CHURCH TODAY

Volume XLVI, No. 3 www.diocesealex.org Serving the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana Since 1970 March 23, 2015

O N T H E INSIDE Celebrating Holy Week Services

Looking for a Mass to attend Easter this Easter? or maybe you want to participate in an Outdoor Way of the Cross on Good Friday. Check at Sunrise out all of the Holy Week services in the diocese on pages 8-9. at Holy Rosary Mission, 44 candidates to be welcomed into full Emmanuel, La communion this Easter

Following the Rite of Election on Feb. 22, 44 candidates and catechumens are expected to enter fully into communion with the Church this Easter. See pages 12-13 for Rite of Election pics.

Pope Francis declares an extraordinary jubilee, Holy Year of Mercy

Traditionally, every 25 years the popes proclaim a holy year, which features special celebra- tions and pilgrimages, among other events. Extraordinary holy years, like the Holy Year of Mercy, are less frequent, but offer the same opportunities for spiritual FATHER KENNETH OBIEKWE, pastor of Holy Rosary Mission in Emmanuel, La, celebrates a growth. Find out more on page 2. Sunrise Mass on Easter Sunday, outdoors amid the tall pine trees and blooming azaleas. PAGE 2 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 23, 2015 Christians are dying at the hands of people who hate Jesus Christ

VATICAN CITY (CNS) the blasts. Jesus Christ.” -- Condemning deadly terrorist Particularly with the per- In Pakistan, Archbishop Jo- attacks against a Catholic and secution of Christians in Syria, seph Coutts of Karachi, president an Anglican church in Pakistan, Iraq and Nigeria, Pope Francis of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Pope Francis said “the world is frequently has denounced the Conference, urged the govern- trying to hide” a wave of anti- growing wave of anti-Christian ment “to take strong measure for Christian persecution in various violence, a violence that is not the protection of the churches and parts of the globe. simply a matter of restricting re- religious minorities in Pakistan.” “With sadness, with much ligious freedom, but a martyrdom “The government, political sadness, I learned of the terrorist of Christians. parties, religious leaders and ev- attacks today against two church- At a Mass in early February, ery citizen of Pakistan (should) es in Lahore … provoking numer- when the Gospel reading recount- stand against extremist forces and ous deaths and injuries,” the pope ed the killing of St. John the Bap- with their Christian brothers and said March 15 after reciting the tist, Pope Francis said it made him sisters,” the archbishop said in a Angelus with visitors gathered in “think of our martyrs, the martyrs statement, adding that “the whole St. Peter’s Square. of today, those men, women and nation should join hands and Suicide bombers that morn- PROTESTING KILLING OF CHRISTIAN COUPLE. Pakistani members of the children who are persecuted, stand against terrorism.” ing detonated themselves outside Christian minority shout slogans during a Nov. 9 protest in Karachi, Pakistan, hated, chased from their homes, He pleaded with federal and the churches, which are both in against the killing of a Christian couple accused of blasphemy. The Catholic tortured and massacred. This is provincial governments “to take the same predominantly Chris- Church in Pakistan has presented a series of demands to the government, not something from the past; it is effective measures in providing tian neighborhood. Officials said calling for a fair and thorough investigation into the beatings and burning of the happening today. Our martyrs are security to the churches through- 15 people were killed and more young Christian couple. (CNS photo/Shahzaib Akber, EPA) ending their lives under the cor- out Pakistan to ensure freedom of than four dozen were injured by rupt authority of people who hate religion and belief.” Pope seeks prayers for Egyptians beheaded by Islamic State

By Carol Glatz and vowed that Egypt maintained ed the way predominantly Mus- Catholic News Service the right to retaliate. lim Egypt’s government was han- Soon afterward, the Egyptian dling the situation. VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- air force began bombing what it “We trust that the role of all Pope Francis called for prayers said were Islamic State targets in institutions of our state was clear for the Egyptian Christians be- Libya. since the beginning of the crisis headed by Islamic State militants In a statement issued Feb. 16 in Libya, and we believe that they in Libya and asked that God rec- by the Coptic Catholic Church, can ensure rights of Egyptian citi- ognize these men killed for their Patriarch Ibrahim Isaac Sedrak of zens,” the Egyptian portal Ahram faith. Alexandria, Egypt, extended his Online quoted Pope Tawadros as He offered morning Mass church’s “deepest sympathies” to saying. Feb. 17 in the chapel of his resi- the families and relatives of the Condemnation for the be- dence for the slain Christians he murdered Christians. heading of the Egyptian Chris- termed “our 21 brother Copts” In apparent reference to the tians in Libya quickly grew whose throats had been slit “for retaliatory military action his beyond Egypt as regional lead- the sole reason of being Chris- country has since taken, Patriarch ers, Muslim and Christian alike, tians,” and he requested people Sedrak also extended his church’s learned of the massacre. pray for the victims so “that the “deepest gratitude” to al-Sisi and WOMEN PRAY FOR 21 CHRISTIANS KILLED IN EGYPT. Coptic Christian Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Lord welcome them as martyrs.” “our country’s loyal armed forc- women attend a Feb. 17 service in Cairo for the Egyptians said to have been whose country is also fighting He called on people to pray es, especially the air forces, for beheaded in Libya. A video released on social media Feb. 15 is said to show Islamic State militants in neigh- as well for the victims’ families the rapid response.” the beheadings. (CNS photo/Mohamed Abd El Ghany, Reuters) boring Iraq and Syria, called and for Egypt’s Orthodox leader, “Egyptian blood is valuable the beheadings of the Egyptian Pope Tawadros II, “who is suffer- and honorable,” he said. Christians a “heinous crime” ing so much.” Pope Francis called Speaking after the video of -- Pope Tawadros offered his cal media reported had been from committed “at the hands of the Pope Tawadros Feb. 16 to express the beheadings surfaced -- but church’s condolences to the rela- the same impoverished village in terrorist gang ... hostile to all hu- his sorrow over the deaths. before the strikes against Islamic tives of the slain Christian mi- Egypt’s South. man values.” Egypt, meanwhile, contin- State in Libya were announced grant workers, most of whom lo- Pope Tawadros said he trust- ued to mourn its 21 nationals, who had been working in Libya when the extremist group kid- napped them. Their beheading was depicted in gruesome detail in a video released Feb. 15 on a pro-Islamic State website. The same evening in a na- tionally televised speech, Egyp- tian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called on his country’s government to provide full sup- port to the families of the victims MARCH 23, 2015 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 3 Pope declares an extraordinary jubilee, a Holy Year of Mercy

By Cindy Wooden tions and pilgrimages, strong calls tered along the walls, priests wel- Catholic News Service for conversion and repentance, comed people to the sacrament. and the offer of special opportu- The pope removed his liturgical (CNS) -- Pope Francis an- nities to experience God’s grace vestments and went to confession nounced an extraordinary jubilee, through the sacraments, espe- before putting on a purple stole a Holy Year of Mercy, to highlight cially confession. Extraordinary and hearing the confessions of the Catholic Church’s “mission to holy years, like the Holy Year of others. be a witness of mercy.” Mercy, are less frequent, but offer “God never ceases to dem- “No one can be excluded the same opportunities for spiri- onstrate the richness of his mercy from God’s mercy,” the pope said tual growth. over the course of centuries,” the March 13, marking the second The doors of the church “are pope said in his homily, which anniversary of his pontificate by wide open so that all those who preceded the confessions. God leading a Lenten penance service are touched by grace can find touches people’s hearts with his in St. Peter’s Basilica. the certainty of forgiveness,” grace, filling them with repen- “I frequently have thought Pope Francis said at the penance tance and a desire to “experience about how the church can make service, which featured individ- his love.” more evident its mission to be a ual confessions. It was part of “Being touched by the ten- witness of mercy,” he said during a worldwide celebration of “24 derness of his hand,” people his homily; that is why he decided Hours for the Lord,” in which should not be afraid to approach to call a special Holy Year, which Catholic churches were staying a priest and confess their sins, he will be celebrated from Dec. 8, open for prayer, eucharistic ado- said. In the confessional, one has 2015, until Nov. 20, 2016. ration and confession. “the certainty of being welcomed The biblical theme of the ful,” an admonition that applies Traditionally, every 25 years At each of the dozens of con- in the name of God and under- year, he said, will be “Be merci- “especially to confessors,” the the popes proclaim a holy year, fessionals in St. Peter’s Basilica, stood, despite our misery.” ful, just as your Father is merci- pope said with a smile. which features special celebra- as well as in simple chairs scat- Pope says church ‘is the house of Jesus’ and must always be open

(CNS) -- The church “is the in their soul” or who have “made communities with their “doors don’t do more.” “Who are you to close the house of Jesus,” and Christians many mistakes in their lives” closed” to them. In this way, “that which door of your heart to a man, to must welcome everyone, even may, at a certain point, feel the Mimicking unwelcoming pa- the Holy Spirit does in people’s a woman who has the will to bringing those who are unable to Holy Spirit inspire them to go to rishioners, Pope Francis said they hearts, Christians -- with a psy- improve, to re-enter the people make their way on their own, said church, the pope said. But, after tell people, “You made a mistake chology of doctors of the law of God because the Holy Spirit Pope Francis at morning Mass mustering up the courage to go, here and you cannot (enter). If -- then destroy,” the pope said at stirred their heart?” he said. March 17. they will often find unwelcom- you would like to come, come the Mass in the Domus Sanctae Pope Francis went on to say People who are sad or “sick ing and judgmental Christian to Sunday Mass, but stay there, Marthae. that such incidents are disap- pointing for him and he insisted that the church must have its doors always open. “It is the house of Jesus and Jesus welcomes. Not only does he welcome, he goes out to find people, just as he went to find (the paralytic),” said the pope, re- ferring to the day’s Gospel read- ing (Jn 5:1-16). “If people are wounded, what does Jesus do? Does he reprimand them because they are wounded? No, he carries them on his shoulder. And this is called mercy.” And when God reproaches his people, calling for mercy and not sacrifice, the pope continued, this is what he means. The pope added that Lent is the time to avoid making the same mistake as those who bear contempt against Jesus’ love for the paralytic because, having healed him on the Sabbath, it may seem contrary to the law. He concluded with a prayer for the conversion of the whole church to the mercy of Jesus. PAGE 4 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 23, 2015

