Taking A Look Back – The 10-Year Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina THE CATHOLIC PAGE 3 Cristo Rey to open school at Redemptorist site

August 21, 2015ommentator Vol. 53, No. 14 SERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 thecatholiccommentator.org C VOICE OF AN ANGEL Katrina victims found light of hope in their darkest hour By Debbie Shelley The Catholic Commentator

In 2005, life-long New Orleans resident Edna Leary had the “wait and see” approach of many peo- ple in her area as Hurricane Katrina churned in the Gulf of Mexico. “My daughter called and said, ‘Mom, you looking at the television?’ ” Leary said. “ I said, ‘I have it on, it’s keeping me company, but I’ve got things to do,’ ” Leary said. Her daughter advised her that if the storm did not turn by 10 a.m. the next day, to leave. When it did not, Leary threw some items in a suitcase For more coverage on and headed to the Hurricane Katrina, Baton Rouge area to see pages 8 - 15. be with her family, assuming she would return. As Katrina made land- fall, she prayed for the people in Florida as it passed over them and cried for friends and relatives as dev- Church parishes, Catholic schools and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge comforted and con- astation was unleashed on New Orleans with the soled people hit by the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This issue of the Catholic Commen- breach of the levees. After thinking of so many oth- tator features stories on how the entities served as agents of healing on the tenth anniversary of the storm. SEE ST. JOHN PAGE 15 Photo provided by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge

WELCOME BACK! – Dawn First day excitement common Ekker, a teacher at St. Joseph School in Pon- for all teachers chatoula, greets students By Rachele Smith activities; it’s an attitude of excitement on the first day The Catholic Commentator that spans years of experience and even of school Aug. different backgrounds as three teachers 10. All of the It’s official. With families posting at St. Jude the Apostle School prove. schools in the first day of school photos across social “The first day is always a little jit- Diocese of Ba- media, another year of learning has be- tery; you may think teachers are not jit- ton Rouge are gun in the diocese’s Catholic schools. tery, but we really are,” laughed Yvette now open, with But before those memories turn into Cormier, a veteran teacher with 23 years some starting “normal” family routines, some parents of teaching experience. as early as Aug. and students may be surprised to learn With her many years in the classroom 5. Photo by Richard that their teachers are also just as ex- as a pre-kindergarten and kindergarten Meek | The Catholic cited about the first day of school. Many teacher, Cormier, who has a degree with Commentator even post their own pictures of their an emphasis in early childhood develop- completed classrooms and plan special SEE TEACHERS PAGE 4 2 The Catholic Commentator The Lighter Side of FAI t H August 21, 2015 | TREASURES FROM THE DIOCESE | DID YOU KNOW Powerful Gesture

The gesture seems sim- The origin of the ges- ple enough, almost to the ture remains a mystery point of seeming rote rath- although some theorize it er than a spiritual blessing is rooted in Mark’s Gos- conveying a powerful spir- pel, where Jesus explains itual message made before how the “sower sows the hearing God’s word. word.” But as people hear Immediately preceding the word, Satan is all too the priest or a deacon read- eager to strip those hearts ing the Gospel at Mass, he of the seeds the words had says, “A reading from the planted. Holy Gospel according to Another possible ex- (pending on the daily reading).” At this planation takes into account the stress point members of the congregation si- and demands placed on one’s readiness multaneously make the sign of the cross to embrace Jesus’ words, especially in a on their foreheads, lips and chests. modern society where even God is under Looking for a sliver of serenity away from the urban chaos? The courtyard at the Bishop There is no prayer mandated to accom- attack. Robert E. Tracy Center, with its benches, picturesque trees and Madonna, provides a pany that gesture, but those that do tra- No matter the origin, the meaning is sanctuary of peace, an ideal spot to pray, meditate or simply enjoy a brief respite of si- ditionally pray an iteration of, “Open my clear. As Catholics our lives are called lence. The centerpiece of the courtyard is a statue of the Blessed Virgin holding Jesus in eyes, open my lips and open my heart to to be examples of the Gospel message. her arms. Although the origin of the statue is not known, it was originally a gift presented the Gospel.” We must live it with a mind that is open, to Bishop Robert W. Muench. A large statue of St. Joseph stands sentry over the court- It’s a gesture that Catholics who attend spread the word with our mouths and yard, which underwent improvements including updating, in the past two years. Photo by Mass have made countless times. Con- faithfully stand up for that message with Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator versely some Catholics are not aware of our hearts. the prayer since it is recited in silence. Thus the sign of the cross being made The tradition dates to the ninth cen- on our foreheads, mouths and chests. | PICTURES FROM THE PAST tury when the faithful were only making Who knew that such a simple gesture the sign of the cross on their foreheads could pack such a powerful spiritual and breasts before the Gospel was read. punch, one that is becoming increasingly It was not until the 11th century that the difficult to live out in an increasingly sec- deacon or the priest and the faithful add- ular society? ed the making the sign of the cross on the Perhaps that’s why the gesture is so mouth. important in the Mass and our lives.

Prayer for Safety in Hurricane Season

“God, master of this passing world, past tragedies whose memories are still hear the humble voices of your children. so vivid and whose wounds seem to re- The Sea of Galilee obeyed your order fuse to heal with passing of time. and returned to its former quietude. O virgin, star of the sea, Our beloved You are still the master of land and mother, we ask you to plead with your sea. son in our behalf, so that spared from We live in the shadow of a danger the calamities common to this area and over which we have no control: the Gulf, animated with a true spirit of gratitude, like a provoked and angry giant, can we will walk in the footsteps of your di- awake from its seeming lethargy, over- vine son to reach the heavenly Jerusa- step its conventional boundaries, invade lem where a stormless eternity awaits our land, and spread chaos and disaster. us. Amen.” During this hurricane season we turn to you, O loving father. Spare us from Bishop Maurice Schexnayde

thecatholiccommentator.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator

This undated photo shows St. Paul Church in Bayou Goula before it was moved in 1927. Bishop Robert W. Muench Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager The church is facing the side street, and it is believed the building behind the church may Father Tom Ranzino Associate Publisher Penny G. Saia Production Manager be the rectory. Bayou Goula was the site of the first Catholic Church built in the Louisiana Richard Meek Editor Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation Purchase in 1699, although the church was not officially named. The current church was Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor Rachele Smith Staff Writer constructed in 1871, when it was still a mission, and became a parish in 1877. Until then, The Catholic Commentator (ISSN 07460511; USPS 093-680) the church was served by the pastor at St. Gabriel Church in St. Gabriel, who would row Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South Acadian across the Mississippi River to celebrate Mass in an old building initially used as the Iber- Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton ville Parish Courthouse and then a dance hall. The parish was suppressed by Archbishop Rouge, LA. Copy must reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Sub- Shaw in 1929 and became a mission of Our Lady of Promot Succor Church in White Castle. scription rate: $14.00 per year. POSTMASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. Photo provided by the Archives Department, Diocese of Baton Rouge August 21, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 3 Cristo Rey to open school at Redemptorist site

By Richard Meek Rey leasing the location. Rey’s interest in leasing the shut- But he added the bank location a week working at a white-col- The Catholic Commentator “When the Diocese of Baton tered campus. would have been temporary and lar job that has been secured by Rouge, after lengthy consider- “After closure (of Redempto- that as soon as the school moved the administration. The students Redemptorist High School’s ation and consultation, decided rist in June) Cristo Rey contact- in, officials would have had to are paid a salary consummate halls will once again be filled to close Redemptorist Jr. and ed the diocese and expressed start an immediate search for a with the average pay scale for the with the symphony of young Sr. high schools, it was never an interest in the property,” the permanent location. area, but rather than paying the voices against the backdrop of envisioned that there would be statement from the diocese said. He said the vision is for the students directly, the companies secondary education. an agreement to lease the prop- “We were surprised but upon re- property to be Cristo Rey’s per- send the check directly to the In a joint press release with erty to Cristo Rey,” the state- ceiving a detailed letter on July manent location. school, and the funds are used to the Franciscan Missionaries of ment said. “In fact, Cristo Rey 20, 2015, from Dr. Jim Llorens The five-year lease agreement operate the school. Our Lady, Cristo Rey School offi- specifically said at the time our that described the extensive site includes use of the school build- Cristo Rey students have cials announced Aug. 11 that the announcement was made that it selection process, the reason be- ings, football field and gym, but earned a 93 percent job satis- new Cristo Rey school, scheduled was not interested in Redempto- came clear: Cristo Rey simply not the baseball field, which is faction rate with employers, offi- to open in August 2016, will be rist and was searching for a lo- could not find a suitable alterna- listed for sale with a different cials said. located at the former site of Re- cation closer to downtown Baton tive. The only interest in the Re- realtor. Traditionally, Cristo The traditional Cristo Rey demptorist high and junior high Rouge.” demptorist property until that Rey schools do not have football school year is 10.5 months, but schools in north Baton Rouge. After the announcement that time had come from elementary teams and officials have repeat- incoming freshmen must spend The Franciscan Missionaries Redemptorist was closing, there charter schools, and we had indi- edly said one will not be fielded three weeks before the first day of Our Lady will be the religious was some speculation about cated we would not allow an el- in Baton Rouge. of school to be trained in various sponsor for the school, which is Cristo Rey taking over the lo- ementary school on the grounds “It’s really time for us to con- computer skills such as Excel Catholic. cation, but school officials were because of the continued opera- centrate on starting the recruit- and PowerPoint as well as visit “We are excited,” Cristo Rey adamant they were not interest- tion of Redemptorist-St. Gerard ing of students,” Llorens said. their workplace and meet their Baton Rouge School president Dr. ed in leasing the building. Cristo Elementary. Cristo Rey, there- “We have a president (Llorens), supervisors. James Llorens said in an interview Rey officials said it actively pur- fore, represents our best choice principal and an admissions di- According to school officials, with The Catholic Commentator. sued a downtown location that at this time for productive use of rector.” the curriculum, which is aligned “There are some things we have to would have been a convenient the property.” Llorens said Aimee Wiles has with Common Core, requires improve but I think this will be a fit for the school’s unique educa- “Nothing was finalized until been hired as principal at the four years of math, science and good addition for the entire city.” tional model. this week when the Diocesan new school, which is expected to theology. Some students may The announcement comes Llorens admitted several sites College of Consultors took up welcome 125 freshmen next Au- even take up to two math or sci- one year after Cristo Rey an- were pursued and that the board the matter for the first time and gust. Wiles spent the past sever- ence classes a day. According to nounced plans to open a Cath- was one day away from signing a unanimously recommended the al years as assistant principal at officials, the students who attend olic high school in Baton Rouge lease for the Baton Rouge Bank lease agreement. Those are the St. Michael High School in Baton a Cristo Rey school are two grade and nearly seven months after building on North Boulevard. facts of the matter, and those Rouge and has also served at a levels behind, leaving teachers Bishop Robert W. Muench an- But during a meeting, Cristo Rey facts make it clear that the clo- Cristo Rey school in Chicago. the daunting task of cramming nounced the closing of Redemp- school board members deter- sure of Redemptorist was based According to Llorens, Wiles, six years of education into a four- torist at the end of the 2014-15 mined renovation costs were too on the projected severe financial who earned her undergraduate year window. school year. Bishop Muench cit- prohibitive, especially at a loca- losses that made the continua- degree at LSU and masters at Each Cristo Rey school fol- ed declining enrollment num- tion that was deemed to be tem- tion of the school untenable and Loyola of Chicago, approached lows four strict guidelines: it bers as the reason for closing porary. During the same meet- unsustainable, and not predicat- Cristo Rey officials early in the must be Catholic but open to all Redemptorist, which originally ing, Llorens said, board members ed on an anticipated sale or lease process. young people, be a college prep opened in 1947. suggested looking into the fea- of the property to Cristo Rey.” “People in the Cristo Rey net- school, every student must work In a statement issued Aug. 11 sibility of leasing Redemptorist, Llorens said the location will work know her,” he said. “We are and the school is only open to by media relations representa- since by that time the diocese had increase the travel time to shut- pleased to have her.” low income students. He said the tive Donna Carville, the diocese listed the building with a real es- tle students to their jobs, which Cristo Rey schools differ from salary cap for a family of four is dispelled any potential conjec- tate agent to be leased. is a key component of the Cris- traditional schools in many ways, $38,000 annually although the ture that the closing of Redemp- In a letter to the diocese dated to Rey curriculum, and those the most significant being that average income for most of the torist was connected with Cristo July 2, Llorens expressed Cristo costs would have to be budgeted. every student must spend one day families is $34,000 a year.

NEW SECULAR FRANCISCAN – Denise Biscamp OFS recently made her formal permanent profession as a secular Franciscan in the Chapel of the Maryville Convent of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady. Her profes- sion follows several years of formation to become a secular Franciscan. At the profession ceremony were, from left, Louis Jesowshek OFS; Patsy Burgess OFS fraternity minister; Stephanie Triche OFS fraternity secre- tary and Denise’s sponsor during her formation; Father Matt Dupré, pas- tor of St. Patrick Church in Baton Rouge and diocesan director of voca- tions, who officiated at the profession and celebrated the profession Mass; and Biscamp. In the background is Cynthia Duet OFS formation di- rector for the fraternity. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator 4 The Catholic Commentator NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL August 21, 2015

TEACHERS  in the afternoon. St. Jude welcomed other new From page 1 With summer over, Merri- teachers, including Megan Rie- man’s efforts were obvious, and del. Riedel is not just new to the ment from LSU, admits that she she is quick to note the help of school. She is also new to Loui- always gets nervous the first day her classroom aid, Nancy Pe- siana. Riedel, who married in of school and finds it “still just vey, as well as the assistance of June, moved to the Capitol City as exciting” as her first year of her grandmother who “sewed all from Wisconsin. Her husband teaching. of the curtains for me,” and her is a strength and conditioning “You’re meeting kids and mom, who, using her own ex- coach at LSU. their parents for the first time,” perience as a veteran preschool Like Cormier and Merriman, said Cormier, adding that she teacher, showed Merriman sev- Riedel shared excitement about especially enjoys teaching the eral tricks of the trade, including her first day on the job and noted younger siblings of former stu- how to fill a large blank space on that she “still gets those first year dents. It’s something that hap- the wall by creating a bulletin jitters.” pens often as she has spent the board from paper. With one year under her belt, past 20 years of her career at St. Merriman admitted she was Riedel explained she is not as Jude School. “excited and a little nervous” naïve as she was at the start of “It’s fun to see the parents of about her first day, but she last year and feels like “my skin the children you have already “Plant a new Truffula. Treat it with care…” Morgan Merriman holds two said, “I’ve always wanted to be is tougher.” taught, and you see their young- Dr. Suess-inspired Truffula trees. The first-grade teacher at St. Jude the a teacher ever since I was little. However, she is expecting er brothers and sisters. Then Apostle School created the “trees” using swim noodles, duct tape and I couldn’t imagine myself doing things to be different. First, there you remember, ‘Oh, you had the tissue paper. Merriman hopes her classroom theme, based on the pop- anything else.” is the curriculum. Last year, she baby!’ and now this is the baby ular books of Dr. Suess, will encourage her students to enjoy reading A native of Lafayette, Merri- taught high school English in a coming to your class. It’s excit- this year. Photo by Rachele Smith | The Catholic Commentator man spent last year as a student public school setting, and this ing,” she explained. teacher in a first-grade class- year she is teaching literature to Located near Cormier’s pre-K found in The Lorax, one of the is Merriman’s first year as a room, a grade that she enjoyed junior high students in a Catho- building is Morgan Merriman’s many beloved childhood books teacher, and she has taken great teaching. Yet, even though she lic school. While her lesson plans classroom, one that has been written by Theodor Seuss Geisel, care to make sure everything is has experience preparing and are just the start, Riedel also has transformed into a Dr. Seuss known by millions as Dr. Seuss. just right. teaching lessons, she said she high expectations of her stu- wonderland, complete with a With several days to spare be- A May 2015 graduate from knows it is going to be different dents, both inside and outside of marvelous assortment of learn- fore the first day of school, Mer- LSU with a master’s degree in this year. the classroom. She said she has ing-to-read books, a huge red and riman’s first-grade classroom education, Merriman spent the “I keep trying to make that re- already witnessed the strong white rug and even some Pinter- was finally finished, but she was better part of July fixing up her alization that this is my very own Catholic formation present at St. est-inspired Truffula trees, which still thinking about adding more classroom in the morning, then classroom,” said Merriman. Jude and believes “my placement look remarkably like the ones before her students arrived. This going to her camp counselor job In addition to Merriman, here will be a better experience.” OVER 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE Spreading the Good News! Since 1963

