THE CATHOLIC PAGE 10 CTK students reach out to Cristo Rey

CApril 9, 2021ommentator Vol. 59, No. 5 2020 LPA NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR news.diobr.org LIFE THROUGH DEATH Diocese celebrates the joy of Easter

By Debbie Shelley The Catholic Commentator

One year after a global pandemic shut down public gatherings during and Easter Sunday, churches in the diocese of Baton Rouge opened under guidelines is- sued by Michael G. Duca. The protocols for Holy Week as well as the triduum, which are considered the “holiest three days” of the liturgi- cal year, were similar to what had been issued by the Holy See, according to Episcopal Vicar Father Jamin David. On Palm Sunday, March 28, processional palms were blessed at the beginning of the ceremony and distributed in some fashion, but no processions from one place to an- other were allowed. Holy Thursday’s tradition of washing of the feet also disappeared. Also, the procession re- mained in the church. The veneration of the Good Friday was held with- out touching or kissing of the cross, although the faithful were able to venerate the cross by . Even the Chrism was celebrated one day before its traditional Wednesday of Holy Week date and, for this year only, was moved from St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge to St. George Church in Baton Rouge. In-person at- tendance was limited to invitation only because of physical distancing regulations. SEE CHRISM PAGE 16

Bishop Michael G. Duca blesses the oils during the Chrism Mass celebrated March 30 at St. George Church in Baton Rouge. Standing to Bishop Duca’s left is Vicar General Father Tom Ranzino. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator Man answers ‘Mamma’s’ request to make rosary video By Debbie Shelley power of the rosary and Mary’s urgent of Columbus, obtained the equipment She was an excellent partner to do the The Catholic Commentator request to spread the devotion for the for the project. Cormier recorded the video with,” said Barbre. salvation of souls. presentation and started the editing Having worked in sports talk radio Charles Barbre teamed up with Barbre, a member of Knights of process, and Catholic Life Television and television for the past 25 years, daughter, Karen Ullo, to record a vid- Columbus Council 9247 of St. Jean completed it. Barbre is known by many as “The eo on praying the rosary for the sim- Vianney Church in Baton Rouge, Barbre was joined in the video by Rooster,” a nickname given to him by ple reason that “Momma (his term of has wanted to record a video on the Ullo, music director at St. Jean Vian- a caller during one show. He is com- endearment for the Blessed Mother) rosary for years but could not find ney and at the Cypress Springs Mer- fortable in front of the camera but asked me. And when Momma asks me someone to volunteer their skills or cedarian Prayer Center chapel in Ba- even sports “takes a back seat” when to do something, I do it.” talent to do it. Brett Cormier, through ton Rouge. it comes to encouraging others to pray Underlying his matter-of-fact an- his work as state audio visual chair- “She (Karen) is a smart cookie. She the rosary. swer is his knowledge and belief in the man for the Louisiana State Knights knows her liturgy and spirituality. SEE ROSARY PAGE 4 2 The Catholic Commentator April 9, 2021 | DID YOU KNOW Believe By Dina Dow Church paragraph 2053 states, “following Jesus Christ involves keeping the com- Happy Easter! mandments. The law has not been abol- The celebration of the resurrection of ished, but rather man is invited to redis- our Lord continues as we journey into the cover it in the person of his master (Jesus) Second Sunday of Easter: Sunday of Divine who is its perfect fulfillment.” Again, in Mercy and the Third Sunday paragraph 2074, “Jesus of Easter. The Mass readings says: ‘I am the vine, you follow the Acts of the Apostles, Life-Giving are the branches. He who focusing on the early church; FAI H abides in me, and I in him, the First Letter of St. John, fo- he it is that bears much fruit, cusing on the oneness of the church in for apart from me you can Christ; and the Gospels of St. John and St. do nothing.’ ” The fruit referred to in this Luke focusing on the appearances of Jesus saying is the holiness of a life made fruit- after the resurrection. ful by union with Christ. When we believe Rich in Mercy (Acts 3:13-19; 4:32-35) in Jesus Christ, partake of his mysteries Early church life was a community of and keep his commandments, the savior believers together with “one heart and himself comes to love, in us, his father and one mind.” They served the community in his brethren, our father and our brethren. prayer with mind and body by charity and His person becomes, through the Spirit, the mercy, giving thanks to God for his ever- living and interior rule of our activity. ‘This lasting goodness, love and mercy. is my commandment, that you love one The present-day works of another as I have loved you.’ ” mercy were ways of living to the We believe in our Lord Jesus, who, by his new Christians, the followers of the Christ, resurrection, gives us new life. By his love who emulated the same compassion, care, and mercy we realize we are so deeply Divine Mercy, Eugeniusz Kazimirowski, 1934 justice and concern as Jesus taught, handed loved by God beyond human comprehen- on by the apostles. Indeed, the “way” they sion. As a response we strive for holiness followed was the way through the cross to every day to do good and avoid evil; to love; new life in the Resurrection. By the Holy to be united; to follow the commands of Happy ! Spirit the leadership of St. Peter turned Christ. St. John reiterates, “But whoever their eyes and ears to comprehend the mag- keeps his word, the love of God is truly per- With the rolling away of the with the Holy Spirit, making this nitude of Christ’s Passion, death and resur- fected in him.” And is not that what we live stone from Jesus’ tomb and the period known as the “season of sac- rection in light of the fathers of faith, each for … to be perfected in God? To become angel’s announcement that he has raments.” of whom experienced the power of God’s saints. risen just as he said, we entered The lives of the saints also con- mercy. Thus, Jesus came namely to “wipe Peace of mercy (Jn 20:19-31, Lk 24: Eastertide, or the 50 days of the tinue to be celebrated. Among them away” sin and return all to God through his 35-48) Easter season. Time to put away is the feast of St. George on April mystical body. “Peace be with you.” the “sack cloth and ashes” and 23. A martyr, St. George is known United by Mercy (1 Jn 2:1-5; 5:1-6) Spoken by Jesus to the apostles, the first fasting of and feast on a sea- by legend as “The Dragon Slayer.” It is the oneness of the faith in Jesus words of our resurrected Lord is an invi- son that itself has many celebra- St. George School in Baton Rouge Christ which brings us into the oneness tation to peace … calm, ease, quiet, relief, tions and ends with one big cele- calls upon St. George as an interces- of God and community. St. John’s letter breath, serenity, tranquility, grounded, bration at Pentecost. sor academically and spiritually as encourages the followers, united by God’s order … peace. Yes, there is a storm, yet The first notable celebration is well as leader for athletic victories. love, to believe, to avoid sin and to do good Jesus offers peace. Peace of mind. Peace of Divine Mercy Sunday, also known The month of May, of course, is by keeping the Ten Commandments, a way trust. Peace of security. Peace of love. Peace as the Feast of Divine Mercy, which dedicated to the Blessed Mother, as to know Jesus. When we know Jesus, we of hope. Peace of faith. Peace of truth. Peace is the Sunday after Easter and con- a tribute to her purity, faith and love know the commandments and hence we of mercy. It is by his very act of dying to self cludes the Octave of Easter. Church and pointing the way to her son, Je- avoid sin and remain in right relationship that we will rise in his merciful peace, life parishes in the Diocese of Baton sus. with God and others. Can it be this easy? united to God the father and in the Holy Rouge and the world have gathered The 40th day after Easter is the By keeping the commandments will we Spirit. throughout Lent to sing or pray the commemo- truly come to know Jesus and be united Mission of mercy (Jn 20:19-31) novena for this feast. rating Jesus’ ascension into heaven with others? It is this invitation to peace where the In the 1930s Jesus appeared to in the presence of his apostles. Je- Yes. The Catechism of the Catholic SEE PAGE 15 Polish nun St. Faustina Kowalska sus promised his followers that he and asked her to institute a Feast of would soon pour out the Holy Spirit Divine Mercy in order to let people on them. know that his “ocean of mercy” is And what better way to end the greater than any sin. Easter season than to throw a birth- On April 30, 2000, St. Pope John day party! Pentecost commem- news.diobr.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator Paul II canonized St. Faustina and orates the appearing of the Holy established Divine Mercy Sunday. Spirit to the apostles in the upper Bishop Michael G. Duca Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager On that day, St. John Paul II de- room as “tongues as of fire, which Father Tom Ranzino Associate Publisher Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation clared, “This is the happiest day of parted and came to rest on each one Richard Meek Editor Nicole Latiolais Graphic Designer my life.” of them.” Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor There’s also the receiving of Pentecost is considered “the many sacraments going on during birthday of the church” during The Catholic Commentator (ISSN 07460511; USPS 093-680) Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South Acadian Thruway, the Easter season. Children, girls which the apostles, as we are chal- Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton Rouge, LA. Copy must looking like little brides and boys lenged to do today, boldly went reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Subscription rate: $14.00 per year. POST- like little grooms, receive first Com- out to proclaim the good news and MASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. munion and teenagers are sealed make disciples of all the nations. April 9, 2021 The Catholic Commentator 3 Cristo Rey’s Work Study Program thrives during pandemic