When the 40 days of prayer, extra effort to take part in what- parish communities. penance and works of charity ever your home parish offers on Finally, the entire holy sea- began in mid-February, Easter IN these three days -- celebration of son reaches its climax on Easter seemed so far away in the dis- ONE the Lord’s Supper, Stations of the Sunday, when the resurrected Son tance. So many days to reform Cross, or Good Friday services. of God returns to his disciples to our lives. But with only a few THE LORD And, by all means, if you reveal that He is the Risen Lord. days remaining, our spiritual haven’t been to Confession yet, It is indeed, one of the holiest and journey through Lent is about to Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog the lights are on in the confes- most glorious days of our faith. come to an end. Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria sionals and there is a priest there Experience it! How did we do this Lent? waiting for you. Check your home Did you abstain from meat on parish bulletin or go to www.dio- Please continue to keep me Fridays and fast in between time in the Church are powerful. Mass, it is definitely worth the cesealex.org for a listing. in your prayers as I continue my meals? Did you stick with your On Tuesday of Holy Week, time to attend. The Solemn Easter Vigil recovery and resume my regular resolution to “give up” something the annual Chrism Mass will be Next is the three-day liturgi- of the Lord’s Resurrection is of ministry. I truly appreciate all the or perhaps stick with a spiritual celebrated at St. Francis Xavier cal season, called the Sacred or special significance, especially prayers and encouragement. commitment to improve your Cathedral at 11 a.m. This very Easter Triduum, that begins with for those preparing to come into May the Lord bestow the prayer life or your relationship symbolic Mass is a time for all the Solemn Celebration of the the full sacramental life of the richest of blessings upon you as with God? priests to renew their priestly Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday Church. Congratulations in ad- we approach Holy Week and the If you did, congratulations! vows and for the bishop to bless evening and concludes with Eve- vance to all who will be received most holy season of Easter. But if you didn’t -- there’s all the holy oils that will be used ning Prayer on Easter Sunday. into full communion this Easter. still time to make the most of by priests administering certain When celebrated prayerfully Please make a special effort to Lent. Holy Week is upon us and sacraments throughout the year. and devoutly, these three days welcome them and help them the spiritually-rich days of this If you’ve never been to a Chrism are rich beyond words. Make the become active members of your Whose life is it anyway? Thoughts on physician-assisted suicide

In college I wrote a medi- purpose in her suffering and in- and assisted by Our Lady and all cal ethics paper on a play titled, sists that she still loves life. She the angels and saints, may they Whose Life Is It Anyway? That Guest keeps on giving of herself and is serenely abandon their lives into old paper came to mind recently an inspiration to many. his hands. when I learned that the campaign I pray for this young woman Whose life is it anyway? God for physician-assisted suicide has Editorial and for all the elderly, disabled has given us this life as a gift and been gaining momentum. The re- Sister Constance Veit, LSP and those with terminal illness- he expects us to cherish it as his newed push to legalize “aid in dy- Little Sisters of the Poor es, that they may find peace and good stewards. ing,” or “death with dignity,” as courage in the conviction that various groups euphemistically God knows them by name and Sister Constance Veit is di- call it, is the result of positive holds them close to his heart. rector of vocations for the Little media coverage in the wake of a longed illness? Human logic not aloof from us. Each one of us Strengthened by the sacraments Sisters of the Poor. young terminally ill woman’s de- would tell us that we are never has a place in his heart. He knows cision to end her life on her own completely in control of our lives. us by name, he cares for us and terms and at the precise moment God’s word should convince us he seeks us out whenever we turn of her choosing. of this as well. away from him.” Whose life is it anyway? I Sacred Scripture reminds us In our sophisticated, mate- CHURCH TODAY can’t get this question out of my that we are God’s creatures — rialistic society we easily turn mind as I come to grips with the made in his image and likeness away from God, denying him and Volume XLVI, No. 3 • March 23, 2015 fact that assisted suicide legisla- — and that our lives are in his his providence over us. Modern tion is currently being introduced hands at every moment. From the man, Saint John Paul II wrote, P. O. Box 7417 • Alexandria, LA 71303 in a dozen states and the District psalmist’s confession that “every has “lost the sense of God,” and [email protected] 318-445-6424 of Columbia. While some persons one of my days was decreed be- with it, the sense of the human faced with serious illness con- fore one of them came into being” person and his dignity as “mys- Publisher: Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog, Bishop of Alexandria sider taking their lives because (Ps 139:16), to Saint Paul’s proc- teriously different” from the rest Editor: Jeannie Petrus, ext. 255; [email protected] they fear they will be a burden lamation that “in him we live and of creation. In this context we can Advertising: Joan Ferguson, ext. 264; [email protected] to others or have no one to care move and have our being” (Acts easily succumb to the temptation Circulation: Sandi Tarver, ext. 209; [email protected] for them, for others this choice is 17:28), it is clear that God is the to manipulate and dominate our a declaration of personal autono- author of our existence. Each of lives rather than cherishing them THE CHURCH TODAY (USPS 393-240) is published by the Catholic my. To the question, Whose life us is a steward — not the master as a gift. Suffering is seen as a Diocese of Alexandria, once a month, free of charge to members of is it anyway? they answer, “It is — of our own life. useless burden to be eliminated at the parishes in the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana. Out of diocese mine to do with what I want.” But God is a loving master, all cost, even if this means sup- subscriptions are $20 a year. The claim that each of us is and that makes all the difference. pressing life itself. master of our own life, with the In his landmark encyclical, The There is another path, how- The office is located at 4400 Coliseum Blvd., Alexandria, LA 71303. power to do with it whatever we Gospel of Life, Saint John Paul ever. Even as the media focused Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, LA. POSTMASTER: Send ad- choose, just doesn’t make sense. II wrote, “If it is true that human their attention on a dying woman dress changes to The CHURCH TODAY, P. O. Box 7417, Alexandria, After all, which of us chose the life is in the hands of God, it is from California late last year, a LA 71306 date, time or conditions of our no less true that these are lov- similarly ill college freshman in birth? Who of us ultimately gets ing hands, like those of a mother Ohio vowed never to give up. The CHURCH TODAY is a member of the Catholic Press Association. to choose the path that will lead who accepts, nurtures and takes Despite the seeming hopelessness Website: www.diocesealex.org to our death — will it be an ac- care of her child.” Pope Francis of her situation, she professed her To receive a free subscription, call 318-445-6424, ext 255 or e-mail cident, a random act of violence, shared similar sentiments in his belief that God has the last say. [email protected] a sudden heart attack or a pro- 2015 Lenten message: God “is This young woman has found a MARCH 23, 2015 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 5 Pope Francis offers tips on preparing for confession 28-page booklet gives instructions for ‘safeguarding the heart’

By Carol Glatz morning Mass homilies in which Catholic News Service he said Christians need to guard and protect their hearts, “just as Safeguarding the Heart through daily practice of an VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- you protect your home -- with a As Catholics are encouraged to lock.” Examination of Conscience make going to confession a sig- “How often do bad thoughts, nificant part of their lives during bad intentions, jealousy, envy en- Some of the questions include: Lent, Pope Francis offered some ter?” he asked. “Who opened the quick tips to help people prepare door? How did those things get • Do I only turn to God when I’m in need? for the sacrament of penance. in?” • Do I attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation? After a brief explanation of The Oct. 10, 2014, homily, why people should go to confes- which is excerpted in the booklet, • Do I begin and end the day with prayer? sion -- “because we are all sin- said the best way to guard one’s • Am I embarrassed to show that I am a Christian? ners” -- the pope listed 30 key heart is with the daily practice of questions to reflect on as part of an “examination of conscience,” • Do I rebel against God’s plan? making an examination of con- in which one quietly reviews • Am I envious, hot-tempered, biased? science and being able to “con- what bad things one has done and fess well.” what good things one has failed • Am I honest and fair with everyone or do I fuel the “throwaway The guide is part of a 28- to do for God, one’s neighbor and culture?” page booklet in Italian released oneself. by the Vatican publishing house. Catholics should go to con- • In my marital and family relations, do I uphold morality as Pope Francis had 50,000 free fession, the pope said, because taught in the Gospels? copies distributed to people at- everyone needs forgiveness for tending his Angelus address Feb. their sins, for the ways “we think • Do I honor and respect my parents? 22, the first Sunday of Lent. and act contrary to the Gospel.” • Have I refused newly conceived life? Have I snuffed out the Titled “Safeguard your “Whoever says he is without heart,” the booklet is meant to sin is a liar or is blind,” he wrote. gift of life? Have I helped others to do so? help the faithful become “cou- Confession is meant to be a • Do I respect the environment? rageous” and prepared to battle sincere moment of conversion, an against evil and choose the good. occasion to demonstrate trust in • Am I part worldly and part believer? The booklet contains quick God’s willingness to forgive his • Do I overdo it with eating, drinking, smoking and amusements? introductions to Catholic basics: children and to help them back on it has the text of the Creed, a list the path of following Jesus, Pope • Am I overly concerned about my physical well-being, my of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Francis wrote. possessions? the Ten Commandments and the Pope Francis said a group Beatitudes. It explains the seven of volunteers, including many • How do I use my time? Am I lazy? sacraments and includes Pope homeless people, distributed the • Do I want to be served? Francis’ explanation of “lectio booklet to the pilgrims present in divina,” a prayerful way of read- St. Peter’s Square. He urged ev- • Do I dream of revenge, hold grudges? ing Scripture in order to better eryone to take a copy of the book- • Am I meek, humble and a builder of peace? hear “what the Lord wants to tell let and carry it around with them us in his word and to let us be to help in their conversion and transformed by his Spirit.” spiritual growth which always The booklet’s title is based comes from the heart. on a line from one of the pope’s PAGE 6 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 23, 2015 What makes the Chrism Mass held during Holy Week so special? The annual Chrism Mass will be held March 31 at 11 a.m. Why does the bishop “breathe” at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in into the holy chrism vessel? Alexandria. The blessing of the holy Priests from around the dio- chrism is different from that of cese will concelebrate the Mass the other oils: Here the bish- with the bishop, and they will re- op breathes over the vessel of new their vows to the priesthood. chrism, a gesture which symbol- Students from each of the izes both the Holy Spirit coming Catholic schools have been in- down to consecrate this oil, and vited to attend. the life-giving, sanctifying na- ture of the sacraments for which What is the Chrism Mass? it is used. (Recall how our Lord The Chrism Mass is a spe- “breathed” on the Apostles on the cial Mass celebrated during Holy night of Easter, saying, ‘Receive Week by the bishop at the Cathe- the Holy Spirit’” (Jn 20:22).) dral of the diocese, and joined by The concelebrants at the all of the priests of the diocese. Chrism Mass also extend their right hands toward the chrism as What is the purpose of the the bishop says the consecratory Mass? prayer, signifying that in union Two things take place at the with their bishop they share “in Retired Archbishop John Favalora celebrated the Chrism Mass last year at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Chrism Mass: the authority by which Christ • The bishop blesses three Himself builds up and sanctifies oils — the oil of catechumens Anointing with the oil of faith will reclaim the one who is tion, the bishop anoints the fore- and rules His Body,” the Church (oleum catechumenorum or catechumens following a prayer ill, and the Lord will restore him head of the candidate with chrism (Vatican II, Decree on the Minis- oleum sanctorum), the oil of the of exorcism may also take place to health. If he has committed any saying, “Be sealed with the gift of try and Life of Priests, No. 2). infirm (oleum infirmorum) and during the period of the catechu- sins, forgiveness will be his” (Jas the Holy Spirit.” holy chrism (sacrum chrisma) menate on one or several occa- 5:14-15). Sacred chrism is also used When was the Chrism Mass — which will be used in the ad- sions. In both cases this anointing in the sacrament of holy orders. started? ministration of the sacraments symbolizes the person’s need for What is holy chrism? In the ordination rite of a priest, This tradition is rooted in throughout the diocese for the the help and strength of God to This oil is used in the sacra- the bishop anoints with chrism the early Church as noted in the year. sever the bondage of the past and ments of baptism, confirmation, the palms of each new priest. In Gelasian Sacramentary (named • The bishop reunites with to overcome the opposition of the and holy orders, since they impart the ordination rite of a bishop, the after Pope Gelasius I, d. 496) but his priests where they renew devil so that he may profess his an indelible sacramental char- consecrating bishop anoints the was later absorbed into the Holy their vows to the priesthood. This faith, come to baptism and live as acter. This oil is linked with the head of the new bishop. Thursday evening Mass; Pope Mass manifests the unity of the a child of God. sanctification of individuals. Finally, holy chrism is used Pius XII issued a new Ordinal for priests with their bishop. in the dedication ceremony of a Holy Week, which reinstituted a What is the oil of the infirm? How is holy chrism used? church. Here the bishop anoints special Mass of the chrism dis- What is the oil of catechumens? The oil of the infirm is used In baptism, the priest anoints the altar, pouring holy chrism on tinct from the evening Mass. The Oil of Catechumens in the sacrament of the anoint- the person on the crown of the the middle of the altar and on each is used in connection with the ing of the sick (formerly known head with chrism, right after the of its four corners. Continued on page 10 sacrament of baptism. St. Hip- as extreme unction). St. James actual baptism. This practice polytus, in his Apostolic Tradi- wrote, “Is there anyone sick comes from St. Hippolytus in tion (A.D. 215), wrote of an “oil among you? He should ask for the Apsotolic Tradition when he of exorcism” used to anoint the the priests of the Church. They in spoke of an anointing after the candidates immediately before turn are to pray over him, anoint- actual baptism with the “oil of baptism. This practice continues ing him with oil in the name of thanksgiving.” today. the Lord. This prayer uttered in In the sacrament of confirma-

