Vol. 26, No. 10 May 2017 ConnectionThe Catholic

Reflection on the Mar ks of the Church O H C A

Also Inside Bishop's Reflection: Prepare for Pastoral Changes with an Open Heart Reflecting with Our Lady of Sorrows

May 2017 1 ConnectionThe Catholic bishop’s may calendar Publisher MAY 2 Confirmation; Jesus the Ordination Bishop Michael G. Duca Good Shepherd Parish, Monroe; to the 6:00 p.m. Priesthood; Editor Cathedral Jessica Rinaudo MAY 3 St. Francis Medical Center of St. John Board of Directors’ Meeting; Berchmans, Contributors Monroe; 11:30 a.m. Shreveport; 5:30 p.m. Nancy Bergeron Fr. Rothell Price Confirmation; St. Joseph Parish, Bishop Michael Duca Rosalba Quiroz MAY 18 Loyola College Prep Zwolle; 6:00 p.m. Nicholas Duncan Jessica Rinaudo Baccalaureate Mass; Cathedral Kim Long Katie Sciba MAY 5 25th Annual Red Mass; of St. John Berchmans, Fr. Matthew Long Randy Tiller Holy Trinity Parish, Shreveport; Shreveport; 6:30 p.m. Lucy Medvec Mike Van Vranken 9:00 a.m. Clary Nash Mike Whitehead MAY 19 Loyola College Prep Kelly Phelan Powell John Mark Willcox MAY 7 Confirmation; St. Joseph Graduation; RiverView Theater, Parish, Bastrop; 10:00 a.m. Shreveport; 6:30 p.m.

Editorial Board Confirmation; Cathedral of St. MAY 20 Confirmation; St. Kim Long John Berchmans, Shreveport; Lawrence Parish, Swartz; 4:00 p.m. Fr. Matthew Long 5:30 p.m. Kelly Phelan Powell MAY 21 Confirmation; St. Dianne Rachal MAY 9 Priests Retirement Patrick Parish, Lake Providence; Christine Rivers Committee Meeting; Catholic 9:00 a.m. Deacon Mike Whitehead Center; 11:00 a.m. John Mark Willcox MAY 24 Mass & Reception in MAY 10 Confirmation; St. Joseph honor of Rev. Philip F. Michiels’ Mission Statement Parish, Mansfield; 6:30 p.m. Service to the Overton Brooks The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan VA Hospital; Overton Brooks VA Stewardship Appeal; mailed to every MAY 11 Louisiana Conference Hospital, Shreveport; 11:30 a.m. known Catholic household in the Diocese of Catholic Bishops Governor’s of Shreveport. Our Mission is to advance MAY 27 Louisiana State University knowledge and understanding of our Luncheon; Baton Rouge; Catholic Faith among the faithful. We seek 12:00 p.m. Health Sciences Center to foster the application of Christ’s teachings Commencement Ceremony; and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and Lights of Broadway (Catholic Centenary College’s Gold Dome, to encourage our sense of Catholic identity Charities of North Louisiana within our family, parish, and diocesan faith Shreveport; 10:00 a.m. community. Fundraiser); Pierremont Oaks Tennis Club, Shreveport; 6:00 p.m. Confirmation; St. Matthew Parish, Subscriptions & Address Changes Monroe; 4:00 p.m. Contact: Jessica Rinaudo, Editor MAY 13 Confirmation; St. Thomas Email: [email protected] Aquinas Parish, Ruston; 5:00 p.m. MAY 28 Mass followed by Write: Dedication of New Construction Catholic Connection MAY 14 Confirmation; Sacred 3500 Fairfield Avenue & Retirement Reception in Honor Shreveport, LA 71104 Heart Parish, Oak Grove; of Fr. Philip Michiels; St. Elizabeth Call: 318-868-4441 11:00 a.m. Ann Seton Parish, Shreveport; Fax: 318-868-4609 Confirmation; Sacred Heart Parish, 11:00 a.m. Website: www.thecatholicconnection.org Oak Grove; 5:00 p.m. MAY 29 Memorial Day Mass; The Catholic Connection is a member St. Joseph Cemetery, Shreveport; of the Catholic Press Association. MAY 15 St. Frederick High School Baccalaureate Mass; St. Frederick 10:00 a.m. High School, Monroe; 6:30 p.m. MAY 31 Dalton Trust Board MAY 16 St. Frederick High School Meeting; St. Frederick High The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’s Protecting God’s Children program. Classes are Graduation; St. Frederick High School, Monroe; 12:00 p.m. offered every second Wednesday of the month at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. To report School, Monroe; 6:30 p.m. Confirmation; Our Lady of child sexual abuse by a cleric or church worker in the Diocese of Shreveport, call Glennda Lawson. MAY 17 Mass for Msgr. J. Carson Perpetual Help Church, Hotline is 318-294-1031 and your local law Farmerville; 7:00 p.m. enforcement agency. LaCaze’s 60th Anniversary of

2 Catholic Connection contents may 2017 columns Prepare for Pastoral Changes with an Open Heart by Bishop Michael Duca.... 4-5 Mike’s Meditations: Magnify the Living Christ by Mike Van Vranken...... 6 In Review: Saint Mary Magdalene: Prophetess of Eucharistic Love by Fr. Sean Davidson reviewed by Kelly Phelan Powell ...... 7 11 Faithful Food: A Fish Tale by Kim Long...... 8 Domestic Church: Trust God with Your Challenges by Katie Sciba...... 9 From the Pope: Celebration of Palm Sunday from VIS...... 10 Navigating the Faith: Our Lady of Sorrows by Fr. Matthew Long...... 11 Second Collections for May by Fr. Rothell Price ...... 12 Vocations View: It Takes How Many Years to Become a Priest? by Nicholas Duncan ...... 13 Kids' Connection: Saint Rita of Cascia ...... 24 features 14 Reflection on the Four Marks of the Church by Kim Long ...... 14-15 news Pro-Life Banquet Draws Support for Mary's House by Jessica Rinaudo ...... 16 O'Neill Leaves Legacy of Faith and Joy in Ruston Upon Passing by Nancy Bergeron ...... 17 Fr. Andre McGrath to Celebrate 50th Anniversary by Mike Whitehead...... 18 Msgr. LaCaze Welcomes 60 Year Celebration by Kelly Phelan Powell ...... 19 19 The Harm of Pornography and Hope Beyond Addiction: Arming & Healing Our Children by Katie Sciba ...... 20 Shreveport's Red Mass Celebrates 25 Years by John Mark Willcox ...... 21 on the cover New Deacon Class Postponed by Deacon Clary Nash ...... 21

Vol. 26, No. 10 May 2017 Two Catholic Schools Embrace New Leadership ...... 22 The Catholic Hispanic News by Rosalba Quiroz ...... 23 Connection

School News ...... 25 Reflection on the Mar ks of the Around the Diocese ...... 26-27 Church O H C A Across the Nation: U.S. Bishops Conference Calls for Renewed Peace Effors in Syria from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops ...... 28 Shreveport's Cathedral to be Featured on EWTN ...... 28 Movie Showings of Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima for 100th Anniversary by Randy Tiller ...... 29 Also Inside Bishop's Reflection: Prepare for Pastoral Changes with an Open Heart Reflecting with Our Lady of Sorrows Mark Your Calendar ...... 30 May 2017 1 May Calendar ...... 31 Reflection on the Four Marks of the Church. (page 14)

May 2017 3 la reflexiónDel Obispo por Obispo Michael G. Duca

Abrir el Corazón en Preparación para Cambios Pastorales ada año trae nuevos desafíos para un obispo. Este año, uno de los desafíos es la jubilación de tres de nuestros sacerdotes/párrocos: Cel Padre Pike Thomas, el Padre Phil Michiels y el Padre James McLelland quienes se retiran el 1º de Junio del 2017. Les comparto esta parte del trabajo de la vida de la iglesia este mes porque siento que vamos a tener un gran número de cambios en la diócesis por el retiro de estos tres párrocos, lo cual afectará a varias de nuestras parroquias más grandes. De hecho, para el momento que reciban esta edición de la revista The Catholic Connection, tal vez ya habrán escuchado algunos de estos cambios. Cuando asigno un sacerdote como párroco, lo escojo primeramente y sobre todo para que los ame con el amor de un pastor, como un padre espiritual, para que los nutra espiritualmente (así como él mismo) a través de los sacramentos, predicando y en su liderazgo pastoral de la parroquia. Quiero que el pastor construya una familia parroquial fuerte que tenga como misión, alcanzar más allá de si misma en caridad y ser testigo de Cristo dentro y fuera. Su pastor debe también ser administrador temporal de los recursos de la parroquia (esto quiere decir pagando las cuentas y manteniendo el aire frío durante el verano) y alcanzar a todos los miembros de la parroquia: jóvenes, solteros, casados, divorciados, ancianos, enfermos, a los que se están preparando para el matrimonio, los que tienen dudas, los aprenda los nombres de todos los fieles y se que están en problemas, y aún a los corajudos y testarudos. En breve, les familiarice con todos los ministerios pastorales. pido mucho a mis párrocos y a sus vicarios parroquiales (aún más difíciles Los párrocos y fieles necesitan ser pacientes de encontrar), pero sé que cada uno de ellos trabaja ardua y fielmente para mutuamente, escucharse y trabajar juntos por el cumplir con las responsabilidades que he puesto sobre sus hombros. bienestar de la parroquia. Pero un párroco no puede cumplir con todas estas responsabilidades (y • Sean abiertos al cambio. Dejen que su nuevo más) sin sus fieles. El lugar de ustedes no es solo el de sentarse y calificar párroco sea él mismo. Reconozcan que él tiene al párroco; no, sino que se les pide que todos den más y sean todos talentos y dones únicos que traerá a su parroquia. integrantes de la parroquia. Permítanle que haga su ministerio a su manera. ¿Alguna vez han pensado que deben amar a su párroco y contribuir de No se la pasen diciéndole de que manera hacía las una manera más activa para hacer que su familia parroquial sea testigo cosas el otro párroco. Estén dispuestos a considerar del amor de Dios en el vecindario? Cada fiel debe unirse activamente con que el nuevo párroco ha sido enviado por la gracia el párroco para construir una parroquia viva. No tengan miedo de ser de Dios para que la parroquia sea desafiada y se honestos, aun cuando la opinión sea diferente en algunos aspectos de la desarrolle de una manera espiritual nueva. Yo vida parroquial, solo háganlo con amor y respeto. Cuando era sacerdote creo que además de mis consideraciones, mis parroquial con muchas responsabilidades, frecuentemente necesitaba el prácticas, y mis consultas, el Espíritu Santo aporte de los fieles. De hecho, mucho del éxito atribuido a mi persona guía mis decisiones y está obrando durante este se lograba por medio de la voluntad y trabajo que hacíamos juntos. proceso. Trabajando unidos durante esta transición será esencial para el éxito de Claro que hay que ser caritativos en todo. estos cambios pastorales. Oro para que los cambios que vienen este año Si su parroquia tiene un cambio pastoral esta primavera, en seguida les les traigan una nueva vida, no solamente a doy algunos consejos para que la transición sea más fácil: nuestras parroquias, sino que también reviva y • Denle una oportunidad al párroco. No crean en el chisme negativo desafíe nuestros sacerdotes a un compromiso más que escuchen sobre él. A veces las redes sociales, textos, Facebook y hasta profundo en su sacerdocio y que sean nutridos e el chisme a la antigua han hecho que el cambio del párroco sea más difícil inspirados por el celo y apoyo de sus fieles. Una por ser juzgado y a veces santificado o condenado aun antes de llegar a su parroquia es exitosa cuando el párroco y sus fieles nueva parroquia. trabajan juntos. Que Cristo permanezca en el • Recuerden que toma un tiempo para que un nuevo párroco se centro de estos cambios y de nuestras parroquias. •