By Richard Meek to serve the students we have,” But the enthusiasm remains to learn. When I wake up now I “I’m focused and determined The Catholic Commentator Engemann said. high among those system em- think ‘let’s see what is going to to do what I need to do.” Additionally, some of those ployees engaging with Cristo happen today, what kind of stuff Along with the education- As the coronavirus pandemic business partners who have Rey students. am I going to learn today be- al growth, Azard said the work crippled businesses and sent stu- been unable to host a student for “I don’t think there was a cause I’m ready to do it.’ SEE PARTNERS PAGE 6 dents home for virtual learning the school year have continued question if we were going to do in March 2020, Cristo Rey Baton to support Cristo Rey financially. it; I think it was more of figure Rouge Franciscan High School “Our corporate partners have out what the process was going officials were concerned about been amazing,” Engemann said. to be to ensure kids would be the future of the program that “Everyone has been affected by in a safe environment,” said Joe is the cornerstone of its Bumpus, director of In- First educational mission. formation Systems for When Gov. John Bel the health system. Dresses Edwards announced a He said the health state lockdown March system has participated 13, 2020, school offi- in the school’s corpo- cials made the difficult rate work study program decision to suspend the since its inception five Corporate Work Study years ago. Typically, his Program, which allows department will have students to spend one two students during the day a week working in a school year but this year, business environment, it’s only one student. for the remainder of the “The students are school year. The work great, they bring joy to study program is what the team, they are there, distinguishes Cristo they want to learn,” Rey from other schools Bumpus said. “You see and provides students someone you can share a unique opportunity your passion with. The to augment their class- entire department ral- room education with lies around the students, real life, workplace ex- they become part of the periences. family and want to be a “It was a complete part of that.” unknown at the time,” Cristo Rey sopho- Cristo Rey president “This is not a game, this is an more Jeffery Azard Jr., Eric Engemann said. “I in his first year at the remember early on we actual job, and I am learning school, is grateful for had made a number of the opportunity to be contingencies, working stuff that can benefit me working in Bumpus’ de- our way through the end partment. Azard said his of the school year.” in the long run.” education in informa- One of those discus- tion technology has been sions centered on the Jeffery Azard Jr. broad-based, learning feasibility of students Cristo Rey sophomore about programming, making one final visit to networking, printers the corporate offices where they this and for everyone to jump and even something as simple as had been working but the real- back in and continue to be a part l the differences between power ization quickly set in that could of this has been special. A lot of cords. not happen, Engemann said. Cristo Rey schools nationwide “You learn something new ev- Also unknown was how many have struggled with the corpo- ery day,” Azard said. “I think it businesses, still struggling with rate partner issues.” can help me in the long run be- the economic challenges pre- One of those returning was cause if I want to do something sented by the pandemic, would the Franciscan Missionaries of like this when I get older, I can Joe Skibinski, Agent be able to participate in the work Our Lady Health System, which do it because I learned it in high study program in 2020-21. En- operates Franciscan Missionar- school.” gemann said “we really did not ies of Our Lady University and For Azard, however, the Cris- know how it was going to go.” Our Lady of the Lake Regional to Rey experience is much more Although some corporate Medical Center, both in Baton than learning about computers; partners did not renew, many Rouge, along with other med- it has challenged him education- new partners came on board, ical and urgent care facilities ally, pushing him to test his own thus creating what amounted to throughout Louisiana. Although limits. a neutral effect on the program. the health system typically has He said the excellent grades “Our focus was on renewals 16 students in the Corporate that he was making a year ago and not so much on new part- Work Study Program spread at a public school “were given to ners but the response we got throughout a variety of depart- me, easy work.” from the new partners was real- ments, that number has dropped “I wanted to challenge myself ly remarkable, to be able to add to six during the current school and when I first got here, I was those new jobs and still be able year. impressed,” he said. “I was eager 4 The Catholic Commentator April 9, 2021

