baptized in the River Jordan and as Baptism classes are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:45 p.m. in the rectory. Baptism are held on the second and fourth the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. Please contact the parish office for scheduling. solemnly declared Him Your beloved Son, SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY Couples must contact the pastor at least six months prior to the grant that Your children by adoption, reborn proposed wedding date. SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK of water and the Holy Spirit, may always be Contact the parish office to schedule a pastoral visit. SAFE ENVIRONMENT well pleasing to You. Contact the parish office. Please pray for our parish family members who are sick: We invite you to submit the names of people who are in need of our prayers.

Jess Koch, Lisa Adcock, Kendall Romero, Alicia Durand, Janice Bastian, Butch and Debbie White, Guy Thibodeaux, Lydia May, Stacy, Joseph Huval, Marie Lee Prioux, Troy Barras, Kelly Louis “CoCo” Landry Jr., Jerry Fruge, Jimmy Clifton, Rowena Ransonet, Jessica Scott, Mary Smith, Brian Thibodeaux, Jackie Borel, Megan Scully, Maxine Latiolais, Dawn Derouen, Matil Savoy, Barry Thibodeaux, Doris “Boutte” Barras, Michele Dugas LasSalle Romero, Falyn Sonnier, Rickey Sonnier, Caline Provost, Burke, Paul Crochet, Craig Breaux, Helen Simon, Ross Rouly, Katie Boutte, Patricia Freyou, Lecia Broussard, Jason Walker, Jamie Brady, Holly LeBlanc, Faye Gary, Tony Berard, Glenn Ronald Albert Sr., Michael Theriot, Roshondra Nora, Noah Romero, Stuart Sandoz, Duffy Domingue, Eric Clements, David Abraham, Jimmy LeBlanc, Chad Borel, Sophie Bonin, Ashley Louviere, Hayden Ransonet, Trevor Louviere, Vanessa Courville, Hebert, Stephen Dugas, Bonnie Hebert, Jon-Luke Lancon, Jade Wayne Louviere, Austin Willett, Willey Poirrier, Inez Barras, Helen Delcambre, Misty Sonnier, Doris Prados, Gail Louviere.