• The latest Catholic news in the Diocese of Baton Rouge • Vatican, national and international news • Family, youth and young adult interests • Coming Events in the diocese • Columns from local and national leaders • Entertaining features and movie reviews • Critical analysis of Catholic developments • Special sections of interest to our readers Never miss a single copy! Have The Catholic Commentator mailed directly to your mailbox for a little more than $1 a month. Send a $14 check or money order with your name and THE CATHOLIC mailing address to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316;

or call 225-387-0983. Month xx, xxxx Vol. Cxx, No. xx ommentatorSERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 www.diobr.org/tcc August 21, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 5 Evangelization department increases number of online MAT classes

By Richard Meek the first course where the students and for being somewhere at a certain time is during class. The Catholic Commentator instructor discuss the course, the content the webinar.” “Before they just sat there and the level from the first session as well as an oppor- “You work at your own pace,” she add- of learning was the instructor giving them Strategic utilization of modern tech- tunity to meet and greet. ed. “It’s sort of independent learning but knowledge,” she said. “Now, it’s more en- nology is continuing to be an effective ed- A second webinar is held at the com- you have the security of the instructor gagement and synthesis.” ucational tool for the Office of Evangeliza- pletion of the instructional part of the in the background encouraging you and Although the courses are open to all, tion and Catechesis. course. guiding you.” Vidrine said the majority of the students A year ago, the office began offering its Vidrine said students have 10 days to Although the online courses are rapid- are Catholic school teachers. Upon being Ministry and Theology navigate the instruc- ly gaining in popularity, Vidrine said the hired, each teacher in the Catholic school (MAT) classes online Students have 10 tional component, at traditional courses held at the Bishop Rob- system has four years to acquire basic and the response was their own pace with ert E. Tracy Center are also being offered. certification in religious education, which overwhelmingly posi- days to navigate the only requirement Similar to the online classes, two courses includes 80 course hours. tive, according to Tam- being they complete a are offered monthly at the Tracy Center She added offering convenience to my Vidrine, the former the instructional learning journal at the Each course consists of two classes held on teachers was one of the initial consider- certification coordina- end of each session. Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ations in offering the online courses. tor for evangelization component, at their After completion of the The maximum number of students in “We have a lot of teachers who have and catechesis who instructional sessions, each class is 25. busy lives and a lot of schools in rural recently left to accept own pace with the students have another Vidrine said that beginning in Sep- areas and they can’t all come to Baton a position as campus 10 days to complete 10 tember the on-campus classes are going Rouge to take classes,” Vidrine said. “This minister at Our Lady of only requirement questions based on the green. Rather than distribute the tradi- gives them the opportunity to access the the Lake College. content that was pre- tional booklets or textbooks, students will course and take the course without com- “When I would put being they complete a sented. access the course information online. ing to Baton Rouge. We are trying to reach the course up for reg- The questions are “It’s updated and upgraded and we are more people, and I’ve gotten nothing but istration, within 15 to learning journal at the multiple choice, and going green,” Vidrine emphasized. positive feedback from teachers.” 20 minutes they would Vidrine said students She said students eagerly embraced Vidrine emphasized that only MAT I fill,” Vidrine said. “Be- end of each session. must correctly answer the digital format when it was rolled as a classes are being offered online. MAT II cause of that, this year at least 80 percent to pilot program earlier this summer. Since classes, which are more specific in topic, we are offering two online courses a pass. However, students do have a second students were able to access the informa- are not available online. month and increasing the number of stu- chance should they fail to achieve that tion before class even began, they were The cost of each course is $45. dents for each class.” score on their first attempt. able to become more engaged and have For more information or to register, Vidrine said online classes have been Vidrine said the students have access more meaningful discussions on content visit diobrchristianformation.org. increased to 25 students for 2015-16, up to their instructors via email to answer 10 from a year ago. Additionally, the on- any questions. They also have a news fo- line courses are scheduled so that two rum at their disposal for additional clar- courses will be offered each month. ification. 2015-2016 Each online course is structured to “The courses are updated and they en- include four sessions, for a total of 10 in- gage the students more,” she said. “The structional hours, although each session students really like it because they can Baton Rouge might vary in length, a mandatory webi- navigate through it as their own conve- nar is held three days after the start of nience. The only time they are responsible iocese D of Diocese DiRectoRy DIRECTORY Baton2015 –Rouge 2016 Pre-order your 2015-16 Baton Rouge Diocese Directory. The new directory has all of the current listings and information on churches, clergy, schools, diocesan departments and personnel of the diocese, religious, retreat centers, deaneries, institutions and organizations and more! To place your order, fill out the form below and mail to The Catholic Commentator, P. O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316 with a check or money order for $9.50 for each directory ordered. The directory will be mailed to you.

Number of Diocesan Directories Ordered

FEAST DAY – St. Ann Church in Morganza celebrated the feast of St. Philomena Name during an evening service on Aug. 11. Pastor Father Brett Maher celebrated Mass and was assisted by Father Jason Vidrine, pastor of St. Anthony Church in Krotz Address Springs, and Joshua LeBlanc, a student for the diaconate for the Diocese of Lafay- ette. Following Mass, Father Maher offered a blessing with a relic of St. Philomena. City State Photo submitted by Brian Costello Zip Phone with area code 6 The Catholic Commentator August 21, 2015 Abstaining from meat on Fridays/Vatican and the Middle East/Officiating at wedding

Is it still required to abstain that on the Fridays during the season of To your question, the Catholic Church from meat on all the Fridays of Lent, they were preserving the tradition acknowledges that all issues of public Qthe year? I was in Minnesota of abstinence from meat “confident that policy do not carry the same moral and read in a parish bulletin that this no Catholic Christian will lightly hold weight and that there is a hierarchy of was true (i.e. all Fridays, not just during himself excused from this penitential values. Stances regarding intrinsic evil – Lent.). Recently my daughter was visit- practice.”) on racism, for example, or on the unborn ing from Virginia and said that she had In 2011, the Catholic bishops of En- child’s right to life –have special claim to heard the same thing. What is the truth? gland and Wales restored year-round Fri- a Catholic’s conscience. (Breese, Illinois) day abstinence as the rule for those coun- There are other issues, though – such tries. The U.S. bishops have not done so, as health care, immigration and foreign The simple and direct answer to although in their 1966 statement, people policy – where moral teaching, pruden- your question is “no.” Catholics in were strongly encouraged to adopt such a tial judgment and political strategies are Athe United States are not required practice on their own. (“Among the works intermingled. On these, the positions to abstain from meat on Fridays. But the of voluntary self-denial and personal taken by the church, while deserving of full and fair response is more complicat- penance which we especially commend Question Corner thoughtful examination, do not carry the ed. Catholics throughout the world are to our people for the future observance of same binding authority. The two-state obliged to observe each Friday as a day Friday, even though we hereby terminate Father Kenneth Doyle solution in the Middle East is one of of special penance in recognition of the the traditional law of abstinence binding these, and you are free to disagree. fact that Jesus died for us on that day. under pain of sin … we give first place to tradition – substitute some other prac- The church’s Code of Canon Law (specifi- abstinence from flesh meat. We do so in tice of self-denial. In this way, Christ’s Two friends (who are in their cally Nos. 1251 and 1253) grants national the hope that the Catholic community passion and death on Good Friday is 40s) asked me to “officiate” at conferences of bishops the authority to will ordinarily continue to abstain from highlighted and honored. Qtheir wedding. The bride is a determine what, specifically, that pen- meat by free choice as formerly we did in baptized Catholic and the groom was ance might entail for Catholics of their obedience to church law.”) I am a faithfully practicing previously married. They claim that countries. Lost in much of the discussion and, I Catholic and read the Bible daily. a person can go online and become In 1966, the bishops of the United would guess, in the understanding of ma- QAs a supporter of Israel, I see licensed in their state (in this case, States issued a “Pastoral Statement on ny American Catholics is this: Abstain- their task in protecting the Holy Land Georgia) to perform weddings and some Penance and Abstinence” in which they ing from meat on Fridays is optional; as difficult but necessary. I find it hard other ceremonies. removed the obligation for American doing penance on Fridays is not. If you to accept the Vatican’s proposal of a Though I was honored to be asked, Catholics to abstain from meat on all choose to eat meat on Friday, you should two-state agreement as a solution to the I said no because I think that, since Fridays of the year. (The bishops said – in fidelity to church law and to church woes of the Middle East. I base my opin- marriage is a gift from God, a wedding ion on the history of the Palestinians’ should be performed by a priest, deacon actions and on their too-close affiliation or other ordained minister. That said, I Look for with the terrorist organization Hamas. I am curious as to what the position of the The CaThoLiC CommenTaTor feel guilty disagreeing with the Vatican, church might be on a Catholic layman’s but I see this personally as the moment “officiating” at a wedding. (Atlanta) aT your LoCaL ouTLeTs inCLuding: to side with Israel. Because of my Cath- olic faith, am I wrong to think this way? I have seen websites, such as the ✔ Affinity Nursing Home, Baton Rouge ✔ Oak Point Supermarket, Central ✔ Anthony's Deli, Baton Rouge ✔ Oak Wood Nursing Home, Zachary (Plainfield, Indiana) one for Universal Life Church, ✔ Albertsons, Baton Rouge ✔ Old Jefferson Community Care, Awhich offers “online ordination.” ✔ Alexander’s Highland Market, Baton Rouge The Vatican has long believed A Catholic could not accept such an offer Baton Rouge ✔ Our Lady of the Lake College, that the way to peace in the even if his state were to recognize it be- ✔ Ascension Books & Gifts, Gonzales Baton Rouge AMiddle East is best served by cause it would imply that you had joined ✔ Baton Rouge General Hospital, ✔ Our Lady of the Lake Regional the creation of two separate indepen- that church and that you are a minister Baton Rouge Medical Center, Baton Rouge and dent nations living side by side. In a of a non-Catholic religion. ✔ Baton Rouge Healthcare, Baker Walker May 2014 visit to Tel Aviv, for example, You properly declined the invitation ✔ Benedetto’s Market, Addis ✔ Our Lady of the Lake Physician Pope Francis called for the “universal from your friends. As to whether a ✔ Bohning Supermarket, Ponchatoula Group, offices with locations recognition” of “the right of the state Catholic layman can ever officiate at a ✔ Calandro’s Supermarkets, throughout the Diocese of Israel to exist and flourish in peace wedding, under certain circumstanc- Baton Rouge ✔ Reeve’s Supermarket, Baton Rouge and security within internationally es that is allowed. A Catholic judge or ✔ Catholic Art and Gifts, Baton Rouge ✔ St. Elizabeth Hospital, Gonzales recognized borders.” At the same time, justice of the peace, if authorized by the ✔ Daigle’s Supermarket, White Castle ✔ St. Mary’s Books & Gifts, Pope Francis said “there must also be a state to preside at civil weddings, may ✔ Grace Healthcare, Slaughter Baton Rouge recognition of the right of the Palestin- do so if those marrying are non-Catho- ✔ Hi Nabor Supermarkets, Baton Rouge ✔ St. Vincent dePaul Stores throughout ian people to a sovereign homeland and lic and not bound by Catholic marriage ✔ Hubbins Grocery, Port Allen the diocese their right to live with dignity and with law with no obvious impediments to the ✔ Lane Regional Hospital, Zachary ✔ Schexnayer Supermarket, Vacherie freedom of movement.” marriage. ✔ LeBlanc’s Food Stores, Baton Rouge, ✔ Southside Produce, Baton Rouge The position of the Vatican is that Gonzales, Donaldsonville, Hammond, ✔ Tony’s Seafood, Baton Rouge both parties should respect the legiti- FATHER DOYLE is chancellor for public Plaquemine, Prairieville and Zachary ✔ UPS Store, Coursey Blvd., Baton macy of the other with no recourse to information and a pastor in the Diocese ✔ Louisiana Vet Home, Jackson Rouge violence. As Pope Benedict XVI told the of Albany, New York. Questions may be ✔ ✔ Matherne’s Supermarkets, Whole Foods Market, Baton Rouge president of Israel in 2009, “A nation’s sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfat ✔ Baton Rouge Winn Dixie in Hammond, New Roads true interest is always served by the pur- [email protected] and 40 Hopewell ✔ Magnuson Hotel, St. Francisville and Ponchatoula suit of justice for all.” St. Albany, NY 12208. ✔ North Ridgely Healthcare, Baker as well as your local church parish Find more ‘archived’ viewpoints from Father Doyle THE CATHOLIC or any of our columnists at The Catholic Commentator Online, “Viewpoint” at: thecatholiccommentator.org CSERVING THE DIOCESE O F BATON ROUGE SINCE 1962 August 21, 2015 FAITH JOURNEY The Catholic Commentator 7 CTK retreat chance for freshmen to share their freedom with God