 rosary when he served meals to video, Barbre gives an overview ROSARY workers during recovery efforts of how to effectively pray the ro- From page 1 at the scene of death and de- sary and addresses the question, Barbre began the devotion struction. “Why pray the rosary?” on a daily basis in 2009, after “It was on my heart that the “If you understand the ‘why he re-visited the story of Our reason that I was supposed to go you pray the rosary, what’s in it Lady of Fatima’s apparitions to to the World Trade Center was for you,’ the how of praying the the shepherd children at Fatima to stand at ground zero and pray rosary is easy,” said Barbre. Portugal. the rosary, which I was able to For those who think that “I hadn’t read the story since do,” said Barbre. the rosary and devotions to the junior high school. I thought I Doctors determined Barbre’s Blessed Mother are worship- knew it all, but I kept realizing exposure to pollutants at the ping Mary, Barbre said, “They ‘She said that’ and I didn’t realize World Trade Center caused his Charles Barbre and daughter, Karen Ullo, discuss effective ways to don’t understand, they’ve never that and ‘she wants us to do that’ kidney cancer that has spread to pray the rosary and answer the question, “Why pray the rosary?” looked into it.” and I didn’t realize that,” Bar- his lungs. He accepts his illness during a recording about the devotion. Photo provided by Brett Cormier He said the best way to dis- bre said. “One thing the Blessed with faith. cover the richness of meditating Mother said in all of six (Fatima) “If I knew then what I know on the mysteries of her son Jesus apparitions was to pray the rosa- now that I would have cancer, I Columbus, he has lead a pro-life “When they started hosting through the rosary is to “just ry. wouldn’t trade a thing,” he said. rosary in front of Delta Wom- rosary groups in their home sev- start.” “So I figured she wasn’t com- “What I got out of that is so much en’s Clinic in Baton Rouge and eral years ago, we were some- “Since my conversion (of pray- ing down here because she was more than whatever I am deal- weekly rosaries at his home times able to bring the children ing the rosary daily) in 2009, the bored and needed something to ing with now. (which turned into a carport ro- to pray with them,” she said. Blessed Mother leads me closer do, she was coming down to help “When I found out I had can- sary during the COVID-19 pan- “It was easier when they were to her son,” Barbre said. “It’s as save our souls.” cer, I gave my cancer to the Bless- demic). On the 25th day of each younger and had less homework simple as that. She is looking out He and his wife, Betty, pray ed Mother. I told her it’s hers to month he also leads an Armada than it is now, but my husband for my salvation. the rosary together daily, while do whatever she wants with it. Rosary Prayer Group dedicated and I have tried to let our chil- “If you pray the rosary every- traveling in the car, walking the If she wanted me to come home, to Our Lady of the Most Precious dren see how the rosary shapes day, you will be amazed at the neighborhood, or walking “laps that’s fine, and if she wanted Blood, which involves praying our family and leads us closer to blessings that will come to you.” around the house” in inclement to keep me around for a while, the rosary, litanies and prayers God, both through my parents’ To view the video, visit weather. that’s fine too. She’s in charge.” of supplication. example and our own.” kc9247.org and click on the ro- After the 2001 terrorist at- He continues his mission to Ullo noted how her parents’ Barbre said many Catholics sary tab and select the Why Pray tacks on the World Trade Center, spread the rosary. In addition devotion to prayer has been a know about the rosary but many the Rosary option on the drop- Barbre was moved to pray the to his work with the Knights of good model for the family. do not pray it daily or at all. In his down menu.

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By Richard Meek this organization this past year.” ployees are focused on running into and strates excellence in service and exempli- The Catholic Commentator He praised CCDBR employees for meeting the challenges of the day. He said fies the Catholic Charities mission, values making the jobs a priority even as many the agency’s tremendous response this and commitment to the community. David Aguillard used one simple phase faced their own personal struggles. past year is testimony to the commitment Aguillard said Namikas has logged to capsulate the past year as he gave his “There will never be another year like of the organization as well as its team hundreds of hours since she began to address at the annual Catholic Charities this year, I hope,” Aguillard said. members. volunteer with the agency’s Refugee Re- meeting, which was held virtually March During his address, Bishop Michael G. “We may need this year to recharge settlement Program in 2017. Aguillard 24. Duca, while expressing his tremendous that spiritual capital we get by coming said Namikas will drive clients hundreds “2020,” the CCDBR executive director pride in CCDBR’s response during the together,” the bishop said. “We need to of miles to obtain a green card and has said. pandemic, said although heal from that. But at raised money to buy “I don’t know what 2020 was difficult, “ev- the same time while you school supplies, orga- else I can say,” he som- ery year is different” at are helping others you nized CCDBR’s New berly added. “It was an Catholic Charities. are often the one who is Americans’ Thanksgiv- extremely difficult time. “You rise to the chal- hurting. ing event, coordinated We provided services lenges, whether it’s “The way we help our- volunteers and spear- like we have never be- floods, tornadoes, hur- selves when we are spir- headed the agency’s Vir- fore.” ricanes, the difficulty of itually challenged is by tual ESL summer camp. Aguillard also broke dealing with the crimi- helping others. The ones “In her ‘off time’ she down the “incredible nal justice system or the who give their life is the teaches history at Baton trust” placed in the challenges in your own one who finds their life.” Rouge Community Col- agency to meet the tre- person lives.” He called CCDBR a lege and two summers mendous needs of peo- “What is unique great gift to the church ago, she traveled to Af- ple struggling in the Ba- about this year,” he add- and the community and rica to help set up an ton Rouge area. ed, “is for some of it we commended the agency’s online college program “No other agency in had to do it separated, employees for the work for refugees,” Aguillard the community did the Julia Fontenot quietly in our homes, they do. Cecilia Perez said. work we did or contin- separated from the ones “I am so proud of Holmes has spent the ues to do as we changed we love, where we draw you,” he said. past decade as a CCDBR from financial assistance model to more our strength. But the fact that we are able Annual award winners from the past volunteer and helps low-income families sustained, ongoing support of vulnerable to continue to respond and prosper in this two years were also presented, since the prepare taxes at no cost. She also keeps families, especially those in rural areas,” time is not only a testimony to the organi- 2020 meeting was cancelled because of CCDBR updated on new tax laws and is he said. “We could not have done this zational qualities of this organization but the pandemic. passionate about helping families in need without our team members, staff, per- through the spiritual capital and depth, Lisa Namikas was chosen as the re- and training other volunteers. sonal commitments, the life of faith and although we had to call upon it this year cipient of the prestigious David Hamilton Julia Fontenot was selected as the 2019 generosity each of you live in your person- to make it through. I think that is a bless- Volunteer of the Year for 2019 and Laura Gene Dominigue Coworker of the Year al lives and at Catholic Charities. I am in- ing.” Holmes was selected for 2020. The award winner and Cecilia Perez was chosen as spired and thankful to have been a part of He said the daily lives of CCDBR em- is presented to a volunteer who demon- the 2020 recipient.