4 Catholic Connection bishop’s REFLECTION by Bishop Michael G. Duca Prepare for Pastoral Changes with an Open Heart very year brings new challenges to a bishop. This year the challenge is the retirement of three of our priests/pastors: Father Pike Thomas, EFather Phil Michiels and Father James McLelland on June 1, 2017. I bring this part of Church life to your attention this month because I expect there will be a rather unprecedented number of changes throughout the diocese because of the retirement of these three pastors which will affect several of our larger parishes. In fact, by the time you receive this issue of The Catholic Connection, you may have heard some of the changes already. When I assign a priest as your pastor, I choose them first and foremost to love you with a pastor’s love and, Bishop Duca as a spiritual father, to nourish your spiritual life (as well as his own) through the sacraments, preaching Bishop Duca with retiring priests, Fr. Phil Michiels and in his pastoral leadership of the parish. I want the pastor to build a and Fr. Pike Thomas strong parish family that has, as its mission, to reach out beyond itself in charity and give witness to Christ in the larger community. Your pastor If there is a legitimate concern about the new must also administer the temporal goods of the parish (that’s paying the pastor, talk to him about it. Chances are it is some bills and keeping the air conditioning on in the summer) and reach out misunderstanding that can be easily fixed. Give a new to all members of the parish: the young, single, married, divorced, elderly, pastor the time to let his actions and words speak for infirmed, those preparing for marriage, the doubtful, the troubled, even the themselves. mean and stubborn. In short, I ask a lot of my pastors and their parochial • Remember that it takes a while for a new vicars (these are harder to find today), but I know each of them works hard pastor to learn the names of parishioners and to and faithfully to fulfill the responsibilities I have placed on their shoulders. become familiar with parish ministries. Pastors Yet a pastor cannot accomplish all the above responsibilities (and more) and parishioners need to be patient with one without his parishioners. Your place is not only to sit back and grade the another, listen to each other and work together for pastor; no, more is asked of everyone in the parish. the good of the parish. Have you ever thought that it is your place to love your pastor and to • Be open to change. Let your new pastor be contribute in an active way to make your parish family a witness to the himself. Recognize that he has unique gifts and love of God and neighbor? Every parishioner should actively join with the talents that he will bring to your parish. Allow him pastor in building up a vital parish. Don’t be afraid to give an honest, even to minister in his own way. Don’t keep telling the differing opinion on some aspect of parish life, but do give it with love and new pastor how the old pastor used to do things. respect. When I was a parish priest with many pastoral responsibilities, I Be willing to consider that the new pastor has been often needed help and input from the parishioners. In fact, much of the sent by God’s grace so the parish will be challenged success attributed to me was accomplished through the willingness of the to develop in a new spiritual way. I do believe that parishioners to work with me and I with them. Working together in this even through all my practical considerations and transition will be essential to a successful pastoral change. consultations that the Holy Spirit guides my If your parish has a pastoral change this spring, here are a few helpful tips decisions and is at work in this process. to make the transition smoother: Of course in all things be charitable. I pray that • Give the new pastor a chance. Don’t believe negative gossip that you the changes this year will bring new life, not only to hear about him. Social media, texting, Facebook and even old fashion our parishes, but will also revive and challenge our gossip has often made the changes for our pastors more difficult as they priests to a deeper commitment to their priesthood are judged and either sanctified or condemned before they even arrive and they will be nourished and inspired by the zeal at a new assignment. Most of what you hear on the parish grapevine is and support of their parishioners. A parish succeeds vastly exaggerated and social media can make the concerns of a few seem when the pastor and parishioners work together. larger and more important than they really are. Make it clear to other May Christ remain at the center of these changes in parishioners that criticizing a pastor behind his back is always a mistake. our parishes. •

May 2017 5 mike’s meditations by Mike Van Vranken Magnify the Living Christ Transformation & Resurrection Continue Past Easter

“ ow is your Easter going?” Has anyone asked you that question over the last couple of weeks? It’s ironic that we hear “How is Hyour Lent going?” quite often during those 40 days after Ash Wednesday. Yet, once the stores remove the bunnies from their shelves and we’ve eaten all our Cadbury eggs, Easter is quickly forgotten. We understand its importance in our Christian lives, but because resurrection is difficult to explain, we can easily lose sight of our own role in what it means. Our authentic desire is never to explain resurrection, but to Van Vranken enter into it and live it. Experiencing resurrection is not new to us. When we came out of the waters of our baptism, we rose as a new person. Resurrected! “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). But it doesn’t stop there. We continue to be renewed and transformed and encounters of our daily lives. This new life of ours live as resurrected “ambassadors for Christ” who have “become the becomes a powerful experience for us and for those righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:20, 21). around us. During Lent we were determined to examine our lives and crucify Sound scary? In his post-resurrection appearances, those things that distract us or pull us away from God. Then, we Jesus says: “Be not afraid,” and “Peace be with celebrated his rising from the dead in his glorified body. But again, it you.” This is what we all have to learn when we shouldn’t stop there. We rise from Lent different and transformed as move into new life – don’t be afraid, and trust the a new and living child of God, more joyful and more loving because peace of God. We become totally united with the we got rid of some of those attributes that draw us away from him. incarnation itself. It is not us who shine with peace, We are different. We are changed. And we are to live those changes as love and joy – it’s Jesus shining through us. And it’s resurrected ambassadors for Christ. This is how we enter into and live not an illusion. It’s real. resurrection. Finally, this entire new life moves us in two ways: The incarnation, God with us, is made manifest and continues in our 1. It ignites in us a capacity to be there for others world because we magnify the risen Christ within us. Men and women in a new and more dynamic reality; a new way of who are in the state of resurrection experience a radical change. It isn’t loving, of ministering with compassion, and of easy. It can be complex. sharing in the journeys of our sisters and brothers. But the challenge is: How do I enter the ordinary world as the new 2. It also demands some alone time with God. To person I am? And do I realize that I don’t wait until next Lent to find be present with Him in prayer. It is God who shows new ways to deny the worldliness in my life? Each day I can find some us how to practice being a resurrected people and part of me that distracts my focus from God and nail that distraction to spending time with Him in prayer and conversation the cross. I continue in resurrection as changed again and again – the is essential. transformation continues, so resurrection continues. I literally begin to We are called to more than just believing in live it each day. This is what transformation means. It is crossing into resurrection. We are called to be resurrection in our those areas of our lives where annihilation of the self can begin and we modern world. So rather than waiting for someone then can move into a new life with God and find joy. to ask how your Easter is going, just go ahead and To remain resurrected is to keep our eyes focused on Christ and to ask yourself: “How am I resurrection for the people continue walking in that resurrected way, even in our everyday lives. in my life and the entire world around me?” • Jesus in the resurrection accounts reveals who he is now – in all his divinity, which is shining through in all of his encounters. He is filled Mike is a writer, teacher, and co-author of the book, with peace, love and joy. We live the resurrection by allowing the risen Faith Positive in a Negative World. You can contact Jesus in us to shine through with this same peace, love and joy in the him at www.mikevanvrankenministries.org

6 Catholic Connection in REVIEW reviewed by Kelly Phelan Powell Saint Mary Magdalene: Prophetess of Eucharistic Love by Fr. Sean Davidson

hen I was confirmed in the to all categories of Christians, for Church in 2007, I chose she provides an example to us all, Was my patroness St. Mary regardless of our vocations. At times Magdalene, the woman to whom Christ she is the repentant sinner, at times the appeared first after the Resurrection and perfect contemplative…At times she then sent to announce the Resurrection is an apostle…at times she is simply to the apostles. She’s always been heartbroken and grieving.” mysterious, in part because there were Truthfully, I also love the very few works about her that were subversiveness of it all – while the written in English. When I learned of world believes Holy Mother Church a book called Saint Mary Magdalene: to be hopelessly patriarchal (oh, Prophetess of Eucharistic Love by Fr. Sean the irony!), St. Mary Magdalene’s Davidson, I downloaded it right then, distinction as the “Apostle of the eager to learn more about this inspiring Apostles” flies in the face of that fallacy and unconventional holy woman. and reaffirms a truth we already know: The book focuses chiefly on St. Mary that Catholicism “[elevates] women, Magdalene’s example of adoration of children, unborn life and motherhood our Lord and how we can learn to to the pinnacle of human achievement “At times she is the repentant “enter more deeply into adoration of (IG @jenny_uebbing, 2017).” I was sinner, at times the perfect Jesus Christ truly present in the Blessed moved to tears a number of times by contemplative... At times she Sacrament.” But it does address the her devotion to our Lord. One of my is an apostle... at times she central question to the debate about favorite parts of Saint Mary Magdalene: is simply heartbroken and the identity of Mary Magdalene: “Is Prophetess of Eucharistic Love is grieving.” [she], from whom went forth seven when the author describes Jesus first demons and who was witness to the presenting her to his own Mother. –Fr. Sean Davidson in Saint Mary Resurrection, one and the same as Fascinating though the book is, Magdalene: Prophetess of the sinful woman who was converted it’s not an easy read. The information Eucharistic Love to Christ in the seventh chapter of is presented in more of a scholarly the Gospel of Luke?” Furthermore, is manner than a narrative one, so while she the sister of Lazarus and Martha it’s beautifully written and at times described in the Gospel of John? wonderfully emotional, it’s definitely I especially enjoyed the various not light reading. But at just 208 pages, traditions, stories and speculations I still finished it pretty quickly. about her life before meeting Jesus. My The best thing about the book, and confirmation didn’t take place until I about St. Mary Magdalene herself, is was 30. I was unmarried – nervously her story inspires us that “the greatest so, childless and had just embarked of sinners among us can dare to hope to on a career as a freelance writer. I become the greatest of saints.” She, like was terrified I wouldn’t get enough many of us, set her heart on something clients and would end up living in that was far less than what Jesus wanted a cardboard box or, worse, with my to give her. But, Fr. Sean writes, “her parents. Needless to say, I felt a kinship heart had found that for which it was to this saint who had also experienced created and the contentment for which Saint Mary Magdalene: Prophetess life off the beaten path. But as the it longed in adoration of the Divine of Eucharistic Love is availble for author points out, “Mary Magdalene Person of Jesus Christ.” May we all purchase from IgnatiusPress.com and from Amazon.com. is one of those saints who can appeal follow her holy example. •

May 2017 7 faithful FOOD by Kim Long A Fish Tale

et me state for the record that I don’t mind cooking fish, but LNEVER have I cooked a whole fish, and I really never desired to. I was happy with my tuna casserole, tuna salad, my Friday night fried fish and my salmon patties Long – NONE of which suggested or required that I cook an entire fish at one time. Enter the St. Josephs’ Altar 2017. I thought the Men’s Club was cooking this centerpiece, but someone thought I volunteered. In the end the lack of begin with, so I was safe, right? was at that moment, with preheated communication was beyond reason! Saturday: We were in the midst of oven waiting to receive my offering, that Here’s what happened. much cooking and prep work for the Sam Marsala walked in and casually Thursday:Janice took the day off St. Joseph Altar. We put the finishing asked, “You did scale the fish right?” work. She and I were in her car with a touches on the altar and said the rosary “No I didn’t,” I replied. “You will need a cooler and headed not to a lake, but to in Italian after Mass. Who did Trish spoon,” he added helpfully. a fish market to bring home the redfish. say was cooking the fish? I can’t recall I picked the fish up by the tail and, I was still blissfully ignorant when we anyone saying. Janice called me later with the sink’s sprayer attachment, purchased “Nemo” and put it on ice. We and said, “You’re cooking the fish right?” blasted the marinade from those laughed and told one another that this Right… suddenly glistening and obvious scales. will be the best altar so far. Neither of us Sunday: “Well how hard can this With spoon in hand, I began scraping, mentioned who was cooking the fish. be?” I thought. After all, I had baked a and suddenly the fish scales were like Friday: Trish, Janice and I realize that thousand macaroons before, and this? a bizarre version of glitter and were no one has asked the Men’s Club to cook This was just a fish. sticking to my hair. Undeterred, I Nemo. We all agreed it was too late to I arrived at the church kitchen at 6:00 reapplied the marinade, put the fish in ask them, after all we didn’t want them a.m. and made the bell pepper dressing. the oven and Ruby and Trish picked the to think we didn’t respect their time. Then, it couldn’t be delayed any longer. scales out of my hair. When the timer Still I was not bothered. I’m not really I prepared the pan with parchment alarmed, Ruby and I removed Nemo Italian, surely I couldn’t be the cook. paper and slathered the olive oil, lemon from the oven, and violá! Now all that Irish people were never keen on fish to juice and spice mixture on Nemo. It was left to do was to put him on a platter and garnish for presentation. All is well that ends well as they say, Marinade for St. Joseph Altar Redfish and not a bite was left. Ingredients: Directions: Monday: I took the day off and • 1 scaled redfish 1) Combine all ingredients and realized that I had dreamed of fish. And as I drank my morning coffee, I swore • ½ cup of good quality olive oil slather on a SCALED fish. off tuna, et al. for an undetermined • ½ cup lemon juice 2) Cooking time depends on period of time. • • 1 to 2 tablespoons of Tony the size of your fish, so consult your Chachere's Creole Seasoning fishmonger or a trusted cookbook. For our fish we cooked it one hour at Kim Long is the Director of Religious • Garnish options for plate: lemons, 350 degrees. Education at St. Mary of the Pines fennel fronds, radish or carrots Parish in Shreveport.

