Josh Johnson, a 2008 Graduate of Bishop David Talley Recently Travelled to the Most Far-Away Parish Holy Savior Menard Central High in the Diocese -- St

CHURCH TODAY

Volume XLVIII, No. 3 www.diocesealex.org Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970 March 13, 2017

O N T H E St. Edward Catholic Church, Tallulah, LA INSIDE Bishop Talley named chair of USCCB’s Catholic Campaign for Human Development

Bishop David P. Talley of Alexandria has been named the new chairman of the Subcommit- tee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), the domestic anti-poverty program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). See page 3 for details.

72 participate in Rite of Election

Bishop David Talley celebrated the Rite of Election of Catechu- mens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of the Candidates who have been preparing for reception into Full Communion in the Catholic Church. View alll of the photos on pages 10-11.

Menard alum performs on the Tonight Show

It started with an agreement made a decade earlier -- between One big Diocese Josh Johnson, a 2008 graduate of Bishop David Talley recently travelled to the most far-away parish Holy Savior Menard Central High in the diocese -- St. Edward Church in Tallulah -- almost two and a School and his history teacher, half hours away from Alexandria. In Tallulah he celebrated Mass Mr. Dennis Ward. What happens with the congregation and met up with 90-year-old Kathleen Mills, next is amazing. See page 19. pictured here with her son, Eddie. PAGE 2 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 13, 2017 Initial reaction to refugee ban ranges from opposition to support Catholic organizations say ban cuts humanitarian Polls show most Americans support temporary assistance to those fleeing persecution ban on refugees from the 6 terrorist countries

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Within face a closed door rather than a helping WASHINGTON — Where immi- distinctions between legal immigrants who hours of President Donald Trump’s new hand from the United States.” grants are concerned, James Wright is OK choose to be here and refugees — who are executive order March 6 banning refugees The revised order replaces Trump’s with people who are here legally, as well legal immigrants, too — fleeing persecu- from six majority-Muslim nations, Catho- Jan. 27 order, which has been blocked in as illegally — if they haven’t committed tion in their home countries. A new poll lic and other religious groups joined secu- the courts. The new order imposes a 90- crimes. But turn the talk specifically to the by The Associated Press-NORC Center lar leaders in questioning the wisdom of day ban on issuing visas to people from six risks and benefits of admitting refugees to for Public Affairs Research reflects that such a move, with others vowing to oppose predominantly Muslim nations; Iraq is no the U.S., and the New Jersey resident gives divide, with two-thirds of the respondents it outright. longer on the list. The countries are Iran, a fraught sigh. saying the benefits of legal immigration Bill O’Keefe, vice president for advo- Libya, Somalia, Syria, Sudan and Yemen. “It’s hard not to be conflicted,” said generally outweigh the risks. But just over cacy and government relations at Catholic It suspends the U.S. refugee program Wright, 26, an independent who supports half — 52 percent — say refugees pose a Relief Services, said in a statement, “As for all countries for 120 days. It also ex- President Donald Trump’s proposed travel great enough risk to further limit their en- the world’s most blessed nation, we should cludes lawful permanent residents -- green ban on certain foreigners. “By no means try into the United States. be doing more to provide assistance over- card holders -- from any travel ban. The do I want to be cruel and keep people out Interviews with some of the poll’s seas and resettle the most vulnerable, not new order will not take effect until March who need a safe place. But we have to have participants suggest the distinction may be less. It is wrong, during this time of great 16. a better system of thoroughly finding out one of perception in an age of religious and need, to cut humanitarian assistance and Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin, Tex- who they are.” politically inspired violence and 4.8 mil- reduce resettlement.” Wright is part of a group of Ameri- lion refugees fleeing war-scarred Syria. O’Keefe added, “Refugees are fleeing See CATHOLIC ORGANIZATIONS, pg. 20 cans a new survey suggests are making “Sometimes the vetting might not be the same terrorism that we seek to protect quality,” said Randall Bagwell, 33, from ourselves from. By welcoming them, we of San Antonio, Texas, the state second show the world that we are an open, toler- to California in settling refugees between ant nation which seeks to protect the vul- Oct. 1 and Jan. 31, according to the State nerable. That has always been America’s Department. “Nobody can do quality con- greatest strength.” trol when they’re just reacting quickly.” “At the heart of the work of Catholic President Donald Trump has long Charities is the Gospel mandate to wel- linked tougher immigration limits to a come the stranger and care for the most safer country, and on Monday signed a vulnerable among us,” said Dominican Sis- new travel ban that, in part, will suspend ter Donna Markham, president and CEO of refugee travel to the U.S. for four months Catholic Charities USA, in a statement. except for those already on their way to “Today’s executive order not only the United States. The new order, which hinders that work, but also effectively takes effect on March 16, will impose a 90- abandons, for four months, the thousands day ban on entry to the United States for of endangered refugees fleeing violence, people from Sudan, Syria, Iran, Libya, So- starvation and persecution,” she added. “It NATIONS IMPACTED BY THE TRAVEL BAN. The dark areas of the map indicate the countries malia and Yemen — all Muslim-majority is deeply disturbing to know that the thou- impacted by the refugee ban -- Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Sudan and Yemen. Iraq is no longer nations — who are seeking new visas. It sands of women, children and other per- on the list. was President Trump’s second effort at a secuted individuals around the world will BUDGETSee BLINDS POLLS 1cx4 SHOW, REV2016_BBL-04-0 pg. 20

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YOU are the BRANCHES up residence at the Bishop’s home I’ve chosen a favorite pas- (John 15:5) and to make that home a place for sage from the Gospel of John as Most Rev. David P. Talley “touching base” as our seminar- the title of my column: I am the Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria ians visit us during the school Vine, you are the branches (John year and stay with us during the 15.5). This phrase used by the summer. Fr. Louis will make the Lord Jesus describes perfectly Bishop’s residence a place for the who we are: promises much fruitfulness. And diately, and taking his advice to ber, Bishop Herzog moved from seminarians to gather together, We…the people of God…the now, to this month’s reflection. heart, I contacted Fr. Jim Fergu- the Bishop’s Residence to Regen- supporting one another during Church of Christ the Lord…we In September of 2016, when son at our Cathedral, to ask about cy House, needing more medical their years of formation. are connected to Him…He, the I drove to Alexandria for the first taking up residence at the Cathe- attention in his ongoing physical This is where things are to- living Vine of Life, the gift of the time to prepare for the announce- dral rectory. rehabilitation. He is our Bishop day. I might choose to change Father…and we, brought into His ment of my appointment as Co- Fr. Ferguson and the Cathe- Emeritus and enjoys visiting with this decision down the road, but life through the gift of faith and adjutor Bishop, I met with Bishop dral staff went out of their way to our clergy and our people. I hope for the present….I am happy to the doorway of Baptism and the Herzog at his residence. make the planning of my move to that many of you will take time to live at the Cathedral and Fr. Louis anointing of the Holy Spirit….we During our evening meal Alexandria stress-free . A suite of visit with him at Regency House. is happy to live at the Bishop’s are living branches….His body. and conversation we talked about three rooms was prepared for me, Many asked me…are you home…and to build a place of Let us remember this con- many things. He mentioned that and in October, I moved in as a going move into the Bishop’s welcome and connectedness for nectedness…to one another and as the Bishop’s residence had resident at the Cathedral. My be- Residence? I’ve made the deci- our seminarians. to the Lord, the Vine of Life and been fitted for his health needs longings (mostly books) followed sion to remain at our Cathedral, through Him, to the Vine grower, (wheel-chair ramps and the like), shortly thereafter, and I began to as a resident in the rectory. AMDG God the Father. As we remain he hoped to remain at the resi- be at home at the rectory. But what of the official Bish- Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam connected to Him, the Lord dence if I agreed. I agreed imme- As most of you may remem- op’s Residence? (For The Greater Glory of God) In his eyes, I see the Heart of Christ On December 17, 2016, Pope always enjoy solidarity with our homeless, “Everything else – the Francis celebrated his 80th birth- fellow man. In this way, we can heavens, the earth, all that is beau- day. He began the day by sharing Guest Editorial share in the only riches that really tiful, even this basilica – will pass breakfast with eight homeless matter in life. As Pope Francis away, but we must never exclude people at the Vatican hotel where Father Ed Dougherty, M.M. said in his Jubilee Mass for the God or others from our lives.” he resides. His guests included The Christophers, Board of Directors four Italians, two Romanians, a Moldovan, and a Peruvian. They were chosen from those staying tured on a local Pittsburgh televi- Excluded People held last No- around Saint Peter’s Square and sion station in a segment called vember at the Vatican’s Paul VI CHURCH TODAY from showers for the homeless es- “Proud to be from Pittsburgh.” Hall, Pope Francis listened to two Volume XLVIII, No. 3 • March 13, 2017 tablished by the Pope’s almsgiver. Bob had been living on the homeless men speak about their His guests gave him a bouquet of streets of Pittsburgh for two years experiences before offering his P. O. Box 7417 • Alexandria, LA 71303 sunflowers, and Francis spoke in- when he was approached by own off-the-cuff remarks, saying, [email protected] 318-445-6424 dividually with each one of them Catholic Charities volunteer Bri- “We must always look to the one as they ate breakfast together. an Tarquinio. Brian sat down on poorer…giving the hand to the Publisher: Most Rev. David P. Talley, Bishop of Alexandria What a powerful witness a bench beside Bob and asked if one suffering more.” Then thank- Editor: Jeannie Petrus, ext. 255; [email protected] Pope Francis gives us in reach- he needed help. Bob said, “I need ing homeless people for showing Advertising: Joan Ferguson, ext. 264; [email protected] ing out to those on the margins of a job.” Brian got him some food the world how to live in solidar- Circulation: Sandi Tarver, ext. 209; [email protected] society. During his 2015 visit to and helped him get cleaned up. ity, he said, “The ability to have the United States, he stopped by Then he made phone calls to see solidarity is one of the fruits that The CHURCH TODAY (USPS 393-240) is published by the Catholic Catholic Charities in Washing- if any restaurants in the city could poverty gives us.” Diocese of Alexandria, once a month, free of charge to members of ton D.C., and there he said, “The use Bob’s cooking talents in their With the poor and homeless the parishes in the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana. Out of diocese Son of God came into this world kitchen. Within a day Bob had a seated in VIP seats for Mass at subscriptions are $20 a year. as a homeless person. The Son of job, and soon after he had a room Saint Peter’s Basilica, Pope Fran- God knew what it was to start life of his own. cis said, “We should be worried The office is located at 4400 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria, LA 71303. without a roof over his head.” In a Catholic Charities write- when our consciences are anes- Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, LA. Catholic Charities is a leader up on their story, Bob says of Bri- thetized and we no longer see the Postmaster: Send address changes to in offering outreach to our na- an, “When I look into his face, I brother or sister suffering at our The CHURCH TODAY, P. O. Box 7417, Alexandria, LA 71306 tion’s most vulnerable people. see the face of Christ. In his eyes, side, or notice the grave prob- Stories abound about lives trans- I see the heart of Christ.” They re- lems in our world, which become Website: www.diocesealex.org formed through the good that is main friends and Bob now dreams a mere refrain familiar from the To receive a free subscription, call 318-445-6424, ext 255 or e-mail done by those involved in Catho- of helping others in the same way headlines on the evening news.” [email protected] lic Charities. For instance, the that he was helped. Christ calls us to live by a story of Bob Carter has been fea- In the Jubilee for Socially spirit of poverty so that we might MARCH 13, 2017 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 5 PAGE 6 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 13, 2017 Clergy Assignments Mass of