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PARTNERS  sion, all about being respect- Praying the rosary From page 3 ful. That is part of our core,” Bumpus said. “When you Why should I pray rambled on in their prayers study program has helped him talk about Cristo Rey it gives the rosary? Didn’t thinking that they needed to mature, admitting when he is you an opportunity to share QJesus condemn rep- wear down their gods using many at his job he is “a bit more fo- your expertise, to give back, etitious prayer when he said words. cused because this is how a to teach someone in your field “In praying, do not babble When praying the rosary, we real job is supposed to be. of study. like the pagans, who think should not just repeat the prayers “This is not a game, this is “When you hear they grad- that they will be heard be- of the rosary (the Our Fathers, an actual job, and I am learn- uate and go on to college, it is cause of their many words” the Hail Marys and the Glory ing stuff that can benefit me in great to hear. They are part of (Mt 6:7). Bes). We should mediate on the long run.” your life.” The rosary is a the mysteries of the rosary (the He said the health system Vice-President of Com- devotion to honor Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and staff always makes him feel munity Engagement Carissa Athe Blessed Virgin Glorious events in the life of Jesus welcome and even eats lunch Graves said this school year Mary. We can never go and his mother). This is easier with them on the days he is has presented unique challeng- wrong honoring the mother “said than done.” Many times, there. es. Students are transported by of our Lord Jesus Christ. Stump the my mind wanders and after “They treat me as an equal,” school vans to their respective The rosary is also a pow- Deacon George Hooper completing a decade of the rosary he said. “I have the (corporate) offices but with about 10% of erful weapon against the I realize that my meditation fell nametag. I feel like I am part of students are still learning re- devil. St. Padre Pio called short. I tried, but multi-tasking them part of the family. motely, the staff has developed the rosary beads a weapon of extraordinary is difficult for me. However, the Thomas Merton “That means a lot to me. I alternative avenues, including power against Satan. Father Gabriel Amorth, prayer gives me comfort that my rosary was not am blessed to be here.” students being able to become the former chief exorcist of the Vatican, once in vain. Part of that prayer goes like this: “… the Bumpus said his depart- certified in Excel and other wrote: “One day a colleague of mine heard the fact that I think that I am following your will ment has developed a curric- software. devil say during an exorcism ‘Every Hail Mary is does not mean that I am actually doing so. But, ulum that covers the entire “There are lots of moving like a blow on my head. If Christians knew how I believe that the desire to please you does in fact spectrum of technology. Ul- parts but we are making sure powerful the rosary was, it would be my end.’ ” please you.” No prayer, no rosary, is ever wasted. timately students progress to students are always growing The rosary is a great way to combat the devil. the point where they are able and developing in their work- Yes, Jesus did say “do not babble like the DEACON HOOPER is a deacon assistant at Immacu- to complete work orders sent place skills which is hard to pagans” but he was not condemning repetitive late Conception Church in Denham Springs. He in by system employees. do when they are not at the prayer. He was condemning those pagans who can be reached at [email protected]. “We are all about mis- workplace,” Graves said. For pennies a day receive the Commentator at home! For only $14 per year, receive The Catholic Commentator at your home or office. To subscribe,complete and return the form below or call 225-387-0983.

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Bishop Michael G. Duca receives the oils during the Chrism Mass on March 30 at St. George Church in Baton Rouge. Bishop Duca then blessed the oils, which will be used at church parishes in the Diocese of Baton Rouge throughout the year. Photos by Richard Meek | The Catholic Com- Father Chris Decker, at St. Joseph Church in Grosse Tete, Immaculate Heart mentator of Mary Church in Maringouin and St. Frances Xavier Church in Livonia, processes with the Eucharist at the end of the Holy Thursday Mass on April 1. Chrism /Holy Thursday Masses

Bishop Duca in- censes the with incense at the beginning of the Chrism Mass, which is a way of showing rever- ence to the altar.

Father Decker prays before the altar during the Holy Thursday Mass. The and statues were all cov- ered at that point, awaiting Easter Sunday.

A eucharastic proces- sion was held follow- ing the Holy Thursday Mass at St. Frances. Ad- oration followed.

