THE CATHOLIC PAGES 10 & 11 Commentator Bejeweled Priest December 26, 2014 Vol. 51, No. 23 SERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 thecatholiccommentator.org WORD BECAME MAN RHS to close By Richard Meek The Catholic Commentator

Declining enrollment, academic strug- gles and financial challenges are forcing the closure of Redemptorist High School, according to Diocese of Baton Rouge of- ficials. Bishop Robert W. Muench on Friday, Dec. 19, announced the closing of the school, which has been a fixture in north Baton Rouge since 1947, effective June 30, 2015. Bishop Muench made the an- nouncement during a press conference at the Westerfield Center on the campus of the Catholic Life Center. “It is with a heavy heart we announce that low enrollment has required the Diocese of Baton Rouge to discontinue operations of Redemptorist Junior and Senior schools,” Bishop Muench said in a prepared statement. “We understand the pain, disappointment and hardship this decision can bring to members of the Redemptorist family, and we share a deep sense of sadness, grief and loss. “This decision was reached after much JESUS IS BORN – Christians around the world are celebrating the birth of the savior Jesus Christ. Our Lady of the prayer, reflection, and consultation by the Lake Livingston staged a live Nativity in Walker on Dec. 7 to re-enact Christ’s birth with performances and songs. Diocesan Catholic School Board members, Photo by Barbara Chenevert | The Catholic Commentator administrators and diocesan leaders.” The bishop said Redemptorist El- ementary School will remain open and a seventh grade will be added in 2015-16

Bishop Muench’s Christmas Message RHS alumni react, page 9

“Unless you become like little gifts, but about the ultimate gift said, ‘You are gods?’ ” (Jesus, quoting children, you will not enter the king- himself – Jesus. “For God so loved the Lord in Psalm 82:6 in respond- and an eighth grade in 2016-17. dom of heaven” (Mt 18:3). The ability the world that he gave his only Son” ing to the Jews) (Jn 10:34). Ninety minutes before the press con- of memory can be a great gift for us (Jn 3:16). Jesus is love personified “(T)he Word of God became man, ference, Bishop Muench and Superinten- humans. Can you remember happy and omnipresent – the love of God, that thou may learn from man how dent of Catholic Schools Dr. Melanie Verg- childhood experiences of the family the love of family, the love of friends. man can become God.” (Clement of es met with the Redemptorist faculty and ritual of exchanging presents under “Love consists in this, not that we Alexandria, “Book VII, Chapter XVI,” staff to announce the closing. According the Christmas tree and crib. Take a have loved God, but that he has first The Stromata, or Miscellanies). to Verges, the school currently employs moment and place yourself back in loved us, and sent us his son” (I Jn “All of us who postulate a loving 26 full-time faculty and administration that sacred place of time and space. 4:10). In a spirit of love, I invite you God and really think about it eventu- members who are under contract for the Savor those precious moments. Inte- to slowly pray, meditate and ponder ally come to a single terrifying idea: current school year. riorize now the excitement that was over the virtually unfathomable, in- God wants us to become himself … The school also employs 12 full-time then. Hold on to the recollection. En- exhaustible truth of the divine be- We are growing toward godhead.” (M. and six part-time non-contracted em- joy it. Take your time. Pause for a few coming human so that the human Scott Peck, The Road Less Traveled, ployees. Additionally, eight coaches serve minutes. Calm yourself. S-L-O-W Y- might become divine. Simon and Schuster, 1978, p. 269). at the school but are not part of the teach- O-U-R S-E-L-F D-O-W-N. “When I see your heavens, the “O God, who wonderfully created ing faculty. Now gently transport yourself work of your fingers, the moon and the dignity of human nature and still Verges said the Catholic Schools Office back into the present: the reality of the stars that you set in place – What more wonderfully restored it, grant, is assisting the affected employees find adulthood, the challenges of mod- are humans that you are mindful we pray, that we may share in the di- other positions but emphasized that each ern-day living, any obstacles, hard- of them, mortals that you care for vinity of Christ who humbled himself of the 31 schools in the diocese is respon- ships, heartaches or uncertainties them? Yet you have made them little to share in our humanity” (Collect, sible for its own hiring of staff. She said you bear. less than a god” (Ps 8:4-6). Mass during Christmas Day, Roman those employees losing their jobs are be- Christmas is basically not about “Is it not written in your law?” I SEE BISHOP PAGE 17 SEE RHS PAGE 20 2 The Catholic Commentator The Lighter Side of FAI t H December 26, 2014 | TREASURES FROM THE DIOCESE | DID YOU KNOW Father of the crèche

Just about every with their voices and Catholic household that venerable night has one essential item was made glorious by among its Christmas many and brilliant décor – the crèche. lights and sonorous But you may be sur- psalms of praise. The prised to learn that the man of God stood be- origin of recreating the fore the manger, full birth scene of Jesus was of devotion and piety, the doing of St. Fran- bathed in tears and ra- cis of Assisi in 1223. diant with joy ... Then Murals on the exterior of St. Gabriel Church in St. Gabriel give a history of the Catholic Although Jesus’ birth he preached to the Church. This mural shows scenes from the Old Testament leading up to the Visitation, had been depicted in people around the Na- which is depicted in the last scene. Opposite this mural is another which displays scenes artwork in early centu- tivity of the poor king; from the New Testament. On the side wall of the church, which was built in 1953, is a ries after his birth, St. and being unable to mural depicting the history of St. Gabriel Church. Photo by Barbara Chenevert | The Catholic Commentator Francis inspired what utter his name for the we now know as live tenderness of his love, nativities and manger he called him the Babe scenes in homes and churches. of Bethlehem.” On Christmas Eve 1223, St. Francis St. Bonaventure said people saved the created the first Nativity in the Italian hay from the Nativity presentation and city of Grecio. Thinking the small chapel when their cattle ate the hay, it: “mirac- ...with FATHER CHRIS DECKER, pastor at the Franciscan hermitage would not ulously cured all diseases of cattle, and of St. Philip (Vacherie) and St. James hold a congregation for Midnight Mass, many other pestilences; God thus in all Church (St. James) parishes he set up for the liturgy in a nearby cave. things glorifying his servant, and wit- But he wanted the Mass to excite the nessing to the great efficacy of his holy You like to draw and are known to people. After asking permission of the prayers by manifest prodigies and mir- Qbe a “doodler.” Tell us about doo- pontiff, St. Francis prepared a manger acles.” dling in restaurants? with hay, a wax figure of a baby, and St. Francis’ first Nativity scene proved brought in an ox and an ass to recreate to be popular and it wasn’t long before Like most folks in Louisiana, I like the scene of Jesus’ birth. similar scenes were set up in towns, Ato spend time around the table with In his biography of St. Francis, St. churches and homes everywhere. Chris- friends and family. Drawing is not only a something that has always appealed to you? Boniface describes this scene: “The tians also began adding more figures to way I like to relax, but I find it also sets oth- brethren were summoned and the peo- their nativities such as shepherds, cam- ers at ease. There’s an instant excitement At the Temple in Jerusalem in the ple ran together, the forest resounded els and the three kings. when you’re trying to guess what someone Aancient world, there was an out- is going to draw and most artists like to er area known as “the Court of the Gen- create for the sake of others. Many restau- tiles” where anybody could visit and ask ada and in Texas to name a few places. Tell us what you want for Christmas? rants have paper tablecloths and these the priests and attendants about what the For me the geography isn’t as interesting Q canvases are perfect for drawing and then Jews believe. I think that radio, TV and as the people who live there. giving the finished art away. My best ideas the Internet are the modern day equiv- I’ll be happy with smooth flow- tend to be rendered in ink on napkins. alents of this space. As our Holy Father What type of music do you enjoy? Aing Christmas liturgies, time with Emeritus Benedict XVI suggested many Q family and friends, and a wee nip of You have even created cartoon times, wherever there’s a soul seeking to Christmas vacation before the new year. Qcharacters? Where do you get your encounter God, the Christian should be In high school, my musical tastes inspiration? ready and waiting. Areally expanded. I listen to alterna- tive rock music – especially groups with a CLARIFICATION Yes, I have invented several char- How would you describe your strong piano lead. There are both secular The boardwalk at St. Agnes Aacters over the years. While I nev- Qsense of humor? Dry, wacky, etc.? and Christian groups in this genre. Some Church in Baton Rouge is a rosary er really was into superhero comics as a Christian groups include Relient K, Hawk garden, developed by Eric Leduff of child, I grew up in the 80s and 90s when I’ve got an extremely dry sense of Nelson and Tenth Avenue North. The sec- Baton Rouge. Each stone represents cartoons on television weren’t computer Ahumor and a love of language. I en- ular ones I’ll leave for when we go to lunch a bead of the rosary. generated and Disney had a regular block joy turns of phrases which I blame on Brit- together. of animated shows every day after school. ish comedies watched on PBS as a child. I was also a fan of Uncle Scrooge comics I was the president of the International (yes, they exist!). Scrooge would go on Thespian Society chapter in high school, adventures to seek buried treasure, and so it should come as no surprise that I like those stories always grabbed me. I also to laugh and make others laugh too. thecatholiccommentator.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator enjoy history very much. So, one of my characters, Joe Catholic, is a mix of an ad- What is your favorite place to travel? Bishop Robert W. Muench Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager venturer and a church history lover. Much Q Father Than Vu Associate Publisher Penny G. Saia Production Manager of my inspiration comes from these child- Richard Meek Editor Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation hood roots and being steeped in good lit- While I like to visit Italy (I could Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor Barbara Chenevert Staff Writer erature from a very young age. live in Assisi, as long as there’s A The Catholic Commentator (ISSN 07460511; USPS 093-680) broadband internet), I enjoy traveling Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South Acadian Why do you think it is important to wherever my friends are. Through the gift Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton Qcontinue your work in radio, televi- of priesthood, I’ve been privileged to be Rouge, LA. Copy must reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Sub- sion and social networking? Has this been “adopted” by friends in Wyoming, in Can- scription rate: $14.00 per year. POSTMASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. December 26, 2014 The Catholic Commentator 3 Father Waguespack’s life celebrated during funeral Mass

By Barbara Chenevert Although he was retired, Father and Debbie Shelley Waguespack made it clear being a priest The Catholic Commentator “was everything to him” and shared his time generously to help other priests with Just hours before he died from a fall off Masses and to give spiritual direction and a bicycle, Father Clarence Waguespack told lead pilgrimages, Father Walsh said. two colleagues he hoped when God called The native of Vacherie had undergone him, it would be on a feast of the blessed a conversion midway through his 52 years mother. as a priest after a visit to Medjugorje. One On Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate of the visionaries told him Our Lady want- Conception, God called this priest of 52 ed him to give up something important to years home. Father Waguespack died from him. He gave up big game hunting, a favor- a broken neck sus- ite hobby, Father Walsh said. “From that tained when he fell time on, he flourished in his ministry.” He off his bike while was devoted to Mary, spiritual direction, riding along Loui- a healing ministry, leading pilgrimag- siana Hwy. 70 near es, devotion to the rosary and respect for Bishop Robert W. Muench prays over the casket of Father Clarence Waguespack at the Lee Road in Pierre life. “He grew close to people, made new funeral Mass Dec. 13 at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Pierre Part. Bishop Muench said Part, according to friends and never hunted again.” Father Waguespack “touched hearts and touched lives. He was a priest – that was his the Assumption Father Waguespack made 17 trips to identity – a human being, a disciple of Jesus and a priest forever according to the order Parish Sheriff’s Of- Medjugorje. of Melchizedeck.” With the bishop from left are Deacon Reuben Dykes, Father Tom Ran- fice. The sheriff’s “He fell in love again with the mother Father Clarence zino and Deacon Matthew Graham. Photos by Barbara Chenevert | The Catholic Commentator office said Father of God and led hundreds of pilgrims. Our Waguespack Waguespack was brother … underwent a profound change of wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. heart,” Father Walsh said. Fellow priests and others remembered Father Vincent Dufresne, a cousin of Fa- Father Waguespack’s devotion to the ther Waguespack, who observed the priest Blessed Mother, his deep prayer life and more intently among his fellow priests be- the selfless way in which he shared his life cause of their biological and faith family with the people. connections, echoed many of the comments About 500 people, including more than of Father Walsh. Father Waguespack went 50 priests and deacons, attended the fu- through two phases in his priesthood,” said neral Mass held Dec. 13 at St. Joseph the Father Dufresne, who is pastor of Sacred Worker Church in Pierre Part where Fa- Heart of Jesus Church in Gramercy, St. Jo- ther Waguespack had been pastor before seph Church in Paulina and St. Michael the retiring two years ago. Bishop Robert W. Archangel Church in Convent. Muench presided and Houma-Thibodaux “The first portion of his priesthood, I Bishop Shelton Fabre concelebrated along would describe as his ‘good phase,’ ” Father with other priests of the diocese. Dufresne said. “He served as a priest with Father Miles Walsh, who delivered the strong devotion and dedication, a man of homily at the funeral Mass, called Father prayer and service, doing for all people Waguespack a feisty man with a ready as best he could. Father Waguespack en- smile and a quick temper, who mellowed joyed his priesthood and all the friend- Priests of the Diocese of Baton Rouge line the church aisle as Father Waguespack’s casket with age in a wonderful way. ships that brought to is brought from the church. Burial was in St. Philip Cemetery in Vacherie. “Father Waguespack was ‘He fell in love again his life. Everyone was ready to meet the Lord,” he happy to have Father needed. Father Waguespack became more erie, one of six children of Clarence said. “Today we gather to with the mother Waguespack there for tireless and more devoted as a priest, and Waguespack Sr., a sugarcane farmer, and thank God ... and to cele- them. He was a good everyone could now see that a good priest, Annette Simon Waguespack, a teacher. brate the life of a man and a of God and led priest.” by God’s hand and Mary’s love, had become Coming from a devout Catholic family of priest who pledged his mind, The second phase a great priest,” Father Dufresne said. French and English speaking descents, body and soul to God.” hundreds of pilgrims. came after Father Deacon Traylor, who attended Mass Father Waguespack entered the seminary Father Walsh recalled Waguespack’s re- with Father Waguespack the day he died, at 14. He attended St. Joseph Seminary in that Father Waguespack had Our brother … turn from his first said Father Waguespack talked in his hom- Covington, Notre Dame Seminary in New been with his fellow priests trip to Medjugorje. ily about of how the Blessed Mother had in- Orleans and the Gregorian University at just the day before his death underwent a profound “Father Waguespack terceded for him. the North American College in Rome. He to celebrate the jubilee of came home a differ- Janice Pintado, director of Christian was ordained to the priesthood on Dec. 19, Msgr. Robert Berggreen. change of heart’ ent person, a different Formation at St. Joseph the Worker, where 1962, at the Church of Christo Re, Christ “He never looked better priest. He quickly di- Father Waguespack had most recently the King in Rome. or seemed happier,” Fa- Father Miles Walsh vested himself of many served, said “Father Waguespack had a Father Waguespack celebrated his first ther Walsh said. “He was Pastor, Sacred Heart Church of his earthly posses- very strong love and devotion to our Bless- Mass at St. Philip Church in Vacherie. He a handsome man, tanned sions and put himself ed Mother, which was embraced by our pa- has served at St. Joan of Arc in Bayou Pi- and healthy and was joyful as always to even more deeply into his prayer and min- rishioners who also shared this devotion to geon; Holy Family Church in Port Allen; be among his fellow priests. He shared his istry,” Father Dufresne said. “He discov- her.” St. Charles Borromeo, St. Joseph Cathe- new found love of cycling.” ered his gift of spiritual healing, and by “Inspired by the love of Mary and as- dral in Baton Rouge; St. Mark Church in The next day Father Waguespack pre- God’s spirit and Mary’s loving presence, sisted by our local Knights of Columbus, Gonzales; St. Francis of Assisi Church sided at Mass at St. Agnes Church in Baton began to do great things for even more he was instrumental in bringing our beau- in Smoke Bend; Ascension of Our Lord Rouge, and during coffee after Mass with people.” tiful island (Virgin Island) to the serene, Church in Donaldsonville; Our Lady of Father Clifton Hill and Deacon Tommy “He was so much less concerned about prayerful place of worship it is today. Along Peace Church in Vacherie; and St. Joseph Traylor, he told them he hoped God would himself and so much more aware of all God with a group of parishioners he prayed the the Worker Church in Pierre Part. He also give him the grace to die on a Marian feast, had given him to share with the people, not rosary on the island daily,” she added. served as temporary chaplain at Louisiana Father Walsh said. only of his own parish, but wherever he was Father Waguespack grew up in Vach- State Penitentiary. 4 The Catholic Commentator NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL December 26, 2014 Despite year-end budget deal, future spending trends less certain

