The Diocese of Lake Charles lcdiocese.org

Vol. 38, No. 11 Deacon Thompson to be ordained to priesthood May 26 (Read more at lcdiocese.org ents are Dean B. Thompson ued studies for the Diocese of “It is hard to imagine, but has brought me, and I am – Deacon Thompson to be or- and Deborah Brown. He was Lake Charles in late 2008. almost eleven years have glad of it, because I may not dained) received into the Catholic He has attended the Pon- passed since I began, in a have had the courage to fol- LAKE CHARLES – The Church and graduated from tifical College Josephinum formal way, to discern and to low Him. Thus, I can only Most Reverend Glen John Baton Rouge Magnet High in Columbus, Ohio, graduat- pursue a priestly vocation, stand or, better, kneel, in awe Provost, Bishop of Lake School in 1999. From 1999 to ing with a Master of Divin- he said. “There are times in and in thanksgiving before Charles, will ordain Dea- 2001, he attended Louisiana ity (MDiv) and will obtain which I was not sure that I con Bryan Thompson to the State University and then en- summa cum laude a Bachelor was following the right path, the loving Providence of God. priesthood for the Diocese of tered religious life with the of Sacred Theology degree, or that I did not have the gen- I can see here an invitation Lake Charles at a 10 a.m. Lit- Legionaries of Christ from awarded through the Pon- erosity to say “Yes” to perse- to trust, an invitation to grow urgy on Saturday, May 26 in 2001 to 2004. In 2005, he be- tifical College Josephinum by vere in following it, though in in faith, hope, and love, con- the Cathedral of the Immacu- gan discernment and studies the Pontifical Lateran Uni- my heart I continued to hear fident that He will fulfill His late Conception, located at for diocesan priesthood for versity, Rome, and a Master the peaceful voice of the Lord promise to send ‘power from the corner of Kirby and Bilbo the Diocese of Baton Rouge, of Arts in Theology. saying, “Come, follow me”. on High’ in order to equip me streets in downtown Lake graduating from Saint Joseph He was ordained to the “Now, so close to the for the task I now take up in Charles. Seminary College with a Diaconate as a Transitional beginning of that life that union with Him, in His Per- Deacon Thompson will Bachelors degree in Philoso- Deacon in August 2011. has, at turns, inspired and son.” celebrate his first Mass at 4 phy and Theological Studies. Deacon Thompson noted frightened, attracted and re- p.m. Saturday in the Cathe- He continued his vocational that he has had moments of pulsed, my first feeling is one A reception for the newly dral and a reception will fol- discernment away from semi- great joy but also times of of awe,” Deacon Thompson ordained priest will follow low in Ave Maria Hall. nary in 2007 and 2008, coming difficulty, contradictions and continued. “At the beginning, the ordination in St. Louis A native of Baton Rouge, to Lake Charles where he be- crosses along his path to or- I could never have imagined Catholic High School, 1620 Deacon Thompson’s par- gan discernment and contin- dination. the road over which the Lord Bank Street. Deacon Bryan Thompson Fifty-eight Scouts and adults honored LAKE CHARLES -- The Bishop’s Dinner for Religious Em- thew Burnham, James Christy, Gabriel Davis, David Paul blems Recognition was held recently at the Knights of Colum- Duhon II, Kaleb Foreman, Kyle Holland, Eric Jackson, Julian bus Hall of Council 4562 of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catho- Jones, Christopher Landry, John David Monlezun, Colby Pi- lic Church. Various medals earned through Religious Emblem att, Jonah Paul Reggie, Joseph Smith, and Alex Yokubaitis. programs went to 38 youth, while 20 adults were honored for Parvuli Dei (Children of God) emblem is a recognition that services rendered on behalf of Scouting. the Catholic Church presents to Cub and Webelo Scouts for Youth awards included the Family of God, Light of Christ, advancement in religious knowledge and spiritual formation. Parvuli Dei, Ad Altare Dei and the Pope Pius XII while adult Brandon Tobias was awarded the Ad Altare Dei, which is recognition came in the form of the Bronze Pelican, and the designed to equip the Scout to take his place in the world as a St. George Award. Bishop Glen John Provost, aided by Father maturing Catholic and a maturing American. Nathan Long, outgoing Chaplain for the Catholic Committee Pope Pius XII emblem recipients were Jonathan Vogel and on Scouting, presented the awards. The Bishop announced at Thomas Vogel. This program was developed in recognition of the conclusion of the banquet that Father Long would be step- the need for Catholic