Please note that our office will purge the names on our sick list every quarter. We ask anyone who lists someone’s name to please call the parish office to add or remove a name. January 5, 2020 Mass Intentions — 1/11-1/17 Regular Sunday Offering Envelopes (70%) $ 5,075.00 Regular Sunday Offering Loose (30.%) $ 2,126.00 Saturday 4:00 p.m. StJo — Francine Rita Habetz, Mary Kay Habetz, Tom $ 7,385.00 Ann Boring, Jamie Brasseaux, Ossie Voorhies, Oris Cormier, Sue Crochet. Weekly Budget Romero Jr., Eugene, Lenora and Valette 10:30 a.m. StJo — Loto Louviere, Jr., Regular Collection Total $ 7,201.00 Guidry, Harold and Rosa Mae Prince, Gam and Velma Gondron, Suzette Difference -$ 184.00 Nicolas Walet, Aymar “Poon” and Beulah Judice, Antoine Judice Family, Kelly Completion Loan Balance $ 72,957.25 Dugas, Ide Dugas Family, Alexis Louviere, Clyde Dressel, Judy Dressel Completion Collection $ 90.00 Laviolette Family, Wayne LeBlanc, Lily Judice, Sylvia Thibodeaux, Shelton Joseph $ 25,895.00 Mae and Alvin LeBlanc, Otto Sr. and and Ella Mae Desormeaux Freyou, Insurance Balance 2019-2020 Laurence Girouard, Terradot Family, Ruben Rogers, Elizabeth Capps Rogers, Insurance Collection $ 30.00 Theresa Girouard Allen, Clarence Alfred Crochet, Claude Hebert, Cecile 158 of 1314 families used collection envelopes (12% participation). Champagne Family, Robert Prados Hebert, Deacon Jay Bergeron, 224 of 1314 families attended Mass this weekend (17% attendance). Family and Breaux Family, Chad Romero, Archbishop Harry Flynn, Alvin and Faye Deyna Champagne, Audrey Crochet, Tauzin, Edmonia Tauzin, Marcel and Thanks to those who practice Sacrificial Giving and give Jordan Prince and Special Intention, Nadage Broussard, Jimmy Eldridge, of their time, talent and treasure as an act of profound Christian stewardship. Joseph Dressel, Barry Eldridge and Ned Elaine Plessala and Eldridge Family, Broussard Families, Melvin Dugas, Roy Cheryl Segura, Jeanette “Jan” Crochet, The Sanctuary Lamp is burning for Sr. and Gladys Berard, Forbus and Myrtle Pliny Walet Family, Agnes Breaux, Angus The Community Mestayer Sr., Granger and Mestayer and Florence “Flo” Mestayer, Louis and Family, Ronald, Sr. and Mildred Elbay Judice, Boots Thomas, Joe The Vocation Chalice is in Gonsoulin, Leed and Mabel Gondron, Boudreaux and Justin Boudreaux, L.J. and The Adoration Chapel Fred Laviolette, Louis and Grace Moran, Anita Grivat and Parents Widley Please pray for vocations. If you would like to have the vocation chalice Virginia Frioux, Lennet and Marie Louviere, Anita and Lennet Grivat, in your home please call the rectory office at 229-4254. Antoinette Crochet, Clenie and Eve Sandra Angelle and Glenn Angelle, Percy Segura and Billie, Sally Domingue, Cabrol Granger, Sue Crochet. The Bi-Monthly Statue is in the home of and Domingue Family, Lorraine Huval, Monday 6:45 a.m. OLV — Landry and Basil and Gail Borel Preston and Agnes Huval, Martha Champagne Families Ancestors and Escagne Rodriguez, Lloyd Broussard, Descendants and Souls in Purgatory, The Weekly Statue is in the home of Claude and Felicie Granger, Nancy Pope, Priest, Religious, Ruben Rogers, Marcus and Sherry Hebert Family Broussard, Clarence and Hilda Landry, Elizabeth Capps Rogers, Alfred Crochet, Billie and Armance Barrilleaux, Kay Claude Hebert, Cecile Hebert, Deacon Saint Joseph Altar Candles are burning for Dooley and William and Dolores Dooley, Jay Bergeron, Archbishop Harry Flynn, Pliny Walet Family and Agnes Breaux Earl Mestayer, Kim Decuir, Chris and Sue Crochet. Charles and Jackie Poirrier Annie Decuir Family, Benjamin Decuir Tuesday 5:30 p.m. StJo — Cobey Jon-Luke Lancon, Delcambre and Breaux Family Family, Ron and Jana Angelle Family, Braquet, Landry and Champagne Deyna Champagne and Chad Romero Michael Decuir Family, Walter and Doris Families Ancestors and Descendants and Jerry