WASHINGTON (CNS) – The $1.1 tril- concurred. He will be succeeded by Rep. cause it was election season, his proposal federal funding for social services into lion federal spending bill approved by Tom Price, R-Georgia, who played a ma- remains alive. block grants to states. She said such an Congress avoided a repeat of last year’s jor role in shaping the 2011 and 2012 For now, social services leaders such as arrangement likely will lead to significant government shutdown and largely kept in House GOP budgets. Brian Corbin, senior vice president for so- cuts in programs. place social services spending, especially In the Senate, Sen. Patty Murray, cial policy at Catholic Charities USA, will The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bish- programs benefiting low-income families. D-Washington, will yield her leadership of be watching the 114th Congress to ensure ops made its views known after the elec- Beyond the current fiscal year that the budget committee. Sen. Jeff Sessions, that programs benefiting poor and vul- tions as the end-of-the year budget nego- ends Sept. 30, the future is less certain, R-Alabama, is expected to step in as rank- nerable people remain in place. tiations ramped up. In letters Nov. 17 to all however, as Republican victories in the ing minority member, but he is being chal- “Probably we at Catholic Charities 535 members of Congress, the chairmen November elections gave the party con- lenged by Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyoming. and other partners just have to contin- of two prominent committees urged the trol of both chambers on Capitol Hill. Ryan, who is Catholic, suggested in ue to meet with leaders on both sides of elected representatives to “draw a ‘circle With the new leaders come new plans on July that an investment in case man- the aisle in the House, the Senate and the of protection’ around the many programs limiting federal spending and reducing agement services would better serve White House. Obviously, we have to keep that serve poor and vulnerable people at the country’s $17.6-trillion debt. low-income families in the long run. His talking about poverty,” Corbin told Catho- home and abroad.” The expected new chairmen of key Expanding Opportunity in America pro- lic News Service. Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, budget and tax-writing committees are posal encompasses a series of measures Catholic Charities is turning to its chairman of the Committee on Domestic considering funding reforms that would he believes will help move – and keep – 2007 policy paper to help guide its legis- Justice and Human Development, and affect nutrition, housing assistance, com- people out of poverty. He said he hoped lative agenda. The paper focused on five Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, New munity development, Head Start, Med- the proposal would start a nationwide major concerns: education and work- Mexico, chairman of the Committee on icaid and unemployment compensation discussion on how to tackle the poverty force training, family economic security, International Justice and Peace, reiter- programs – all major concerns of Catholic afflicting 45.3 million Americans. health, housing and hunger. As a follow ated criteria the bishops believe must be social service providers. The Republican lawmaker came to like up, diocesan Catholic Charities programs part of any budget negotiations: In the House, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis- case management services after a March were surveyed in November to determine • Assess every budget choice for how it consin, chairman of the Committee on 10 visit to a Catholic Charities program how those areas were being addressed lo- protects or threatens human life and dig- the Budget, will slide over to head the in his district. There, he met clients who cally, Corbin said. nity. powerful tax-writing Committee on Ways were teamed with a case manager and he “We have to constantly bring pover- • Measure budget proposals by how and Means. Ryan has written recent bud- saw how they were on the way to self-suf- ty to the table. We just have to do it. It’s they affect hungry, homeless, unemployed get plans that would have resulted in less ficiency in a pilot program of Catholic never a good time. A lot of decision-mak- and impoverished people. spending on social services while imple- Charities USA. ers have a lot of things on their plate. We • Recognize that government and oth- menting tax cuts for most wage earners While the poverty discussion never understand. We have to continue to bring er institutions share responsibility to pro- had the Democratic-controlled Senate emerged as Ryan had hoped, likely be- poverty to the table,” Corbin said. mote the common good. Presentation Sister Richelle Friedman, Kim Daniels, senior adviser to Cath- director of public policy at the Coalition olic Voices USA who served a short stint on Human Needs, said that while poverty as spokeswoman for former USCCB pres- must remain a priority in the federal bud- ident Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New get, any changes that Congress may con- York, said the “time is right” for Congress sider must not reduce benefits. to work across political divides to address “We have some large concerns about poverty. She pointed to Ryan’s plan as a where we might be headed (in the new possible starting point. Congress),” she said. She added that Congress would do well In particular, Sister Richelle cited Ry- to discuss the minimum wage, “so that an’s repeated proposals for converting families can support themselves.”

POPE GREETING – Zachary resident and St. John the Baptist Church parishioner Joyce Bourgeois, center, received a blessing and a rosary from Pope Francis when she visited Rome earlier this month. While on a pilgrimage to Vatican City on Dec. 10, she was greeted by the pope. After his words to her, he asked, “Now, please pray for me and those who depend upon me.” Also pictured is Bourgeois’ grand- daughter, Nicki Plauche, left. Photo submitted by Dot Dickinson December 26, 2014 The Catholic Commentator 5

A letter from Bishop Muench regarding a change in clergy Spring Formation days

Dear People of God of the Diocese of Baton Rouge,

Beginning 2015, the Continuing Formation of the Clergy Committee de- cided to change the annual Spring Formation (Continuing Education) days, previously held in May of each year, to the Annual Priests’ Formation Days, to be held in the second full week in January. These formation days are ADVENT JESSE TREES – Students at St. Elizabeth School in Paincourtville spent one of the important ways in which the priests of our diocese are formed three weeks working on their individual Advent Jesse Trees. The students were for ministry. They offer the priests opportunities for growth in intellectual given ornaments for the 23 days preceding Christmas, with each ornament corre- and spiritual formation, emotional maturity and physical well-being. Since sponding to a set of Old Testament verses that revealed something about the these days are offered once a year, and is a commitment by the diocese for coming of the Messiah and New Testament verses that explained the Old Testa- their on-going formation, participation by the priests is mandatory. How- ment revelation. Students were required to read the Bible verses, color each orna- ever, on occasion, ministry needs arise at the same time preventing the ment and on the back of each ornament write what the verses revealed about the priests from participating in these Annual Formation days. coming of the Messiah. Photo submitted by Megan Scardina | St. Elizabeth School

With the guidance of the Diocesan Presbyteral Council, the Continuing Formation for Clergy Committee has secured a site for this year’s Annual Send your church parish, school and organization news and photos to Formation, Jan. 12-15, in Natchez, Miss. The committee and I are aware that the distance from Natchez to many of our diocesan parishes would be Richard Meek, editor, at [email protected]. significant and that pastoral ministry can and will occur during these days. Nonetheless at the express request of the Continuing Formation Commit- tee and the Presbyteral Council, I am expecting priests to attend the entire formation days’ schedule. I know this may affect certain regular minis- tries, such as daily Mass and funerals. The daily Mass schedule in your DIOCESAN parish can be adjusted as determined by your parish priest to meet the needs of your parish during Annual Formation. While this is a sacrifice, I consider this sacrifice worth making. Regarding funerals, I would ask that funerals be scheduled either before Annual Formation begins or after, Respect Life Rally but not during, the scheduled Annual Formation days. If this is completely impossible, one of the deacons from the diocese can provide the needed Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015 funeral rites, namely the vigil wake, funeral without Mass and rite of com- 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. mittal. If the local parish staff is unable to secure a deacon for this special Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center funeral need, the parish staff may call the Office of the Vicar General at (225) 387-0561 for further assistance. 1800 S. Acadian Thruway Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Over the years, attendance at our Annual Formation and Priest Retreat Keynote Speaker: BoBBy Schindler has been remarkably consistent. Pressing ministry could compromise and jeopardize our commitment to these special opportunities. I hope this let- ter helps you understand and support our priests with their commitment The Terri Schiavo caSe to their formation for ministry. I ask that you pray for our priests and our diocese during these days. Bobby Schindler, the brother of Terri Schiavo, will share the powerful, firsthand In summary, every priest of the diocese is expected to be present and account of Terri’s story and the effect the take part in Annual Formation days in Natchez. I appreciate your affirma- case has had across America. tion and encouragement of our clergy who give so much of their lives for our diocese. May God be generous in leading us into the future with hope.

Yours always in Jesus, the Good Shepherd, LISTEN: Presentations by Catholic Charities Maternity, Adoption & Behavioral Health on Project Rachel Ministry & the 2014 Pro-Life Oratory contest winner CONNECT: Respect Life groups will share information on their ministries. Robert W. Muench Get involved! Bishop of Baton Rouge PRAY: Living Rosary led by the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard PLAY: Cafts & activities for children aged 7 & under

Sponsored by the Office of Marriage & Family Life Christian Formation Secretariat – Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge Contact Danielle Van Haute 225-242-0164 or [email protected] 6 The Catholic Commentator December 26, 2014 Holy days of obligation/Praying from purgatory/Clapping at Mass

