the Catholic pages 10 & 11 H istory of Catholic education displayed at Iberville museum

October 18, 2013 Vol.ommentator 51, No. 18 Serving the Diocese of Baton Rouge since 1963 thecatholiccommentator.org C BAA love story launches campaign

By Richard Meek The Catholic Commentator

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal was recently launched with a revamped strategy and an am- bitious financial goal. Tammy Abshire, steward- ship director for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, said the goal is $1.2 million. Abshire, who is completing her first year as director, said that for the first time her office is partnering with the priests in each parish to help meet the lofty target. “We have invited pastors to urge parishioners to participate and support the appeal,” Ab- shire said. “Bishop (Robert W.) Muench has indicated this is a priority. And, he has asked that priests request support from Sister Joel Gubler OP stands on the steps of the old Victorian house to which she says she owes her existence. Sister Joel’s grand- their parishioners. That’s what’s mother visited the house and fell in love with a young seminarian who lived across the way at the present site of the Rosaryville new.” Spirit Life Center. Photo by Barbara Chenevert | The Catholic Commentator Abshire said the funds from the appeal support a number of diocesan ministries, includ- Home across the street plays vital role in Sister Joel’s life ing Sanctuary for Life, which is a home operated by Catholic By Barbara Chenevert Gubler, who fell hopelessly in love. Sure enough, Nemours entered the Charities for pregnant women The Catholic Commentator Sister Joel’s grandfather was that seminary at the age of 12. He lasted until in crisis. The center provides monk, a seminarian at the time. He wrote his senior year of high school, but decided those women in need housing, “What an awesome experience for me Laurance a beautiful love letter in which priesthood was not for him, Sister Joel job training and transportation to look across the road from my home he told her, “When I first saw you, I loved said. “My grandmother cried. She pan- See Baa page 20 at our Dominican Retreat Center, Rosa- you,” Sister Joel said. icked and wrote him letters saying he was ryville, and see that gingerbread story “My grandmother didn’t want him to going to lose his soul and get in with bad special section book house to which I actually owe my leave the seminary because of her, but he company.” Nemours agreed to try again existence.” persisted. I don’t really know what hap- and re-entered the seminary only to leave Sister Joel Gubler OP, speaks lovingly pened next. I guess he pursued her be- again, ignoring his mother’s cries. “It just of the 19th century home where love unex- cause they got married in 1897,” she said. wasn’t for him,” Sister said. pectantly blossomed more than 115 years The grandmother felt terribly guilty But in the meantime, her grandmoth- ago. “You see, in the late 1800s when my about taking a future priest from his er’s fears were allayed because Nemours’ grandmother was a young girl living in ministry, so she promised God she would younger brother, Maurice, entered the New Orleans, she would come visit friends replace him with not one, but two of her seminary, followed four years later by an- who lived in that house,” she continued. sons. other brother, Edwin, both of whom end- She would cross the road to attend Sunday Fate was not on Luarance’s side, how- ed up being ordained and fulfilling Laur- Mass with the Benedictine Monks living ever, as she soon gave birth to a daughter, ance’s promise to God. in the monastery, which was then called then a second daughter and then a third. Fathers Edwin and Maurice Gubler Gessen. “She was getting nervous because all she served many parishes in the bayous of At one of those Masses, Sister Joel’s was having was girls,” Sister Joel said. Fi- south Louisiana because they spoke grandmother, Laurance DeGruey, caught nally a boy, who she named Nemours, was French. They had difficult lives in the the eye of young monk, named Joseph born. See Gubler page 19 2 The Catholic Commentator October 18, 2013

| IN THIS ISSUE | in the next issue | DID YOU KNOW FATHER LOUIS Sign of the cross OUBRE, who passed away Oct. 10, is fondly When it comes to making on the forehead, similar to remembered by fel- the sign of the cross, right is what is done in baptisms to- low priests. PAGE 3 right, but left is not necessarily day. Gradually the gesture wrong. expanded, stretching the sign Traditionally Catholics pray across the upper body from the sign of the cross using their head to chest, from shoulder right hand, moving from the to shoulder. forehead to the chest to the left Through the years there shoulder and then to the right have been differences in the L aURA Nelson, second from right, shoulder. use of the hands. In the sixth has been passing on the Catholic faith There is apparently no century people used the first to children for 57 years. The Diocesan theological reason for use of the right hand two fingers held together to make the sign Office of Evangelization and Catechesis in signing oneself, but that tradition has of the cross. By the ninth century, three recently honored her commitment as a evolved from longstanding custom and fingers were being used to symbolize the catechist. practicality, since the majority of people trinity. This form is still used in Eastern are right handed. Christian churches that also touch the LOVE AND COMMITMENT critical when Perhaps it developed because Bible pas- right shoulder before the left. caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s | index sages tend to associate goodness or posi- By the end of the Middle Ages, the prac- disease. PAGE 5 tions of power with the right side. The Bible tice of making the sign of the cross with an Classified Ads 18 speaks of the power of God’s right hand, or open hand emerged and is still used today DIOCESAN YOUTH to converge at St. Coming Events 18 Jesus being seated at the right hand of the in the western church. Joseph Church in French Settlement for Entertainment 14 father. In yet another passage, Jesus places Although the sign of the cross is used the sheep on his right, but the goats on his to open many prayers and to begin Mass, World Youth Day. PAGE 13 Family Life 5 left. it is a prayer in itself. The sign of the cross INTERNATIONAL/NATIONAL NEWS 4 GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN should have Very early in the history of Christianity, expresses belief in God and in the trinity. LETTER TO THE EDITOR 17 been avoided. PAGE 16 the cross was used as a sign of faith. The simple words remind Catholics Spirituality 7 The earliest evidence of the use of the of God’s love for them, the sacrifice Jesus BISHOP MUENCH DELIVERS HOMILY at Viewpoint 16 sign of the cross in rituals was probably made on the cross and the presence of the Respect Life Mass. PAGE 17 Youth 12 in the second century when it was traced Holy Spirit within each person.

| Pray for those who pray for us Look for Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese. he aThoLiC ommenTaTor T C C Oct. 20 Rev. Miles D. Walsh Oct. 27 Rev. Howard R. Adkins aT your LoCaL ouTLeTs inCLuding: Dcn. Mark T. Berard Dcn. Patrick J. Broussard Jr. ✔ Albertsons on Government St., Bluebonnet Blvd. and College Dr. in Sr. Dolores Munez HMSS Sr. Johanne Pedersen CSJ Baton Rouge and in Denham Springs Oct. 21 Rev. Ju Hyung (Paul) Yi Oct. 28 Rev. Donatus Ajoko ✔ Alexander’s Highland Market in Baton Rouge Dcn. Willie M. Berthelot Sr. Dcn. Barry G. Campeaux ✔ Ascension Books & Gifts in Gonzales Sr. M. Nathalie MC Sr. Cielo Pesigan DM Oct. 22 Rev. Gerard F. Young Oct. 29 Rev. Michael J. Alello ✔ Benedetto’s Market in Addis Dcn. William B. Blair Jr. Dcn. Michael T. Chiappetta ✔ Bohning Supermarket in Ponchatoula ✔ Sr. Elizabeth Navya CMC Sr. Anh-Tuyet Pham ICM Calandro’s Supermarkets in Baton Rouge Oct. 23 † Bishop Robert E. Tracy Oct. 20 Rev. David E. Allen ✔ Catholic Art and Gifts in Baton Rouge Dcn. Daniel S. Borné Dcn. Randall A. Clement ✔ Daigle’s Supermarket in White Castle Sr. Ann Catherine Nguyen OSF Sr. Cecile Poitras SSJ ✔ Hi Nabor Supermarkets, Drusilla and Jones Creek Rd. in Baton Rouge Oct. 24 † Bishop Joseph V. Sullivan Oct. 30 Rev. Richard R. Andrus SVD ✔ Hubben’s Grocery in Port Allen Dcn. Claude H. Bourgeois Jr. Dcn. Samuel C. Collura ✔ LeBlanc’s Food Stores in Donaldsonville, Gonzales, Sr. Huong Nguyen ICM Sr. Christine Pologa CSJ Hammond, Plaquemine, Plattenville, Prairieville and Zachary Oct. 25 † Bishop Stanley J. Ott Oct. 31 Rev. Joey F. Angeles ✔ Matherne’s Supermarkets in Baton Rouge Dcn. Eugene F. Brady Dcn. David L. Dawson III ✔ Magnuson Hotel in St. Francisville Sr. Mary Noel, OP Sr. Penny Prophit OSF ✔ Oak Point Supermarket in Central Oct. 26 Bishop Robert W. Muench Nov. 1 Rev. J. Cary Bani ✔ Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge Dcn. Jerry W. Braud Dcn. Guy E. Decker Sr. Georgeann Parizek RSCJ Sr. Maria Rabalais CSJ ✔ Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge ✔ Our Lady of the Lake Physicians Group offices with locations throughout the Diocese ✔ Reeve’s Supermarket in Baton Rouge ✔ St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales ✔ St. Mary’s Books & Gifts in Baton Rouge ✔ St. Vincent de Paul Stores throughout the diocese thecatholiccommentator.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator ✔ Schexnayer Supermarket in Vacherie Bishop Robert W. Muench Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager ✔ Whole Foods Market in Baton Rouge Father Than Vu Associate Publisher Penny G. Saia Advertising Sales ✔ Winn Dixie on Coursey Blvd. and Siegen Ln. in Baton Rouge, Richard Meek Editor Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation Hammond, New Roads and Ponchatoula Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor Barbara Chenevert Staff Writer as well as your local church parish The Catholic Commentator (ISSN 07460511; USPS 093-680) THE CATHOLIC Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South Acadian Thru- way, Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton Rouge, LA. Copy must reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Subscription rate: $12.00 per year. POSTMASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton CSERVING THE DIOCESE O F BATON ROUGE SINCE 1962 Rouge, LA 70898-4746. October 18, 2013 The Catholic Commentator 3 Winning the battle against cancer By Barbara Chenevert ness Month and Shaffett has found five-year pill that she said is aimed giving me comfort.” The Catholic Commentator camaraderie in other women who at preventing a recurrence. She said she is proud of her three are walking the same journey of The support and prayers of the children who have really stepped After her diagnosis of breast breast cancer. She holds up a list of faculty and students at Redemp- up and kept the family together, but cancer last year, Lynette Shaffett women that she says she prays for torist as well as the St. Alphonsus her biggest support came from her said she would often find herself daily. community and youth group gave husband, Phil. pursuing the obituaries in the “I try to look for the silver lin- her strength during her treatment, He went to every doctor’s ap- newspaper. ings. That advice came from a she said. “For me the strength to pointment and every chemo session Over and over again, the obit friend of mine who is also battling get through this I know came from and was always ready to reassure would read someone died “after a cancer,” said Shaffett, who looks at prayer.” her that everything would be OK. long battle with cancer. I thought, what she can learn from her expe- She said she feared the un- “At night I might be crying and I Lynette Shaffett, youth minister ‘I don’t want to be known as some- rience and how she can use it. “I am known, but never lost faith. “You would feel an arm go around me. at St. Alphonsus, is a breast can- one who lost the battle. I want to be a youth minster so maybe there is a would like to think when you are That’s the kind of man you want in cer survivor and says she shares known as someone who wins eter- story for the teens about what kind diagnosed you will be like Scarlett your life.” what she has learned from her nity,’ ” said Shaffett, youth minister of spouse they should look for, or O’Hara and say, ‘I will get through She said she likes working with journey with the young people at St. Alphonsus Church in Green- maybe it’s a lesson about the impor- this.’ Some days you are, but then teens because they want to be of the church and her communi- well Springs. tance of community. Maybe there you have the ‘why me’ days too. faithful and thrive in their faith. “I ty. Photo by Barbara Chenevert | The Catholic “I am going to fight as long as I will be another avenue for me after “Faith is just a way of life for like to share the tools and avenues Commentator can. I am going to be successful,” youth ministry where I can use the me. I have never been without it, they can pursue. It’s all about their she said. “My faith and my God are compassion I have learned.” so I don’t know what role faith has relationship with Jesus and their have the same doubts, but are unit- asking me, ‘what are you going to do Shaffett left her job as campus played in all this. For me I learned personal journey. And I want them ed under the Catholic faith.” with this? It can be a burden or you minister and religion teacher at how your faith can be increased.” to have fun with the same commu- The youth group has held prayer can see it as a gift.’ We look at things Redemptorist High School after She said praying the rosary and nity of believers. That’s why we do vigils for her which ended in hugs differently when we look through her diagnosis and subsequent treat- spending time in adoration have so much. I want them on St. Al- and tears. She said she told them, “I the eyes of a cancer patient.” ment, which included surgery and been special times for her when she phonsus property because they are need your to pray for me. And I will October is Breast Cancer Aware- chemotherapy. She is now taking a can “feel God embracing me and among St. Alphonsus believers who be a survivor.” | obituary Voucher students show growth Father Louis Oubre dies By Richard Meek faced legal challenges. The most dramat- Father Louis Oubre, described rochial vicar at Ascension of Our The Catholic Commentator ic academic growth appeared to come as a gentle giant by fellow priests Lord Church in Donaldsonville from the younger students. and parishioners he served, died and at St. Jean Vianney, St. Pius Students attending Catholic schools In math, third-grade voucher stu- Oct. 10, of an apparent heart at- X and St. Louis King of France in the Diocese of Baton Rouge by way of dents showed a 12 percent improve- tack. churches in Baton Rouge. After the state scholarship program showed ment from the fall to the spring test, and Father Oubre, 56, who suf- filling in as pastor for a 10-week tremendous academic improvement in fourth graders a 10 percent hike. fered from a kidney disease that period at St. John the Baptist their first year, in some cases by as much In language arts, third graders grew forced him out of parish minis- Church in Zachary, he was named as 18 percent, said Dr. Melanie Verges, academically by 15 percent. Sixth grad- try, worked with residents of the pastor of St. Anne Church in Mor- superintendent of Catholic Schools for ers also showed a marked improvement St. Clare Nursing Home for the ganza and eventually pastor of St. the Diocese of Baton Rouge. in language, showing an 11 percent last few years. James Church in St. James. When As a way of tracking their progress, growth rate. “The death of Father Louis Oubre, priest of St. James was clustered with St. Philip Church in Verges said voucher students were ad- “We wanted to make sure that we the Diocese of Baton Rouge, brings a void to all Vacherie, he was named pastor of both. ministered the standardized Terra Nova are helping those kids,” Verges said. “It of us who valued his personal friendship and Father Matt Lorrain, who was ordained with Test early in the 2012-13 school year and shows us that the Catholic schools are priestly ministry,” Bishop Robert W. Muench Father Oubre, called Father Oubre a “great per- then retook the test along with the rest of serving our students well. They are expe- said. “Father Oubre was a wonderful and gifted son, warm, loving and outgoing. He worked the school in the spring. Verges said the riencing growth.” priest who served with great care and compas- equally well with blacks and whites, as well as academic growth among those students The superintendent said she believes sion. Though he had been in declining health in non-Catholics.” And he loved working with the was impressive. the academic growth of those students recent years, his death was unexpected. We, his youth. As a group, voucher students in proves the importance of the program to brother priests, are particularly grateful to God Father Allen recalled Father Oubre’s “front grades 3-8 showed an 18 percent growth the state. for the consolation of having him as a colleague door bench” ministry. Father Oubre would sit on in language arts in the eight-month pe- Approximately 800 voucher students and being with him at our annual priests retreat a bench or in a chair outside of the church doors riod. are attending Catholic schools in the dio- in Manresa until the day before his death. May and hear confessions or do spiritual counseling. In math, voucher students showed a cese in the current school year. he be blessed with eternal life with the Lord.” People would come a little early for Mass just 9 percent improvement and a 3 percent Academic progress was not confined Father Oubre had attended the annual priests to spend a couple of minutes with Father Louis improvement in reading. to the voucher students, however. Core retreat at Manresa this past week and he seemed before Mass – sometimes for confession or spir- However, even in reading, the impact students, or those not attending through tired, said Father David Allen, who was a long itual advice or just to visit. He loved one-on-one was significant for the younger students, the scholarship program, showed time friend and a member of Father Oubre’s ministry, Father Allen said. with third-grade students showing a 6 marked improvement from the previous priest support group. He attributed that to an Father Tom Ranzino, who served on the Lit- percent growth and fourth graders a 4 year and are continuing to perform well adjustment to Father Oubre’s dialysis treatment urgy, Art and Music Board with Father Oubre, percent growth. above the national average. that began Oct. 7, he added. said Father Oubre “learned obedience through “(The results) tell me the enriched en- Overall, students in fourth through He was physically a big man but he had a car- what he suffered. During these last few years, vironment and the type of environment eighth grades showed a 4 percent growth ing heart that made him a gentle giant. A lot of Louis entered more deeply into the paschal mys- they came into with high expectations rate in math to reach the 70 percentile, people would call him Father Teddy Bear, Father tery, discovering that while he was not cured, he helped them grow academically,” Verg- 20 percent above the national average of Allen said. “He had a soft spoken voice unless was saved. Through his ministry he discovered es said. “They are making tremendous 50. In language arts the average is 76, a he wanted to be heard, then he could belt it out, the face of God in the faces of those to whom he gains. 2 percent improvement and 26 percent especially in his Gospel voice.” ministered.” Approximately 400 voucher students above the national average. Seventh Born in New Orleans and reared in Vacherie, A Mass of Christian Burial was scheduled attended diocesan Catholic schools in graders scored in the 82 percentile, 32 Father Oubre was ordained in the Diocese of Oct. 17 at Our Lady of Peace Church in Vach- the first year of the program, which has percent above the national average. Baton Rouge on May 31, 1986. He served as pa- erie. 4 The Catholic Commentator national | international October18, 2013 Most Catholics aren’t searching for Pope calls synod to spirituality online, study says discuss families, divorce WASHINGTON (CNS) – Francesco, CPA president and Pope Francis who has appealed Most U.S. Catholics are not editor and associate publisher to so many. looking for spirituality online, of The Catholic Sun, newspaper CARA studies on parish life and remarriage in fact, half of them are un- of the Phoenix Diocese, said the revealed that parish closings VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The wide level, “under the guidance aware the church even has an study affirms the good work the across the country have been predicament of divorced and re- of the pope and the bishops.” online presence, according to Catholic press is doing and also regionalized. For example, they married Catholics will be a major “For persons or local offices to researchers at Georgetown Uni- highlights the work they still are closing in the Northeast but topic of discussion when bishops propose particular pastoral solu- versity’s Center for Applied Re- have cut out for them in balanc- growing in the West. Currently from around the world meet at tions runs the risk of generating search in the Apostolate. ing print and online efforts. there is a 1:1 active ratio of ac- the Vatican in October 2014. confusion,” he said. “The Holy The most widely used com- He said it reveals how tive diocesan priests to parish- The Vatican announced Oct. Father is placing the pastoral munication tool in Catholic “younger Catholics are not es and the median age of U.S. 8 that an extraordinary session care of the family at the heart of Church is the parish bulletin, clamoring for news online” Catholics is 53. of the Synod of Bishops will meet a synod process that will be larg- followed by a diocesan newspa- – which could be particular- One key finding CARA re- Oct. 5-19, 2014, to discuss the er, involving the reflection of the per or magazine – in print form ly disheartening to Catholic searchers noted was a decrease “pastoral challenges of the family universal church.” – which one in four adult Cath- journalists who focus on their in the number of baptisms, in the context of evangelization.” The October 2014 gathering olics have read in the past three online product, but also needs weddings and funerals in the The pope had told reporters will be an “extraordinary general months, CARA reports. to be balanced with the find- Catholic Church in recent years. accompanying him on his plane session” of the synod, which ac- Narrowing the focus on ing that one in four Catholics They also discussed the back from Rio de Janeiro in July cording to the Code of Canon Law Catholics who attend Mass each overall have read a diocesan multicultural diversity in the that the next synod would ex- is held to “deal with matters which week, CARA said 13 percent of paper recently – primarily in church, highlighting aspects of plore a “somewhat deeper pasto- require a speedy solution.” It will them read Catholic blogs and 17 print – and eight in 10 readers a recent study commissioned by ral care of marriage,” including be composed, for the most part, percent view religious material described these papers as good the Secretariat of Cultural Di- the question of the eligibility of of the presidents of national bish- on YouTube. or excellent. versity in the Church of the U.S. divorced and remarried Catho- ops’ conferences, the heads of the These findings and oth- The fact that print versions Conference of Catholic Bishops. lics to receive Communion. Eastern Catholic Churches, and er trends among U.S. Catho- of diocesan papers still reach so CARA estimates there are Pope Francis added at the time the heads of major Vatican offices. lics were presented Oct. 10 by many Catholics is something to approximately 6,700 multicul- that church law governing mar- Only about 150 synod fathers CARA’s Melissa Cidade, direc- think about, he noted, especial- tural parishes of the more than riage annulments also “has to be will take part in the session, tor of pastoral assistance sur- ly with the limited resources of 17,400 U.S. parishes and three reviewed, because ecclesiastical which will run for two weeks, veys and services, and Mark many diocesan newspapers. in 10 parishes celebrate at least tribunals are not sufficient for Father Lombardi said, compared Gray, director of Catholic In a discussion about the one Mass a month in a language this. It is complex, the problem of with about 250 bishops who at- polls, to a group of editors in CARA findings, participants other than English or Latin. the pastoral care of marriage.” tended the three-week ordinary Washington attending a Cath- highlighted the need to con- The study also notes that Such problems, he said, exem- general assembly on the new olic Press Association/Catholic tinue to find new ways to tell about 29.7 million U.S. resi- plified a general need for forgive- evangelization in October 2012. News Service Liaison Commit- the story of today’s church and dents who self-identify as His- ness in the church today. This will be only the third tee meeting. connect with readers. They panic or Latino are estimated to “The church is a mother, and extraordinary synod since Pope CARA’s communication said one key way to do this was be Catholic, representing about she must travel this path of mer- Paul VI reinstituted synods in findings were of particular in- through continuing to empha- 59 percent of this population in cy, and find a form of mercy for 1965, to hold periodic meetings terest to the group. Robert De- size the words and actions of the United States. all,” the pope said. to advise him on specific subjects. The announcement of the A 1969 extraordinary session synod came amid news that the was dedicated to improving co- Archdiocese of Freiburg, Ger- operation between the Holy See Planning Makes Family Events More Meaningful. many, had issued new guidelines and national bishops’ confer- making it easier for divorced and ences; and a 1985 extraordinary remarried Catholics to receive session, dedicated to the 20th an- Most family events are joyous to plan and Communion. niversary of the end of the Second everything has to be just right. But having the difficult The Vatican spokesman, Je- Vatican Council, recommended suit Father Federico Lombardi, the compilation of the Catechism ones run smoothly is important, too. said that such matters were more of the Catholic Church, which A recent questionnaire prepared and tabulated properly dealt with at a church- was published seven years later. by Selected Independent Funeral Homes found that 99 percent of respondents* were satisfied with the level of service they received and would recommend Cathedral hosting Rabenhorst to their family and friends. Our staff is driven to anticipate your needs and get annual Grand Day everything right. It’s the value of a Rabenhorst service. St. Joseph’s Cathedral is At “Four Corners Celebra- holding its Fifth Annual Grand tion” on Cathedral Square, chil- Day on Sunday, Oct. 20 begin- dren can visit and take pictures ning with the noon Mass. with “St. Francis of Assisi. Also The event will honor grand- scheduled at the celebration are parents and their grandchildren Bubbles the Camel, a petting www.rabenhorst.com and will include a street party zoo of live animals from Church 825 Government St. • 11000 Florida Blvd. after the Mass. Point, pony rides, face painting, Father Paul Counce will cel- balloon animals and other ac- ebrate the Mass and give a spe- tivities. *Responding to the SIFH questionnaire were 222 persons, who had a family member’s service conducted at Rabenhorst Funeral Homes between March 2010 and February 2011. cial blessing to all grandparents The event is free and open to and grandchildren. the public. October18, 2013 family life The Catholic Commentator 5 Family sees whole person when Dreams can be possible verything is possible. caring for loved one with Alzheimer’s People say that all the Etime. Those people are wrong. Ev- By Debbie Shelley erything is not possible. If you The Catholic Commentator doubt that, meet me for lunch on the moon tomorrow. Love and commitment are the It’s easy to let reality get you reasons people say they give com- down. Once you realize tomor- passionate care for loved ones row’s lunch on the moon isn’t with Alzheimer’s disease. Alz- possible, you start thinking heimer’s Services of the Capital that maybe other goals also Area will support these caregiv- are out of reach. Why set your ers during a Wellness Day on Sat- sights on college or a dream job urday, Nov. 2, at St. James Place, if dreams don’t come true? Coming Of Age 333 Lee Dr., Baton Rouge. It’s in those moments when Wellness Day gives caregiv- you question your dreams most Eric Rommel ers and healthcare professionals that you need to have faith. free education. During the 8:30 In dreams, you’re allowed business, where, through hard Father Jack Nutter, pastor of St. Louis King of France, blesses his mother, a.m. registration, Our Lady of to lie to yourself and you’re al- work, she became the chief Mary, who had Alzheimer’s. Photo provided by Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area. the Lake College students will lowed to keep lying until the lie financial officer and turned it give free health screenings. Fea- Place, an Alzheimer’s patient re- them feel inferior. She loved “old becomes truth. That’s the pow- into a multi-billion dollar com- tured speaker Rev. Dr. Kathleen spite center, which he enjoyed. people,” but never considered er of dreams. When someone pany. Today, Nikki Haley is the Rusnak will discuss, “Before and As his condition worsened, his herself one. says, “Everything is possible,” governor of South Carolina. After They Forget,” at 9:30 a.m. family placed him in Ollie Steele A native of New Orleans, Mary what they’re really saying is, Finally, there’s the man Lunch will be provided, and the Manor Nursing Home. revisited happier days with fami- “Don’t stop dreaming.” who wanted to be a movie star. event will conclude at 2:30 p.m. During her daily visits, Alene ly and friends there. Take a moment to learn He received a few small parts Alene Vicknair of Baton Rouge walks with Sonny and plays Fats Mary, who sang vocals for a about those who never stopped but never found success. He lovingly cares for her husband, Domino and other 50-60’s mu- New Orleans radio station, loved dreaming. They knew dreams began to give up on his dream Sonny, with help from Alzhei- sic for him. She arranges for him music. The “treat of all treats” fuel passion and passionate and focused on his fallback mer’s Services. The Vicknairs to come home on weekends and for her was attending symphony people find success. Just ask career, carpentry. That’s when attended Sacred Heart of Jesus holidays. People urge Alene not concerts in New Orleans or Ba- the woman who worked as he was asked to read for a role School together. Sonny attended to ruin her health while caring ton Rouge with Father Nutter. At a counselor for the mentally in a movie few people thought Catholic High School and Alene for her husband. “Right now, I’m the nursing home, Father Nutter ill and homeless. She wanted would be successful. Within a attended St. Joseph’s Academy. living for him. I’ll take care of played records or CDs with songs more and took a risk, working matter of years, the man was “He (Sonny) was very much myself later,” she said. by artists such as Nat King Cole as a documentary researcher. one of the most popular movie into music. He played in the Father Jack Nutter, pastor of and Julie Andrews. That risk paid off. That woman stars on the planet. Harrison Catholic High School and LSU St. Louis King of France, cared “It was something that cap- is no longer a counselor. She’s Ford believed in himself and bands,” said Alene, who belonged for his parents with Alzheimer’s tivated her in such a cognitive one of the most powerful peo- his dreams came true. to the CHS Booster Club. as a pastor and a son. way,” said Father Nutter. ple in Hollywood, the creator of Everything is not possible. The two began dating in the Father Nutter’s father, Nicho- Even though Mary could not television hits such as “Grey’s If you want to have lunch on ninth grade and married in 1964 las J. Nutter Jr., died from Alzhei- speak, she tried to communicate. Anatomy” and “Scandal.” Her the moon tomorrow, you will at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church mer’s in 2001. As his father’s con- “She didn’t find it comfortable to name is Shonda Rhimes. be disappointed. But if you’re in Baton Rouge. dition worsened, his wife, Mary be on the sidelines as an observ- What about the young willing to delay your lunch Alene attends CHS football Lois Keefe Nutter, had problems er,” said Father Nutter. journalist dismissed from her plans for the future, dare to games and hopes that her grand- with confusion and differenti- He administered the sacra- job in Baltimore as a television dream. Go to school. Study son, Cameron Vicknair, one of ating facts, which the family at- ment of the anointing of the sick news anchor? She no longer rocket science. If your menu five grandchildren, will be the tributed to the stress of caring for to his parents and was the cele- dreamed of being a news includes moon pies for lunch, fourth generation of the family to their father. When planning their brant at their funerals. He was anchor. Her new dream was to take a cooking class. Dream attend CHS. father’s funeral, it became clear comforted by the support of his be a talk show host. Today, ev- big. Sonny belonged to the Baton that it was more than stress. A fellow priests and friends. He eryone knows Oprah Winfrey Everything is not possible Rouge Mustangers and had been physician diagnosed Mary with said Alzheimer’s Services, which and no one cares that she was today. But tomorrow is an restoring a 1966 Mustang. The Alzheimer’s. continues its relationship with once fired. entirely different story. club finished restoring the car, Mary, who died in 2012 at St. caregivers after their loved one Then there’s the girl in which Alene still has. Clare Manor, never lost sense of dies, also stood by him. South Carolina who grew Rommel, a freelance writer in Sonny, who joined the Knights who she was. A charter member Father Nutter said the grief up working in her parents’ Toms River, N.J., is a syndicat- of Columbus after high school, of St. Louis King of France, which of losing a mother is different clothing store. She imagined ed columnist for Catholic News was committed to his faith. A Father Nutter attended while from that of a father. A child a world bigger than the family Service. charter member of the par- growing up, Mary belonged to the forms a spiritual bond with his ish council at St. Jean Vianney Ladies’ Altar Society, the choir or her mother in the womb that Church in Baton Rouge, Sonny and the Daughters of the Amer- is strengthened by the mother’s Honor Those We Love. cleared land for the church parish icas Court St. Francis of Assisi nurturing. GARDENS OF MEMORY &FUNERAL HOME -CREMATORY -MAUSOLEUMS and laid its plumbing. He cooked 1915. When the Catholic Daugh- Father Nutter said he is con- for fund raisers and helped with ters visited the nursing home, soled by the fact that his parents the church fair. The Vicknairs Mary joined them for activities. are together in heaven with fami- served in ministries together. “A lot of the ladies said, ‘She’s ly and loved ones. Memories of many wonderful carrying on just like she did when “All five of us (siblings) are cer- years together prompts Alene to she was with us,’ ” stated Father tain as certain can be that they’re 11817 Jefferson Highway care for her husband. When Son- Nutter. all together waiting for the whole 225-753-1440 ny was in the earlier stages of the He said his gentle mother family to be together,” Father www.ResthavenBatonRouge.com disease, she took him to Charlie’s helped people without making Nutter said. 2x2” Rest.small.honor.those’13 6 The Catholic Commentator October 18, 2013 Can you donate an organ?; Converting from Episcopal priest to a Catholic priest