Thanksgiving Rev. Martin Laird – Appointed Vicar for Religious in addition to his assignment as pastor of Mater BISHOP RONALD HERZOG cel- Dolorosa Church in Plaucheville, ebrates the Mass of Thanksgiving effective February 27, 2017. Feb. 27 with his fellow brother priests at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. After Rev. Paul Kunnumpuram, the Mass, a reception was held in his MSFS – Resumes his assignment honor in Xavier Hall. as pastor of St. Patrick Church in Ferriday with its mission of St. SID McDANIEL, from Our Lady of Gerard in Jonesville, effective Prompt Succor parish, extends a March 4, 2017. warm greeting to Bishop Herzog at the reception. Priests, deacons, Rev. Ryan Humphries – Re- religious, and friends attended the lieved of assignment as pastoral reception and greeted him with best administrator pro tem of St. Pat- wishes. rick Church in Ferriday with its mission of St. Gerard in Jones- ville, effective at the end of March 3, 2017. He remains as pastor of St. Edward Church in Tallulah.

Rev. Stephen Scott Chemino, Seminarian Burses J.C.L. – Reappointed Vicar Gen- eral of the Diocese of Alexandria, effective February 9, 2017. He remains as pastor of St. Anthony February Donations of Padua Church in Bunkie.

Knights of Columbus Council 9217 ...... $25.00 Rev. Chad Partain – Reappoint- Father Adrian L. Molenschot Burse ed Chancellor of the Diocese of Alexandria, effective February 9, Father Peter Kuligowski ...... $50.00 2017. He remains as pastor of St. Father Peter Kuligowski Burse Frances Cabrini Church in Alex- Ms. Corinne O. Randazzo ...... $50.00 andria and president of Holy Sav- Father Scott Chemino Burse ior Menard Central High School in Alexandria. Mrs. Nelwyn Broussard...... $50.00 Monsignor Milburn Broussard Burse Rev. Louis Sklar – Reappoint- Ms. Corinne O. Randazzo ...... $100.00 ed as Director of Vocations and Father Paul Kunumpuram Burse Seminarians, effective February 9, 2017. Mrs. Nelwyn Broussard...... $100.00 Deacon Rodrick “Benny” Broussard Burse Rev. Michael Craig Scott – Re- Ms. Corinne O. Randazzo ...... $100.00 appointed as Vicar for Clergy, ef- Father Joseph Xavier Burse fective February 9, 2017. He remains as pastor of St. Rita Church Tri-Community Nursing Center...... $100.00 in Alexandria. Floyd LaCour Sr. Burse Ms. Melissa Laborde...... $125.00 Rev. Adam Travis – Appointed Father Scott Chemino Burse as Vicar for Clergy, effective February 9, 2017. He remains Ms. Melissa Laborde...... $125.00 as pastor of St. Martin Church in Father Dan O’Connor Burse Lecompte and the mission of Our St. Joseph Church, St. Joseph...... $158.00 Lady of Guadalupe in Forest Hill. Father Peter Kuligowski Burse Alexandria Seminarian Luke LaFleur, signs the Profession of Faith Rev. Bruce Miller, J.C.L. – Re- Bayou Chateau Nursing Center...... $200.00 and Oath of Fidelity Feb. 9 in the presence of Msgr. Christopher Schreck, rec- appointed as Judicial Vicar of the tor of the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. Seminarians in Floyd LaCour, Sr. Burse Diocesan Tribunal. He remains their third year of theological study make the Profession of Faith and take the as pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Oath of Fidelity in preparation for ordination to the diaconate. Candidates for Total...... $1,183.00 Church in Pineville. ordination pledge to remain faithful to the teachings of the Church and swear to be faithful teachers of the Gospel. (Photo by Deacon Joshua Altonji.)

MARCH 13, 2017 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 7 How are your Lenten practices going so far? Two seasons of Lent: Praying about areas to change; responding to example of Jesus

By Carol Zimmerman “Lent is the season of si- Catholic News Service lence. It is a time to enter into the desert, as Jesus did for 40 days,” (CNS) -- Prayer, one of the he said in his Lenten message three pillars of Lenten discipline, posted Feb. 26 on the website of along with fasting and almsgiv- the Chicago Catholic, the archdi- ing, seems to get the biggest ocesan newspaper. boost during Lent. “Admittedly, silence can Spiritual leaders note that make us feel uneasy,” he wrote. Catholics are most likely praying “Perhaps it is because silence already and that Lent is a time to forces us to think, to feel, to be in make this act even more inten- touch with those deep areas of our tional -- to pray more or in a more lives where a sense of emptiness focused way. or meaninglessness may be lurk- No matter how Catholics ing in our hearts.” choose to up their prayer during The cardinal said the Gos- Lent’s 40 days, they have op- pels often portray Jesus going off portunities to do so at their own alone in silence to pray, which not parishes since many of them are only says something about him offering Stations of the Cross, eu- but indicates something his fol- charistic adoration, added times lowers should consider. for confession and maybe even Along this line, Cardinal Cu- retreats. pich said he has asked pastors in Those who can’t make it to the Chicago Archdiocese during anything extra at church can tap Lent to allow for extra time for into tools for prayer right on their cifically geared for Lent. that need to change, but during prayer are overwhelming, Catho- silence during Mass, especially computers or smartphones with Father John Riccardo, pas- the second half of Lent, he said, lics also can turn to an approach after Communion. everything from virtual Stations tor of Our Lady of Good Counsel prayers should focus more on try- advised by some spiritual leaders: “We need this silent time to of the Cross to apps that track Parish in Plymouth, Michigan, ing to understand Jesus’ actions finding quiet time. allow God to speak to us. That spiritual activities or offer help on said Lenten prayers can be di- and how Christians are called to Chicago Cardinal Blase J. means quieting ourselves even preparing for confession, praying vided into two different areas of respond to them. Cupich, said that in today’s busy from saying prayers and just be- the rosary or reading the Bible. focus. If the promptings for more and often noisy world it’s hard to ing aware of what Jesus tells us: Plenty of online retreats also The first few weeks, he ad- prayer and the abundance of find quiet, but he urged Catholics we abide in God and God in us.” are available including ones spe- vises people to pray about areas tools or events to guide people in in his archdiocese to try it.