lay leaders in church and community ping down as Chaplain and that Father Jason Scott Conner, affairs and of the potential of Exploring to develop such lead- parochial vicar of St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church ership. and chaplain at St. Louis Catholic High School, was appointed Four adults were presented with the Bronze Pelican award to that position. - Donn Dees, Jeff Fruge’, Howard Foreman, and Patrick Stan- Kassie Piatt was awarded the Family of God emblem. This ley. The Bronze Pelican is a Diocesan recognition approved program is the official religious recognition program of the Catholic Church in the United States, for children ages seven by the Catholic Committee on Scouting and Camp Fire for the to nine who are enrolled in the Girl Scouts of the USA, Camp Diocese of Lake Charles. It is given to those who have made Fire, Inc., Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas. a significant contribution to Scouting in the field of religious Recipients of the Light of Christ emblem were Michel Bour- Catholic relationship. geois, Holden Fontenot, Joshua France, Eric Jackson, Ste- Father Long was presented with the St. George emblem, phen Russell Kershaw, Jacob LaBouve, Steven LaBouve, Jr., which is a national recognition presented to any adult who is Andrew Landry, Nathaniel McNally, David Nonette III, John working in the Scouting program under Catholic auspices, the Reina, Rory Richard, Zachary Rizzuto, Cody Simon, Dylan Si- Catholics in Scout units, not chartered by the church, and who mon, Jadon Smith, Darnell Taylor, John “Jack” Thomson, and has made a significant contribution to Scouting in the field of Dustin Tobias. The Light of Christ program was developed by Catholic relationships the National Catholic Committee on Scouting under the aus- Receiving Duty to God certificates were Bishop Provost; pices of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. In order Sandra Jones; Rachel Robinson; Alison Fontenot; Sue Long; to receive the Light of Christ emblem, he must complete all Lisa Merriam; Sherry Oden; Shawn Chamblee; Kevin McMur- requirements before he starts the third grade. ry; Scott Willis; Marty Berry; Maria O’Dowd; Morris LeBleu; Bishop Glen John Provost, center, stands with Rev. Ja- Parvuli Dei recipients were John-Patrick Broussard, Mat- and Joe Castro. son Scott Conner, left, the newly appointed chaplain for the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, and Rev. Nathan Long, the previous chaplain. Seafarers Center celebrates 50 years of ministry LAKE CHARLES – Fifty tino, Lou Richard and Joe con Lapoint with a certificate Deacon Lapoint with a com- years of ministry by the Sea- Soileau (ship visitors and of recognition for 50 years of mendation letter from The farers Center of the Diocese drivers), and Peter Perna dedicated service to seafar- Pontifical Council for the Catholic Schools Notes of Lake Charles were cel- (volunteer). He recognized ers and all people of the sea Pastoral Care of Migrants ebrated recently with a Mass a number of others in atten- from the US Conference of and Itinerant People, con- in the Cathedral of the Im- Saint Margaret of Scotland Catholic School dance who provides support Catholic Bishops, Apostle- gratulating the Center on its maculate Conception and a for the ministry, including ship of the Sea National Of- 50th anniversary. May being the month of Mary, students at St. Margaret par- re-dedication and blessing of Bill Race (Port Director), fice. Bishop Provost noted his ticipated in the annual May Crowning on May 11. They re- the Center at the Port of Lake Dwayne Boudreaux (ITF), Fr. Oubre expressed his concern for the number of membered in the celebration that Mary is our Mother and our Charles. Sr. Deacon George Stearns thankfulness for great care Seafarers Centers that are Queen. By crowning her in our own way we remember her Bishop Glen John Provost (Chancellor), members of that the Center shows to closing throughout the coun- coronation in heaven, which is the Fifth Glorious mystery. was the celebrant of the lit- the Diocesan staff, and Lake seafarers and presented the urgy with Msgr. Daniel Tor- Charles Mayor Randy Roach. Deacon Lapoint with The try through the lack of fund- res, V.G., Rev. Wayne LeBleu, ing and support. The Bishop Immaculate Conception Cathedral Catholic School He noted the presence of Maritime Samaritan Award Rev. Rommel Tolentino, and Pat Broussard (past director from the Apostleship of the pronounced a blessing upon ICCS Kindergarten students will participate in Closing Rev. Sinclair Oubre as con- of the Center) and his wife, Sea – USA for the Center’s 50- the center and over