Isn’t organ donation mur- to keep a patient alive until the The Catechism of the Cath- solidarity.” der? Just because you last organ is “harvested,” which olic Church in No. 2296 One of the strongest advo- Qare brain dead doesn’t I think is wrong; they can’t even Asays that “organ donation cates of organ transplants was make your whole body dead, guarantee that the patient won’t after death is a noble and merito- Pope John Paul II, who in a talk especially if your heart and lungs experience pain during the pro- rious act and is to be encouraged to a medical conference in Rome are still functioning. Doctors try cess. (Stanley, Wis.) as an expression of genuine in 2000, said: “Transplants are a great step forward in science’s Diocese of Baton Rouge MaRRiage anD faMily life office service of man, and not a few people today owe their lives to an espect ife anD aton ouge ight to ife DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE R l B R R l organ transplant. Increasingly, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE OFFICE the technique of transplants has LOUISIANA PRO-LIFE ORATORY CONTEST proven to be a valid means of RESPECT LIFE and Local Coordinator: Danielle Van Haute, Respect Life Coordinator, Diocese of Baton Rouge attaining the primary goal of all BATON ROUGE RIGHT TO LIFE medicine – the service of human Sunday, November 17, 2013 life.” Question Corner 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Brain death is the criterion Catholic Life Center, Tracy Center, Room 206 used to determine that death has Father Kenneth Doyle 1800 S. Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 occurred in the great majority of cases of organ donation in the ed? (Baton Rouge) TopiCS: The Tragedy of Abortion, The Tragedy of Euthanasia, The Tragedy of Infanticide, United States. It was a standard The Tragedy of Embryonic Stem Cell Research developed by Harvard research- Since 1980, in what is WhAT: 5 – 7 minute speech (does not have to be memorized) ers in the late 1960s. termed by the Vatican Notes or index cards may be used. No props allowed. In the allocution referred to Aa “pastoral provision,” Who: High school juniors and seniors above, Pope John Paul II said Episcopal priests in the United Complete registration form below by and return by Friday, Nov. 8 to address noted. that “the complete and irre- States who convert to Catholi- versible cessation of all brain cism have been allowed (after JudgiNg CRiTeRiA: activity, if rigorously applied, a time of study and psycholog- Contest standards (2/3); (Panel of three judges) does not seem to conflict with ical testing) to become Roman † Clear thesis and sense of direction in the speech † Logical, clear organization of the the essential elements of a sound Catholic priests – even if they speech † Good word usage anthropology.” are married. Delivery standards (1/3) In recent years, a few Catholic The Vatican specified that if † General sense of confidence † Eye contact and fluent delivery ethicists have suggested that the the former Episcopal priest were LoCAL CoNTeST: November 17, 2013, 1:00 p.m., (Catholic Life Center) current neurological standard single, he would indeed take a First Place: $200, plus FULL registration paid to attend March for Life Trip, January 2014 for determining death through vow of celibacy; and if one later Second Place: $100, plus half price paid to attend March for Life Trip in January 2014 lack of brain function needs to became a widower, he would not STATe FiNALS: (Location to be announced) First Place: $500, plus up to $1,000 for be rethought. But Dr. John Haas, be allowed to remarry. expenses to participate in National Competition; Second Place: $250 head of the National Catholic To me, the pastoral provision NATioNAL FiNALS: National Right to Life Convention (Location to be announced) Bioethics Center, said in a 2011 seems a reasonable accommo- First Place: $1000; Second Place: $750; Third Place: $500; Fourth Place: $250 essay: “Catholics may in good dation on the Vatican’s part. conscience offer the gift of life Why not make good use of the Suggestions: •Research and understand your subject; your speech will reflect your efforts.•Believe through the donation of their man’s theological, liturgical and in what you are saying; speak with enthusiasm, but maintain your poise.•Be creative; the judges organs after death based on neu- pastoral background and let him are interested in hearing YOUR point of view. •Practice your speech in front of others, and invite rological or cardio-pulmonary continue to function as a priest? constructive criticism in order to perfect your content and delivery. •Keep in mind the judging criteria You ask if it’s “fair.” Sure it’s when practicing and giving your speech. •Dress appropriately (dress shirt & slacks for men; dress criteria according to current fair. The man, when he became slacks or dress for women). church teaching. This does not mean that the teaching is an Episcopal priest, had no cut here and use form, below irreformable. It may be modified obligation to celibacy. Now that he has converted, would it be PRO-LIFE ORATORY CONTEST DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE ENTRY FORM on the basis of future scientific discoveries. However, it does humane – or even just – to make Student’s Name______Age ______Grade_____ mean that, at this point in time, him leave his wife and family in Must be High School Junior or Senior the teaching can be followed order to continue in ministry? with a clear conscience.” As a Catholic priest, when Address/City/State/Zip______As to the possibility of pain I was ordained, I understood to the patient in the process of that celibacy was part of the ______harvesting organs, that seems un- package and chose voluntarily to likely since response to external take that on. Now that married Phone: (w/Area Code) ______Cell ______stimuli is one of the tests done in former Episcopal priests have determining brain death. joined me in ministry, far from School ______Email______resenting it, I’m just glad to have the help. School’s Address/City/State/Zip______I just read a story in our Catholic paper (The Cath- The pastoral provision serves Speech Topic______Qolic Commentator) about as a reminder that celibacy is an Episcopal priest (Father Frank part of the discipline of the Ro- Student’s Signature______Bass) who became a Catholic and man church and not its dogma – was allowed to become a Catholic something that the Vatican’s new Parent’s Signature______priest. The man has a wife and secretary of state has reminded three children. But single men us of lately; and something that Completed registration form must be returned by FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013, to: who enter a Catholic seminary are we’ve always known, since (even Danielle Van Haute, Office of Marriage & Family Life, Diocese of Baton Rouge, P.O. Box 2028, not allowed to marry. How is that today) priests of the Maronite Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028 fair? Why should an exception be and Ukrainian Catholic churches made for someone who convert- are allowed to marry. October 18, 2013 spirituality The Catholic Commentator 7 Father Matt Linn speaks words of peace to anxious world By Debbie Shelley everything they need because about how God’s love and com- The Catholic Commentator they have God within them, stat- passion are revealed in the Bible. ed Father Linn. Their outer cir- Father Linn, whose ministry As increasingly turbulent cir- cumstances may not change, but focuses on integrating physical, cumstances threaten people’s their heart does. emotional and spiritual health, homes, communities and world, He urged the attendees to re- urged the attendees to think Father Matt Linn SJ, spiritual flect on the Beatitudes and thank about what their image is of God: director and author, delivered a God for growth from hurts. whether it is an overbearing message of hope to allay people’s The priest pointed to the king or ruler or loving father and fear and anxiety: God loves you Blessed Mother as a model of be- mother. He explained that chil- more than the person who loves ing filled with God’s spirit. Mary dren of an alcoholic parent would you the most. The Sept. 27-28 faced difficult challenges: Even have a more difficult time seeing presentation was sponsored by though she was bearing the sav- God as a loving parent. the St. Joseph Spirituality Cen- ior of the world, becoming preg- People who have an image of a ter. nant outside of wedlock was pun- loving God are physically health- Father Matt Linn leads attendees at a retreat hosted by the St. Joseph In his first presentation, ishable by death, and Joseph had ier. Married couples would also Spirituality Center in the movements to the song “Prayer for Peace.” Pho- “Healing from Fear in Anxious considered divorcing her quietly. have more romance and intima- to by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator Times,” Father Linn said fear can Yet her response to her cousin cy, said Father Linn. be a good thing, because it teach- Elizabeth’s greeting during their While some may point to pas- ple’s minds and perceptions. forgiveness and compassion and es people to avoid situations that visitation was The Magnificat, sages from the Bible that seem According to Father Linn, one be loving and compassionate to- can harm themselves or others. where she proclaimed the great- to portray a judging or wrathful of the most popular passages for wards others. Fear, however, can paralyze ness of the Lord. God, Father Linn emphasized the early Christians was Mat- “If I’m not forgiving, I can’t re- people and become a self-fulfill- Mothers can understand people must put the readings in thew 5:45: “But I say to you, love ceive it,” said Father Linn. ing prophecy as they focus on the how anxiety and suffering are the context of the historical and your enemies, and pray for those He noted that in 2000 Blessed things they fear, according to Fa- eclipsed by joy through the birth cultural time they were written. who persecute you, that you may Pope John Paul II issued an apol- ther Linn. process, said Father Linn. They “It’s so easy to project our world be children of your heavenly Fa- ogy for the errors of the church. He referred to the story of Pe- experience pain while giving onto God’s world,” he said. ther, for he makes his sun rise on When people, institutions ter walking on water towards Je- birth, but are filled with joy when He noted that throughout the the bad and the good, and caus- and nations ask for forgiveness, sus and sinking as he focuses on holding their newborn baby. Bible, there are references to God es rain to fall on the just and the God is lavish in his compassion, the storm instead of Jesus. Nothing stops a mother’s love, being a loving, compassionate unjust.” as was the prodigal son’s father, “Jesus wants us to walk on the Father Linn said. He stated this father. In the book of Luke, Je- The Bible is filled with mes- who had been searching for him, water in the midst of the storm,” is even more so with God. sus advises people, “Be merciful, sages about forgiveness, loving stated Father Linn. Father Linn said. In his next presentation, even as your father is merciful.” God and loving neighbor, Fa- “The forgiveness given to St. People can overcome their “Healing Scripture for an Anx- Father Linn told the attendees ther Linn stated. He said people Paul is given to us today,” Father fears when they realize they have ious World,” Father Linn talked that Jesus came to change peo- must be open to receiving God’s Linn said. We are called to godliness, even in the business world