Lenten Church Pilgrimage

Servant House, a Catho- lic ministry in Marksville, will host a Lenten Church Pilgrim- age on Thursday, April 6. The pilgrimage starts at 8 a.m. in the Servant House park- ing lot. Participants are asked to carpool or to drive their own car. The pilgrimage will include stops at Rosedale, where you will visit the last surviv- ing slave chapel in Louisiana and the Iberville Parish tour- ist center and Swamp Shop; Brusley, where you will visit St. John the Baptist Church; CHAPEL OF THE MADONNA, Bayou Goula. Visit the smallest chapel Plaquemine, where you will in the world -- the Chapel of the Madonna in Bayou Goula. visit St. John the Evangelist Church; and Bayou Goula, where you will have visit the Nottoway Plantation, in White grimage, but you must call 318- Chapel of the Madonna, the Castle, La., where you will enjoy 253-7810 to make a reserva- smallest church in the world. lunch. tion. Reservations are required The last stop will be at There is no cost for the pil- for the lunch at Nottoway. PAGE 8 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 13, 2017

Diocese of Alexandria 2017 Lenten Schedule

LENT SCHEDULES prayer, meditation, Q&A as well as Cody Miller from the Diocese of Fridays Holy Family Center. Sponsored by For an updated list of all Lenten ac- lunch served at the end. It will be in Lafayette will be the guest speaker. 2:00 p.m. -- St. Rita, Alexandria the KC Council #1134. tivities being offered in churches the Holy Family Center at St. Rita. All are welcome. 5:15 p.m. -- MB of the Immaculate • Sts. Francis and Anne Church, throughout the diocese, please visit Please call and RSVP 318-445-7120 Conception, Natchitoches Kolin -- 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. the diocesan website at www.dioce- ex 412. April 6 5:15 p.m. -- St. Mary’s Assumption, • Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pineville sealex.org. • St. Rita Church in Alexandria Cottonport (followed by Mass) -- 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., March 3 - April 7 March 21-23 will offer a Lenten Reflection, 6:30 5:30 p.m. -- St. Rita, Alexandria at Mac’s Fresh Market, 3005 Hwy 28 PENANCE SERVICES • The Minor Basilica of the Immacu- p.m., “The Three Days” concludes 5:30 p.m. -- Sacred Heart, Pineville East, Pineville. Knights of Columbus • Wednesday, March 22 -- 6 p.m., St. late Conception in Natchitoches will our celebration of Tenebrae. 5:30 p.m. -- St. Martin, Belledeau Council 14657 will serve fried fish, Peter Church, Bordelonville have a Lenten Mission at 6 p.m. 5:30 p.m. -- OL-Lourdes, Fifth Ward fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw for • Tuesday, March 28 -- 5:30 p.m., St. STATIONS OF THE CROSS 5:30 p.m. -- St. Peter, Bordelonville $7 a plate. Patrick Mission Church, Montgomery March 27-31 Mondays 6:00 p.m. -- St. Martin, Lecompte • Wednesday, March 29 -- 5:30 p.m., • Sts. Francis and Anne Church in 6:30 p.m. -- St. Margaret, Boyce 6:00 p.m. -- Mary, Mother of Jesus, Friday, April 7 St. Joseph Church, Colfax Kolin will have it’s Lenten Mis- (after 6:00 p.m. Mass) Woodworth • KC Council #13103 will serve • Thursday, March 30 -- 6 p.m., St. sion on Monday through Friday 6:00 p.m. -- St. Joseph, Colfax fish dinners at St. Martin Church, Mary Church, Winnsboro (with Bish- nights, March 27-31 from 6 p.m. -8 Tuesdays (after 5:30 p.m. Mass) Lecompte, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 5 op Talley) p.m. Confessions will be heard on 6:00 p.m. -- St. Patrick, Montgomery 6:00 p.m. -- Sts. Francis & Anne, p.m. - 7 p.m. Dine in or take out. • Wednesday, April 12 -- 6 p.m., Mary, Wednesday night. The theme is “The (after 6:00 p.m. Mass) Kolin Mother of Jesus Church, Woodworth Acceptable Time”. The mission will Good Friday, April 14 be given by Rev. Remigius Owua- Wednesdays FISH FRYS • Holy Savior Menard High School LENTEN MISSIONS manam S.M.M.M. 11:30 a.m. -- Cabrini, Alexandria Fridays during Lent will serve fish dinners from 4:30- March 18 5:15 p.m. -- St. Mary’s Assumption, • St. Francis Xavier Cathedral -- 11 6:30 p.m., $7 a plate includes fried • St. Rita Church in Alexandria will April 3-5 Cottonport (followed by Mass) a.m. - 1 p.m. March 3 - April 7. Cost fish, french fries, hush puppies and have a guided meditation of the • St. Joseph Church in Colfax will 5:30 p.m. -- St. Peter, Bordelonville is $6 a plate and includes fried fish, coleslaw. movie “The Passion of the Christ” host a Lenten Parish Mission on 6:00 p.m. -- St. Mary, Winnsboro french fries, hush puppies, and on Saturday, March 18 from 8:30 Saturday, April 1 through Wednes- (followed by Mass) coleslaw. Dine-in or take-out. • Sts. Francis and Anne Church, a.m. - 12:30 p.m. We will watch the day, April 5. The Mission will start Thursdays • St. Rita Church, Alexandria -- 5 Kolin, will have a fish fry from 4:30 movie, have time for discussion, at 6:30 p.m. each evening. Deacon 5:00 p.m. -- St. John, Columbia p.m. - 7 p.m., March 3 - April 7 in the p.m.- 7 p.m. $7 per plate.

St. Anthony in Bunkie organizes 40 Cans for 40 Days for food pantry donations

Friday mornings in Bunkie Other volunteers include our generous benefactors.” have become a blessing for those Maurice Carr, Morris Griffin, and Benefactors from the com- who visit St. Anthony Helping Fr. Joseph Desimone. Fr. Scott munity also offer to help secure Hands Food Pantry. Chemino, pastor of the parish, food when supplies are low or Each week, recipients wait has worked to expand the vision when special items are needed for for the doors to open to hear kind of the pantry since he arrived in the holiday seasons. greetings from volunteers as food 2012. “There are many who make packages are distributed to those “The entire effort is made this ministry a blessing to our in need. possible by many wonderful community,” said Fr. Chemino. This Lent, St. Anthony Par- people,” said Father Chemino. To donate, contact St. Antho- ish is sponsoring Forty Cans “There are those who continu- ny Helping Hands Food Pantry, for Forty Days to help stock the ously donate the food supplies 409 St. John Street, Bunkie, La pantry for its continued mission. including the St. Anthony stu- 71322 or call 318-346-7274. Families, individuals, or orga- dents, the local Boy Scouts, other nizations are asked to donate 40 Bunkie churches, and so many of cans this Lent -- one can or food item for each day of Lent -- to the Food Pantry. In some cases, the giving provides for those who have no other means of assistance. Some recipients have exhausted public food stamps for the month. There are also working parents who de- pend on this aid to stretch food budgets which feed hungry children at home. “We know that some of our clients have come from jail, some are out of work, and many are elderly and on limited budgets,” said Tommy Thayer, who, with his wife, Debbie, volunteers to lead this ministry.

MARCH 13, 2017 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 9

devotion that has a special place place special a has that devotion

19. B. Holy Thursday Thursday Holy B. 19.

10. C. Stations of the Cross. The The Cross. the of Stations C. 10. A Lenten Quiz

Sunday in Lent. in Sunday

Francis Xavier Cathedral. Xavier Francis

18. B. Palm Sunday is the last last the is Sunday Palm B. 18. How much do you know about Lent? Tuesday, April 11 at 11 a.m. at St. St. at a.m. 11 at 11 April Tuesday,

it will be celebrated this year on on year this celebrated be will it

Masses. 13. What temptations did the

day near Easter. In our diocese, diocese, our In Easter. near day 1. What is the first day of Lent?

are Good Friday services, but no no but services, Friday Good are devil use on Jesus in the des-

Thursday morning, or on an earlier earlier an on or morning, Thursday A. Ash Wednesday

Mass is not celebrated. There There celebrated. not is Mass ert?

supposed to be celebrated on Holy Holy on celebrated be to supposed C. Shrove Tuesday

17. D. Good Friday is a day when when day a is Friday Good D. 17. A. Turn water into wine

9. A. Tuesday of Holy Week. It is is It Week. Holy of Tuesday A. 9. C. Mardi Gras B. Turn stones into bread

day, and Holy Saturday. Holy and day, C. Promise of owning all kingdoms

of Lent. Lent. of 2. Ash Wednesday is a holy Day

- cludes Holy Thursday, Good Fri Good Thursday, Holy cludes D. B and C

which were formerly treated as part part as treated formerly were which of Obligation - in which -- Triduum The B. 16.

Good Friday and Holy Saturday, Saturday, Holy and Friday Good A. True 14. Which is better to do during

ered penitential days, and counting counting and days, penitential ered B. False

go to confession as well. as confession to go Lent - give up something, or do

- consid not were and period, the

charist, it is recommended that you you that recommended is it charist, something?

excluded the six Sundays during during Sundays six the excluded 3. How are ashes made for Ash

- course, to worthily receive the Eu the receive worthily to course, A. Give up something

od of penance before Easter, which which Easter, before penance of od Wednesday? at least once a year, at Easter. Of Of Easter. at year, a once least at B. Do something

- the Latin Church as a 40-day peri 40-day a as Church Latin the A. By burning the palms from the

Catholics to receive Communion Communion receive to Catholics C. Both are good options

Before 1969, Lent was described in in described was Lent 1969, Before previous Sunday 15. C. The “Easter Duty” requires requires Duty” “Easter The C. 15.

are part of the penitential period. period. penitential the of part are B. B burning acacia wood 8. Lent is known to be 40 days long 15. What is the ‘Easter Duty” of

days, including the Sundays, which which Sundays, the including days, C. By burning parchment paper

14. C. Both are good options. good are Both C. 14. even though from Ash Wednesday every Catholic?

calendar, Lent is comprised of 44 44 of comprised is Lent calendar, to Holy Thursday is 44 days. Why? A. To go to Mass on Easter

the 1969 reform of the Roman Roman the of reform 1969 the 4. What is the original meaning

that the angels would save him. save would angels the that A. Sundays are not included B. To go to Confession

8. D. Lent is really 44 days. Since Since days. 44 really is Lent D. 8. of Lent? throw himself off a mountain and and mountain a off himself throw B. It was an error from the start C. To receive Communion

A. Spring

(Satan), and also tempted him to to him tempted also and (Satan), C. It starts the 1st Sunday of Lent D. B and C

on Monday, March 20. March Monday, on B. Fast bowed down and worshipped him him worshipped and down bowed D. Lent is really 44 days.

lemnity of St. Joseph is celebrated celebrated is Joseph St. of lemnity C. Penance

promised him kingdoms if he he if kingdoms him promised 16. What liturgical season fol-

- So the Sunday, a on falls it since

Jesus to turn stones into bread, bread, into stones turn to Jesus 9. On which day is the Chrism lows Lent?