the food. Ceremonies today, May 18h at 6 p.m. in the schools gym. Led celebrants. Father LeBleu is Betty as well as Herman Ver- year legacy of good work. Members of the Catho- by teachers Kim Ieyoub and JoLynn Marcantel, this year’s the Secretary for the Ministry kruissen (the son of the Cen- Mayor Roach spoke of the lic Daughters of the Ameri- theme is “Oh The Places We Will Go.” Eighth grade students of Pastoral Services, which ter’s first director) and his honor he felt to have this kind cas from Our Lady Queen of will celebrate Closing Mass on Tuesday, May 22 at 6 p.m. in oversees the Seafarers Cen- wife Martha. of ministry in the community. Heaven Catholic Church pro- the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. There are 36 ter and Father Tolentino is Sr. Myrna presented Dea- Bishop Provost presented vided refreshments. the current chaplain for the kindergarten and 47 eighth grade students in the school. ICCS Center. Father Oubre is the first grade winners of the Arbor Day Poster Contest were Ra- president of the Apostleship chel Redd, first place; Emma Jarreau, second; and Camdyn of the Sea-USA. Deacon Pat- DuRousseau, third. These students were presented at the rick Lapoint, the director of Lake Charles city Council meeting on, May 8. the Center, served Bishop Provost as the Deacon of the Mass. Our Lady Immaculate Catholic School Present at the Center Registration for the 2012-2013 school year at OLI contin- were many other dignitaries ues. Call 337-824-1743 for more information. Openings are and well-wishers including available in most grades. Sr. Myrna Tordillo, MSCS, the National Director of the Apostleship of the Sea. Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic School Deacon Lapoint welcomed OLQHS holds its Fifth Annual Heavenly Fish Festival to- everyone to the celebrating, morrow, May 19 beginning at 6 a.m. from the bank, boat or pier. thanking them for their sup- Weigh-in begins at 11 a.m. at Calcasieu Point. There will be port and spoke of “how much prizes for all age groups and lunch is provided by Port Aggre- fun it is to minister to the sea- gates. Entry fees are $25 for individuals (includes free t-shirt) farers. Ten years as director and $60 for a family. For registration information, contact has brought much joy into my life and some sadness. We Lisa Jakel at OLQHS at 477-7349. have been with seafarers who see their newborn children Our Lady’s Catholic School for the first time (via the com- Our Lady’s School recently celebrated the Bicentennial puter) and celebrate their with an afternoon of special events. The school’s Louisiana joy. We have stood with them when they learn of a death of Bishop Glen John Provost, center, stands with Deacon Patrick Lapoint, Director of Day consisted of the Lake Charles Mardi Gras Revelers, Festi- the Seafarers Center of the Diocese of Lake Charles, at the recent blessing and re- val of Foods, Cajun band, Demonstrations from the Louisiana a family member for the first time.” dedication of the Center on its 50th anniversary. With them are, from left, Father Parks and Recreations, crawfish and frog races. In addition to providing a Rommel Tolentino, Center chaplain, Father Sinclair Oubre, president of the Apostle- place of comfort for the sea- ship of the Sea-USA, and at right Sr. Myrna Tordillo, MSCS, the National Director of Sacred Heart of Jesus/St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School farers, the Center has also the Apostleship of the Sea. Sacred Heart’s Creole Festival, held April 29, was a great been an advocate for them church, school and community celebration. Everyone who over the years. In the past 10 attended had a marvelous time and organizers would like to years, Deacon Lapoint noted that sailors had received thank all who helped make the annual event successful. more than $700,000 wages Did you know... due to them through the in- St. Louis Catholic High School On September 1, St. Eugene Catholic Church in Grand Chenier tercession of the Center. will be 50 years old. Bishop Maurice Schexnayder of the Dio- Students and families who will be at St. Louis next year In that same period, over cese of Lafayette established the parish on that date with Fa- should check the school website for valuable information 60,000 were transported with- ther Joseph Decoteau, a priest of the LaSalette Missionaries, concerning summer assignments, student orientations, and in the community, and 10,000 will be closed as the founding pastor. gift bags have been provided Christian service hours. The ACT Council has recognized 46 to visiting seafarers during Monday, May 28 Can you name the four permanent deacons of the Diocese of Lake current sophomores for outstanding academic achievement. the Christmas season. He in- Charles who celebrate 35 years of diaconate ministry in They met or exceeded benchmarks in all four categories of troduced other staff of the Memorial Day June.? Find out in the next Catholic Calendar. the PLAN (English, mathematics, reading and science). center including Fr. Tolen- ? The Most Reverend Glen John Provost Bishop of Lake Charles