iven my work in business and scores are kept solely in failings, needs, fears and pride? work) that we are to be the education and partic- profits? Did God not charge us to go into light of the world? “Now the Gularly my last role as I detect it in students who the world and proclaim his good laity are called in a special way the dean of the business school dread going into that “real news? How can we do that if we to make the church present in a Catholic university, I am world” when they are about to do not believe he is there? What and operative in those places often asked whether work in the graduate. Their feeling reflects good news would we have to and circumstances where only business sector can be a voca- the fear of entering a world that, proclaim? through them can it become tion. The answer is simply, “Of to different degrees, has shut its Did God not take the fruits the salt of the earth. Thus every course!” Business is a necessary doors on goodness, generosity of our work and convert these layman, in virtue of the very good, not a necessary evil. and godliness. into his own body and blood? gifts bestowed upon him, is at As such, it is worthy of the The new evangelization has Why do we assume that this the same time a witness and a brightest mind, biggest heart focused on bringing Catholics “real world” is impenetrable to living instrument of the mis- and deepest faith. You would back to the church so the word God’s grace, his goodness, his sion of the church itself accord- need to write a book to fully of God and his sacraments can wisdom, his power, his un- ing to the measure of Christ’s explore this topic, but know that Our Global Family take hold of us and join us to bounded love and mercy? bestowal.” the potential benefits of business him. At the same time, there is Doesn’t “Lumen Gentium” are recognized in papal encyc- Carolin Woo much work to be done for Catho- tell us that it is in the expanse Woo is the president and CEO of licals, including “Centesimus lics to bring God into the world. of our daily life (including Catholic Relief Services. Annus” and “Caritas in Veritate.” of vocation and sanctity in the What does it say about our At the same time, these point workplace as a naive notion with faith if God is only relevant out the abuses, exploitation and limited applicability. in “God’s world” confined to idolatry that exist in business, I can hear the skepticism in church, families and commu- Tree Service free markets and globalization. the unspoken but still scream- nities where we play nice, act Mr. D’s The difference, as retired Pope ing question of the audience gracious, break bread and leave ovEr 35 yEars ExpErIEncE Benedict XVI teaches, lies with when I talk about business as behind the “dirty” work of mak- Don Decell, owner the moral energies of leaders. a vocation: Does she know the ing a living? carl BaBin, owner Despite authentic and en- real world where I work? Where Is “God’s world” a retreat, a • Economical couraging actions undertaken people do not tell the truth, do bubble, an escape from what is • Fully Insured • Quality Work by some businesses, there is a not share information, do not real? Did Christ not come into CALL TODAY! prevailing perception of the “re- look out for one another and the real world to dwell among 225-292-6756 al world” that renders the notion where life is a zero-sum game us with all our frailties, hurts, 8 The Catholic Commentator October 18, 2013

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Mr. D’s Tree Service ovEr 35 yEars ExpErIEncE Don Decell, owner carl BaBin, owner • Economical • Fully Insured • Quality Work CALL TODAY! 225-292-6756

Participants pray the rosary during the annual 40 Days for Life event in Baton Rouge. Those participating maintain a 12-hour vigil across the street from the Delta Women’s Clinic, which is Baton Rouge’s only abor- tion provider. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator Participation high at 40 Days for Life

ATTORNEYS AT LAW By Richard Meek New Iberia, Opelousas, Lafayette even decades and are grateful for The Catholic Commentator and Ponchatoula.” those that discern a call to this 270 S. Sharp Road • Baton Rouge, LA 70815 • (225) 924-7597 As of late, this past week special mission.” JAMES R. COXE, III and ASSOCIATES Nearly a month into the annual Bergeron said six mothers had She said numerous LSU Stu- Personal Injury General Practice 40 Days for Life in Baton Rouge, changed their minds regarding dents for Life have been trained AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS WILLS and SUCCESSIONS WRONGFUL DEATH CORPORATIONS coordinator Charlotte Bergeron abortion, thus saving their unborn and counsel their young peers PRODUCT LIABILITY SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY SEAMAN/HARBOR WORKERS CLAIMS REAL ESTATES said she has been encouraged by babies. who are considering abortion at MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CRIMINAL DEFENSE the high level of participation. “It is wonderful to see the vet- Delta. She said that 10 to 15 stu- Family Law Personal Bankruptcy Beginning Sept. 25, 40 Days for eran churches, groups and schools dents gather early before class on Notary in Office Life participants have set up 12- return to pray with us, but a beau- Tuesdays and Thursdays along- TELEPHONE (225) 924-7597 hour daily vigils outside the Delta tiful fruit of 40 Days for Life has side several veteran sidewalk “In Home Consultations on Request” Women’s Center, which is the only been the phenomenal growth in counselors at Delta when it is busy abortion provider in Baton Rouge. the number of sidewalk counsel- with women scheduled to have “Rain or shine the 40 Days for ors that began as 40 Days for Life abortions. Life participants have been faith- participants,” Bergeron said. “We Bergeron said a sidewalk coun- fully coming to pray in front of deeply appreciate the efforts of selor training class is scheduled Delta,” Bergeron said. “We’ve had those that have dedicated them- Saturday, Nov. 9 from noon to 3 people travel from as far away as selves to this ministry for years or p.m. at the Catholic Life Center.

%*%* 3.303.15 APYAPY OLOL to open heart and vascular institute *Includes Current Yield + 1.00% First Year Additional Interest. Interest rates are subject to change & vary by plan. The minimum interest rate guaranteed is 1.50%. Our Lady of the Lake Region- community, as well as leading enhance patient care and safety. al Medical Center held an open edge treatments and state-of- “The new Heart and Vascular house Oct. 10 to allow the public the-art technology that will offer Institute will provide our com- to tour the new Heart & Vascular better outcomes for patients. munities with access to a spec- Institute as the new name to rep- The 330,000 square foot trum of unmatched specialty resent the 9-story building and building dedicated to heart, vas- care and simply calling it a tow- services that will open later this cular and critical care builds on er or center wouldn’t do it jus- fall. Our Lady of the Lake’s recog- tice,” said K. Scott Wester, chief Our Lady of the Lake per- nized centers of excellence and executive officer of Our Lady forms the most heart procedures best-in-class expertise. The fa- of the Lake. “We selected the in Baton Rouge and surrounding cility’s design is based on nation- name of the Heart & Vascular areas, and the new Heart and al best practices and encourages Institute to best reflect our com- Vascular Institute name reflects innovation through education, mitment as leaders to advancing the expansive breadth of top-rat- advanced technology and re- and redefining the field of heart ed cardiovascular services and search and provides a healing and vascular care for our com- specialty care available to the and comforting environment to munities.” Frank Lamulle 504-458-0957 Former Planned Parenthood director to speak at OLOM Former Planned Parenthood di- hood in 2009 after viewing an $4.2 million clinic in New Orleans. Securing Families’ Lives Since 1901 rector Abby Johnson will speak at abortion on ultrasound. Since then, Johnson recently launched “And Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Johnson has become active in the Then There Were None,” a ministry Home Office: San Antonio, Texas. #ASU 1.13 Rouge on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from pro-life movement and campaigned that helps those wishing to change ANNUITIES · IRAs · ROLLOVERS 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. against Planned Parenthood, which careers after working for abortion Johnson left Planned Parent- is building a 7,000-square foot, providers. October 18, 2013 The Catholic Commentator 9 Congratulations St. Michael High School National Merit Semifinalists

Catherine Albano Richard Tuminello Matthew Urquhart

AP Scholars PET BLESSING – Father Jamin David, pastor of St. Margaret Queen of Scotland Church in Albany, prays over the many pets brought by parishioners on Sunday, Oct. 6, for the blessing of the pets. Each pet got a more personal blessing when he sprinkled them with holy water. This special event took place in remembrance of St. Francis’ love of all creatures. Photo provided by John Gaeta

Haunted house to benefit charity Hunter Bergeron Erin Carcel Celia Crifasi A haunted house charity fund raiser er of SHProductions. will be open Thursday, Oct. 31 at 10427 He said anyone bringing canned Oakline Dr. from 6 p.m. until. goods can go through and not wait in The money raised will go toward ben- line. efitting families for Christmas, accord- All donated food will go to the Baton ing to organizer Stephen Herrera, own- Rouge Food Bank.

Diocese The Gospel of Blake Mougeot Amanda Ourso Tyler Parker of Baton Rouge Matthew Office of Evangelization & Catechesis with the Join us as Cackie Upchurch, Author and Director of RCIA Steering Committee the Little Rock Scripture Study Group, takes us into a INVITE . . . . deeper experience and understanding of Matthew’s Gospel. Small Christian Communities RCIA Teams Saturday, October 26, 2013 Michael Stein Mary Tanner Sarah Wilson Adult Faith Formation Teams Catholic School Religion Teachers 9:00 am — 1:00 pm National National Merit Parish Catechists (Doors open 8:30 am) Hispanic Scholar Commended Student Anyone wishing to learn St. George Church~ Kleinpeter Center more about Scripture 7808 St. George Drive

Baton Rouge , LA

(Exit I-10 @Siegen Lane)

Light breakfast, hearty snacks, and beverages through the day provided.

Registration Fee: $25.00 Matthew Urquhart Michael Stein Registration Deadline October 17, 2013 Checks payable and mail to: Diocese of Baton Rouge P.O. Box 2028 Baton Rouge, LA 70821 17521 Monitor Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70817

For more assistance or more information contact 225.753.9782 Michele Hall (225) 336-8760 Ext. 140 www.smhsbr.org

Office of E & C 4 Intermediate Credit Hours oPEn HousE Wednesday, October 23rd • 5:00 - 7:00p.m. 10 The Catholic Commentator | October 18, 2013 October 18, 2013 | The Catholic Commentator 11 Cele brating a

One of the more popular items on display at the Iber- ville Museum, celebrating 160 years of Catholic edu- cation in Iberville Parish, is Legacy an old physical education Sitting atop a glass case is an uniform that girls were re- old photo of a St. John’s girls’ quired to wear many years basketball team. ago. Photos by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator

Below, a device used to stiffen the Museum display chronicles history of habits worn by nuns offers a glimpse Catholic education in Iberville Parish into the past. Right, one corner of the display is dedicated to prayer life and includes old prayer cards and other religious By Richard Meek artifacts. The Catholic Commentator “Younger people have seen it and say, ears before the first shots of the Civil War were ‘They had to wear that?’ ” Yfired, when cotton was Elizabeth Brantley still King of the South, Father Iberville Museum At right, a chalkboard, old Charles Chambost founded the uniform and even an old College of the Immaculate Con- school bell are on display. ception for Boys. The year was 1853, and the school was for the museum having a display to celebrate the milestone. Below are two old chairs, boys only. There was an opening in the museum’s schedule so the including one from Sister Four years later, fulfilling the plans were put in place, including a call to action via word- Victorine, who was the long- vision of Father Chambost, a of-mouth that artifacts were needed. time principal at St. Basil’s, girls school, St. Basil’s Acad- “When people started bringing things, which was the original girls emy opened its doors, and it was amazing,” she said. “We really high school before merging eventually those two schools didn’t know what to expect.” with Immaculate Conception would become St. John “I thought we would get a lot of pictures for boys and becoming St. School, which still flourishes and maybe a uniform,” Brantley added. John. today in Plaquemine. “The things people kept, it’s amazing. To mark the 160th anni- “We had a great response.” Elizabeth Brantley versary of Catholic educa- One of her favorites is an old PE uni- tion in Iberville Civil Par- form for girls, which is one piece and much more modest ish, the Iberville Museum than the shorts worn today. has set up a display that “It’s just funny to see how conservative they were with provides a snapshot into their elastic leggings,” she said. “Younger people have seen those early years, when it and say, ‘They had to wear that?’ girls wore physical edu- “I think that’s fun.” cation uniforms much Also included is a desk chair used by Sister Victorine, more modest than who was a longtime principal at St. Basil’s. Many years those of today, and the ago the chair was destined to the trash pile when someone women religious were in decided to grab it, Brantley said. full habit. There is also an old desk from St. John Elementary as “Everything we have well as an old ribbon used in what used to be the Maypole came from the people of the parish,” Museum Director dance celebration, which lasted from the 1930s through Elizabeth Brantley said. “People came in from all over the the 1960s. parish, really, and with stuff either belonging to them or The display runs through Oct. 31. The museum is open belonging to a family member. We got a lot of fun things.” Tuesday through Sunday. Brantley said a local resident approached her about For more information, call 225-687-7197. Above, visitors are able to trace the history of Catholic education in the parish from the time Father Charles Chambost founded the College of the Immaculate Conception for Boys. 12 The Catholic Commentator YOUTH October 18, 2013 NET Ministries engages youth with their faith By Debbie Shelley skits, fun activities, music and and families for nine months to The Catholic Commentator small group sessions with pro- serve on one of 12 teams of other found messages about God’s love young Catholics evangelizing Members of the National for the youth. middle school and high school- Evangelization Team (NET) Other schools where NET aged youth across the United Ministries energized seventh- hosted retreats during their time States in church parishes and and eighth-grade students at St. in this diocese were St. Alphon- Catholic schools. George School by proclaiming sus, Sacred Heart of Jesus and Miles Edens, a NET team 4 to them that God has a plan for St. Jean Vianney. leader from Lodi, Calif., said their lives during retreats Oct. NET members, who are team members receive ongoing 1-4. young Catholics from 18 to 28, formation and training. Their presentations included leave behind their jobs, schools Edens joined NET in 2012 be- cause he recognized that there Members of NET team 4 demonstrate what it’s like to walk through the were things that God wanted world while blinded to their faith. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator Don’t forget him to do with his life. He re- ceived his EMT certification and working with NET is a good way father. But serving with other about little became involved in the church, to teach about God’s love. young adults who are also striv- including serving on a prayer Serving his first tour with ing for holiness for nine months team. NET was difficult because he had was healing for him, and he Libby! Edens discovered he has a many emotional wounds from a signed up for a second tour. passion for teaching. He said strained relationship with his “It was beautiful, my team A child dreams of many things, from monsters to saw my best and worst side,” Mickey Mouse. But when they reach a certain Edens said. “If they could love me at my worst, how much more age, they begin to dream of their future. Ta Time! ilgate can God love me?” Three-year-olds, like the little Libby in the Head out Leading youth into a deeper picture, are already dreaming of being ballerinas game day relationship with Jesus is a big responsibility and a humbling and beauty queens when they grow up. with a variety of experience, said Edens. “We sandwiches, have to help each other. We take We don’t know what the future holds for her or including our it to prayer.” any of the homeless children we serve, but the famous Beth Connor, a team leader mission of our Sweet Dreams Shelter is to give from Darlington, England, said them hope and a chance to be all they can be. Muffolettas! NET Ministries helps young Their mothers want more for their children than adults become all they can be. With so many personali- a life of poverty. Like all moms, they have Anthony’s Italian Deli Baton Rouge’s only TRUE ITALIAN DELI Since 1978 ties working together, the team dreams of a brighter future. Over the next year, 10248 Florida Blvd. (BON AMI shopping center) prays a lot, communicates and St. Vincent de Paul will serve over 250 homeless (225) 272-6817 • Mon. - Sat. 9:30 am - 6 pm pulls together. She said the team women and more than 200 homeless children. We members strive to be authentic in order to be the best role mod- are helping these homeless mothers to regain els they can be for the youth. their self-sufficiency so they can make dreams Starting off with the right at- come true, for themselves and their children. titude is critical when minister- Ride with ing to the youth, said Connor. Every year, through our annual Sweet Dreams “That’s where prayer comes in.” effort, we ask people to pray for the women and the #1 car Through their time together, NET members help each other children we serve. In addition, we need your insurer in grow in their relationship with financial support so we can continue to be here God. “You never stop doing that,” for people like Libby and her mother. LOUISIANA. Connor said. Edens, Connor and Mary ------Please cut out and mail------Polnaszek, drama leader for the team, said the most rewarding Joe Skibinski, Agent Answer a Child’s Prayer! 1953 Perkins Rd With competitive rates and part of the retreat is the bonding Baton Rouge, LA 70808 personal service, it’s no that occurs through the sharing We are asking for your prayers; we Bus: 225-387-0201 Toll Free: 888-387-0201 [email protected] wonder more drivers trust of stories in the small group dis- can’t do this work without them. State Farm®. cussions. Also, please consider making a Like a good neighbor, Polnaszek said she appreci- ® financial gift that will help homeless women and State Farm is there. ates the beautiful simplicity in children in our community. CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7. which children express them- selves. The NET team members Yes, I want to provide hope! strive to walk with them with a I promise to remember the homeless in my prayers. child-like faith. Also, my check for $______is enclosed. My check While the retreats feature lots for $______is enclosed. of fun, the team’s presentations Name: ______gradually get more serious to let Address: ______City: ______State: ___ Zip: ____ them know that God is challeng- Mail your gift to St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 127, Baton Rouge, ing them to go deeper by giving LA 70821-0127 or call us at (225) 383-7837. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company 1001142.1 State Farm Indemnity Company them “Gospel nuggets,” said Pol- You can also give online at www.svdpbr.org! Bloomington, IL naszek. October 18, 2013 YOUTH The Catholic Commentator 13 Youth to pour out lives at Diocesan World Youth Day

By Debbie Shelley ordinator for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, The Catholic Commentator the youth will participate in a service proj- ect this year as part of WYD. They will cre- Youth throughout the Diocese of Baton ate buckets of cleaning supplies for those Rouge will converge on St. Joseph Church affected by hurricanes and flooding. in French Settlement for the annual Dioc- Clean-up items that pilgrims are urged esan World Youth Day on Sunday, Oct. 27. to bring include: a five-gallon bucket; liquid Diocesan World Youth Day was estab- household cleaner (12-16 oz. cleaner that lished in 1994. A group of pilgrims from can be mixed with water – no spray clean- this diocese traveled to International ers); liquid dish soap; can of air freshener; World Youth Day in 1993 in Denver Colo., scrub brush; package of cleaning wipes; and wanted to create the same experience package of sponges (no celluslose sponges for the youth of the local church parishes. due to mold issues, removed from packag- The theme of the event is “Poured Out,” ing); package of scouring pads (no stain- based on Romans 5:5: “And hope does not less steel, Brillo or SOS pads – nothing disappoint, because the love of God has with soap built in, removed from packag- PINK OUT – The St. Jude cheerleaders recently performed at the Mall of Louisiana been poured out into our hearts through ing); roll heavy-duty trash bags; a package as part of Dillard’s recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. the holy Spirit that has been given to us.” of dust masks; two pairs of durable kitchen The team cheered “pink” cheers and danced with new pink pom poms. Members WYD will begin at 1 p.m., with praise gloves, removed from packaging; a pair of of the team are, from left, front row, Madeline Johnson, Mary Claire Saia, Emma and worship music and games. Bishop work gloves (cotton with leather palm, or Hidalgo, Anne Marie Gahagan, Lee Ann LeMaire; middle row, Abby Lorio, Emma Robert W. Muench will celebrate Mass at all leather); can insect repellent spray; and Benton, Sarah Hill, Ashley Reynolds, Maggi Barksdale, Lia Chiasson; and back 2 p.m. a clothes line (two 50-foot or one 100-foot row, Kennedy Benjamin, Mady Moye, Kenzie Favaloro, Morgan Barksdale and Following the Mass, the youth will walk cotton or plastic; and 50 clothes pins, re- Madelyn Graves. Photo provided by Starr Driesse | St. Jude School with a WYD cross to various venues and moved from packaging see skits and hear from different speakers. For information call 225-336-8751 or According to Katie Roettger, project co- email [email protected].