8 Catholic Connection domestic CHURCH Scriptures for by Katie Sciba Healing & Peace Jesus has a strong track record Trust God with Your Challenges of healing and bringing peace, “ ve noticed you make a lot of sunshine especially to those who cry out in pain. Pray through the pie.” following selections from the I peered at my spiritual director from I Gospel of Mark and consider under a furrowed brow, “What’s that how the Lord heals. mean?” I really had no idea. Mark 1:40-45 “It means when your Jesus cleanses a leper who had life is hard, you find the been ostracized by society. bright spot and take only Confident in Christ’s ability, he that to prayer, instead of plainly states, “If you will, you can allowing yourself to tell make me clean.” Some pains and the Lord you’re hurting or Sciba afflictions have a way of tainting our mad.” reputations, but the Lord will extend “And that’s not ok?” healing as he sees fit. “You gotta be real with Jesus,” Father hard, Jesus. Show me where you are. Heal said. “Let him in on your struggle. Ask him me.” Mark 2:1-12 to show you where he is in the hardest parts Letting it out became more habitual as I’d In healing the paralytic, Christ of your life.” turn my face upward saying, “This is hard,” restores a man who was brought to As a lifelong optimist, I didn’t see a or “I know you’re working on me somehow, him by friends. Helpless and unable problem with staying on the sunny side, Jesus, but I don’t get it.” Gradually I found to approach the Lord on his own, the paralytic is healed through nor did I see an issue with focusing on myself trusting God more as I entrusted intercessory prayer – his friends gratitude in prayer. If there’s a cloud, there’s him with my challenges. I knew I had went to great extent to present him a silver lining. And though yes, we’ve moved closer to Jesus. and appealed to the Lord on his What I discovered was that “making had our share of pain and difficulty like behalf. Pray for healing for family sunshine pie” was an issue of intimacy everyone else, but there’s always a blessing and friends in need – Jesus will hear. to outshine the sorrow, right? with Christ. As a wife, as a mom, as his More than that, I wanted to avoid any daughter, I was keeping him at a distance Mark 5:21-43 spiritual behavior resembling the Israelites by saying thank you for blessings and Jesus restores life to a little girl in the desert – saved from bondage, but moving on; but what I failed to realize was believed to be dead. Friends and wandering around ungrateful. They didn’t that the pain, sorrow and difficulty the family regard the situation as just lament, they whined, and I didn’t want Lord allows in our lives – regardless of how impossible and those who asked to whine to the Lord after He had blessed insignificant or overpowering they are – are Jesus to come heal her are told not me so much. As one seeking guidance, a means to draw closer to him. to “trouble” the Lord anymore. Even however, I knew it’d be best to obey my I still say thank you of course, and when those around us have given priest’s insight and make a little less “pie.” it’s because I’ve allowed Christ into my up, Jesus brings hope and healing. I first tried it out in the car. Exhausted challenges that prayers of gratitude are and overwhelmed, I opened the gates and more sincere; and it’s because I’ve invited told God everything from the deepest him in that I see more clearly how he is hurts, to struggles of the day, to confusion providing. and frustration. It was uncomfortable “Yes, the Israelites whined, but they cried and I felt a hint of embarrassment for not out lamenting to God and what did he mentioning any of the joys I experienced. do?” my spiritual director asked. “He fed I started to gloss over it all, “But I know them. He sustained them, and he guided you’re so wonderful, Jesus. And thank you them to the Promised Land.” • for giving us a roof over our heads and I’m grateful that we’re all healthy —“ then I Katie Sciba is married to Andrew and together they have four children (with stopped. Yes I’ll be grateful, I thought, but another one on the way). She is the I’ll save that for a different prayer. “Life is author of thecatholicwife.net.

May 2017 9 from the POPE In the from Vatican Information Services of Pope Francis Celebration of Palm Sunday Words oday’s celebration can be said to be So as we joyfully acclaim our King, let bittersweet. It is joyful and sorrowful at us also think of the sufferings that he will Tthe same time. We celebrate the Lord’s have to endure in this week. Let us think “To Christ, Who today enters the entrance into Jerusalem of the slanders and insults, the snares and Passion, and to the Blessed Virgin to the cries of his betrayals, the abandonment to an unjust Mary, we entrust the victims of disciples who acclaim judgment, the blows, the lashes and the last Friday’s terrorist attack in him as king. Yet we crown of thorns… And lastly, the way of Stockholm, as well as those who are also solemnly proclaim the cross leading to the crucifixion. still sorely tried by war, the scourge the Gospel account He had spoken clearly of this to his of humanity. And let us pray for the of his Passion. In this disciples: “If any want to become my victims of the attack this morning poignant contrast, our followers, let them deny themselves and in Cairo, in a Coptic church. To hearts experience, in Pope Francis take up their cross and follow me” (Mt my dear brother, His Holiness Pope some small measure, 16:24). Jesus never promised honor and Tawadros II, to the Coptic Church what Jesus himself must have felt in his success. The Gospels make this clear. He and to all the dear Egyptian nation own heart that day, as he rejoiced with his had always warned his friends that this was I express my deepest condolences, friends and wept over Jerusalem. to be his path, and that the final victory I pray for the deceased and the For 32 years now, the joyful aspect would be achieved through the passion injured, and I am close to their of this Sunday has been enriched by the and the cross. All this holds true for us families and the entire community. enthusiasm of young people, thanks to the too. Let us ask for the grace to follow Jesus May the Lord convert the heart of celebration of World Youth Day. This year, faithfully, not in words but in deeds. Let us those who sow terror, violence and it is being celebrated at the diocesan level, also ask for the patience to carry our own death, and also the heart of those but here in Saint Peter’s Square it will be cross, not to refuse it or set it aside, but who produce and traffic in arms.” marked by the deeply moving and evocative rather, in looking to him, to take it up and (Angelus Prayer, 4/9/17) moment when the WYD cross is passed to carry it daily. from the young people of Kraków to those This Jesus, who accepts the hosannas “I like to think that the most of Panama. of the crowd, knows full well that they important task we must do together, The Gospel we heard before the will soon be followed by the cry: “Crucify in humanity, is the work “of procession (cf. Mt 21:1-11) describes Jesus him!” He does not ask us to contemplate the ear:” listening to each other. as he comes down from the Mount of him only in pictures and photographs, or Listening to each other, without Olives on the back of a colt that had never in the videos that circulate on the internet. haste to give an answer. Welcoming been ridden. It recounts the enthusiasm No. He is present in our many brothers the word of our brother, our sister, of the disciples who acclaim the Master and sisters who today endure sufferings and then thinking of giving my with cries of joy, and we can picture in our like his own: they suffer from slave labor, own. But the capacity to listen, this minds the excitement of the children and from family tragedies, from diseases… is very important.” young people of the city who joined in the They suffer from wars and terrorism, from (Audience with Delegation of Muslim excitement. Jesus himself sees in this joyful interests that are armed and ready to strike. Leaders from Great Britain, 4/5/17) welcome an inexorable force willed by God. Women and men who are cheated, violated To the scandalized Pharisees he responds: “I in their dignity, discarded… Jesus is in “Let us remember that Christ is tell you that if these were silent, the stones them, in each of them, and, with marred risen, He lives in our midst and would shout out” (Lk 19:40). features and broken voice, he asks to be abides in each one of us. This is why Yet Jesus who, in fulfilment of the looked in the eye, to be acknowledged, to St. Peter strongly urges us to adore Scriptures, enters the holy city in this way be loved. Him in our hearts. There the Lord is no misguided purveyor of illusions, no It is not some other Jesus, but the same made His dwelling at the moment new age prophet, no imposter. Rather, Jesus who entered Jerusalem amid the of our Baptism, and from there He he is clearly a Messiah who comes in the waving of palm branches. It is the same continues to renew us and our life, guise of a servant, the servant of God and Jesus who was nailed to the cross and died filling us with His love and with of man, and goes to his passion. He is the between two criminals. We have no other fullness of Spirit.” great “patient,” who suffers all the pain of Lord but him: Jesus, the humble King of (General Audience, 4/5/17) humanity. justice, mercy and peace. • 10 Catholic Connection navigating the Faith by Fr. Matthew Long Words prophecy that a sword would pierce her heart. Our Lady of Sorrows She remembered the visit of the Magi that overwhelmed both her and Joseph and their hurried flight into Egypt to escape a maniacal king. She recalled clinging to this Child of hers and promising him that she would protect him no matter what. She also remembered His first words, which were probably “Mama,” and his first steps as he went trustingly forth. She remembered kissing his scraped knee when he would fall, and caring for him when he was sick. She remembered teaching him about the Scriptures and the Law and laughing and crying with him as he grew into a man. She remembered the countless meals they shared together as a family and the confidences that only a mother and a son would ever know. hen I began to write this meeting Jesus on His way to Calvary; She remembered how strong he was as he sat article on the Blessed the Crucifixion; taking down the body at the bedside with her as Joseph lay dying WMother, it was on the eve of Jesus, and; Jesus laid in the Tomb. and what comfort he brought them both. She of Holy Week. I wrote it immediately Two weeks ago we as a Church remembered with pride him proclaiming the following the Palm/Passion Sunday gathered on Good Friday to remember reading from Isaiah in their home synagogue Mass. As a result, my thoughts about the passion and death of our Lord. It and how he changed water into wine at Cana, Mary were colored by the Passion and is on that day that the only two people simply because she asked. She remembered Death of the Lord. Mary, under the who never knew sin would suffer the the miracles and the healings that brought joy title of Our Lady of Sorrows, was on greatest because of our sins. I have and hope to all he met. She remembered great my mind. often wondered what raced through and small events, his trials and his tribulations. My devotion to Our Lady of Mary’s mind as the horrible events And what she remembered most of all was the Sorrows has changed and grown over of the end of her son’s life unfolded. love and respect he always showed her. the 17 years I have been Catholic. As she watched him cruelly treated Now she stands there having seen him Over the last five years I have been and unjustly condemned, reviled and scourged and beaten, ridiculed and despised blessed to be the Chaplain of the Sisters despised by her religious leaders and and crowned with thorns. She probably of Our Lady of Sorrows, making me fellow countrymen, I wonder if her wondered where all of those were he had reflect more deeply on the Blessed mind wandered far away to make that helped. No “Hosannas” rang out, only Mother under that title. She should day bearable. “Crucify him.” Where were the blind, the not be thought of as a sad woman, Scripture tells us how Mary lame and the deaf? Where were those he fed but as a woman whose sorrow was pondered everything in her heart. I and those who were his dearest friends? She filled with joy and tinged with hope. imagine her remembering a visit by saw him struggling under the weight of the This is what the Sisters of Our Lady of an angel that brought her good news cross as he bore it to Calvary and oh, how she Sorrows and their foundress, Blessed of great joy. She probably recalled a longed to wipe his brow, kiss his wounds and Elisabetta Renzi, have taught me. She stable in Bethlehem and her beloved fulfill the promise she had made so long ago. wrote 150 years ago, “The Alleluia husband, St. Joseph, placing the Child Her own pain was unimaginable because dwells beyond Calvary.” I firmly in her arms for the first time, reliving of the pain he was suffering. She felt his believe that to understand Our Lady the joy of looking upon his face and humiliation and shame as they stripped him of Sorrows, we must gaze upon her kissing his brow. She recalled the of his garments. She flinched when they drove through these words. presentation in the Temple when they the nails into his sacred hands and holy feet There are traditionally Seven gave him the name of Jesus and the and, more than likely, she looked away as he Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary: the joy of Anna and Simeon at meeting was lifted upon the wood of the cross. Presentation in the Temple; Flight into their longed for Messiah. Then she stood beneath him, making sure Egypt; Jesus Lost in Jerusalem; Mary But she would recall as well the continued on page 29.