When are we going to do away The U.S. Conference the holy days and know gregation follows suit. I think that this with holy days of obligation? We of Bishops of the United their names; but of their detracts from the mood that the music Qno longer live in medieval times States decided to main- history, meaning and has just created and interferes with the when a whole village is closed down for tain the traditional six origin, they know noth- solemnity of the Mass. Is it just me, or the day. The only people at Mass now holy days. Later, in 1999, ing.” If we are to main- should applause be reserved for musical are the true die-hards. Please encour- ecclesiastical provinc- tain the six holy days of performances outside of Mass? (Lilburn, age the bishops to put the celebrations es of the country were obligation for the United Georgia) on Sunday or take away the obligation. permitted to transfer the States, we probably (Copake, New York) observance of the feast need to do a better job The church has no specific of the Ascension to the explaining their meaning “rules” for or against applause In the Catholic world, there is following Sunday, and and their importance. Aat Mass, so we are left to reason considerable variation from most of the United States for ourselves according to what com- Acountry to country in the number has done that. If I recall cor- ports with the purpose and spirit of the of holy days of obligation (when Cath- The most confusing rectly from grade liturgy. Fundamentally, I agree with olics are required to participate in the aspect, I believe, was the Question Corner Qschool (60 years your observation. Music during Mass, Eucharist). The Code of Canon Law in determination of the U.S. ago), the poor souls in whether sung by the choir or by the No. 1246 lists 10 of these, in addition bishops’ conference that Father Kenneth Doyle purgatory cannot pray congregation, is not a performance. It to Sundays, but allows national confer- whenever Jan. 1, Aug. 15 for themselves, but they is meant to glorify God and sanctify the ences of bishops to reduce the number or Nov. 1 falls on a Satur- are able to pray for those faithful. It is a form of prayer and should or to transfer their observance to a day or a Monday, the obligation to attend still in the world. I have been asked on a draw those present into deeper contact Sunday. Mass is removed. As a pastor, I confess number of occasions to say a few words with the Lord. Vatican City observes all 10, while that each time this happens I feel the at a funeral in honor of the deceased. All of which inclines me in the direc- Canada keeps only two (Christmas and need to review the regulation and explain Each time, I am moved to close my tion of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later Jan. 1). it in our church parish bulletin, because reflection with, “Pray for us, (name of to become Pope Benedict XVI), who in The United States has kept six holy neither our parishioners nor I can seem the deceased), now and at the hour of the year 2000 wrote in “The Spirit of the days of obligation: the feast of Mary, to keep it straight. our death.” Am I off-base? (Wauwatosa, Liturgy” that “whenever applause breaks Mother of God (Jan. 1); Ascension Thurs- Regretfully, I acknowledge your Wisconsin) out in the liturgy because of some human day (40 days after Easter); the Assump- contention that Mass attendance is low achievement, it is a sure sign that the tion of Our Lady (Aug.15); All Saints’ on some of these holy days. In the fourth Whether the souls in purgatory essence of the liturgy has totally disap- Day (Nov. 1); the Immaculate Conception century, St. John Chrysostom lamented can, by their prayers, help those peared and been replaced by a kind of (Dec. 8); and Christmas (Dec. 25.) in a homily that “many people celebrate Astill on earth is an unsettled religious entertainment.” question in Catholic theology and a mat- There are moments in certain litur- ter on which renowned theologians have gical celebrations when applause is wel- Look for differed. Thomas Aquinas held quite comed, although not explicitly called for. The CaThoLiC CommenTaTor definitively that the poor souls could not For example, in the ordination of a priest, help us, while Robert Bellarmine and there is a point at which the congrega- aT your LoCaL ouTLeTs inCLuding: Alphonsus Liguori believed that they tion is invited to give its approval to the ✔ Affinity Nursing Home, Baton Rouge ✔ North Ridgely Healthcare, Baker could. candidate “according to local custom,” ✔ Albertsons, Baton Rouge ✔ Oak Point Supermarket, Central The section in The Catechism of the which in the United States usually results ✔ Alexander’s Highland Market, ✔ Oak Wood Nursing Home, Zachary Catholic Church that deals with purga- in applause. Baton Rouge ✔ Old Jefferson Community Care, tory (No.1030-1032) makes no mention Apart from such instances, it seems ✔ Ascension Books & Gifts, Gonzales Baton Rouge of the holy souls praying for us, and at inappropriate during Mass to break the ✔ Baton Rouge General Hospital, ✔ Our Lady of the Lake College, no point does the liturgy of the church flow of the liturgy and spirit of prayer by Baton Rouge Baton Rouge invoke their help. clapping. Having said that, we are prop- ✔ Baton Rouge Healthcare, Baker ✔ Our Lady of the Lake Regional But we cannot exclude that possibili- erly grateful to musicians and singers ✔ Benedetto’s Market, Addis Medical Center, Baton Rouge and ty; it could be that praying for the living for adding beauty and reverence to the ✔ Bohning Supermarket, Ponchatoula Walker is part of their purification in readying celebration of the Mass. Perhaps that ✔ Calandro’s Supermarkets, ✔ Our Lady of the Lake Physician themselves for the holiness of heaven. So, gratitude could best be expressed once Baton Rouge Group, offices with locations I see no harm in asking for their prayers. the closing hymn is completed – either by ✔ Catholic Art and Gifts, Baton Rouge throughout the Diocese If they are in purgatory, they might be applause or by taking the time to compli- ✔ Daigle’s Supermarket, White Castle ✔ Reeve’s Supermarket, Baton Rouge able to pray for us; if they are already in ment members of the choir personally. ✔ Grace Healthcare, Slaughter ✔ St. Mary’s Books & Gifts, heaven, they certainly can. ✔ Hi Nabor Supermarkets, Baton Rouge Baton Rouge FATHER DOYLE is chancellor for public ✔ Hubbins Grocery, Port Allen ✔ St. Vincent dePaul Stores throughout I have noticed that when the information and a pastor in the Diocese ✔ Lane Regional Hospital, Zachary the diocese choir does a piece of music of Albany, New York. Questions may be ✔ LeBlanc’s Food Stores, Gonzales, ✔ Schexnayer Supermarket, Vacherie differently or performs a song sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfat ✔ Q Donaldsonville, Hammond, Plaquemine, Southside Produce, Baton Rouge especially well, someone inevitably [email protected] and 40 Hopewell ✔ Prairieville and Zachary Tony’s Seafood, Baton Rouge starts to applaud and the rest of the con- St., Albany, NY 12208. ✔ Louisiana Vet Home, Jackson ✔ UPS Store, Coursey Blvd., Baton ✔ Matherne’s Supermarkets, Rouge Baton Rouge ✔ Whole Foods Market, Baton Rouge ✔ Magnuson Hotel, St. Francisville ✔ Winn Dixie in Baton Rouge, Hammond, Find more ‘archived’ viewpoints from ✔ Murray’s, St. Amant New Roads and Ponchatoula Father Doyle or any of our columnists as well as your local church parish at The Catholic Commentator Online THE CATHOLIC under “Viewpoint” at: thecatholiccommentator.org

CSERVING THE DIOCESE O F BATON ROUGE SINCE 1962 December 26, 2014 FAITH JOURNEY The Catholic Commentator 7 Volunteers trained to help those in crisis By Debbie Shelley sages when they come in. The Baton Rouge The first priority is to get the fami- The Catholic Commentator Crisis Center, which is contacted by people lies to a comfortable and safe place, said from across Louisiana and some out of Young. If it is hot outside, the volunteer “I am glad you were there when I state, receives 20,000-25,000 calls and takes them inside; if they are sitting on a needed you,” is one of the most satisfy- thousands of chat messages per year. curb next to a lane of heavy traffic, they ing things volunteers for the Baton Rouge “It’s never easy to talk to someone in move them away from the curb. Crisis Intervention Center are told by peo- crisis, but they are equipped to handle it in Often, parents of children feel a sense ple who reached out to them like a lifeline the best way possible,” stated Shows. of guilt, such as when a child accidentally because they were in crisis or thinking of There are some differences in training dies from suffocation or they did not see taking their life. for the telephone versus the chat line, be- the signs that a child was going to commit The center, which received funds from cause of the fact that one is taking a live suicide. the Bishop Stanley Joseph Ott Works of call versus responding to typed messages “Guilt is a normal reaction to stress, Mercy Fund in 2014, trains volunteers for coming across a computer screen. The Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center confusion, anger and fear,” Young said. this rewarding work at the beginning of “On chat sometimes you can misinter- receives thousands of contacts each year Volunteers learn helpful things to say at each year. Volunteer counselors are trained pret (people) because you can’t hear the through its crisis chat line. Photo provided by Me- those vulnerable moments when families in active listening, crisis theory and inter- tone in their voice,” Shows said. gan Johnson | Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center are processing their loved one’s death. vention, suicide, violence assessment and Those communicating by chat, howev- They also provide them with emotional community resources, according to Haley er, tend to be more open and those working hours. Once training is complete, volun- support, resources and contact informa- Shows, clinical supervisor, crisis interven- the chat line a get a more in depth picture teers are asked to commit 12 to 18 hours a tion for agencies that can help them. By tion specialist for the crisis center. of what the person may be thinking. month. For information and an application, helping these people they are also lowering “When volunteers come in here, they But the mission of the volunteers for visit [email protected]. Deadline to sub- their risk of committing suicide themselves have an opportunity to get to learn what is phone and chat line is the same, to be em- mit an application is Jan. Tuesday, Jan. 16. out of their despair. Noting how those they effective communication … learn to listen pathetic of what the people who are con- Another critical service provided by help are grateful, Young recalled a woman to someone and to be silent when needed,” tacting them are going through and to the Baton Rouge Crisis Center, in con- who said she was surprised that someone said Shows. provide them with the services they need junction with the East Baton Rouge Par- would come at 10 at night to be with her Volunteers will learn how to connect to have a supportive and safe environment. ish Coroner’s Office, is comforting and during her time of difficulty. with someone and inform them about Shows noted that many young volun- supporting loved ones of those who died “I told her that’s what we do,” Young services available in the community. teers who have wanted to be social work- suddenly, according to Becky Young, co- said. Working on the crisis telephone or chat ers thanked her for the invaluable experi- ordinator of Traumatic Loss Outreach. Training sessions for the traumatic lines also boosts one’s personal growth ence they have received through working Volunteers are with the family of the loss program will begin on Saturday, Feb. and knowledge about “the real world,” ex- on the crisis line. deceased for the first hour after death, 28, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and again on Sunday, plained Shows. Volunteers are contacted Many people call or send a message Young stated. That may be at the scene of March 1, 1-4 p.m. by people from varied backgrounds facing back thanking the crisis center for being an accident, the hospital, the coroner’s of- Application deadline is Feb. 13. different circumstances in their lives. there when they needed help and some- fice or the family’s home. To volunteer for the Traumatic Loss The volunteer’s confidence level will one to talk to. “These people are stunned and don’t Outreach program, call Young at 225- build as they train, because they will know The next volunteer training begins know what do after they hear the tragic 924-1431, visit brcic.org or email by- how to handle particular calls or chat mes- Thursday, Jan. 22 and is approximately 60 news,” said Young. [email protected]. Let God guide your resolutions for life

don’t know about you, but Do you see yourself as a loving serious. Your eternal happiness open to the whispering of the year after year I find myself person? God wants us to help one depends on it, but so do your Holy Spirit so that all year long Ibreaking my New Year’s reso- another. Do you strive to help self-respect, your joy and your you will have the holy desire to lutions. Having said that, I read- others? God wants us to teach one happiness in this life. surrender to the urgings of the ily admit that as we approach another. Do you teach spiritual Knowing that God wants you Holy Spirit as they come along. New Year’s, we need focus. This values by good example? God to be happy and that he actually These urgings are called graces. is a good time to get serious wants us to forgive one another. teaches you the way to achieve Be assured that your good about our future happiness. Am I Do you harbor anger or resent- it can be a life-changing experi- intentions are duly noted in on the right track or not? ment? God wants us to comfort ence. It has been known to alter heaven, but try to let God be the To test yourself, you might one another. Do you have com- people’s entire direction in life. one who reminds you of them. find it helpful to stop and think passion for those who suffer? Am I serious about not mak- May the Lord be your about what God wants you to do As you can see, we’ve moved ing any New Year’s resolutions strength and your joy. for him. Surely you must realize away from the topic of your hap- for 2015? Yes and no. If you feel that your happiness for all eter- piness. Or have we? Clarifying the more comfortable with a specific FATHER CATOIR writes on issues of nity is linked to that question. Spirituality definition of happiness is precise- goal, then God bless you. My spirituality for today’s Catholic We usually think quite a lot ly the point. Self-centered people hope is to convince you to be for Catholic News Service. about New Year’s resolutions, For Today are usually grasping, egotistical, but I don’t think it’s helpful to dominating, obnoxious and un- stress much about them. We tend Father John Catoir happy. They moan and complain, to break them a few weeks after even when they have much more Jan. 1 and then drift back to our tells us that God is pleased when than the average person. normal lives. I prefer to put the we invite him into our lives and God wants you to be happy. emphasis where it belongs: on then strive to do his will. He He knows that egotism is exactly God. What does he want? wants us to accept his love and the wrong way to achieve hap- Here’s the heart of it. When share it with others. It all comes piness. It usually breeds misery. you love others, you try to please down to the art of pleasing God That’s why he commands you them, isn’t that true? Pleasing by becoming spiritually altruistic. to love your neighbor. It’s not a God is simple when you think Are you spiritually altruistic? suggestion; it’s not a plea. It’s a about it. Everything in Scripture God wants us to love one another. command. God’s will is deadly 8 The Catholic Commentator December 26, 2014