Bishop Duca breathes over the sacred oil, with Vicar General Tom Ranzino to the bishop’s left. 8 The Catholic Commentator | April 9, 2021 EASTER 2021 April 9, 2021 | The Catholic Commentator 9

[A] [B] [C]

[A] Father Michael Moroney, pastor of St. Alphonsus Church [B] After the blessing and lighting of the at [C] Father Jason Palermo, pastor at St. Joseph Church in Father Palermo bap- in Greenwell Springs, blesses the Paschal candle during the the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Alphonsus Church in Greenwell French Settlement and St. Stephen the Martyr Church in tizes Brooke Harper, blessing of the fire and lighting of the Paschal candle at the Springs on April 3, the candles of the congregation were lit. Maurepas, confirmed several new Catholics during the Eas- while Harper’s eight- Good Friday & Easter Vigil Mass at St. Alphonsus Church April 3. Holding Peering upon their lit candles are, from left, Camille Pro- ter Vigil Mass on April 3 at St. Joseph. Eight new RCIA can- year-old son, Jack- the Paschal candle is Deacon Robert Kusch, deacon assis- vost, Luc Provost, Jolice Provost, holding Lofton Hyde, and didates were confirmed or baptized during the vigil Mass. son, smiles in the tant at St. Alphonsus, and looking on is Linda Amond, coor- Emile Provost. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator background. Photo by dinator of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and Chil- Richard Meek | The Catholic Easter Vigil 2021 dren at St. Alphonsus. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator Commentator

[D] Thirty-six people participated in a five-mile Good Fri- day walk from St. Elizabeth Church in Paincourtville to St. Jules Church in Belle Rose. They prayed the Way of the Cross, with each station positioned in front of a house along U.S. Highway 1, above. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator

One of the more moving elements of the Easter Vigil Mass is [E] the beginning when the church is in total darkness while several Scripture passages are read. The congregation, such as happened at St. Joseph Church in French Settlement, holds candles, creating a sacred atmosphere in the church. At the conclusion of the readings, the church lights are turned on and the Mass continues. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator

[D] On Friday, April 2, Good Friday, neighbor- a Webb Park neighborhood Stations of the [E] Webb Park neighborhood sponsored Sta- Gretchen Ferachi, Sara Manning Miller, Gayle Father Toni Thomas IMS, pas- hood Stations of the Cross were back again Cross. From left, John and Kathleen Lovretich tions of the Cross on Good Friday, April 2, to Hirschey and front row, Anna Catherine Fera- tor at St. Elizabeth and St. this year to provide a safe option to commem- and Jane Skerkoske pray at the third station, provide people an alternative way to remem- chi, Madeleine Ferachi, Andrew Ferachi and Jules, prays at the end of the orate the for people con- Jesus fall the first time. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The ber Jesus’ Passion. Praying at the eighth sta- Kenny Ferachi. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Good Friday walk. Photo by Richard cerned about COVID-safety issues. Families Catholic Commentator tion, Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem Commentator Meek | The Catholic Commentator and friends walked, biked and drove through are family members, from left, back row, 10 The Catholic Commentator April 9, 2021 CTK students reach out to Cristo Rey for Lent project

By Debbie Shelley items for the goodie bags. The Catholic Commentator Courtney Hahn, a freshman and mem- ber of the LSU cheerleading squad, comes The hallways of Cristo Rey Baton Rouge from Ohio and said she is happy to bring Franciscan High School are decked with a spark of hope to the Cristo Rey students. pennants from colleges all around the “I’m very blessed that no matter how far United States where students have been I am away from home, I can be a light for accepted, along with various other stu- others,” said Hahn, noting the project had dent achievements and positive messages. touched her soul as well. It speaks of dreams realized and dreams “Through this experience I’ve been led in the making by the Wolfpack. close to Jesus by the Holy Spirit,” Hahn On March 24 students from Christ the said. King Church and Catholic Center at LSU Sophomore Will Clark said he was provided Cristo Rey students with goodie struggling at the beginning of last semes- bags filled with physical and motivational ter when he joined the CTK service team food for their journey as part of a Lent and a small Scripture study group whose service project. inspiration is Pier Giorgio Frassati. Cristo Rey educates students of limited He was particularly impacted by an op- economic means to become successful portunity to serve after Hurricane Laura faith-filled leaders. The school combines a devastated the Lake Charles area in Au- college preparatory education with a cor- gust. porate work study program. Last year’s CTK students Courtney Hahn, right, and Will Clark give a friendly greeting and goodie “Sometimes we worked side by side with inaugural graduation celebrated success bag to Cristo Rey freshman Taylor Hicks. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator the families we were helping,” said Clark. for the students and school in the midst of He said his time there taught him a lot many challenges. distribution to say, “keep going” and “we ister, said with COVID-19 presenting about “living in the world of reality” and CTK exchanged high fives and bumped believe in you.” such difficulties, the Lord put it on her how the smallest acts of love are impor- elbows with the high schoolers during the Amelia Gallagher, CTK campus min- heart that making goodie bags would be tant. something that would bring a message Senior Guy Cresson said the opportuni- of encouragement to the Cristo Rey stu- ty to give words of affirmation, to see the dents. joy on the students’ faces and know they “What Cristo Rey does is awesome, and had made their day made his own Lenten this is something we can do to help,” said journey more meaningful. Gallagher. After the “goodie bag encounter,” some The students assembled about 165 Cristo Rey students are eyeing the possib- THETHE goodie bags filled with such things as lilty of attending LSU. CATHOLICCATHOLIC HOME MISSIONSMISSIONS APPEALAPPEAL snacks, notebooks and inspirational “Thank you for the LSU team taking items personalized to each student and the time to come out here, and deliver to show them that the Lord loves them the goodies to us. I felt very loved and and cares about them, according to Gal- appreciated,” said freshman R’Corious lagher. Lavergne, “It also makes me excited to “I really enjoyed the school supplies giv- join the CTK team because I want to go to en to us. The tablet in particular I am us- college at LSU.” ing it in my classes now,” said Cristo Rey Freshman Seth Fields agreed. freshman Coleman Dupree. “I was a really nice thing for them to do, She said CTK parishioners responded LSU is now on my radar for college in the generously when asked to contribute future.”