(March 19) This year, however, however, year, This 19) (March 5. What biblical event does the

13. B and C. The devil tempted tempted devil The C. and B 13. Mass in our diocese? A. Easter

25) and The Feast of St. Joseph Joseph St. of Feast The and 25) time of Lent represent? A. Tuesday of Holy Week B. The Triduum

7. A & C. The Annunciation (March (March Annunciation The C. & A 7. A. The 40 days Moses spent on day. B. Holy Thursday C. Easter Monday

Mount Sinai with God

- It is not consecrated on Good Fri Good on consecrated not is It C. Palm Sunday D. Ordinary Time

fasting, prayer and almsgiving. and prayer fasting, B. Jesus retreated into the wilder- been consecrated the day before. before. day the consecrated been D. Good Friday

many various ways but above all in in all above but ways various many ness, where he fasted for 40 days,

receive the Eucharist which has has which Eucharist the receive 17. When thinking about the

6. B. Penance can be expressed in in expressed be can Penance B. 6. and was tempted by the devil. and a communion service. You You service. communion a and 10. Which devotion has special liturgy what is different about

C. The 40 days and nights Elijah

Word (with veneration of the cross) cross) the of veneration (with Word place during Lent? Good Friday?

days, and was tempted by the devil. the by tempted was and days, spent walking to Mount Horeb

services include the Liturgy of the the of Liturgy the include services A. Novena A. Day of fast

derness, where he fasted for 40 40 for fasted he where derness,

or the local bishop. Good Friday Friday Good bishop. local the or B. Triduum B. Day of penance

- 5. B. Jesus retreated into the wil the into retreated Jesus B. 5. 6. What forms does penance or grave occasions by the Vatican Vatican the by occasions grave or C. Stations of the Cross C. Day of abstinence

take in Christian life?

emption is granted for rare solemn solemn rare for granted is emption D. Retreat D. Day when Mass is not cel-

spring season. spring A. Penance can be expressed in

- Easter Vigil unless a special ex special a unless Vigil Easter ebrated

originally meant no more than the the than more no meant originally many various ways on Holy Thursday evening and the the and evening Thursday Holy on 11. What is different about the

the 40 days’ fast preceding Easter, Easter, preceding fast days’ 40 the B. Penance can be expressed in

Mass between the Lord’s Supper Supper Lord’s the between Mass Mass during Lent 18. What is the last Sunday of

Lent, which we employ to denote denote to employ we which Lent, many various ways but above all in

Latin Rite there is no celebration of of celebration no is there Rite Latin A. The Alleluia is never sung Lent?

4. A. Spring. The Teutonic word word Teutonic The Spring. A. 4. fasting, prayer and almsgiving. take place on Good Friday. In the the In Friday. Good on place take B. The Gloria is never prayed A. Easter Sunday

C. Abstaining from meat on Fridays

12. C. The consecration does not not does consecration The C. 12. C. The Apostle’s Creed replaces the B. Palm Sunday

previous Sunday previous Nicene Creed C. Pentecost Sunday

3. A. By burning the palms from the the from palms the burning By A. 3. 7. Which feast day always comes prayed. D. A & B

during Lent?

never sung and the Gloria is never never is Gloria the and sung never 19. When is the last day of Lent?

2. B. False B. 2. A. Annunciation 11. D. A and B. The Alleluia is is Alleluia The B. and A D. 11. 12. Which of the following does A. Good Friday

B. Assumption not take place on Good Friday? B. Holy Thursday

1. A. Ash Wednesday Ash A. 1. C. The Feast of St. Joseph final hours (or Passion) of Jesus. Jesus. of Passion) (or hours final A. Intercessory prayers C. Holy Saturday

D. A and C cross, where you meditate on the the on meditate you where cross,

Answers B. Reading from the Scriptures D. Easter Sunday during lent is the stations of the the of stations the is lent during C. Consecration D. Veneration of the cross

Daniel Lacombe Floor Finishing Chrism Mass 404 Bordelon Rd., Hessmer, LA 71341 Specializing in installation Tuesday, April 11 • Floor Finishing • Ceramic Tile Floors St. Francis Xavier • Hardwood Floors • Reseal Tile Floors Cathedral Ph: (318) 563-4753 • Cell (318) 305-0241 11:00 a.m. PAGE 10 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 13, 2017 2017 Rite of Election

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY CHA- ST. FRANCES CABRINI CHURCH, Alexandria. Pictured are (front row) John ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHEDRAL, Alexandria. Pictured are (front row) PEL, Black Lake. Pictured is Bishop , Amy , Katie , and Ami Back row: Max Leslie, Carol Rousseau, and Cyndie Cooper. Back row: Michael Brodnax, Talley with Randell Slaughter. Megan Becker, Emily Morgan, Gerald Hollifield, and Rhonda Hollifield. Not Bishop Talley, and Mary Devenport. pictured is Laci Coco, Jamie Sue Maddox, Jarred Hollifield, and Bo Branch.

MINOR BASILICA OF THE IM- HOLY CROSS CHURCH, Natchitoches. Pictured are (front row) Laura-May IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, Tioga. Pictured are (from left) MACULATE CONCEPTION, Natchi- , Canaan , and Lizhang . Back row: Bridget Vascocu, Chris Goudeau, Brianna Baker, , and Katrina Dominguez. toches. Pictured is Marvin Richey Joseph Longlois, Bishop Talley, and Kathryn Adkins. with Bishop Talley.

STS. FRANCIS AND ANNE OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH, Fifth Ward. Pictured are (from left) OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH, Winnfield. Pictured are (from left) CHURCH, Kolin. Pictured is Valerie Amy Bonnette, Jodie Smith, Bishop Talley, Caitlin Pitre, and Thomas Sellers. Lakreshia Parker, Caiden , Lauren Procell, and Bishop Talley in the Bolton with Bishop Talley. back. Not pictured is Kimberly Prestridge. MARCH 13, 2017 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 11 St. Francis Xavier Cathedral

BISHOP DAVID TALLEY celebrated the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conver- sition of the Candidates who have been preparing for reception into Full Communion of the Catholic Church.

Representing 16 churches from around the diocese, 19 catechumens (people who have not been baptized) and 53 candidates (people who have been baptized already in another faith) participated in the rite.

This Easter, each of the 72 catechumens and candidates will be received OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR, Alexandria. Pictured are (front row) SACRED HEART OF JESUS CHURCH, Pineville. Pictured are (front row) into Full Communion of the Catholic Cameron Madeline , and Lisa Hirchak. Back row: Jason Duck Susan Wyatt, Brayden , and Jeremy Dupuy. Row 2: Jonathan Church in their individual parishes. Joel Perrotti, Bishop Talley, Judy Cangelosi, and Peggy St. John. Not pictured and Monica Moreau. Back row: Justin Netherlin, Bishop Talley, and Robert Welcome! is Savannah Sues, Jackson Sues, Henry Sues, and Kelsey Herrington. Tillie. Not pictured is Clint Constance.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH, Deville. Pictured are Virginia Ebey, ST. RITA CATHOLIC CHURCH, Alexandria. Pictured are (front row) Ryon Robin Garnett, Bishop Talley, and Elton Ebey. Woodington and Lorraine Bryant. Back row is Marcia Mitchell, LeTangia Rolle, Bishop Talley, Kathleen Azar, and Jeffry Azar.

ST. MARTIN OF TOURS CHURCH, Belledeau. Pictured are NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY CHURCH, SACRED HEART OF JESUS CHURCH, Moreauville. Pictured (from left) James Joubert, Bishop Talley, and Brandi Ducote. Campti. Pictured are (from left) Wanda LeBrun, Bishop Talley, are Sandra Lemoine, Bishop Talley, and Jade Lambert. Not and Debbie James. pictured is Alisha Coco. PAGE 12 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 13, 2017

THE ST. FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL MARDI GRAS PARADE was held Friday, March 24. Kaeden and Miguel drive their decorated power wheel car in the Pre-K and K parade. Father Chad Partian, pastor, leads the students to the parade route.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL in Moreauville celebrated Mardi Gras with a Pre-K and Kindergarten parade. Lots of beads were thrown!

OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR PRE-K MARDI GRAS parade was led by Father Dan O’Connor, pastor and Father John Wiltse, parochial vicar. The Pre-K classes decorated wagons and filled them with beads to throw to the rest of the student body who lined the street outside the school. MARCH 13, 2017 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 13

Sacred Heart School’s Jr.Beta Club hosted “Spirit Week” Febru- Pajama Day, Decades Day and then closed with a Mardi Gras Parade. Special treats were given each day ary 20-23. Each day was designated to a special “dress out” day. Twin Day, to the students along with prizes for the best costumes.

St. Joseph School students in Plaucheville took a trip to Avoyelles Manor Nursing Home Feb. 14 to deliver Valentine’s Cards. The residents were filled with joy to have the little visitors. Pictured at left is Allison and Jaylen .

ST PETER CLAVER Council and Court 268 of St. Juliana in Alexandria hosted the 25th annual Mardi Gras Ball Feb. 4. Knight Nicholas and Lady Carol Stull served as king and queen. PAGE 14 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 13, 2017

St. Rita Church recognizes significant Wedding Anniversaries In Honor of Black History Month Bishop David Talley ST. JAMES CHURCH (Alexandria). presented 18 couples In honor of Black History Month, Fr. from St. Rita Church Gabriel Uzondu recognized 91-year with a Papal Blessing old Spellman Francois as “Ikedi” from Pope Francis Feb. of St. James Memorial Catholic 11 after celebrating the Church. Ikedi, in the African Ibo lan- 4 p.m. Mass. guage, means “there is power (in God).” Francois was given the honor 60 years: Joseph & for his 50 years of dedicated service Marjorie Branco to St. James Church. Fr. Gabriel presented to Francois a garment, neck- lace, kingly hat and walking stick. The Bishop Desmond Council # 91 Junior Knights and Junior Daughters presented Francois with a plaque of appreciation for his service. Pic- tured are (front row) Quentine , R2: Spellman Francois, Joshua and Jalen . Back row: Quentin Price, Sr., Junior Knight Commander; John Aaron, and Antoine

50 years: Frank & Helen Candiloro, Arthur & Joanne Fogleman; Ronnie & Rae Hair; James & Louise Shahan; Carl & Cheryl Verzwyvelt; Jim & Gloria Verzwyvelt.

40 years: James & Evelyn Brown, Jr.; Ricky & Lynn Sooter.

MASS OF INSTALLATION. Bishop David Talley installed Father Martin Laird as pastor of Mater Dolorosa on Sunday, Feb. 12. Pictured are (from left) seminarian Grant Rabalais, Father Rusty Rabalais, Father Martin Laird, Bishop David Talley, Father Walter Ajaero, and Father George Krosfield.

30 years: Davie & Bettina McCoy; Robert & Julie Rini, Sr.; Jerry & Diane Robichaux, Jr,

25 years: Dale & Donna Andries; Robert & Lori Andries; Stacy & Monique Auzenne, Irvin & Dolly Douzart; Oday & Jule Lavergne; Gary & Leslie Michiels: MARCH 13, 2017 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 15

Magnificat Central Service Team members are Mary Wilson, Donna The Diocesan serviice Committee and CENLA Magnificat hosted “Open the Floodgates,” a Day of Re- Ross, Kathy MacInnis, Diane Bates, and Lim Rodriguez-Torres. Mary is a newal, on Saturday, Feb. 18, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Natchitoches. Dr. Deregal Burbank was the speaker member of St. Gerard’s Church in Jonesville, and has served as secretary for and almost 50 people attended. We also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Duquesne Weekend, which is recog- the past year. The Central Service Team is the governing body for Magnificat, nized as the start of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. There was a time for teaching, worship, individual prayer and a ministry for Catholic women established in New Orleans in the 1980s. a shared meal.

ST. EDWARD CHURCH in Tallulah welcomed Bishop David Talley to their parish Feb. 26. For more photos of the Bishop’s visits to local churches, go to www.diocesealex.org. PAGE 16 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 13, 2017 Abbey Youth Fest returns after weather-related cancellation last year

Following last year’s severe weather-related cancellation, Ab- bey Youth Fest, the largest youth Abbey Youth Fest event within the Archdiocese of March 25, 2017 New Orleans, returns to Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary Col- Covington, LA lege on Saturday, March 25. With the theme “Be It Done Unto Me” in honor of the Feast of the Annunciation celebrated discernment. that day, AYF is open to teens and In addition to teens and young adults ages 13 or older. young adults, priests, deacons AYF provides young people and seminarians are invited to with an opportunity to experi- AYF free of charge. ence a day of prayer and faith Registration for youth and formation with an exposure to the adult laity is $40 per person. On- Benedictine tradition. Its focus line, pre-event registration closed is evangelization and vocational March 10. discernment by means of liturgy, On-site check-in and regis- prayer, worship, music and edu- tration begins at 8 a.m. on March cation. 25. The AYF field will be open New this year at the 2017 from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. In- festival will be a special pro-life formation and online registration component, as AYF welcomes Gregory Boquet, O.S.B., presi- and the monastery. Total losses least sixteen dioceses have come can be found at www.abbeyy- Catholic, pro-life advocate and dent-rector of the college. will exceed $35 million. to the beautiful grounds of the outhfest.com. speaker, Stephanie Grey, who will The day before AYF was Saint Joseph Abbey and Abbey year after year for a day Saint Joseph Abbey is locat- address issues concerned with the scheduled to have taken place, Seminary College has been host- of prayer, talks, music, fellow- ed at 75376 River Road in Cov- sanctity of life. Louisiana Right floodwaters filled the campus. ing AYF each spring since 2001. ship, and exposure to vocational ington, LA 70457. to Life’s PULSE youth leaders Thirty-one buildings were dam- Nearly 5,000 young men and will play a special part in the day aged, including the Abbey Church women from seven states and at alongside Teen C.R.O.S.S. leaders from across the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Additional 2017 presenters and musicians include: national Life Teen speaker David Calavit- ta; award-winning Christian rock group the Josh Blakesley Band; Louisiana Catholic speaker Ka- tie Prejean McGrady; Christian singer-songwriter Dave Moore; homilist and pastor from Baton Rouge, Fr. Joshua Johnson; and emcee and “media nun” Sr. Trac- ey Matthia Dugas of the Daugh- ters of St. Paul who preach the The Little One Gospel through all forms of me- by Marcus Descant dia, especially social media. For the first time in its 16- year history, last spring’s AYF, scheduled a day after the March 11th flood, was cancelled. Even as crews were still assessing the damage, many of the 5,000-plus registered attendees asked how they could lend a hand. “Amidst the flood that wreaked so much havoc across I hear a voice, a voice from above. I wonder who, and if there will be love. the state, I can’t help but smile As I sleep here in my mother’s womb, I wonder if it will be my tomb. when I think about how everyone stepped up and made a commit- My heart aches, and sometimes I cry; just from not knowing if I live or die! ment to ensuring AYF returned I plead with my mom to have mercy on me, and I pray to God that she may see. this year. It’s a testament to For I have a soul - I am full of life, and I don’t wish to die via a blade of a knife. how important it is for Catholic I wish to be born and give glory to God. And woe the man struck by the rod. youths to have the opportunity to For when all is said and all is done, he must pay - pay for the death of the little one! strengthen their faith and be sur- rounded by others who share their Advertisement paid for by Marcus Descant passion for the Gospel,” said Fr. MARCH 13, 2017 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 17 FOCUS missionaries bring new approach to campus ministry By Jeannie Petrus ens. CT editor When the SEEK2017 conference in San Antonio was offered Some people will do any- in January, 28 students from the thing for attention. NSU Catholic center signed up. Like bringing the pope along They were joined with 21 FOCUS with your evangelization team to students from the ULM Catholic attract students to your table. student center in Monroe. I mean, come on! This week (March 17-19) OK, -- so maybe it wasn’t the the FOCUS missionaries will REAL Pope Francis -- just a card- host a Father’s House Retreat at board replica. Tall Timbers in Forest Hill for all But it worked for the students college-age students. at Northwestern State University The Father’s House retreat in Natchitoches who were attend- (part of the FOCUS ministry) ing Demon Days (aka Welcome helps retreatants to reflect on the Week) this past Fall and stopped truth of God’s fatherhood and to by the FOCUS table to have a come face to face with the human picture taken of themselves with weakness that prevents us from the pope. accepting that truth. “Everyone loves the Pope,” This retreat consists of sev- said Monica Schulz, team leader eral talks, personal prayer with a of the FOCUS ministry team. “It series of meditations, significant was a fun way to attract students WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY GROUP. Small groups of 10-12 students, like this Wednesday night group, time in small groups to discuss to our table. Their next question meet with one of the FOCUS missionaries for Bible study. the themes and prayer times dur- was “What is Focus?” which ing the retreat, adoration, prayer opened the door for a conversa- for healing, a special blessing tion.” Church who initiated bringing the Kilgore, Texas; and Colin Sulli- “I love my Bible study ceremony and the sacraments of FOCUS -- Fellowship of first FOCUS teams to NSU this van, from Tulsa, Okla., arrived in groups,” said missionary Abby, Mass and confession. Catholic University Students -- is past Fall. Natchitoches in August 2016 as (who, by the way, is adjusting And that’s not all. a new campus ministry program, Donnie Kuzma, also a for- the first FOCUS teams in the Dio- well to the warmer climate here). In a couple of weeks, Abby made available through Holy mer FOCUS missionary and now cese of Alexandria to create a new “We have fun and enjoy each will be leading a group of 12 stu- Cross Catholic Church in Natchi- the resident campus minister, as- approach to campus ministry. others friendship when we meet, dents on a pilgrimage to Rome. toches, that utilizes a different ap- sists Father Marc and the FOCUS And so far, it seems to be and we also enjoy learning more This summer, missionaries proach to campus ministry. teams. working quite well. about Scripture.” Sergio, Monica, Colin and Don- “Instead of us sitting here Missionaries Abby Haar- After their first week on Katie Mitchell, a senior from nie will be leading mission trips waiting for students to come to mann, from York, Neb.; Monica campus, (making themselves Alexandria who has been a part of to Central Mexico, Brazil, and us, we go to them,” said Father Schulz, from College Station, known at the “pope table” during the CSO since her freshman year, France. (For more information Marc Noel, pastor of Holy Cross Texas; Sergio Espinoza, from Demon Days), the missionaries says she looks forward to the Bi- about these missions go to www. established contact with 60 col- ble study group each week. focusoncampus.org/mission/ lege students interested in what “I like the approach of the trips.) the Catholic Student Center had Focus teams so much better be- “It’s good to see things really to offer. cause everything is so “Christ- springing to life around here,” From there the teams hosted centered,” she said. “I’m learning said Father Marc. “We hope this a “Tikki and Taco” party at the so much in Bible study.” new approach to campus ministry student center where 40 students As the friendships with stu- will ultimately lead all of our stu- attended and enjoyed a Mexican dents and relationships with dents to a true authentic relation- food-themed meal. Christ grow, commitment deep- ship with Christ. “Our first goal is simply to get to know them as students,” said Monica. “Where they come from, their families, their major, etc. After all, we want to establish a friendship first.” If and when the opportunity presents itself, the missionary may invite the student to a Bible Study or other function at the center. That too, seems to be working well. Each of the four missionaries lead several small groups of Bible studies, offered at different LET THE LIGHT IN. NSU students Katie Mitchell and Hailey McLure sit in the times throughout the week to ac- POPE FRANCIS AND ME. FOCUS team leader Monica Schulz and mission- Coffee Shop of the newly renovated Catholic Student Center across the street commodate the busy schedules of ary team member Sergio Espinoza, take their picture with Pope Francis (a from Holy Cross Catholic Church in Natchitoches. The renovations trans- college students. cardboard prop) during NSU’s Demon Days this past Fall. formed the dark game-room atmosphere to a bright, welcoming environment. PAGE 18 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 13, 2017