Support the advertisers of The Catholic Our Lady of the Lake College announces Commentator. They make your Catholic December graduates newspaper possible! More than 160 Our Lady of the Lake School of Nursing: College students were conferred master’s, bachelor’s or associate degrees during the Master of Science in Nurse DIOCESE OF JACKSON - CATHOLIC SCHOOLS college’s commencement exercises held Anesthesia PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AVAILABLE on Dec. 19. Jerred Anderson, Kayla Brubaker, Meagan 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR During his keynote speech, Father Champagne, Jeremy Dufrene, Parker Ellis, Matthew Lorrain, pastor of St. John the Jodi Fremin, Trevor Grau, Nathan Han- ST. ALOYSIUS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL – VICKSBURG, MS Baptist Church in Brusly, talked about berry, Sam Heath, Travis Hibbert, John GRADES 7-12 (277 STUDENTS) the importance of mentors to the success Hoffpauir, Douglas Hymel, Michael John- of new graduates. Father Lorrain was son, James Keith, Courtney Kelly, Kathryn ST. ANTHONY CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – MADISON, MS ordained to the priesthood in 1986 and Kelly, Paul Lafleur, Richard Levy, Deron PRE-KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 6 (277 STUDENTS) appointed vocation director from 2005- Lewis, Jarrod Peters, Christina Prender- 2012, after having served in several par- gast, Emily Smith, Brendan Weishaar, ST. RICHARD CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – JACKSON, MS ishes in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. A Justin Williams, Matthew Williams, Alex PRE-KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 6 (303 STUDENTS) long-time advocate of Catholic education Wimberley, Robyn Wriborg and vocations, Father Lorrain is a cur- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Qualifications: rent Our Lady of the Lake College Board Sarah Aldridge, Alissa Allen, Shelley Al-  Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing Trustee. lison, Clayton Alombro, Kristin Alon-  Master of Education degree in School Leadership or equivalent The college awarded its Student Ex- so, Brandi Anderson, Elizabeth Antoon,  Hold or be eligible to obtain a Mississippi Educator License in School cellence and Commitment to Service Taylor Azar, Katie Ballard, Sunnybrooke Leadership Award to Bridget Jones, a bachelor’s Banks, Latoya Barnes, Brittany Barnett, degree in nursing graduate. In addi- Kalynn Bell, Natalie Bertucci, Heather  Previous administrative experience, preferably in Catholic education tion to maintaining a high GPA, Jones Best, Erica Blank, Patricia Boguslawski,  Strong communication and collaborative leadership skills was an outstanding a leader for the col- Nicholas Boone, Raymond Boudreaux,  Commitment to the importance of Catholic school ministry in the church lege’s Student Nurses Association (SNA), Reva Broussard, Maxwell Breaux, Kris-

and served as the Louisiana state SNA ten Bridges, Shalecia Brown, Tracy Bur- Additional information available online at president and regional representative gess, Kayla Cannon, Lyndsi Carter, Christi http://schools.jacksondiocese.org/education-overview/resources/ at conferences in Tennessee and the Chaves, Kassie Claverie, Kenndrica Crum, or Email a request to: [email protected] Carolinas. A strong advocate for breast Kenneth Crum, Lindsey Cullen, Charrisa cancer awareness, Jones organized an- Culpepper, Alisha Davis, Christopher Da- nual walks that involved hundreds of vis, Dara Deitch, Kristian Dijamco, Halie

HELLO MY NAME students. She also helped implement a Domiano, Morgan Ducote, Ashton Dupuy, IS... fund-raising project for children in Haiti Ariyeil Edwards, Ashley Escoe, Daniel Fly- and assisted with CI HealthCare Days, an nn, Lorri Fontenot, Kelli Galiano, Sonjac opportunity for high school juniors and George, Anita Gilbert, Alicia Giraldo, Mar- FR. JOSEPH seniors to actively learn about healthcare garet Godfrey, Amanda Grzych, Elizabeth ESPAILLAT careers. When asked to name one of her Hammett, Kari Hartley, Robert Hawkes, future professional goals, Jones always Kristie Henderson, Blake Hoff, Shelly includes her desire to “help others as a Holder, Tara Hollins, Sarah Holtmyer, Eric registered nurse who practices the daily Hymel, Lashelle Johnson, Bridget Jones, ‘spirit of healing’ by helping the patient’s Kareen Kaltakdjian, Kristopher Kind- family members as well as the patient – schuh, Sarah Kolbe, Evan Laiche, Chloe one day at a time.” Lawson, Christine Leblanc, Kaelyn LeB- Anticipating trends in healthcare, the lanc, Cassie Lemoine, Melissa Marcantel, college has transitioned away from of- Danielle Martrain, Jowana McCaskill, COOPER RAY fering Associate of Science in Nursing Anastasia McPherson Richardson, Megan degrees and now only offers Bachelor of McIntosh, Storie Melancon, Natalie Mills Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees. This Miller, Jessica Moran, Christine Mullally, WHEN: graduation ceremony featured the col- Rachael Nethken, Sarah Nicholas, Lau- Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015 lege’s first foundational BSN class. ra Parsons, Caroline Pourciau, Sheena 8 am – 9:30 pm Powell, Isabella Prehn, Jessalyn Prejean, School of Arts, Sciences and Amberlee Roaden, Charley Roberson, Health Professions: Chase Robert, Naydean Ruffin, Carla Sal- vatore Bimmler, Danette Scherer, Janeka WHERE: Master of Health Administration Scott, Rachael Searcy, Kristen Self, Jessica Maegan Dunn, Jessica Miller, Jan Pen- Simoneaux, Ashleigh Smith, Jarred Smith, Catholic Life Center nington Rebecca Smith, Laura Spell, Magahn Stan- 1800 S. Acadian Thruway Bachelor of Science in Biology ga, Bradley Taylor, Janie Theriot, Ashley Baton Rouge, LA Kynesha Johnson, Regan Thomas, Mar- Thornton, Tiffani Traina, Sally Trammell, CONTACT US quis Heard Megan Vollenweider, Amanda Wallner, The Diocese of Baton Rouge Presents the 225-336-8751 Bachelor of Science in Clinical Kayeli Watts, Vance White, Molly Whit- Diocesan Youth Conference • FEATURING • Laboratory Sciences more, Leonie Woollery, Caitlin Yeager, Keynote Speaker • Fr. Joseph Espaillat • House [email protected] Erika Coates, Alicia Joseph, Gavin Mont- Brittany Young, Xiomara Zelaya, Helaine Band • Cooper Ray [email protected] gomery, Chelcee Pollock, Megan Schoo- Zito nover, Alexis Stratmann, Kali Vicknair, Associate of Science in Nursing P.O. Box 2028 Danielle Williams Nicole Anthony, Ashley Chambers, Ra- Baton Rouge, LA 70821 Bachelor of Science in Health chel Guillory, Kimberly Hutchinson, Eth- WWW.DIOBRYOUTH.ORG Service Administration el Nelson, Tuesday Netherland, Brittany Johne Walker Templet December 26, 2014 The Catholic Commentator 9 Redemptorist alumni react to news of closing By Barbara Chenevert The Catholic Commentator

RIP – Redemptorist. The Facebook post said it all as alumni and parents expressed sadness and disappointment over news that Redemptorist Junior and Senior High School would close at the end of the 2014-15 school year. “I feel really sad,” said Klare Joyce, a member of the RHS Alumni Board and parent to three RHS graduates. “I think the school is a victim of circum- stances, especially location, it just couldn’t overcome.” Former Home and School Association president Carolyn Murry said she was “shocked and surprised” to hear that Re- demptorist is closing. “A lot of people worked very hard to try and keep it afloat, but I guess it wasn’t enough. I was told nu- merous times that (diocesan of- ficials) wanted Redemptorist to stay, right where it was; it was a Catholic presence in a part of town that needed it.” Bishop Robert W. Muench said he has visited Redemptorist High School on more than 60 occasions during the past 12 years. “I care about the “I am quite saddened because students, I care about the faculty, I care about the community,” he said. Catholic Commentator staff photo the place meant a lot to so many people. There are businesses in niece graduated from RHS, said, that area that relied on the in- “We are a Redemptorist family. flux of people in and out of there. We never considered being a part I hope the entire North Baton of any other school. We believe in Rouge area can survive without Catholic education and the family this beacon of hope being there. environment that RHS has that is I hope all the alumni will be able unmatched anywhere. to keep the spirit of Redemptor- “I wish that could have been ist alive in spite of this decision,” enough. I respect the wisdom of she said. the bishop, but it’s just really sad.” Lawrence Robillard, current Stewart said he received calls president of the RHS alumni from across the country as news association, has called an emer- of Redemptorist’s closing spread. gency board meeting for next Alumni and RHS parent Tuesday. He said he would not Maureen Williams also said she make a statement until after the is “very upset and hurt” by the board meeting. closing of the school which has Barry Stewart, alumni and a 67-year history in North Baton RHS parent, said he was heart- Rouge. broken. “I feel like a tragedy has “My family has a legacy at just happened. I have been a part RHS. Five members of the fam- of RHS since I was 12. I went ily have graduated from there. there is seventh-grade and never I am sad and disappointed. Re- Bishop Robert Tracy is shown blessing a new building at Redemptorist Junior High School on Feb. 25, 1964. left the school.” demptorist has been very good On Friday, Dec. 19, Bishop Robert W. Muench announced Redemptorist High School and Junior High Stewart, whose two sons and a to us,” she said. School will close June 30. Photo provided by the Diocese of Baton Rouge Archives Department

“Today we are happy because The pope’s comments came ples,” he said. ican secretary of state, said the Pope praises we have seen how two peoples Dec. 18 in a speech to 13 new am- Referring to the announce- pope’s “culture of encounter” who were distanced for so many bassadors to the Vatican. ments by the United States and was a decisive tipping point for diplomacy years took a step toward each The pope told them that the Cuba Dec. 17 to restore relations, restored relations and offers the other yesterday,” he told a group work of an ambassador is carried but without specifically naming key to diplomatic success stories VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope of new ambassadors. out with “tiny steps, tiny things” the two countries, the pope told in the future. Francis expressed his joy over the The pope credited the break- even “really tiny” efforts. the diplomats that the rapproche- The cardinal said this land- historic turning point in U.S.-Cu- through to the consistent, con- But all of those efforts “always ment “was moved forward by mark move has come after many ba relations as the two countries stant efforts of the nations’ am- end in creating peace, bringing ambassadors, by diplomacy. Your years of the hard work of many agreed to restore diplomatic ties bassadors and the “noble” task of people’s hearts closer together, work is noble, very noble.” people, including the popes, after half a century. diplomacy. sowing fraternity among peo- Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vat- starting with St. John XXIII. 10 The Catholic Commentator | December 26, 2014 December 26, 2014 | The Catholic Commentator 11 SHE ‘STOLE’ HIS HEART “He held them up and I could see his heart come out, that he was so grateful over the quality of the craftsmanship and the transformation of the stoles.”

Beads embellish a stole bearing the images of the four evangelists.

Father David Allen said he is honored to wear stoles cre- ated by his younger sister, Madlyn Hicks. Among Hicks’ favorite pieces is this stole, which she beaded for her brother, Father David Allen, pastor of Holy Family Church in Port Allen. Photos by Barbara Hicks uses some gems taken from vintage jewelry belonging to relatives to enhance Chenevert | The Catholic Commentator the stoles.