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Will Clark gives a goodie bag to Cristo Rey freshman Samuel Buckley. April 9, 2021 VOCATIONS The Catholic Commentator 11

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Fourteen young men from the Diocese of Baton Rouge and the Archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama, recently 45 565 5 75 gathered at St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict for a Come and See weekend. The weekend pro- 85 95 06 vides an opportunity for men to learn more about the priesthood. Photo provided by Suzanne Payne | Office of Vocations, Diocese of Baton Rouge 16 26 36

moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www ACROSS 5 Series of petition prayers 1 “…the infant leapt in her ___” (Lk 6 Single things Come and See weekend 1:41) 7 Parisian infant 5 Does a car repair job 8 Center starter 10 “Hey, buddy” 9 RR stop 14 Suffix ool.)(z 10 Book of hymns in the Old Testa- 15 Maladroit ment offers glimpse of seminary 16 Having a sound mind 11 Narrative of heroic exploits 17 Urges 12 Rebuff 18 Leg bone 13 Green and Pekoe By Richard Meek sion. 19 Water, to Pedro 21 Old expletive The Catholic Commentator Retreatants have the opportunity to ask ques- 20 Sicken 22 Ovine cries 22 Reveals 24 People looked like this to the blind tions, have concerns addressed and private time 23 Flags man Jesus cured They came together on an early March weekend to spend in prayer with God. 24 Streetcar 25 Spawning area of salmon with one eye on the present while casting a dis- Traditionally retreatants will sleep at the semi- 26 Denial 27 State in which the Diocese of Dallas cerning eye on the future. nary but because of COVID-19 restrictions, dur- 27 “For where your ___ is, there also is found will your heart be.” (Mt 6:21) 28 Windows alternative Fourteen young men from the Diocese of ing the March 4-7 weekend the 14 men slept at 31 Prodded 29 The Holy See Baton Rouge and the nearby Camp Abbey. 34 Eats 30 Fifty-fifty Archdiocese of Mo- “One of the gifts of 35 The Feast of All Saints is in this 31 Frat letters month (abbr.) 32 Migrant farm worker bile, Alabama, recently spending time at the 36 Parody 33 Christ the ___ gathered for a Come VOCATIONS PRAYER seminary for the Come 37 Blended 34 Jubilee number and See weekend at St. and See weekend is 38 10 cents US 37 A Franciscan, for example Joseph Seminary Col- found in the friendships 39 “Am ___ your way?” 38 “Nunc ___” Compassionate Heart of Jesus, gra- 40 Couches 40 Denomination lege in St. Benedict. that the young men 41 Female fox 41 Objectionable Come and See week- ciously listen to our prayers. Give us form with other guys in 42 Sections 43 Catholic United States Supreme ends are designed to generous hearts to respond to your their community who 44 Catholic newsman Russert Court justice, Sherman ___ 45 Distasteful 44 Jesus drove the merchants out of give men interested in call in our lives. Lift up these coura- feel called to discern if 46 Avian symbol of the atonement this learning more about the the priesthood is their 50 site 46 Jeopardy priesthood a hands-on geous men Deacon Danny Roussell, path to becoming a 53 Burial ground 47 “…we do not ___ praying for you” Deacon Taylor Sanford, Joseph Ber- 54 Brewery device (Col 1:9) look at life as a seminar- saint,” Father Johnson 55 Acute 48 “…and said to her, “Talitha koum,” ian, said Father Joshua gan, James Vu, Austin Young, Albert said. 57 Hindmost part of an animal which means, “Little girl, I say to Johnson, vocations di- Four “Come and See” 58 “___ time…” you, ___!” (Mk 5:41) rector for the Diocese of Blount, Joseph Bresower, Joshua weekends are sched- 59 Student 49 Thermoplastic yarn 60 “This ___ sudden!” 50 Castle’s defense Baton Rouge. Zelden and Deacon David Dawson uled annually, two at 61 Conjunction 51 “Again you have heard that it was The weekend is open willing to follow after your heart as St. Joseph and two at 62 White poplar said to your ancestors, ‘Do not take to high school and col- Notre Dame Graduate 63 Spotted a false ___’…” (Mt 5:33) . Help parents and teachers 52 Annapolis (abbr.) lege students as well as School of Theology in DOWN 53 Headland older men. They spend to share the faith and to encourage New Orleans. There is 1 The Duke, a convert to Catholicism 55 Mineral spring from Friday night young people to explore religious no cost and meals and 2 Body of salt water 56 Central part of a wheel through lunch Sunday beds are provided but 3 Lists 4 Baby’s cradle Solution on page 14 participating in prayer, vocations. Guide all people, Lord in pillow, towels and per- study, worship and fel- your ways of compassion, truth and sonal items must be lowship with the semi- peace, that we may find happiness in brought. narians, priests, monks Anyone interested in Tree Service and other men who fulfilling our vocation. Amen. visiting the seminary to Mr. D’s might be discerning the discover if God is call- ovEr 40 yEars ExpErIEncE priesthood. ing an individual to be Don Decell, owner They also have the op- a is encouraged carl BaBin, owner portunity to sit in class to reach out to Father • Economical with the seminarians while being exposed to ev- Johnson at the vocation’s office so a dialogue • Fully Insured • Quality Work ery facet of seminary life. Activities also include about discernment can begin. CALL TODAY! conferences on seminary life and discernment, as For more information, call 225-336-8778 or 225-292-6756 well as Mass, eucharastic adoration and confes- email [email protected]. 12 The Catholic Commentator VIEWPOINT April 9, 2021 Go, witness your Easter faith