BLESSING THE HOLY OILS. Retired Archbishop John Favalora blesses the sacramental oils with the assistance of Rev. Chad Partain and Deacon Rich- ard Mitchell, during the annual Chrism Mass held last year at the Cathedral. MARCH 23, 2015 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 7 Pilgrims who walk Via Dolorosa don’t mind if it isn’t Jesus’ exact route

By Judith Sudilovsky current Via Dolorosa tradition is Catholic News Service the actual route taken by Jesus. It is based on the assumption that JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Sev- the Pretorium, where Pontius eral pilgrim groups gathered in a Pilate judged Jesus, would have sunny courtyard in Jerusalem’s been at that time the Antonia For- Old City. They were preparing tress, built by King Herod. to follow a tradition reaching With no hard archaeological back at least to the fifth century: evidence of where the Pretorium walking along the Via Dolorosa, was, where Jesus’ trial took place through the cobbled streets of Je- and which path he took to his rusalem’s Old City. own crucifixion, scholars of bibli- The Via Dolorosa represents cal history base their assumptions the route taken by Jesus on the upon what they know of the lay- way to his crucifixion, until he out and social mores of the Ro- was laid in the tomb. Although man-occupied city of Jerusalem the route followed for this devo- of that time. tion has changed over the centu- Some, like archaeologist ries, the need and desire of the Amit Reem, believe that one Christian faithful to walk in Je- probability is that the Roman sus’ footsteps has not. The current ST. PATRICK CHURCH (Montgomery) STATIONS OF THE CROSS. After Mass and Adoration of the Holy Cross, governor would have stayed in route was probably formalized in members of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Montgomergy remembered the Passion of Christ last year on Good Friday the palace of the Judean king dur- the 18th century. by walking the Stations of the Cross all around town. Many church parishes throughout the diocese have organized ing his stays in Jerusalem, and he “To follow the actual foot- outdoor Stations of the Cross in their towns. (See pages 8 -9.) would have judged Jesus from steps of Jesus is pretty amazing. there. The palace is thought to It brings his message even more have been in what is today’s Tow- into our hearts,” said Marilyn “If you take the whole area of guide presented religious and his- along the Via Dolorosa. er of David Museum just inside McDonough, 64, a Catholic from Jerusalem, I know Jesus walked torical explanations of the place, “Sometimes you will see pil- Jaffa Gate. Santa Clara, Calif. “I keep think- in this area. Did he step in this while others bent their heads in grims here from 4 a.m. and until Reem, who works for the Is- ing about all the suffering he did very spot? Maybe not, but I know silent or communal prayer. late at night,” said Franciscan rael Antiquities Authority, recent- for us and what he went through he walked in other spots, and if I Starting with the first station, Father Eugenio Alliata, professor ly finished 10 years of excavation mentally and physically. It is walk around here I can feel it in in the courtyard of the nearby el- of Christian archaeology at the work revealing the foundations overwhelming for me to be here.” my heart,” she said. ’Omariyya Muslim school, they Studium Biblicum Franciscanum. and a drainage system of King At the same time, she said, Nigerian pilgrims sang a tra- would all walk the same path, “Everyone sings and prays ac- Herod’s palace in one of the mu- she is aware that no one knows ditional hymn; an Asian group stopping to pray and reflect at the cording to their tradition, in their seum buildings. for certain the exact places where stood in orderly rows, chanting a traditional 14 stations, with the fi- own language. Jesus walked with “It can be fair to think that Jesus walked. The restored 12th- prayer and led by a pilgrim car- nal five located inside the Church a real cross, the pilgrims walk Pontius Pilate, the Roman rep- century Chapel of the Flagella- rying a large cross. Groups from of the Holy Sepulcher. with a symbolic cross. Each one resentative of Caesar, stayed in tion that stands in the courtyard Eastern Europe and the United Some of the pilgrim groups has his own cross to bear, and Je- Herod’s Palace while in Jerusa- today was built on the location of States stood in different corners of walked the path carrying a cross sus helps them to do that.” lem,” said Reem, standing out- a fifth-century church. the courtyard, some listening as a as Jesus did. On Fridays the Fran- There is no clear consensus side the ruins of the monumental ciscans lead an official procession among biblical scholars that this steps leading to what is believed to have been Herod’s famous pools. The area was excavated in the 1980s by archaeologist Rene Sivan. Vehicle Donation Donate Your Car and Help Support Radio Maria Fast, Easy and Free VIRTUS

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Saturday, March 28 St. Anthony, Bunkie Vigil for Palm Sunday • 6:30 p.m. Mass, followed by Adora- tion until 10 p.m. St. Juliana Church, Alexandria • Live presentation of the Passion Play by a local men’s prayer group, Friday, April 3 6 p.m., in the church hall Good Friday

Mater Dolorosa, Plaucheville St. Francis Xavier Cathedral • Blessing of palms and procession • 1 p.m. Passion Walk (walk from at all Masses Cathedral to OLPS in Alexandria) • 5:30 p.m. showing of The Passion A bus will return people to Cathedral of Christ with discussion to follow after the walk, if anyone wants to attend 3 p.m. service at Cathedral • 3 p.m. Passion of the Lord St. Anthony, Bunkie LIVE PASSION PLAY will be performed Saturday, March 28 at 6 p.m. at St. Juliana Church by a local men’s prayer • Easter Egg Hunt after 10:30 a.m. group. Don’t miss this popular live re-enactment of the Passion of Christ. Free and open to the public. Mass OLPS, Alexandria • 1 p.m. Passion Walk (walk from Cathedral to OLPS in Alexandria) Mary, Mother of Jesus, Mater Dolorosa, Plaucheville Sunday, March 29 Thursday, April 2 • 12:40 bus leaves OLPS to take Woodworth • Mass of the Last Supper beginning Palm Sunday Holy Thursday people to Cathedral to start Passion • Penance Service, 6 p.m. at 6:30 p.m. with the presentation Walk that will start at 1 p.m. of the oils from the Chrism Mass. 3 p.m. Good Friday service at OLPS Mater Dolorosa, Plaucheville St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Adoration until 9 p.m. in the Adora- • Blessing of palms and procession • 5:30 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s 6 p.m. Stations of the Cross Wednesday, April 1 tion Chapel. at all Masses Supper Spy Wednesday Mater Dolorosa, Plaucheville • 5:30 p.m. showing of The Passion St. Frances Cabrini, Alexandria of Christ with discussion to follow OLPS, Alexandria • 9 a.m. Living Stations Walk St. Rita Church, Alexandria • 6 p.m. Mass, followed by Adora- • 7 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper • 2:45 p.m. Veneration of the Cross • TENEBRAE (evening prayer) 7:30 tion until midnight • 8 p.m. - midnight Adoration p.m. Immaculate Conception Tuesday, March 31 MB of the Immaculate Conception St. Rita Church, Alexandria Natchitoches Mater Dolorosa, Plaucheville Natchitoches • 5:30 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper • 10 a.m. Outdoor Way of the Cross • Seder Supper beginning with Mass • 7 p.m. Mass 7:00 pm - 12 midnight Solemn • 3 p.m. Good Friday service St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, at 6:30PM; Seder begins at 7PM. Alexandria Adoration St. Genevieve, Brouillette • Chrism Mass at 11a.m. at the St. Rita Church, Alexandria Sacred Heart, Pineville • 6 p.m. Mass Cathedral in Alexandria. Renewal Sacred Heart, Pineville • 12:05 pm Way of the Cross • Living Stations of the Cross, 7 p.m. 5:30 pm Celebration of the Lord’s of priestly vows and consecration of • 6 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Sup- St. Alphonsus, Hessmer sacred oils used in the Sacraments per, followed by parish meal and Passion with veneration of the Cross • 7 p.m. Mass followed by Adoration and Holy Communion for the coming year. Adoration in the chapel until mdnight