Father Allen’s sister adds sparkle to his homily helped me to develop and nourish it.” said she would sit in front of the television on Saturday Hicks said she prays to the Blessed Mother before start- mornings and watch a “how to draw” show. Her mother By Barbara Chenevert Hicks said she first got the idea of beading stoles when ing anything creative. “Somehow my pieces come out and searched for art lessons for her, but kept getting turned The Catholic Commentator she and Father Allen went to Rome about 15 years ago. I can’t explain how, other than her blessing to me through down because of Madlyn’s age. When she contacted the “He took me to a store where clergy bought vestments and Christ. She is truly my teacher who has taken over what- YWCA and was told they didn’t teach children, Madelyn’s s the only girl among five older brothers, Madlyn chalices, and I was fascinated by the intricate work on ever I am creating. I believe that with all my heart.” mom loaded up her up in the car and drove to the YWCA, Hicks’ mother was determined that she would be a white gold chalices, the jewels, and the workmanship on Mary must have been a “creative, artsy person,” she “I started crying – I was scared. I knew I was going some- A“girly-girl.” Consequently she took lessons to learn the vestments. So one day when David was not with me, added. “I feel she connects with me because she lived with where children weren’t welcome. But going up against my to sew, crochet, knit, paint and dance. I went back to the store and asked (the owner) to help me an artist, St. Joseph, who was a carpenter. She never fails mother was impossible.” Hicks said she stood along the “She was going to make me a girly-girl and she succeed- pick out some stoles. I purchased them without David’s me.” wall and watched about 30 senior citizens doing artwork. ed,” Hicks said, adding she always wore dresses growing knowledge. I came back here, Hicks’ journey into artistry But as she watched, she began to feel an inner peace. “I up and didn’t own a pair of slacks until she went off to purchased some beads and it I am honored that my sister has started early in her life. “I was immediately connected to the art in the room. The instruc- college. took me about four months to the only girl and the baby. The tor never recognized me, he just glared, but after about 30 But that determination paid off as Hicks is now an ac- bead them.” a talent ... and sets fire to their family grew up close. When we minutes when he saw I was quiet, he invited me to walk complished artist, art teacher and seamstress, who loves But then Hicks worried about were young, my brothers used around and look at the work,” which she did for the next to embellish vestments for the priest of the church she at- his reaction. “This was going to (the people’s) hearts. It adds a to polish my fingernails and two hours. “I felt like I was in ‘art heaven,’ ” Hicks said. tends – who incidentally is Father David Allen, her brother be new for him. Was he going to toenails. David and Fred, the two Hicks continued to develop her art skills during high and pastor of Holy Family Church in Port Allen. be comfortable among his fel- sense of awe to the Eucharist. youngest boys, would play with school and eventually was awarded a scholarship to Co- Hicks buys stoles and vestments and enhances them low priests wearing them?” But Father David Allen me. lombia College in Missouri, where she focused on art and with detailed beading to highlight the Eucharistic bread when he opened her gift, she “They all like to say I’m spoiled dance. After two years she transferred to Stephens College, Pastor, Holy Family Church and wine, the four evangelists or crosses displayed on the said, she will never forget his rotten but I don’t think of myself an all women’s college, and fulfilled her father’s dream of garments. Some of the beads she uses are gems taken from face. “He held them up and I could see his heart come out, that way. I started working at the age of 14,” Hicks said. her becoming a Golden Girl. (But for the University of Mis- vintage jewelry that belonged to her mother, grandmother, that he was so grateful over the quality of the craftsman- Every summer she would take sewing lessons at Baton souri Tigers, not LSU.) aunts or other people close to the family. ship and the transformation of the stoles. It was something Rouge High School where she was the youngest in the Hicks, who is married and has three children, now Father Allen is proud to wear the work of his younger plain coming out as an artform. It made me feel so much class. But she said her real passion was drawing. “In first teaches art classes in her home as well as at Holy Family sister, whom he calls “kid.” closer to him.” grade at St. Joseph School downtown (Baton Rouge), I School, where she said principal Michael Comeau brings “What I like is that the people notice that, I, as a priest Asked where she gets her inspiration, she said she developed a strong interest in drawing. I would go to the new energy to enrichment and academic classes. of the diocese consider the Eucharist the most important frequently goes to the library for books and searches “end- reading center (in school) and pull out one book, an il- “I’m a very driven and passionate person. I am passing thing we do, and to bring this into it gives an external less” magazines. But she added her mother just attributed lustrated Cinderella book. Sister Adele would say, ‘You are that on to the students in the classroom. This image of Jesus sands out with Hicks’ beading. sign of preciousness, reverence and respect for God. And it to “a sixth sense. In my mind I could transform a room supposed to read the book, not try to draw the pictures You never stop learning. When you have a passion for it gives the people that reverence,” he said. “I am honored or a garment, I could reform it, reshape it. I could see inside.’ She told me that on a daily basis.” the arts, you are always creating in some form. I don’t that my sister has a talent that speaks to that and sets fire what I wanted and would work until I achieved it. But that But Sister Adele saw something special in this young girl know what is next for me. It could be anything. Everything The Eucharistic bread and wine are highlighted with intricate beadwork. to their hearts. It adds a sense of awe to the Eucharist.” was from God. It is a God-given talent. The man upstairs and told her mother about her passion for drawing. Hicks is next,” she said. 12 The Catholic Commentator December 26, 2014 Youth come home winners in Pelicans’ loss By Debbie Shelley adult ministry for the diocese said, “The youth benefit The Catholic Commentator from the game event and events like this because it pro- vides a social element to youth ministry.” The Diocese of Baton Rouge Youth Ministry Program “Youth ministry is based heavily in relationships and made the winning plays of combining the Catholic faith for most of us, growth in our faith has to start with this and fellowship to come out the victors in a nail biting relational component of doing fun youth events that can overtime game between the New Orleans Pelicans and plant seeds and hopefully lead to participation in the the Golden State Warriors on Dec. 14 in New Orleans. deeper and more spiritual events which can lead us into Junior high and high school youth from the Diocese a deeper encounter with God,” Messenger said. of Baton Rouge boarded a bus and headed to Smoothie The youth’s comments indicated that the overall ob- King Arena, where the Pelicans hosted a Kids Night that jective of the trip to the game was successful. intermixed the game with fun activities for kids. Kiley Griffin said the trip was her first opportunity to After warming up with some concessions, the youth see a Pelicans game live. joined in the flow of the fans loudly cheering on their Youth from the Diocese of Baton Rouge cheer on the Peli- “They’re really good,” said Griffin, a member of the home team. They were even caught on camera during cans during their game against the Golden State Warriors Sacred Heart youth group, who commented that spend- the blitz shots of fans displayed on a video screen above Dec. 14 at the Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans. Photo ing time with her friends made the event especially fun the court. The youth became more engrossed with the by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator for her. competition after they were given the opportunity to give Sarah Bertrand, also a member of the Sacred Heart the Pelicans players high fives as they returned through a so they could have their picture taken on the court fol- youth group, said she was proud of how well the Pelicans tunnel to the court after halftime. Many of the youth said lowing the game. Their eyes remained glued to the moni- played. this was a highlight of the night for them. tors on which the game was televised, and their reactions “It was exciting to get to hang out with everyone from The Pelicans, who trailed 60-51 at halftime, also ap- told the story of the hard fought battle, as they leaped the youth group,” Bertrand said. parently received a “pick up” from the high fives, as they and pumped their hands in the air when the Pelicans Zachary Hardy, a member of Immaculate Conception went on an 13-0 run in the third quarter, started by a took command and groaned when the Warriors took the Church in Lakeland, said he thought the game would be dunk by Jeff Withey. lead. The Pelicans played valiantly, but “blinked” in the good but was surprised by how close the game was and The Pelicans were poised to break the Warrior’s 15- final few minutes, and the game slipped away from them. how much fun he had meeting other people. game winning streak, but the Warriors, who lead the They lost 128 - 122. Christian Ford, another member of the Sacred Heart NBA Western Conference, hung in to tie the score at 111 But winning or losing was not as important to the youth group, was not surprised by how fun the game or at the end of regulation time. youth as the fact that they were able to mingle with their companionship was, because this had been his fourth As the final minutes of overtime ticked down, the di- peers. year in a row to go, and he hopes to go again next year. ocesan youth waited in the hallway outside of the court Tim Messenger, associate director of youth and young “It’s a great way to get people together,” Hardy said.

Most Blessed Sacrament Coming January 23, 2015 Catholic School cordially invites you to attend its OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, JAN. 11, 2015

• The 12:45most current – schedules 2 p.m. for the churches in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. A 2013 National Blue Ribbon School • Lists Masses both alphabetically by towns and by of Excellence, time of day MBS is in its • Lists Spanish and signed Masses for Hearing 35th year ofImpaired Masses. providing a CatholiC SChoolS Week teaching atmosphere which 2015 Of special interest to parents, The Catholic Schools Week promotes section will feature information about the Catholic schools in Gospel values the Diocese of Baton Rouge, current registration for the next and academic school year, distinguished graduates and more. excellence for • Limited openings our students. • Comprehensive Deadline for advertising is January 13, 2015. K – 8 program • Extended Day Care Call Wanda at 225-387-0983. available • Non-discriminatory THE CATHOLIC 8033 Baringer Road admissions policy Baton Rouge, LA 70817 225-751-0273 www.mbsbr.org C   December 26, 2014 The Catholic Commentator 13

CAROLING AT THE NURSING Ho Ho Ho-moousios HOME – St. Thomas More School choir students sang Christmas car- ’ve always thought Santa was ols and spoke with the residents at kind of scary. He’s a burly Capitol House and Guest House Idude, wearing a red jumpsuit. nursing home and rehabilitation He breaks into our homes, steals centers. Administrators said the our cookies and puts coal in our residents were cheered by the stu- stockings. No wonder the major- dents’ visit. Photo provided by Tootie Lee | ity of young babies cry when sat St. Thomas More School on this stranger’s lap. But to tell the truth, St. Nick was no “walk in the park.” Let me explain. Nicolas of Myra was a bishop of Asia Minor in the 4th century. Along with being known for leav- ing gifts on people’s doorsteps and money in people’s shoes, he Sign of the Times was also one of the many bishops at the Council of Nicaea in AD Deacon Brad Doyle 325. In the council, Nicolas was a proponent for Christian Or- look like waves crashing into thodoxy particularly against the rocks, a volcano exploding or me- Arian heresy. The heresy stated teorites crashing into earth. That that Jesus was not fully divine cute baby should shake us to our because he was at one point cre- core and make our knees grow ated by the Father. This is obvi- weak, because in that baby, di- ously wrong; the Second Person vinity and humanity were joined, of the Trinity has existed from God became man, the creator all eternity. He is consubstan- dropped down to his creation, tial, with the Father. The techni- and our salvation was begun. cal Greek term is homoousios, or The Arian heretics of the “one in being.” We profess it every early church didn’t necessarily Sunday when we say the Nicene “want” to be wrong. The defini- Creed. But that creed came from tion of a heretic means they somewhere. It came from the think they’re right. They were Council of Nicaea. Thanks Santa heretics because they couldn’t Claus. Ho Ho Ho-moousios! handle the scandal of the incar- One of my favorite stories nation. To them, it was complete about St. Nicolas has him argu- hogwash that God would “actu- TOY DRIVE – The St. Michael the Archangel High School student council held a Christmas toy ing with Arius, the inventor of the ally” become man. To them, Je- drive to benefit the St. Vincent dePaul Society. Students in grades 9-12 collected more than 500 toys heresy, on the council floor. After sus couldn’t be divine because and almost $500, which student council officers used to purchase toys and other items for children a long and heated debate, Nicolas God just wouldn’t do that. They ages 12 and under. The success of the drive was because of a contest among home rooms, which drew back and punched out Arius were wrong. He did. Religion teacher Donna Bass’ class won. Overall, the seniors collected the most toys and received cold. That’s right, the jolly ole St. There are many lessons we the class cup spirit points for this event. Photo provided by St. Michael High School Nick laid the smack down on that can learn from St. Nicolas’ en- heretic. Santa Claus IS coming to counter with Arius and his her- town, and he’s bringing the theo- esy. One could be: don’t cross a logical hammer. Turkish bishop while calling him I don’t recall this story to high- jolly. A more important one is: light the violence of it, though I trust the church. The real differ- do believe Bruce Willis wouldn’t ence between St. Nicolas and Ar- have minded Santa as his Die ius was that St. Nicolas trusted Hard sidekick. I bring it up as an Christ and the church that Christ example of how very important founded. The entire tradition up the truths of the faith were to the until AD 325 said that Jesus was early Christians and still should divine. The Scriptures said it, be today. As was already stated, the bishops said it, it was clear. we say the Creed every Sunday, St. Nicolas trusted the church, but how many times do we actu- Arius trusted himself. ally think about what we’re say- There will be many times in ing? Even more, how often do we our contemporary context that understand what we’re saying? we will be asked to trust some- At least the church fathers were thing other than the church. The fighting over important things. church that gave you the Creed, STORY TEASERS – Fourth graders at Most Blessed Sacrament School dressed as a character We just punch each other for a is the same church that gives you from a book they had recently read as they gave a brief “teaser” about the book to their class. Pic- spot in line at Macy’s on Black her teachings today. The ques- tured are, from left, Matt O’Lind, dressed as Star Lord from the book, “Guardian of the Galaxy;” Ken- Friday. tion is, will you be Arius, or St. dall Gauthier, dressed a Secret Service agent from “Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride;” Justin Maylon, When we look in the manger Nicolas. I, for one, desire to be dressed as Secret Agent Geronimo from the book of the same name; Mia Scott, dressed as Nikki from we should absolutely see a cute like the saint. He knows when “Dark Diaries, Tales from a Not So Glam TV Star;” and Ella Ortego, dressed as Nikki from “Dark Diaries, baby. But we should also see a you’ve been bad or good, so be Tales from a Not So Happily Ever After.” Photo provided by Carolin Milner | Most Blessed Sacrament School great scandal as well. We should good for goodness sake. It’s just see a complete paradox. It should safer that way. 14 The Catholic Commentator ENTERTAINMENT December 26, 2014