May 2017 11 second COLLECTIONS by Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General

Second Collections for May Conception. This great Marian shrine exists today because of the generosity of American Catholics and clergy, the prayers of the faithful and the hard work of the artisans and laborers who began building it nearly 100 years ago. Mary’s Shrine is an authentic reflection of the diversity of the cultures and ethnicities of the United States and the unity and universality of the Catholic Church. The national collection for the Trinity Dome offers the faithful an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by honoring their Catholic heritage and entrusting themselves and their families to the Mother of God.

Fr. James McLelland and Fr. Phil Michiels, retiring in June, will benefit from the CATHOLIC COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGN Diocesan Retired Priests' Fund. Announcement Dates: May 14 & 21 DIOCESAN RETIRED PRIESTS’ FUND Parish Collection Dates: May 27 & 28 Bulletin Announcement Dates April 23 & 30 emorial Day weekend, May 27 and 28, Parish Collection Dates: May 6 & 7 our second collection is for the Catholic uring our Masses this weekend, we will feature MCommunication Campaign. This a very special second collection conducted in campaign connects people with Christ, here and Dsupport of the retired priests of our diocese. around the world in developing countries, through Please be as generous as possible and remember that the internet, television, radio and print media. Fifty only the retired priests of the Diocese of Shreveport will percent of funds collected remain in our diocese to benefit from any funds raised in this second collection. fund local communications efforts. Your support Price We truly want to do our part in providing for our retired helps spread the gospel message. priests who have given a lifetime of ministry to our faith community. We As Pope Francis reminds us, “Communication currently have six retired priests on the roster. That number will swell to has the power to build bridges, to enable encounter nine as three more priests retire in the coming weeks. It is also good to and inclusion, and thus to enrich society.” By remember that our number of retired priests will continue to grow in the participating in this collection, you do just that. upcoming future. We remain grateful for our senior priests who remain Your donation will help the Church spread the more than willing to minister to us past the age of retirement in dedicated Gospel message locally, nationally and even service to the people of God. My prayer is that our faith community will internationally. With your help, bridges are built, offer a strong response in honor of our retired priests. Use the yellow Retired people feel included and society is enriched. Clergy Collection envelopes that will be provided in your pews. Thank you Your support of the Catholic Communication for participating. Campaign provided initial funding for websites that support marriage. These websites continue to TRINITY DOME – NATIONAL SHRINE provide culturally relevant resources for couples Bulletin Announcement Dates: April 30 & May 7 in all stages of their journey, from dating and Parish Collection Dates: May 13 & 14 engagement, to marriage and raising a family. And remember, 50 percent of the funds collected remain he Bishops of the United States have approved a special one-time in our diocese to support local communications second collection to take place in the parishes across the nation on projects. Let others hear and experience the TMother’s Day to support the mosaic ornamentation of the Trinity message of Divine Mercy through your sacrifice. • Dome, the crowning jewel of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The Basilica is the patronal church of our nation, Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General, is the Director of dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of the Immaculate Second Collections.

12 Catholic Connection vocations View by Nicholas Duncan, Seminarian

It Takes How Many Years to Become a Priest? different is we have four interconnected dimensions in our formation: Human, Pastoral, Spiritual and Intellectual. Academics is just one aspect of intellectual formation. Everything we do relates to these four components, whether class in session or not; we never take a “vacation” from being seminarians. Notre Dame offers a lay program whose students take many of the same classes we do. They earn a master’s degrees in Theology, but those students are not seminarians. Multiple seminarians at Notre Dame already have advanced degrees in Theology, yet they are still participating in all four dimensions of formation because our Program of Priestly Formation (PPF) requires more than just Nicholas Duncan (center), serves at the diaconate ordination Mass of Fidel Mondragon. academics. am the diocese’s newest seminarian With information at the tip of Before classes started, there was a week and am currently completing my our fingertips, online classes and the of orientation for new seminarians. As first year of study at Notre Dame ability to become an ordained minister I looked around the classroom at my I fellow Pre-Theology classmates, all of Seminary in New Orleans. I applied online within minutes, what could the for entry a year before I entered, while Catholics be studying for six years? A us at the beginning of our formation, I was living in Amarillo, TX. Over blessing here, a homily there, what else I couldn’t help but ask myself how are these last two years, when I have told could there be? we supposed to be priests in just six people I’m a seminarian studying to be For many priests, it’s not just six years short years? As the year has gone by and a Catholic priest, I generally receive one of study; that’s only for those studying I discover how much I need to learn, of two reactions. to be diocesan priests that already the task seems impossible. But then, I First a positive response that have a bachelors’ degree. For many, observe the men in their third year of goes something like, “Wow! it can take as many as 10 to12 years theology who are about to be ordained Congratulations! Are you doing that before they are ordained, and those six deacons, and I think “Yeah! I can see here in town?” years are not solely for academics. As them as priests in a year or less,” and just The second reaction is a look of Fr. Wehner, Rector of Notre Dame, five years before, they were in the same shock and awe, followed by a confusing often reiterates to the faculty, “This is position as my classmates and I are now. stare. After a period of silence, two not a university! These men are not Their transformation shows that the questions typically follow: “What kind here to simply earn a master’s degree. Program of Priestly Formation (PPF) is of priest?” (What they really want to If that was the case, we could send effective for those who commit to it. If know is, are you talking about the kind them down the road to Loyola. This you have ever wondered why it takes six that doesn’t get to have kids?). This is is a seminary, a center of formation, years to become a priest, after one year of eventually followed with, “How long transforming men into priests for the formation I can say that it is amazing six does that take?” When I tell them “I New Evangelization.” years is all it takes! • still have six years,” they’re in a greater For comparison, a Protestant state of shock than the thought of me seminarian can be anyone taking Interested in a vocation to the priesthood or religious life? Contact Fr. not having kids. “Why does it take so religious classes, with or without the Matthew Long, Director of Vocations, long? What could you be studying for intention of becoming a minister. 318-868-4441, or [email protected]. all those years?” What makes Catholic seminarians May 2017 13 Reflection on the Mar ks of the Church

O H C A by Kim Long

he Nicene Creed was written centuries ago to help Christians remember the important beliefs of the faith. In the Nicene Creed we identify the four marks of the Church. Theses marks are not characteristics that the TChurch creates, develops or learns, but are qualities that Jesus Christ shares with his Church through the Holy Spirit. The four marks of the Church are that it is one, holy, catholic and apostolic. Events in our daily lives offer us the opportunity to connect with God in many ways, from visiting the sick, making a meal for a friend, offering a prayer and recognizing a deeper meaning to almost anything we do. Events in our daily lives can be viewed through many lenses or perspectives.

military,” “My family are farmers,” “My uncle is a priest,” “We O NEness pray the rosary with my grandmother.” I asked, “How do people know we are Catholic?” Those everal years ago my number came up – it was my turn to answers came a bit quicker: the cross of ashes, Communion, teach our eleventh grade Confirmation class. I liked all giving up something for Lent, pro-life, Advent. Then we began Sthe students, but I feared I would not be able to connect to talk about the marks of the Church, which they told me they with them. In the end, it was one of the most wonderful did not know. I reminded them we pray them every Sunday in experiences I have ever had. I spent a lot of time in prayer and the Creed: one, holy, catholic and apostolic. They knew them, reflection about how to lead this group, which was full of 13 they were even “marked” by them, but they did not realize it. very different personalities. In the visibility of the Church, oneness is easy to recognize On day one the Holy Spirit set the tone for the coming year. through the liturgy. Whether we are in Shreveport, Ireland, Looking at the students, again who were so different from Jordan, or anyplace on the planet, our Mass is the same, one another in background, personality and where they were our readings are the same. This is a wonderful comfort in a in their relationships with God, I wondered how to break the world that seems to be ever-changing. In the visibility of the ice. I posed the question, “How do people know you are part oneness of the Church, diversity also exists just as it did in that of your family?” Each stated their family surname but I gently Confirmation class. pressed them to think more about it. Then statements began Ephesians 4:4,5 “There is one body, one spirit, just as you to roll off their tongues: “We’re Hispanic,” “We’re Creole,” “My were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one faith, family are welders,” “All the men in my family served in the one hope, one baptism, one God and Father of us all.”

offered a prayer for the family and went about my business and my busy-ness as Holy Week fast approached. H o ly Late one night my text alert buzzed: “Mom, can you go by and visit them? I think they need a friendly face.” received a telephone call from my oldest son a few days ago. The next afternoon I parked and went in search of this One of his employees and his wife were in town with their young family. I found them, introductions were made and the Ifour-year-old son. They were at a local hospital due to their usual questions gently asked, “Can I do anything? Do you need son’s condition. At four years old his body’s white blood cells anything? Is there a pastor I can contact for you? Would you needed to “wake up.” I offered to go by and check on them, but like to pray?” my son said, “No, I don’t think they will be there very long.” I I gave them my number and wondered if I would hear from

14 Catholic Connection them. We had not met before that day. many lives he had touched, how loved I texted daily to check on them and he was, and how each one of us had then they asked if I would be willing C at ho l i c known a different side of wonderful to stay with their son while they got spirit. As the priest (one of five or six) something to eat. his was a moment I dreaded. The rose to give the homily, he began to say In the entry to his hospital room phone call, the preparation, the everything that I was thinking. were strict instructions to wash, put Tloss. I did not want this funeral to Later I told that priest, whom I have on gloves, mask and gown. I wondered happen because I did not want this friend, known for many years, to “get out of my if I would frighten this child whom inspiration, disciple and brother in Christ head.” But the truth is he wasn’t in my I had not seen before. He thought I to die, yet I knew he was tired and as it head, our brother in Christ, was in all of looked funny and we laughed about states in Timothy, he had finished the our heads. it. During that short 90 minutes, he race. As I walked away, the meaning of laughed, we played cards, looked at In all the time I have been at my parish, the word “catholic” was being widened every picture on my cell phone and I have seldom seen the church as full as it past my pew, my grief, my parish; I was then he said, “Do you want to see my was that day; every pew was occupied. As beginning to realize the fullness, beyond back?” Not sure I did, I said ok. I looked around at the sea of faces there time and space that our faith offers daily. He lifted his pajama top and were Creoles, African Americans, Asians, God had taught me through Pete’s life and there were two bandages and a clear Hispanics and Anglos. There were young now was teaching me through his death. plastic shield. He seemed to catch my and old and we all knew and loved the “The word of truth is growing... inability to respond to this and assured same person. and bearing fruit in the whole world.” me, “It doesn’t hurt. The doctor said it As I sat there, I thought about how (Colossians 1: 5-6). will come off by itself.” As I left the hospital I prayed hard for that family and I thanked God for showing me His grace and His holiness in that small, brave four-year- old child. Abraham Joshua Heschel’s quote, “Just to be is a blessing, just to live is holy” never rang louder in my ears as it did that moment.