Frugé, Gracie Brasseaux M. Judice, Theresa M. Douet and Arville Souls in Purgatory, Pope, Priest, Religious, Douet, Olivia Olivier, Gloria and Sam Ruben Rogers, Elizabeth Capps Rogers, Flowers on the Altar are in loving memory of Delcambre and Family, Justin Boudreaux, Alfred Crochet, Claude Hebert, Cecile Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Breaux Elton Bourque Family, Philip Hebert Hebert, Deacon Jay Bergeron, Family, Bobby and Mark Braquet and Archbishop Harry Flynn, Sue Crochet. MINISTERS FOR NEXT WEEK Cathy Braquet Latiolais, Francis and Wednesday 6:45 a.m. OLV — Clark Date Extraordinary Lorena Dupoy and Patrick Lasseigne Provost, Landry and Champagne and Readers Eucharistic Altar Servers Family, Ruben Rogers, Elizabeth Capps Families Ancestors and Descendants and Time Ministers Rogers, Alfred Crochet, Claude Hebert, Souls in Purgatory, Pope, Priest, Religious, January 18 Linda Dore Earl Price Kristyn Dorsey 4:00 p.m. Janet Thibodeaux Roberta Degeyter Mia Hebert Cecile Hebert, Deacon Jay Bergeron, Ruben Rogers, Elizabeth Capps Rogers, January 19 Lottie Frioux Archbishop Harry Flynn, Sue Crochet. Alfred Crochet, Claude Hebert, Cecile Kim Landry Kylie Kay Mestayer 7:00 a.m. Belinda Phillips Sunday 7:00 a.m. StJo — Tracey Hebert, Deacon Jay Bergeron, Claudette Thibodeaux Raymond Bergeron Ethan Walet 10:30 a.m. Defelice Guilbeaux, Phyllis Crochet Archbishop Harry Flynn, Sue Crochet. Catherine LeJeune Claire Breaux Evan Walet LeBlanc, Gwen Borel, Ruben Rogers, Thursday 5:30 p.m. StJo — Woodrow Please pray for our priests, seminarians, deacons and religious Elizabeth Capps Rogers, Alfred Crochet, Ruiz, Ruiz and Angelle Families, Eternal Father, we lift up to You these special sons and daughters. Sanctify Claude Hebert, Cecile Hebert, Deacon Ancestors and Descendants, Russell Jay Bergeron, Archbishop Harry Flynn, Familey, Ancestors and Descendants, them. Heal and guide them. Mold them into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus, John Michael Steiner, Jay Gonsoulin Landry and Champagne Families the Eternal High Priest. May their lives be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ Name Family, Paul Sonnier Family and Clyde Ancestors and Descendants and Souls in we pray. Amen. Warfel Family, Sandra P. Horton, Loto Purgatory, Pope, Priest, Religious, Ruben Rev. Joseph Brasseaux, OSB Oliv/Alex Cormier January 11 and Leah Louviere, Antoine “Boy” Rogers, Elizabeth Capps Rogers, Alfred Dcn. Byrne Winn/Sr. Maria Luz Cervantes, MSC LeBlanc Family, Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Crochet, Claude Hebert, Cecile Hebert, January 12 Albert Sr., Champagne and Landry Deacon Jay Bergeron, Archbishop Harry Rev. Louis Allen Breaux/Brent Didier Families Ancestors and Descendants and Flynn, Sue Crochet. January 13 Dcn. Michael Yenik/Sr. Audrey Ruth Donnenfelser, MSC Souls in Purgatory, Pope, Priest, Religious, Friday 6:45 a.m. OLV — Landry and Rev. A. Rex Broussard/Gabe Dowden Maude Granger and Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Champagne Families Ancestors and January 14 Dcn. Thomas Adams/Sr. Naoma Duhe, MSC Ransonet, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Granger, Descendants and Souls in Purgatory, Rev. Henry Broussard/Casey Dugas January 15 Dr. Raymond Schneider, Elaine Pope, Priest, Religious, Judice and Walet Dcn. Kenneth Arnaud/Sr. Audrey Fontenot, MSC Schneider, Skip Schneider, Lolly Harbin, Families, Ruben Rogers, Elizabeth Capps Rev. Ken Broussard, JCL/John Dugas January 16 Breaux and Delcambre Families, Rogers, Alfred Crochet, Claude Hebert, Dcn. Arthur Bakeler/Sr. Mary David Hecker, MSC Rev. Patrick Broussard/Tré Fontenot Lenwood Delcambre, Emus Borel, Cecile Hebert, Deacon Jay Bergeron, January 17 Dcn. Scotty Baudoin/Sr. Monica Stelly, MSC Gwen Borel, Chataignier Family, Joe and Archbishop Harry Flynn, Sue Crochet.