By Debbie Shelley thing will flow a lot easier.” The Catholic Commentator Koonce and Delello said the retreat will emphasize that faith is fun. Freedom! “I think it will be a great witness that That is what many new students think lot of our student leaders at the retreat are as they step onto LSU campus. With a involved in other activities on campus, smorgasbord of activities and opportu- whether it be in connection with the foot- nities and the Tigers awaiting them, they ball team, sorority, or being a residential want to see and do it all. assistant in the residential halls. It will be As these students think, re-think and a good witness to our freshmen so they can think again about their plans, Christ the see that ‘I can be Catholic and be on fire King Church and Catholic Student Center for Jesus and witness my faith, and still on the LSU campus is hosting a retreat, participate in other activities ... We want “Arise,” on Saturday, Aug. 29 to encour- to teach them that in order to be Catholic age them to use that freedom to develop a they don’t have to sit within the walls of the deeper relationship with Christ. church all day long, rather they can go out “We want to make sure they (new stu- New students at LSU will learn how to deepen their relationship with others and God and participate in other activities, jobs and dents) know the door is open to them, and during their college years at an “Arise” retreat on Saturday, Aug. 29 at Christ the King relationships and bring Christ into them.” we want them to see that there are students Church and Catholic Student Center. Some of the fun events at CTK include an end-of- The retreat will help new students who are excited about their faith and we the-year party. Photo provided by Jordan Koonce | Evangelization leader, Christ the King build community, said Derek Brondum, are excited to see them as new students,” also a student retreat leader. said Anthony Delello, who leads evangeli- to show them, ‘Yeah, you have freedom, viction to go to Mass. We want to capture “It is my hope that the new student zation along with Jordan Koonce at CTK. but why don’t you use that freedom to give those new students that are on the fence retreat will first and foremost bring Com- Koonce said that through talks by stu- your own assent to get involved and to re- and show them that God wants them in his munion and thus community to the stu- dent leaders and other fun activities, a stu- ally find out how you can have a personal church because his love transcends every- dents attending,” Brondum said. “College dent-to-student connection develops. relationship with the Lord and have some- thing else this world might offer us.” can be a difficult time, but having a friend “They will listen to their peers,” Koonce thing that’s important in your life, not just Rachel Bourgeois, also student retreat group that is built on the solid foundation said. “We want to provide an outlet for them something that you’re doing because you leader, commented, “For the first time in of Christ is crucial for spiritual growth to encounter authentic, excited Catholics want to please your parents.” our lives, as freshmen, we are completely during this journey.” who are their age who can mentor them as Taylor Deshotels, who will be a student on our own and away from our parents. “It is also my hope that we are able to soon as they get into the doors of college.” leader at the retreat, agreed. “College is a College is a time in our lives to stand equip the students to face the many chal- Delello noted, “This is the age where huge transition for many people, and we strong in what we believe in and rediscov- lenges that college aged Catholics in to- students find they have freedom for the want to make sure the students at LSU are er our true identity as men and women of day’s secular world face by teaching them first time. Some may go to church for the able to stay strong in school and strong in God. Remember, if you stand for noth- how to keep Christ in everything they do first week because it’s what they are used their faith. We want this retreat to also ing, you will fall for anything. There is here, even when the world encourages to to, but after that, something clicks in their show the new students that they are not so much chaos and temptation in college; do otherwise. If we are successful in both head which says, ‘Hey, wait. Mom and alone in their struggles … Many students we do attend a well known party school. of those tasks, I think we will be able to dad aren’t here and I don’t have to go any stop going to church and lose their faith in Don’t get discouraged, surround yourself declare the retreat a resounding victory more.’ So during that first week, we want college because they lack a reason or con- with a solid group of people and every- on this campus,” he said. A heartfelt ode to Mary

t gives me great by him at the cross. enough to comfort us when we “Happy Birthday” to Mary, would be born on Sept. 8. None pleasure to Jesus honored grieve. He loved us enough to he- decorated the church, had the was born that day until I came Itell you that I her with his dying al us when we are sick. He loved children bring flowers to the along in the next generation. May- love Mary. I not breath, making her us enough to strengthen us when altar. Then, after Mass, we went be that’s why I feel called by God only love her, but the mother of his we are discouraged. He answered to the auditorium for cake and to light a spark in your heart. In I obey her. I love church. our prayers. He blessed us with ice cream. We also had a contest your own way, make it a point of her because she is I love Mary his presence, grants us wisdom, for the best drawing of Mary and celebrating Mary’s birth. Think of the mother of my because God chose showed us mercy. He made us gave out prizes. The kids loved it. all that you have learned through lord and savior, her to be blessed temples of the Holy Spirit and I was born on Sept. 8 and have her and all the spiritual gifts she Jesus Christ. I obey among women. prepared us for the heavenly been keenly aware of the connec- has brought to your life. her. As the moth- I love and honor kingdom, opened the gates of tion with Mary since I was a child. er of Jesus, she Mary because she heaven. All of this I have learned In fact, my maternal grandmother FATHER CATOIR writes on issues of is a mother with helped God with his through Mary. was also born on that day. She spirituality for today’s Catholic authority. Jesus is redemptive plan. I love Mary and honor her prayed that one of her children for Catholic News Service. bone of her bone, Spirituality He wanted to give especially on her birthday, which flesh of her flesh us eternal life and the church has designated as and daughter of our For Today Mary complied. Sept. 8. When I’m alone on her Father in heav- Through Mary, birthday, I join the whole choir of Honor Those We Love. en. Mary holds a Father John Catoir I have learned saints and martyrs in heaven and GARDENS OF MEMORY &FUNERAL HOME -CREMATORY -MAUSOLEUMS unique place in the that God loved us along with Jesus celebrate her big heart of Jesus and in mine, too. enough to bring us Jesus. He day. I get a cupcake, put a candle I love Mary because she hum- loved us enough to call us his on it and sing “Happy Birthday” bly accepted her vocation. We re- children. He loved us enough to in union with the angels. (After member her words in Luke 1:38: give us spiritual gifts. He loved us all, Mary is queen of angels.) 11817 Jefferson Highway “May it be done to me according enough to save us from our sins. Before I retired from active 225-753-1440 to your word.” She nourished He loved us enough to forgive ministry, I had a party (along www.ResthavenBatonRouge.com Jesus from his infancy and stood us when we repent. He loved us with a Mass) for Mary. We sang 2x2” Rest.small.honor.those’13 8 The Catholic Commentator August 21, 2015 Lessons learned were not just in the classroom

By Rachele Smith ter. Many would return to their The Catholic Commentator New Orleans area schools as soon as they were able, but some Diligently placed in a special families stayed. The last of the blue binder, dozens of cards and school’s “Katrina kids,” Emma handwritten notes sit side by Blanchard, who enrolled as a kin- side. Page after page they recall dergarten student after the storm a time of desperation, a time 10 and whose family later relocated years ago when families from the to Baton Rouge, graduated from New Orleans area were forced STM this past May. into exile following the destruc- Shortly after the storm struck tive wrath of Hurricane Katrina. in 2005, Armstrong recalled But these special cards and coming to the school to check letters preserved by St. Thomas for damage and to touch base More School’s principal Dr. Judy with other parishioners assist- Armstrong show more than just ing with patients from the Wyn- the pain and suffering of that hoven Healthcare Center. The el- August storm. They reflect the derly nursing care patients were gratitude felt and show a strong in the school’s gym, a site used hope for the future. They have as a primary shelter for the Mar- become a witness to God’s grace. rero facility at that time. One letter, dated Sept. 6, 2005, Armstrong explained that explains. It is from a student who as she was walking around the New Orleans students displaced by Hurricane Katrina pick up donated supplies as new students at St. was accepted into STM immedi- school, she began seeing other Thomas Aquinas High School in Hammond. Photo provided by Jose’ Becerra | Holy Ghost School ately following the storm. STM staff and faculty members “Thank you for the supplies arrive. year as principal, was oversee- School District in Pennsylvania. these students. All she knew was and uniforms,” the student wrote “Slowly by slowly, others in the ing a similar scene at St. Thomas “We had an outpouring of sup- that parents needed to have their in print letters. “I was really up- office started coming in,” recalled Aquinas Diocesan Regional High port nationally,” noted Becerra. children in a stable environment. set that I had to go to a different Armstrong. “Then teachers start- School in Hammond. A native of Sister Mary Michaeline Green, However, Sister Michaeline, school. Now that you gave me all ed coming in and gathering. St. Bernard Parish, Becerra was OP, superintendent of the diocese’s who today works as the pastoral of this, I feel like I belong to STM Then someone said, ‘Judy, come only beginning to learn about his Catholic schools during this time, coordinator at Our Lady of Per- … I will find a way to repay you.” and look.’ ” hometown’s destruction follow- remembered that support. She petual Help Church in Kenner, Heartfelt sentiments from When she did, Armstrong ing the storm. But at the time, recalled how after the storm, the would be instrumental in secur- parents are also expressed in oth- saw parents lining up around that really didn’t matter; the only phones in her office, which was ing this funding following her er messages. the school, all wanting to register thing he wanted to do was help being shared by school officials testimony before a congressional “To the staff of STM, we would their children. those in need. from the archdiocese, were “ring- subcommittee. like to thank you for your kind- As the magnitude of what was “We had families showing up ing all day long” with donations of Despite admitting she was ness and generosity as you pro- happening became clear, school literally with just the clothes on school supplies and money. petrified to testify, Sister Mi- vided our children with a shelter employees immediately began to their backs,” said Becerra. She began organizing and chaeline’s efforts made certain in the storm of their lives,” said offer assistance. A streamlined It didn’t take long for school distributing donations with the that national leaders understood one parent. registration procedure employees and parents to re- help of her staff, including Dea- assistance was needed for all dis- Another parent added, was created to help spond. Within hours of the first con Joe Scimeca, who was then placed students regardless of the “Our church tells us to parents who didn’t families arriving at STA, dona- assistant superintendent. Scime- type of school they attended and reach out to one anoth- have their children’s birth tions were available. Even those ca noted that Sister Michaeline’s that the Diocese of Baton Rouge er as Jesus did, and the certificates or other doc- needing housing were assisted. leadership was paramount in absorbed an additional 4,000 entire community of uments needed. In addi- “When I think back, the Holy meeting the needs of the schools students within days. St. Thomas More did tion, Armstrong said as Spirit was definitely working during this time. Accompanying Sister Mi- that and more.” they took these families with us,” he said. With her faith always present, chaeline to Washington, D.C. For Armstrong, in, the school did not ask Since the high school had Sister Michaeline, who grew up and noting the importance of these personal cards for any money. During these electricity, it was the first dioc- in New Orleans and personally her guidance during this time and letters still take dark hours, they instinctively esan school to open. Becerra knew many people in dire con- was Joe Wray, principal of St. her breath away. Like other knew the right thing to do. knew this was important. ditions, acted quickly to assist Michael High School from 1999- Catholic schools in the diocese, Soon STM parishioners and “The parents (registering everyone she could. 2007. Believing fully that his STM was instrumental in car- school parents began organiz- their children after the storm) “We saw the people flocking school’s mandate was to help ing for the thousands of students ing relief efforts, including food, were placing their kids above ev- into Baton Rouge. We knew we as many families as possible, displaced by Hurricane Katrina. clothing, uniform, and school erything else. They wanted their needed to find a place for them,” Wray filled every spot at St. Mi- When the storm struck, Arm- supply drives. kids to get in some kind of nor- said Sister Michaeline, who man- chael, and when there were no strong was beginning her first “It was like manna from heav- mal routine,” he added. dated that tuition be waived for more openings, he saw that a year as principal at the school. en,” said Armstrong. In the immediate days follow- displaced families, something, night school was made available. “I learned the value of a com- Throughout the process, Arm- ing the storm, STA grew from she noted, many school admin- Wray, who has since returned munity coming together in sup- strong noted that what struck her 295 students to 565. By almost istrators in the diocese were al- to his love of teaching and now port of one another. There was the most was that these families doubling in size, the school need- ready doing. works at Westside Junior High just a willingness of everyone saw their children as their first ed classroom space, teachers, “(As Catholics), it’s what we School in Walker, said one of to serve,” Armstrong said of her priority. Many lost everything, textbooks and supplies. They are called to do,” she explained. his fondest memories after the experience following the storm. but that didn’t matter, and as a received all of that and more, At that time Sister Michaeline, storm was how the students, fac- “That’s when I realized that I mother herself, she understood. including 250 gift cards in the who served as the diocese’s Su- ulty, staff and parents worked to was where I needed to be.” “As a parent, the safety and amount of $100 each. The cards perintendent of Catholic Schools help those in need. Within days after Hurricane well-being of your child is every- were given to STA’s New Orleans for 32 years, retiring in 2009, “It was a time to give. I felt ev- Katrina struck, STM added 436 thing,” added Armstrong. students and were funded by stu- did not know that federal funds eryday that I went to work that I elementary school children to José Becerra, who like Arm- dents, teachers and parents who would be available to help off- was fulfilling a greater sense of the school’s K-8th grade ros- strong was also starting his first were part of the Bristol Borough set some of the costs of teaching SEE SCHOOLS PAGE 24 August 21, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 9 Churches embrace the most vulnerable

By Debbie Shelley ly members. lives, those staying there made The Catholic Commentator But one of the highlights for the best of their circumstances, Cave was seeing the St. Patrick according to Gonzales. Even the strongest people parishioners pull together to “No one complained. They from New Orleans were under help the moms. said, ‘We thank you so much. We immense strain when Hurri- “There was comradery – are so humbled and grateful,’ ” cane Katrina plowed into the seasoned mothers would share said Gonzales. Gulf Coast in 2005, killing thou- information with first-time Donations came in from pa- sands, destroying everything moms on how to calm rishioners and all over the Unit- in its path and uprooting the their children and get ed States. lives of millions. Most vul- them down at night,” “The 18-wheelers just kept nerable to the ravages Cave said. “There was a coming,” Gonzales said. “I never of that storm were lot of information shared, knew there were so many dif- those at both ends of it helped everyone, sea- ferent baby formulas, and there the life spectrum, the soned moms, first-time were sheets, towels, pillowcases newborn and elder- moms and parishio- ...” ly. Church parishes in ners.” The volunteers also helped the Diocese of Baton Don “Speedy” Gonza- the evacuees rebuild their lives, Rouge wrapped their les, who helped coordinate even as they welcomed a new arms around them supplies for the shelter said, life. They helped them obtain like a protective barrier, “The volunteers were so unself- cars, jobs and places to live. Gon- providing them shelter and safe- ish – black or white it didn’t mat- zales credited Joe Stewart, who ty, security and words of life. ter. It was beautiful to see people coordinated the shelter, for help- St. Patrick Church in Baton coming together.” ing the people to be resourceful Rouge provided one of only a few He said despite the crowded when they received payments, Those most vulnerable to the ravages of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 shelters in Baton Rouge that was conditions, and room full of cry- landed temporary jobs, etc., so were newborns, children and the elderly. Church parishes across the specifically for evacuee families ing newborns and tears from the they could start over. Diocese of Baton Rouge responded by opening up shelters for the of newborn babies, according to mothers as well over shattered SEE SHELTER PAGE 24 evacuees. Photo provided by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge volunteers there at the time. Dr. Stephanie Cave, a family medicine doctor and member of St. Patrick for 25 years, noted that Woman’s Hospital delivered as many babies as possible, but could not keep them as long as they needed to. Babies in stable condition, even if born prema- ture, were sent to St. Patrick and the other baby shelters. “These tiny babies were com- ing into the shelter,” said Cave, a medical volunteer at the shelter. “We (the volunteers) went and talked to the mothers. We had a number of women who offered to help the moms who were try- ing to breast feed their babies – some for the first time.” She added, “We had first- time moms and they really didn’t have a clue about what to do. And they were leaving their National Collection for home and coming into a place that they were not familiar with and dealing with people they The Catholic University of America were not familiar with.” Providing direct financial aid to students from your diocese. And what should have been a joyful time was filled with stress. “Especially the new moms Please give generously in the parish collection on didn’t know what healthy was. They didn’t know babies sleep a Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6 couple of hours at a time. They were sleeping on cots,” Cave said. The mothers were also wor- giving.cuatoday.com ried about their loved ones and wondering if they were okay. Because there was “so many THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA people and so little room,” fam- Washington, D.C. ilies sometimes had to be split, as siblings went to other shel- ters to stay with extended fami- 10 The Catholic Commentator August 21, 2015 Anniversary brings back ‘after Katrina’ memories