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PUBLISHED ARTICLES: “The Worn-Out Worker Rule Revisited,” “Significant Work-Related Limitations of Function Under 12.05C,” “Questionable Retirement and the Small Business Owner,” “Crisis of Confidence: The Inadequacies of Vocational Evidence Presented at∲ Social Security Disability (318) 487-0115 Hearings.” to schedule a free consultation 5515 John Eskew Blvd., Alexandria, LA 71303 318-876-3174 MARCH 23, 2015 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 9 Holy Week Services Divine Mercy Sunday April 12 Sacred Heart, Moreauville St. Rita Church, Alexandria St. Rita Church, Alexandria • 1 p.m. Rosary in the church, fol- • 3 - 4 p.m. Confessions • 8 a.m. Mass, 9:30 a.m. Mass lowed by Walking Way of the Cross • 8 p.m. Vigil Mas with Light Service 11 a.m. Mass and 6 p.m. Mass Sunday, April 12 • 3 p.m. Good Friday service and Rites of Christian Initiation • Easter Egg Hunt after 9:30 a.m. • Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Mass (Children 7 years & under) Alexandria Sacred Heart, Pineville Sacred Heart, Pineville • Confessions before ALL 2 p.m. Confessions • 6 p.m. Solemn Celebration of the • 8 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass Masses 3 p.m. Divine Mercy Holy Hour Lord’s Passion (includes Adoration of the Blessed MB of the Immaculate Conception Sacred Heart, Pineville Sacrament, Chaplet of Divine St. Frances Cabrini, Alexandria Natchitoches • 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 7 Mercy, Sorrowful Mysteries of the • 12- 3 p.m. Confession • 8 p.m. Vigil Mass p.m. Masses. Confession --15 Rosary, short Way of the Cross, • 3 p.m. Stations of the Cross minutes before every Mass. Divine Mercy Prayers and Benedic- • 6 p.m. Good Friday service St. Frances Cabrini, Alexandria tion). • 7 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass Mater Dolorosa, Plaucheville St. Genevieve, Brouillette • 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m. Masses • MB of the Immaculate Concep- • 3 p.m. Veneration, Stations of the St. Genevieve, Brouillette • Easter Egg Hunt/Coffee & Donuts tion, Natchitoches Cross • 8 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass after 9:30 a.m. Mass 3:45 p.m. -- Divine Mercy Holy Hour, followed by Holy Vespers St. Alphonsus, Hessmer St. Alphonsus, Hessmer MB of the Immaculate Conception 5 p.m. -- Traditional Latin Mass • 3 p.m. Good Friday service • 7:30 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass Natchitoches • 9 a.m., 11 a.m. 5 p.m. Easter • St. Louis Church, Glenmora St. Anthony, Bunkie St. Anthony, Bunkie Sunday Masses 3 p.m. Divine Mercy service • 3 p.m. Good Friday service, fol- • 8 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass lowed by Confession until 5 p.m. Holy Rosary, Emmanuel • St. Alphonsus, Hessmer Church open until 6 p.m. • 7 a.m. Outdoor Sunrise Easter 2 -2:40 p.m. Confessions Sunday, April 5 Mass (weather permitting). Please 3 p.m. Exposition, Chaplet of Mercy, Saturday, April 4 Easter Sunday go to www.diocesealex.org to Rosary, Divine Mercy Prayers & Holy Saturday confirm outdoor Mass if weather is Benediction St. Francis Xavier Cathedral threatening St. Francis Xavier Cathedral • 9 a.m. , 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. • St. Anthony of Padua, Natchitoches • 8 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass Easter Sunday of the Resurrection St. Frances Cabrini, Alexandria 3 p.m. Sing Chaplet of Divine Mercy outside in front of newly of the Lord • 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 6:15 p.m. erected Divine Mercy display located in front of the church OLPS, Alexandria Easter Sunday Masses • 3 -4 p.m. Confessions OLPS, Alexandria • 8 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass • 7 a.m. , 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and St. Alphonsus, Hessmer To receive free daily Divine Mercy meditations from St. Faustina’s Diary 5:30 p.m. Masses • 7 a.m. , 10 a.m., 6:30 p.m. Masses in a text to your phone or in an email to your computer, go to: Mater Dolorosa, Plaucheville • 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. Confessions St. Genevieve, Brouillette St. Anthony, Bunkie flocknote.com/divinemercydaily • 8:15 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass • 8 a.m. Easter Mass • 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Masses Through a partnership between Lighthouse Catholic Media and the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, we are excited to offer this simple way to For an updated list of Holy Week services, visit experience God’s Mercy daily. [Powered by Flocknote] Join a growing community of over 180,000 people www.diocesealex.org who are deepening their faith through this simple tool!

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*Education Funding *Retirement Planning Family Risk Management *Mutual Funds Small Business Planning *Annuities Emile P. Oestriecher, III, CPA Anne Oestriecher, CPA, CFP® 4641 Windermere Place, Alexandria, LA 71303 318-448-3556 • www.o-fms.com

*Securities offered through HD Vest Investment ServicesSM, Member: SIPC Advisory services are offered through HD Vest Advisory ServicesSM 6333 North State Highway 161, Fourth Floor, Irving, Texas 75038, 972-870-6000 Oestriecher Financial Management Services is not a broker/dealer or independent investment advisory firm. PAGE 10 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 23, 2015 Chrism Mass Continued from pg. 6 Seminarian Burses February Donations Why do we use oils to annoint in our sacraments? Throughout the Bible, vari- ous references indicate the im- Knights of Columbus, Council 9217...... $25.00 portance of olive oil in daily life. Father Adrian Molenschot Burse Oil was used in cooking, particu- larly in the making of bread, that Father Rickey Gremillion ...... $25.00 basic food substance for nourish- Deacon L. G. DeLoach Burse ment (e.g. Nm 11:7-9); as a fuel for lamps (e.g. Mt 25:1-9); and as Dr. Joseph Landreneau...... $25.00 a healing agent in medicine (e.g. Mrs. Edna Rabalais Burse Is 1:6 and Lk 10:34). Moreover, with oil the Jews Deacon and Mrs. Rodrick B. Broussard...... $50.00 SEMINARIAN DANIEL HART RECEIVES MINISTRY OF ACOLYTE. anointed the head of a guest as a Monsignor Milburn Broussard Burse sign of welcome (e.g. Lk 7:46), His Excellency Bishop Paul Loverde of the Diocese of Arlington con- beautified one’s appearance (e.g. fers the Ministry of Acolyte on Alexandria seminarian Daniel Hart during Dr. Joseph Landreneau...... $100.00 Ru 3:3) and prepared a body for Mass in Rome. Hart was one of 54 seminarians to receive the Ministry of Monsignor Henry Beckers Burse burial (e.g. Mk 16:1). Acolyte during a Mass March 1 in the Chapel of the Immaculate Concep- In religious practices, the tion at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. As part of the rite, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Schupbach...... $100.00 Monsignor Steve Testa Burse Jews also used oil to offer sacri- the Bishop places the paten, which contains the hosts for the celebration fices (e.g. Ex 29:40); to dedicate of Mass, in the hands of each candidate and says, “Take this vessel with a memorial stone in honor of God Bayou Chateau Nursing Center...... $100.00 bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your life worthy of your Floyd LaCour, Sr. Burse (e.g. Gn 28:18); and to conse- service at the table of the Lord and of his Church.” Daniel, currently in crate the meeting tent, the ark of his second year of formation for the priesthood, has two more years of the covenant, the table, the lamp- Tri-Community Nursing Center...... $100.00 theological studies and spiritual formation before being ordained to the stand, the laver, the altar of in- Floyd LaCour, Sr. Burse priesthood in the Diocese of Alexandria. cense, and the altar of holocausts (e.g. Ex 31:26-29). The use of oil Mr. and Mrs. John Tumminello...... $150.00 was clearly a part of the daily life Daryl “Pat” Mauterer Burse of the people. Sacred Scripture also attests Mr. and Mrs. Robert Miller ...... $200.00 to the spiritual symbolism of oil. Father Daniel Corkery Burse For instance, Psalm 23:5 reads, “You anoint my head with oil,” Ms. Geraldine B. Deptula ...... $1,000.00 signifying favor and strength Father Bruce Miller from the Lord; and Psalm 45:8 reads, “You love justice and hate wickedness; therefore, God your Total...... $1,875.00 God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellow Contributions to any of the burses or to establish a new burse kings.” should be sent to: Moreover, to be “the anoint- ed” of the Lord indicated receiv- Diocese of Alexandria Chancery Office ing a special vocation from the P.O Box 7417 • Alexandria, LA 71306-0417 Lord and the empowerment with the Holy Spirit to fulfill that vo- cation: Jesus, echoing the words of Isaiah, spoke, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me; therefore, He has anointed me” (Lk 4:18). St. Paul emphasized this point, “God is the one Who firmly es- tablishes us along with you in Christ; it is He Who anointed us and has sealed us, thereby depos- PAINTING OF DIVINE MERCY COMMISSIONED FOR ST. RITA iting the first payment, the Spirit CHURCH. A canvas oil painting of the Divine Mercy image was com- in our hearts” (2 Cor 1:21). missioned by Roger and Lynn Black of St. Rita parish in Alexandria. Therefore, the symbolism of oil is rich sanctification, heal- Father Craig Scott, pastor, blessed the painting on Sunday, March ing, strengthening, beautification, 1 after Mass at St. Rita Church, where it will hang in the foyer. At dedication, consecration and sac- the same time, Father Scott blessed the new “St. Joseph the Worker rifice. Maintenance Shop and KC Council meeting room. The building was Given this heritage, the early built with funds provided by the KCs and a private donor. Church adopted the use of olive oil for its sacramental rituals. MARCH 23, 2015 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 11 St. Francis Xavier Church threatened by Union soldiers Father Bellier defends his church while rest of Alexandria burns to the ground