May 18, 2012 Diocese of Lake Charles announces kickoff of Apostleship of Prayer By Rev. Nathan Long sions in the Church, yet she never left her convent! In my time the Pope and Bishop Provost will then be announced each Secretary for Ministry of Christian Formation on the seminary, I remember asking many of my classmates month for you to keep in your prayers. On Pentecost weekend (May 26-27), the Diocese of Lake and friends how they came upon a vocation to the priesthood, Once enrolled, the Apostleship asks you to do two simple Charles will begin enrolling the faithful in an association ded- only to discover that St. Therese had somehow influenced things – one is the “Morning Offering,” and the other is to stay icated to connecting Christ’s followers to the Eucharist and them. Many converts to the Catholic faith report the same. mindful of the monthly intentions. to the Church at large. Known as “the Apostleship of Prayer,” Upon her death, very few knew of her; yet now she is known In the “Morning Offering,” the effectiveness of the Apostle- the association dates back to missionaries in France in 1844. worldwide as a powerful intercessor. To what can we attribute ship finds its source. The disciple pledges that from that point At the time, a group of Jesuit seminarians were eager to con- these many graces? Certainly it has everything to do with her forward, all prayer, sacrifices and events are given to Christ clude their studies and begin work in the missions. The found- fervent prayer. for the good of the Church and souls throughout the world. er of the Apostleship, Fr. Francis Xavier Gautrelet told them, This means that one can be a “missionary” without ever This is the old saying; “offer it up” lived out practically. En- “Be apostles now, apostles of prayer!” leaving home! What an important truth to share with our rolled members are asked to “offer it up” – whatever “it” may This instruction applies just as well to all of us today. Our elderly and infirm whom society tells us are no longer “use- be - offer it up for the intentions of the Pope and our Bishop. parishes are bustling with activity, families are busy bounc- ful”. Their prayer and your prayers are the lifeblood of the It also calls to mind the role of the faithful in the Holy Mass. ing from activity to activity, and needs abound everywhere Church’s ability to bring souls to Christ. The Second Vatican Council, realizing that apostles were for Christ’s presence. Yet, the Church has always taught that To further guarantee the fruitfulness of all our parish and needed to evangelize the world, saw the key in lay attendance prayer is superior to any activity. Jesus himself called prayer diocesan activities in the name of Christ, Bishop Glen John “the better part” (Luke 10:38-42). Provost is calling on us to take seriously this call to pray. To at Mass. By prayerfully “offering up” all their prayers, suffer- The teaching, while simple enough, needs explanation in assist us in this effort, the Apostleship of Prayer has proven ings and joys to the Lord on the altar, they are joining with light of our “busyness”. Our faith teaches that only God can to be effective in helping regular faithful Catholics to live an Christ’s Sacrifice and adding to the graces pouring out on the create life. This is true in nature, but it is also true in the spiri- “apostolic” way of life. Enrollment is simple – there are no ad- world. Even if one is not able to make Mass daily, the morn- tual life as well - we labor in various services for Christ, but ditional money or time commitments. There are no additional ing offering is a simple and effective way to bring all of your ultimately, “God gives the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6). As a rule, God meetings to attend. We simply ask that you continue whatever prayer efforts into that great prayer of the Church. only gives grace upon our asking – “ask and it shall be given prayer commitments you already have and offer them in uni- The Apostleship of Prayer is therefore a Eucharistic way you” (Matt. 7:7). Therefore, if we expect to see any true spiri- son with the intentions of the universal Church and the local of life that will allow you to assist the Church throughout the tual