HONORING OUR LADY – St. Thomas More School second graders culminated the end of their retreat focusing on the rosary and their Catholic iden- tity with a living rosary during a school-wide celebration of October as the Month of the Rosary. LilyRuth Mury and Jude Barrios offer flowers to honor Mary during the pre- sentation. Photo provided by Kerry Hunt | St. Thomas More School

With Kayla Moscona, faith and community partnerships coordinator for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, back center, are Mary’s Club members, from left, Gabrielle Montagnino, Anna Leyrer, Breanna Bertrand, Sydney DeSoto, Vivian Toups, Makasia Dot- son and Hannah Stears. Photo provided by Mari Busbee | Our Lady of Mercy School Mary’s Club supports Sanctuary for Life Mary’s Club at Our Lady of Mercy After praying the rosary, club mem- School met Oct. 7 in conjunction with the bers returned to the parish activity cen- 40 Days for Life campaign. ter for a baby shower for Sanctuary for The meeting began with a presenta- Life. The students gave the sanctuary tion by Kayla Moscona, faith and com- baby items including diapers, clothing, munity partnerships coordinator for toys, sheets and towels. There was an ad- Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Ba- ditional monetary donation to the sanc- ton Rouge. Moscona shared information tuary. Each member received a crystal regarding the mission of the Sanctuary rosary as a gift from the club and a brace- for Life, which houses young pregnant let from Catholic Charities. The bracelet women and teaches them basic life skills serves to remind the club members that The members also gathered in Mary’s they are change agents through their THANK YOU – Students from Holy Family School Pre-K3 presented a thank you Chapel at Our Lady of Mercy Church in prayers and actions. banner to members of the Port Allen Fire Department in honor of the 12th anni- Baton Rouge for their third annual rosa- Mary’s Club gives girls the opportu- versary of 9/11. The banner is part of Capital Area United Way’s 9/11 Day of Ser- ry for life. Students focused their prayers nity to actively live out the school’s mot- vice and Remembrance Initiative. Photo provided by Kendall Hebert on the mothers currently at the sanctu- to of “Prayer, Knowledge and Service” ary as well as the sacredness of all life. through volunteer activities. 14 The Catholic Commentator ENTERTAINMENT October 18, 2013

co-wrote the screenplay with his son (Chris Hemsworth) and obsessively Motion Picture Association of America Jonas – offers up dazzling 3-D cinema- disciplined Austrian Niki Lauda (Dan- MOVIE ratings: G – General audiences; all ages admitted tography and top-notch performances. iel Bruhl). Hunt’s dissolute ways, only PG – Parental guidance suggested; some High above Earth, a Russian missile somewhat muted by his marriage to REVIEWS material may not be suitable for children launched against a spy satellite causes high-profile model Suzy Miller (Olivia USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting PG-13 – Parents are strongly cautioned a chain reaction, destroying the Space Wilde), draw his relentlessly focused classifications: to give special guidance for attendance Shuttle and marooning its only surviv- chief competitor’s jealousy and resent- A-I – General patronage of children under 13; some material may ing crewmates (Sandra Bullock and ment, despite the burgeoning of Lau- A-II – Adults and adolescents be inappropriate for young children George Clooney). What ensues is “E.T.” da’s own low-key but durable romance A-III – Adults R – Restricted; under 17 requires accom- in reverse, as our plucky humans – with a chance acquaintance (Alexandra A-IV – Adults, with reservations panying parent or adult guardian who were at work repairing the Hubble Maria Lara). In return, Lauda’s humor- L – Limited adult audience NC-17 – No one under 17 admitted O – Morally offensive Space Telescope when disaster struck less Teutonic temperament becomes – search for a way to go home. Amid the target of Hunt’s contempt. As the the mayhem, the film has another, contenders spur each other on to ever deeper story to tell, as the nearness of more dangerous tactics, director Ron Captain Phillips anced performance is given a fascinat- death provokes reflections on mortal- Howard skillfully ratchets up the sus- Columbia ing counterweight by the memorable ity and the afterlife. These meditations pense – and the foreboding. Though Engrossing, complex and compas- turn of Barkhad Abdi as the lead pirate. are used as stepping stones toward a the folly of their shared recklessness is sionate docudrama about the skipper Because its fair and empathetic treat- resolution that viewers of faith will highlighted at the film’s climax, How- (Tom Hanks) of a giant container ship ment provides a model for processing find both satisfying and refreshingly ard not only portrays Hunt’s sexual who is taken hostage by Somali pirates the events depicted, the film is prob- pro-life. Possibly acceptable for mature escapades unblinkingly, but tends to off the horn of Africa in 2009. Direc- ably suitable for older teens. Numerous adolescents. Scenes of intense peril and glamorize them as well. Not a film for tor Paul Greengrass, a master of the menacing sequences, several violent horror, brief gore, at least one use of the squeamish, or those lacking in ma- format, skillfully re-creates the har- episodes with nongraphic bloody im- profanity, a few crude expressions. A- turity and discernment. Strong sexual rowing maritime ordeal while keeping ages, substance abuse, two instances of III; PG-13 content – including graphic casual sex- the humanity of all those concerned profanity, three uses of crass language. ual activity, an aberrant situation, and in the foreground. Exhibiting a rare A-III; PG-13 Rush upper female and rear nudity – drug combination of empathy and technical Universal use, gruesome medical images, brief virtuosity (save for obtrusive music), Gravity The 1976 Formula One racing sea- harsh violence, an instance of highly the movie highlights numerous moral Warner Bros. son provides the backdrop for this irreverent humor, an adultery theme, dilemmas without passing conclusive This thrilling lost-in-space adventure fact-based drama about the rivalry about a half-dozen uses of profanity, judgment on any of them. Hank’s nu- – directed by Alfonso Cuaron, who between its two leading drivers: free- frequent rough and crude language. L; wheeling British playboy James Hunt R Order your copy of the 2013-14 Baton Rouge Diocesan Directory Now!

se of Baton Dioce Rouge DiRectoRy 2012 - 2013 The directory will have the most current listings believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of and information on Iall things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Begotten Son of God, churches, clergy, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, schools, diocesan not made, consubstantial with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us men and for departments and our salvation, he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit, was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and personnel, religious, became man. For our sake, he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried and retreat centers, rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and deaneries, institutions Year of FOctoberai 11, 2012 t Novemberh 24, 2013 and organizations.

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Number of Diocesan Directories Ordered Name Address City State Zip Phone with area code October 18, 2013 ENTERTAINMENT The Catholic Commentator 15 Trusting in surprises during difficult moments 1234 56789 11120 131 41 51 61

187 1 91 In a World Like This 02 12 22 32 254 2

You’ve got me wide open I’ve got you 276 28292 03 Wide open, now I’m yours You found me heartbroken And now I’m free falling 13 3323354 3 Heartbroken, on the floor Free falling, in your eyes 63 73 83 Became my salvation You’ve got me still calling Salvation, through the war Still calling, no surprise 309 4 14 You got me wide open I never knew I could 24 34 Wide open, now I’m sure Love to the end of time And now I’m free falling 454 464 74 Refrain: Free falling, by your side 84 94 510 525 In a world like this Where some back down Repeat refrain. 35 554 556

I know we’re gonna make it 75 85 95 In a time like this You got me wide open When love comes round Wide open 06 16 26 I know we’re gonna take it And now I’m free falling drow.www g moc.scilohtacrofsema In a world like this Free falling Where people fall apart In a world like this ACROSS DOWN 1 “___ us this day our daily 1 A gift from the folks in 53A In a time like this In a world like bread…” 2 Mountain goat Where nothing In a world like this 5 Entreaties 3 Veni, vidi, ___ Comes from the heart 10 Gear teeth 4 The best ending 14 Sashes 5 Part of the Mass that is spe- In a world like this Repeat refrain. 15 Fuselage fastener cific to a feast day 16 “Well, thanks ___!” 6 Second pope 17 Book containing the read- 7 Designer Piccone Sung by Backstreet Boys | Copyright © 2013 by K-Bahn, BMG Rights Management ings used at Mass 8 Air (comb.) 19 Ordinary ___ 9 Pen 20 511, to Cato 10 One studying to become 21 Twirled Catholic t doesn’t happen often in the penses. What you expected falls 22 Number of biblical sorrows 11 Biblical food music industry, but it appears through, and now you wonder of Mary 12 Wife of the prophet Hosea 23 French “these” 13 British guns Ithat the 1990s group Back- whether you’ll be able to go to 24 Food purveyors 18 Small islands street Boys has made a come- school. You’re discouraged, but 26 “___ My God to Thee” 22 Josephite letters back. Its five original members you keep trusting and looking 30 A ___ with the law 24 “___ us peace” 31 Borders 25 Hardly genteel rejoined for their recent album for other jobs. Then a better 32 Auxiliary bishop with right to 26 ___ occasion of sin “In A World Like This.” With a job opens up than what you succession 27 Verge new recording label, they now thought you would be doing. 36 Ripens 28 “…from now on will all ___ 37 Rhone tributary call me blessed.” have more creative control over What was looking bleak turns 38 Business note 29 Limited their music, they say, and their into a surprise. 39 Confinement 30 Blessings songs will be more personal. When you stop to think about 41 Large jib for yachts 32 Third century pope 42 One of the sons of Simon of 33 Housing for a patriarch Their latest hit is the title single what has happened, you realize Cyrene (Mk 15:21) 34 Melville work from their new album. that you could have given up, 43 Church song leader 35 Laugh loudly The song’s protagonist tells not sought opportunities, but 44 Learned literary men of the 37 Securely confined New Testament 40 Hick his romantic partner that she On The Record you kept seeking. The saying 47 OT historical book 41 Catholic actor of “Gone with has become “my salvation.” He that when “God closes a door, he 48 Vestige the Wind” fame tells her “you found me heart- also opens a window” may seem 49 False god of the Old Testa- 43 Covered with paint Charlie Martin ment 44 To do this is forbidden by the broken,” but now he is “wide trite and overly optimistic, and 50 Dallas sch. seventh commandment open,” ready to love again. come into our lives that we yet, I have found it to be true. 53 The Wise Men came from 45 Large wading bird Because of their relationship, never expected, and like the The choice we all receive is here 46 Many a reggae singer 54 Catholic author of “The 47 Fondness he now realizes that because of song’s character, we find that whether to trust and continue Father Brown Mysteries” 49 Prayer counter her, he can learn to love until we have become “wide open” to our effort based on the faith 57 Poker stake 50 ___ of David “the end of time.” experiences. that God will lead the way. 58 Fruit box 51 St. Thomas’ surname 59 “We ___ to say, Our Fa- 52 Ones, to Pierre It appears that he has found However, certain inner We will encounter disappoint- ther…” 54 CL + CL a reset button. The pain of the attitudes help such surprises ments, but with trust and faith, 60 “…and ___ us not into temp- 55 Med. Christian empire past has faded and he sees a take place. One of the most these disappointments can tation…” 56 Dietary data 61 Yielded more promising future emerg- important is trust. Even when become less like roadblocks 62 God of war Solution on page 18 ing. While this new love needs circumstances are going poorly, and more like detours often time, he now understands that can you continue to trust that pointing to a better way. his current relationship gives new and good things will guide him the chance to be different you forward? Living with such MARTIN is an Indiana pasto- and “wide open” to possibilities. trust is difficult, especially ral counselor who reviews The song invites us to see when faced with painful change current music for Catholic how life often unfolds and or losses. But with trust and News Service. Your comments brings surprises. Some of these faith, God can bring new and are always welcome. Write surprises can be disappointing better situations into your life. [email protected], or like and hurtful. Others can be full For example, let’s say that hom on Facebook at “Charlie of serendipitous grace, offering you were counting on a sum- Martin’s Today’s Music Col- renewal and delight. mer job to help you finance a umns” and post a comment or At times, events or people portion of your college ex- suggestion. 16 The Catholic Commentator VIEWPOINT October 18, 2013 | editorial Interview with the pope Sharing the blame for his past August several major need time to lay the foundations Jesuit journals around the for real, effective change.” Later government shutdown Tworld prepared questions in the interview Francis admits for Pope Francis and sent them to that when he first became a Jesuit ongress’ inability to avert a government shutdown could be Father Antonio Spadaro SJ, editor superior at age 36 he made quick considered further evidence the country is on the precipice of in chief of La Civilta’ Cattolica, decisions that he lived to regret. Cno longer being governed by the principles of democracy but a journal published in Rome by “I have never been a right-winger. by political ideologies and agendas. the Society of Jesus since 1850. It was my authoritarian way of By press time, lawmakers had failed to reach an agreement that “America,” the national Catholic making decisions that created would restore government services and put some 800,000 federal weekly magazine of the Jesuits in problems.” Following the request of workers back on the job. the United States, published this his fellow cardinals in the conclave As is usually the case in these scenarios, the ones most affected exclusive interview in its Sept. 30 which they held before voting are those who can least afford it. Head Start programs were threat- edition. In the interview, Pope for him, and as proof that he had ened, jeopardizing critical services afforded to low-income children Francis candidly revealed his own learned from the mistakes of his and families, including nutrition and medical screenings, among background as priest, bishop and Another youth, Pope Francis has created an others. now pope, his vision of the church, outsider advisory group for himself For families living paycheck to paycheck, which are the major- the goals of his papacy, his style Perspective of eight cardinals from different ity of the population, the situation is perilous. Furloughs mean no of governing, his own very Jesuit countries. income, endangering families’ basic needs, from housing to food. spirituality, his assessment of the Father John Carville With regard to a question about The tentacles of the shutdown extended to more than just among needs of people today, the changes “thinking with the church,” a no- government workers, however. The closing of federal parks are needed in the Roman administration (Curia), tion St. Ignatius writes about in the Spiritual having a negative impact on some local economies, which rely on the theology and function of women in the Exercises, Pope Francis answers, “The image tourism-driven dollars. Veterans are also being affected. Church, the accomplishments of Vatican II, of the church I like is that of the holy, faith- The trickle down effect has even forced the cancellation of Masses and the form Catholic evangelization must take ful people of God. ... Belonging to a people has being celebrated at a number of military installations. Amazingly, today. This interview took place over the course a strong theological value. In the history of contract priests on military bases are not permitted even to volun- of three private meetings with the pope at his salvation, God has saved a people. There is no teer, according to one report. apartment in the Casa Santa Marta within Vati- full identity without belonging to a people. ... The absurdity of that situation encapsulates what has been a can City. It was reported by media throughout God attracts us looking at the complex web of stinging indictment of our elected officials, with each party equally the world. relationships that take place in the human com- shouldering the culpability. While Congress is playing a game of The following are statements from the 14 munity. ... God enters this dynamic.” ... Then, to political chicken, waiting to see who blinks first, their constituents page interview by the pope that I think are avoid misunderstanding, Francis clarifies that are the ones suffering. The needy are the faces of this gridlock, their important and my commentary on them. he is speaking of the whole church as the people eyes roadmaps to their anxiety and concern. The first question asked puzzled Francis: of God, hierarchy, pastors and people together. Elected officials have a responsibility to be protectors of the most “Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?” After some But no one group has a monopoly on sanctity. vulnerable and less fortunate of society. Failure to do so is morally silence he answered, “I am a sinner. ... I always He speaks of a “common sanctity” in every day despicable, and voters should hold those responsible, regardless of felt my motto (as a bishop), Miserando atque people and warns us that “This church with party affiliation, accountable. Eligendo, was very true.” The motto was taken which we should be thinking is the home of all, The government shutdown is a travesty and could have been from a commentary by the Venerable Bede not a small chapel that can hold only a small avoided if lawmakers had acted in a responsible way to benefit all on the Gospel story of the calling of Matthew: group of selected people. We must not reduce Americans. Apparently, that has become too lofty of a standard to “Jesus saw a publican (tax collector and sinner the bosom of the universal church to a nest expect in today’s partisanship reality. to the Jews), and since he looked at him with protecting our mediocrity.” Makes one reflect what would happen if God went into a shut- feelings of love and chose him, he said to him, “What does the Church need most at this down. ‘Follow me.’” Francis goes on to describe how, historic moment?” asks Father Spadaro. “I see on his visits to Rome as a bishop, he always clearly,” answers Pope Francis, “that the thing stopped in the Church of St. Louis of France to the church needs most today is the ability to contemplate the painting of “The Calling of St. heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the Matthew,” by Caravaggio. “That finger of Jesus, faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the Letters to the Editor pointing at Matthew. That’s me. I feel like him. church as a field hospital after battle. ... You Letters to the Editor should be typed and limited to 350 Like Matthew ... here, this is me, a sinner on have to heal his wounds (the injured soldier’s). words and should contain the name and address of the writer, whom the Lord has turned his gaze. And this is Then we can talk about everything else. .... though the address will not be printed. We reserve the right what I said when they asked me if I would ac- The church sometimes has locked itself up in to edit all letters. Send to: Letters to the Editor, The Catholic cept my election as pontiff.” small things, in small-minded rules. The most Commentator, P. O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746, Father Spadaro then asked the pope, “How important thing is the first proclamation: Jesus or to [email protected]. do you understand the role of service to the Christ has saved you. And the ministers of the universal church that you have been called to church must be ministers of mercy above all. play in the light of Ignatian spirituality?” He .... The first reform must be the attitude.” This answered, “I was always struck by a saying last statement helps us to understand why that describes the vision of Ignatius: ‘not to be Francis has begun his papacy with a barrage limited by the greatest and yet to be contained of spiritual homilies and deliberate efforts to Mission Statement in the tiniest – this is the divine.’ ... This virtue change the image of the church from triumphal of the large and small is magnanimity. ... That to servant. The mission of The Catholic Commentator is to provide news, means being able to do the little things of every As I noted, the interview was 14 pages long. information and commentary to the people of the Diocese of day with a big heart open to God and others.” ... This column only covers not quite half of it. I Baton Rouge, Catholics and their neighbors alike. In doing so, This motto, the pope continues, “offers param- will come back to the remaining part in a future The Catholic Commentator strives to further the wider mis- eters to assume a correct position for discern- column. sion of the Church: to evangelize, to communicate, to educate ment, in order to hear the things of God from and to give the Catholic viewpoint on important issues of the God’s ‘point of view.’ ... FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest of the Diocese present day. This discernment takes time. For example, of Baton Rouge. He writes on current topics for many think that changes and reforms can take The Catholic Commentator and can be reached place in a short time. I believe that we always at [email protected]. October 18, 2013 VIEWPOINT The Catholic Commentator 17 | letters to the editor Respect for life begins with self