ou will read this column the week to die in bed without too much suffering, to celebrate this meal with them and life here and his promise of eternal life after Easter. We all will have what will it be like when the doctor tells then changes, slightly but significantly, with the Trinity. Eucharist is a Greek Ygone through Holy Week, which us that soon we will never wake up again, the liturgy of that celebration. When it word for thanks. began with Palm Sunday, also called not in this life? Well, the First Letter of comes time to bless the bread he adds, As we remember Jesus’ Passion, Passion Sunday. This is because Jesus St. John tells us that “we will be like him” “This (bread) is my body which will be death and resurrection in the Mass we went so quickly from being hailed as (1 Jn 3:2). In St. John’s Gospel we read offered for you.” And at the end of the must also remember that sacraments the new Messiah to being denounced by that after the resurrection, Jesus ap- meal, he takes the last cup of wine and are more than just thankful worship. the religious leaders of his people and peared to the apostles in the upper room says, “This is the cup of my blood which Every sacrament is also a commitment sentenced to torture and death by the and showed the doubting Thomas his will be poured out for you and for all for to Jesus’ way of life. Some of the most Roman Prefect, Pontius Pilate. From body with its wounds from the crucifix- the forgiveness of sins.” important words of the Mass Messiah (which he was) to criminal, to ion. That passage notes that the doors And then he gives them are the very last ones the crucified, in five short were “locked” when Jesus the command, “Do this in “Every time we priest says. When all Masses days. appeared, so the Jesus, memory of me.” were celebrated in Latin in The inspired com- who we will be like, will Jesus took elements celebrate Mass our , those words mentary on this that we not be exactly like the hu- of the Jewish Passover were very brief: “Ite, missa read in the to the man being we experience sacrificial meal and made we remember est!” “GO, IT (the Eucharist) Hebrews says: “In the ourselves to be. Our faith them sacramental elements HAS BEEN SENT!” While days when he was in the in our triune God has many of his body and blood to the Passion, it could refer to bringing the flesh, he offered prayers surprises. This will surely be sacrificed on the cross consecrated Eucharist to the and supplications with be one. the following Friday. It is death and sick, it also was a sort of code loud cries and tears to the The promise of that kind this body and blood that for Jesus’ great commission one who was able to save of resurrection already the disciples saw in Christ’s resurrection to his disciples to “go and him from death, and he fulfilled in Jesus Christ is appearances after the make disciples of all nations, was heard because of his the reason for our Easter resurrection. Jesus found of Jesus. Every baptizing them in the name reverence. Son though he joy. There are more things, a special way to be with of the father, and of the son was, he learned obedience however, that the Passion, us in this life until we die time we look and of the Holy Spirit, teach- from what he suffered; Another death and resurrection and rise and be with him, ing them to observe all that and became the source of of Jesus have to teach us, the father, son and Holy at the cross I have commanded you. And eternal salvation” (Heb Perspective things that give us hope in Spirit forever. Therefore, behold, I am with you always, 5:7-9). The obedience Je- this life with its beauty and we as Catholics believe that we should until the end of the age” (Mt sus learned was to trust in Father John Carville its pain. Jesus is with us, “body and 28: 19-20). God who promised him, For instance, did you blood, soul and divin- remember Every time we celebrate and through him us, an ever wonder why Jesus had ity” when we receive the Mass we remember the eternal life after this one with the father, to die so young and so painfully? Could Eucharist in Communion the same.” Passion, death and resurrec- his son and the Spirit of love that binds it be because some of us meet similar at every Mass in which we tion of Jesus. Every time we them and will bind us to them and each kinds of death? Our newspapers have participate, in Communion services with look at the cross we should remember other forever. That was what Holy Week been filled with recent murders, some previously consecrated hosts and when the same. This is the culmination of was all about. of them deliberately cruel. That is not Communion is brought to the sick and the whole Gospel. We have to take it The good news, for Jesus and for us, God’s doing, it is the will of demented dying. seriously and spread the message. Like is that Holy Week didn’t end on Good human beings. Maybe God, in sending As Pope Francis often teaches in his the Jews who were told about the great Friday. Jesus didn’t stay dead. He had us his son to die for us so cruelly, wanted and writings, the Eucharist commandment of love of God in the Old to die so that he could rise and show us us to know that he is always with us. As is food for the journey of life. It gives Testament, so too us now: “Take to heart the ultimate reason for hope in this life. we all face death of whatever kind, God us hope when we are distraught and these words which I enjoin on you today. Death is terrifying. It is entirely foreign wants us to be like the good thief on the strength when we are weak. Every Drill them into your children. Speak of to our experience of life. We know that cross next to Jesus, praying with Jesus, Sunday is in a way a little Easter because them at home and abroad, whether you it happens to everyone: to our grand- “Into your hands I commend my Spirit.” we celebrate it with Mass. It is a gift we are busy or at rest” (Dt 6: 6-7). parents, parents, siblings, relatives and Then, that day we too will be with Jesus cannot ignore. That is why the church friends but no one has ever, nor could in paradise. obliges us to attend Sunday Mass when FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest in the ever, tell us what it is like. On Holy Thursday, the night his we can possibly make it (or, in times of Diocese of Baton Rouge and writes on We all go to sleep, naturally or Passion began with his arrest, Jesus COVID-19, safely attend). Of course, current topics for The Catholic Com- through trauma or anesthesia but we ex- celebrated the Jewish Passover meal with daily Mass is not only optional but also a mentator. He can be reached at johnny pect to wake up. If we are lucky enough his disciples. He tells them he has longed wonderful way of thanking God for our [email protected]. | Letters to PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PRAY FOR US Please pray for the priests, and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese. Apr. 15 Rev. Matthew C. Dupré Br. William Cawley SC Dcn. Mauricio Salazar OP the Editor Dcn. Stephen Paul Ourso Apr. 20 Rev. Michael Galea Sr. Lan Thi Nguyen ICM Br. Edward Violet SM Dcn. Alfred J. Ricard Jr. Apr. 25 Rev. Eriv V. Gyan Letters to the Editor should be Apr. 16 Rev. Reuben C. Dykes Sr. Hong Vuong Quy Nguyen ICM Dcn. Eliazar Salinas Jr. typed and limited to 350 words Dcn. Ricky A. Patterson Apr. 21 Rev. Henry W. Gautreau Jr. Br. Ramon Daunis SC and should contain the name and Sr. Evelyn Mee CSJ Dcn. Gabriel Rico Apr. 26 Rev. Ryan Hallford address of the writer, though the Apr. 17 Rev. Denis O. Edwugha Br. Roland Champagne SC Dcn. Mario (Sam) Sammartino address will not be printed. We Dcn. Minos J. Ponville Jr. Apr. 22 Rev. Matthew J. Graham Sr. The Thi Nguyen ICM reserve the right to edit all letters. Br. James Burns SC Dcn. Thomas M. Robinson Apr. 27 Rev. Patrick Healy SSJ Send to: Letters to the Editor, The Apr. 18 Rev. Carl Evans SC Sr. Huong Thi Nguyen ICM Dcn. Taylor Sanford Catholic Commentator, P. O. Box Dcn. Curles P. Reeson Jr. Apr. 23 Rev. Timothy Grimes Br. Alan Drain SC 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316, Sr. Ann Catherine Nguyen ICM Dcn. Danny Roussel Apr. 28 Rev. Ray Hebert SC or to [email protected]. Apr. 19 Rev. Michael French SJ Br. Robert Croteau SC Dcn. Joseph M. Scimeca Dcn. Mark Reynaud Apr. 24 Rev. Paul A. Gros Sr. Mary Noel OP April 9, 2021 VIEWPOINT The Catholic Commentator 13 The cosmic dimension of the Resurrection