effect in our labors, we must pray. Diocese. We will do this by asking you to enroll your name world. Beginning this Pentecost, we invite you to enlist in this Our saints have always taught us this truth as well. Among among many other millions of apostles worldwide. Volunteers important effort when members of the Apostleship visit your the patrons of the Apostleship of Prayer, St. Therese of Li- throughout the Diocese will be visiting our parishes through- parish. Remember, “God gives the increase,” and therefore sieux stands out in particular. St. Therese is the patron of mis- out the year asking for your commitment. The intentions of we must ask the master-builder through prayer. EOHS Mass to Avert members Storms May 31 CAMERON – Bishop Glen John Provost will cele- brate a Mass to Avert Storms at 5 p.m., Thursday, May promoted 31, the eve of the 2012 hurricane season, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. ATLANTA – Two mem- This event will constitute the first Diocesan pilgrim- bers of the Equestrian Order age to the Shrine of Our Lady Star of the Sea follow- of the Knights and Ladies of ing the recent “spiritual bond” granted by the Holy the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusa- See. The bond links the Cameron Shrine to the Basilica lem from the Diocese of Lake of St. Mary Major in Rome. In this, such a pilgrimage Charles received promotions provides a plenary indulgence, just as if the pilgrim- during the group’s annual age were to St. Mary Major. The plenary indulgence is meeting. granted with the fulfillment of certain requirements, Lady Dolores Beaco was which include recent confession, reception of Holy promoted to Lady Grand Communion, prayers for the Holy Father, and the reci- Cross while Sir John (Jack) tation of the Creed. O’Reilly was promoted to Bishop Provost has also asked that during this year’s Knight Grand Cross. In addi- storm season that the people of the Diocese of Lake tion, Sir Paul Reed received Charles pray the prayer composed by The Most Rever- the Pilgrim’s Shell Award for Attending the recent annual meeting of the Equestrian Order of the Knights and end Maurice Schexnayder, Second Bishop of Lafayette, making the pilgrimage to the Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem held in Atlanta were Sir Bernard Beaco, in 1957 following Hurricane Audrey. Holy Land. Lady Dolores Beaco, Paula Reed and Sir Paul Reed. The group in attendance totaled 20 from the Diocese, including three clergy and 14 Let Us Pray lay members along with three O God, Master of this passing world, hear guests. These included Ber- the humble voices of your children. nard Beaco, Diocesan Repre- The Sea of Galilee obeyed your order and sentative to the Order, and his returned to its quietude. wife Dolores; Dr. Keith, Dale, You are still the Master of the land and and Ainsley DeSonier; Clar- sea. We live in the shadow of a danger over ence and Kitty Prudhomme; which we have no control: the Gulf, like Dr. David and Joyce Buttross; a provoked and angry giant, can awake Paul and Paula Reed; Fred from its seeming lethargy, and overstep its and Lauretta Fluitt; Charles conventional boundaries, invade our land and Joanna Viccellio; Msgr. and spread chaos and disaster. Harry D. Greig; Msgr. Jace Es- kind; and Very Rev. Anthony During this hurricane season we turn to Fontenot. You, O loving Father. Spare us from past At the organization’s gen- tragedies whose memories are still so vivid eral meeting, members lis- and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal tened to speakers from the with the passing of time. O Virgin, Star of Holy Land on the terrible the Sea, Our Beloved Mother, we ask you to plight of Christians there plead with your Son in our behalf, so that and the terrific need to- as spared from the calamities common to this sist those persons in order area and animated with a true spirit of to maintain the presence of gratitude, we will walk in the footsteps of Christianity in that part of your Divine Son to reach the heavenly Je- the world. Information on the Father Whitney Miller, director of Saint Charles Center, leads the opening prayer rusalem where a stormless eternity awaits status of the Southeastern us. Amen. Lieutenancy, which includes during this year’s morning of reflection for administrative assistants of parishes the states of Louisiana, Mis- and offices of the Diocese held in Tabor Retreat House. The annual event was spon- The Most Reverend Maurice Schexnayder sissippi, Alabama, Florida, sored by Billy Navarre, who provided gifts for those who attended. Second Bishop of Lafayette George, and South Carolina, was provided. Diocesan Briefs.....