In praise of Father Catoir ne of my favorite memories can and should despise and hate the I am writing in response to a letter in the September 20 of youth was gazing at the committing of sin, and the great harm Letters to the Editor section critical of Father John Catoir’s Oskies at night and seeing the and tragedy which sin causes, but we opinion of the Trayvon Martin verdict. In his August 23 col- spectacular display of God’s celestial are challenged, indeed commanded, umn, Father Catoir agreed with the jury’s verdict and with creation. This was before the plethora to love the sinner as we are to “love the assessment by Shelby Steele – a black senior fellow at of powerful city street lights which our enemies and do good to those who Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. Father Catoir blocked out that magnificent vision. persecute us” (Mt 5:44; Lk 6:27-31). based his opinion on objective, irrefutable facts whereas the So impressed was I by that sight, that The first chapter of the first book of lady who is complaining based her opinion on speculation in sixth grade, when asked to write a sacred Scripture makes it clear: God and emotion. It is obvious that this lady was misinformed composition of what I thought I would created us humans “in his own image” by a misguided news media. be in life, I wrote that I might become (Gen 1:27). St. Paul emphasizes that The writer is entitled to her own opinion but not to her an astronomer. Two years later, I re- our bodies “are members of Christ, own facts. The unanimous decision by the jury was based turned to an even older dream I wrote temples of the holy Spirit,” given us upon the evidence and the testimony of the police on the about when, as a second grader pre- by God, not self-made (I Cor 6:15, scene; the EMS who treated Martin and Zimmerman; eye- paring to make my first Communion, 19). Thus our value and importance From The Bishop witnesses; the county medical examiner; and Martin’s girl- I wrote my baptismal godfather uncle: is guaranteed because it is divinely Bishop Robert W. Muench friend along with an FBI investigation. Just a few facts: It “I think one day I may be a priest.” derived. was Zimmerman who telephoned for help – not Martin; All of this is an introduction to ex- Let us reflect on the powerful Zimmerman lived in a mixed race neighborhood; his date press how much I appreciate and relate words of Pope Francis: “In all its to respect for the dignity of every fel- for his high school prom was black; he personally welcomed to Psalm 8: “O Lord, when I see your phases and at every age, human life is low human being. Each of us needs to new black neighbors when they moved into the neighbor- heavens, the work of your fingers, the always sacred and always of quality. consciously and conscientiously thank hood. Martin, who had a history of school suspensions, was moon and the stars which you have set And not as a matter of faith, but of God for choosing us into life after his not “innocently walking home with a Coke and Skittles”, but in place, what is man that you should be reason and science! Every unborn own image and likeness. In so doing rather with a can of Arizona Watermelon Fruit Juice cock- mindful of him or a son of man that you child, though unjustly condemned to God not only made a particular act tail and Skittles as had been reported. care for him? Yet you have made him be aborted, has the face of the Lord. of love for, but an act of faith in, each The lady praised the efforts and views of Al Sharpton little less than a god, crowned him with And every old person, even if infirm of us, in our own uniqueness and and Jesse Jackson – spiritual leaders, she called them. Both glory and honor” (Ps 8:4-6). Transla- and at the end of his days, carries with individuality. In the Gospel oon Oct. were actively involved and at the forefront of the Tawana tion: Lord when I look at the inanimate him the face of Christ. They must not 13, , when Jesus praises the outsider Brawley case in which they falsely accused six whites of rape works you have created I am over- be thrown away” (Address to Catholic and the outcast, the Samaritan who ,and in the Duke Lacrosse case in which they falsely accused whelmed to the point of wondering why OB/GYNs, September 20, 2013). thanked him for his cure, we need members of the Duke Lacrosse team of rape. Neither Sharp- you even consider us, the animate, soul- Let us absorb the words of Pope to thank God as well for his indis- ton nor Jackson apologized after their hoaxes were exposed filled, people you have formed, of any Emeritus Benedict XVI: “God’s love pensable part in our being providen- and after ruining the reputation of innocent people. significance. A nd yet you have made us does not differentiate between the tially formed at a particular time, in as the pinnacle, the masterpiece, of your newly conceived still in his or her a particular place, under particular Our church needs more priests and bishops with the ob- material creation. mother’s womb and the child or young circumstances to fulfill a particular jectivity, wisdom and moral fortitude of Father Catoir. In Psalm 139, we read the psalm- person, or the adult or elderly person. role and mission.

ist’s words to God: “You formed me in God does not distinguish between I invite us today, this week and Frank Panepinto my inmost being; you knit me in my them because he sees an impression beyond, to reflect on the splendor of Baton Rouge mother’s womb. I praise you because I of his own image and likeness (Gen God, who trusted you and me to be am wonderfully made” (Ps 139:13-14). 1:26) in each one (Address at the 12th specially made at a special time, for a Pope urges unity And in the Book of Jeremiah, God General Assembly of the Pontifical special purpose. And that if we look speaks to his assigned prophet: “Be- Academy for Life and Congress on the around and we see others who seem We would like to respond to the letter to the editor by fore I formed you in the womb, I knew Human Embryo on the Pre-Implanta- to be more prominent, more success- Mr. Paul Blanchard appearing in the Sept. 6, 2013, issue of you; before you were born I dedicated tion Phase, February 27, 2006). ful, that is not what the question is. The Catholic Commentator. Mr. Blanchard condemns the you, a prophet to the nations, I ap- Let us reflect upon the writing of God created other people to be other fact that Catholics joined their Muslim friends for the Mus- pointed you” (Jer 1:5). Blessed (soon to be Saint) Pope John people. God created you and me to be lim Iftar meal during the season of Ramadan. God had also said: “You are pre- Paul II: “It is impossible to further the who we are, and gave us the raw mate- We find it ironic that Mr. Blanchard’s letter appears in cious in my eyes and honored and I common good without acknowledging rials, and left it to us to take those raw the same online issue of The Commentator which features love you” (Is 43:4). And “I will never and defending the right to life, upon materials and form them in a way that an article entitled, “Pope, Writing in Secular Newspaper, forget you. I have you engraved on the which all the other inalienable rights can be constructive and helpful. God Urges Dialogue with Non-believers.” During his Angelus palms of my hands.” (Is 49:15b-16). of individuals are founded and from trusts you and me, and one day, when address in St. Peter’s Square on Aug. 11, Pope Francis ex- Today, as we celebrate national which they develop. A society lacks life in this world is complete, we will horted Muslims and Catholics to “work together.” He ex- Respect Life Sunday in the Church, solid foundations when, on the one gain a perspective about our life that tended greetings to “Muslims throughout the world, our I invite each of us – the young and hand, it asserts values such as the dig- even with the best of intentions and brothers and sisters, who have just celebrated the end of the old, the weak and the strong, the nity of the person, justice and peace, efforts, we will not be able to achieve the month of Ramadan, which is dedicated in a special way broken-hearted and the fulfilled, the but then, on the other hand, radically while we’re still in this world. But we to fasting, prayer and almsgiving.” Since he became pope, discouraged and the enthused, the acts to the contrary by allowing or are here in God’s house, because we Francis has specifically encouraged Catholics to engage in confused and the assured, the griev- tolerating a variety of ways in which believe in God, who believes in us, and programs fostering mutual respect of all persons and all ing and the rejoicing – to individually human life is devalued and violated, we believe that God didn’t just create faiths. The celebration at St. George was a wonderful op- respect our own life and existence, especially where it is weak or mar- us as an after thought. God created portunity for those participating to put into practice what and thus to respect the God who made ginalized. Only respect for life can be us to be agents, to be instruments, to our pope has been counseling. us, and the neighbor God has provided the foundation and guarantee of the make God present through our flawed The Catholic church of Pope Pius XI, who is quoted by for us. We cannot hope to respect the most precious and essential goods of life, in our incomplete personhood. Mr. Blanchard, may have been suited to the 1920s and lives of others – the conceived, the society, such as democracy and peace” How glorious it is that God gave you 1930s. It is refreshing and heartening to know that Pope infant, the child, the teen, the young (Evangelium Vitae, No. 101, 1995). and me and all of us a chance, and the Francis provides enlightened leadership in our complex adult, the middle-aged, the senior, To summarize, the Church teaches question is, what are we doing with contemporary world. the elderly, the home-bound, the sick, unequivocally, unabashedly and opportunity? God love you all. the dying, unless we also respect our unapologetically that all human life Jim Bolner, Sr. own humanity and that of atheists, is to be respected from conception This is Bishop Muench’s homily Louise Chandler agnostics, criminals, murderers, to natural death; that it begins with from the Respect Life Mass at St. Baton Rouge terrorists, miscreants and so on. We respect for one’s own self and extends Joseph Cathedral on Oct. 13. 18 The Catholic Commentator COMING EVENTS October 18, 2013

St. Michael Golf Classic – St. Michael High School will cell research. Registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 8. Call tion, sweet shop and bingo. Call 225-740-2189 or visit hold its 24th annual golf classic on Monday, Nov. 11, at 225-242-0323 or email [email protected]. sjb-brusly.com. Copper Miller Golf Club, 2100 Coppermill Blvd., Zach- ary. The cost of the three-person scramble is $150 per Born to Run – Women’s New Life Center will host a St. Louis King of France Festival – St. Louis King of France individual, with sponsorships starting at $1,000. Regis- Born to Run 5K and one-mile run Saturday, Nov. 16, 9 Church, 2121 N. Sherwood Forest Dr., Baton Rouge, will tration begins at 9 a.m., with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. a.m., at North Boulevard Square in downtown Baton hold its fall festival Friday, Oct. 25, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat- Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Warrior Ath- Rouge. Cost is $20 per person before Thursday, Oct. 24 urday, Oct. 26, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 27, 11 letic Department. Call 225-755-3618 or email rlandry@ or $30 after that, or $100 per family. The morning will a.m. – 3 p.m. The event includes food, games and rides. smhsbr.org. include a Club South Runners timed event as well as an Call 225-275-7280. after race “birth” day party with food, live music by the V- Rosaryville Retreat – Father Matt Linn SJ, author and Tones and face painting and spacewalks for children. All All Souls Day Concert – The St. Thomas More Church retreat director, will present a retreat, “Healing Life’s proceeds benefit the Women’s New Life Center. To regis- Choir will perform an All Souls Day Concert Sunday, Nov. Hurts,” Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 3, at Rosa- ter, form a team, for information about sponsorships or 3, 2:30 p.m., at St. Thomas More Church, 11441 Good- ryville Spirit Life Center, 39003 Rosaryville Road, Pon- to donate call 504-496-0212. wood Blvd., Baton Rouge. The choir will honor deceased chatoula. Topics include returning to positive memories, choir members and other members of the church parish the five stages of forgiveness, healing relationships with Come and See Weekend – St. Joseph Seminary College family. The concert will feature several special anthems, the deceased, finding one’s special purpose in life and in St. Benedict will host a Come and See Weekend for including excerpts from Brahm’s Requiem and Andrew physical healing. Cost is $200 per person double oc- young men ages 18 and older to learn about seminary Lloyd Weber’s Requiem. The free concert is open to the cupancy and $230 per person single occupancy. Visit life Friday, Nov. 8, through Sunday, Nov. 10. Attendees public. Call 225-275-3940. catholicretreatcenter.org or call 225-294-5039. will have an opportunity to talk to seminarians and the monks at the abby. There is no charge for the weekend, Abby Johnson Talk – Abby Johnson, former Planned Pro-Life Oratory Contest – The Diocese of Baton Rouge but registration must be complete by Friday, Nov. 1. Call Parenthood director and author of the book “Unplanned,” Office of Marriage and Family Life will sponsor a Loui- 225-336-8778 or visit diobr.org/vocations. will speak about her pro-life ministry, “And Then There siana Pro-Life Oratory Contest for high school juniors Were None!” on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6 p.m., at the Our and seniors on Sunday, Nov. 17, 1 – 4 p.m., at Room 206 Feast on the Levee – St. John the Baptist Church, 402 Lady of Mercy Parish Activity Center, 445 Marquette of the Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center, 1800 S. Acadian S. Kirkland Dr. (River Road), Brusly, will hold its Feast Ave., Baton Rouge. Johnson’s ministry helps abortion Thwy., Baton Rouge. Topics will include: the tragedy of on the Levee on Sunday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. There workers leave the abortion industry. Call 225-926-1883 abortion, euthanasia, infanticide and embryonic stem will be live music, food, games, silent auction, cake auc- or visit attwn.org or abbyjohnson.org.

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 Business service Positions WAnted Catholic senior citizen bus trip Mar. 29 Mr. D’s Tree Service Dave’s Bicycle Repair and Sales. Free Companion available for senior citi- Mature Christian lady seeks additional pickup and delivery, free estimates, ex- to Apr. 6. Lancaster show Trip and Phila- housecleaning work. honest and de- 3 Licensed Arborists zen. Light meal prep and laundry; assist delphia. $745. 225-769-5872. Free Estimates pert economical repair on all brands. with bath. Experience with references. pendable. Experienced with good refer- 225-924-4337 or www.davesbicyclerepair. ences. sherry 225-272-0515. Fully Insured Full-time or 12:30 p.m. til. sunday – Fri- While we at The Catholic Commenta- Don Decell & Carl Babin, owners com. day. 225-937-5283 . tor do our best to bring reliable ad- BILL’S ROOFING & REPAIR. Leaks stop; 225-292-6756 vertisers to our readers, we are not 5 years warranty on repair work. senior Ards of hAnks I am a certified respiratory therapist responsible for any claims made by discounts. Free estimates. 225-673-4613 Flower beds, landscaping, general c t with CPR/ACL certification. Will sit/be any advertiser. or 225-505-6195. yard work, debris removal; commercial; Thanks infant Jesus, st. Joseph, sacred companion of patient. Email slocumta@ residential; quality work, licensed, free heart of Jesus, st. Jude for prayers an- yahoo.com or 225-315-9713. estimates, references. 225-247-6079. swered. Business service Pennington Lawn and Landscape Lds Kitchen counter tops. Call for free es- 225-806-0008 BROUSSEAU'S Painting heLP WAnted timates. John O'neill 225-938-6141 or Lawn & bed maintenance. Clean-up neg- interior and exterior painting. Experi- lect. Call for your free estimate. or ALe Ascension Catholic School, donaldson- 225-683-6837. enced and reliable. Free estimates. Call f s ville, LA is accepting applications for the 225-241-8488 or 225-928-7194. St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of a Anthony's Furniture Specialties. We 2 Adjoining cemetery plots in Rose- 2013-14 school year for a high school Peaceful death. st. Joseph hospice is lawn Cemetery Baton Rouge. $3000 for English teacher. Requirements include: restore hurricane damaged furniture. LEBLANC’S TREE & STUMP available to support families as they face if it's furniture we do it all! Refinishing, both. 985-542-0311. – Practicing Catholic; – Teacher certifi- end-of-life decisions. Peace, comfort, REMOVAL, INC. cation. Please fax letter of interest and re-upholstery, pick up and delivery, etc. Prompt service–Free estimates Greenoaks Memorial Park, BR. 2 plots dignity and support can make every day 2263 Florida Blvd., BR. 225-413-2607. resume immediately to 225-473-9235 or "a good day." Call 225-368-3100 for more FULLY INSURED in Garden of Roses. Valued at $4190 – sell email to [email protected]. information. E. H. “Eddie” LeBlanc $3000 both or $1650 each. Call 225-954- salary is commensurate with qualifica- Baton Rouge Care Service. serving Ba- Phone 383-7316 0333 or 225-261-6149 after 6 p.m. tions and experience. THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA ton Rouge and surrounding areas since Ascension Catholic school does not dis- Accounting and taxes for businesses, 1960. Registered sitters, nurses, and Donnie’s Furniture Repair & Uphol- stery. We do refinishing, repairs, caning, criminate in its hiring practices based on non-profits and individuals; business, nurses aides for the sick and elderly in LegAL notice race, color, national or ethnic origin. computer, financial and management the home, nursing homes and hospitals. painting of furniture and upholstery. in business 43 yrs. Pick up and delivery. Anyone with knowledge of the where- services. 30 years experience; profes- Licensed and bonded for private duty abouts of Leo Patrick Richard, Jr. is asked sional, prompt and personal attention. care. 225-924-6098 or 225-667-0480. 10876 Greenwell springs Rd. 225-272- 2577. see our showroom. to contact the diocesan Tribunal at 225- Classifieds works! 225-296-0404. www.batonrougesittersregistry.com. 336-8755. Print Your Ad Here ROME VOTE NABAL ACEL IBIS IRATE BEAU SEPT CRATE BANDAIDS AEOLUS INSECT YOUNG dATEs TO Run: SCOT DREAMED Circle Category: Announcements—Business services—Cards of Thanks—For Rent—For sale—help Wanted CBC ARAB IA NERI —Positions Wanted—Legal notices (other ) HERS LEO TENN Mail to: The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316 ED IT BENUMB KEG Enclosed is $9.50 for the first 15 words + 15¢ for each word thereafter + 25¢ per line for each special effect (all caps, centered ZEBULUN STAR line, bold lettering); for a total of $______for each issue. MIRTH SNEERS Advertisements will nAME SHABBY OR IENTAL not be published AddREss EAGLE RU IN DUNE without full payment in GRUEL ASEA EDGE CiTy PhOnE advance. AMASS HELI REEK www.wordgamesforcatholics.com October 18, 2013 The Catholic Commentator 19