but not easy. If we take a look at the apostles, they went from A postolic being disciples (students) to apostles (teachers). And truth be told they came into this role gradually. Peter went from he old television show Mission Impossible always began denying Jesus to being the rock upon which the Church was the same way. The main character would find a small built. Thomas, in his doubting moment, gives me courage to Ttape recorder with a cryptic and dangerous mission know that when I doubt I don’t have to stay in that moment and then the zinger at the end was always the same: “This is of flux. Apostolic can also be tied to learning. I ask myself, your mission should you choose to accept it.” So it is with the “Am I willing to let go of what I think I know and be open to gospel. the teachings of the Church? Am I willing to examine them Unlike the cast of Mission Impossible we have (in most cases) and make adjustments in my life? Am I willing to accept my more than 47 minutes to fulfill our mission. What is our mission to do my part in echoing Jesus’s prayer ‘on earth as it is mission? To live out the gospel teachings of Jesus – simple, in heaven?’”

am growing in my appreciation of the marks and what they have to teach me. Did it happen all at once? No. But I am willing to learn, contemplate, pray over, accept what Ithey have to teach me about being a better person, to lead me in a way that allows me to live my baptismal promises more deeply. This Eastertide I hope you will consider these teachings and all they offer us. May we walk in the light, may we rest in the shadow and may we continue the journey to deepening our faith. May we become “marked and dangerous,” fearless in our love of God and all that He has for each of us. “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) •

May 2017 15 local NEWS Pro-Life Banquet Draws Support for Mary's House by Jessica Rinaudo

volunteer Roxanne Chumley gave a moving talk about the wonderful programs at Mary’s House, including their Embrace Grace initiative that holds baby showers for expecting mothers who don’t have the resources to provide for their baby. At the end of the night, Bishop Michael Duca presented Janice Gonzales with a plaque in honor of all of her work for pro-life efforts in the community. The banquet was a great success, raising $20,000 for Mary’s House, from the 700 people who attended, as well as ishop Michael Duca’s annual Pro- to the moment they go before God, face additional donations exceeding $12,000. Life Banquet, now in its seventh to face. This witness may take us to a Mary�s House is a pregnancy care Byear, has become an inspirational legal fight, to actively supporting and center that offers help for women who and well-attended community event. encouraging pregnant women to choose are in unintended pregnancy situations. This year, Bishop Duca was the keynote life, to supporting young mothers, but Besides offering someone to talk with, speaker, outlining his pro-life vision our inspiration, the source of our witness, they offer free pregnancy tests and follow for the Diocese of Shreveport, as well must flow from the same love that God up with a free ultrasound so the mother as promoting Mary’s House, the local has for all people.” can see and bond with her baby. Catholic pregnancy center and recipient “We try to help her gain easy and of proceeds from the event. early access to medical care for herself As with years past, the first speaker of and her baby during pregnancy by the event was Alexis Pippin, winner of discussing insurance, Medicaid or other the diocesan pro-life oratory contest. In options for care. Before she leaves, we her moving speech, she spoke about the help her with the first contact with an science of being a living human in the OB doctor�s office for an appointment,” womb, as well as the gift of adoption. said L’Anne Sciba, Founder of Mary’s In Bishop Duca’s talk, he spoke about House. “And the funds Bishop Duca’s what it means to be truly “pro-life,” pro-life banquet provides helps make all asserting that pro-life is both protecting “To be ‘pro the dignity of human life’ of this possible.” the unborn and supporting the dignity is to cut across political ideologies. We The hard work of event coordinators of all human people, including the stand for the rights of the unborn, but Lisa Britt and Theresa Murphy, as well immigrant and the refugee. we as Catholics also must welcome the as Chancellor Christine Rivers, helped “We have been created in God’s immigrant, the stranger, who are always make this event a huge success. image. We are to see every human being our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are Bishop Duca summed up the in this way, and desire their happiness, called to visit the imprisoned, offer the Catholic pro-life movement perfectly success, just as God wishes those things love to our brothers and sisters who are in when he said, “We need to be sure we for us…. This is our starting point, this jail…. As we take our place in common know who we are, what we believe, and is our fundamental, basic build on the and public discourse, we should be first then live that message in its entirety, cornerstone of Jesus,” said Bishop Duca. Catholic, Christian and this should with joy in our hearts. Not as a people He continued, “Ours is not first inform our political decisions and our burdened by the truth of our faith, but and foremost a legal fight, but rather actions. Does pro-life have a priority? Yes, as a people set free by the truth of the a witness to the love of God that wills because it is that absolute right that all Gospel.” all life to be protected and treated with other rights depend upon.” For more on Mary’s House, please love, from the moment of conception, Mary’s House representative and visit www.maryshouseofla.org. •

16 Catholic Connection O'Neill Leaves Legacy of Faith and Joy in Ruston Upon Passing by Nancy Bergeron college,” said Fr. Al, who was one Ortega, a native of Mexico of Fr. Blane’s students. “He was who’ll graduate from Louisiana the toughest of teachers.” Yet Fr. Tech University in May, called Fr. Blane has what Fr. Al describes as a Blane her “home away from home.” “profound effect” upon his students “He was so welcoming and never – so much so that years later they judgmental,” she said. would stop to visit their former Fr. Blane’s first concern when he teacher. entered what would become his final In 1969, at age 45, Fr. Blane was hospital stay, was missing Mass and sent to Mexico to learn Spanish. whether parishioners were being “That was the beginning of the cared for, Bro. Mike said. “He must major part of his legacy,” said Bro. have asked me that 100 times,” Bro. Mike Ward, campus minister for Mike said, during a prayer service the Association of Catholic Tech for Fr. Blane. “His dying wish was Students. that y’all know how much God loved It was the era of liberation you.” theology; many of the contemporary Colleagues and others describe Fr. lane O’Neill, the high school English Church writings were being done Blane as vivacious, always game for a composition teacher, was a tough cookie. If in Spanish. Catholic leaders began good time, yet studious and eager to Bhe thought a student’s paper was fluff, he’d to realize the growth of the Spanish- listen and learn. stamp it with a picture of a cloud. If he thought speaking population in America and “He enjoyed good literature. He it was worse than fluff, he’d draw a picture of an the need for priests to be able to was always reading, reading,” Fr. Al outhouse on it. communicate in Spanish rather than said. Fr. Blane had a master’s degree Fr. Blane, the parish priest, was kind, open, the Church’s traditional Latin, Fr. Al in British literature. jovial and, parishioners said, always showed the said. “He had very strong opinions mercy of God. After his year in Mexico, Fr. Blane concerning some social issues,” Kevin “Father Blane was an open book, caring, returned to St. Joseph’s to teach Cuccia, of Ruston, said. “He was humble, who kept a smile on his face 24/7,” English and Spanish. In his off time, never afraid to voice his opinions. Alfredo Morelos, a parishioner at Ruston’s St. he began serving Spanish-speaking Sometimes his sermons would get a Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church where Fr. Blane seminary employees. By the time Fr. little fiery.” was senior parish associate, said. Blane arrived in Ruston after two Seminarian Raney Johnson, a Tech Fr. Blane died March 28 at age 92. Participants stints in San Antonio, one in St. graduate and former parishioner, in the church’s Hispanic ministry the Franciscan Louis and five years as manager and remembers the joy with which Fr. priest helped found, guarded his body throughout editor of the Franciscan Herald Press, Blane ministered to St. Thomas. the night as part of the Mexican tradition of he was devoted to Hispanic ministry. “He motivated me because honoring the dead. “He was very driven to see the he showed me that someone can Funeral Mass for Fr. Blane was held on Tuesday, Spanish community progress,” dedicate their entire life to God as April 4, at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Morelos, St. Thomas Aquinas former a priest and live joyfully and full of Fr. Blane, a Chicago native, spent 65 years coordinator of Hispanic ministry, life,” Johnson said. in ordained ministry. He was transferred to St. said. The Hispanic community has Friends say Fr. Blane’s smile is one Thomas Aquinas in 2006 at age 81. “The idea was grown from four families when the of the things they’ll remember – he would be here to retire, but Blane never retired,” ministry began to now as many as and miss – the most, along with his said Fr. Al Jost, one of the Franciscan friars who 300 people, Alfredo said. A Spanish- charge at the end of every sermon to lives at the St. Thomas friary. speaking Mass is now celebrated “have a magnificent Ruston day.” Instead, Fr. Blane remained active in the parish every Sunday, as well as on major “He did a lot for Hispanic and especially in Hispanic ministry. church celebration days. ministry, but his ministry was much But that wasn’t where his career began. After “Father Blane was such a humble broader,” Fr. Al said. “He had a completing his seminary studies, Fr. Blane was person. He always had something ministry of presence.” assigned to St. Joseph Franciscan Seminary in Oak good to say about everybody. For Said Ortega, “You could tell God Brook, IL, to teach English and Latin. that reason, he made us feel loved,” was in him and he was in God.” • “His major role was to get us ready for Alfredo said. Story courtesy of the Ruston Daily Leader. May 2017 17 Fr. Andre McGrath to Celebrate 50th Anniversary by Deacon Mike Whitehead

the only other person there at the time. Responding to Fr. McGrath�s need for help, their first encounter would lead to six years of a growing respect and admiration between the two men. “I would make popcorn and sit with Bishop Lyke many evenings,” Fr. McGrath said. “He would give me books to read and tell me his thinking. I would help him with his writing, and that is what we did for the next six years.” On the 800th anniversary of St. Francis, Fr. McGrath made a decision to serve in Africa. It was there that Fr. McGrath, and others, established the Lyke Community in Nairobi, Kenya. That was 1993. Named om his birth, Fr. Andre McGrath studied the philosophy of John Donne for Fr. McGrath’s good friend, the Lyke was dedicated to God. The family Scotus. He completed his doctorate Community is a Catholic congregation Fnever wanted to put pressure on Fr. degree in 1978. For several years, he of priests and brothers that follow the McGrath, but they were pleased when taught at the seminary. spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi. he entered the seminary. Now, 50 years The next stop for Fr. McGrath was Fr. Francis Kamau and Fr. Mike later, Fr. McGrath is celebrating his Cleveland, OH, and that decision would Thang’wa are two of the priests from the jubilee year as a Franciscan priest. change his life in a dramatic way. That’s Lyke Community currently serving in “My father’s father had a belief that when he met Bishop James Lyke, who our diocese. “God brought this great man the first born son of a first born son would serve as Fr. McGrath’s mentor, into my life when I needed him most,” should be ordained,” Fr. McGrath said. friend and spiritual director. Fr. Kamau said, “and I am the person I Fr. McGrath was heavily influenced “Bishop Lyke was the first true am today because of that association with by the spirituality of the Franciscans African-American friend I ever knew,” him.” early in life. His mother and father were Fr. Thang’wa agreed, “Fr. McGrath working for the Franciscan sisters in has been a shining example to me and to Albuquerque, NM, and one Sunday a all the brothers who have encountered month, a Franciscan priest would come him. From the get go, I really admired to say Mass. After extensive training at his wisdom and spiritual guidance. I the Franciscan’s Cincinnati seminary, Fr. took, and still continue to take, every McGrath was ordained in June of 1967. opportunity to learn from him.” Fr. McGrath then earned a master’s Eventually, Fr. McGrath came to degree in English literature. Shreveport to work with the Greco He taught for a year in Indiana and Institute. And for the past 17 years, he has was then sent to study for a doctoral served as pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed degree in moral theology. He studied Sacrament in Shreveport. “Since he became at Catholic University, then went to pastor, I have witnessed his love for all the Germany and studied at Tübingen Fr. McGrath said. “Before he became an parishioners and our church, and the love University. auxiliary bishop in Cleveland, [then Fr. our church family has for Fr. McGrath,” “We had a professor there by the Lyke,] was a pastor at St. Benedict’s at Deacon Charles Thomas said. name of Ratzinger, who later became Grambling.” For the last 41 years, Fr. McGrath has Pope Benedict XVI,” Fr. McGrath said. Fr. McGrath and Bishop Lyke met kept a journal. He has never missed a In 1973, Fr. McGrath returned to the under most unusual circumstances. Fr. day –– that’s almost 15,000 entries. As United States and taught once again. McGrath became quite ill during a time he moves forward to his 51st year, Fr. That teaching experience then led him when the seminary was empty during McGrath has not written the final chapter back to Catholic University where he a semester break, and Bishop Lyke was of his life. And for that, we are blessed. •