By Jeannie Petrus soldiers were headed for one of You see, Father Bellier was started on the Jackson Street dressed in clothing of that time. CT editor the only two buildings left stand- a learned French priest, who had bridge, led by General Bank Ironically, the small wooden ing -- St. Francis Xavier Catholic previously served in the French on horseback and more than church accidentally burned to the Father Jean Pierre Bellier Church and the brick city hall. army, and was the pastor of St. 50 Union soldiers on foot. The ground 30 years later and was re- could hear them coming in the Father Bellier grabbed his Francis Xavier at the time. He group even supplied townspeople placed with the current Cathedral. distance -- the Union soldiers gun and raced to the steps of his was not afraid of the Union sol- running wildly through the mud- beloved church, a small white diers. The soldiers respected his dy streets of Alexandria with wood-frame church on Front courage and after a brief alterca- burning torches setting fire to ev- Street, built in 1834. tion, they left the church alone. ery home and business that stood “Stop where you are!” Father After the fire, Father Bellier on the banks of the Red River on Bellier must have shouted as he shared everything he had with May 13, 1864. pointed his pistol at the soldiers. the people of the town who had The town of Alexandria was “This is a Catholic Church and I lost everything. When he died, burning all around him and the WILL NOT let you set fire to it!” he was buried under the church, along with five other priests. It’s a true story in the history of the Diocese of Alexandria and one that parishioners of St. Fran- cis Xavier Cathedral are proud to share with others. This year, Father Jim Fer- guson, pastor along with a Civil War re-enactment group from the Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site in Pineville, put on a 15-minute re-enactment March 7 o the steps of the Cathedral after the 4 p.m. Mass. “It’s very real,” said Father Ferguson, who is gradually learn- ing to “get into” the dramatic in- terpreation of the scene. He said when they first started doing this in 2012, the re- enactment was not as realistic as it is now. “The first time the Union UNION SOLDIERS THREATEN CHURCH. Father Jim Ferguson, rector of St. soldiers came walking down the Francis Xavier Cathedral in Alexandria yields a pistol and reacts to the threats streets of downtown Alexandria of the Union soldiers to burn down the church, in a re-enactment of a day in with real fire torches and shout- An illustration by Dominique Bach shows Father Bellier defending St. history in 1864. The pastor back then, Father Jean Pierre Bellier, defended the ing loudly, it sounded so real,” he Francis Xavier Church in 1864. The illustration is part of the Children’s small wood-framed church, (St. Francis Xavier), which was one of only two said. “Some people around town Book of the History of the Cathedral of Alexandria, published by the buildings in the town of Alexandria that was not burned by the soldiers that day. may have thought something aw- Diocese of Alexandria and Editions de Signe. (Photo by Deacon Richard Mitchell) ful was really happening.” The re-enactment group

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IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY (Tioga). The catechumen from Immacu- late Heart of Mary Church is Eric Gordon. Candidates are Michael Lutrick and ST. RITA CHURCH (Alexandria). Candidates from St. Rita Church are Jeremy Duncan, Veronica Duncan, Lauren Cathryn Grant. Duncan, Ashlyn Duncan, Grant Duncan, Madelyn Duncan, and Ashlee Paulk.

SACRED HEART OF JESUS (Moreauville). ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CHURCH (Leesville). Catechumens from St. Michael Church are Lara Owens, James Shaffer, and Cody Catechuman is Dana Leigh Ducote. Wilkins. Candidates are Rebecca Simpson, Sylvia Meyer, Andre Hamm, and Michaela Hennessee.

ST. EDWARD MISSION (Fishville). The candi- OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR CHURCH (Alexandria). Catechumens from Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church are Erica Kuba, Paige Mc- date from St. Edward Mission is Stephanie Mc- Naughton, Emily Reed, Kirsten Mudd, and Samantha Carter. Candidates are Kathy Englesman, Heather Allemond, Maurice Hebert, Betty Hebert, Cartney. and Joan Cheek. MARCH 23, 2015 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 13

MATER DOLOROSA CHURCH (Plaucheville). Candidates from Mater Dolorosa ST. LOUIS CHURCH (Glenmora). The catechumen ST. JULIANA CHURCH (Alexandria). The can- Church are Charles Knight, Sandra Barker, and Kristen Ezel. from St. Louis Church is Richard Fish. didate from St. Juliana Church is Patricia Wells.

Rite of Election

Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Father James Ferguson, JCL, Rector and Celebrant

Catechumen: An unbaptized person being formed in the Catholic faith in preparation for entry into the Church.

Candidate: Already baptized Christian who are preparing for entry into full communion with the Catholic Church.

Not pictured: ST. MARY’S CHURCH (Winnsboro). The candi- date from St. Mary’s Church is Jeffrey Easterling.

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHEDRAL (Alexandria). The catechumen from St. Francis Xavier Cathedral is Krista Pad- die. Candidates are Carl Dunn, Kristy Kelley, Elizabeth McSween, and Charlene Meade.

ST. FRANCES CABRINI CHURCH (Alexandria). Catechumens from St. SACRED HEART OF JESUS (Pineville). Catechumens from Sacred Heart of Jesus Church are Catherine Landry, Frances Cabrini Church are Conner Olver. Candidates are Gardner Deane, Gabby Thompson, and Sejin Ahn. Candidates are Brandi Moreau and Courtney Wolf. Carol Alexander, and Devin Duong. PAGE 14 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 23, 2015

SCOUT SUNDAY. Cub Scouts from Pack 9 from Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Alexan- Xavier Cathedral. Members of the Pack 9 Cub Scouts who received the Light of Christ award dria, three Girl Scouts from a Methodist Church troop and three Boy Scouts from Kingsville Baptist are Church received awards from Bishop Ronald Herzog March 1 after the 11 a.m. Mass at St. Francis . Olivia DeRosa is the Pack Leader.

Shauntelle Greco named Secretary of the Year

Father Edwin Rodriguez, pastor of St. Alphonsus Church in Hessmer, presents the Secretary of the Year Award to Shauntelle Greco, secre- tary at St. Joseph Church in Marks- SAS takes home 1st and 2nd place in the Diocesan Catechetical Quiz Bowl ville. The award was presented Feb. Catholic Schools throughout the Diocese competed in the Catechetical Quiz Bowl on March 14, 2015 in Alexandria, LA. Three teams represented St. Anthony 9 during the 10th annual Avoyelles School. Secretary Appreciation Supper, Team 1 placed first and Team 2 placed second. hoster by Father Edwin and St. Al- Pictured are Team 2 members (sitting at table on left) . Standing are Ms. Melissa West, coach; phonsus Church. Shauntelle re- Mrs. Martha Coulon, principal; and Mr. Allen Wanersdorfer, team 3 coach. Sitting at the right table ceived a nice gift and her name was are Team 1 members added, along with past winners, to a plaque that will be displayed in her church office until the 2016 supper, when it will be passed on to the next Louis Lowrey, M.A. winner. After a social gathering, a de- Licensed Professional Counselor licious catered meal was served. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Those attending the supper included Shauntelle Greco, Rosie Fanara, Offices located at 207 Church Street, Natchitoches Julia Voinche, Janeita Townsend, (318) 332-8422 • Pager (318) 252-2945 Shirley Mayeux, Danity Coco, Bertha [email protected] Lavalais, Fr. Edwin Rodriguez, Gilda Mail: 109 Royal Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457 Augustine, Juliette Linzay, and Deli- lah Aymond. MARCH 23, 2015 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 15