The Diocesan Pro-Life Oratory Contest for high school juniors Painting With and seniors will be held February 12, 2020 at Immaculata Center – 1408 Carmel Dr., Lafayette, LA from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. A Prayer The topics include: The Tragedy of Abortion, The Tragedy of Euthanasia, with The Tragedy of Infanticide, or The Tragedy of Embryonic Stem Cell Research. Rev. Bill Melancon First Prize is $250 and the opportunity to participate in the state Pro- Life Oratory Contest in May at the Knights of Columbus State January 31, 2020 Convention to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge. Saint Theresa Hall This is a great opportunity for students to research important pro- 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. life issues. Topics may be found on the USCCB.org website under No art experience needed. It is not about the painting. It is all the Pro Life Activities section or visit our Diocesan website: about the prayer. Fee is $30 per person to cover cost of http://www.diolaf.org/pro-life supplies. To reserve your spot, call the office at 229-4254. Please encourage high school junior and senior students to Deadline to register is Wednesday, January 29. participate in the Diocesan Pro-Life Oratory Contest. Entry forms The theme is: Holy Mother and Child are to be submitted prior to the deadline of February 5, 2020. For additional information, please contact Trista Littell at (337) 261-5598.

For Christians, a pilgrimage to the Holy Patriotic Land is like going home. And just before The Knights of Columbus will Advent 2020 is the perfect time for a life- sponsor a Patriotic Rosary on the changing faith trip! Nazareth, Bethlehem, Feast of the Assumption, Thursday Cana, Mount Tabor, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and much more. Don’t just see it — evening, January 16, 2020, following the 6:00 p.m. experience it. Scriptures and the Mass will Mass at Saint Joseph Church. All are invited. become far more meaningful. It’s a trip you’ll treasure the rest of your life! (November 2-11, 2020) Save $300-$1200 over similar trips The Knights of Columbus will that offer less! Space is limited, so act now. Discounts for those who sign-up soon. For more info contact Mark Wyble at: host their monthly meeting on [email protected] or 816-233-8427 Monday, January 20, 2020, in Saint Theresa Hall.

Calling all Photographers On behalf of Jon-Luke Lancon, [and wannabees]