18 Catholic Connection Celebrating 60 Years of Priesthood, Msgr. LaCaze Continues to Serve by Kelly Phelan Powell

last 12 years, Msgr. LaCaze has been Fr. Peter’s associate at the Cathedral. In 2000, Msgr. LaCaze had to decide whether to retire or remain active in the priesthood, and thankfully, he decided to remain active in the priesthood without administrative duties. According to Fr. Peter, he hasn’t slowed down. “I can give eyewitness testimony to his constantly being on the go, doing all the things you can imagine a priest doing (and then some) for his current parishioners and plenty of others from his past and anyone in need, especially the sick, and always covering for priests without hesitation when they are on vacation, sick or on retreat, going to another Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze at the Poor Man's Supper in 2004. Knights of Columbus Convention or Interchurch Conference [and] out and “ can’t imagine the number of people Msgr. LaCaze writes about receiving about in the evening at some restaurant this tireless priest and faithful steward his first priestly assignment. “On where he could be with more people,” he I of the mysteries of God has touched, June 28, [1957], I and the other 13 said. inspired and profoundly impacted in newly ordained priests for the Diocese his years of zealous service, especially of Alexandria received our first in Shreveport-Bossier,” said Fr. Peter appointments in Bishop Greco’s office. Mangum of the Cathedral of St. John As Hurricane Audrey was bending the Berchmans, and indeed, it’s impressive to trees outside the office windows, the see Msgr. Carson LaCaze still in action rain pounding on the windows, Bishop after 60 years in the priesthood. Greco lectured us on the behavior of the Ordained May 25, 1957 by Cardinal newly ordained. Then the bishop invited Cicognanni at the Pontifical College us to his dining room for lunch (we Josephinum in Columbus, OH, the were so nervous and anxious, that we Natchitoches native has been writing his hardly ate). The bishop, after eating in reflections on his life as a priest, and they a hurry, gulping his food down, speedily are inspiring, surprising and even a touch announced each priest’s assignment humorous. “He brings a seriousness and in alphabetical order and then hastily reverence when called for and laughter headed out a side door as he needed to “To minister to God’s people and joy with all,” said Fr. Peter. be at Maryhill where he had 415 youth through the Sacraments has been most One very surprising (and extremely for summer camp.” He was assigned to rewarding,” writes Msgr. LaCaze. “How impressive) fact: In his six years at the serve as Assistant Pastor of St. Mary’s God uses our humanity to administer Pontifical College Josephinum, he Assumption Church in Cottonport, LA, the divinity – to baptize, to absolve, to studied philosophy, moral theology, a small, French-speaking town. feed the soul, to counsel, to join two dogmatic theology, canon law, Old In October of 1968, Bishop Greco in marriage and to anoint the weak are Testament and New Testament. All named Msgr. LaCaze Pastor of Christ rewarding moments. Thank you, Lord, classes were taught and all exams were the King Church and school in Bossier for 60 years of priestly service. May given in Latin. As his education took City. It was there that, four years later, the Lord grant me many more years of place prior to the Second Vatican in 1972, he gave Fr. Peter his First Holy service to His people.” • Council, students never left the campus Communion. Later, in the early ‘90s, You can read more of Msgr. LaCaze’s except for medical reasons. Fr. Peter served as his Associate Pastor at personal reflections on our website: In an excerpt from his reflections, St. Mary of the Pines parish, and for the www.thecatholicconnection.org.

May 2017 19 The Harm of Pornography & Hope Beyond it made them feel. Say, ‘I’m sorry that happened to you,’ and tell them you’ll Addiction: Arming & Healing Our Children do your best to protect them.” Following Series written by Katie Sciba under guidance of Fr. Sean Kilcawley, STL through by establishing parental controls at home and having routine conversation will his is the final installment in a four- help them feel safe. piece series on pornography. The first “If your child comes forward, reinforce Tthree can be found in the January, their vulnerability,” Fradd advises. “Thank March and April 2017 issues of The you for telling me. I’m so proud of you. Catholic Connection, or online at www. It wasn’t your fault.” The more open the thecatholicconnection.org. dialogue, the less room there is for emotional “[Young people] should be helped and psychological damage, and the more to recognize and to seek out positive potential there is for recovery. influences, while shunning the things that Regardless if a child is exposed or a cripple their capacity for love” (Amoris teen is struggling with addiction, both are Laetitia, 281). victims in need of their parents’ concern and “The sad reality is that many children… compassion. begin viewing hard-core pornography not be pornography, but something’s not Fradd also advises that parents be long before their parents even consider right.” Exposure at any young age can apprehensive about equipping their kids discussing its dangers,” says Kristen Jenson, lead to depression, anxiety, anger, frequent with devices. “If it’s necessary, it has to come author of Good Pictures, Bad Pictures. The porn “use” or the inclination to mimic the with boundaries. Safe places to charge it at average age of exposure to pornography has behaviors seen. night, a safe browser or Internet filtering.” slipped in recent years to a range of 8-11 This is why a conversation on Dr. Bowman and his family utilize a “device years old, and because of its severe content, pornography has to be initiated by parents, basket” where all kids – their own as well many children are afraid to approach their and with child exposure on the rise, moms as friends – place their phones and other parents. and dads are taking a stronger initiative to Internet enabled electronics during visits. “Pornography today is violent; there arm their children. “It’s necessary because Disabling downloads, turning off wifi during are people enduring horrific sexual abuse” if we aren’t our kids’ primary source of desired hours, or using routers with parental in addition to other lewd behaviors information, the world will be,” says controls like OpenDNS (free), KoalaSafe characteristic to the industry, says Matt Jennifer Davis, wife and mom of eight. She or HomeHalo are ways to control Internet Fradd, speaker and founder of The Porn and her husband Matt are turning over access, too. Effect. “Kids don’t know how to process the a new cultural leaf by having open, age- It’s important to note that pornography combination of disgust, arousal, fear and appropriate dialogue with their children. addiction can be avoided. Though excitement, so they hesitate to tell Mom The Davises are just one family who’ve preventing exposure may seem impossible, and Dad, or don’t tell them at all.” found a prize in Good Pictures, Bad Pictures. the fallout can be minimized with open, It’s this combination of reactions Designed to be read by parents with their receptive conversation and boundaries. • that adds up to a traumatic experience, children as young as five years, the book according to Dr. Todd Bowman, director broaches the subject of porn without Resources – Books of the Sexual Addiction Treatment Provider corrupting a child’s innocence, and has • Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Jr. Institute. Viewing pornography distorts been a helpful tool in navigating what many by Kristen Jenson (for ages 3-6) sexuality, relationships and humanity in consider a daunting conversation. “Because • Good Pictures, Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing general. “Those traumas wire their ways into this is all new to them, we realized the by Kristen Jenson and Dr. Gail Poyner the brain’s memory and the damage comes awkwardness was entirely on our side and when the sexual images or experience is by approaching the subjects of pornography • Angry Birds & Killer Bees by Dr. Todd Bowman incongruent with the level of development,” and sexuality with confidence, we show Dr. Bowman says. them there’s nothing to fear,” says Davis. • Integrity Restored: Helping Catholic Families Win the Battle Against Pornography But if a child isn’t saying anything, Having open dialogue on pornography how do you know whether they’ve seen with teenagers is paramount to their • Every Parent’s Battle: A Family Guide to pornography? “It’s big differences within the safety as well, especially since so many Resisting Pornography by Dan Spencer, III child’s temperament that act as indicators,” are immersed in social media. Apps and • Wonderfully Made Babies by Ellen says Dr. Bowman, such as if a child is sites like Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter and Giangiordano suddenly aggressive when he usually isn’t, Facebook, make accessing pornography • Beyond the Birds and the Bees by Gregory or moody and disconnected when she’s easy, even by accident. “Parents shouldn’t & Lisa Popcak more often even-tempered and engaging. be surprised if their teen has already Resources – Online Is there a loss of interest in what usually been exposed,” says Fr. Sean Kilcawley, • ProtectYoungEyes.com draws them? “Sudden changes in a kid’s theological advisor of Integrity Restored. • CovenantEyes.com for Internet filtering own ‘norm’ should alert parents. It may com. “Ask when they first saw it, how and accountability

20 Catholic Connection Shreveport's Red Mass Celebrates 25 Years by John Mark Willcox

chosen each year for recognition of their ministry of the people of the region. “We like to honor organizations that provide for people and our Red Mass provides that opportunity,” commented Pettiette. Current Holy Trinity Pastor Msgr. Earl V. Provenza remains amazed at how the Red Mass has been able to attract interest from across the nation. “We wanted Cardinal Egan to join us in 2008, so Bishop Friend offered him an invitation and he accepted,” said Provenza. “We continued to dream big so Judge Henry A. Politz sent an invitation to Anton Scalia in 2005, and low and behold, he joined us as well.” Msgr. Provenza Edward Cardinal Egan and Msgr. Earl V. Provena at the Red Mass in 2008. will serve as Master of Ceremonies and he year was 1992, only six years and the Associate our own Bishop Michael had passed since the creation of our Justice of the US Duca will be the principal T diocese and several Catholics in Supreme Court as celebrant and homilist for the law field, joined by another group special guests for this special 25th year of of supportive lawyers and judges from this time-honored the Red Mass. other faith traditions, sought to renew tradition. “We All are invited to be the age old tradition of the Red Mass have been beyond a part of the ongoing to invoke God’s blessing and guidance blessed by the tradition of this year’s in the administration of justice. Red is success of our Red Red Mass which will take chosen for the Mass to invoke the Holy Mass,” commented Bishop WIlliam B. Friend at the place on Friday, May 5th, Spirit and the first Friday in May was Shreveport attorney 2004 Red Mass. at Holy Trinity Catholic selected to coincide with the nation’s Larry Pettiette. “The people of our Church in downtown Shreveport Law Week. shared field of law have really bought beginning at 9:00 a.m. Holy Angels Holy Trinity Church was chosen into the Red Mass, and participation Residential Facility will be the special as the home of the Red Mass and the among our associates has just been honoree for 2017. A reception at the late Msgr. William O’Hanlon joined fantastic.” Special honorees are also Petroleum Club will follow. • with a group of law professionals including Larry and Janey Pettiette, the late Don Miller (a non-Catholic), New Deacon Class Postponed along with Trudy Daniel and others by Deacon Clary Nash and they began the planning for the vocation to the permanent diaconate is a serious commitment and first Red Mass presided over by our undertaking and interested men often need considerable time for prayer late Bishop William B. Friend. That and discernment before enrolling in the program. Because the Diocese of first Friday in May of 1992 saw every A Shreveport deeply desires to have a full class of men who are called to this ministry, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice seated Bishop Michael Duca and program director Deacon Clary Nash have decided at Holy Trinity to witness a unique and to postpone the program from September 2017 to January 2018. This will allow meaningful ecumenical gathering of for more discernment time, a chance for questions to be addressed, and time for those connected to the administration applicants to complete all the necessary paperwork and enrollment procedures. of law which included a real and heart- We are excited by the interest in the next deacon class expressed by church felt blessing placed upon those with the members and the clergy. We encourage men who feel God might be calling them awesome responsibility of carrying out to be a deacon to complete the application process. God needs you to assist His this task in our nation of freedom. people. In the 25 years since, the Red For questions and application information, please contact Deacon Clary Nash Mass of Shreveport has seen a host of at 318-532-0280, or email him at [email protected]. • visiting bishops, prelates, one cardinal

May 2017 21 Two Catholic Schools Embrace New Leadership Deason New Principal at St. John Berchmans Catholic School