Gubler: A beautiful life http://www.bumbabella.com From page 1 of 19 and was planning her wed- early 1920s and 30s, traveling by ding when her fiancé was sent to Custom Made, Hand Smocked pirogue from church to church Korea for 18 months. During that Dresses, Gowns & Bonnets: to celebrate Mass. Sometimes time her family visited her broth- the collection baskets would hold er at Spring Hill College in Mobile Christening, only a quarter and they would go where he was studying to be a Flower Girl, Christmas, hungry, Sister Joel said. Father brother of the Sacred Heart. “Just Sister Joel Gubler OP holds a pho- First Communion, Easter Edwin Gubler retired at St. Jules spending the day on the grounds to of her two uncles, who became 2415 Dogwood Ave. in Belle Rose where he lived until and at the chapel at Springhill ... priests, fulfilling a promise her (225) 284-1098 Baton Rouge, LA 70808-2123 he passed away. I was so immersed in it. This is grandmother made to give two of As for Nemours, he married what I always dreamed of. I told her sons to God in the priesthood. and eventually fathered Sister myself, ‘This what I have to do Photo by Barbara Chenevert | The Catholic Com- Joel and three other children. with my life.’ ” mentator Today, Sister Joel loves to vis- She decided to enter the con- it the home that lies about 200 vent. But she still faced the di- “I see the house almost every- yards away across fields planted lemma of a fiancé who she dearly day. I look at it as I ride my golf with pine trees and home to wild loved. cart around watering the 150 pine turkeys and swarming humming “I wrote to him in Korea and trees I just planted,” she said. birds in the peaceful setting of Ro- then I knew I had to get myself Sister Joel has donated many saryville, outside of Ponchatoula. to here (to Rosaryville) in a hur- of the letters between her grand- She wants to touch the same plac- ry before he came home and I mother and her son to St. Joseph es the grandmother she never met changed my mind. It was terrible, Seminary College in St. Benedict touched. “My grandmother would but I knew what I had to do. I saw and Notre Dame Seminary. be in these rooms. It’s amazing,” God’s hand in taking him away she said, as she visited the home. and exposing me to the religious Sister Joel has a love story of life through the brothers,” she her own. She said when she was said. Diocese of Baton Rouge a child her mother and maternal Sister Joel said she has never grandmother spoke highly of the regretted her decision. Her for- sisters and how happy their lives mer fiancé, whom she sees occa- were. She was taught by the Do- sionally, is now happily married, High School Open House minican sisters in New Orleans in a wonderful father and a good Information: www.csobr.org elementary, high school and col- person, she said. lege and thought she wanted to “I’ve had a beautiful life,” she St. Michael high Wednesday, October 23, 2013 be a sister. “I used to pray, ‘Lord, said of her 59 years as a Domini- Baton Rouge 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. let me be a sister, let me be a sis- can sister. She has worked in ter.’ But then I started dating a lot schools, church parishes, hospi- 225-753-9782 Open to 6th – 8th graders and and I was boy crazy. Then I would tals and even as a missionary in smhsbr.org their parents pray, ‘Lord, let me die as a sister,’ ” Mexico. Today she is the direc- she laughed. tor of religious education at Our aScenSion catholic high Thursday, November 7, 2013 She became engaged at the age Lady of Pompeii in Tickfaw. Donaldsonville 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 225-473-9227 Open to 7th – 8th graders and ascensioncatholicschools.com their parents

St. John high Tuesday, November 12, 2013 Plaquemine 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 225-687-3056 Open to 7th – 12th graders stjohnschool.org and their parents

catholic high Thursday, November 14, 2013 Baton Rouge 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 225-383-0397 Open to 6th – 8th grade boys catholichigh.org and their parents

catholic of Pointe couPée Wednesday, February 4, 2014 New Roads 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. 225-638-9313 Open to 3-year-olds – 12th graders Open hOUSe catholicpc.com and their parents SATURDAY, NOV. 2, 2013 9 AM – 12:30 PM

For more information, call (225) 768-1700 or go to ololcollege.edu.

Catholic Schools Office • P. O. Box 2028 • Baton Rouge, LA 70821 • 225-336-8735 20 The Catholic Commentator October 18, 2013

they are able to enjoy Mass,” Ab- hesitant about donating in an un- and how can I give back?” BAA: Appeal is biblically based shire said. stable economy. Although it’s too early to mon- From page 1 sistance program, which enables This year money raised by the “One of the things that is dif- itor any type of impact, Abshire is to and from medical appointments. students to receive a faith-based appeal will also go toward ex- ficult is our donor population is optimistic the growing popular- Once the mothers deliver their education. Additionally, the ap- panding the parish center at St. aging,” she said. “The younger ity of Pope Francis will eventually child, Sanctuary for Life helps peal funds Catholic Life TV, a Joseph Cathedral, thereby allow- generation tends not to be as gen- help stewardship efforts. the young ladies locate affordable diocesan-owned television sta- ing for an increased number of erous as the older folks.” “We are drawing a parallel be- housing. tion that among other broadcasts events to be held at the facility. “The way we approach stew- tween the pope’s urging of folks to “The (appeal) funding helps airs Mass twice a week, including A year ago, the appeal raised ardship in the Catholic Church is, consider the poor and those less save the lives of unborn children,” Sunday morning from St. Joseph $850,000. Abshire acknowl- really, it is biblically based,” she fortunate,” she said. Abshire said. Cathedral. edged fund raising efforts are added. “Stewardship is a way of The appeal runs through June. Funding also goes toward “(The TV station) helps to en- facing several challenges, includ- life, as a calling to what God gives For more information, call the the Catholic schools tuition as- sure homebound parishioners ing potential donors are more you, focusing on what are the tal- stewardship office at 225-336-8790 ents the Lord has entrusted in me or visit.officeofstewardship.com.

Price LeBlanc Toyota–Lexus–Nissan St. Vincent de Paul Charity Golf Tournament

We especially thank the LeBlanc family for their generosity and community leadership which ensures that our tournament and work in the community are a success. We also recognize and thank our honorary government chairs: Parish Presidents J. Mitchell Ourso, Jr., Iberville Parish; Tommy Martinez, Ascension Parish; Riley “Pee Wee” Berthelot, West Baton Rouge Parish; Melvin “Kip” Holden, East Baton I n Rouge Parish; and Layton Ricks, Livingston BRING ING ALL ASPECTS oF Parish. We have great support from Price LeBlanc Toyota-Lexus-Nissan and our HEART CARE government leaders, and we need your ToGETHER, wE CREATEd support too!

that We invite you to join us for this year’s golf A PRoGRAm tournament, which will be held on Monday, October 28th, at the Island Country Club and Golf STANdS APART. Course in Plaquemine. Participate in this event – either as a sponsor or as a golfer – and become part of the city’s premier golf tournament raising BETTER is combining research, education, { diagnostics and treatment in one Institute. } awareness and support for our vital programs.

This tournament supports the great charities of This fall, Our Lady of the Lake will open our new Heart & Vascular Institute. St. Vincent de Paul. This year, we will fill over An environment that encourages experts to share their knowledge and develop 38,000 prescriptions at our charitable pharmacy; new ways to save lives. Here, we’ve built cath labs closer in proximity to ORs, our shelters will provide over 25,000 guest nights created surgical suites that allow multiple procedures to be done at once and of shelter to homeless men, women and children; designed rooms that allow for different levels of treatment, keeping patients in our dining room will serve over 220,000 meals; their same comfortable environment. Why take such an active role in shaping and we will provide over 24,000 uniforms for the future of heart care? Because we believe healthcare works best when it’s needy school children. constantly striving to be better. Learn more at ololrmc.com. Would you please consider playing or consider a sponsorship? We have limited the field of golfers, so please return your completed registration and sponsorship commitment form as Leading a healthier Louisiana. Providing a smoke free campus. soon as possible. Registration forms available at svdpbr.org or call us at (225) 383-7837, ext. 204. The Catholic Commentator | October 18, 2013 Our Native Son Shelton Joseph Fabre

The 4 th Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux 2B The Catholic Commentator OUR NATIVE SON October 18, 2013

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, we, the Church of Baton Rouge, express our heartfelt congratulations as you, our native son, become the new shepherd and the 4th bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. We look forward to working with you as part of the Province of Louisiana. We pray that God will bless and guide you in your new ministry!

Bishop Robert W. Muench Diocese of Baton Rouge October 18, 2013 OUR NATIVE SON The Catholic Commentator 993B Bishop Fabre: A devout servant of Christ

By Barbara Chenevert and his brother’s death forced as his Lord. Asked who or what “knew intellectually that it wasn’t The Catholic Commentator him to examine his life. has most influenced his life, he true. When I found it difficult to “After my brother’s death, I replied without hesitation, “I embrace change – the death of a The priest who bounced began to think about the sem- would say my answer would be loved one or a change in assign- 5-year-old Shelton Fabre on his inary again. Father (Gerard) God and the love God has man- ment – real change is cause for knee while watching Mardi Gras Young was the vocations director ifested to me in the different ar- us to question our relationship parades in New Roads probably for the diocese, and I talked with eas of my life. with God. But if we just remem- didn’t think of him as a future “God manifested his love for ber to remain faithful, God will bishop. me in my family, God manifested manifest his love.” But he did see the potential his love for me at St. Ben’s, at the That faithfulness is echoed for priesthood in the quiet, re- American College and now God by those who know Bishop Fab- served son of a school teacher manifests his love for me in each re and use words such as “holy, and a bricklayer and may have parish, each assignment and in gentle, humble, faithful” to de- planted the first seed toward his the people I have met. The com- scribe him. But asked to de- ordination. mon denominator is God who scribe himself, Bishop Fabre be- “I remember him bouncing has done great things for me,” he comes thoughtful for a long time does not want to be a stumbling me on his knee and saying ‘You said, quoting Mary’s Magnificat. and then says “someone who is block in someone’s encounter should be a priest.’ That was the He said he has experienced hopefully faithful, shy and just with Christ.” first time it came up,” said Bish- times of “questioning,” (he de- wants to serve the needs of the When he was named auxiliary op Shelton Joseph Fabre, who clined to call it doubt) when church.” After pausing another bishop of the Archdiocese of New will be installed Oct. 30 as the he felt abandoned by God, but few seconds he adds, “and who See Servant page 4B fourth bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The native of New Roads, who him,” Bishop Fabre said. “Fa- Bishop Fabre is a devoted, gifted, exemplary and highly respected grew up in St. Augustine Church ther Young told me he was glad Parish, said he has always been to see me again when I met with religious leader, who comes from a faith-filled family. He exhibits “a very quiet person. I enjoyed him, and I decided to try again.” strong intellect, genuine piety and true fidelity to Christ and the reading a lot, and I enjoyed rais- He enrolled in St. Joseph Semi- ing aquarium fish, and I guess I nary College at St. Benedict after Church. Bishop Fabre exudes the person and heart of Jesus, the did everything a kid did at that graduating as valedictorian from time, like riding bikes,” he said of Catholic of Point Coupèe High Good Shepherd in both person and action. He is gift to all who his childhood. He even tried the School in New Roads. seminary at one point, but left During his years at St. Ben’s he know him and have the privilege of his friendship and pastoral care. after only three days. became friends with Father Paul He lived with his parents Counce, now pastor of St. Joseph Bishop Robert W. Muench and five siblings in a house only Cathedral in Baton Rouge, who a mile from the church where had attended The American Col- he served as an altar server. He lege Catholic University at Lou- found comfort in the longevi- vain in Belgium. Father Counce CONGRATULATIONS AND PRAYERFUL BEST WISHES TO ty – 57 years – of his parents’ encouraged him to consider at- BISHOP SHELTON J. FABRE, D.D. marriage and their commitment tending The American College to each other. His and Bishop Fabre ON YOUR APPOINTMENT AS THE summers were agreed it would be spent helping his I have always a good fit for him. father lay bricks, “Being shy I felt a and although he known Bishop smaller seminary has great respect Fabre to be would be good for the profession, for me, and I had he said he knew a gentle and wanted to study in “the Lord was not Europe.” calling me to be a humble man, and He now credits brick layer.” that decision as one At the age of an exemplary that helped to form 9, the accidental priest. him into the priest drowning of his he is today. “It gave FOURTH BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX oldest brother, That says it all. me a perspective VERY REV. EDWARD J. CHIFFILLER, S.S.J. Luke, shattered on the church that AND THE Shelton Fabre’s Father Jason Palermo was internation- seemingly normal al because I had CONGREGATION OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH world, as well of classes with people BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA that of his family. In spite of his from all over the world. I think young age, he remembers the that tradition and the depth of sadness and shock surrounding theological studies nourished his brother’s death. A few years me academically, intellectually later, a second brother, Clyde, and in my formation as a priest. died of leukemia, six months I will always be grateful to the after being diagnosed. A high American College for what it school senior at the time, Bishop gave to me.” Fabre said he was better able to But no school, person or event understand what had happened, has impacted his life as much 4B The Catholic Commentator OUR NATIVE SON October 18, 2013 servant: The only gift I bring is the experience of faith From page 3b with my ministry as bishop. He ple of New Orleans who were the diocese, Bishop Fabre said many of New Orleans six years ago, has caused us to reflect on how recipients of those decisions and of his responsibilities were ad- he adopted the motto, “Comfort we present church teaching.” for those who had the responsi- ministrative but he longed for My People,” which he says is not When he arrived in New Or- bility to make those decisions,” the pastoral side of being a bish- only his mission, but falls in line leans, he was immediately faced he said. op. He said he looked forward to with what Pope Francis has been with the aftermath of Hurricane “But I saw parts of the city celebrating Masses in the local preaching. Katrina and the recovery of the come back to life, and it was a churches when he was called “Pope Francis is not changing city as well as the archdiocese. real reflection of resurrection – upon to substitute for a priest. any teaching of the church. What The archdiocese had to restruc- to see devastated property back And he most enjoys conferring he is saying is we have to speak ture in use. It was an exciting time – the sacrament of confirmation. the truth, but we have to speak itself, closing some churches to be part of the solidarity that is “I enjoy being part of the lives the truth in love. I appreciate the where populations had left the brought by suffering, that spirit of young people at this point in fact that the pope is saying you city, or churches had been dam- that we are strongest when we their lives. It is a graced and spe- have to see the person. That res- aged extensively. “It was very stand together,” he said. cial time to remind them that onates with me personally and difficult and painful for the peo- As vicar general in the arch- they are important to the church and that the church needs them and their faith to be involved.” I had the fortunate privilege of serving as a seminarian with When he was named auxilia- ry bishop at the age of 43, he was Bishop Fabre while he was assigned to Sacred Heart. the youngest bishop in the coun- Priests are called to minister to priests, and time and again I try, giving rise to talk that he was on the fast track within the was challenged as Shelton ministered to me with his enthusiasm, church hierarchy. But for now Bishop Fabre said, “My future is eagerness and quiet demeanor that often encouraged me to do the in Houma-Thibodaux. I am not same – to seek out the lost, questioning or insignificant and tend to thinking beyond that,” he said. “I will make Houma-Thibodaux their needs. I know he will offer that same compassionate heart my home and as for my future, I that faith experience has taught leave that up to the Lord.” me and made me. I just bring as the Good Shepherd to his new flock. Ad multos annos! “The only gift I bring (to the myself,” he said. Father Jamin David Houma-Thibodaux diocese) is “I hope they don’t think it is a the experience of faith and all gag gift,” he laughed.

BISHOP Shelton Joseph FABRE TIMELINE

Oct. 25, 1963 – Born to Luke and Theresa Fabre

1981 – Graduated from Catholic High school of Point Coupée in New Roads any years ago we were blessed 1985 – Graduated from St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict Mto have you at St. Alphonsus. When 1989 – Earned Masters of Arts degree from the Katholiek Universiteit te Leuven in Louvain, Belgium we opened our doors to you, you opened your arms and heart to us and Aug. 5, 1989 – Ordained by Bishop Stanley J. Ott at St. Joseph Cathedral 1989-1992 – Parochial Vicar of St. Alphonsus Liguori Church in Greenwell embraced us with unconditional love Springs and understanding. 1992-94 – Parochial Vicar of St. George Church in Baton Rouge

1994-95 – Parochial Vicar of St. Isidore the Farmer Church in Baker Today we extend our love and prayers 1995-96 – Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Cathedral to you as you begin a new spiritual 1996-2004 – Pastor of St. Joseph Church in Grosse Tete and Immaculate journey. May God’s love protect and Heart of Mary Church in Maringouin guide you as you shepherd a new 2004-07 – Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge flock of followers into His kingdom. 1990-2005 – Director of the Office of Black Catholics of the Diocese of Baton Wishing you the blessings of the Holy Rouge

Spirit as you “Comfort My People”. Feb. 28, 2007 – Ordained Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans by Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes at St. Louis Cathedral In Christ’s Peace, 2007-2013 – Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans Fr. Mike Moroney and St. Alphonsus Sept. 23, 2013 – Appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Liguori Church and School Oct. 30, 2013 – Installed as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux (scheduled) October 18, 2013 OUR NATIVE SON The Catholic Commentator 995B Archbishop Hughes proud of his ‘spiritual son’