we would like to send our most Our Cemetery Office sincere thank you to the needs help to photograph community for the continued ll graves in our cemeteries prayers and support. The power of If you have some free time prayer and love from you all has we would welcome given us the strength and faith your assistance we need to fight this terrible disease. Because of you all, we Joyful Noise Ministries are Jon-Luke STRONG! presents Laura Huval Music As A Form Of Worship Sincerely, Tuesday, January 28, 2020, 6:00 p.m. Saint Joseph Catholic Church Elby and Dana Lancon The mission statement for Joyful Noise Ministries is “Spreading the Gospel one song at a time”. The concept for Joyful Noise Ministries began many years ago when the Holy Spirit began calling Laura to do more with her gifts of music and teaching. Laura Huval is a wife and mother, a seasoned Catholic music minister, inspirational Thank you to all keynote speaker, catechist, award winning who made the recording artist, a Catholic School educator, Food Pantry songwriter, cultural advocate, and a non-profit Christmas Party founder. She inspires and engages all ages through her powerful music, life changing programs, and possible passion and love for God. Learn more about your Catholic faith by taking an Aquinas Institute Course! Spring 2020 Courses are now open for registration. Do you desire happiness? Then you want to take Fr. Ben Pitre’s course on living the virtues. The 280 Catholic Moral Principles will address what it means to live life in Christ. The class will meet at Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Student center in Lafayette on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m.-8:45 p.m. beginning January 13 Office of Communications and ending May 4. Fr. Randy Moreau will teach THE 370 The New Testament at John Paul the Great Academy on Thursday An historic journey will begin this weekend as three Acadiana residents take the evenings from 6:00 p.m.-8:45 p.m. beginning January 16 and first step toward possible sainthood in the Catholic Church. ending May 7. Saint Jerome said that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of the Diocese of Lafayette will officially open of Christ. Register to audit or take his class for credit to learn of the “Cause for ” of Miss Charlene Richard and Mr. Auguste “Nonco” Pelafigue at a 10:00 a.m. ceremony on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Christ in the New Testament. For more information on these Immaculata Chapel in Lafayette. A news conference will immediately follow in course offerings or to register, contact Fr. Michael Champagne, the John XXIII conference room of the Diocese of Lafayette Central Offices, CJC at (337) 394-6550, email at [email protected] or located at 1408 Carmel Drive. A third candidate for Beatification/ visit us at: Canonization is Lt. Father Verbis Lafleur, whose cause requires the www.aquinaslafayette.org collaboration of two other bishops in order to receive necessary permissions, due to Fr. Lafleur’s military service. We expect these technical, canonical matters to be resolved shortly. Once resolved, Bishop Deshotel intends to Vocation Chalice Signup open Fr. Lafleur’s “Cause for Canonization” as soon as possible. Nonetheless, All families and members of our parish Fr. Lafleur will also be recognized at the Saturday events. family are invited to contact the parish office Each of the three candidates are beloved, not only in South Louisiana but at 229-4254 to signup to receive the Vocation around the world, for their strong Catholic faith and their loving devotion to Chalice for one week each year. The Vocation our Lord Jesus Christ and His Church, and their nomination is a testament to Chalice is our contribution in asking the Lord the rich diversity of our Diocese. to inspire those He calls to be able to hear Charlene Richard, known affectionately as “The Little Cajun Saint,” was an that call to send laborers into His harvest. It is Acadia Parish middle school student and athlete who died at the age of twelve always a privilege to be part of this endeavor. in 1959, just two weeks after being diagnosed with acute leukemia. While hospitalized, she offered her suffering to God in prayers for others. Nonco Pelafigue was a longtime resident of Arnaudville, a teacher, a producer of We invite all of our children’s plays, and door to door lay evangelist who devoted his life to the parishioners to begin Sacred Heart of Jesus. Lt. Father J. Verbis Lafleur was a native of Ville Platte and parishioner of Saint Landry Church in Opelousas who was ordained as a the New Year by priest in the Diocese of Lafayette in 1938, where he was assigned to Saint Mary consecrating themselves Magdalen Parish in Abbeville. He later volunteered as a military chaplain during World War II. As a prisoner of war, he gave his life while saving the lives of his to the Virgin Mary fellow servicemen during a torpedo attack aboard a sinking Japanese P.O.W. according to the plan of ship off the coast of the Philippines in the final year of the war. Stories of miraculous healing have been attributed to all three of the candidates. Saint Louis de During the January 11 ceremony, Bishop Deshotel will officially accept Montfort. Using this each petition from representatives of the candidates’ supporters and will sign separate decrees on the Immaculata Chapel altar, officially opening the Cause book by Fr. Michael for Beatification/Canonization. At that time, all those involved in the research Gaitley — 33 Days to and investigation of each cause will take an oath of office. Included in the oath of office is the Postulator, the Catholic canon lawyer appointed to guide and Morning Glory — the oversee the Cause. method of Saint Louis At the news conference following the ceremony, Bishop Deshotel will has been updated with deliver a brief statement and spokespersons for each of the candidates will be available to answer questions. Press packets will also be distributed to provide meditations from Saint Theresa of Calcutta, Pope additional resources and biographical information on each of the candidates. Saint John Paul II and Saint Maximilian Kolbe. For more information on how the Catholic Church chooses , go to: http://usccb.org/about/public-affairs/backgrounders/saints- This book will lead you on a personal 33 day backgrounder.cfm. journey in preparation for Marian Consecration.