OL of Lourdes, Winnfield attend Life March in Washington

OL OF LOURDES (Winnfield) PARTICIPATE IN LIFE MARCH. A group of teens from Our Lady of Lourdes Catho- lic Church in Winnfield and a group from the Archdiocese of New Orleans were among the estimated 700,000 people who marched in the 44th annual Life March in Washington D.C. in January. Pictured on the steps of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception are (front row) Gilliana , Jennifer , Jyssie , Magdelena The Keys of St. Peter and Fatima . Back row is Manny and Jonathan . Chaperones included, (but not pictured) are Tracy Kelley and Dee Caskey. In addition to participation St. Peter Church in the Life March, the group also visited the Lincoln Memorial, in Bordelonville the WWII Memorial, Smithsonian Museums, the Holocaust Museum, St. John Paul II National Shrine and the American updates exterior History Museum. They ended the trip by celebrating Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Concep- tion, which is the largest Catholic Church in North America The parishioners at St. Peter and the 8th largest in the world. Catholic Church in Bordelonville have been busy making upgrades to the church exterior. In late summer, the bricks of the church were cleaned and the wood trim was painted. These improvements were made possible from a family donation in St. Joseph memory of a longtime parish- Protector of Families ioner and church supporter, Mr. • Behavior Modification • In home, Individual, and James J. Bordelon. • Obedience and Therapy Group Sessions Available Pet Training • Phone Consultations Pray for Us! The St. Peter Beautification • 30-day Money Back Guarantee and Phone Assessments Composed by Marcus Descant Team also recently completed a new project. The front flower 985.226.6458 • www.felinecaninecoach.com Good St. Joseph, guardian of the Most High, beds have been “remodeled” and A soul who wandered, but never asked why. An Angel came down from heaven one night, large flagstones were added to And told him he would aid him on his flight. the beds. Additionally, two large concrete tiles were installed on The night was cold with no place to stay, the Church’s center entry side- The only bed was one of hay. walk. The tiles’ Mosaic designs To the glorious Mother, a Child was born. depict an anchor and crossed keys Into the world He came, and would receive much scorn. - two symbols of St. Peter. The Beautification Team is His name was Jesus, a Savior for all, grateful for the monetary and He was protected by Joseph, a mighty wall. physical help that enabled this An Angel led them to safety one night, project to be completed. With Joseph always there during the flight. Thanks to St. Joseph, who was led by the dove. He protected the Savior, the God of Love. So I praise You, O Lord, from Your birth, You, the King of Heaven and Earth. You came down from heaven to help us all, We who have sinned, because of the fall. Through Your goodness, You gave us new life, To handle problems, grief and strife. Because of Your mercy and love for the lost, Another chance was given to all who were lost. We all confess and say from the heart. Forgive us Lord, and thanks for a new start.

If you would like to order copies of this poem as a prayer card, please contact Liz Descant at [email protected] The Anchor of St. Peter Advertisement paid for by Marcus Descant MARCH 13, 2017 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 19

FORMER MENARD HISTORY TEACHER DENNIS WARD waves to Jim- my Fallon and his former Menard student Josh Johnson, after Josh made his stand-up comedy debut on the Tonight Show Feb. 22. Mr. Ward made a promise to Josh in high school that WHEN he made it to the Tonight Show, he wanted to be in the audience. Josh Johnson (Menard 08’) debuts on the Tonight Show Menard teacher Dennis Ward promised to be there ‘when’ Johnson made it on the show

By Jeannie Petrus stand-up comedy. He was chosen Show was a great experience,” he to go around the streets of New CT editor as one of Comedy Central’s “New said during a telephone interview York and ask typical dads about View the entire clip on Faces” to watch for as a stand-up with the Church Today. “I learned “dad fashion.” YouTube It started with an agreement comedian. to write better comedy and how to This past Christmas, Josh Type in Josh Johnson made a decade earlier -- between He also sent an audition tape manage my time.” left the Tonight Show, moved to Josh Johnson, a 2008 graduate of to the Tonight Show in hopes of Josh said he saw Jimmy Fal- Los Angeles, and started work- Holy Savior Menard Central High getting a spot for his act. While lon every day, when he stopped ing again as a stand-up comedian. After Josh’s 5-minute mono- School and his history teacher, negotiations were in the works, by to visit with the writers. “He’s Now with an agent, Josh has a full logue, Jimmy Fallon jumped to Mr. Dennis Ward. NBC hired him as a comedy writ- a very kind person,” he said. schedule of tours that keep him the stage to shake his hand. On “Josh, one day. . . when you er for the Tonight Show. Once his assignment was the busy. Last week he had a week- the guest couch, Johnson was hit it big on the Tonight Show, I “Working on the Tonight “Man on the Street” gig. He had long gig at the Rumors Comedy asked how he got started in the want to be there,” said Ward. Club in Winnipeg, Canada. comedy business. “I’ll make sure of that, Mr. Finally, in early February he “At my high school, we had Ward,” said Josh. received a call from NBC con- a talent show and I performed a On Feb. 22, 2017, Josh John- firming a spot for him on the To- comedy act,” he said. “I knew son made good on his promise. night Show. then I wanted to be a stand-up co- After receiving news that he “I couldn’t believe it,” said median.” would be performing on the To- Josh. “I was so excited. I imme- “And I understand you have night Show with Jimmy Fallon, diately thought about my promise a special guest with you in the au- he called his friend and former to Mr. Ward.” dience tonight,” said Fallon. teacher and invited him to be his “I received the call on a Sun- “Yes, my history teacher Mr. special guest in the audience for day and was told to be there no Ward told me in high school that his Tonight Show debut. later than Tuesday,” said Ward. “I when I made it big on the Tonight According to Josh, the long was on a plane the next day.” Show, he wanted to be there,” road to the Tonight Show started From the moment Ward said Johnson. when he competed in the annual entered the NBC studio through The cameras quickly zoomed talent show at Menard. He didn’t the “special guest” entry, he was in on Mr. Ward on Row 5, who place with his stand-up comedy given the VIP treatment. was a little overcome with emo- act, but he realized then that’s An NBC-issued photo ID of tion when he heard the audience what he wanted to do with his himself gave him backstage ac- respond with a sentimental “aw- life. cess where he was able to visit wwwww!” But he waved to the After graduation from Cente- with Josh a few minutes before camera as the audience clapped nary College in 2012, he moved the show. He was quickly es- and cheered for Mr. Ward and the to Chicago, where he performed TONIGHT SHOW CUE CARDS. Dennis Ward and Josh Johnson hold up the corted to two empty aisle seats bond between he and his former stand-up comedy at festivals cue cards that introudced Josh as his stand-up comedy debut on the Tonight with tape across them on Row 5. student Josh Johnson. and entered contests. After three Show with Jimmy Fallon. Josh is a 2008 graduate of Holy Savior Menard The tape was removed and he and “He made it Mr. Ward! said years, he moved to New York Central High School and Ward was his former history teacher. The two have Josh’s girlfriend sat side-by side Fallon from the stage. “He made City, where he continued his remained friends since graduation. in the “best seats in the house.” it!” PAGE 20 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 13, 2017 Catholic organizations Continued from page 2 gee admissions program, reduces “A ban regarding human be- the suspicion of a potential crime U.S. government’s already rigor- by more than 60 percent the num- ings, because they are from a cer- by an individual.” ous screening processes.” as, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ ber of refugees who can enter the tain country or practice a particu- “We should be asking about Larry Couch, director of the Committee on Migration, said country and still bars nationals lar religion is clearly xenophobic, the root causes of violent acts, National Advocacy Center of the Trump’s new order still puts vul- from six countries. nationalistic and racist,” said a such as U.S. militarization of Sisters of the Good Shepherd, nerable populations at risk. The bishops “have long rec- statement by Sister Patricia Chap- conflicts, and giving our attention aimed his statement directly at “We remain deeply troubled ognized the importance of ensur- pell, a Sister of Notre Dame de to addressing those concrete situ- Trump. by the human consequences” of ing public safety and would wel- Namur, who is executive director ations,” he said in a statement. “Mr. President, why close the order, he said in a statement. come reasonable and necessary of Pax Christi USA. “Women religious have been our borders to those fleeing real “While we note the administra- steps to accomplish that goal,” “Now is the time to honor the blessed to be able to accompany atrocities, fleeing the ravages of tion’s efforts to modify the ex- Bishop Vasquez said. “However, commitment for justice expressed and serve immigrant and refugee war and the search for food, clean ecutive order in light of various based on the knowledge that refu- in all faith communities and to communities across this country water and safety?” Couch asked. legal concerns, the revised order gees are already subjected to the proclaim this commitment with for a very long time,” said a state- “This is not what America stands still leaves many innocent lives at most vigorous vetting process actions that uphold the rights of ment by Holy Cross Sister Joan for and not who we are called to risk.” of anyone who enters the United all people,” she added. Marie Steadman, executive direc- be. America is not a country that He said the Catholic bishops States, there is no merit to paus- Eli McCarthy, director of tor of the Leadership Conference retreats and Americans choose welcomed Iraq being removed ing the refugee resettlement pro- justice and peace for the Con- of Women Religious. “Catholic to not live in fear of the ‘what from the list of countries, but re- gram while considering further gregation of Major Superiors of sisters remain committed to wel- if.’ Mr. President, welcome the main disappointed the order still improvement to that vetting pro- Men, called it “completely unjust coming those who come to this refugee and welcome the face of temporarily shuts down the refu- cess.” to punish an entire country due to country after passing through the God.” Polls show