lot can happen in a 10 years. Even our dialogue has ans would be spared. But then He stayed because his daughter, decade. I was reminded changed as conversations often things started changing quickly. our cousin, was a nurse and Aof this repeatedly while begin with “before Katrina” or We heard a report about a large had to work at the hospital. He writing for this special Hurri- “after Katrina” headings. whole in the Superdome, and refused to leave the city without cane Katrina issue. Growing It’s the “during Katrina,” how- I grew afraid. I knew many his daughter and only came up in St. Bernard Civil Parish, ever, that’s often not mentioned. people had taken refuge there as to our home when she could where the storm left a destruc- Those moments are vague. I a “shelter of last resort.” join him. As a nurse stationed tive path and watching family remember joining my husband, As the morning light grew downtown during the storm, and friends from all across the dad and stepmom as we gathered stronger, we realized the un- she described horrible images city of New Orleans rebuild, I am around my kitchen table in Baton thinkable had happened. With of looting (some people even familiar with the hard reality of Rouge. My sister and I had final- floodwaters toppling broken syphoning gasoline from the levees, I began searching for re- cars of the very medical per- ports about St. Bernard Parish. I sonal there to help them.) Our found nothing. Nothing. At this uncle had spent the first night of Guest Columnist time, I knew my relatives living the storm alone in his home and Rachele Smith there were safe. My cousin, refused to tell us what he expe- ly convinced our dad to come to Mary Linda, had called to tell rienced. Normally, a very jovial my house until the storm was us that. (My mom had moved guy, he was clearly distraught over. He didn’t want to leave his out of St. Bernard years “before now. A retired firefighter and home in Metairie. He had never Katrina” and was already living first responder, I thought his line left for a hurricane before, but in Baton Rouge near my sister of work would have exposed him our stubbornness (something and me.) But I was worried to so much. But all he said was we learned from him, I might about my high school friends. If he would never stay in the city add) grew too strong, and he you are familiar with St Ber- again for a hurricane. conceded. I remember think- nard, then you know “da parish” That evening more relatives SINCE 1979 ing he would arrive late in the evening given the reports I was hearing about the contra-flow on the interstate that Saturday FAST • AFFORDABLE • GUARANTEED FOR LIFE afternoon. But he arrived in less than two hours. Honestly, (228-4882) Ask about our 10% discount. Call 1-800-BATHTUB looking back, I shouldn’t have Mention code: “Commentator” or 225-753-6810 for been surprised. My dad grew up and receive an additional $100 discount. a free in-home consultation. in New Orleans, and back then, STEVE DECELL he knew the city as only a native Walk-in Showers Aging-In-Place Consultant Walk-in Tubs son would. (Today, he would tell you that so much has changed “after Katrina” that he’s just not sure anymore.) But to get to my house that quick and avoid the contra-flow issues, my dad had taken Airline Highway. Sure, Hurricane Katrina’s floodwaters destroyed much of the city of New there was traffic there, too, he Orleans and the overwhelming majority of St. Bernard Parish. Col- told us, but in my mind the umnist Rachele Smith said life is now defined as “before Katrina” vehicles were probably all being and “after Katrina.” Submitted photo driven by folks just like my dad, born and bred New Orleanians, has a small town image and arrived. Luckily, I had stocked up driving away from a storm they friends became family. It would on food and even though we lost were told to fear while constant- be weeks, yes, weeks before I electricity during the storm, it ly glancing back at a city they knew about the gut-wrench- was back on by the next day. loved. ing destruction that Later that evening, we When we gathered enveloped St. Ber- received a distressing call. around my kitchen table nard Parish. “After Another cousin and her family that early morning as Katrina,” many of my left Chalmette only hours before Katrina made land- relatives and friends did the storm made landfall. They fall, we listened to not return to the parish, were planning to ride out the reports on my dad’s and following a family storm but thankfully decided to battery-operated radio funeral there last year, I leave, even if it was at the last (one that had weath- understand why. It’s dif- minute. The only problem was ered many hurri- ferent. Of course, different they couldn’t out-run Katrina canes), and I silently doesn’t necessarily mean bad. and were forced to seek shelter prayed. I’m almost cer- My “before Katrina” just doesn’t in Mississippi. By Wednesday, tain we were listening to WWL exist anymore, and I feel like they felt it was safe to leave but radio, but I’m really not sure my childhood home has forever obviously couldn’t return home. anymore. I just remember the been washed away. They came to stay with us. reporter’s voice growing excited The day “after Katrina,” my As we greeted our cousins as he talked about the city hold- husband’s uncle and an older outside our house, they looked ing up. By this time, we knew cousin arrived at our home. Our and even smelled horrible. As the storm had ventured closer to uncle had stayed in his Metairie someone who studies, appre- Mississippi, and I was actually home and was now following ciates and even taught history starting to think that New Orle- mandatory evacuation orders. SEE MEMORIES PAGE 23 August 21, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 11 Diocese meets the needs of post-Katrina evacuees

By Richard Meek Spruell recalls Catholic Charities going on. What was needed was The Catholic Commentator receiving a donation of close to what Christ calls us to do. Peo- $200,000 from Saudi Arabia, ple were in crisis, people were in Ten years later the memories which allowed the agency to buy need.” still linger for Carol Spruell, as furniture for those most in need. Through the darkest of days if they happened yesterday but Catholic Charities also re- Acaldo saw hope in the generos- perhaps were a lifetime ago. ceived several school buses from ity pouring in from every corner She remembers the chaos, Minnesota and a recreational ve- of the world. And he continues to despair, uncertainty, the cries hicle that was loaded with mat- see that hope. for help from so many and work tresses, sheets and other items “I think the hope is God,” he weeks that had no end in the days from Albany, New York. The said. “I think the Katrina re- and months following Hurricane agency turned the donated RV sponse by the church, that is Katrina. She also remembers the into a mobile office. where the hope is. lines, droves of desperate peo- “The Catholic Charities net- “We live in a community of ple who had lost everything in work and the Catholic Church’s really wonderful people. That Katrina’s floodwaters, who were determination that the people of is where the hope comes from, seeking any modicum of relief, Louisiana and New Orleans were from people who truly believe whether it was articles of cloth- deserving of mercy and love and in God. After Katrina when we ing, a bus ticket to a relative’s In the immediate days after Hurricane Katrina, long lines of evacuees support was a different voice and needed God the most, God’s dis- house outside of the area or as- filled the the parking lot of Catholic Charities of Diocese of Baton at times a lone voice,” Aguillard ciples were out there doing all of sistance in finding a place to live. Rouge seeking relief. By 7 a.m. the number of people would often ap- said. “You had all this craziness the work.” “I remember pulling into the proach 300. Photo provided by Catholic Charities of Diocese of Baton Rouge parking lot at 7 or 7:30 in the morning, and there would al- sands of dollars of gas cards, dime and meet that need, not ready be a line of people down provide bus tickets to allow fam- just for the short-term crisis sit- Anthony’s Italian Deli the driveway,” said Spruell, com- ily members to reunite, and di- uations, like a shelter running Baton Rouge’s only TRUE ITALIAN Deli Since 1978 munications director for Catho- rect truckloads of food and other out of food, but to develop and lic Charities of the Diocese of Ba- critical supplies to rural church think comprehensively about Get ready ton Rouge. “There were probably parishes, who were in dire need the recovery of the community to Tailgate 300 people before we even got of assistance in the weeks after in general, to advocate for ev- with close to opening our doors. Katrina. erything it takes for a family and “That was with very little “Every case is different, ev- community to come home.” publicity; strictly word of mouth ery family situation is different,” Catholic Charities, along our about what we were doing. We Spruell said. “One family may with the St. Vincent de Paul Sandwich knew if we did a lot of publicity have needed a deposit for an Society, were front runners in Trays! about what we were doing, what apartment that they were lucky the Catholic Church’s response, 5575 Government St., kind of assistance we were giv- enough to find. Anoth- specifically that of the Diocese just west of Jefferson Hwy. ing, we would get mobbed,” er might have needed of Baton Rouge. While CCDBR Phone orders welcome! she said. to look for people they was providing much-needed 225-272-6817 Open Mon. - Sat. 9:30 - 6 Spruell added the had been separated from. assistance, nearby, St. Vincent routine varied lit- Some people needed help was distributing meals, provid- tle. Each morning, in developing a (recovery) ing temporary shelter and ware- the number of case- plan. As time went on, the housing donations that were workers available needs changed. literally coming in from around for that day and how “There were a lot of the world. many evacuees they mental health screenings,” St. Vincent assisted more would be able to as- she said. than 70,000 individuals in var- sist were determined. From the time the storm ious ways from the time of the The staff would go down the line struck New Orleans through storm through the end of 2005. and count to that number, giving February 2006, Catholic Char- “What I remember most each person a ticket. ities served 103,187 people, and about Katrina is the wonderful Those not fortunate enough received more than $17 million way our (Catholic) church re- to receive a coveted ticket were in grant funding that was dis- sponded,” said St. Vincent de told to return the following day. tributed in myriad of ways. They Paul executive director Michael “It was tough,” she said. ‘”Just provided counseling and case Acaldo. “The Catholic response the physical toll was one thing. management services to nearly was phenomenal. We worked really long days, 12- 10,000 people. “(Bishop Robert W. Muench) Joe Skibinski hour days, 7 days a week. We had They clothed nearly 30,000 was on top of it very quickly. Agent our families to take care of. That people, and provided more than Catholic Charities was on top of 1953 Perkins Rd. life still had to continue.” $1 million in utilities assistance it. St. Vincent was there. It was Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Because of the chaos, Catholic to nearly 20,000 people. an overwhelming thing, but we Bus: 225-387-0201 Charities, which was still known More than $2 million in fi- responded. ” Toll Free: 888-387-0201 as Catholic Community Ser- nancial assistance was directed As the church responded, [email protected] vices, was forced to transform to nearly 80,000 people and in- so did the rest of world. Baton itself from a recovery agency to a cluded mortgage and rental as- Rouge Realtor Pat Wattam said first responder. But they quickly sistance for those in need. fellow real estate agents nation- answered the challenge. “We take a lot of pride in an- wide were sending in donations The agency was able to locate swering the call,” CCDBR exec- to help in the relief efforts. emergency housing for more utive director David Aguillard Various church parishes were than 400 evacuees and relief said. “Every day was different, recipients of donations from workers, donate tens of thou- but we were able to turn on a parishes as far away as Iowa. 12 The Catholic Commentator | August 21, 2015 August 21, 2015 | The Catholic Commentator 13

1 9

8

2

7

3

6

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, residents of the Diocese of Baton Rouge opened their hearts and homes to evacuees. Photos 3 and 9 – Catholic Charities of Baton Rouge, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society were on the front line in the relief efforts. Photo 5 – Many prayer servic- es were held. Photo 7 – Emilie Leumas, left, for- mer archivist for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, and current archivist, Ann Bolton, worked on sacramental records damaged by flood waters in New Orleans and surrounding areas. Photo 8 – Sacred vessels were also salvaged. Photos 1, 2, 4 and 6 – Generosity poured in from around the country. 4 5 14 The Catholic Commentator August 21, 2015 Housing spike fuels homelessness By Richard Meek comes to helping people who are living dollars. He said there was no legal pro- 15 years prior. He said pre-Katrina the The Catholic Commentator paycheck to paycheck,” Acaldo said. “It’s tection for those people and added some kitchen was averaging 10,000 to 11,000 very stressful.” landlords, but not all, exploited the disas- hot lunches a month. Scars are disguised in many ways, Rentals skyrocketed literally overnight ter for financial gain. Also enticing land- Even today, although the numbers whether a blemish on a person’s skin, after floodwaters caused by breaches in lords was the fact evacuees often came have dropped, the kitchen still averages heart or the soul of an entire community. the levees surrounding the city devas- with rental payments guaranteed by the more than 20,000 daily hot lunches per Although avoiding a direct hit from the tated much of New Orleans. In federal government. month, and in 2014 more than 240,000 devastation unleashed by Hurricane a matter of days, if not hours, “It’s unfortunate economics when it lunches were served monthly. Katrina, Baton Rouge was none- hundreds of thousands of evac- comes to that,” said Acaldo, adding that Additionally, the agency is serving theless severely impacted, and uees sought refugee in Baton Rouge the evicted individuals or families often more people through its homeless shelters 10 years later the scars remain. and the surrounding areas, cre- landed on the streets. “That happened for men and women with young children. They are visible in the eyes of ating a traffic quadmuire and a more than once. “After Katrina, it made a challenging the homeless, whose ranks rental bubble that was inflated by “Then the person evicted ended up on situation worse,” he said. “You can’t blame have dramatically increased, as much as 30 to 50 percent. our doorstep. From our standpoint, we Katrina for all of that, but it had an im- and in housing prices. Some be- Rental units that were leas- just wanted to be there to serve all God’s pact. It was quick, and it has not changed.” lieve there is symmetry linking ing for $400 a month were suddenly children.” Acaldo said his agency served more the two. $600 to $700, stretching budgets that Baton Rouge Realtor Pat Wattam said than 70,000 people from the time of the “I think there have been im- had no financial elasticity. Many of those rents spiked post Katrina but added Ba- storm through the end of 2005. People pacts from Katrina that still exists today,” increases were immediate as families, ton Rouge has traditionally experienced came in for the most basic of needs, from St. Vincent de Paul Society executive di- who had no place to go home to sought high rentals. clothing to simply enjoying a hot meal. rector Michael Acaldo said. “One of them shelter. “I think rents went up, but I think they Fortunately, Acaldo said there was that we continue to battle today is the cost “There was simply not enough hous- have corrected themselves,” she said. never a threat of running short of food, of rent. It escalated right after Katrina, ing,” said Carol Spruell, communications “Rents have gone up, but I do not find they thanks to the generosity of John Folse. and it really hasn’t ever come down.” director for Catholic Charities of Baton are astronomical.” The nationally renowned chef who calls Acaldo said the accretion in rents has Rouge. “It was impossible to find. The numbers tell a story of a commu- Baton Rouge home used his connections added additional stress to families living “There are still lingering affects (post nity still feeling the impact of a storm 10 with food vendors around the country to on tight budgets, especially low-income Katrina), mostly in housing costs.” years after the winds died down. Acaldo assist in the recovery. Acaldo said there families. Subsequently, that imposes Not only did rentals dramatically rise, said St. Vincent served a record 43,000 was a constant stream of refrigerated greater demands on the services provided but Acaldo said it was not that uncom- hot meals in its free kitchen in September 18-wheeler trucks rolling in stocked with by St. Vincent. mon for families to be evicted from their 2005, a number that equaled yearly totals food courtesy of Folse’s efforts. “It creates a lot of challenges when it homes by landlords who hunted bigger when Acaldo first started with the agency SEE HOUSING ON PAGE 23

MINISTRY AND THEOLOGY – Fall/Spring inStitute 2015-2016 "Stand, Take up Your Mat and Go..." Mt 9:6B MAT I MAT II ONLINE COURSE  Conversion & Spirituality  Pentateuch MAT I September 5, 26 September 5, 26  Sacraments   Journey through Scripture Prophets September 8, January 11 October 3, 24 October 3, 24  Creed   Church History Wisdom Literature September 14, April 5 November 14, 21 November 14, 21  Christology   Creed Luke/Acts October 6, February 15 December 5, 12 December 5, 12  Church History   Christology Pauline Literature October 12, March 8 January 16, 23 January 16, 23  Morality   Sacraments Johannine Literature November 3, March 14 February 13, 27 February 13, 27  Journey through Scripture   Moraity Sacraments of Initiation November 9, February 2 March 5, 19 March 5, 19  Conversion & Spirituality  Evangelization, Catechesis, Mission  Sacraments of Healing & Service January 5, April 11 April 9, 16 April 9, 16 (A Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Registration Fee $45 per course. Credit card payment required. No refunds. Church are used for the course. See contact Payment is done online and must be paid at the time of registration. Classes close 10 days prior to start of class. information for complete online course details). A Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church are to be brought to each class.