It is important to understand that Saturday’s ceremony is not a beatification or canonization, but the first official step in the extensive and multifaceted process The book is available at the Saint Joseph parish involved in that journey. office for $12.00. Islam, Realism, and the Church intention, do his policies and programs look upon the Sufis as heretics. by William Kilpatrick actually tend toward the destruction of the Massignon’s magnum opus was published West and of Christianity? almost 100 years ago, yet many Catholics In comments last year, Marcello Pera, a I would say, “Yes, they do.” And I would still take his idiosyncratic view of Islam to prominent Italian intellectual and non- argue, as Professor Pera does, that they “lack be the “true” and “authentic” Islam. Ever believer, criticized Pope Francis for “openly a minimum of realism.” Future historians since the publication of Nostra Aetate in going against tradition, doctrine, and may well look back upon our era as the Age 1965, this woefully inadequate view of Islam introducing inexplicable innovations, of Unreality. And many in the Church have has been handed down to successive behaviors and gestures.” embraced this unreality as though it were a generations of Catholics, and it’s well past A philosopher of science, former newly revealed Gospel. time to challenge it. president of the Italian Senate, and close Some Church leaders have been flirting Over against the fantasies, there stands friend of Pope Benedict XVI, Pera asserted with the idea of same-sex marriage, and an abundance of facts about Islam that are that Francis had turned Catholicism into “a some seem willing to believe that females not friendly to the current Catholic Church so outgoing that it can no longer be can transition to males and males to females. narrative. Catholics need to acquaint found anywhere.” Others, including the pope himself, seem to themselves with these facts lest they be lured In an earlier 2017 interview with Il believe in the fantasy idea that the lot of the into a deadly complacency. Mattino, Pera was even more outspoken. In poor can be improved by getting rid of Let’s start with one rather large and answer to a question about “indiscriminate” fossil-fuels – which may be the reason that longstanding fact: All of North Africa, welcoming of migrants to Europe, he they have also revived the fantasy of the Turkey, and the Middle East were once replied: “Frankly, I do not get this pope, Noble Savage. Because, minus the benefits Catholic. In fact, for many centuries they whatever he says is beyond any rational of electric power, much of the world will be were the great centers of Catholic culture. understanding. It’s evident to all that an quickly reduced to a primitive level. In which Now, however, these regions are over 90 indiscriminate welcoming is not possible: case, we may all find ourselves praying to percent Muslim. there is a critical point that can’t be reached.” Pachamama and the rain gods for a good Fast forward a millennium and it looks He continued: “If the pope … insists in harvest. like the same thing is happening again. a massive and total welcoming, I ask myself: The most dangerous fantasy, however, is Lebanon was 62 percent Christian in 1970, why does he say it? … Why does he lack a the one that Church leaders have created but by 2010 the Christian population was minimum of realism, that very little that is about Islam. We are told that it’s a religion only 36 percent. In Iraq, the Christian requested of anyone? The answer I can give of peace, that it shares much common population has declined by more than 90 myself is only one: The Pope does it ground with Christianity, that Muslims percent just since 2003. Meanwhile, because he hates the West, he aspires to venerate Jesus just as Catholics do, that Christians are being slaughtered in the name destroy it … As he aspires to destroy the terrorism has nothing to do with Islam, and of Islam all over the world – in Nigeria, Christian tradition.” that the slaughter of Christians by Muslims Syria, Kenya, Burkina Faso, the Philippines, Two years ago, most Catholics would can be attributed to a tiny minority who Sri Lanka, and elsewhere. have found that hard to swallow. But now, “misunderstand” their religion. It’s not a pretty picture, but it’s a much the idea that Pope Francis hates the West is At the same time, we are taught that more accurate one than that painted by the beginning to seem plausible. It would “Islamophobia” – an irrational fear of Islam Church’s current cadre of whitewashers, explain much of what he says and does – – is a far greater danger than Islamic and one that those of us possessing even “a his criticism of capitalism and colonialism, aggression. minimum of realism” need to take very Amazonian initiative and, above all, Pera’s point is that these supposedly seriously. encouragement of mass Muslim migration “irrational” fears are actually quite into Europe. reasonable. He is mainly concerned with the Does he also aspire to destroy the fantasy that Europe can successfully absorb William Kilpatrick is the author of Christianity, Christian tradition? Well, he rarely misses an millions of Muslim migrants who don’t Islam and Atheism: The Struggle for the Soul of the West, and a new book, The Politically opportunity to criticize traditional Catholics. want to assimilate. But as one can see, there Incorrect Guide to Jihad. His work is supported in At the same time, he seems intent on is a whole basketful of other fantasies that part by the Shillman Foundation. For more on his introducing exotic and decidedly non- Catholic leaders believe about Islam. work and writings, visit his website, The Turning Point traditional practices into the life of the Where does the fantasy come from? Project. Church. Some attribute it to the influence of Louis The key word, of course, is “aspires.” Massignon (1883-1962), a French Catholic Does Francis consciously desire to scholar of Islam whose work had a “destroy” the West and traditional profound effect on Catholic thinking. Yet Christianity (aka Christianity). Or is he Massignon’s main interest was in the Sufi simply a well-intentioned do-gooder