New Principal Blair David New President Bob Webber

Leadership Changes at St. Frederick t. John Berchmans Catholic School is High School in Monroe excited to announce Jennifer Deason will Sbe the school’s new principal beginning ishop Michael G. Duca of relationships and strengthen with the 2017-18 school year. the Diocese of Shreveport existing partnerships. The student Deason began her career at SJB in 2012 Bis pleased to announce that experience at St. Frederick will be as the school counselor, just one year after after several years of working to enhanced by these changes and the being named Middle School Counselor of transition their academic focus staff and student body are excited the Year for the state of Louisiana. While a from a traditional classroom about the upcoming academic year. certified teacher (1-8) and school counselor environment to a science-centered St. Frederick and its stakeholders (K-12), Mrs. Deason went on to obtain her focus around technology and are thrilled to be moving full steam Educational Leadership I certification and engineering, St. Frederick High (or as St. Frederick likes to say… was named assistant principal, where she has School, in conjunction with the full STREAM) ahead by providing worked seamlessly with retiring principal Jo Board of Directors, will appoint Mr. the best educational environment in Cazes the past five years. She also holds a dual Blair David, formally the STREAM northeast Louisiana for students in certification as a National Certified Counselor director and vice- and National Certified School Counselor. principal, as principal The student experience at St. Deason is currently on track to receive her of the school effective Frederick will be enhanced doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and July 1, 2017. Along is in the dissertation phase of her program. with this change, by these changes and the “The past five years working with the faculty, current principal Dr. staff and student body are excited staff and students at St. John Berchmans Bob Webber will be School have been a wonderful experience,” about the upcoming year. moving into the role of said Deason. “I love being a part of this school president, also effective and community and am grateful to continue July 1, 2017. grades seventh through twelfth. St. to work with our excellent staff and teachers By making this change, David Frederick High School is committed to educate our students. I am excited to be will concentrate on the academic to providing a superior student stepping into the role of principal, and look success of St. Frederick High experience that is grounded in faith, forward to leading the school into the future.” School and continue to place an academic excellence and community Deason has a passionate commitment emphasis on the science, technology engagement. Everyone is invited to to excellence in education. She generates a and engineering curriculum. St. visit the school and see the exciting positive Catholic culture and environment Frederick plans further utilization things that are happening. Please in the school, which supports SJB�s mission of Dr. Webber’s experience in contact St. Frederick’s at 318-323- statement. Deason leads with kindness, community relations and his 9636 to schedule your visit to our patience and an optimistic outlook. She is truly strong regional ties to build new growing and diverse campus! • an invaluable asset to SJB! •

22 Catholic Connection hispanic NEWS por Rosalba Quiroz Viviendo como Pueblo de Dios en momentos difíciles egmento de reflexión pastoral Calendario del Mes de Mayo del Comité Administrativo del 6 Reunión Parroquial del V Sepiscopado en los Estados Unidos Encuentro comunidad de Santo Quisimos compartir esta reflexión Tomás Aquino en Ruston del Comité Administrativo de la 15 Celebración del Día de las Madres Conferencia de Obispos de USA, en USA (USCCB) en solidaridad con aquellos 27 Sesiones del V Encuentro que se han visto obligados a abandonar para jóvenes, Cristo Rey de sus hogares debido a la violencia, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. conflicto o miedo en su tierra natal y como los obispos nos alientan a hacer lo posible para acompañar a quienes del odio y la violencia que obligan a padres buscan una vida mejor en Estados y madres a abandonar el único hogar que Unidos. conocen en busca de seguridad económica La palabra de Dios está y física para sus hijos. verdaderamente viva hoy. "Cuando 2. Reunirse con miembros de sus un extranjero resida contigo en tu parroquias que son recién llegados, tierra, no lo maltratarás. Él será para Teniendo esperanza en la próxima escuchen sus historias y compartan las ustedes como uno de sus compatriotas generación es cómo la nación se dará suyas. y lo amarás como a ti mismo, porque cuenta de su lema fundacional, "de 3. Llame, escriba o visite a su también ustedes fueron extranjeros en muchos, uno”. Al hacerlo, también nos representante electo y pídales que resuelvan Egipto"(Lv. 19:33-34). daremos cuenta de la esperanza de Dios el fallido sistema migratorio de una manera Vivir como pueblo de Dios es vivir para todos sus hijos: que nos veamos que proteja nuestra seguridad y nuestra en la esperanza de la resurrección. mutuamente como apreciados hermanos humanidad a través de una generosa Vivir en Cristo es recurrir al amor sin y hermanas sin importar raza, religión u oportunidad para la inmigración legal. límites de Jesús que nos fortifica contra origen nacional. Como dijo el Papa Francisco, “migrar la tentación del miedo. Oren para que Nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo, es expresión del anhelo intrínseco a la nuestra participación en el debate sobre la palabra hecha carne (Jn. 1:14), nos felicidad precisamente de cada ser humano, temas de inmigración y refugiados pueda fortalece para practicar estas palabras en felicidad que es buscada y perseguida. Para traer paz y consuelo a los más afectados nuestras vidas. Esto nos recomiendan los nosotros cristianos, toda la vida terrena es por cambios actuales y propuestos en la obispos: un caminar hacia la patria celeste.” política nacional. 1. Orar para poner fin a las causas Traducción: Norma Montenegro Flynn. •

May 2017 23 Kids' Connection! This Month We Learn About

Saint Rita of Cascia Rita was marriedwho whenwas she wasshe? very young to • St. RitaInteresting is the patron of impossible facts causes, a rich man with a hot temper who abused her. including abuse victims, loneliness, difficult Her husband�s lifestyle eventually led to his marriages, widows, sickness and inability to have murder by a feuding family. Her two sons later children. died from sickness. Aftewards, she desired to • Near her death, Rita asked for a rose from her enter the monastary, but was told that she could parents� garden, but it was January. Despite that, enter only if she could create peace between her a relative found one brightly colored rose in the family and another family that had been fighting garden. She brought it to Rita who saw it as a sign for a long time. When she was 60, she was of God's love. meditating before Christ when a cut appeared on her forehead, like one from a crown of thorns. It stayed there for the next 15 years.

Word Find ABUSE INCORRUPT RITA AUGUSTINIAN MONASTERY ROSE CASCIA MOTHER STIGMATA IMPOSSIBLE PEACEMAKER THORNS

24 Catholic Connection SJS Visited Louisiana school NEWS Supreme Court SJB Wins at State Olympiad, Again!

t. Joseph School 7th grade students went to New Orleans on March S 13 to visit the Louisiana Supreme Court. They were given a tour of the Louisiana Law Museum. Students were also given a tour of the Courthouse and the Law Library. In the library, students ongratulations to the St. John comprised of seven 6th graders, saw rare law books, some that dated Berchmans School�s Science seven 7th graders, and one 8th grade back to the 1500�s. These historical COlympiad Team! They student who together compete against materials were a great introduction to the placed first in the Science Olympiad teams comprised of mostly 8th grade material they will be learning next year in State Competition which was held students. The team will now go on Louisiana History. Students were greeted on Saturday, April 8, in Hammond, to compete in the Science Olympiad by Justice Scott Crichton who answered LA. This is the 9th consecutive year National Tournament which will be questions and explained the role of the SJB has won at state. The team is held on May 20 in Dayton, OH. Louisiana Supreme Court. Loyola's Boyd State Winner for KOC Catholic Student of the Year JGS Pre-K Visited St. Joseph Home oyola senior, Lucia Boyd is the state winner for the Knights of LColumbus Catholic Student of the Year, one of the highest honors for a Catholic student in Louisiana. The winner, who is awarded a $4,500 scholarship, is chosen from among Catholic students throughout the state who are evaluated according to their church and faith activities, community involvement, athletic participation esus the Good Shepherd Pre-K visited and social activities both in and out of Christus St. Joseph’s Home for an school. Boyd, who competed in Baton JEaster egg hunt and lunch. St. Joseph’s Rouge, says the 8:00 a.m. competition Home was founded in 1947 and is the only time “made for a long drive after prom, Catholic affiliated nursing home and assisted but was worth it.” family,” says mom Bernadette Boyd. living facility in northeast Louisiana. The Carter and Charlton Boyd, both “I am proud of my children and hope residents of St. Joseph’s prepared candy filled Loyola graduates, won this prestigious they will continue to serve as role eggs for the Pre-K students to hunt out on award during their senior years, making models for others.” Lucia will speak the lawn. Students visited with the residents, Lucia the third among her siblings to at the Annual State Convention on enjoyed an egg hunt and then were treated merit this recognition. Saturday, May 6, where the Knights of to a lunch prepared by St. Joseph’s cafeteria. “This award is important to us, as Columbus will highlight her award and It was truly a blessing to have the young and our Catholic faith is at the heart of our accomplishments. old come together on a such a beautiful day.

May 2017 25 around the St. Joseph Altar DIOCESE

St. Jude Youth Attended Abbey Youth Fest

t. Mary of the Pines Parish hosted a St. SJoseph Altar on March 19. Sacred Heart Donates Easter Baskets

he youth from St. Jude Parish in Through all of the youth’s storms a Benton traveled together to south quiet calm came over them through TLouisiana to take part in Abbey Mass and Adoration. True beauty was Youth Fest, a Catholic event hosted brought by the Holy Spirit; God�s by St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary. presence was truly there! acred Heart of Jesus Church in Shreveport volunteers prepared Easter Little Flower Youth Win at State Conference SBaskets for 125 children. Each year they give Easter joy to the less fortunate.

Living Stations in Zwolle

Keith E. Jackson, Jr. Catherine Jackson Ty'Tiana Roy outh from Little Flower of Jesus Branch 160 won Junior Knight of the Parish in Monroe had great Year for the state of Louisiana, and Yrepresentation at this year’s Little Flower Court 160 members Louisiana Junior State Knights of St. Catherine Jackson won first place in he Confirmation class at St. Joseph Peter Claver Conference in Lafayette, the Science Fair and Ty’Tiana Roy Parish in Zwolle presented a living way LA. Keith E. Jackson, Jr. of St. Francis won 2nd place in the Talent Show. Tof the cross. 26 Catholic Connection Pivotal Prayer Series at Sunday School Butterfly Sacred Heart, Shreveport Release at St. Paschal Parish

r. John Paul Crispin hosted a six week series from Bishop Robert Barron�s “Pivotal Prayer” on St. Francis Fof Assisi, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Catherine of Siena, t St. Paschal parish in West Monroe�s Sunday Blessed John Henry Newman, G. K. Chesterton and school children experienced the releasing of Michelangelo at Sacred Heart Church in Shreveport. The Abutterflies, which they had watched develop attendance grew with each week as the Good News was during the past month. Approximately 28 butterflies left being proclaimed! their habitats and were set free on the feast of St. Joseph.

Pre-K PSR Class Performs St. Joseph, Shreveport Story of Zacchaeus Confirmation Retreat

ulie Byram’s pre-K Parish School of Religion (PSR) class at St. Paul Parish in Minden performed a Jplay of the Story of Zacchaeus. Every child had at he eight grade Confirmation classes from St. least one line and the major characters had several. The Joseph Parish in Shreveport gathered at The Pines children performed the play with perfection to a packed TCatholic Camp for a retreat the weekend of March house. 10. They were confirmed on Sunday, April 30.

May 2017 27 across the NATION from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

... our Conference of The longstanding position of our Conference of Bishops is that Bishops decried the the Syrian people urgently need a political solution. We ask the United chemical attack in States to work tirelessly with other governments to obtain a ceasefire, Syria as one that 'shocks initiate serious negotiations, provide the soul.' The use of impartial humanitarian assistance, and encourage efforts to build an inclusive internationally banned society in Syria that protects the rights of all its citizens, including Christians indiscriminate weapons is and other minorities. We once again make our own the morally reprehensible." earlier call of our Holy Father, Pope in a letter from the USCCB Francis: ‘I exhort the international community to make every effort to promote clear proposals for peace U.S. Bishops Conference Calls for in that country without further delay, a peace based on dialogue Renewed Peace Efforts in Syria and negotiation, for the good of the Bishops Echo Call of Pope Francis to Attain Peace in Syria entire Syrian people. May no effort be "Through Dialogue and Reconciliation." spared in guaranteeing humanitarian assistance to those wounded by this ASHINGTON— Cardinal The full statement is as follows: terrible conflict, in particular those Daniel N. DiNardo of “Three days ago, our Conference of forced to flee and the many refugees in WGalveston-Houston, Bishops decried the chemical attack nearby countries.� president of the U.S. Conference of in Syria as one that ‘shocks the soul.� Join us as we pray for the Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Bishop The use of internationally banned intercession of Our Lady Queen of Oscar Cantú, chair of the USCCB indiscriminate weapons is morally Peace that the work of humanitarian Committee on International Justice reprehensible. At the same time, our assistance and peacebuilding will and Peace, have issued a joint statement Conference affirmed the call of Pope find strength in the merciful love of calling for renewed peace efforts in Francis to attain peace in Syria ‘through her Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Syria. dialogue and reconciliation.� Christ.” •

Shreveport’s Cathedral to be Featured on EWTN PREMIERING SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2017 “Within the Orb of Glories Wearing” Music by Kermit Poling Performed by the Shreveport Festival String Quartet

Narrated by Father Peter Mangum The Shreveport Festival String Quartet performed Kermit Poling’s original music reflecting on the lives of seven saints – Within the Orb of Glories Wearing! It will air on EWTN in the United States on May 21, at 12:30 p.m.! The musical reflection celebrates the lives of seven saints through a seven- movement piece for string quartet by composer Kermit Poling. The saints’ lives featured are St. Paul, St. Cecelia, St. Hildegard of Bingen, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Br. Joseph Thamby, and St. John Berchmans.