Course Location: Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center, Baton Rouge. All class days are Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information contact: To register for a course contact your parish DRE, Office of Evangelization & Catechesis at your school CRE or the Office of Evangelization & (225) 336-8760, or e-mail: [email protected]. Catechesis. Courses are open to all who wish to attend.

Office of Evangelization & Catechesis, Youth and Young Adults, Diocese of Baton Rouge August 21, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 15

ST. JOHN  Annabelle Daigle, whose hus- From page 1 band of 51 years died Jan. 19. 2009, noted how comforting and consol- ers, she was at St. John the Evan- ing Father Michael Alello, then gelist Church in Prairieville the parochial vicar of St. John, was in following Sunday, when, like the helping her to plan his funeral. breaking of the levee, her pent up Having been active in their emotions burst forth in tears. home parishes and touched by “I cried for me,” said Leary, the compassion and generosity of who lost everything. their new church parish, the new- She then felt and heard what est members wanted to become was like the hand and voice of an involved and give back. angel from a woman behind her, Daigle and other New Orleans she said. As the woman patted residents joined rosary groups, and rubbed Leary’s back, she said, small faith communities and “Baby, it’s going to be all right.” ministries, like the Ladies Altar From that moment, Leary was “on Society and Knights of Colum- board.” bus. They attended daily Mass, Leary, who did not like living especially enjoyed helping with in the Prairieville area at first be- Festival de la Prairie, Advent and cause she thought, “everything Christmas celebrations, volun- is too far away and there isn’t teered and contributed to the par- enough to do,” ish’s food pantry, now warmly She said Deacon attended ministry calls it home be- appreciation din- Volunteers from throughout the Diocese of Baton Rouge assisted those who were impacted by Hur- cause of the faith Randy Clement ners and contrib- ricane Katrina, whether it was helping them find housing, food, locating relatives or perhaps just a home she found uted to Honduran friendly voice. Submitted photo at St. John. Like then took her missions. so many church “What I en- give back for all that she has been Wolf’s husband, Bo, said it was longer quit. This is where we are, parishes in the under his wings joyed when I blessed with. She also enjoys be- hard to face the devastation left in and we’re happy with it. We wish Diocese of Baton moved here was ing part of a group of Catholic Katrina’s path. we were closer to our children, but Rouge, St. John and instructed the small groups- church members from around the “We were all crushed when our there are so many activities; we’ve served as an that’s what I had area who visit residents at a local homes were destroyed,” he said. made a lot of friends. The church agent of healing her so she was been involved in nursing home on Tuesdays and at- On a lighter note, he said he has been a faithful community,” for those affect- at Resurrection of tend Mass with them. found out what it would be like for said Wolf. ed by Hurricane able to receive the Our Lord (in New “I’ve made a lot of good friends,” his decoy duck collection to float Leary explained it this way. She Katrina. Orleans),” said Ju- said Barnes. in water. made a visit back to New Orleans The church sacrament with the lie Wolf. Daigle said she had many de- Part of his being able to move and talked to a friend who was also began by having Irene Barnes nominational “suitors” when she forward comes from the support from New Orleans upon returning gatherings es- other children of said when she first moved to the area. he received from St. John the to St. John. The friend told her she pecially for the visited St. John, “They were knocking on my Evangelist. had a vision in which Jesus had evacuees. Clergy the parish. she had a strong door wanting to know if I wanted “That (church, house and com- his hands clenched, and when he and members sense of “That’s to join their church. I had never munity in New Orleans) are still opened them, seeds spread every- approached the newcomers say- where I needed to be.” gotten so many invitations to join part of us; the people that were where, meaning bloom where you ing, “I haven’t seen you before, you The food pantry and ladies churches,” said Daigle. there are still part of us. We keep in are planted. must be new,” and offered mate- altar society and other St. John But she said she found a match contact. But this is our home, and “My seed has been planted rial support as well as advice and organizations have helped her with St. John. this is our church, and we can no here,” Leary said. encouragement. Leary said her granddaughter, who also evacuated from Hurri- cane Katrina, was preparing to re- Hospice is not about giving up ceive her first Communion when the hurricane interrupted those … it’s about taking control plans. A woman told her, “Go to St. • We rely upon the intercession of our Blessed Mother to assist us in imitating the healing ministry of Jesus John, find Mr. Horace Shows Christ as we care for terminally ill patients and their families. and let him know about your • We call forth the compassion and kindness of our staff, who serve in this health care ministry, to respond to problem. She said Deacon Randy the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of our patients and their families. Clement then took her under his wings and instructed her so she • We believe in the sacredness of life from conception to natural death, and we devote ourselves to was able to receive the sacrament supporting patients and families through the dying process at the end of life’s journey on this earth and new life in eternity. with the other children of the parish. The parish was supportive when spouses became ill and died, noted Sylvia Triche. Triche’s husband, who died on Nov. 2, 2012, All Souls Day, was ill with The right people, cancer when the Knights of Co- doing the right thing lumbus at St. John and St. Mark for the right reason. held a blood drive for him, meet- SERVING PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS ing his needs. The bereavement www.NotreDameHospice-NO.org • (225) 243-7358 committee also brought comfort Notre Dame Hospice does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability or age in admission, treatment, ability to pay, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. and solace. 16 The Catholic Commentator August 21, 2015 ‘Cool’ altar servers enjoy a blizzard of fun By Debbie Shelley The Catholic Commentator

Fast pitch, curveball, sidewinders … youth threw them all at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge’s snow party on Aug. 6 for new and veteran altar servers which sent a clear, delightfully shivering- cold message on a blistering hot August day: altar serving is one cool ministry. After Deacon David Dawson, deacon assistant at Sacred Heart, trained the new altar servers, they and the seasoned ones went outside where there was a one-ton blanket of snow on the ground and snow cones, provided by a company out of New Orleans. After having their picture taken tossing snow in the air, a blizzard of ac- tivity ensued. Some quickly dodged the snowballs thrown at them by their peers. Those who did not sometimes received one to the face. There were also “sneak at- tacks” in which the youth came up from behind each other and dumped snow over their heads. Claire Perrault, who is in her second year of altar serving, said her favorite part of the party was throwing snowballs at her friend, Blair Hestoir, who is also in her second year of altar serving. Perrault and Hestoir said they believe they have grown in their faith as they have served at the altar. New and veteran altar servers enjoy some cold fun on a hot August day at a snow party on Aug. 6. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator “I feel more connected to God and prayerful,” Perrault said. ing for seven years, said her ministry has “I pay attention to the Mass,” said Hes- taught her to pay attention. toir. “I feel sometimes when you’re out “You can’t let your mind slip because there (in the pews) your mind wanders.” there’s so many things to do,” said Williston. Preston Stoeckle, a new altar server, She also treasures that quiet time she said he had been ob- gets before Mass to fo- serving the altar servers “Like (the time) when cus on her ministry and at Mass and decided it the Lord. would be something fun my brother a couple “You get to go behind to do. the scenes, you get more “There are a lot of of years ago was prayer time with the things that you need to priests and more time remember to do,” said starting out, or when for reflection,” said Wil- Stoeckle, who is confi- liston. dent, however, that he paired with a younger She is among the will be up to the task. other high school altar Ethan Hunter, also or less experienced servers mentoring the a new server who both younger and less experi- hurled and was hit by altar server, I strive enced altar servers. many snowballs, con- “Like (the time) when Throwing snowballs and laughing together, altar servers at Sacred Heart of Jesus ceded that he attended to be the best altar my brother a couple of Church have a “snow day” following a recent training session. The winter ice offered the training at the urg- years ago was start- some welcome relief to a day of summer’s sweltering heat. ing of his mother, but server I can be, to be ing out, or when paired seemed to be taking per- with a younger or less sonal ownership of his engaged in that.” experienced altar serv- munion.” The deacon noted that, as the case is decision to join the min- er, I strive to be the best Deacon Dawson said the snow party is a with Williston, who is also an extraor- istry. He said he likes the Whitney Williston altar server I can be, to fun way to introduce youth to the minis- dinary minister of the Eucharist, many idea of “seeing rooms I Altar Server be engaged in that. And try and to say “thank you” to the veteran youth transition from serving at the altar haven’t seen before” and doing my part helping altar servers. to other ministries in the church. presenting the priest with the items he them and letting them know that their “To me the most important thing is not As in his own case, it can lead to a voca- needs to celebrate Mass. role is important so they can find their only are they serving on the altar of God, tion to the diaconate or priesthood. “I hope it helps me to be a better per- role in the church,” said Williston. but the kids are involved in a ministry es- “All it takes is one simple word or offer son and to bring peace to other people by She advises those she mentors, “Your sential to the church,” Deacon Dawson of support, and you can change the life serving at Mass,” Hunter said. part is an essential part of the Mass. If said. “They feel led, they feel important of someone towards a life of good. A life Whitney Williston, a senior at St. Jo- you don’t do what you’re supposed to do, and because they feel like that, they are dedicated to the service to God,” Deacon seph’s Academy who has been altar serv- then the altar won’t get set for holy Com- most likely to stay involved in the church.” Dawson said. August 21, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 17 Diocese of Baton Rouge goes back to school!

St. Theresa Middle School in Gonzales seventh grader Cody Laurent, center, listens to religion teacher Darlene Taranto explain how to create a clever cross design from fold- ed paper to illustrate a point she was making in class. Intently focusing on instructions around Laurent are, left to right, Emma Wheat, Tristin Ruiz, Clare Duplessis, Hannah Gautreau, Natalie Heflin, and (right foreground) Carly Sanchez. St. Theresa began classes Aug. 10. Photo submitted by Janis Ament | St. Theresa Middle School. Student ambassadors at St. Jean Vianney School in Baton Rouge stand by the carpool line on the first day of school with signs to catch their new student’s attention. Ambas sadors stay with their new students through the first few days of school to make sure - they are comfortable and confident in their new environment. St. Jean Vianney start ed school on Aug. 6. Photo submitted by Eliska Dumas | St. Jean Vianney School -

Capture the Catholic Wedding Market Be a part of the 2015 Wedding Section of The Catholic Commentator Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Baton Rouge Sept. 18 issue. - mascot, Stripes the Ti 46,000 copies will be distributed ger, greets students on the first day of school, Prices start as low as $230* color ad including sixth-grader Blake Hester and fourth- Deadline for advertising is Sept. 4. grader Turner Hester. Students returned to For complete information, call Wanda Koch at - classes Aug. 7. Photo submit 225-387-0983 or email [email protected]. ted by Lisa Black Cosse | Sacred Heart of Jesus school

*Early Discount Frist-grade stu- dents at St. Francis Deadline August 28! Xavier Interparo- chial School in Baton Rouge framed the year on the first day of school. The first day of classes at St. Francis was Aug. 7. Photo submit- ted by Paula Fabre | St. Francis Xavier Interparo- chial School 18 The Catholic Commentator ENTERTAINMENT August 21, 2015