By Richard Meek have an African-American to one he could trust and was “ut- The Catholic Commentator be someone the African-Amer- terly cooperative and loyal.” ican community could look to “He’s never been a man of As the rays of an early au- as their leader and express their ambition,” Archbishop Hughes tumn sun warmed Notre Semi- concerns and assure their needs said. “I think he would have been nary in New Orleans, a relaxed were being heard.” satisfied to stay a pastor. I think Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes “I was just delighted,” the the people (in the Houma-Thi- wore the smile not of a retired archbishop said of learning of bodaux Diocese) are going to clergyman but that of a prideful Bishop Fabre’s appointment to come to love him, and I know he father. New Orleans. “I also saw him is going to love the people there. The former archbishop of the as a potential head of a diocese “In some ways (the diocese) is Archdiocese of New Orleans was some day and hoped his expe- marked by a lot of the deep-root- glowing after the appointment of riences as an auxiliary would ed experience that was part of New Roads native Bishop Shel- provide the experiences and his growing up in New Roads. ton Joseph Fabre as the bishop background that would make It’s kind of grassroots faith. It’s of the Houma-Thibodaux Dio- him serving as bishop of (a) dio- not always fully informed and cese. Bishop Fabre was a pastor cese that much easier and more educated faith, but it’s a faith in the Diocese of Baton Rouge effective.” that permeates the culture and under then-Bishop Hughes. Archbishop Hughes said he the life. “I feel like the spiritual fa- knew he had an excellent person “And I think he will very ther,” said the soft-spoken Arch- stepping into the role as vicar much be at home with that. He’ll bishop Hughes. “I was his spiri- general but said Bishop Fabre’s also be committed to making tual father as a bishop in Baton ability as a quick learner exceed- sure it’s not just a cultural Ca- Rouge, then became sacramen- ed even his own lofty expecta- tholicism but as an informed Ca- tally his spiritual father in or- tions. tholicism as he can promote and daining him a bishop. “It is obvious he grasped very develop. He’s a great preacher.” “I had the chance to both help readily the complexity of issues Archbishop Hughes said a him move into the role (as auxil- and became familiar with the prior commitment in Rome will iary bishop for the Archdiocese historical background of issues keep him away from Bishop Fab- of New Orleans) and experience and then developed the ability to re’s installation in Houma on his help, not just as a spiritual address difficult issues,” he said. Oct. 30. But he said the two will son, but a son (that came) of age He called Bishop Fabre an ex- celebrate at a later date. – much and became a brother. I thank traordinary collaborator, some- like a father does with his son. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre is ordained by Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes as God for granting me the possi- auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of New Orleans at St. Louis Cathe- bility of having been a spiritual dral on Feb. 28, 2007. Seated to the left of Archbishop Hughes is Bishop father along the way.” Robert W. Muench. Photo by Frank Methe | Clarion Herald He called Bishop Fabre a Bishop Fabre, “good human being first,” an Congratulations and Best Wishes! individual who has never lost the cathedral with them, and the op Fabre, who is African-Amer- touch with his roots. father was looking at the build- ican. “He split his time evenly “I think you know Bishop ings and making an assessment between the two parishes, he set Fabre best if you know New of the brick jobs,” he recalled up an office in each of the two Roads,” Archbishop Hughes with a chuckle. parishes. He worked with the The Jesuits and lay staff of said. “New Roads, I think, is Archbishop Hughes, who was two parish councils and finance a community of remarkably appointed to the Baton Rouge di- councils, gradually brought Manresa House of Retreats deep-rooted faith.” ocese in 1993, said then-Father them together to identify what Bishop Fabre comes from a Fabre was serving at St. George they could better do together simple background, his father Church at the time. Archbish- than separately and what was being a bricklayer and his moth- op Hughes then moved him to better for them to do separately. Congratulations er a teacher. Archbishop Hughes St. Isidore and later as tempo- “It was a challenging request said “the genuinity of faith in rary administrator at St. Joseph I made of him, and he earned Bishop that home had a lasting impact Cathedral when pastor Father the respect and cooperation of on Shelton.” Frank Uter went on sabbatical. the leadership of both parishes Shelton J. Fabre, D.D. He said two of Bishop Fabre’s But then followed what Arch- and the whole congregation at brothers died at early ages, and bishop Hughes termed a daunt- each parish.” as you begin your new those deaths also had a profound ing request he made of Bishop When Bishop Dominic Car- impact “in terms of looking at Fabre when he asked the future mon retired as auxiliary bish- ministry as the what was ultimately important bishop to take over the newly op in New Orleans, Archbishop in life. And putting into perspec- combined parishes of St. Joseph Hughes, who by then was head Fourth Bishop of the tive the possibility of vocation to in Grosse Tete and Immaculate of the archdiocese, had one per- the priesthood.” Heart of Mary in Maringouin. It son in mind as a replacement. Diocese of Archbishop Hughes fond- was one of the first two parishes He submitted three names but ly recalls driving to St. Louis to be combined in the diocese admitted Bishop Fabre was high Houma-Thibodaux. Cathedral with Bishop Fabre’s and adding to the complexity on that list. parents on the day Bishop Fabre was St. Joseph was a predomi- “Because Bishop Carmon was We are praying for you! was ordained a bishop. He said nantly white congregation and (an African-American) I was Bishop Fabre’s family rarely vis- Immaculate Heart of Mary ma- seeking an African-American St. Francis Xavier School ited New Orleans and had not jority African-American. auxiliary,” Archbishop Hughes seen the historic church. “He handled that superbly,” said. “With (post-Hurricane) and “I can remember driving to Archbishop Hughes said of Bish- Katrina it became important to Early Learning Center 6B The Catholic Commentator OUR NATIVE SON October 18, 2013 Family says Bishop Fabre ‘touched by God’

By Barbara Chenevert “Everybody would bring their bikes The Catholic Commentator and me and Shelton and daddy would work on them, repairing flat tires and It was a stormy night in New Roads stuff like that,” added Angelo Fabre, the when young Shelton Fabre heard a cat bishop’s younger brother. in distress outside his window. Braving Angelo recalled that he and Bish- the deteriorating weather, he darted op Fabre would run home after school outside to care for the mother cat that to watch Gilligan’s Island or the Brady soon gave birth to a litter of kittens. Bunch on television. There was a lot of Shelton Joseph Fabre, animal lover horseplay among the boys but they also and fan of Dr. Seuss books, who liked to shared in playing games such as Rock play games as a child, was always des- ’em Sock ’em Robots and riding the tined for great things, his family said. Hippity Hop, a round ball with a horse’s “When I came into the family he was head that you sat on and bounced, he in junior high, but even then you could said. see he was touched by God,” said sis- The family also had a treehouse that ter-in-law Barbara Fabre. “There was was a big draw for the boys in the family something special about him. You could and the neighborhood. Sometimes they see he had a destiny.” would sleep up there too, all but Shel- On Oct. 30, when Auxiliary Bishop ton, who never liked the outdoors too Fabre is installed as the fourth bishop Gathered in the Fabre family home in New Roads are Gerald Fabre, the bishop’s older much, said his older brother, Gerald. of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, 30 brother; Theresa Fabre, his mother; Barbara Fabre, Gerald Fabre’s wife; and Angelo Fabre, Sometimes, they would build tents in members of his family will be there to a younger brother. Photo by Barbara Chenevert | The Catholic Commentator the bedroom and sleep there. support him and celebrate with him. All of the boys worked in the summer But to them, he will always be the “He was always a quiet child,” his Church, in a fairly typical household. helping their father who was a bricklay- boy they call “S” for short, who had a mother, Theresa Fabre, said. “He was His late father was a bricklayer, his er. “We all worked in the summer, but hamster, an ant farm and aquarium patient and loving.” mother a school teacher. Shelton quickly realized it wasn’t for fish, who read books and made sure he The fifth of six children born to Luke “We always had the boys in the him,” Gerald Fabre said. “It was too was on time for Mass when he was an and Theresa Fabre, Bishop Shelton neighborhood over here,” said Theresa hot.” altar server. grew up only a mile from St. Augustine Fabre. See family page 7B To God be the Glory! Congratulations & Best Wishes, Bishop shelton J. FaBre, as you lead your new flock in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux!

With gratitude and thanksgiving to God, we join in celebrating with the Church of Houma-Thibodaux the appointment of Bishop Shelton J. Fabre as its newly ap- nts’ Day Se Sai rvi pointed Shepherd! Bishop Fabre, may you always find ll ce in your faith, the strength and power to faithfully and A fearlessly lead God’s people to the abundant life Friday, Nov. 1 Jesus promised! Our prayers and best wishes for you 12:00 Noon and the Diocese. Service conducted by The Parishioners and Staff Rev. Richard Andrus, S.V.D. of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church – Fr. Richard R. Andrus, Jr. SVD – Pastor “For this reason I remind you to stir into the flame the gift of God Roselawn that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7) Memorial Park 225-344-0186 | 4045 North St. | Baton Rouge, LA October 18, 2013 OUR NATIVE SON The Catholic Commentator 997B family: ‘He got the right job’ From page 6B would even call the lady across Angelo Fabre said he and the street to come over and Bishop Fabre would set up pray. stores and sell items they got It wasn’t the only time the of their house. Not to worry, family experienced his faith. though, their parents would When brother Clyde died of just buy them back, he said. leukemia, it was Bishop Fabre When he was in high school, who was the family strength, Bishop Fabre helped the fam- they said. “It was very hard,” ily divert a minor disaster Angelo said, but with his when his niece, Kristie, was strength the family made it. celebrating her first birthday. Shelton was a senior in high It was the day after Thanks- school when Clyde died. The giving and her mom, Barbara family lost another member Fabre, didn’t realize the bakery years earlier when the oldest would be closed. She came into son, Luke, died in an accidental the house, saying, “We need a drowning. Bishop Fabre was cake. There is no cake” for this only 9 at the time, and even little 1-year-old’s birthday par- though he shared the fami- ty. “S said, ‘no sweat.’ He went ly grief and shock, he was too into the pantry and whipped young to really understand. The Fabre family, from left, Bishop Shelton Fabre, mother Theresa, dad Luke, only sister Dianne Signater and brother-in-law Lionel Signater, talk in front of their parish church, St. Augustine in New Roads just after he was named auxiliary bishop for New Orleans. Photo by Peter Finney Jr. | Clarion Herald

Bishop Fabre’s inclination Added Barbara Fabre, once proud of Bishop Fabre’s ap- toward the priesthood appar- he got to St. Joseph Seminary pointment as bishop of the ently began at an early age. College in St. Benedict, “he Houma-Thibodaux Diocese. Twice they said Bishop Fabre knew he was on a mission.” “He got the right job and he entered the diocesan prepara- When he went to study at the will do it well. He is doing the tory school, a precursor to the American College at Louvain in job he has now well,” said Ger- seminary, but left because he Belgium, he went to his mother ald Fabre. was homesick. and asked her if she would visit “The sky is the limit,” added “But as he got older he made him there if he decided to at- brother Angelo. up his mind more and more tend. She said yes and she was He may be part of the mov- that priesthood was what he able to keep that promise, she ers and shakers now, “but to us wanted to do,” Angelo Fabre said. he is still our ‘S,’ ” said Barbara said. The family said they are Fabre.

St. George Catholic Church

Brothers Shelton and Angelo Fabre with their father, the late Luke Fab- Congratulates re. Photo provided by the Fabre family Bishop Shelton Fabre up a cake mix. He got a little Surprisingly enough, the ballerina out of the jewelry box family said they don’t recall and put it on top of the cake,” hearing him sing at home, al- she said. though he did play the piano. During Holy Week, Bishop They said they were shocked by We are blessed to have Fabre would set up an altar in his beautiful voice the first time been a part of your the bedroom and hold his own they heard him sing during a prayer vigil, the family said. He Mass he was celebrating. journey. We wish you continued grace and “Thousands of us are so very grateful rejoice in your new appointment. to the ‘Reverend G. W. Faybrey’ for his years of service to the Church in Southern Louisiana as well as the Church Universal. May the good Lord bless him with many more.” 7808 St. George Drive  Baton Rouge, LA 70809  (225) 293-2212 Rev. Michael Schatzle, Pastor  www.st-george.org Father Jerry Martin 8B The Catholic Commentator OUR NATIVE SON October 18, 2013 Classmates knew ‘Father Shelton’ destined for priesthood By Debbie Shelley The Catholic Commentator

While Bishop Shelton Fabre’s class- mates were figuring out what they were going to do with their lives after they graduated from Catholic School of Pointe Coupée, they said they knew he would be a priest and are thrilled that he has been named bishop of the Houma-Thibodaux Diocese. “He has it in his blood. It is his life. God ordained him,” said Joyce Harrell Blanchard, a resident of Grosse Tete who attended elementary and high school with Bishop Fabre. Blanchard referred to Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.” She said even in high school, Bishop Fab- Class picture at age 11. Photo provided by Theresa re’s classmates referred to him as “Father Fabre Shelton.” Blanchard described Bishop Fabre as Shelton Fabre, right, and Patrice Dorgan were named Most Studious by their senior room, his peers were not jealous of him a quiet, humble student with a servant’s class. Photo provided by Catholic High School of Pointe Coupée and did not tease him or call him a “teach- heart. The bishop, who was valedictorian “We never knew who would finish sec- competed in the literary rally every year er’s pet” because he associated with every- of his class in 1981 and voted Most Studi- ond or third, but we knew Father Shelton in high school, and received awards for one and brought people together. ous by his classmates his senior year, is would be first because he did what he was his accomplishments in civics. He received She said at graduation the students also very intelligent and raised his hand supposed to do,” said Blanchard. Fabre the American Legion Award and scholar- heard the words of Chronicals 16:22, which first when the teacher asked students ques- was a member of the National Honor So- ships at graduation. are echoed in Psalm 105:15, “Do not touch tions. ciety, the Beta Club, the student council, Although Fabre exceled in the class- See School page 9B Blessings to Our Native Son Saint Augustine Church in New Roads, Louisiana, is privileged to congratulate Bishop Shelton Joseph Fabre on the occasion of his appointment as Ordinary of the Diocese of Houma/Thibodaux.

Bishop Fabre, your home Church beams with pride that you and your family have such a long and distinguished history at St. Augustine’s. You can be assured of our continued prayers for you as you embark upon a new and important ministry. Ad Multos Annos October 18, 2013 OUR NATIVE SON The Catholic Commentator 9B99 School: Classmates saw for student Shelton Fabre that even then people came first From page 8 B attention to himself, yet he does. prano of New Roads who attended Thomas Gosserand, who was “The whole audience is captivat- my anointed, to my prophets do One of the ways is through his school with Bishop Fabre from ele- also Fabre’s classmate through his ed,” said Gosserand. no harm.” After the ceremony, smile. mentary through high school. elementary and secondary school He said he always believed Bish- Blanchard pointed out to her class- Blanchard said, “If you needed a The bishop also grabs people’s years, said the bishop is a great lis- op Fabre was destined for great mates that those words were about smile, he would give it to you.” attention through his carefully cho- tener, which allows him to give the things. Bishop Fabre. When classmates would act mis- sen words. right answers. He can also “take “I think, What’s next? I don’t “We knew we were blessed as a chievous, he would also give them a “People listen to what he has to things in, interprets them and ex- think he’s going to stop there,” stat- class because we did not mess with smile to convey, I see what you’re say. It is about hearing from God presses them in a way in which ed Gosserand. “Obviously people Father Shelton,” Blanchard said doing. It’s funny, but I’m not getting through a man of God,” Blanchard people can identify.” see what we see in him.” with a laugh. into trouble, stated Blanchard. said. Bishop Fabre speaks very few “His smile would light up a Bishop Fabre served as pastor of “I was director of seminarians while words and does not like to attract room,” said Julie Marionneaux So- Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Maringouin when Soprano was a Bishop Fabre was a theology student. member there. “When he presented his homily He was prayerful, bright, compassionate I felt like I was the only one there. It was always something I needed to and a man with a kind heart! These gifts hear,” said Soprano. She stated the bishop is “down to earth” and under- make him a great person and Bishop! The stands trials and tribulations, which is reflected in the way he talks about people of Houma-Thibodaux are indeed real life circumstances in his homi- lies. blessed. Congratulations, Bishop Fabre.” Bishop Fabre’s words also brought Soprano and her family Father Donald Blanchard comfort during some very difficult times, such as the death of her fa- ther. “He made a terrible tragedy eas- ier to bear,” Soprano said. Three years ago, Bishop Fabre returned from the Archdiocese of New Orleans, where he was auxil- iary bishop, to officiate at Soprano’s daughter’s wedding at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Baton Rouge. “He is truly a friend of the class,” Soprano said. Best wishes and prayers from the

Bishop Shelton Fabre receives his diploma from Catholic High School of Pointe Coupée. Photo provided by Catholic High School of Pointe Coupée parishioners and friends of Congratulations Bishop Fabre! St. Joseph Cathedral, Baton Rouge

St. John Primary and St. Theresa Middle wish you well in your transition to Diocese of Houma/Thibodaux

St. John Primary St. Theresa Middle 37407 Duplessis Rd. • Prairieville 212 E. New River St. • Gonzales (225) 677-8238 Catholic Schools (225) 647-2803 A Gift for Life 10B The Catholic Commentator OUR NATIVE SON October 18, 2013 Bishop Fabre beloved among peers By Barbara Chenevert they have a friend in Jesus and exceptionally intelligent person. The Catholic Commentator a friend in Bishop Fabre. Every- I was impressed that everybody body will like him,” said Father liked him, recognized his gentle- Longtime friends Father Paul Counce, who met then-seminari- ness and his faith and realized Counce and Bishop Shelton Fab- an Shelton Fabre almost 20 years signs of holiness and goodness,” re were dining together in a New ago, and the two quickly became he said. Orleans restaurant when the gen- close friends. The pastor began intriguing tleman at the next table proposed Father Counce said he had just the young seminarian with sto- to his fiancé. Seeing the priests been named pastor of St. Pius X ries about the American College nearby, the couple asked them to Church in Baton Rouge. Shelton in Louvain, Belgium, where he bless the engagement ring. Fabre, the seminarian, had been had studied for priesthood. “I Father Counce said he acqui- assigned to spend the summer in told him stories about the sem- esced to Bishop Fabre “because the parish. “He had been there inary, but more exciting ones he outranked me. Shelton did a two weeks before me so he was about traveling through Europe fine, impromptu blessing that one of the ones who showed me hopping on trains, finding plac- won the hearts of both families where things were and was a big es to stay that students could af- and probably everyone in the help with the liturgies. Eager ford and learning the European restaurant.” seminarians are generally go- nations, not as a tourist, but as a It is this low-key, yet genuine phers who would do anything for resident. style that makes Bishop Fabre the the pastor. He would help with “I knew he could handle the popular and beloved priest that serving, reading or as sacristan,” academics (of the American col- he is, said Father Counce, who is he said. lege) and my impression was he now pastor of St. Joseph Cathe- But Father Counce saw more knew being in Europe, having dral in Baton Rouge in this young native of New to mingle with people not from The people of Houma-Thi- Roads. “My first impression of Louisiana and not from the Unit- bodaux will soon discover that him was that he was a shy, but ed States, would help him come

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre holds the crosier, or pastoral staff, given to him by the priests of the Diocese of Baton Rouge after he was named auxiliary bishop of New Orleans. Since the crosier did not arrive in time for Bishop Fabre’s ordination, Father Paul Counce, right, brought the pastoral staff to the newly ordained bishop’s residence in New Orleans after Bishop Robert W. Muench blessed it. Bishop Fabre designed the crosier, which features his motto “Comfort My People” engraved around the knob at the top of the staff. The shaft of the staff is red in color making it a true “red stick” to remind him of his years as a priest of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. File photo of out his shell and develop skills dealing with the strong personal- that his natural shyness and soft ities of hardened criminals and spokenness tended to mask.” the guards,” he said. Bishop Fabre asked permis- But at the same time, he sion to attend the American Col- “came face-to-face with his per- lege and then Bishop Stanley Ott sonal limitations and was strong agreed. enough to tell his superiors and Father Counce credits the admit ‘I can’t do this.’ ” Father school’s liturgies with developing Counce said. “He may see that Bishop Fabre into an excellent as a sign of failure, but to me it presider and homilist. In addi- was a sign of real maturity,” he tion, Bishop Fabre has a beautiful added. singing voice and his sung Mass- That admission may have paid es are moving as well, he added. off in the long run too, according Father Counce sees as a “de- to Father Counce, who said when fining moment” in Bishop Fab- Archbishop Alfred Hughes need- re’s priesthood his assignment ed an auxiliary bishop in New as co-chaplain at Louisiana State Orleans he knew he was get- Penitentiary at Angola. It was ting in Bishop Fabre a man who an assignment he did not like. would always tell him the truth “He was not comfortable in that even if it was uncomfortable. setting and felt because of that Angola was a learning expe- he didn’t minister effectively. In rience for Bishop Fabre, one of my opinion it was a mixture of many he acquired on his journey his youth and gentle personality that helped him to grow. In the that led him to feel defenseless in See FRIENDS page 11B October 18, 2013 OUR NATIVE SON The Catholic Commentator 11B 99 Friends: People come first From page 10B soul who appreciates just being there seminary, he learned the mechanics of with you.” Like Pope Francis preaches, priesthood; at his first assignment at St. it is important to be with people in their Alphonsus Ligouri Church in Greenwell need. Springs, he learned the caring ministry Bishop Fabre also has a lighter side. of a priest; at St. George and the cathe- “He loves to take the evening off and just dral where he served as administrator, visit with friends and enjoy a ‘cleansing’ he learned the administrative function of beverage. He is very self disciplined in a priest. At Angola he learned the “dark prayer, exercise and time. But he needs night of a soul,” a quote from St. John of time to retreat to himself,” he said. the Cross, which applied to confronting Father Counce said he and many your demons, said Father Counce. other priests in the diocese were not Another defining moment for him was surprised by Bishop Fabre’s rise in the his assignment to the cluster churches of church ranks. “He would always dismiss Immaculate Heart of Mary in Maring- our speculation as silly and so much ouin and St. Joseph in Grosse Tete. “He chatter. But it is nice with the institu- didn’t know what he was getting into, tional church agrees with the sense of but he soon discovered two wonderful the faithful and the priests” in selecting parishes and wonderful people willing to Bishop Fabre. And he foresees a continu- cooperate with him and each other,” he ing rise in the church hierarchy for Bish- said. op Fabre. Father Counce pointed out anoth- “I’ve always been impressed with THE FIRST MOVE – Bishop er side of Bishop Fabre that he learned Shelton’s concern for the well being of Shelton Fabre moves boxes from personal experience. Bishop Shel- people, the parish and the priests them- into the rectory at Our Lady of ton is someone you want with you at a selves. He didn’t work in the chancery the Rosary Church in New Or- time of crisis and trial, he said. “I will administration before going to New Or- leans, above, where he was never forget the evening of Oct. 29, 1991, leans (as auxiliary bishop) so he really pastor after his ordination as the evening my father died. Shelton and brings a pastor’s heart. I think the people bishop in New Orleans. Bishop I were giving a vocations talk at St. Jo- of Houma-Thibodaux will benefit tre- Fabre greets two Holy Rosary seph Seminary College in St. Benedict. I mendously because they are the ones he Academy students, left. Photos couldn’t be at my dad’s bedside when he cares about. For him people come first. by Frank Methe | Clarion Hereld died. But Shelton was an understanding Sounds like Pope Francis.”