28 Catholic Connection

Doors open at 12:00 Noon/Reception Premiere beginning promptly at 12:30pm Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport, Louisiana Movie Showings of Miracle of Our continued from page 11. he could see her, making sure he knew Lady of Fatima for 100th Anniversary that even if every one else abandoned ay 13, 2017, is the 100th anniversary him, she would not. She fought back of the apparition of the Blessed Virgin tears, offering all the love and support MMary at Fatima. she could, unable to speak because her In our continuing efforts of evangelization throat was closed. But she would not through media, the 1952 Warner Brothers abandon him; she would not leave him. production of the true story of the apparition, She had been one of the first people he Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima, will be shown at saw when he entered into this life and the Catholic Center in Shreveport on Tuesday, she was determined that she would be May 23, at 6:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, May one of the last people he saw as he left 24, at 2:00 p.m., as well as at the Monroe Civic it. Center on Thursday, May 25, at 12:00 p.m., Then he looked intently at her and 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. spoke, “Woman, behold thy son.” His This movie gives a moving and accurate gaze shifted to John, the only one of account of the 1917 events in full color and in his disciples and friends still there, and true Hollywood fashion on the big movie screen, said, “Behold, thy mother.” How that starring, among others, Gilbert Roland. must have made her feel to know that This movie is based upon the Marian apparitions reported in 1917 by three in his last moments he cared enough shepherd children living in Fatima, Portugal. The three children were Lucia Santos to think of her welfare. She continued and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto. The reported apparitions at Fatima to fight those tears and look resolutely were accepted to be believed by the Catholic Church, which commemorates the up at him, offering him all of her love event on the same date. and every ounce of strength, offering This event is free and open to the public, but donations are accepted. For more him what only a mother can offer to information, visit www.dioshpt.org, or call 318-868-4441. • her son. Then he said, “I thirst” and “It is finished” and he died. His pain was ended, his agony had come to an end and he no longer needed her strength. Happy 65th Birthday She collapsed to her knees sobbing. Her Bishop Michael Duca ! only son was gone and then another Joseph came to her and placed into her The Catholic Faithful of the Diocese of Shreveport are cordially invited arms, her son. She was the first to kiss to attend Mass and a Reception on the occasion of the 65th Birthday his brow and she would be the last. She clung to his body and allowed her tears of Bishop Michael G. Duca to mingle with his blood. She kissed those wounds and wept for everything Southern and Western Deanery Eastern Deanery that her son had been and was still yet Faithful and Clergy are invited Faithful and Clergy are invited to to be. She wept for her years of sacrifice to celebrate at the 4:00 p.m celebrate the 5:00 p.m. and pain, for the years of joy and love. Anticipated Mass Evening Mass She wept because the last of her family Saturday, June 3, 2017 Sunday, June 4, 2017 was gone and the most important chapter of her life had closed. She wept Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish because she suffered and she suffered 939 Jordan Street 2510 Emerson Street because she loved. Shreveport LA 71101 Monroe, LA 71201 The Blessed Mother’s sorrow was Reception immediately following Reception immediately following turned into joy on that Easter morn. Not only did she believe it, but she in St. Vincent’s Hall at Loyola in Moore Hall saw that “The Alleluia dwells beyond College Prep Calvary.” Let all of us follow the Bishop Duca has requested that in lieu of gifts or honoraria, donations be made to example of Our Lady of Sorrows, being the Office of Church Vocations of the Diocese of Shreveport. people who in the midst of trial find joy, in sadness find hope and in sacrifice find love. •

May 2017 29 Magnificat Brunch Celebrating mark your 5/13 100 Years of Fatima The first appearance of Our Lady of Fatima was 100 years ago on May 13, 1917. Magnificat is celebrating with a brunch on May 13 at St. Jude Parish, 4700 Palmetto Road, Benton, LA from CALENDAR 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Speaker Francesca Boroden will share her devotion to Mary and information about Our Lady 25th Red Mass at Holy Trinity honoring of Fatima. Men and women are invited. Tickets are $15 and 5/5 judges, lawyers and court officials, is celebrating checks should be mailed to Nowela Magnificat, c/o Marjorie its 25th year. Bishop Duca will be the homilist and Holy Ainsworth, 1575 Parks Road, Benton, LA 71006 prior to Angels Residential Facility will be the special honoree. May 10. Please include the name of attendees. For more This event brings together faith traditions from across the information, contact Linda Balistrella at 318-564-2672. Shreveport-Bossier area. The Mass will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, located at 315 Marshall St., Shreveport. The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima All are encouraged to attend. A reception will follow at 5/23 Movie Showing The Catholic Center the Petroleum Club where Msgr. Earl V. Provenza and in Shreveport will host two movie showings of The Miracle Pastor Brady Blade will be recognized for their 25 year long of Our Lady of Fatima, one on Tuesday, May 23, at 6:00 attendance. For more information, contact Holy Trinity, 318- p.m. and another on Wednesday, May 24, at 2:00 p.m. 221-5990. The Monroe Civic Center will host three showings of the movie on Thursday, May 25, at 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and Catholic Charities' Lights of 6:00 p.m. These showings are free and open to the public. 5/11 Broadway Fundraiser Donations accepted. For more information, call 318-868- Catholic Charities of North Louisiana will hold its annual 4441, or email Randy at [email protected]. “Lights of Broadway” Dinner and Fundraiser on May 11, at 6:00 p.m. at Pierremont Oaks Tennis Club. This event will Memorial Day Mass with Bishop feature Broadway songs performed by the Shreveport Opera 5/29 Duca at St. Joseph Cemetery Xpress (SOX). There will also be a silent auction and raffle Join us for a special Mass in honor of Memorial Day with drawing for a framed George Rodrigue Blue Dog print. Tickets Bishop Michael Duca, begininng at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph are $100 each with proceeds going towards the many programs Cemetery, located on Texas Avenue near Levy Street in of Catholic Charities. Order your tickets online at www.ccnla. Shreveport. For more information, call Randy at 318-868- org, or call 318-865-0200 ext. 101. 4441.

2017 Diocesan stewardship Appeal I / We would like to contribute to the Diocesan Stewardship Appeal with a total yearly pledge of:

$10,000 $2,500 $800 $400 $200 $7,500 $2,000 $750 $350 $150 $5,000 $1,500 $650 $300 $100 $3,500 $1,000 $500 $250 $______

At this time I / we are enclosing: $______Please send monthly reminders to: Print Name______

Address______Diocese of Shreveport City______State______Zip Code______The Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue My / Our Church Parish______hreveport S , LA 71104 Signature______www.dioshpt.org You may make a credit card payment online at: www.dioshpt.org (Click on Stewardship)

30 Catholic Connection MAY 2017

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

30 1 2 3 4 5 6 Confirmation, St. Joseph the Shreveport Confirmation, St. Monroe Red Mass, Holy 2nd Our Lady of Worker Principals' Joseph Parish, Principals' Trinity Parish, Collection: the Blessed Meeting, St. Zwolle, 6pm Meeting, Eastern 9am Diocesan Sacrament, 9am Joseph School, Catholic Center, Retired Priests & St. Joseph, 9am Sts. Philip & 9:30am Fund, (thru James, apostles 5/7/17) Shreveport, 3pm Confirmation, Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Monroe, 6pm Red Mass / May 5 St. Athanasius, bishop 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Confirmation, St. Priests Protecting Theology on Sts. Nereus Confirmation, Joseph Parish, Retirement God's Children, Tap, Buffalo Wild & Achilleus, St. Thomas Bastrop, 10am Committee Catholic Center, Wings, Bossier martyrs; St. Aquinas Parish, Meeting, 6pm Pancras, martyr Confirmation, City, 6:30pm Ruston, 5pm Catholic Center, Cathedral of St. Confirmation, St. 11am Catholic 2nd Collection: John Berchmans, Joseph Parish, Charities' Lights Trinity Dome - Shreveport, Mansfield, of Broadway National Shrine 5:30pm 6:30pm Fundraiser, Catholic School World Day Catholic Pierremont Oaks, Our Lady of of Prayer for Connection Shreveport, 6pm Fatima Graduations / Vocations Deadline May 16 & 19 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Confirmation, St. Frederick St. Frederick Mass Honoring Loyola Loyola Confirmation, Sacred Heart High School High School Msgr. LaCaze's College Prep College Prep St. Lawrence Parish, Oak Baccalaureate Graduation 60th Anniversary Baccalaureate Graduation, Church, Grove, 11 am Mass, Monroe, Monroe, 6:30pm of Priesthood, Mass, Cathedral RiverView Swartz, 4pm (English), & 5pm 6:30pm Cathedral of St. of St. John Theatre, (Spanish) John Berchmans, Berchmans, Shreveport, St. Bernardine St. Isidore 5:30pm 6pm 6:30pm of Siena, priest 2nd Collection: Trinity Dome - St. John I, pope Msgr. Lacaze National Shrine & martyr 60th Anniversary Mass / May 17 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Confirmation, Protecting Theology on Mass & The Miracle St. Philip Neri, Confirmation, St. Patrick God's Children, Tap, Monago Reception of Our Lady of priest St. Matthew Parish, Lake Jesus the Good Fieldhouse, Honoring Fr. Phil Fatima Movie, Parish, Monroe, Providence, Shepherd Parish, Monroe, 6:30pm Michiel's Service Monroe Civic 4pm 9am 6pm to VA Hospital, Center, 12pm, The Miracle 11:30am 3pm & 6pm 2nd Collection: EWTN Special St. Rita of Cascia, of Our Lady of Catholic The Miracle Featuring the religious Fatima Movie, Communication of Our Lady of Cathedral Catholic Center, Campaign Fatima Movie, of St. John 6pm (thru 5/21/17) Our Lady of Fatima Berchmans, Catholic Center, 12:30pm 2pm St. Augustine Movie / May 23 & 24 of Canterbury 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 Dedication of Memorial Day Confirmation, St. Justin, martyr St. Marcellinus & Confirmation, Construction Our Lady of Peter, martyrs St. Paschal & Retirement Memorial Day Perpetual Parish, West Reception for Mass, St. Joseph Help Church, Monroe, Fr. Phil Michiels, Cemetery, Farmerville, 7pm 5:30pm St. Elizabeth Shreveport, Ann Seton, 10am The Visitation St. Charles Shreveport, of the Blessed Lwanga & 11am Virgin Mary companions, martyrs The Ascension Fr. Phil Retirement of the Lord Reception / May 28

May 2017 31 ConnectionThe Catholic DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave. • Shreveport, LA 71104 Fairfield

Photo of the Month Photo courtesy of Shelly Bole

The Second Annual Diocesan Quiz Bowl was held on March 12. The questions focused on the biblical books of Genesis and Matthew. St Paschal’s “Wounded Warriors” Team won 1st place, donating their prize money to “Wounded Warriors.” St Joseph, Shreveport came in 2nd place and donated their prize money to Mary’s House. This event is sponsored by the Office of Catechesis.

32 Catholic Connection