animation to craft an endearing feature dity, some sexual banter, a couple of crude Motion Picture Association of America about the madcap adventures of a wooly terms. A-III; PG-13 MOVIE ratings: G – General audiences; all ages admitted English flock. Unfolding without dialogue, PG – Parental guidance suggested; some yet filled with puns, the film follows the Ricki and the Flash REVIEWS material may not be suitable for children eponymous young ram (voice of Justin TriStar USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting PG-13 – Parents are strongly cautioned Fletcher) as he persuades his barnyard Not even the storied talent of Meryl classifications: to give special guidance for attendance buddies to take a day off from the mo- Streep can hold together the scattershot A-I – General patronage of children under 13; some material may notonous routine enforced on them by a elements of this character study as it veers A-II – Adults and adolescents be inappropriate for young children myopic and clueless farmer and his trusty between drama and romantic comedy and A-III – Adults R – Restricted; under 17 requires accom- sheepdog (both voiced by John Sparkes). between a realistic view of moral short- A-IV – Adults, with reservations panying parent or adult guardian Predictably, things go awry, with the hu- comings and the illusion of simplistic solu- L – Limited adult audience NC-17 – No one under 17 admitted O – Morally offensive man and sheep worlds colliding to comic tions. Under Jonathan Demme’s direction, effect – and with the wicked ways of an Streep plays an aging, unsuccessful rocker animal warden (voice of Omid Djalili) fur- who long ago abandoned her family to pur- ther complicating matters. Despite some sue her musical ambitions. She’s forced to Fantastic Four the group’s unsought superpowers. Yet the questionable jokes, these entertaining and confront the legacy of her own selfishness, Fox misfortunes that accompany these gifts inventive goings-on make suitable viewing however, when her sympathetic ex (Kevin Glum origin story, drawn from the Mar- become mildly miserable for the audi- for most of the family. Some rude bath- Kline) summons her back from L.A. to In- vel Comics series, recounts how a quartet ence, while a ham-handed critique of the room humor and vague innuendo. A-II; PG diana to help him cope with the downward of youthful science enthusiasts Miles Tell- military-industrial complex does little to emotional spiral into which their grown er, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara and Toby lighten the mood. Parents of the teens at The Vatican Tapes daughter (Mamie Gummer, Streep’s Kebbell working under the sponsorship of whom the film is squarely aimed will want Lionsgate daughter in real life) has descended after a wealthy research institute (represented to be aware of late scenes featuring some In this low-budget exorcism flick, a being dumped by her husband. Though by Reg E. Cathey), develops a machine ca- harsh bloodletting, forays into mayhem young woman (Olivia Taylor Dudley) pos- Diablo Cody’s script is unsparing in its pable of transporting people to a previously that make this doubtful fare even for older sessed by the Antichrist himself wreaks portrayal of the damage caused by the pro- unknown dimension. But a hurried, unau- adolescents. Brief gory violence, glimpses havoc on her family Dougray Scott plays tagonist’s desertion, it not only offers her thorized visit there by the three lads, un- of partial nudity, at least one use of profan- her gruff, devout dad and on the clergymen fresh hope in the person of her affection- dertaken to forestall others from stealing ity, a handful of crude terms, an obscene (Michael Pena, Djimon Hounsou and Peter ate live-in boyfriend (Rick Springfield), the limelight, has unexpected and ambigu- gesture. A-III; PG-13 Andersson) trying to assist her. Though its but suggests that all the destruction she ous consequences – for them, for Mara’s lurid title attempts to mask bad plotting left behind can be cleaned up with good character and for a tag-along (Jamie Bell). Shaun the Sheep Movie and wooden characters, director Mark intentions and a well-chosen song. Cohabi- Director and co-writer Josh Trank’s reboot Lionsgate Neveldine’s horror exercise is both less tation, a nongraphic premarital bedroom of a chronicle that stretches back, in print, Co-writers and -directors Mark Burton bloody and more reverent than many of its scene, benignly viewed drug use, mature to 1961 shows subtlety in its treatment of and Richard Starzak use stop-action clay counterparts. Still, his exploitative tactics themes, including homosexuality, at least in working in archival news footage of re- one use of profanity, several crude and cent popes and imagining the existence of crass terms. A-III; PG-13 a secret Vatican archive documenting the church’s unending fight with Satan will not Straight Outta Compton sit well with Catholic viewers. Some mildly Universal gory violence, occult themes, a sloppy por- The rise and collapse of the gangster rap trayal of Catholicism, fleeting uses of pro- group N.W.A is recounted in this striking fanity and of rough language. L; PG-13 but gritty dramatization from director F. Gary Gray. Focusing primarily on the two The Man From U.N.C.L.E. members Ice Cube (played by the rapper’s Warner Bros. son, O’Shea Jackson Jr.) and Dr. Dre (Co- Droll humor punctuates this breezy es- rey Hawkins) who went on to have head- pionage yarn, set at the height of the Cold lining solo careers as well as on Eazy-E War in 1963. Forced to work together to (Jason Mitchell), another founder whose retrieve revolutionary nuclear know-how life took a different turn, the story follows that may have fallen into the hands of the their collective effort to translate the frus- shady heir (Luca Calvani) to a fascism- trations of growing up in the Los Angeles- tainted Italian industrial fortune and area ghetto of the title into popular protest his scheming but elegant wife (Elizabeth music. While the legitimacy of their radical Debicki), an art thief-turned-CIA opera- stance some held that their lyrics called for tive (Henry Cavill) and a rage-prone KGB attacks on the police is open to debate, the agent (Armie Hammer) team with the gulf between the materialistic lifestyle the daughter (Alicia Vikander) of the miss- whole genre of hip-hop tends to glamorize ing scientist who developed the break- and an outlook based on scriptural values through to track the couple. In adapting is undeniable. Thus retaliatory violence is the mid-1960s television series, director treated ambiguously while women’s body and co-writer Guy Ritchie diverts his au- parts are far more prominent than their dience with James Bond-style glamour personalities. Narrow perspectives are while keeping the violence vague. But the also in evidence as cops are relentlessly substantial, if slightly strange, relation- demonized and the one white charac- ship that increasingly tethers Hammer ter of any significance the manager (Paul and Vikander is offset by Cavill’s carefree Giamatti) who successfully marketed the philandering. And the script’s anti-war, little-known ensemble in their early days pro-friendship sentiments rest, to some turns out to be more greedy manipulator extent, on an implied moral equivalence than genuine mentor. Flawed morality, between the forces of East and West some harsh violence, strong sexual con- wholly at variance with history. Much tent, including brief but graphic casual ac- violence, including torture, but with little tivity and full nudity, drug use, several in- gore, brief gruesome images, off-screen stances of profanity, pervasive rough and casual encounters, glimpses of partial nu- crude language. O; R August 21, 2015 ENTERTAINMENT The Catholic Commentator 19

12345 6789 11120 131

Hold My Hand 41 51 61 Standing in a crowded room and I can’t see your face Tell me that you’ve got me and you’re never gonna 1178 91 Put your arms around me, tell me everything’s OK leave In my mind, I’m running around a cold and empty Tryna find a moment where I can find release 02 221 2 space Please tell me that you’ve got me and you’re never 24253 2 62 Just put your arms around me, tell me everything is gonna leave OK Break my bones but you won’t see me fall 72 298 2 Break my bones but you won’t see me fall The rising tide will rise against them all 330123 343 353 The rising tide will rise against them all (Repeat refrain.) 63 387 3 93 Refrain: Don’t wanna know Darling, hold my hand That feeling when I’m all alone 04 14 432 4 Oh, won’t you hold my hand? So please don’t make me wait, cause I don’t wanna 444564 ‘Cause I don’t wanna walk on my own anymore break Won’t you understand? ‘Cause I don’t wanna walk And I don’t wanna fall 48497 4 510 5 alone When you’re next to me 25 35 I’m ready for this, there’s no denying Can tell I’m not afraid to be I’m ready for this, you stop me falling That you don’t make me wait, and never let me break 45 565 557 598 506 I’m ready for this, I need you all in You never let me fall 16 26 36 I’m ready for this, so darling, hold my hand Soul is like a melting pot when you’re not next to me (Repeat refrain.) 46 56 66

Sung by Jess Glynne | Copyright 2015, Atlantic/Warner Records moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www

ACROSS 66 Attack 1 Administrative arm of the Catho- lic Church DOWN Holding each other and helping humanity 6 Number of the commandment 1 “When we eat this bread and that instructs us to honor our drink this ___…” parents 2 Card game he 21st century has greatly people everywhere due to climate 10 One of the Mamas 3 First name in heroic dogs expanded the ways that change. This message is sure to be 14 Single things 4 Hairy Addams cousin 15 Trick 5 Unintelligent music artists can get their highlighted in his visit to the Unit- T 16 Cry from the congregation 6 ___ Minor work out into the world. One of ed States in September. 17 Papal 7 Ornamental brooch the more interesting approaches It is indeed time for all Catholics, 19 Animal rights org. 8 Amer. 20 He survived the flood 9 Devout is how Twitter has become an in- of all ages, to consider how to take 21 Line on a weather map 10 Long cloak with a hood strument for reaching audiences. up Pope Francis’ message about 23 Patron of Australia, St. Francis 11 One-celled protozoa Billboard now has a separate caring for the earth. The problem ___ 12 Attack chart entitled “Twitter Emerging of global climate change, and how 26 Shake up 13 Trap 27 Wading bird 18 Enemy Artists.” It determines which art- it affects so many, especially the 28 Salty 22 Gravitate ists are getting the most shared world’s poor, cannot be put aside. 30 Gregory I sent missionaries to 23 City in Ohio songs on Twitter. I recently ex- As Catholics, we uphold the sancti- convert these barbarians 24 Inert elemental gas 32 Bible section 25 Unit of potential difference plored that chart and that’s where ty of the earth as the home of God’s 33 Book attributed to Jeremiah 26 Natural balm I found Jess Glynne’s “Hold My greatest creation: humanity. Con- (abbr.) 27 Solid Hand.” sequently, it is important to not 36 Wild disorder 29 Tolerate On The Record 37 Farewell, from Jacques 31 One of seven Glynne is a British pop/blues only listen to Pope Francis’ words 39 Dreadful 33 Lawful singer whose sound reminds me of Charlie Martin but also to form action plans. 40 Son of Jacob 34 Mountain ridge the British megastar, Adele. For example, at the community 41 Great quantity 35 Flat-topped rise The song’s lyrics make you think of this song as level of your parish youth group or religious educa- 42 The women brought these to 38 Pops anoint Jesus’ body 39 Opera singer another romantic ballad, but the song’s official video tion class, what could you do to address this prob- 44 Sin against the fifth Command- 41 “Star Trek” navigator shows a group of friends sitting around a campfire lem? Maybe you could initiate a dialogue with your ment 43 God is three, with one divine and having fun. It leads us to consider what can hap- parish school or pastoral staff that focuses on put- 46 Mrs. Peron nature 47 Antelopes or certain Chevrolets 44 Title for Jesus pen if we all strive for a better world, if we hold the ting together a recycling plan. Youth groups always 50 Charge with gas 45 Jesus, on the third day hands of others and support them when they need use cups and other food utensils for events. Are 52 “___ corda” 47 Son of Sarah it – not just in a romantic way. those materials easily recyclable? 53 Judas betrayed Jesus with one 48 Compost 54 Landed 49 6 AM prayer time The song’s character says that she is “standing in a Maybe there are ways to communicate with oth- 55 The bishops, collectively 51 Key in a corner crowded room” and is becoming distressed because ers in the parish that reduce paper use (communi- 61 Peak 53 Furnace “I can’t see your face.” She wants him to “put your cating via social networks or generating a bulletin 62 The daughter of Pharaoh found 56 Filled pastry crust a baby here (Ex 2:5–6) 57 Hawaiian food arms around me, tell me everything is OK.” She asks that doesn’t require paper). 63 Catholic columnist and TV com- 58 “___ Maria” the person: “Won’t you hold my hand ‘cause I don’t Perhaps there could be more carpooling, use of mentator, Robert ___ 59 Label wanna walk on my own anymore?” public transportation to get to parish activities. 64 Sonny’s ex 60 Supplement While the lyrics can describe a romantic relation- Such steps are admittedly small given the large is- 65 Propend Solution on page 22 ship, I began thinking more about the importance sues related to climate change. But through Pope of all of us holding hands when we confront difficult Francis’ encouragement, we need to think locally challenges. Surely, it is going to take our collective about what we can do. care if God’s family is to find a way to live more suc- Also, think about the power you carry when you cessfully and peacefully on this planet. As Catholics, vote. This is a great privilege but also one that car- we have a leading voice to help us think about those ries responsibilities. Are you willing to take the time concerns that require us to join hands and work to- to evaluate candidates’ statements and their plans gether. to address or not address global climate change? Our beloved Pope Francis has the world’s atten- Perhaps you could attend public political forums tion with his leadership. He asks us to do more for and ask candidates how they would respond to what the world’s poor. Pope Francis is saying. Our candidates for public of- This summer, Pope Francis addressed a glob- fice need to know that we consider our Catholicism al challenge with his encyclical on the threats to and Pope Francis’ message when we vote. 20 The Catholic Commentator VIEWPOINT August 21, 2015

| EDITORIAL A memento from the Vatican’s secret archives

s I sit at my thought of as the worst of the Renaissance popes. God’s presence computer However, by the wonders of God’s grace she died Atyping in her late 30s as the highly respected Duchess emonizing God is noth- books, supplies and gift cards, this column I am of Ferrara, a beautiful medieval and Renaissance ing new, but the venom often from families whose own looking at two town in the Po Valley of northern Italy. Her third Dand intensity of those children were suddenly sharing very attractive husband, the Duke, had died some years earlier, attacks are on the increase, classroom space with fright- cardboard tan and leaving her to govern the city-state. She became perhaps not surprising given ened young people whose only blue book place- beloved by the people for her kindness and her the mercurial society in which worries days earlier were acne markers bearing generosity to the poor. we live today. and making weekend plans. the Vatican papal The secular press uses a lot of ink to portray However, for those who Truckloads of supplies, haul- seal surrounded the Vatican archives as containing dark secrets question God’s existence, the ing everything from diapers by the Latin that would embarrass the Catholic Church. Actu- answer is rooted in the worst and toothbrushes to food and words “Archivum ally, the Latin word “secretus” also means private natural disaster to strike this water, also carried hope. Secretum Aposto- and personal. The “secret” archives are the country. Ten years ago, Hurri- Not surprisingly, residents in licum Vaticanum,” Another personal documents and records of past popes. cane Katrina crippled an entire the diocese opened their church which usually are They are open to serious scholars of history. For region, from the parishes, their translated “Se- Perspective instance, one of the book markers I gave away jazz-filled streets So where was homes, their cret Apostolic contained the signature of King Henry VIII of of New Orleans checkbooks and Vatican Archives.” Father John Carville England petitioning for his divorce. Pope Clement to the sandy God? He was most important- No, I don’t have VII denied the petition. I also had the signature beaches of the ly, their hearts any special connections at the Vatican, and I of Michelangelo. He wrote to Pope Julius II Mississippi Gulf present in every to those whose would not qualify for admission into its secret warning him to pay his Swiss Guards who were Coast. lives were forever archives. To be admitted, one needs to be a rec- threatening to quit because they hadn’t received In the midst individual who, changed. ognized historical scholar. According to Michael their paychecks. He also may have written asking of the disaster, So where was O’Loughlin, national reporter for Crux, journal- to go back to Florence and finish the Medici tomb many, who were perhaps not even God? He was ists, students and amateur historians don’t stand statues. Writing would have been safer than ask- either victims present in every much chance of getting in. ing in person, since Pope Julius was in the habit of the storm unknowingly individual who, However, if you are planning on a visit to of hitting him with his walking cane to speed up or watched the perhaps not even Rome during the upcoming Jubilee Year of Mercy, Michelangelo’s painting of the Sistine Chapel. devastation live was heeding unknowingly, that begins on Dec. 8, you, too, can get these In 2012 the Vatican celebrated the 400th from the comfort was heeding book markers. The last time I was in Rome, a few anniversary of the Vatican Archives by making of their living Jesus’ mandate... Jesus’ mandate years ago, I bought a dozen of them in the Vatican 100 items available for public viewing for the rooms or office, as portrayed Museum’s bookstore. I thought that they would first time. O’Loughlin wrote that “The exhibit, asked, “Where was God?” in Matthew’s Gospel: “For I make interesting gifts, which is why I have only Lux in Arcana, shed some light on the papal past God was actually quite easy was hungry and you gave me two left. Besides the Vatican seal, each marker and provided some color to events that shaped to spot. He was present in the something to eat, I was thirsty bears the signature of a famous historical person history.” The archives can help settle disputed outpouring of generosity and and you gave me something to who wrote to one of the popes. The signature is historical points. For instance, Pope Francis is support that poured in from drink, I was a stranger and you lifted off of the letter. The two that I still have considering opening the full archives of Pope Pius around the world. The stories invited me in.” are signed by Galileo Galilei and underneath the XII. On the one hand, he was secretary of state are endless. There were no strangers signature in Latin “from the original acts of the under Pope Pius XI, who supposedly made deals Catholic Charities of the during Katrina, only hundreds trial against Galileo Galilei (1633)” and Lucrezia with Mussolini for silence on state-sponsored Diocese of Baton Rouge re- of thousands of people whose Borja—“A letter of Lucrezia Borgia to Pope Alex- anti-semitism. Yet, the same pope wrote an en- ceived a donation from Saudi eyes revealed the terror of andro VI (1494).” cyclical against Nazi Germany named Mit Bren- Arabia, along with several uncertainty and whose words There is no indication of the contents of these nender Sorge. Pope Pius XII’s cause for canoniza- school busses from Minnesota revealed their fear not of the letters, but Galileo may have been asking Pope tion is currently being championed by those who and a recreational vehicle filled future, but only of the follow- Urban VIII to free him from the house arrest to credit him with hiding Jews inside Vatican City with supplies from Albany, New ing day. The needy and most which he was condemned by the Roman Inquisi- during World War II. Yet, others criticize him for York. vulnerable, from the young- tion for the rest of his life for supporting Coper- not speaking out more boldly. The archives could Diocesan schools, which saw est of the young to the elderly nicus’s theory that the earth revolved around the help settle the dispute. enrollments mushroom over- found encouragement and hope sun. The pope, his former friend, did commute History is fascinating, even when it is only a night, did not charge tuition for through those, as St. Vincent de his original sentence of imprisonment for life to signature on a book marker. displaced children, offering a Paul executive director Michael house arrest, but Galileo died a prisoner within beacon of light in the ebony of Acaldo so elegantly called those his own home. As for Lucrezia Borgia, she was FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest in the Diocese despair. Those needy students who responded, “disciples.” writing to pa’pa Alessandro VI (Pope Alexander of Baton Rouge and writes on current topics for quickly received uniforms, text- There was God. VI), but she was also writing to papa’ Alejandro, The Catholic Commentator. He can be reached at because he was her natural father, generally [email protected]. | PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PRAY FOR US Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese. Aug. 25 Rev. William Blazek SJ Sr. Carolyn Brady CSJ Dcn. Daniel S. Borné Sept. 5 Rev. Thomas F. Clark SJ Dcn. Michael A. Agnello Aug. 29 Rev. John J. Callahan SJ Sr. Judith Brun CSJ Dcn. Patrick J. Broussard Jr. Br. Ronald Hingle SC Dcn. Mark T. Berard Sept. 2 Rev. John Carvillle Sr. Kathleen Cain OSF Aug. 26 Rev. Frank Brou SJ Br. Noel Lemmon SC Dcn. Claude H. Bourgeois Jr. Sept. 6 Rev. Michael J. Collins Dcn. Donald L. Ard Aug. 30 Rev. Peter J. Callery SJ Br. Paul Montero SC Dcn. Barry G. Campeaux Sr. Sandra Blanchard CSJ Dcn. Willie M. Berthelot Sr. Sept. 3 Rev. Edward Chiffriller SSJ Br. Xavier Werneth SC Aug. 27 Rev. Jules A. Brunet Sr. Marie deMontfort Breaux SSF Dcn. Eugene F. Brady Sept. 7 Rev. Paul D. Counce Dcn. Frank E. Bains Aug. 31 Rev. Joseph M. Camilleri Sr. Helen Cahill OSF Dcn. Michael T. Chiappetta Br. Warren Laudumiey SC Dcn. William B. Blair Jr. Sept. 4 Rev. Charles Chukwuani Sr. Nicetas Cambiado DM Aug. 28 Rev. Gerald H. Burns Br. Malcolm Melcher SC Dcn. Jerry W. Braud Dcn. Thomas D. Benoit Sept. 1 Rev. Chuong Cao CSsR Br. Marcel Riviere SC August 21, 2015 VIEWPOINT The Catholic Commentator 21 Katrina: Some personal reflections a decade later