The Fabre Family s! Joyfully celebrates the installation of ongratulation Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, D.D. C Fourth Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux Bishop Shelton J. Fabre It is our great pleasure to congratulate Bishop Shelton J. Fabre on his appointment by His Holiness, Pope Francis, as 4th Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

May the Spirit of God We are blessed and thank God accompany him and guide his work to have shared your yesterdays; We are honoured to celebrate this occasion; Since 1910 We pray for blessings on all of your tomorrows. Acme Mausoleum LLC May God guide your steps. P.O. Box 23736 We love you so much! New Orleans, LA 70183-0736 504-729-1927 | 1-877-620-7875 Your Mother and the Fabre Family 12B The Catholic Commentator OUR NATIVE SON October 18, 2013 Houma-Thibodaux Diocese rich in Catholic tradition The Diocese of Houma-Thi- Mary and Terrebonne area. The diocese was formed with The open house coincided with bodaux’s colorful history dates With the 1820s there came 36 church parishes and 14 Cath- Bishop Boudreaux’s 25th anni- Bishops of far beyond 1977 when it was of- a great influx of slaves to sugar olic schools already in place. versary as a bishop and the 10th ficially established. The first re- plantations in the Lafourche-Ter- During that eventful year, anniversary of the diocese. Houma-Thibodaux cord of exploration in the area rebonne area. the Chancery building at 1220 The Diocese of Houma-Thi- Bishop Shelton J. Fab- was in 1699, when the French During a 30-year period, Aycock St. in Houma was dedi- bodaux began broadcasting re will become the fourth explorer and colonizer Bienville 1880 to 1910, Italian families cated by Bishop Boudreaux. locally originated shows and bishop for the Diocese of explored Bayou Lafourche, vis- from southern Italy and Sicily A Vietnamese parish, Thanh programs from the Catholic Houma-Thibodaux. Here is iting the Washa Indian Villages. came to Louisiana to work on the Gia (Holy Family) was estab- Television Network of America the list of the bishops who The Houma-Thibodaux-Mor- sugar cane plantations. lished in 1981 in Amelia. A new (CTNA) in 1987. have served: gan City area was settled by peo- In the 1970s, Vietnamese monastery of Dominican clois- The LaSalette Fathers left the ples of many various cultures. refugees settled in the area sur- tered nuns was established in Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux af- The Houmas and Chitimacha In- rounding Morgan City, Houma the diocese, also in 1981. ter more than 50 years of service dians moved into the Lafourche and Thibodaux. Bishop Boudreaux officiated because of a lack of priest person- country, and black slaves were As all of these ethnic groups groundbreaking ceremonies for nel in their order during 1988. Warren Louis imported in large numbers in settled along the bayous, they the Archives Building on the Bishop Boudreaux celebrated Boudreaux Louisiana by the Company of the established churches and found Nicholls State University cam- his 30th anniversary as bish- 1977-1992 West (Indies). livelihoods in the sugar cane, pus during 1982. op, 50th anniversary as priest German families from the seafood and oilfield industries. A dedication ceremony for the and the Diocese of Houma-Thi- Rhineland and Switzerland Father Charles M. Menard Lumen Christi Retreat Center in bodaux, its 15th anniversary in settled the German Coast (St. was appointed vicar of St. Jo- Schriever was held on June 2, the year 1992. Charles and St. John the Baptist seph’s parish in 1842. This was 1985. On Dec. 29, 1992, Bishop parishes) and some migrated the beginning of the extensive An addition to the Lumen Boudreaux officially announced Michael Jarrell to the Lafourche country. The missionary work to be done by Christi Retreat Center was ded- the acceptance of his retirement 1993-2002 Germans followed, as settlers “Pere Menard,” who came to be icated on Jan. 18, 1986, the Fa- and the appointment of Bish- in this land, by the large group known as “The Apostle of Bay- ther Souby Building (a youth re- op-designate Michael Jarrell. of Acadians who were expelled ou Lafourche.” He would found treat facility). Bishop Michael Jarrell was from their home in Acadia (Nova the majority of church parishes In that same year, Bishop ordained and installed bishop of Scotia). which comprise the diocese to- Boudreaux issued a policy to the Houma-Thibodaux diocese Sam Gallip Spanish immigrants, many day. rid the Diocese of Houma-Thi- at ceremonies on March 4, 1993, Jacobs from the Canary Islands, came The Diocese of Houma-Thi- bodaux of all gambling and fairs at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral. 2003-2013 to Louisiana in the 1770s, some bodaux was established by Pope as a means of church support. In 1994, Bishop Jarrell restated settling in the Lafourche coun- Paul VI in March 1977, and the Land adjacent to Lumen and clarified the ban on fairs and try. Most Reverend Warren L. Bou- Christi Retreat Center was pur- fundraisers for church support In the 1800s, Anglo-Saxon dreaux, Bishop of Beaumont, chased in 1986 for the new Chan- in the Diocese of Houma-Thi- immigrants from east of the TX, was named the first Ordi- cery office. The following year bodaux. Mississippi came in increasing nary. He was installed on June the Chancery was opened and In 1996, two parishes, Christ Shelton J. Fabre numbers to the Lafourche, St. 5, 1977. dedicated by Bishop Boudreaux. See diocese page 13B 2013-present

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Congratulations from your friends in Congrats Bishop Fabre the Office of Vocations, Diocese of Baton Rouge October 18, 2013 OUR NATIVE SON The Catholic Commentator 13B 99 diocese: 2002 a year of celebration Congratulations from page 12B Bishop Jacobs on Oct. 9 and 10, Bishop of Urci and Auxiliary the Redeemer and St. John 2003. Bishop of Los Angeles, CA, was Bishop Fabre the Evangelist parishes in Thi- On Dec. 12, 2003, at a press announced. He was the first Fil- bodaux, were the first to be conference at the St. Joseph ipino-American to be ordained a and linked as part of the pastoral Co-Cathedral rectory in Thi- bishop in the United States. staffing plan of the diocese. The bodaux, the appointment of In 2004, the Eucharistic Mis- welcome to the diocese bid farewell to the last Father Oscar A. Solis as Titular See diocese page 14B two Mt. Carmel sisters serving Bayou Region. in the diocese in 1997. This order had existed in Thibodaux since We are excited to have before the Civil War, staffing the girls’ school and St. Joseph Hos- you as our neighbor pital. On Oct. 6, 1997, the diocese and pray that God will bless mourned the passing of Bishop your ministry to the people of the Boudreaux who died at the age of 79. Houma-Thibodaux Diocese. The entire year of 2002 was filled with celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the diocese Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church with its theme “One Faith, Many Vacherie, Louisiana Cultures.” In spring 2002, the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma underwent a major restoration, which was completed in time for the diocesan 25th anniversary Mass in June. In April of the 25th anniver- sary year, the book “Celebrating Faith Along the Bayous,” a pic- torial and historical book on the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, was released. At a press conference at the Pastoral Center on Nov. 8, 2002, it was announced that Bishop Michael Jarrell, the second Bish- op of the Diocese of Houma-Thi- bodaux, had been appointed as the sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette. Msgr. Joseph N. Latino was elected as diocesan administra- Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, right, met with Bishop Sam G. Jacobs on the tor on Dec. 19, 2002. As admin- day it was announced Bishop Fabre was appointed to the Diocese of istrator, he was charged with the Houma-Thibodaux, where Bishop Jacobs currently serves. Photo by Lau- responsibility of overseeing the rence Chatagnier | The Bayou Catholic operations of the diocese until a new bishop could be named. But in January, 2003, Msgr. A heartfelt congratulations, Latino was appointed the 10th incere congratulations Bishop shelton J. FaBre, Bishop of the Diocese of Jack- son, Miss. to Bishop Fabre on in your appointment as Msgr. James Songy was then Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux appointed apostolic adminis- his new assignment trator of the Diocese of Hou- S as Bishop of the Houma- ma-Thibodaux, effective Jan. Wilbert Life 20, 2003. Thibodaux Diocese. Insurance Co. At a press conference at the Call about pre-arrangements today. diocesan Pastoral Center on 225-687-9542 • www.wilbertservices.com Aug. 1, 2003, it was announced Sending prayerful wishes that Bishop Sam G. Jacobs of FUNERAL S the Diocese of Alexandria had ERT ER B VIC been appointed as the third for a prosperous future! IL E W Bishop of the Diocese of Hou- ma-Thibodaux. Capacity crowds were in attendance at both St. Joseph erra lub of aton ouge Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux and S C b r the Cathedral of St. Francis de Metropolitan Serra Club Plaquemine Our family serving your family Port Allen Sales for the evening prayer ser- 225-687-1850 Since 1850 225-383-1850 vice and installation Mass for 14B The Catholic Commentator OUR NATIVE SON October 18, 2013 Diocese: Catholic education strong from page 13B Katrina devastated Southeast St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in BY THE NUMBERS sionaries of St. Dominic end- Louisiana and the Mississippi Thibodaux underwent a major Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux ed their service to Holy Family Gulf Coast. Emergency shelters restoration during 2005. The Church parish in Grand Caillou, were set up throughout the dio- project, which took more than 202,000 – Total population where they had been serving for cese to care for evacuees locally. five months, was completed just 126,000 – Total Catholic population the past 65 years. Catholic schools of the diocese in time for Christmas Masses. 37, 000 – Catholic families Bishop Jacobs issued a pasto- welcomed hundreds of students In March 2006, the Fran- 3,000 – Square miles ral letter on “The Year of the Eu- who were displaced by the hur- ciscans of St. John the Baptist 39 – Church parishes charist” in April 2005. ricane. Province, who had been serv- 13 – Schools In honor of the Year of the Eu- Hurricane Rita made land- ing the people of Houma at Our charist a special eucharistic pro fall along the Louisiana/Texas Lady of the Most Holy Rosary 6 – Number of civil parishes, including cession was held in Houma on border on Sept. 24, 2005. Thou- Church parish since 1986 and St. 2 total parishes and parts of 4 others the feast of Corpus Christi on sands of residents along lower Lucy Church parish since 1997, May 29, 2005. Terrebonne and Lafourche par- returned the care of the parish- In August 2005, the Sisters of ishes within the Diocese of Hou- es to the bishop of the Diocese of St. Joseph of Medaille celebrated ma-Thibodaux were forced to Houma-Thibodaux. Bishop Jacobs designated Louisiana. 150 years of dedicated service. flee the floodwaters to shelters at A Sesquicentennial Jubilee 2008 as the “Year of the Family” The former St. Francis de Locally, four Sisters of St. Joseph area high schools and recreation Mass marking 150 years of Cath- in the diocese. Sales Convent in Houma be- of Medaille minister to the peo- centers. Hurricane Rita’s flood- olic education in Thibodaux was The groundbreaking for the came a house of discernment. ple of the diocese in the areas of waters devastated thousands of celebrated in March 2006 at expansion of the Pastoral Center The “Borromeo House at the healthcare and social ministries. homes in the southern portion of E.D. White Catholic High School building project was held Febru- Convent” began housing men On Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane the diocese. in Thibodaux. ary 2009. in formal discernment for the In March 2007, the first of The pastoral center expan- priesthood. the year-long celebrations in sion dedication was held Jan. 31, Msgr. Songy, one of the “It was a pleasure knowing him and his conjunction with the 30th an- 2010. Bishop Jacobs blessed the founding fathers of the diocese, niversary, the Diocesan Leader- addition to the pastoral center died Dec. 5, 2012. family when I was in New Roads, and a real ship Conference, was held on the which was named in honor of The diocese launched HTe- campus of Nicholls State Univer- Bishop Michael Jarrell, the sec- News, its latest communication delight serving with him at the cathedral. It sity in Thibodaux. ond bishop of the diocese. tool which contains a weekly An open house at the Pasto- The Diocese of Houma-Thi- message from the bishop, reli- has been good staying in touch through the ral Center and Lumen Christi bodaux became the first diocese gious news from the Vatican and Retreat Center was held in Octo- in the State of Louisiana to re- also up-to-date announcements years and I am confident we will continue ber, and a eucharistic procession ceive diocesan accreditation for of events in the diocese. from St. Luke Catholic Church its quality school system from The Hispanic community in doing so.” to St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in the AdvancED Accreditation Morgan City celebrated 50 years Thibodaux marked the closing of Commission in March 2010. of ministry there in September Fr. Frank Uter the diocesan 30th anniversary At the end of June 2011, af- 2013. year. ter 24 years as superintendent Missionary Catechists of of Catholic Schools, Sister Im- the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and maculata Paisant MSC, left the Mary, a Mexican community of diocese, thus bringing to an end women religious with a United a 141-year presence of the Mar- States province in Victoria, TX, ianites of the Holy Cross in the began ministering in the five area which now comprises the Hispanic centers in the diocese Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. in September 2013. The Catholic Foundation of On Sept. 23, 2013, Pope Fran- South Louisiana was established cis accepted the resignation in March 2012 as a nonprofit of Bishop Sam G. Jacobs and organization to promote, en- named New Orleans Auxiliary F.C. Ziegler Co. courage and assist individuals, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, as the & families and businesses in giv- fourth Bishop of the Diocese of ing to Catholic entities in South Houma-Thibodaux. offer our heart-felt prayers and Bishop Fabre is a bishop in the image of Cherie Joyce congratulations Pope Francis, who said bishops should be Pete Jo to Virginia Jim BISHOP SHELTON J. “pastors close to the people … gentle, patient Denise Joe FABRE and merciful; animated by inner poverty … Bonnie & the Diocese of and by outward simplicity and austerity.” Houma-Thibodaux That’s who Bishop Shelton is and that’s the 6184 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge Monstrance style 501 225-926-1216 great gift Pope Francis has given to Houma- Bishop Ring style 4375 www.zieglers.com Thibodaux. 800-331-4117 Father Paul Counce October 18, 2013 OUR NATIVE SON The Catholic Commentator 15B Following you through the years,

we look forward to watching your growth for many years to come! THE CATHOLIC

CSERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1962 thecatholiccommentator.org 16B The Catholic Commentator OUR NATIVE SON October 18, 2013

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge wishes to Fabre follows line of bishops with congratulate you, our beloved former pastor, on your Baton Rouge Diocese connections Bishop Maurice Schexnayder appointment as Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux. Born in Wallace, a small community near Vacherie, Bishop Schexnayder was Our love and our prayers are with you! ordained in 1925 in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He served the Diocese of Father Miles Walsh Baton Rouge as chaplain at Christ the and Sacred Heart Parishioners King Chapel and Student Center on the LSU campus. He was named bishop of La- fayette in 1956. He died in 1981 at the age of 85.

Bishop John H. Ricard SSJ Born in Baton Rouge, Bishop Ricard is bishop emeriturs of the Diocese of Pen- sacola-Tallahassee. He attended the Jose- phite College Seminary in Newburg, New York, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1968 .He served as auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Baltimore until he was named bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee in 1997. He retired in 2011.

Bishop James Terry Steib ABISHOP Tribute FABRE to Born in Vacherie, Bishop Steib attend- ed the Divine Word Seminary in Bay St. Louis, Miss. and recieved a master of arts The Board of Trustees, leadership, degree in guidance and counseling from Xavier University in New Orleans. He faculty, staff and students was ordained to the priesthood in 1967 congratulate you, Bishop Fabre. and was ordained auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis in 1984. He was installed as Bishop of Memphis in 1993.

We know how meaningful your Archbishop William D. Borders presence and vision will be in the Although he was born in Indiana, Archbishop Borders attended Notre Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Dame Seminary in New Orleans and was ordained to the priesthood in 1940. He served in Sacred Heart, Holy Family and We are joined with you in the mission St. Joseph Cathedral church parishes as of serving our brothers and sisters well as Christ the King Chapel and Stu- dent Center in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. He was named within the Louisiana community. bishop of the Diocese of Orlando in 1968, where he served for four years until he was named archbishop of Baltimore. He died in 2010.

Bishop Robert Emmet Tracy A native of New Orleans, Baton Rouge’s first bishop served in this diocese as chaplain at Christ the King Chapel and Student Center at LSU from 1954 until his ordination as auxiliary bishop of La- fayette in 1958. In 1961, when the Diocese of Baton Rouge was created, Bishop Tracy was tapped as its first bishop. He resigned his see and retired in 1974. He died in 1980.

Bishop Stanley Joseph Ott Born in Gretna, Bishop Ott was or- dained to the priesthood in Rome in 1951. As a young priest he was assigned to Christ the King Chapel and Student Cen- ter on the LSU campus. When the Diocese ololcollege.edu of Baton Rouge was created in 1961, he was appointed judicial vicar and lived at 5414 Brittany Drive St. Joseph Cathedral where he later also served as rector and Baton Rouge, LA 70808 chancellor of the diocese. He was selected to be an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 1976 and bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge in 1983. He died in 1992.