Continued from page 2 der wall with Mexico and more. gration has long been a painful that he could be open to compre- U.S., refugees are required to travel ban. The first was blocked Americans report conflicting and intensifying national debate. hensive immigration reform. That check in and obtain green cards. by the courts. feelings about immigrants just President Trump has shown some sparked both interest and skepti- But U.S. officials have acknowl- Also reflecting his hard line, over six weeks into his presiden- flexibility — or inconsistency, de- cism on Capitol Hill, where a so- edged that information on people President Trump last week an- cy, the poll suggests. On the one pending on one’s viewpoint — on lution has stymied Congress for coming from Syria, in particular, nounced to Congress a new office hand, Americans see refugees as a his approach. For example, Iraq years. may be limited. to aid Americans and their fami- risk apart from other legal immi- is no longer on the list of coun- But President Trump’s warn- Mandy Gibson, 37, sees the lies who are victims of immigrant grants, with a third of Democrats, tries whose people are banned. ings about refugees in particu- benefits of admitting legal immi- violence. That’s despite years of and 8 in 10 Republicans, say the Officials from the Pentagon and lar apparently have stuck in the grants — but isn’t so sure about studies that have shown that im- risks are great enough to place State Department had urged the American consciousness, accord- refugees. migrants are less likely to commit more limits on refugees admitted White House to reconsider given ing to the poll. “Maybe it’s the media. They crimes than U.S.-born people. to the U.S. Despite those fears, Iraq’s key role in fighting the Is- Refugees entering the U.S. are making refugees sound like Much of President Trump’s Americans still see legal immi- lamic State group. Also, the new undergo rigorous background they aren’t legal immigrants and candidacy and young presidency gration generally as a boon, the order does not subject Syrians to checks, including a search of gov- I don’t necessarily understand, has been powered by the idea that poll shows. More than 6 in 10 say an indefinite travel ban, as did the ernment databases that list people but they are different to me,” he will protect Americans from a major benefit of legal immigra- original. suspected of having ties to terror- said Gibson. Either way, she “bad dudes” who want to come tion is that it enhances the reputa- President Trump also has ist groups. Processing of refugees said, “anybody who is coming here, issuing a mix of tough, if tion of the United States as a land minimized talk of deporting all of can take up to two years — and from countries that have ISIS re- vague, policy — from “extreme of opportunity. the estimated 11 million people in usually longer for those coming ally should have a very thorough vetting” to the travel ban, a bor- The good and bad of immi- the U.S. illegally and suggested from Syria. After a year in the background check.”

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Brigitte Kelso VIRTUS P.O. Box 5624 Owner/Agent Alexandria, LA 71307 • Tuesday, March 21 -- 6 p.m., 2918 S. MacArthur Dr. St. Joseph Catholic Center, 3306 Giamanco Street Alexandria, La. 71301 Alexandria Donald J. Baker, ACF/RF/CF Phone: (318) 473-8751 CONSULTING FORESTER Phone: 318.448.2226 • Thursday, March 30 -- 6 Fax: (318) 473-4045 Fax: 318.448.2280 p.m., St. Paul the Apostle EMail: [email protected] Licensed Urban Tree Consultant [email protected] Catholic Church, Mansura (Church Hall)

• Thursday, April 6 -- 6 p.m., Minor Basilica of the Immacu- late Conception (Church Hall), Natchitoches B. K. ROOFING To register, PINEVILLE, LA go to www.virtus.org FREE ESTIMATES & INSPECTIONS 318-201-9065 MARCH 13, 2017 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 21 The Shack: a dialogue between a man in faith crisis and the Trinity

By John Mulderig Catholic News Service MOVIE NEW YORK (CNS) -- “The Shack” (Summit), director Stu- REVIEW art Hazeldine’s screen version of William Paul Young’s best-sell- ing novel, represents a serious effort to tackle the problem of evil shocking crime in his own back- from a Christian perspective. As ground that the movie seems to such, it will be welcomed by be- excuse too easily. lievers. Beautiful settings and a sense While specific objectionable of humor help to keep the some- elements are absent from the film, what overlong proceedings from however, patches of dialogue dis- bogging down in sentimentality. counting the value of religion -- But the script, penned by John here implicitly set in opposition Fusco, Andrew Lanham and Des- to faith broadly speaking -- and tin Cretton, takes on too many hinting that God is indifferent to weighty subjects -- from the suf- how we worship him mean that fering of innocents to the need for impressionable viewers should forgiveness -- to treat any one of keep their distance. So, too, does them in a fully satisfying way. the morally problematic treatment Still, on the whole, this is an of a dark and long-kept secret. intriguing endeavor to accom- THE SHACK. After his young daughter (Amelie Eve) is abducted and murdered, a previously devout man (Sam After his young daughter, plish the same goal British poet Worthington) has a crisis of faith until a supernatural encounter with the Trinity (Octavia Spencer, Avraham Aviv Alush Missy (Amelie Eve), is abducted and Sumire) alters his perspective. Patches of dialogue discounting the value of religion, however -- here implicitly set John Milton set himself in writing and murdered, previously devout in opposition to faith broadly speaking -- and hinting that God is indifferent to how we worship him mean that impres- his masterpiece, “Paradise Lost,” churchgoer Mackenzie “Mack” sionable viewers should keep their distance. Rated PG-13. namely, “to justify the ways of Phillips (Sam Worthington) has God to men.” a crisis of faith. But a note from The film contains scenes of “Papa,” his wife, Nan’s (Radha the Father, Avraham Aviv Alush While some may be uncom- seems advisable, into a paternal domestic violence and mature Mitchell), nickname for God, a fun-loving Jesus and Sumire a fortable with the fact that both the Graham Greene. themes requiring careful discern- leads to an encounter with the serene Holy Spirit. As Spencer Father and the Holy Spirit mani- The narrative’s brief descent ment. The Catholic News Service Trinity near the titular hideout bakes, Sumire gardens and Alush fest themselves to the protagonist from nondenominationalism into classification is A-III -- adults. where evidence of Missy’s death tinkers in his carpentry shed, as women, given that they would outright indifferentism and its The Motion Picture Association was uncovered that alters his per- Worthington learns to see his own be free to do so in whatever guise suggestion that religion is “too of America rating is PG-13 -- par- spective. tragedy as a spiritual death that they chose, this is no real objec- much work” are more substantial ents strongly cautioned. Some Octavia Spencer plays an offers the prospect of resurrec- tion -- all the more so since Spen- defects. While Mack has much material may be inappropriate for unflappable, warmhearted God tion. cer eventually morphs, when it to forgive, moreover, he has a children under 13.