Percle now SLCHS Development Director 2012 National Peace Essay Contest, sponsored by the United gram in Nicaragua. To purchase a ticket, please mail your States Institute for Peace. check payable to Abrazando Cristo Mission Program, Attn: LAKE CHARLES -- Susan Percle is The first place earned Vogel a $1,000 scholarship and entry Msgr. Torres, 414 Iris Street, Lake Charles, LA, 70601. The the new Director of Development at St. in the national competition. Louis Catholic High School, according drawing is Sunday, June 17 in the St. Henry Community Cen- to Deborah Frank, President /Head of Bishop’s Pilgrimage to Shrines of France ter. For more information, call 337-439-7400. the School. LAKE CHARLES – Space is still available for the 10-day A native of Lake Charles, Percle is a pilgrimage to the Shrines of France with Bishop Glen John Memorial Golf Tournament June 2 1989 graduate of St. Louis and holds a Provost from Oct. 29 through Nov. 7. Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communi- Contact Father Ruben Buller at 337-439-7400 for more in- LAKE CHARLES -- The annual Johnnie Thibodeaux Me- cations and English from the Univer- formation. morial Golf Tournament is Saturday, June 2, at Mallard Cove sity of Alabama. She has most recently Golf Course. served at Immaculate Conception Ca- Jazz Brunch set June 10 Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Pan y Amor thedral Catholic School (ICCS) direct- LAKE CHARLES -- The 2012 Catholic Charities of South- Boys’ Home and School in Managua, Nicaragua, a project of ing the Cathedral School’s Capital west Louisiana Jazz Brunch is Sunday, June 10, at the Lake the Abrazando Cristo Mission Program. Campaign, Building On Tradition and Susan Percle Charles Country Club. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Call Johnnie and Susan Thibodeaux at 337-478-4095 for serving as public relations director Tickets are $50 per person. Food, entertainment, and the more information. and liaison to all school fundraising. opportunity to bid on auction items are included with the Percle brings nine years of experience in Catholic educa- price of admission.. Married Couples Retreat Cruise tion and school development to her new role as Development For tickets, call Catholic Charities of Southwest Louisiana LAKE CHARLES – Married couples are invited to a Cel- Director at St. Louis. She is a parishioner of the Cathedral of at 337-439-7436. ebrate Marriage Couples Retreat aboard the cruise ship Tri- the Immaculate Conception and an active volunteer in the umph, sponsored through the office of Family Life. community. Married to Gregory Percle, the couple has four Abrazando Cristo Cash Giveaway Fundraiser children, John-Gregory, Jacob-Paul, Joseph and Eliza. LAKE CHARLES -- The Abrazando Cristo Mission Program The ship departs Galveston on Monday, Sept. 24, with stops is holding its annual Big Cash Giveaway with only 500 tickets in the ports of Progresso and Cozumel, and returns on Satur- Vogel wins Peace Essay contest available at $100 each. day, Sept. 29. LAKE CHARLES – Jonathan Vogel, a senior at St. Louis First prize is $5,000; second prize, $1,000; and third prize, Call Kathy Owen in the Office of Family Life for more infor- Catholic High School, was the Louisiana winner in the 2011- $500. Proceeds benefit the ongoing work of the mission pro- mation, 337-439-7400.

This page paid for by the Diocese of Lake Charles through the generous sponsorships of the following: Your Knights Catholic Charities Saint Charles Crossroads Watch “Glad Tidings” “Connected Catholics” For sponsorship information of Columbus Diocese of Center/Tabor Your Store of Faith Sunday at 6 a.m. Diocesan Singles Call 337-439-7400, Ext. 307 Council Here Lake Charles Retreat House 474-7100 on KPLC-TV Ministry 439-7400 [email protected] 337-439-7436 337-855-1232