Cumberbatch) who long ago exiled them exhibits, among them President Theo- Motion Picture Association of America from their ancestral bastion is slain, dore Roosevelt (Robin Williams), an MOVIE ratings: G – General audiences; all ages admitted the brave band of Dwarves whose quest Egyptian pharaoh (Rami Malek), Attila PG – Parental guidance suggested; some to reclaim their fabled citadel has been the Hun (Patrick Gallagher) and Lew- REVIEWS material may not be suitable for children aided by the formerly fainthearted Hob- is and Clark’s Native American guide USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting PG-13 – Parents are strongly cautioned bit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) is Sacajawea (Mizuo Peck), accompany classifications: to give special guidance for attendance finally able to recover their stronghold. the watchman and his rebel teenage son A-I – General patronage of children under 13; some material may But the untold wealth stored up in the (Skyler Gisondo) on their excursion over- A-II – Adults and adolescents be inappropriate for young children mountain fortress begins to obsess their seas, where Sir Lancelot (Dan Stevens), A-III – Adults R – Restricted; under 17 requires accom- king (Richard Armitage), making him legendary knight of the Round Table, A-IV – Adults, with reservations panying parent or adult guardian hopelessly greedy and paranoid just as joins the quest. Despite occasional toi- L – Limited adult audience NC-17 – No one under 17 admitted O – Morally offensive a vast army of evil Orcs (led by Manu let humor and outsized dinosaur behav- Bennett) is on the march against them. ior that might intimidate tots, overall, The warping effects of avarice are poised Levy’s film offers viewers good-natured against the redeeming consequences of and amiable fun. Some intense action Annie and co-writer Will Gluck’s wholesome heroic selflessness in this combat-heavy sequences, childish scatological humor, Columbia story for all ages carries positive mes- parable, which also sees the return of mild innuendo. A-II; PG Exuberant, updated adaptation of the sages about love, family, and forgiveness. Ian McKellen as the wizard who first 1977 Broadway musical (and 1982 film), A couple of crass terms, fleeting mature prompted Bilbo’s transformation. The Exodus: Gods and Kings based on the “Little Orphan Annie” com- references. A-II; PG film offers valuable lessons for those Fox ic strip by Harold Gray. In present-day viewers mature enough to endure its Big but boring, director Ridley Scott’s Manhattan, a foster child (Quvenzhane The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies many armed confrontations. Pervasive, epic 3-D take on the biblical event of the Wallis, a native of Houma, La.) dreams of Warner Bros. sometimes harsh battle violence with title is skittish where miracles are con- finding her real parents, while living with Director and co-writer Peter Jackson’s minimal gore, a couple of crass expres- cerned and revisionist in its treatment of four other girls and a wicked, drunken trilogy of films based on Catholic novel- sions. A-II; PG-13 the relationship between Moses (Chris- mess (Cameron Diaz) of a temporary ist J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1937 fantasy for chil- tian Bale) and the Almighty. Raised as a guardian. Her rescuer arrives in an un- dren, set in Tolkien’s imaginary world of Into the Woods foster son to Egypt’s Pharaoh (John Tur- likely form: a billionaire businessman Middle-earth, reaches a rousing finale as Disney turro) and adoptive brother of the heir (Jamie Foxx) who takes her in for public- the forces of good and evil, both within Despite its fairy-tale roots, this ini- to the throne (Joel Edgerton), the future ity purposes as he campaigns for mayor. and surrounding its characters, confront tially pleasing but ultimately problem- patriarch is sent into exile when a cor- The fun begins as she casts a spell on her each other in a climactic struggle. After atic adaptation of Stephen Sondheim rupt official (Ben Mendelsohn) whose new benefactor, and vice versa. Director the fearsome dragon (voice of Benedict and James Lapine’s long-running 1987 wrongdoing he has uncovered reveals stage musical is an inappropriate choice his lowly origin as the child of a Hebrew for youthful moviegoers. As scripted by slave. Working as a shepherd, he finds sol- Lapine, the action wittily interweaves ace in married life (with Maria Valverde) a number of classic children’s stories until his contentment is once again dis- those of Cinderella (Anna Kendrick) and turbed when God oddly personified by an Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy) among 11-year-old boy (Isaac Andrews) calls on them with its main narrative tracing a him to lead his enslaved compatriots to childless couple’s (James Corden and freedom. While Scott’s film has comput- Emily Blunt) quest to undo the curse er-generated effects to spare, especially of barrenness placed on his family by a in the plague scenes, its human interac- witch (Meryl Streep) whom his father tion is stilted and uninvolving. Consider- (Simon Russell Beale) long ago wronged. able combat and other violence with some All this transpires whimsically enough at gore, religious themes requiring mature first under Rob Marshall’s direction. But discernment, restrained sexual content, late plot developments lead into brood- including a gay innuendo and two marital ing reflections on the two-edged legacy bedroom scenes. A-III; PG-13 of gaining worldly experience and, more disturbingly, into an apparent rejection The Pyramid of objective moral standards in favor of Fox do-it-yourself ethics. Possibly acceptable Cross “The Mummy” with “Alien” and for older teens. Complex moral themes you get this schlock horror film about requiring mature discernment, a scene scary things that go bump in the Egyp- of adulterous kissing, some stylized vio- tian night, directed by Gregory Levas- lence, the mildly abusive treatment of seur. His documentary format purports minors. A-III; PG to tell the “true” story of an American ar- cheological expedition in Cairo in 2013, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb set against the upheavals of the Arab Fox Spring. A father-daughter team of scien- All creatures great and small, includ- tists (Denis O’Hare and Ashley Hinshaw) ing some long-dead humans, spring to have discovered a pyramid buried deep life when the sun goes down in this good- under the desert. A journalist (Christa natured and mostly family-friendly third Nicola) and her wisecracking camera- film in the popular franchise, directed man (James Buckley) chronicle their ex- like its predecessors by Shawn Levy. A cavation of it. When contact is lost with guard (Ben Stiller) at New York’s Ameri- a robot rover that’s been sent inside the can Museum of Natural History har- structure, its operator (Amir K) joins the nesses the power of an ancient Egyptian others on a rescue mission. Before long, tablet, which makes the exhibits around of course, it’s apparent that something him come alive at nightfall. But the tal- sinister is lurking underground. Bloody isman is decaying, and fixing it requires violence and gory images, brief partial crossing the Atlantic to London’s Brit- female nudity, some profane and crude ish Museum. A gaggle of Gotham-based language. A-III; R December 26, 2014 ENTERTAINMENT The Catholic Commentator 15

12345 6789 11120 131

What are you waiting for? 41 51 61

What are you waiting for? While you’re waiting it’s the time you lose 71 81 91 What are you waiting for? What are you waiting for? 02 221 2 32 Don’t you wanna spread your wings and fly? Are you waiting on a lightning strike? Don’t you really wanna live your life? 254 2 276 282

Are you waiting for the perfect night? Don’t you wanna love before you die? 92 3301332 3 Are you waiting ‘till the time is right? What are you waiting for? What are you waiting for? 354 363 73 83 Don’t you wanna learn to deal with fear? (Repeat refrain.) 93 04 14 Don’t you wanna take the wheel and steer? Don’t you wait another minute here? Tell me what you’re waiting for 42 34 44 What are you waiting for? Show me what you’re aiming for 465 4 74 What you gonna save it for? Refrain: So, what you really waiting for? 84 409 51525 You gotta go and reach for the top Believe in every dream that you got Tell me what you’re waiting for 543 555 576 5 85 You’re only living once so tell me Show me what you’re aiming for 95 610 6 632 6 What are you, what are you waiting for? What you gonna save it for? You know you gotta give it your all So what you really waiting for? 46 56 66 And don’t you be afraid if you fall Everybody’s going to make mistakes 76 86 96 You’re only living once so tell me But everybody’s got a choice to make What are you, what are you waiting for? Everybody needs a leap of faith moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www When are you taking yours? ACROSS because they were this Are you waiting for the right excuse? 2 Express a belief 1 Prize won by Mother Teresa 3 Musical groups Are you waiting for a sign to choose? (Repeat refrain.) 6 CC less than M 4 Johann ___, 16th century de- 10 Pace fender of Catholicism Sung by Nickelback | Copyright © 2014 by Republic Records 14 With speed 5 Wounds 15 Scintilla 6 French-Canadian Catholic sing- 16 Liturgical ___ ing phenomenon 17 Problems 7 Permanent state of life charac- 18 Second son of Judah terized by the profession of the When waiting and taking it slow is the right choice 19 Launch grp. evangelical counsels 20 “…world without ___. Amen” 8 Windy city transport initials anadian rockers Nickel- Of course, there also comes a 21 Charged particles 9 Fire back have a long list of time when we need to stop waiting 23 Number of days Jesus spent in 10 Meetings of bishops the desert 11 Pillow stainer Cawards and success and as and act. Going back to my example 24 Autocrat 12 Nod, vis-à-vis Eden 2015 nears, their career almost above, you could get to know the 26 Grew less 13 Say the rosary spans two decades of music mak- person better before asking for 29 Talking Tolkien tree 22 Melvin of baseball 30 Cabbage salad 23 “___ my sheep” (Jn 21:17) ing. a date. Eventually, you will see 34 Melts 25 Church seats The band’s latest hit “What whether the person is open to dat- 37 Examined furtively 27 One of the 10 plagues Are You Waiting For?” encour- ing again, and then you can ask 38 Serpent’s tail? 28 Ran, as colors 39 Joseph and Benjamin, to Jacob 31 Easter flower ages us to think about the idea of for a date. Waiting does not assure 40 Uncultivated country 32 Patron saint of Canada the right timing in our lives. that the person will take up your 41 Bone of the forearm 33 Damage by regular use The song’s protagonist says, invitation. 42 ___, amas, amat 34 Former Russian ruler 43 Decrees 35 Tarsus, to Paul “You gotta go and reach for the Often, when the time to act is 44 Pilot 36 Hie’s partner top, believe in every dream that right, you’ll know, but this requires 45 Repudiate 37 “___ be with you” you got.” He says you have to reflection, the opposite of being 47 Jurisdiction of a bishop 40 It becomes the Blood of Christ 48 Apostles’ or Nicene 41 Peter Fonda “golden” role “give it your all and don’t you be On The Record impulsive. You can explore your 49 Standards of perfection 43 Animal pelts afraid if you fall.” In his opinion, feelings and see whether you pos- 53 What the Magi brought 44 Tennis great Roger “while you’re waiting, it’s the time Charlie Martin sess a peace about acting, even if 56 Queue 46 Eight days of a holy season 58 Born 47 Evil deed you lose,” so “what are you really all the fear about doing so has not 59 The Archdioceses of Tokyo and 50 Zechariah was the first person waiting for?” resolved. Mandalay are here in the New Testament to see Contrary to this advice, I’d argue that there Ask God to help in your decisions or actions. 60 Heroic this (Lk 1:11) 62 Royal 51 Depart could be value in waiting. Not every step in our Every prayer for guidance is answered, especially 64 Pole or Croat 52 Graf rival lives appears with perfect clarity. Sometimes, it’s when you take the time to listen and allow God’s 65 Eternal ___ 53 Breathe convulsively good to wait until clarity comes along. guidance to appear. 66 Ecole attendee 54 Shipwreck site 67 Sneaky fellow 55 Decree For example, let’s say that someone interests When someone asks you, “What are you wait- 68 Charges 57 Frozen treats you romantically, but you know the person is just ing for?” you’ll know the answer. Sometimes, we 69 Angers 60 Mischievous person coming out of a relationship that didn’t work out know the time is not right. Go slow and take your 61 Schoo-fly, for one DOWN 63 A Old Testament high priest and likely is not ready to start dating again. Your time making decisions and always ask God to fears tell you that you better act soon before some- guide you. Act when you feel it’s time. That’s the 1 Adam and Eve were afraid Solution on page 18 one else asks her or him out. Another part of you path to a creative and wise life. knows that the individual isn’t prepared to begin a new relationship. A wise choice would be to wait MARTIN is an Indiana pastoral counselor who and put aside the fear about missing your chance. reviews current music for Catholic News Service. Tree Service In other situations, you may not be certain Your comments are always welcome. Please write Mr. D’s about the best decision, but you decide to move to: [email protected] or at 7125 West CR 200 ovEr 35 yEars ExpErIEncE forward. Being impetuous can lead to hurtful South, Rockport, IN 47635, or like this column on Don Decell, owner disappointment. Once more, the better approach Facebook at “Charlie Martin’s Today’s Music Col- carl BaBin, owner is to wait. umns” and post a comment or suggestion. • Economical • Fully Insured • Quality Work CALL TODAY! Plan your 2015 advertising with The Catholic Commentator! Call 225-387-0983. 225-292-6756 16 The Catholic Commentator VIEWPOINT December 26, 2014 A priest’s Christmas

erry Christmas! This us. Its lights spoke of Jesus who Christmas party. It was a long Dixon is a remarkably talented issue of The Catholic would become the light of the tradition of more than 20 years painter. On the wall of my home MCommentator is dated world. Christmas carols contin- started by my predecessor as office is a painting he gave me Dec. 26, but it usually arrives at ued the angel choir’s songs to pastor, Msgr. Bill Greene. Every- at my Christmas visit in 2001. newsstands a day or two early, the shepherds. one dressed up in Christmas fin- The main figure is of a woman so I repeat the greetings of the Christmas is a nostalgic feast ery, and people came and went of Afghanistan with a tear feast, Merry Christmas. This is – how could it be otherwise? Its from about 6 p.m. until the last coming down her cheek. Her my favorite time of the year, so beauty attracts all of our senses. one left hours later. The rectory black hair is showing in bangs pardon me if I get nostalgic. I My family celebrated Christmas and parish offices were joined under a blue head scarf. In the like it all – the Advent prepara- in a big way because my mother around a courtyard in the mid- right hand corner is an image of tion, the lighted tree with beau- was a Christmas addict. Our dle and a walled-in back yard, Jesus praying in the Garden of tiful decorations, the Christmas tree was always up by the first so there was ample room for a Gethsemane, and in the back- songs, the creche, the parties, Sunday of Advent, and it always large crowd. It was a fine cel- ground are two smoking towers the gift-giving and especially was the real thing, filling the ebration and good preparation laid against an American flag, the Christmas Masses. house with that crisp Christmas- Another for the Christmas Masses with the left hand border of which is Christmas is the feast of tree smell. Unfortunately, in wonderful choirs in a beautifully crumpled into the shape of the God’s most personal gift to his 1965 a few days after Christmas Perspective decorated church. Christmas at State of Louisiana. “The child’s creation, the gift of his son, Jesus that year’s tree was a bit dry, and STM gathered Broadmoor and mother and father were amazed the Christ. He could have come with 14 children, ours and the Father John Carville Sherwood Forest into one great at what was said about him; as a powerful king, but he loved neighbor’s, in the house during church community. and Simeon blessed them and us so much he came as the poor the evening, one of the children ate at St. John the Evangelist in During that time at St. said to Mary ... and you yourself child of poor parents. There was plugged it in, and it exploded Prairieville, what I remember Thomas Moore and then back a sword will pierce so that the not even room for with fire. The tree most was great Christmas music to LSU, I had another type of thoughts of many hearts will be them in the inn. The tree and the and the house burnt and wonderful parish council Christmas experience that was revealed” (Lk 2:34-35). No wonder shep- to the ground, but Christmas parties in the rectory. very special. Twice I had to During those same times as herds, the poorest house burnt to everyone escaped In my second year there Father administer the diocese, after the diocesan administrator I got to rung of Jewish safely. My mother’s Vic Messina’s nieces gave me death of Bishop Stanley Ott and do another bishop’s thing, serve society, could the ground, response after a very a Peekapoo puppy for Christ- after his successor, Archbishop at the St. Vincent de Paul soup identify with this but everyone difficult year was a mas which had not been house Alfred Hughes, was made arch- kitchen and play Santa Claus for mysterious, totally bigger Christmas trained. The council members bishop of New Orleans. Bishop poor children. Such a wonderful unexpected kind escaped safely. tree in a new house arrived for the party to catch me Ott had begun the tradition experience of the true spirit of of savior. And that on the same lot. Until with dust-pan and paper towels of the bishop visiting the state Christmas. And this is an experi- was God’s plan – in St. Paul’s she died all of her children and in hand trying to get rid of the prisons within our diocese just ence in which we can all partici- words, to the savior all of us grandchildren with their spouses Christmas presents that puppy prior to Christmas. So I went pate. Jesus told his disciples to would be equal without worldly helped her celebrate Christmas. had left me. to Angola, Dixon, Hunt and feed the hungry and shelter the divisions between Jews and As a newly ordained priest, In my next co-pastorate with women’s prison (LCIW) in St. homeless. We can’t all fit into the Greeks, men and women, free I was assigned to St. Joseph’s Father Donald Blanchard at Gabriel. Visiting inmates on St. Vincent de Paul centers, but and slave, rich and poor. Christ- Cathedral. Since I was the low Christ the King, Christmas was death row at Christmas makes we can support them and the lo- mas may be just “holidays” to our man on the totem pole after actually rather quiet since most you realize that this beautiful cal Food Bank. This is so much a merchants, but to us Christians, Msgr. Borders, Msgr. Ott, and of the students went home for child born for us also came to part of our Christian calling that it is Christmas, the feast of God’s Father Guillot, my Christmas Christmas. But for those who die for us. There is a theological I will devote my next column to greatest gift to humankind. schedule was concelebrating remained, mostly foreign stu- axiom that says, “Whatever of feeding the hungry. But that is Before the secularization of Midnight Mass, then helping St. dents, we had an after midnight our human nature would not be for next year. our society, Christmas was the Pius X with two early morning Mass party. That is when the assumed by the human Jesus Until then, MERRY CHRIST- great religious family feast. Gifts Masses, and ending up with evening begins for students, would not be redeemed.” And so MAS. were given because the Magi Mass around 11 a.m. in parish but not for 43-year-old pastors Jesus underwent death itself to brought gifts to the Christ child. prison. It did help me remember who have to get up for morning free us from eternal death. FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest The creche was St. Francis’ way that Jesus came for all of us. Christmas Masses. But it was I came away from Dixon Cor- in the Diocese of Baton Rouge of honoring the humble birth of The prisoners were the shep- great fun. rectional Institute with a per- and writes on current topics for Jesus. The evergreen tree was herds – and also corralled like Years later in the 90s the manent reminder of the special The Catholic Commentator. He a reminder of the eternal life the sheep. whole parish at St. Thomas place Jesus plays in the lives of can be reached at johnnycar this man – God – came to give Later, in my first pastor- More was invited to the rectory prisoners. One of them there at [email protected].

| PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PRAY FOR US Mission Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese. Statement Dec. 30 † Rev. Clarence J. Waguespack Br. Ronald Talbot SC Deacon Leon Roy Murphy Jr. Deacon Willie M. Berthelot Sr Jan. 4 † Bishop Joseph V. Sullivan Sr. Marie-Paul Le ICM The mission of The Catholic Com- Br. Marcel Riviere SC Deacon Jerry W. Braud Jan. 9 Rev. Michael J. Alello mentator is to provide news, in- Dec. 31 Rev. Miles D. Walsh Sr. Rita Lanie OSF Deacon Donald J. Musso formation and commentary to the Deacon William B. Blair Jr. Jan. 5 † Bishop Stanley J. Ott Br. James Burns SC people of the Diocese of Baton Sr. Rita M. Lambert CSJ Deacon Patrick J. Broussard Jr. Jan. 10 Rev. David E. Allen Rouge, Catholics and their neigh- Jan. 1 Rev. Ju Hyung (Paul) Yi Br. Xavier Werneth SC Deacon Roger A. Navarra bors alike. In doing so, The Catholic Deacon Daniel S. Borne Jan. 6 Bishop Robert W. Muench Sr. Lilian Lynch OSF Commentator strives to further Br. Lincoln Sigwald SC Deacon Barry G. Campo Jan. 11 Rev. Richard R. Andrus SVD the wider mission of the Church: Jan. 2 Rev. Gerard F. Young Sr. Joan Laplace CSJ Deacon Angelo S. Nola to evangelize, to communicate, to Deacon Claude H. Bourgeois Jr. Jan. 7 Rev. Howard R. Adkins Br. Eldon Crifasi SC educate and to give the Catholic Sr. Frances Landry CSJ Deacon Jodi A. Moscona Jan. 12 Rev. Joey F. Angeles viewpoint on important issues of Jan. 3 † Bishop Robert E. Tracy Br. Maurus Bordelon SC Deacon Ricky P. Oubre the present day. Deacon Eugene F. Brady Jan. 8 Rev. Donatus Ajoko Sr. Vernola Lyons OSF December 26, 2014 VIEWPOINT The Catholic Commentator 17 The visitation – revisited

e are all familiar when they meet. Christ’s cousin, inside his mother, about mission? ... See, when Mary arrives, it is Eliza- with the bibli- without explicit consciousness, leaps for joy in the pres- beth who speaks first. Or did she? ... For most certainly Wcal story of the ence of Christ and that reaction releases the magnificat Mary would have said: ‘Peace, Peace be with you’. And visitation. It happens at inside of the one carrying Christ. this simple greeting made something vibrate, someone, the beginning of Luke’s There’s a lot in that image: Christ’s cousin uncon- inside of Elizabeth. And in this vibration, something Gospel. Mary and her sciously leaps for joy in the presence of Christ and that was said. ... Which is the Good News, not the whole of cousin, Elizabeth, both reaction draws the magnificat out of the one who is the Good News, but what can be glimpsed of it in the pregnant, meet. One is carrying the Christ. Christian de Cherge, the Trappist moment.” carrying Jesus and the Abbott who was martyred in Algeria in 1996, suggests Christian de Cherge then adds this comment: “In the other is carrying John that, among other things, this image is the key to how end, if we are attentive, if we situate our encounter with the Baptist. The Gospels we, as Christians, are meant to meet other religions in the other in the attention and the desire to meet the want us to recognize that the world. He sees the image as illustrating this para- other and in our need for the other and what he has to both these pregnancies digm: say to us, it is likely that the other is going to say some- are biologically impos- Christianity is carrying Christ and other religions are thing to us that will connect with what we are carrying, sible; one is a virginal In Exile also carrying something divine, a divine “cousin,” one something that will reveal complicity with us ... allow- conception and the other who points to Christ. But all of this is unconscious; we ing us to broaden our Eucharist.” is a conception that occurs Father Ron Rolheiser do not really grasp the bond, the connection, between We need each other, everyone on this planet, Chris- far beyond someone’s what we are carrying and what the other is carrying. tians and non-Christians, Jews and Muslims, Protes- childbearing years. So there is clearly something of the But we will recognize their kinship, however uncon- tants and Roman Catholics, Evangelicals and Unitar- divine in each. In simple language, each woman is car- sciously, when we stand before another who does not ians, sincere agnostics and atheists; we need each other rying a special gift from heaven and each is carrying a share our Christian faith but is sincere and true to his to understand God’s revelation. Nobody understands part of the divine promise that will one day establish or her own faith. In that encounter we will sense the fully without the other. Thus our interrelations with God’s peace on this earth. connection: What we are carrying will make something each other should not be born only out of enthusiasm But neither Mary nor Elizabeth, much less anyone leap for joy inside the other and that reaction will help for the truth we have been given, but it should issue around them, consciously recognizes the divine con- draw the magnificat out of us and, like Mary, we will forth too from our lack of the other. Without the other, nection between the two children they are carrying. want to stay with that other for mutual support. without recognizing that the other too is carrying the The Gospels present them to us as “cousins,” both the And we need that support, as does the other. As divine, we will, as Christian de Cherge asserts, be un- children and their mothers; but the Gospels want us to Christian de Cherge puts it: “We know that those whom able to truly release our own Magnificat. Without each think deeper than biology. They are cousins in the same we have come to meet are like Elizabeth: they are bear- other, none of us will ever be able to pray the Eucharist way that Christ, and those things that are also of the ers of a message that comes from God. Our church does “for the many.” divine, are cousins. This, among other things, is what is not tell us and does not know what the exact bond is contained in the concept of the visitation. between the Good News we bear and the message that OBLATE FATHER ROLHEISER, theologian, teacher and award- Mary and Elizabeth meet, both are pregnant with the gives life to the other. ... We may never know exactly winning author, is president of the Oblate School of divine. Each is carrying a child from heaven, one is car- what that bond is, but we do know that the other is also Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He can be contacted rying Christ and the other is carrying a unique prophet, a bearer of a message that comes from God. So what at ronrolheiser.com and on Facebook, facebook.com/ the “cousin” of the Christ. And a curious thing happens should we do? What does witness consist in? What ronrolheiser.

BISHOP  From page 1

Missal). “The Word became flesh that we might become ‘partakers of the divine nature’ (2 Pt 1:4). For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God be- came the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving the divine sonship, might become a son of God.’ (St,. Irenaeus, Adv. haeres. 3, 19, 1: PG7/1, 939). For the Son of God became man so that we might be- come God.’ (St. Athanasius, De inc., 54, 3: PG25, 192B). ‘The only begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods.’ (St. Thomas Aquinas, Opusc. 57:1-2).” (Cat- echism of the Catholic Church #460). Beloved sisters and brothers in Christ, Eman- uel, “God-with-us”(Mt 1:23) is here. “Let us re- joice and be glad” (Ps 118:24b). Please know how deeply and gratefully I hold you and yours in my heart and mind, body and spirit, and in intentions as I celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses at St. Joseph Cathedral. Merry Christmas, dearest friends, and a Happy, Holy New Year!

Affectionately yours in the Infant Savior, ST. NICHOLAS VISIT – Bishop Robert W. Muench, as St. Nicholas, who was bishop of Myra, distributed gifts to children at the St. Vincent de Paul Society on Dec. 20. Michael Acaldo, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul, said St. Vincent de Paul gave gifts to more than 1,000 children this year. Acaldo thanked the community for generously donating gifts and the almost 300 volunteers in giving their time wrapping and distributing the gifts. He also thanked Bishop Muench, who he said “already has it on his calen- Bishop Robert W. Muench dar” when he is contacted for what he described as a highlight of the year for St. Vincent de Paul and the bishop. Bishop Muench Bishop of Baton Rouge commented that it warms his heart to give the gifts to the children. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

18 The Catholic Commentator COMING EVENTS December 26, 2014

Epiphany Concert – Father Greg Daigle, pastor community and others. For information and to register, Made Channels of God’s Peace,” using the Twelve Steps of St. John the Evangelist Church in Plaquemine, Bill call 225-383-3349 or visit stjocenter.org. Registration with Sister Cathy Cahill OSF, Friday, Jan. 9 – Sunday, Grimes and the Epiphany Orchestra will present a con- for the Spanish retreat is in English. If Spanish is need- Jan. 11; “Discovering the Purpose in Life and Our Gifts,” cert on Epiphany Sunday, Jan. 4, 4 p.m., at St. John, ed to register, call the Diocese of Baton Rouge Hispanic with Father Matt Linn SJ, Friday, Jan. 16 – Sunday, Jan. 57805 Main St., Plaquemine. Tickets are $25 and pro- Apostolate at 225-927-8700. 18; and “Day of Prayer: Healing Life’s Transitions,” with ceeds benefit St. John School. For information and tick- Father Linn, Tuesday, Jan. 20. Minimum offering is ets, call 225-687-2402. Discalced Carmelite Monthly Meeting – The $225 for the retreats, which includes meals and accom- Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites welcomes those modations. Cost of the Day of Prayer is $40. For infor- January Retreats – The St. Joseph Spirituality who are interested in developing their prayer life ac- mation, visit retreats.arch-no.org, call 504-887-1420, Center will host two upcoming retreats in January. On cording to the teachings of the Carmelite Saints. Meet- 1-866-937-9170 or 1-866-937-9360 or email retreats@ Friday, Jan. 9, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m., a retreat will be held ings are held on the second Sunday of each month at arch-no.org. for parents and caregivers of elementary through high Our Lady of Mercy Parish Activity Center in St. Ga- school students at Mother Alice Hall, 3080 Kleinert briel’s Room, 444 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge, at 1:30 Wedding Anniversary Celebration – Bishop Ave., Baton Rouge. Attendees will learn how to teach p.m. The next meeting will be Sunday, Jan. 11. For more Robert W. Muench will celebrate a Mass honoring cou- children to discern God’s will for their lives as well as information, call Ethlyn White at 225-343-3181 or 225- ples in their 25th, 50th and 65th or greater anniversary discern God’s will for their own lives. Fee is $25. A re- 803-3391, or email [email protected]. Sunday, Feb. 8, 3 p.m., at Our Lady of Mercy Church, treat in Spanish, “Healing Life’s Hurts,” will be held 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge. The families of the Sunday, Jan. 11, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Mother Alice Hall. New Orleans Retreats – The Archdiocese of New couples honored are also invited to attend the liturgy. The retreat will focus on the natural process of heal- Orleans Retreat Center, 5500 St. Mary St., Metairie, Contact your local church parish office if you plan to -at ing hurts and discovering new gifts for relating to God, will sponsor three retreats during January: “Being tend. Registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 30.