It’s time for

P L A N T I N G • Vegetable plants & seeds • flower bed plants & seeds • lawn fertilizers • fire ant killer • garden supplies FERGUSON’S Home Repair and Maintenance “No Job Too Small” Handyman 2914 N. Bolton Ave. Pressure Washing Call Mike! Alexandria, LA (318) 641-1492 or (318) 880-8834 442-2325 PAGE 22 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 13, 2017

Menard to present Bye Bye Birdie - 10 p.m. on the school campus. Tickets are $20 per adult The Holy Savior Menard Theatre Arts department, DIOCESAN and $10 per child. $20 ice chest charge at event entrance. under the director of Cherise Rino, will present the Tony Award winning musical Bye Bye Birdie April 5-8 at 7 p.m. Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat and April 9 at 2 p.m. at the Coughlin Saunders Performing BRIEFS The Rachel’s Vineyard ministry, for healing after Arts Center in Alexandria. Tickets are $15 and may be abortion, is having a retreat April 7 – 9, at Rosaryville purchased online at www.ticketscentral.org, at the door, or Diocesan Catechetical Quiz Retreat Center, 39003 Rosaryville Road, Pontchatoula, at the Menard front office. The annual Diocesan Catechetical Quiz Bowl will be LA 70454. Cost: $170; financial assistance available, if held on Saturday, March 25, at 10 a.m. at Maryhill Re- necessary. This Catholic healing retreat is open to anyone Avoyelles Magnificat Breakfast newal Center. $10 per team and pizza will be provided for whose life has been touched by abortion. All faiths are Jennifer Stevens is the speaker for the March 18 Mag- lunch. For more information, call Emily Ann McCullough welcome. For more information and to register, contact: nificat breakfast to be held from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at at 448-3333. Pam Richard, (504) 460-9360 or (985) 809-0773; email St. Mary’s Hall in Cottonport. Advance registration of $18 address: [email protected] or Melanie Baglow, is required. To register or for more information, contact Charismatic Renewal Conference (504) 889-2431 or (504) 710-6458; email address: mkba- Mary Wilson at [email protected]. [email protected]. This retreat is strictly confidential. The annual Southern Regional Conference of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal will be held March 31- Family Day at St. Margaret Mary April 2 at the Best Western Plus Landmark Hotel in Me- 125th Anniversary of Menard Join St. Margaret Mary Church in Gorum on Sunday, tairie. This year marks the Golden Jubilee of the Charis- The planning committee for the 125th anniversary of March 19 after the 11 a.m. Mass for Family Day. Fish matic Renewal in the Catholic Church. Speakers include Holy Savior Menard is looking for help in pulling together plates are $7; hamburgers $3.50 and meat pies are $2. En- Sister Briege McKenna, OSC and Father Kevin Scallon, memorabilia of any kind -- photos, uniforms, awards, sto- joy bingo, cake walks, and fun times with family, friends. CM, who have exercised a ministry of evangelization and ries -- for the 125th celebration. Anyone interested or hav- healing for almost 50 years. For more information, or to ing anything to contribute, please call Kathleen Adamson Family Dinner at St. Anthony register, email [email protected]; website: www.ccrno.org; at 318-445-8233. Plan on not cooking on Sunday, March 19 and come or call 504-828-1368. pick up a chicken dinner plate at St. Anthony Church in Chrism Mass Natchitoches from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Church Hall. Culinary Classic Bishop David Talley will celebrate the Chrism Mass Each plate is $8 and includes grilled chicken, dirty rice, Join us for a fun-filled night of tasting delicious dishes on Tuesday, April 11 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Ca- green beans, a roll and cake. Dine in or take out. All pro- created by the talented chefs of St. Joseph School and Ma- thedral. All are welcome. ceeds will go to the St. Anthony Community Outreach ter Dolorosa community on Saturday, April 1 from 5 p.m. Ministry, which serves the needy in our own community. Discernment Retreat “Listening with Our Lady” - For single women 17-35. Led by Fr. Pat Arensberg and the Little Sisters of the Poor. March 24 (6 p.m.) to 26 (1 p.m.) at Sacred Heart Resi- dence in Mobile, AL. No charge. Guest accommodations are provided, as well as transportation between Mobile Regional Airport and the retreat location. For more info or to register: [email protected] or (251) 591-3700. Registration deadline March 21. Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend The next Marriage Encounter Weekend will be held March 24-26 at the Bishop Tracy Retreat Center in Baton Rouge. This program is designed to make a good marriage better -- a weekend, overnight experience with reflection ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHEDRAL ALTAR SOCIETY, in one week, hosted the reception for the Mass of Thanksgiving, the and sharing with your partner. Registration fee is $75. For reception for the Rite of Election and assisted with the Friday Fish Fry. Thank you! Pictured are (front row) Beverly O’Quin, Cissy more information, contact Roger and Annie Borrello at Galloway, Mary Lou Maples, and Genny Kelley. Back row: Charlotte White, Corrine Jenkins, president; Donna Gentry, and Charlene 678-439-9633 or email at [email protected]. Ad- Elliott. ditional dates for 2017 are July 14-16 and Oct. 20-22. MARCH 13, 2017 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 23 March - April

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Meditation on Family Day The Passion 11:00 a.m. 13 14 15 16 17 Movie 18 St. Margaret Mary 19 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mission, Gorum Men’s Catholic Bible Study St. Rita, Alexandria Scripture Study Series 6:00-7:00 p.m. Family Dinner 6:00-7:30 p.m. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Avoyelles Magnificat 11:00 a.m. Pineville Breakfast 10:00 a.m.- St. Anthony of Padua, St. Rita Church, 12:30 p.m. St. Mary’s Alexandria FEAST of Natchitoches ST. PATRICK Assumption, Cottonport FOCUS Retreat for College Students -- Forest Hill Hixson Ford Pro Am/Coca Cola/Dr. Pepper/WalMart Golf Tournament benefiting Manna House -- Oakwing Golf Course PRAY FOR FR. K. ZACHARIAH PRAY FOR FR. A. AELAVANTHARA PRAY FOR FR. W. AJAERO PRAY FOR FR. T. ALLEN PRAY FOR FR. J. ANTONY PRAY FOR FR. S. BRANDOW PRAY FOR FR. D. BRAQUET 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Women of Grace VIRTUS Training Bible Study Diocesan Quiz Bowl 10-week Series 6:00 p.m. 6:00-7:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 6:00-8:00 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Sacred Heart of Jesus, Maryhill Renewal Center St. Rita Church, Center, Alexandria Pineville Alexandria

SOLEMNITY of ST. JOSEPH Lenten Mission -- Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches Discernment Retreat -- Mobile, AL PRAY FOR FR. J. BROCATO PRAY FOR FR. S. CHEMINO PRAY FOR FR. D. COOK PRAY FOR FR. D. CORKERY PRAY FOR FR. J. CUNNINGHAM PRAY FOR FR. W. DECOSTE PRAY FOR FR. D. DEJESUS

27 28 29 30 31 APRIL 1 2 Culinary Classic Men’s Catholic Bible Study VIRTUS Training 5:00-10:00 p.m. Scripture Study Series 6:00-7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. St. Joseph School, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Paul the Apostle Plaucheville St. Rita Church, Alexandria Pineville Church, Mansura

Catholic Charismatic Renewal -- Metairie, LA Lenten Mission -- Sts. Francis and Anne Church, Kolin FIRST SATURDAY PRAY FOR FR. B. DESHAUTELLE PRAY FOR FR. J. DESIMONE PRAY FOR FR. P. FAULK PRAY FOR FR. J. FERGUSON PRAY FOR FR. T. FEY PRAY FOR BISHOP D. TALLEY PRAY FOR FR. R. GARRIONE VIRTUS Training 6:00 p.m. 3 4 5Minor Basilica of the 6 7 8 9 Women of Grace Bible Study Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches 10-week Series 6:00-7:00 p.m. 6:00-8:00 p.m. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pineville The Three Days St. Rita Church, Alexandria 6:30 p.m. St. Rita, Alexandria Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat -- Pontchatoula Menard Spring Production of “Bye Bye Birdie” -- Coughlin Saunders Performing Arts Center, Alexandria

Lenten Mission -- St. Joseph Church, Colfax FIRST FRIDAY PRAY FOR FR. W. GEARHEARD PRAY FOR FR. J. GOOTEE PRAY FOR FR. R. GREMILLION PRAY FOR FR. J. HASIEBER PRAY FOR BISHOP EMERITUS R. HERZOG PRAY FOR MSGR. R. HOPPE PRAY FOR FR. R. HUMPHRIES 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Men’s Catholic Chrism Mass Bible Study Scripture Study Series 11:00 a.m. 6:00-7:00 p.m. 6:00-7:30 p.m. St. Francis Xavier Sacred Heart of Jesus, Cathedral, Alexandria St. Rita Church, Pineville Alexandria

HOLY THURSDAY GOOD FRIDAY HOLY SATURDAY EASTER SUNDAY PRAY FOR FR. B. IBE PRAY FOR FR. H. IMAMSHAH PRAY FOR FR. K. ISHMAEL PRAY FOR FR. G. KROSFIELD PRAY FOR FR. P. KULIGOWSKI PRAY FOR FR. P. KUNNUMPURAM PRAY FOR FR. S. KWEBUZA