ST. RITA CHURCH WOMEN OF GRACE. A 12-week spiritual formation program, Women of Grace, attracted 110 participants with many others put on a waiting list at St. Rita Church. The program was put together by EWTN personality Johnnette Benkovic. For information on how to bring Women of Grace to your area in English or Spanish, call 1-800-558-5452 or visit www.womenofgrace.com Women of Grace spiritual formation program comes to St. Rita parish A new program offered dur- which means the group watches a from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic group are Diana Basco, Carmen “I believe the excitement and ing Lent at St. Rita Church in Al- video on some aspect of the faith. Church in Lafayette, were instru- Williamson, Christine Gormsen, enthusiasm of the coordinators, exandria attracted more than 110 Then the group is divided into mental in bringing the program to Desi Martin, Kimberly Harper, facilitators and participants is a women to sign up immediately, groups of 12, who then discuss Father Scott and his parish. Margaret Borrel, Cindy Camp- true sign of the presence of the with more placed on a waiting the video under the director or a “Parishes helping parishes, bell, Florence Sanders, Sharon Holy Spirit,” Scott continued. “I list. facilitator. spiritual sister helping spiritual White, Ona Wilson, Patti Wil- know that Women of Grace will Women of Grace®, a 12- “We’ve had an awesome sister, is the key to unlocking new liams, Ellen Dunn, and Janet produce fruit in our parish com- week spiritual formation program response,” said Gormsen. “This doors where Women of Grace Cargle. munity for years to come.” put together by EWTN personal- just shows how hungry we all are studies can bear fruit. It was a “As pastor of St. Rita Church, For more information on ity Johnnette Benkovic, began for a deeper understanding of our blessing for me to work with Fa- I can’t tell you how thrilled I am how you can bring Women of Feb. 9 in the parish, and will meet faith and a deep desire to grow in ther Scott and the women of St. to be offering this program,” said Grace to your area in English weekly until May 4. our faith. We are so thankful to Rita parish and to see the Holy Father Scott. “I had been search- or Spanish, please email us at According to Christine our pastor, Father Craig Scott, for Spirit at work last evening as they ing for a program of spiritual [email protected] or call Gormsen, one of the program co- bringing it to our parish.” launched their Lenten study,” said enrichment for women for some 1-800-558-5452, or visit www. ordinators along with Desi Mar- Regional coordinators Bren- Supple. time. Women of Grace is an an- womenofgrace.com tin, the program is video-based, da Dooley and Stephanie Supple, Facilitators of the St. Rita swer to my prayers!” Family of Fr. John Cunningham hosts 50th anniversary celebration By Natalie Covher maculate Conception Church in Natchitoches Times Natchitoches by Bishop Charles P. Greco. His first assignment Family members, friends, was at St. Paul the Apostle church members and neighbors Church in Mansura. During the attended Father John Cunning- next 50 years he served at par- ham’s Anniversary Mass Feb. 20 ishes throughout the Alexandria- at the Minor Basilica of the Im- Shreveport diocese including Our maculate Conception honoring Lady of Fatima in Monroe, Christ his ordination 50 years ago as a the King in Bossier City, Immac- Catholic priest. ulate Conception in Natchitoches, Cunningham recals grow- St. Jude in Bossier City, St. An- ing up in Natchitoches with his thony of Padua in Bunkie, St. Jo- older sister Lallah Hill Cunning- seph in St. Joseph, and St. John ham Methvin and two brothers, the Bapitst in Cloutierville. William Peyton Cunningham, Jr. While he was pastor at St. and Joseph Payne Cunningham Anthony in Bunkie, Scott Chemi- Sr. He lived a block away from no, now the Vicar General for the St. Mary’s across from the court- CUNNINGHAM FAMILY CELEBRATION. Father John Cunningham celebrated Mass Feb. 20 at the Minor Basilica diocese, served for him at Mass house. His family would go to of the Immaculate Conception in honor of his 50th anniversary as a priest. The family hosted a reception in his honor as an altar boy. Therefore, it was church every Sunday where he after Mass. Pictured are (front row) Will Cunningham, Camille Cunningham, Peyton Cunningham II, Markay Cunning- only fitting that Father Chemino and his brothers served as altar ham, Catherine Faucheaux, Alicia Rainwater, Terri Cunningham and Tracy Cunningham. Back row: Peyton Cunning- was asked by Father Cunningham boys. He remembers his mother ham III, Joe Jr. Cunningham, Katlyn Cunningham, Joe Sciba, L’Anne Sciba, Lisa Merrull, Father John Cunningham, to deliver the homily at the Anni- and father always being kind and Mimi Methvin, Dewit Methvin, Drew Cunningham and Doug Rainwater. (Photo by Adrian Dempsey) versary Mass. gentle with their teachings and After 45 years as a priest, Fa- growing up around friends, rela- ther Cunningham has retired and tives and neighbors. drafted into the U.S. Army and the age of 25, he decided he want- attended St. Joseph Seminary has currently settled in his home- Cunningham and his twin were both sent to South Korea. ed to become a priest. In 1959, for the next six years. In Feb. town of Natchitoches. brother William Peyton were both When he returned to the states at he traveled to Boston where he of 1965, he was ordained at Im- PAGE 16 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 23, 2015

is presented with a check for $1,000 for her school, Holy Savior Menard Central High School, after being named only one of two Heisman Award winners in the state. She is the daughter of Kevin and Steph- STUDENTS OF THE YEAR. Winners of the Regional Student of the Year competition are (from left) with anie Robichaux of Woodworth. his parents Monroe and Melinda Milton; , with her parents Brooke and Patrick Deshotels; and , with his father Dr. Joseph Badeaux. wins Wendy’s Heisman Award for Louisiana 3 Catholic students win Students of the Year

, a senior won numerous academic awards, Superintendent of Catholic ior Menard Junior High School. room, goes that extra mile at Holy Savior Menard Central scholarships, and placed at Schools Thomas Roque hosted a He especially enjoys helping his to give it his best at Holy Sav- High School, was chosen as one Literary Rally. reception March 5 at the St. Jo- mother care for his y sister, he ior Menard Central High School. of two recipients from Louisiana Active in her faith, seph Catholic Center for the win- calls “Princess.” is the son He is the son of J fer and Dr. to win the 2014 Wendy’s High is a member of the Menard ners of the Regional Students of of M roe Milton. Joseph Badeaux. also com- School Heisman Award. Apostles for Christ, Fellowship the Year competition. 12th grade peted in the state competition in The award is given to one of Chrisitian Athletes, and the “These students are not only winner. Whether it’s playing Baton Rouge. State winners have girl and one boy in each state in Junior Catholic Daughters. In her talented students in the class- football or excelling in the class- not been announced. recognition of the achievements home parish of Prompt Succor, room and in leadership roles, but of exceptionally well-rounded she is a member of the Youth are also a fine example of stu- students. The program looks for Group, the Parish Youth Council, dents who are very active in their all-star performances of high a lector, and Eucharistic minister. faith,” said Roque. “I join the school seniors in the classroom, Outside the classroom, she is parents and family members here in sports, and in the community. a member of the Golden Eaglettes today, to express how proud I am Through the years, there have danceline, the varsity Cross of these students.” been several Menard students to Country team, and the varsity be named semi-fi in the Track and Field team. , 5th grade competition, but is one In 2014, she was the State winner. is an honor stu- of only a select few from Menard Champion in the LHSAA Divi- dent at Sacred Heart School in in the 20-year history of the sion II, 1600 meter; a member of Moreauville. She is active in program to actually be named the the All-State Cross Country team many clubs and is very active in state . all four years of high school, her faith. She is the daughter of is an honor roll a member of the Menard Girls Patri Deshotels. student at Menard, a member Cross Country team that were 8th grade of the National Honor Society, State Champions in 2011, 2013 winner. is an officer in sev- and Beta Club. She has also and 2014. eral organizations at Holy Sav-

OLPS 4H Club sends valentines to veterans. For Valentine’s Day, the 4H Club from Our Lady of Prompt Succor School designed and decorated care packages/boxes for the veterans at the Alexandria VA Hospital. Designed with a Valentine theme, each care package was filled with needed toiletry items, prayers and treats for the veterans at the VA Hospital. Megan Thiels, OLPS 4H sponsor, delivered the heart-felt treats to the VA Hospital on Feb. 13. MARCH 23, 2015 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 17

ST. MARY’S (Natchitoches) RE- ST. MARY’S (Natchitoches) NHS. GIONAL QUIZ BOWL WINNERS. St. Mary’s National Honor Society St. Mary’s students participated in members collected ramen noodles Northwestern State Uni- ST. MARY’S (Natchitoches) FBLA DISTRICT WINNERS. High school stu- the Regional Quiz Bowl Feb. 28 held for troops as part of their January- versity football players visited dents from St. Mary’s FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) recently at St. Mary’s. Those students who February community service proj- PE classes at St. Mary’s School in competed in the state district conference held at NSU. Students who placed placed 1st out of 6 teams in their divi- ect. Students delivered the ramen Natchitoches honoring the memory 1st in their category, (qualifying them for the state competition to be held next sion are (front row) noodles to Bank of Montgomery with of a former Demon by performing month in Lafayette) are (front row) the help of their sponsor Leeanne community service on the 10th annu- Bordelon. Pictured are al “Chris Waddell Day”. Not sure who and sponsor Mi- NHS Historian: , NHS had more fun the St. Mary’s students chael Landry. President. or the NSU football players!

St. Anthony School (Bunkie) RECOGNIZED AS A ‘WELLSPOT.”The ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL POSTER ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL (Bunkie) SCIENCE PROJECT. Mrs. Marlene Her- Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals presented St. Anthony School WINNER. 4th grade nandez’s fifth grade class have been studying the Earth’s land biomes and in Bunkie with a medal recently for being the only school in the state to be student at St. Anthony School, won water ecosystems. Each student created a Shoebox Biome and shared in- designated as a ‘WellSpot.” Pictured at the news conference held at LSUA are first place at the school level and first teresting facts about their biome. They had fun working on the projects and Tommy Roque, superintendent of Catholic Schools; Robin Rhodes, from the place in the parish for his poster de- learned a lot while doing the research. Front row, left to right : WellAhead Program; and Wellness committee members , 8th sign in the 4H Good Values Poster grade representative; ; Martha Coulon, principal; and Contest.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL (Moreauville) REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR WIN- SACRED HEART 1ST PLACE WIN- SACRED HEART BETA CLUB WINS AT DISTRICT. The Junior Beta Club NERS. Sacred Heart students who placed in the Regional Science Fair at NER. won 1st at Sacred Heart School in Moreauville also won 1st place at district in the “Liv- LSUA on March 7 are honorable mention, Behavioral & So- place in the Speech competition at ing Literature” competition. They portrayed the Sorting the Hat scene found in cial Science and American Psychology Award; , honorable the Junior Betta Club district competi- the Harry Potter series The Sorcerer’s Stone. Members of Harry Potter group mention, Environmental Science; , 3rd place, Behavioral tion. She is the daughter of Mrs. & are & Social Science; , 1st place, Environmental Science; Mrs. Derek Scroggs of Marksville. , 2nd place, Mechanical Engineering; , honorable mention, Plant Science; and , 2nd place, Plant Science. PAGE 18 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 23, 2015 CDA Court Notre Dame establishes junior Court at Menard

Court Notre Dame 1452 of young girls from OLPS were al- Under the leadership of the the Catholic Daughters of Amer- ready affiliated with the CDA at officers, the group has visited ica from Our Lady of Prompt OLPS, but thought it might grow nursing homes, served at Manna Succor in Alexandria recently more under a high school set- House, collected more than $600 established a junior court at Holy ting,” said Sanders. “We brought in their “Pennies for Seminar- Savior Menard High School. the organization to Menard in Oc- ians” campaign, and made more According to club sponsor tober of 2014 and more than 40 than 500 Rosary bracelets for Jessica Sanders, a religion teacher high school girls signed up.” each of the Menard students dur- at Menard, one of the members of Officers elected for the new ing their recent Rosary Walk dur- the Notre Dame Court (Joan La- junior court are Maddie Mitchell, ing Catholic Schools Week. The nius) approached her about estab- president; Cameron Erickson, members were recognized and CDA JUNIOR COURT OFFICERS. Officers elected to head the new junior lishing the junior court at Menard. vice president; Abby Urbina, trea- officers installed during a weekly court are , president; , vice president; “Ms. Lanius said that a few surer; and Alison Roy, secretary. school Mass held in February. , treasurer; and , secretary. Catholic Daughters of America Courts announce winners of education competition

CDA Court 968 in Bunkie Winners t are CDA Court 1452 at OLPS announce winners (front row) , 3rd announce contest winners of education contest place art; 2nd place essay; and 1st Winners of the CDA Court Christine Rabalais, chair- place art. 1452 Education contest are (front man of the Education Committee Row 2 d row) , Div. I Po- for the Catholic Daughters Court place art; , etry, 1 , #968 of Bunkie, has announced 3 y; and 3rd row: Div. I Essay, 3r the winners of the annual Catho- , 1st place essay. , Div. I Essay, 2n e. lic Daughters education contest. Winners were awarded with ow , Div. II The categories are art and cash prizes and first place winners Essay, 1st & essay stressing the theme “Love entries will be entered in the state , D tied Your Neighbor As Yourself”. competition. Catholic schools celebrate Mardi Gras with parades and courts

OLPS MARDI GRAS. Fr. Dan O’Connor, Fr. Bill Gearheard, and Jackie De- ST. FRANCES CABRINI MARDI GRAS. Representing the Penny King and Queen of Mardi Gras are Worth, assistant principal at Our Lady of Prompt Succor get in the spirit of the and with Father Chad Partain, pastor. Also participating in the St. Frances Cabrini School Mardi OLPS Mardi Gras parade. Gras parade is the Krewe of Love Bugs.