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 puBlic notice puBlic notice The Healing of Families seminar Mr. D’s Tree Service Pressure Washing: Patios, Driveways, Complete presentation of Father Yozefu 3 Licensed Arborists Walks, Carports, etc. Retired Male. Jim @ Ssemakula's book. Contact claude-ccc@ Free Estimates 225-276-1841 PUBLIC NOTICE FOR SEALED BIDS cox.net. Fully Insured Don Decell & Carl Babin, owners HOUSEKEEPER Sealed proposals should be mailed to: While we at The Catholic Commenta- 225-292-6756 Mature, Dependable Baton Rouge Diocese tor do our best to bring reliable ad- 20+ Years Exp., References vertisers to our readers, we are not Kitchen counter tops. Call for free es- Debbie Child Nutrition Program responsible for any claims made by timates. John O'Neill 225-938-6141 or 225-266-7655 3300 Hundred Oaks any advertiser. 225-683-6837. Donnie’s Furniture Repair & Uphol- Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Baton Rouge Care Service. Serving Ba- stery. We do refinishing, repairs, caning, (225) 387-6421 uSineSS ervice ton Rouge and surrounding areas since painting of furniture and upholstery. B S 1960. Registered sitters, nurses, and In business 43 yrs. Pick up and delivery. nurses aides for the sick and elderly in 10876 Greenwell Springs Rd. 225-272- Proposal Opening for the 2015-2016 School Year will LEBLANC’S TREE & STUMP the home, nursing homes and hospitals. 2577. See our showroom. REMOVAL, INC. Licensed and bonded for private duty be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 for 10:00 am Prompt service–Free estimates care. 225-924-6098 or 225-667-0480. (Proposals will not be accepted after 10:00 am): FULLY INSURED www.batonrougesittersregistry.com. Help Wanted E. H. “Eddie” LeBlanc Location: Catholic Life Center, Child Nutrition Office Phone 383-7316 In sales employment advertise- Dave’s Bicycle Repair and Sales. Free 3300 Hundred Oaks pickup and delivery, free estimates, ex- ments, the advertiser must name Pennington Lawn and Landscape pert economical repair on all brands. the product or service to be sold. Baton Rouge, LA 70808 225-806-0008 225-924-4337 or www.davesbicyclerepair. Ads must state how wages will be Lawn & bed maintenance. Clean-up neg- com. paid (salary, commissions, etc.) if lect. Call for your free estimate. money is mentioned. The ad must Categories for Diversion: Beef, Cheese, Chicken, Eggs, Anthony's Furniture Specialties. We also state if there is an invest- Flour, Pork, Tomato Paste, Turkey THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA restore hurricane damaged furniture. ment required. Accounting and taxes for businesses, If it's furniture we do it all! Refinishing, non-profits and individuals; business, re-upholstery, pick up and delivery, etc. Full time custodial worker. Christ the Proposal forms must be used when submitting. All computer, financial and management 2263 Florida Blvd., BR. 225-413-2607. King Church and Student Center LSU. services. 30 years experience; profes- Partial duties include: restroom clean- others will be rejected. sional, prompt and personal attention. BROUSSEAU'S Painting ing, floor maintenance, general dusting 225-296-0404. Interior and exterior painting. Experi- and room setup. Prior experience and enced and reliable. Free estimates. Call eye for detail important. Contact Darrel Specifications and bid forms are available upon request. 225-241-8488 or 225-928-7194. St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of a LeBlanc 225-344-8585 Ext. 15 Peaceful Death. St. Joseph Hospice is Local landscape contractor looking for The owner reserves the right to reject any or all available to support families as they face For Sale working foreman. Must have valid driv- end-of-life decisions. Peace, comfort, ers license, pass drug screening, abil- proposals and waive informalities. dignity and support can make every day 1995 GMC Yukon SLE,4-door, leather, ity to manage accounts and employees. "a good day." Call 225-368-3100 for more towing package, power seats, CD, AM/ Send resume to landscapehires@gmail. information. FM stereo. $2,200. Call 225-663-2210. com or call 225-938-6786 The public is invited to attend.

Print Your Ad Here NOBEL DCCC STEP APACE IOTA YEAR KINKS ONAN NASA END IONS FORTY DESPOT EBBED DATES TO RUN: ENT COLESLAW Circle Category: Announcements—Business Services—Cards of Thanks—For Rent—For Sale—Help Wanted THAWS PR IED INE —Positions Wanted—Legal Notices (other ) SONS WEALD ULNA Mail to: The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316 AMO FIATS FLYER Enclosed is $9.50 for the first 15 words + 15¢ for each word thereafter + 25¢ per line for each special effect (all caps, centered line, bold lettering); for a total of $______for each issue. RENOUNCE SEE Advertisements will CREED IDEALS NAME GIFTS LINE NEE not be published ADDRESS AS IA EP IC REGAL without full payment in SLAV LIFE ELEVE CITY PHONE advance. PETE FEES RILES moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www December 26, 2014 The Catholic Commentator 19 Our Lady of the Lake Hospital opens children’s ER

Our Lady of the Lake Region- “The completion of this phase the Lake has invested in building designated Trauma Center and needs of critically ill and injured al Medical Center announced of our construction represents a successful model in our com- children’s emergency room. The children throughout the region. the opening of a new children’s our commitment to provide the munity that is increasing access additions support the ability to The newly constructed children’s emergency room and expansion highest level of emergency medi- to the appropriate level of care.” serve an increased need for acute emergency room is a thoroughly of its adult emergency depart- cine to both children and adults,” The new space for the chil- and minor emergency treatment modern facility designed with ment. The recently completed said K. Scott Wester, president dren’s emergency room, addition with quality and efficient care. attention to the small things that construction features improve- and chief executive officer of Our of adult emergency treatment As the home to the area’s only can make a difference to chil- ments and additions that will Lady of the Lake. “Emergency beds and new Fast Track Unit Children’s Hospital and dedi- dren and their families. help to enhance the efficiency, care is a challenge presented to builds on a strong foundation of cated pediatric emergency room The number of beds in the access and overall patient expe- healthcare providers across the emergency services at Our Lady since 2002, Our Lady of the Lake children’s emergency room has rience in the emergency room. nation, which is why Our Lady of of the Lake as the area’s only gives special focus to serving the increased from 14 to 20.

CELEBRATING THE SEASON – The St. George School cheerleaders gathered to celebrate the Christ- mas season and to give back to the Baton Rouge community. The squad members donated necessary NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCE – Several students from Holy toiletry items such as tooth paste, tooth brushes and deodorant as well as gifts such as gift cards, nail Ghost School in Hammond displayed their talents for the local polish and socks. Then they used the items to create baskets for St. Vincent de Paul. These baskets will community by participating in Fellom Ballet’s Nutcracker. Pic- be donated to teens like them, but who are in need of necessities at Christmas time. Photo by Cheri Gioe | St. tured, from left, are Katie Amos, Olivia Lowentritt, Anna Grace George School Hornbuckle, Juliette LeRay and Lizzie Zaffuto. Photo provided by Cindy Wagner | Holy Ghost School

Joe Skibinski Agent 1953 Perkins Rd. Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Bus: 225-387-0201 Toll Free: 888-387-0201 [email protected]

REDEMPTORIST TOY DRIVE – Redemptorist High School students participated in a toy drive in con- junction with St. Paul Church, Baton Rouge. Senior Iriel Evans, a member at St. Paul, says she loves participating in the toy drive and seeing the faces of parents as they come to pick up toys. The toy drive was held Nov. 21 – Dec. 11 and the distribution of gifts Dec. 13 at St. Paul. Photo submitted by Redemptor- ist High School 20 The Catholic Commentator December 26, 2014

RHS  By 2010, enrollment had fallen to 405 the school because the voucher students RHS Timeline and this school year Redemptorist has 225 had not progressed at a level considered From page 1 SEPTEMBER 1947 – St. Gerard Majel- students, less than 40 percent Catholic. acceptable by the state. Consequently, the la High School opens and admits eight ing offered severance packages. The projected enrollment for the 2015-16 school would not have been able to accept sophomores and 35 freshmen. An 11th Verges said the Catholics School Office school year was 150. new voucher students, although the exist- grade would be added in 1948 and a will also assist families, as much as pos- Bishop Muench said there have been ing ones would have been allowed to con- 12th grade in 1949. Sister M. Eugenia sible, with placement of students in other several feasibility studies during the past tinue. Laker SSND is principal. Catholic schools. 20 years to determine ways to maintain Redemptorist High School and Re- 1948 – The first Wolves athletic “We are a Catholic family and I do know the school, including financial support. demptorist Elementary are the only two event is the junior squad football team the other schools will make every effort to Currently, the loan balance to the diocese schools in the diocese to be sanctioned, playing a junior team from Catho- work with families and try to see if they totals more than $900,000, records indi- Verges said. lic High on a field with no goal posts can accommodate them,” Verges said. cate. Verges said the feasibility study of open- near the Pentagon buildings on Third She added that her office is also work- Also, through the years the school has ing a Cristo Rey school played no role in Street. ing with families to place special education received financial assistance through a the decision to close Redemptorist. Cristo DECEMBER 19, 1950 – Redemptorist students. Currently, Redemptorist is the myriad of grants, including those from the Rey is a Catholic school model developed High School receives accreditation only high school in the diocese to offer spe- Black & Indian Mission, the Catholic Edu- in Chicago using a model where students, from the Louisiana Department of cial education classes, although a dyslexia cation Trust Fund and the Bishop’s Annual all of who come from low-income families, Education. lab is scheduled to open in 2015 at a school Appeal. must work one day a week as part of their MAY 28, 1950 – First graduating class to be determined. “This has been a very steady, methodi- college preparation program. is 10 students. Redemptorist, which forged a reputa- cal process that we have hoped against Cristo Rey supporters are hoping to 1957 – The first wing of the perma- tion of athletic excellence, including win- hope and done everything we know of to open a school beginning with the 2016-17 nent school complex opens. ning three state championships in football, go against that tide,” said Bishop Muench, school year. 1963 – Redemptorist, which had has seen its enrollment decline, paralleling who added he has more visited the school Bishop Muench said it is too early to been operated by St. Gerard Church the decline of north Baton Rouge. In 1980, on more than 60 occasions during the past know what the diocese will do with the Parish, becomes an interparochial enrollment peaked at 1,081 students, with 12 years. “Unfortunately, the projection existing building, but emphasized the art- school. 87 percent of those Catholic. Five years makes it not sustainable.” work that is featured in the building will be JULY 1, 1995 – Redemptorist be- later, enrollment was still steady at 1,043 “The clock has kind of run out in this saved and preserved. comes a Diocesan School and is gov- and 88 percent Catholic. situation,” he added. “I know (supporters) Regarding alumni, Bishop Muench had erned by a Regional Diocesan School However, 1985 was also the year St. are going to be sad, and I am going to be one simple message: “We are so proud of Board. Michael High School opened and by 1990 sad with them. I care about the faculty, I you, and we will always be proud of you 1997-98 – School celebrates its 50th enrollment at RHS had plunged to 459. care about the students, I care about the and we care about you. And you will be anniversary Enrollment rebounded to 824 in 2000 but community. My heart is with them.” the living legacy of Redemptorist High DECEMBER 19, 2014 – Bishop Robert the formation of the Central Community Academic difficulties also apparently School.” W. Muench announces the closing of School System in 2007 seemingly took a played a role in the closing. In October, the To view the full news conference, go to Redemptorist High School. dramatic toll. state’s Scholarship Program sanctioned CatholicLifeTV.org.

You Can Make Wishes Come True In our community, many needy people are wishing for basic A Prayer for the Christmas Season necessities that most of us take for granted, and here at St. Jesus, the Light of the World, Vincent de Paul, we want to see those wishes fulfilled. as we celebrate Your birth, may we begin to see For Julie, in the photo, the greatest gift in her life is her the world in the light of the understanding You give us. two-year-old son, Carter. They came to our Bishop Ott As You chose the lowly, the outcasts, and the poor Shelter after being abandoned. Julie was left alone, with no job, no home, and no to receive the greatest news the world had ever known, so may we worship You in meekness of heart. way to provide for her child. She had reached a point of despair that few of us have Lord Jesus, help us by Your grace to remember experienced. In many ways, Julie and Carter’s story is representative of the our brothers and sisters less fortunate thousands of people we serve every year at St. Vincent de Paul – people who have than ourselves in this holy season. Amen watched their wishes and dreams collapse under the weight of reality.

This year, we will provide over 25,000 guest nights of shelter to more than Give the Gift of Hope 1,200 homeless men, women and children; our Dining Room will serve over 240,000 meals; and our Pharmacy will fill over 36,000 prescriptions. Can you I have enclosed a financial gift of $______. help someone in need? Name: ______Address: ______People like Julie are fighting a daily battle to survive in a complicated world, City, State, Zip: ______and they need your help. We ask you to join us in praying for the poor and homeless during this holy season. If you are able to help financially, we ask Mail your gift to the: you to consider making a gift. $1 will provide a hot meal; $10 will provide one Society of St. Vincent de Paul, night’s shelter for homeless families; and $28 will fill a life-sustaining P.O. Box 127, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0127 prescription; so you can imagine what a difference a larger gift can make. or give online at: www.svdpbr.org. Two Ways to make your gift before the end of the year: ¾ Mail your gift to St. Vincent de Paul at P.O. Box 127, Baton Rouge, LA 70821 and have it postmarked by December 31, 2014. ¾ Make your gift online at www.svdpbr.org before midnight December 31, 2014.