who mystical tradition within Islam, which is only doesn’t understand the consequences of his a sliver of the whole. In short, Massignon experiments? and his followers seem to have confused That’s a serious question, but it’s Islam with a relatively small sect of Islam – unnecessary to know the answer in order to one that is unrepresentative of mainstream raise a related question: Whatever the beliefs and practices. Indeed, many Muslims I Have Seen Courage who, despite fear, acknowledges abuse, onto the firm ground of the Lord’s truth by Elizabeth A. Mitchell because enabling the lie in shame and guilt and best for our lives in His Will. is a far worse existence than standing In The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost In her now-famous Diary, written in an alone, in freedom and truth. describes the moment of decision as a attic in Amsterdam, Anne Frank I have seen courage in a cheerful, bold choice where only the beginning of the comments on the Dutch citizens helping hero, visiting without fanfare the journey can be seen: to hide her Jewish family: “Our protectors, persecuted Christians of the Middle East, Two roads diverged in a wood, and I we call them. I asked Father what would to keep the flame of faith alive in the land – happen to them if the Nazis found out of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I took the one less traveled by, they were hiding us. Pim said that they I have seen courage in the humble, and that has made all the difference. would suffer the same fate that we would. steadfast priests, binding the wounds of a Imagine!” bloodied Body of Christ, fulfilling the call Our vision does not pass beyond the In another famous image, from more of a faithful spouse to the Church. bend. We see only the point of decision, recent days, twenty-one Coptic Christians And I have seen courage in two great and not the outcome, as we step ahead. clad in orange jumpsuits, kneel resolutely churchmen, who have proposed a series Courage is this decision. We step ahead in on a beach in Libya, their captors seeking of questions, doubts about the integrity of faith. to prove to the world just how shamed the Faith, and been cold-shouldered by We all know someone who is and overpowered are these soon-to-be their peers, as they await the answer they summoning courage. Perhaps we are killed prisoners. But the world also saw deserve because they have honored their doing it ourselves. Take heart and reach overwhelming courage. vows and the duty of their office. out, believe in them, offer the hope of Courage is visible. It exists in a moment Those who choose to act with courage acceptance in truth, and you will enable when fear and danger have the upper fully accepting the price they must pay are courage. hand, and yet the courageous person exceptions in every age. chooses to act in spite of the It’s said that in 1519, upon arrival in the consequences. Courage exists because of New World, Hernán Cortés ordered his the possibility for cowardice. It is the men to burn their ships. He wanted all Dr. Elizabeth A. Mitchell, S.C.D., received her doctorate in Institutional Social Communications decision made for the good, when possible option of returning to what was from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in accepting evil would be the easier, safer safe and comfortable removed, forcing Rome and worked as a translator for the Holy See option. Courage exists because we have them to embrace the challenges and Press Office and L’Osservatore Romano. She serves as free will. opportunities that lay before them. Only Dean of Students for Trinity Academy, a private K- 12 Catholic school in Wisconsin. She also serves on Courage is seen when it is embraced. It without the easy escape to their old life, the Board of Directors of the Shrine of Our Lady appears in the most unlikely of places, and with total commitment to the task at of Guadalupe in La Crosse, WI, and is an adviser to quiet and hidden, unaware of its majesty hand, could they forge a new existence. the Saint Gianna and Pietro Molla International and divine nature. The desire to rationalize dwells deep Center for Family and Life. I have seen courage in a frail, silver- within the human psyche. We often return haired lady, who put on a red cashmere to the supposed safety our ships, our safe sweater and pearls, shuffled with her but unhealthy patterns of behavior, our walker to the dining room, and joined in at less than true-to-self decisions, not Thanksgiving dinner, not because it was because we prefer them, but because they comfortable, but because it maintained her offer the path of least resistance, and allow dignity. us to put off, once more, the need to I have seen courage in a father confront reality and all that truth demands. dropping off his daughter at the small, Our greatest fear, in burning the ships, faith-based school outside of town, rather is that the conflagration will be looked than the more prestigious option down the upon as failure. Letting go of the neat and street with the gym, smart boards, and tidy – if empty and bankrupt – existence running track, because her soul is more with which we have long been coping, will precious to him than the empty expose to the world that our existence was approbation of the world. not as perfect as it seemed. The Evil One I have seen courage in the woman keeps us in chains by whispering choosing life, against the medical mercilessly that we will be rejected when prognosis, knowing that hers is the vessel we embrace the light of truth. through which the Lord will bring a new Courage must be summoned to battle soul into being, and her self-sacrifice is the against and overcome these paralyzing means through which her life-witness is to fears. The light cast by the decision for be offered. truth exposes the lie. Yes, the decision will I have seen courage in the survivor disrupt the status quo, but we will step 107 Centre Sarcelle Blvd. Youngsville, LA 70592 KEITH E. THIBODEAUX 337-451-4511 ATTORNEY AT LAW Dr. Gary J. Granger, O.D. 422 SOUTH MAIN STREET SAINT MARTINVILLE, LA 70582 HEALTHY EYES. CLEAR VISION. MUSIC TO YOUR EYES. PHONE: 337-394-3034 FAX: 337-394-3518