Daniel Lacombe Advertise Floor Finishing in the 404 Bordelon Rd., Hessmer, LA 71341 Church Today Specializing in installation • Floor Finishing • Ceramic Tile Floors Very affordable rates! • Hardwood Floors • Reseal Tile Floors 318-445-6424, x 264 Ph: (318) 563-4753 • Cell (318) 305-0241 MARCH 23, 2015 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 19 Fr. Partain blesses new Menard baseball fieldhouse Honored guests are members of the Menard 1959 & 1960 Class AA state champions Menard president Father Chad Partain blessed and dedicat- ed the new Menard Eagle Base- ball Fieldhouse March 9, before a crowd of players, parents, alumni and supporters. Honored guests of the dedi- cation ceremony were members of the 1959 and 1960 baseball teams, who both won back-to- back Class AA state champion- ships. “Lord, bless this new facil- ity at Holy Savior Menard High School, and all of its players, coaches, alumni, friends and sup- porters who will use it today and in the years to come,” prayed Fa- ther Partain. According to Principal Joe Desselle, the new facility includes a locker and dressing room, showers, an entertainment area, office space for coaches, and a new home dugout located outside the building. The construction of the fieldhouse was the project of a group of anonymous donors at Menard. “We are very grateful to the generous donors who made this all possible,” said Desselle. “There is no better high school baseball facility comparable any- where in Central Louisiana.”

Top left: The new Eagle Fieldhouse. Top right: The entertainment room. Middle left: Father Chad Partain blesses the facility. Middle right: Inside the player locker room. Bottom: Ken Ardoin, (far right) presi- dent of the Menard Alumni Asso- ciation, welcomes six men who were once part of the state championship teams in 1959 and 1960 -- Philip Flynn, Don Boniol, John Lauve, Barry Ackel, Bob Boisvert, and Ernie Kno- bloch.

Brigitte Paul Kelso Insurance, LLC Like us on Facebook Brigitte Kelso Owner/Agent 2918 S. MacArthur Dr. Alexandria, La. 71301 2914 N. Bolton Ave. • Alexandria, LA Phone: 318.448.2226 Fax: 318.448.2280 Diocese of Alexandria [email protected] 442-2325 PAGE 20 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 23, 2015 Disney puts new life into popular fairy tale, Cinderella

By Joseph McAleer Catholic News Service MOVIE (CNS) -- “Cinderella” (Dis- ney) injects vibrant new life into a venerable fairy tale. The result is REVIEW an exuberant live-action retelling of the oft-filmed fable, the most famous screen version of which coach, white horses, footmen and is Disney’s classic 1950 animated driver, respectively, is one of the feature. highlights of the film. Opting for fidelity and sin- The other standout is Cinder- cerity rather than a revision- ella’s shimmering blue dress. Not ist approach, director Kenneth since Scarlett O’Hara made an Branagh sticks to the basic story, outfit from old curtains in “Gone displaying genuine affection for with the Wind” has a skirt stolen its iconic characters. Familiar yet the show to such an extent, swish- fresh, his delightful take, suitable ing and swirling across the dance for the entire family, nicely brings floor as though possessing a mind to the forefront dual lessons about of its own. compassion and forgiveness. While there are a few twists There’s a lot of death in the in store, a happy ending is as- Cinderella story, but here that sured, and the final message won’t aspect of the tale is treated gen- leave a dry eye in the house. tly. Ella (Lily James) tends to her Preceding “Cinderella” is a dying mother (Hayley Atwell), short animated film, “Frozen Fe- whose final request to her is, “Al- CINDERELLA. Lily James and Richard Madden star in a scene from the movie “Cinderella.” The movie holds strong ver,” featuring characters from ways have courage and be kind.” values of compassion, kindness and forgiveness. Kids will love the short animated film Frozen Forever that is featured the blockbuster 2013 movie “Fro- This becomes Ella’s life motto before the movie. (CNS photo/Disney Enterprises) zen.” It’s Princess Anna’s (voice -- and not a bad one at that. Her of Kristen Bell) birthday, and her sunny nature and good will in- sister, Queen Elsa (voice of Idina spire all creatures, great (fellow (Holliday Grainger). servant. Covered in ashes from to find the enchanting maiden. Menzel), is planning a party -- de- humans) and small (white mice). The ladies are ghastly in ev- cleaning the fireplace, she’s deri- A royal ball is arranged, with spite feeling unwell. Given Elsa’s When her beloved father ery respect, from their poor man- sively dubbed “Cinderella.” an invitation to all eligible ladies frost-producing proclivities, as (Ben Chaplin) remarries, Ella’s ners to their garish outfits. And Riding her horse through in the kingdom, titled or not. Lady highlighted in the original, how- patience is put to the test, but she anyone who calls her cat Lucifer, the forest one day, Cinderella en- Tremaine forbids Cinderella to at- ever, her sneezes bring predict- never gives in to the dark side. as Lady Tremaine does, is just counters Kit (Richard Madden), tend, tearing her dress to pieces. ably chilly consequences. The same, alas, cannot be said about bound to be wicked. aka Prince Charming. They meet Cinderella’s Fairy God- The Catholic News Service for Ella’s new stepmother, Lady The standard narrative un- cute but confused, she unaware of mother (Helena Bonham Carter), classification is A-I . The Motion Tremaine (Cate Blanchett), or folds: Father dies, and Ella is his royal status, he not catching naturally, has other ideas. The Picture Association of America her shrieking stepsisters, Drizella reduced to waiting on her obnox- her name. Cinderella retreats, and transformation of pumpkin, mice, rating is PG -- parental guidance (Sophie McShera) and Anastasia ious relations in the manner of a the prince, his heart aflame, vows lizards and a goose into a golden suggested.

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http://www.foryourmarriage. org/everymarriage/enrichment/ seven-day-virtual-marriage- retreat/ MARCH 23, 2015 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 21 A.D. The Bible Continues to begin airing Easter Sunday NBC’s first digital talk show Beyond A.D. to follow the Bible mini-series

By Justin Craig foxnews.com TV From executive producers Roma Downey (“The Bible”) and Mark Burnett (“The Bible,” “The REVIEW Voice”) comes A.D The Bible Continues, a new 10-part televi- sion series premiering on NBC on streamed online. Easter Sunday, April 5. “We are very excited to ven- Just one week later, NBC ture into the digital talk show will also launch Beyond A.D., a arena and feel Beyond A.D. is the 30-minute talk show series de- ideal digital companion to A.D. signed to create a discussion plat- The Bible Continues, said NBC form for fans. Entertainment executive vice A.D. The Bible Continues, president Rob Hayes. “The series picks up where the smash hit lends itself to in-depth discus- miniseries The Bible left off, con- sions between fans, cast, produc- tinuing the greatest story ever ers and special guests.” told and exploring the exciting A.D. The Bible Continues and inspiring events that followed producers, Downey and Burnett, the Crucifixion of Christ. are also thrilled over the talk A.D. THE BIBLE CONTINUES TO AIR EASTER SUNDAY. Jesus (Juan Pablo Di Pace) returns to his disciples after The immediate aftermath of show. his death and Resurrection, while his followers struggle with their mission to spread the word to the world. Christ’s death had a massive im- “’Beyond A.D.’ is a wonder- pact on his disciples, his mother, ful way to continue the conver- Mary, and key political and re- sation that A.D. has started,” the ligious leaders of the era, com- Jesus (Juan Pablo Di Pace) to the world seems impossible. trials and imprisonments, perse- husband-and-wife team said in a pletely altering the entire world dies on the cross at the hands of Yet, they have hope and soon cutions and punishments while statement. “We are excited that in an instant. the Romans, deserted by even they have power: the amazing trying to understand the God- Jason [Kennedy] is on board and Beginning at that fateful his most loyal followers. Peter miracle of the Resurrection and given power granted to them as we have many incredible guests moment of the Crucifixion and (Adam Levy) and the disciples the shocking arrival of the Holy they transition from the sorrow of lined up as well as cast members the Resurrection, A.D. The Bible are hunted by Temple authori- Spirit upon them all at Pentecost Christ’s ultimate sacrifice to the who all will lend their voices to Continues will focus on the dis- ties led by High Priest Caiaphas enables them to inspire more and awe-inspiring wonder of the Res- what will be a lively show.” ciples who had to go forward and (Richard Coyle) and Roman sol- more people to join. urrection and beyond. The new talk show will allow spread the teachings of Christ to a diers under orders from Governor The growing church brings “A.D.” fans to learn more about world dominated by political un- Pontius Pilate (Vincent Regan). challenges for Peter, John (Ba- Beyond A.D. the historical and spiritual topics rest, and the start of a whole new For the tiny band of followers, ev- bou Alieu Ceesay) and Mary A week later, NBC will air that the broadcast will offer, in religion that would dramatically ery day is a fight for survival, and Magdalene (Chipo Chung), who the first-ever digital talk show addition to insight from the cast reshape the history of the world. their mission to spread the word are pushed to the limit; they face “Beyond A.D.” to follow A.D. and producers as well as other The Bible Continues. special guests. Already scheduled Hosted by E! News’ Jason to appear is series star Juan di Kennedy, the talk show will be Pablo who portrays Jesus as well taped before a live audience at as Downey, Burnett, Rick War- the Real Life Church in Southern ren, Christine Caine, and many California. The 30-minute se- more. Musical guests will include ries will feature special celebrity All Sons & Daughters and Des- and musical guests and can be peration Band, among others. PAGE 22 CHURCH TODAY MARCH 23, 2015