he Setting. On a and their husbands could join me. When we did, we nicating news and plans. Saturday morn- discovered everything inside the first floor of the house Our Local People. Within our church and other faith Ting after the was ruined. groups, as well as non-profit organizations, governmental flood waters in New The Power of Nature. Nothing previous in my life had and civic leaders, citizens at large – joined hands and Orleans had receded, prepared me for the destruction caused by Hurricane Ka- arms, minds and hearts, voices and prayer – to assist I drove to the resi- trina. And while it was the breakdown of the levee system everyone in need. I have always been proud of our faith- dence where my par- that caused the most significant damage, what decisively ful in the church and the residents of our area, but never ents had lived prior came through was the powerful impact of nature and the more than through the care, generosity, sacrifice and to Hurricane Katrina devastation and disruption it could cause if unabated. service they epitomized during that crisis. (from which they had The Power of Love. In preparation for and in the I especially cite the immense contributions of clergy, evacuated with my aftermath of the hurricane, our religious and lay leaders, the sister, Mary, and her area became a haven for evacuees I have always been proud work of Catholic Charities at the husband Frank, to from the more coastal areas of national and diocesan level, the St. Memphis beforehand) the state. People here welcomed of our faithful in the church Vincent de Paul Society, the efforts in the Gentilly neigh- From The Bishop their new residents, family mem- of diocesan and parochial leaders borhood of the city. Bishop Robert W. Muench bers, friends and strangers as and the residents of our area, and members, educators, students, I was not prepared well. Archbishop Alfred Hughes seminarians, for the extraordinary for what I saw when I was warmly received back to our but never more than through and selfless contributions which took the Elysian Fields Avenue exit from the Interstate diocese and provided lodging and they made at that time. Never 610 elevated expressway. I felt as if I had entered “The office space. Pope John Paul II the care, generosity, sacrifice before in my life had I witnessed Twilight Zone” (the science-fiction TV series). There was sent Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes, people who joined hands and no sign of either life or activity. No movement anywhere. then Vatican President of the and service they epitomized arms, minds and hearts, spirits No people. No electricity. No operating street lights. No Pontifical Council, “Cor Unum,” and voices to make manifest the sound. No birds. No animals. Deserted homes and cars. as an emissary who represented during that crisis. defining service taught by Jesus: “I Everything looked ash. and expressed the personal was hungry and you gave me food, I drove down Elysian Fields towards Lake Ponchar- concern, prayers and blessings of the Holy Father to our thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you wel- train and got to the corner of Rapides. I slowly took people, those in the Biloxi, Mississippi area, and to the comed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared a left turn and proceeded another two blocks before Gulf Coast residents so deeply affected in the storm’s for me, in prison and you visited me... For whatever you turning right onto Pasteur Blvd., where my parents’ wake. St. Joseph Cathedral hosted a special Mass for did for one of the least of my brothers, you did for me” home was located. External water marks revealed it had the evacuees. Archbishop Hughes conducted a weekday (Mt 25:35-36, 40). Through it all, the God of providence been engulfed by eight feet of water. I didn’t enter the morning television broadcast on Catholic Life TV (which was with us, faithfully helping us cope with most chal- house, deferring to a later time when two of my sisters he had previously established in Baton Rouge), commu- lenging circumstances. Praised be God! A eucharistic prayer over an awakening world

n the Feast of the Transfigura- Grant me, Lord, to erything that is rising and it as a “prolongation” or “extension” of tion in 1923, Pierre Teilhard de remember and make everything that is dying, the Eucharist, where the body and blood OChardin found himself alone at mystically present all those and ask you to bless it. of Christ becomes incarnate in a wider sunrise in the Ordos desert in China, whom the light is now And our communion bread and wine, namely, in the entire watching the sun spread its orange and awakening to this new day. with you will not be com- physical world which manifests the red light across the horizon. He was As I call these to mind, I plete, will not be Christian, mystery of God’s flesh shining through deeply moved, humanly and religiously. remember first those who if, together with the gains all that is. What he most wanted to do in response have shared life with me: which this new day brings, Teilhard was an ordained, Roman was to celebrate Mass, to somehow family, community, friends we do not also accept, in Catholic, priest, covenanted by his ordi- consecrate the whole world to God. But and colleagues. And I our own name and in the nation to say Mass for the world, to place he had no altar, no bread and no wine. remember as well, more name of the world, those bread on a paten and wine in a chalice So he resolved to make the world itself vaguely but all-inclusively, processes, hidden or mani- and offer them to God for the world. We his altar and what was happening in the whole of humanity, fest, of enfeeblement, of too, all of us Christians, by our baptism, the world the bread and the wine for his living and dead, and, not aging, and of death, which are made priests and, like Teilhard, are Mass. Here, in paraphrase, is the prayer least, the physical earth In Exile unceasingly consume the covenanted to say Mass for the world, he prayed over the world, awakening to itself, as I stand before you, universe, to its salvation or that is, to offer up on our own metaphori- the sun that morning in China. O God, as a piece of this Father Ron Rolheiser its condemnation. Lord, cal patens and chalices, bread and wine O God, since I have neither bread, nor earth, as that place where God, we deliver ourselves for the world, in whatever form this wine, nor altar, I will raise myself beyond the earth opens and closes to you. up with abandon to those fearful forces might take on a given day. There are ma- these symbols and make the whole earth And so, O God, over every living thing of dissolution which, we blindly believe, ny ways of doing this, but you might want my altar and on it will offer to you all the which is to spring up, to grow, to flower, will this cause our narrow egos to be to try this: Some morning as the sun is labors and sufferings of the world. to ripen during this day, I say again the replaced by your divine presence. We lighting-up the horizon, let its red and As the rising sun moves as a sheet of words: “This is my body.” And over every gather into a single prayer both our golden fire enflame your heart and your fire across the horizon the earth wakes, death-force which waits in readiness to delight in what we have and our thirst for empathy so as to make you stretch out trembles, and begins its daily tasks. I will corrode, to wither, to cut down, I speak what we lack. your hands and pray Teilhard’s eucharis- place on my paten, O God, the harvest to again your words which express the Lord, lock us into the deepest depths tic prayer over an awakening world. be won by this renewal of labor. Into my supreme mystery of faith: “This is my of your heart; and then, holding us there, chalice I will pour all the sap which is to blood.” On my paten, I hold all who will burn us, purify us, set us on fire, subli- OBLATE FATHER ROLHEISER, theologian, be pressed out this day from the earth’s live this day in vitality, the young, the mate us, till we become utterly what you teacher and award-winning author, is fruits. My paten and my chalice are the strong, the healthy, the joy-filled; and in would have us to be, through the annihi- president of the Oblate School of Theolo- depths of a soul laid widely open to all my chalice, I hold all that will be crushed lation of all selfishness inside us. Amen. gy in San Antonio, Texas. He can be con- the forces which in a moment will rise and broken today as that vitality draws For Teilhard this, of course, was not tacted through his website ronrolheiser. up from every corner of the earth and its life. I offer you on this all-embracing to be confused with the celebration of com, and on Facebook at facebook.com/ converge upon the spirit. altar everything that is in our world, ev- the Eucharist in a church, rather he saw ronrolheiser. 22 The Catholic Commentator August 21, 2015

Women in Spirit – Senator Sharon Weston Broome, view class will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m. For in- Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites – The president pro-temporare, Louisiana State Senate, will formation, visit icc-msh.org, email garliceater@hotmail. Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites welcomes those speak at the next meeting of Women in Spirit on Thursday, com or call 225-665-5359 or 225-603-2932. who are interested in developing their prayer life ac- Aug. 27, noon, at St. Joseph Cathedral, Fourth and Main cording to the teachings of the Carmelite saints. The Streets, Baton Rouge. Women in Spirit is a non-denom- Metairie Retreats – The Archdiocese of New Or- community meeting will be held on Sunday, Sept. 13, inational program for women seeking spiritual growth leans Retreat Center, 5500 St. Mary St., Metairie, will 1:30 p.m., at Our Lady of Mercy Parish Activity Cen- offering a haven from the stresses of office and home. A hold a young women’s retreat, “Open My Heart, Lord,” ter in St. Gabriel’s Room, 444 Marquette Ave., Baton complimentary lunch is included. RSVP by emailing sjwo- Saturday, Sept. 12 – Sunday, Sept. 13. Offering is $120. Rouge. Call 225-343-3181 or 225-803-3391, or email [email protected]. For information, call 504-887-1420 or visit retreats. [email protected]. arch-no.org. Finance Classes – Immaculate Conception Church, Day of Prayer – Sister Rose Bowen OP will host a day 865 Hatchell Lane, Denham Springs, will offer Financial Women of Grace Bible Study – A “Women of of prayer on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Rosaryville Spirit Life Peace University and Legacy Journey classes Tuesdays, Grace” small group program will be held this fall begin- Center, 39003 Rosaryville Road, Ponchatoula, beginning at 7 p.m., beginning in September. Financial Peace Uni- ning Thursday, Sept. 10, 6 p.m., and Friday, Sept. 11, 10 with coffee and fellowship at 9 a.m. Discussion will begin versity classes will run Sept. 1 through Oct. 27. A preview a.m., at the Landsmann Center at St. Anne Church, 411 at 9:30 a.m. The day will conclude at 2:30 p.m. with the class will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 7 p.m. The Legacy St. Joseph St., Napoleonville. For information, call 985- celebration of Mass. For information and to register, email Journey classes be held Sept. 3 through Oct. 15. A pre- 369-6656. [email protected] or call 225-294-5039.

The Catholic Commentator For help placing your classified ad, PO Box 3316 call 225-387-0983. All classified ads are Baton Rouge LA 70821-3316 prepaid. Credit cards are not accepted.

announcements Business service Business service Help Wanted Help Wanted Healing of Families Seminar 10/31/15 Mature, loving caregiver wants to PRESSURE WASHING In sales employment advertisements, the advertiser must name the product or ser- Complete presentation of Father Sse- share many years of extensive experi- Patios, driveways, walks, carports, etc. vice to be sold. Ads must state how wages will be paid (salary, commissions, etc.) if makula’s book. Details/registration con- ence with your loved one. Call Marti @ Retired male. Call 225-276-1841 money is mentioned. The ad must also state if there is an investment required. tact - [email protected]. 225-930-0269 or 225-572-0272 Kitchen counter tops. Call for free es- While we at The Catholic Commentator do BROUSSEAU'S Painting timates. John O'Neill 225-938-6141 or our best to bring reliable advertisers to Interior and exterior painting. Experi- 225-683-6837. Seeking Executive Director of the Catholic our readers, we are not responsible for any enced and reliable. Free estimates. Call claims made by any advertiser. 225-241-8488 or 225-928-7194. School Athletic League Mr. D’s Tree Service For sale The Principal’s Association of the Diocese of Baton Rouge is seeking a Business service 3 Licensed Arborists Excellent Condition. Adult Tristar leader with a proven record of vision, strategic planning and organizational Free Estimates 3-wheel bike. $275. Call 225-769-5491. development skills to guide the board of directors and the organization in Fully Insured Pennington Lawn and Landscape its on-going success. 225-806-0008 Don Decell & Carl Babin, owners 2 plots together – Resthaven Garden Lawn & bed maintenance. Clean-up neg- 225-292-6756 The mission of this elementary school athletic program is to provide an of Last Supper. $5840 both. 2 burial opportunity for students enrolled in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Ba- lect. Call for your free estimate. vaults $1720 both. 225-272-8708. Baton Rouge Care Service. Serving Ba- ton Rouge to participate in an organized interscholastic athletic program LEBLANC’S TREE & STUMP ton Rouge and surrounding areas since 4 plots Roselawn Memorial Cemetery which is consistent with the philosophy and values of our Catholic schools. REMOVAL, INC. 1960. Registered sitters, nurses, and – In old part of cemetery. $5800 all four. nurses aides for the sick and elderly in The Executive Director is responsible to the CSAL Board of Directors Prompt service–Free estimates Call 919-906-2746. and the Principal’s Association and will oversee all aspects of the organi- FULLY INSURED the home, nursing homes and hospitals. Licensed and bonded for private duty zation’s operations in the attainment of the CSAL’s goals. This position is a E. H. “Eddie” LeBlanc part-time assignment for which a stipend is paid. Phone 383-7316 care. 225-924-6098 or 225-667-0480. or ent www.batonrougesittersregistry.com. F r Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: MAGGIO CONCRETE Wooded Lot w/mobile home for rent – Making decisions with regard to CSAL programs. Form, dig, pour and finish. Driveways, Donnie’s Furniture Repair & Uphol- off Hwy 42. 2BR/2BA, Fenced yard. $850 – Organizing CSAL activities. patios, sidewalks, parking areas. Resi- stery. We do refinishing, repairs, caning, month + deposit. No pets, non-smok- painting of furniture and upholstery. – Preparing all sports schedules. dential/Commercial foundations. Also ers. 225-715-7172. – Securing authorized officials for all CSAL activities. breakout and haul away concrete. IN- In business 43 yrs. Pick up and delivery. 10876 Greenwell Springs Rd. 225-272- – Taking minutes of all board meetings. SURED. After you call the rest, call the – Securing and maintaining all CSAL correspondence. best. 225-266-7764/225-448-0803. 2577. See our showroom. card oF tHanks – Receiving and collecting all money for the CSAL programs. HOUSEKEEPER For novena prayers answered. Thanks. – Depositing CSAL funds into such accounts and at such banking St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of a Mature, Dependable JL Peaceful Death. St. Joseph Hospice is 20+ Years Experience. References. institutions as the board shall deem proper. available to support families as they face Debbie – Keeping accurate records of receipts and disbursements. end-of-life decisions. Peace, comfort, 225-266-7655 Help Wanted Experience and Qualifications: dignity and support can make every day • At least 3 years of prior work in sports administration, preferably with "a good day." Call 225-368-3100 for more Dave’s Bicycle Repair and Sales. Free Assistant needed 3 full days per week for pickup and delivery, free estimates, ex- a Catholic school. information. young lady with developmental disabili- • Exceptional skill in building and maintaining strong relationships with pert economical repair on all brands. ty for community activities. Excellent for 225-924-4337 or www.davesbicyclerepair. retired teachers, mature person looking diverse constituents to achieve broad, mutually beneficial goals. THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA com. Accounting and taxes for businesses, for part-time work or student in a related • Practicing Catholic preferred . Please send letter and resume to: non-profits and individuals; business, Anthony's Furniture Specialties. We field. Experience working with develop- computer, financial and management restore hurricane damaged furniture. mental disability a plus. Background Search Committee, St. Thomas More School, services. 30 years experience; profes- If it's furniture we do it all! Refinishing, check will be done. Drivers license and 11400 Sherbrook Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70816 sional, prompt and personal attention. re-upholstery, pick up and delivery, etc. insurance required. $12.70 hr. Call 225- or fax to 225-275-0376 or email to [email protected] 225-296-0404. 2263 Florida Blvd., BR. 225-413-2607. 252-1567. Deadline for application is September 15, 2015.