229-8338 www.davidfuneralhome.org

A-Bear’s Diner 1218 W. Main St Serving Breakfast New Iberia, LA 70560 & Lunch

337-365-6503 Tuesday-Friday 120 Main Street Plate Lunches, Burgers 5:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Loreauville, LA 70552 105 N. Main Street Po-Boys, Salads, Soups Loreauville Saturday & Sunday Todd Simon – Owner Louisiana 7:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. Gumbo & More 229-6386 Hours: Monday-Friday 337-229-9244 Thursday, Friday & Saturday Evenings NOW SERVING PIZZA 10:30am-2pm 5:00-9:00 p.m.

R & R Glass Works Repairs & Installation Oubre Ricky Bourque, parishioner Memorials 365-9311 & Vaults, L.L.C. RANDY RANSONET, Owner 3125 Hwy 90 East Opie’s Heating & 806 W. Washington St. Broussard, Louisiana Air Conditioning New Iberia, LA 70560-4212 Sales & Service 337-837-1050 Whitney “Opie” Prados, owner 229-6946 337-367-9260

Julius “Buddy” Ransonet & Glenn Guidry, owners

Metal Roofs  Canopies  Doors Metal Building Components 229-6912 Free Estimates

TECHE LUMBER & Raymond F. Schneider BUILDING SUPPLY, INC. Memorial Clinic, LLC Dugas Auto Repair 1302 Ed Broussard Rd. Paint, Roofing, Hardware Service is our Business! Loreauville, LA 337-229-7929 1304 Hopkins Street, New Iberia, Larry Louviere, Owner [email protected] 833 Center Street Nancy A. Schneider, RNC, APRN New Iberia, LA Family & Women’s Health Specialty Storm Shutters (337) 369-6482 wk Nurse Practitioner Honoring a legacy of quality, Scott R. Guidry  229-9792 (337)369-1123 fax compassionate healthcare Operable & Decorative

P.O. Box 110 700 N. Main Street, Loreauville, LA Loreauville, LA 229-4224 229-4232 Perry Judice, owner