St. Mary’s Assumption Spring Fair St. Martin ABLAZE DIOCESAN St. Mary’s Assumption School (Cottonport) will host Join us Saturday, March 28 from 5 - 9 .m. for St. Mar- its annual Spring Fair on Saturday, March 21 beginning tin Church’s (Lecompte) ABLAZE, an evening of food, BRIEFS at 7:30 a.m. with a 5K run/walk. Booths open at 10 a.m. friends, prayer, praise and worship for students in grades Lots of food booths; things for the kids to enjoy including 7-12. Vigil Mass starts 5 p.m., followed by ABLAZE in Jupiter Jumps, rock wall, a train, paintball, and games; a the Church Hall. Admission is free -- Bring a friend! silent and a live auction, and bingo. Listen to 80s rock mu- sic from D.O.D. (Days of Decadence) at 7 p.m. Junior High Rally Mater Dolorosa Murder Mystery Dinner A Junior High Rally will be held March 28 at Our Lady of Prompt – Divine Providence Center, Alexandria Cross your heart and hope to die . . . murder at the for 6, 7, and 8th grades. PJ Anderson, a musician and prom in 1959! Join the Mater Dolorosa (Plaucheville) songwriter, will be the guest speaker with music by the Youth Ministry on Saturday, April 11 at 7 p.m. for a Mur- Josh Blakesley Band. Cost is $20 per person up to March der Mystery Dinner in the school gym. 50s style attire is 20; $25 after March 20. The day is from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. optional. $30 per person; $50 per couple. Call Allison @ including Vigil Mass. For more information, go to www. 359-0492; Grant @ 613-7248; or Amy @ 240-4626. diocesealex.org/youthministry, or email lnoel@dioceseal- ex.org, or call 318-445-6424, ext 221. St. Mary’s Trail Ride Louisiana Camp Joshua St. Mary’s Residential Training School invites you to the 5th annual Trail Ride Fundraiser on Saturday, April 11. Louisiana Camp Joshua (LCJ), a weekend pro-life The ride starts at 9 a.m. at 135 Turnage Road. Event in- camp to train high school students to be pro-life leaders, cludes a horse auction, hayrides for the kids, barrels, poles, Dates for Camp Joshua 2015 FOUR GENERATIONS OF ST. MARY’S ASSUMPTION and games, and much more. Cost is $12 for adults and $5 • Baton Rouge: April 10-12 SCHOOL. Pictured are (front row)Sharon Lemoine Juneau, for kids 14 and under. Lunch is included. For more infor- • Covington: May 1-3 Sarah Lacombe Riche’, and Roxane Juneau mation, call Russell at 318-793-4718 • Shreveport: May 15-17 Riche’. Back row: Mark Lacombe and Grant Riche’. At Camp Joshua, you will experience top-notch work- shops, classes, and activities, and you’ll learn from the na- St. Joseph School BBQ Cookoff tion’s leading pro-life experts. Contact Kandace Landre- Menard’s Production of ‘Guys and Dolls’ neau of LA Right to Life, at [email protected] St. Joseph School in Plaucheville invites all interested cooks to enter the Spring Fling BBQ Cook Off on Satur- or 1.866.463.5433. Holy Savior Menard’s Theatre Arts, under the direc- day, April 25 at the school. Registration is $30 and grilling tion of Cherise Rino, will perform Guys and Dolls, April begins at 10 a.m. To register, call 318-922-3401 ext 3. Magnificat Brunch 15-16, and 18-19 at the Coughlin Saunders Performing Arts Center. Performances on April 15, 16, and 18, start Cenla Magnificat, a ministry to Catholic women, at 7 p.m. The performance on April 19 starts at 2 p.m. St. Joseph School Spring Fling will host their next brunch April 18 from 10 a.m. - noon No tickets are available for Friday, April 17. Tickets can at St. Mary Assumption’s Church Hall in Cottonport. The be purchased online at ticketcentral.org or at the Menard St. Joseph School in Plaucheville will host a Spring guest speaker will be Father Taylor Reynolds, a recently front office. Pre-sale ticket prices are $12 and $15 at the Fling Color Run on Saturday, April 25 at 9 a.m. Choose ordained priest who had the opportunity to study in Rome. door. For more information, call 445-8233. the 5K Run or the 1 mile Walk/Fun Run. Registration Tickets are $15 in advance and must be purchased by April is $20 per person; which includes a t-shirt. Registration 15. No tickets sold at the door. For tickets call Mary Wil- St. Mary’s Greco Bowl forms available at school; must be returned no later than son @ 318-359-7735; Joan Gahagan @318-352-8701; or Friday, April 10. Diane Ardoin @ 318-419-1547. Make plans now to attend the annual St. Mary Resi- dential Training School’s Greco Bowl featuring Chef John Cabrini School Extreme Obstacles Marriage Prep Workshop Folse on Sunday, May 31, from noon -2:30 p.m. at the Gem of Alexandria (1014 A Third Street, Alexandria). The St. Frances Cabrini School is offering Extreme Ob- The next one-day marriage prep workshop, Strong event will include a cooking demonstration by Chef Folse, stacles on Saturday, April 25. The 3-mile military style Foundations Marriage Preparation, will be held Sunday. giveaways, a cash bar, and silent auction. Each person obstacle course starts at 9 a.m. and includes water pits, zip May 17 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the Family Center at Sacred will also receive a special hand-crafted bowl made by one lines, wall climbing, tire obstacles, and much more. Reg- Heart Church in Pineville. Couples may register at www. of the residents. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased istration is $25 per person, as a 4-person team; or $30 for comprehensivetherapygroup.com. For more information, in groups of 8 per table. For tickets or sponsorship, call individuals. To register, go to www.active.com. call 318-792-9940. Megan Vets at 318-445-6443, ext 2313.

Divine Mercy Sunday • Behavior Modification • In home, Individual, and is • Obedience and Therapy Group Sessions Available Pet Training • Phone Consultations April 12 • 30-day Money Back Guarantee and Phone Assessments 985.226.6458 • www.felinecaninecoach.com MARCH 23, 2015 CHURCH TODAY PAGE 23 March - April

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Ordination of Lenten Reflection ABLAZE Fr. Fernand Cheri for Seniors for Youth 23 9:00 a.m. 24 25 26 27 5:00-9:00 p.m. 28 29 Auxiliary Bishop of PENANCE SERVICES Lenten Reflection Series OLPS, Alexandria St. Martin Church, Lecompte New Orleans, 2:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. SFXC Alexandria 6:00 p.m. St. Louis Cathedral, New 6:00 p.m. St. Anthony, Bunkie VIRTUS Training St. Frances Cabrini Jr. High Rally Orleans 6:30 p.m. Mater Dolorosa, 6:00 p.m. Church, Alexandria Plaucheville 9 a.m.-5 p.m. OLPS, Alex. SJCC, Alexandria PENANCE SERVICE Lenten Mission -- St. Mary’s Church, Winnsboro -- 6:00 p.m. Passion Play 6:30 p.m. OLPS Alexandria 6:00 p.m. Lenten Mission -- Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Alexandria -- 6:30 p.m. NO MEAT on FRIDAY St. Juliana, Alexandria PALM SUNDAY PRAY FOR MSGR. S. TESTA PRAY FOR FR. K. TEXADA PRAY FOR FR. J. THOMAS PRAY FOR FR. A. THOMPSON PRAY FOR MSGR. J. TIMMERMANS PRAY FOR FR. E. TIRKEY PRAY FOR FR. A. TRAVIS Outdoor Way of the Cross 30 31 APRIL 1 2 10:00 a.m., 3 4 5 Chrism Mass Minor Basilica, Natchitoches 11:00 a.m. St. Francis Xavier Walking Way of the Cross Cathedral, Alexandria 1:00 p.m. Sacred Heart, Moreauville PENANCE SERVICE 6:00 p.m. Mary, Mother of Jesus, Woodworth GOOD FRIDAY HOLY SATURDAY HOLY THURSDAY FIRST FRIDAY FIRST SATURDAY EASTER SUNDAY PRAY FOR FR. G. UZONDU PRAY FOR FR. A. VARGHESE PRAY FOR BISHOP R. HERZOG PRAY FOR FR. V. VEAD PRAY FOR FR. A. VELEZ PRAY FOR FR. N. VIVIANO PRAY FOR FR. J. XAVIER Murder Mystery Dinner 6 7 8 9 10 7:00 p.m. 11 12 Mater Dolorosa, Plaucheville

St. Mary’s Trail Ride 9:00 a.m. 135 Turnage Road

Camp Joshua -- Baton Rouge SUNDAY of EASTER MONDAY DIVINE MERCY PRAY FOR FR. R. YOUNG PRAY FOR FR. K. ZACHARIAH PRAY FOR FR. A. AELAVANTHARA PRAY FOR FR. T. ALLEN PRAY FOR FR. S. BRANDOW PRAY FOR FR. D. BRAQUET PRAY FOR FR. J. BROCATO 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Magnificat Brunch 10:00 a.m - 12 noon St. Mary’s Assumption, Cottonport

Menard Production of Guys & Dolls Menard Production of Guys & Dolls

PRAY FOR FR. S. CHEMINO PRAY FOR FR. D. COOK PRAY FOR FR. D. CORKERY PRAY FOR FR. J. CUNNINGHAM PRAY FOR FR. W. DECOSTE PRAY FOR FR. D. DEJESUS PRAY FOR FR. J. FERGUSON 5K Spring Fling Color Run 20 21 22 23 24 & BBQ Cookoff 25 26 9:00 a.m. St. Joseph School, Plaucheville Extreme Obstacles 9:00 a.m. St. Frances Cabrini Church, Alexandria

PRAY FOR FR. P. FAULK PRAY FOR FR. B. DESHAUTELLE PRAY FOR FR. T. FEY PRAY FOR FR. A. FIGREDO PRAY FOR FR. R. GARRIONE PRAY FOR FR. J. GOOTEE PRAY FOR FR. W. GEARHEARD