Print Your Ad Here CURIA FOUR CASS UN ITS RUSE AMEN PONT IFICAL PETA NOAH ISOBAR XAVIER AG ITATE DATES TO RUN: HERON SALINE Circle Category: Announcements—Business Services—Cards of Thanks—For Rent—For Sale—Help Wanted ANGLES BOOK LAM —Positions Wanted—Legal Notices (other ) RIOT AD IEU DIRE Mail to: The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316 DAN SCAD SP ICES Enclosed is $9.50 for the first 15 words + 15¢ for each word thereafter + 25¢ per line for each special effect (all caps, centered MURDER EV ITA line, bold lettering); for a total of $______for each issue. IMPALAS AERATE Advertisements will not NAME SURSUM KISS be published without ADDRESS AL IT EP ISCOPATE full payment in advance. ACME NILE NOVAK CITY PHONE CHER TEND SIEGE moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www August 21, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 23

MEMORIES admit that I enjoyed spend- my “Katrina class” was held dur-  ing time with our family. Each ing my “off period” at the end From page 10 person was a tremendous help of the day. Some kids were also around the house, and my dad, added to my regular classes. for many years, I couldn’t help who even today at 81 years old The extra students meant more but think they reminded me of still enjoys working outside, had assignments to grade and more the war causalities I had read our yard looking the best it has lessons to prepare. I didn’t mind so much about during WWII. ever been. because it was my personal Ironically, over the years, I have One almost frightening contribution to those affected by heard descriptions from some of memory I have of the storm the storm. It was the only thing the first people able to get inside locally occurred during the I felt I could do. St. Bernard Parish weeks “after first days “after Katrina.” As To this day, I remember the Katrina,” and their reports are our own provisions grew lower, whirl of Coast Guard helicopters nothing short of a “bomb going I went to Wal-Mart and was flying over our area as they were off.” shocked when I saw the store’s heading to New Orleans “after Not surprisingly, the first shelves. Not even one loaf of Katrina.” I would see images thing our cousins wanted to do bread remained. I was able to of the rescue operations on was shower and rest. Since they buy canned items, but I never Donations poured in from around the world, and included such ne- television that night. I couldn’t fled their home with almost no expected to see a food shortage cessities as food, bottled water, clothing, diapers and money. Photo go there to help, but I could stay provisions, I began sending out like that in America. submitted by Jose Beccera | St. Thomas of Aquinas Diocesan Regional High School and do my part here. an SOS to friends. I received I often think about my “Ka- clothes, gift certificates and dia- All total, we had without electricity and strug- ing history, and I wanted my trina kids” and wonder how they pers. Yes, we needed diapers. gling in the incredible heat. students to remember the role are doing. Teachers know that as One cousin was 18-months-old. 18 family members Here, we experienced a they played. Later at school, the they teach, they also learn valu- His dad was serving in Iraq at little humor in my own family, teachers were called into a spe- able lessons from their students. the time. I can only image the staying at our home as going back to school meant cial meeting. We were told about I remember my “Katrina kids” anguish that soldier felt when he my oldest son, who had just a large number of students from were thankful for everything, watched the news and thought Some stayed only a transferred to Catholic High, New Orleans needing a school. but mostly they were filled with about his wife and son. They would still enjoy time off while Dr. Runnels wanted to know if gratitude for their family and for were soon able to connect via few nights, others a his younger sister and brother we would take on extra teaching the way others unselfishly gave email once they arrived at our had to return to classes with me. assignments. I believe every to them. “After Katrina,” that’s home. couple of weeks... (However, the traffic we had to teacher there agreed. For me, the real lesson for me. All total, we had 18 family endure that next week when it members staying at our home By the third day of the storm, was finally time to bring him to Some stayed only a few nights, my school opened again. I was CHS was no laughing matter.) others a couple of weeks, and teaching at Runnels School at As an eighth-grade literature my dad and stepmom stayed for this time, and since the school teacher, one of my first assign- Mr. D’s Tree Service months as they worked to repair had electricity, the headmaster, ments for my students was to damage to their home. Despite Dr. Kelly Runnels, wanted to of- write a journal entry about the ovEr 35 yEars ExpErIEncE the circumstances, I have to fer some relief to those students storm. We were experienc- Don Decell, owner carl BaBin, owner • Economical • Fully Insured • Quality Work HOUSING  “It was really, really crazy. I previously selling for $100,000 From page 14 would not wish it for anybody.” suddenly increased to $150,000, CALL TODAY! She said she listed seven hous- leaving many potential home 225-292-6756 Acaldo added other Catholic es in one day, and at one point buyers on the sideline, a problem agencies also shipped in food by was forced to type one contract that remains today. Although she the truckloads. over her cell phone, a task made said some homes are available in “We dealt with the person that more difficult since it was in the the $100,000 range they are tra- was being evicted, we dealt with days before smart phones were ditionally located in the less de- the person that was struggling, standard issue. sirable areas of the city. and we tried to find solutions,” Wattam admitted some resi- “You go from $140,000 (in he said. “For every bad thing you dents flirted with the idea of sell- 2004) to where it is today, that is saw, you saw good things too. It ing their home to make a quick not the norm,” she said. was serious business.” profit but rescinded once the re- In some respects, the after- Not only were rentals dramat- ality of where they would move shock is still reverberating in the Notre Dame Hospice, a Catholic Health ically affected, Katrina’s after- began to sink in. She added some real estate market. Wattam said Care Ministry, is looking for Volunteers. math also created a buying fren- sellers “went crazy on their pric- houses bought at the peak of the Volunteers can provide caregiver relief, run zy in Baton Rouge. Wattam said es” but more socially conscious bubble, specifically in 2008, re- houses literally sold in a matter of sellers kept the price within rea- main the most difficult to sell. errands, help in the office (in Prairieville), a day or two, or even in hours. She son. She said she often tells clients play music or offer any talent that you have said the traditionally stable hous- In 2004, the average sales who are attempting to sell homes to share. ing market in Baton Rouge saw price of a home in Baton Rouge bought that year to put it up for an immediate spike, with prices was $143,000. In 2006, as the sale, but wait a few years to sell, If you are interested or would like more increasing by up to 30 percent. frenzy continued, the average so as to not to lose money. “It was good and bad,” Wattam had risen to $185,000, and in Acaldo said he very aware of information please contact: Betty Carr, said, her emotions taking over as 2008, at its zenith, prices spiked the lingering effects of Katrina 10 Volunteer Coordinator at 225-243-7358. she relived those chaotic days. “I at $201,000. years later. Volunteers are need to serve in all church have to say the worst part was The market saw a slight de- “I still see Katrina scars a lot,” parishes in the Greater Baton Rouge area. the phone would not stop ring- cline, but in 2015 the average he said. “I see the shock because ing, and you couldn’t help them. price has risen to $215,000. it was so unimaginable. People www.NotreDameHospice-NO.org People were desperate. That was She admitted the lower end lost everything. Some even lost the hard part. I would go home housing absorbed a significant a family member, and you never (225) 243-7358 crying. impact, adding homes that were get over that.” 24 The Catholic Commentator August 21, 2015

SHELTER  served in that capacity for 35 years. From page 9 But about 60 volunteers from St. An- thony were on hand to greet the evacuees. “It was a big, happy moment to help Some people took an elderly evacuee people move in,” said Gonzales. under their wings. And parishioners were there not only The supply truck that was supposed to for the moms and babies, but also their have accompanied the nursing home resi- families. dents was delayed, creating hardships. Jennifer Kleinpeter said her daughter, In addition to the nursing home resi- Rebecca, and son Craig, enjoyed working dents, 300 Vietnamese people from New with the children. Orleans arrived. “My son was not one to feed, rock and A call for help was put out, and soon change the babies, but my daughter was supplies from the neighborhood, St. Vin- eager to do it,” said Kleinpeter. cent de Paul, Baton Rouge Food Bank Her son, however, made sure the older and an 18-wheeler with donations from children had fun. around the country arrived. Volunteers “He would put them in an empty card- from other parishes, such as St. Thomas board box and push them all around the More and Our Lady of Mercy churches in place. They would fall to the ground gig- Baton Rouge, also came and cooked food. gling,” Kleinpeter said. Volunteers also took some of the elderly At Sts. Anthony of Padua and Le Van evacuees to the hospital, and a volunteer Shelters, such as ones set up at St. Anthony, St. Patrick, St. Aloysius, St. George Phung, in Baton Rouge, the scene was doctor from St. Anthony was on hand. churches in Baton Rouge as well as elsewhere in the Diocese of Baton Rouge brought quite different, as they took 200 residents Children were also enrolled in the St. An- relief to young children, who through their youthful exuberance were able to make from a couple of New Orleans nursing thony school of religion. the best of a difficult situation, as well as to the elderly. Submitted photo homes. St. Anthony was one of several Reine said she had never seen the peo- church parishes in the diocese, such as St. ple pull together as they had during that “We prayed together, ate together, life happening even in the midst of George Church in Baton Rouge, that took time. The people of St. Anthony helped laughed together and cried together,” Re- tragedy. A woman gave birth to a baby in nursing home residents. the evacuees until the elderly were placed ine said. across from her office. “They were terrified,” said Alice Reine, and the Vietnamese were back on their She highlighted a tie with the St. Pat- “It was a blessing,” Reine said. then secretary at St. Anthony, who had feet. rick shelter, which spoke of the circle of

SCHOOLS  students,” Harvison said. “I will never forget our wel- served to bring the community began pouring in to help. Broth- From page 8 Within two days, the news come assembly that Monday together more. er Landry noted that parents spread, and the school received morning. The New Orleans girls At CHS, the decision was provided activities for the stu- purpose,” said Wray, who added more than 1,000 applications. were sad, almost shell-shocked, made to advance the schedule dents and offered to do anything that despite the long days, he felt Despite wanting to help every- but the Academy family opened so that Brother Martin could else we needed. everyone at St. Michael was be- one, SJA realized they could only its arms and soon we were a new operate its own school at night. He was impressed with the ing called to live out their faith. accommodate 250 additional ‘temporary’ family,” said Harvi- Many students from St. Stan- show of generosity by so many Linda Harvison, who recently girls. It was at that time, a team son. islaus came to Baton Rouge and people. retired as principal at St. Jo- effort was displayed accord- At Catholic High, the devas- enrolled at CHS. Brother Landry “One thing that I learned is seph’s Academy, shared the same ing to Harvison as the technol- tation from Hurricane Katrina noted the CHS family of faculty, the way people who lost every- thoughts about living out the ogy department repaired tablet was especially felt. Affiliated parents, students and friends thing were changed by that,” charism of the Sisters of St. Jo- computers for every girl, parents with the Brothers of the Sacred help in so many ways, especially said Brother Landry. “So many seph helping the “dear neighbor.” donated items and services (one Heart, Catholic High saw flood- with students from St. Stan- people, and here I count myself, Harvison explained that she first parent, a doctor, set up a triage ing and damage to two of its islaus. get so wrapped up in the little de- recognized the need when she for incoming students needing family schools, Brother Martin “We had brothers and some tails, like your computer doesn’t went to the school only days after help in completing forms and High School in New Orleans students (mainly international boot up quickly and you get the storm, and assisted a woman obtaining medicine), teachers and St. Stanislaus in Bay St. students unable to get home) frustrated. Then you have these wanting to enroll her daughter. and staff members cleaned and Louis, Mississippi. For Brother that stayed on campus during people who lost everything, and “She and I walked to the readied extra desks and the cur- Barry Landry SC, principal of the storm,” said Brother Landry. you see how they have a new per- school on the other side of cam- rent students donated uniforms CHS during the storm and now As the brothers in Mobile, spective on life,” he continued. pus and while walking she called and made ready to welcome their academic dean at St. Stanislaus, Alabama secured a bus to bring “It makes you realize (that you a friend and said SJA was taking new classmates. the adversity of the storm only them to Baton Rouge, donations shouldn’t) sweat the small stuff.”

Clothing Donations Needed ! St. Vincent de Paul Stores are community leaders in distributing clothing and furniture to the needy at no charge, and we need your donations of clothing to help us in our mission of charity. Help us to help the poorest of the poor. Last year, we helped over 12,000 people (free of charge) with their clothing needs helping them become self-sufficient. Help us give a hand-up to people in need. Drop your clothing donation off at any St. Vincent de Paul location. We also gladly accept household items, furnishings and appliances in good condition. And we love items from your garage sale. Call our pick-up service at (225) 267-5447 to make your furniture or appliance donation. Drop off your donation at any of our locations. Baton Rouge Locations: 1871 Staring Lane, 12107 Florida Boulevard, 5621 Government Street, and 2655 Plank Road. Other Locations: 824 North Morrison (Hammond), 710 Olinde Street (New Roads), 4171 Hwy. 1 (Brusly-in the Casa Loma Shopping Center), 14504 Plank Road (Baker), and 1402 North Burnside (Gonzales – Our Newest Location!). The Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Serving our Community Since 1865