ierre Teilhard de Chardin was once asked by For what? Romans where he tells us that creation, the physical a critic: “What are you trying to do? Why all In a Christian understanding of things, the cosmos, is subject to futility, and that it is groaning Pthis talk about atoms and molecules when you earth is not just a stage for human beings, a thing with and longing to be set free to enjoy the glorious liberty are speaking about Jesus Christ?” His answer: “I am no value in itself, apart from us. Like humanity, it too of the children of God. St. Paul assures us that the trying to formulate a Christology large is God’s work of art, God’s child. Indeed, earth will enjoy the same future as human beings, res- enough to incorporate Christ because the physical earth is our mother, the ma- urrection, transformation beyond our present imagi- Christ is not just an anthropological trix from which we all spring. In the end, nation, an eternal future. event but a cosmic phenomenon as we are not apart from the natural world; How will the earth be transformed? It will be trans- well.” rather we are that part of the natural formed in the same way we are, through resurrection. In essence, what he is saying is that world that has become conscious of itself. The Resurrection brings into our world, spiritually and Christ did not come just to save human We do not stand apart from the earth, and physically, a new power, a new arrangement of things, beings; he came to save the earth as it does not exist simply for our benefit, a new hope, something so radical (and physical) that it well. like a stage for the actor, to be abandoned can only be compared to what happened at the initial That insight is particularly relevant once the play is over. Physical creation has creation when the atoms and the molecules of this uni- when we try to understand all that is value in itself, independent of us. We need verse were created out of nothingness by God. In that implied in the resurrection of Jesus. Je- to recognize that and not only to practice initial creation, nature was formed and its reality and sus was raised from death to life. A body better eco-ethics so that the earth can laws shaped everything from then until the resurrec- is a physical reality so when it raised up continue to provide air, water and food tion of Jesus. as a body (and not just as a soul) there for future generations of human beings. However, in the Resurrection, something new hap- is something in that which is more than In Exile We need to recognize the intrinsic value pened that touched every aspect of the universe, from merely spiritual and psychological. Father Ron Rolheiser of the earth. It is also God’s work of art, is the soul and psyche inside every man and woman to There is something radically physical in our biological mother, and it is destined to the inner core of every atom and molecule. It is no this. When a dead body is raised to new share eternity with us. accident that the world measures time by that event. life, atoms and molecules are being rearranged. The Moreover, like us, it is also subject to decay. It too is We are in the year 2021 since that radical re-creation resurrection is about more than something changing time-bound, mortal and dying. Outside of an interven- happened. inside of human consciousness. tion from the outside, it has no future. Science has long The Resurrection was not only spiritual. In it, The Resurrection is the basis for human hope, taught the law of entropy. Put simply, that law states the physical atoms of the universe were rearranged. surely; without it, we could not hope for any future that the energy in our universe is running down, the Teilhard was right. We need a vision wide enough to that includes anything beyond the rather asphyxiating sun is burning out. The years our earth has before incorporate the cosmic dimension of Christ. The Res- limits of this life. In the resurrection of Jesus, we are it, like our own days, are numbered, counted, finite. urrection is about people, and the planet. given a new future, one beyond our life here. However, It will take millions of years, but finitude is finitude. the Resurrection also gives a new future to the earth, There will be an end to the earth, as we know it, just OBLATE FATHER RON ROLHEISER, theologian, teacher and our physical planet. Christ came to save the earth, not as there will be an end to each of us as we live now. award-winning author, is president of the Oblate just the persons living on it. His resurrection ensures a Outside of some re-creation from the outside, both the School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He can new future for the earth as well as for its inhabitants. earth and the humans living on it have no future. be contacted through his website ronrolheiser.com and The earth, like ourselves, needs saving. From what? St. Paul teaches this explicitly in the Epistle to the facebook.com/ronrolheiser. Analyzing the American Rescue Plan Act law on lower-income individu- the Food Stamp Program); (3) 39%, from 21.9% to 13.3%; for Republican congressional sup- als and families. First, lower- one- time $1,400 direct recov- white, non-Hispanic people by port, elimination of a minimum income families have suffered ery payments to individuals, 34%, from 9.6% to 6.4%. wage increase to $15 an hour as the most from the pandemic- $2,800 to married couples, Many other provisions of the well as any moratorium on evic- devastated economy. Second, and $1,400 for each dependent; new law will benefit lower-in- tions and foreclosures, exclusion lower-income families will and (4) provision of monthly come families, as well as others. of undocumented people from benefit more from the Rescue advance payments beginning in There are improvements and most benefits, failure to include Plan because more benefits are July 2021 of the increased child increased funding for WIC, the long-established, bipartisan targeted on those at the bottom tax credit for the 2021 tax year. energy assistance, water bills, Hyde Amendment language to Guest of our economy. Third, there is The second half would be paid COVID-19 relief, vaccinations, prevent federal funding of abor- a special concern in Catholic monthly in 2022. school and child care reopen- tions and the temporary status Columnist social thought for those who are Without these new benefits, ings, state and local govern- of many improvements. In ad- the poor and marginalized in the projected level of U.S. pover- ments, the Earned Income Tax dition, despite the four high- Father Fred Kammer any society. ty for 2021 under what is called Credit, Head Start, the Com- lighted programs which reduce The Urban Institute has the Supplemental Poverty Rate munity Development Block poverty, there still will be tens of n March 11 President analyzed four components of is 13.7%. The combined effect of Grant, Medicaid expansion and millions of Americans living in Biden signed into law the Rescue Plan which together these four provisions alone is to premium assistance under the poverty this year. Othe American Rescue have a demonstrable impact on reduce the poverty level by more Affordable Care Act. Plan Act as a multi-faceted the projected poverty rate for than a third to 8.7%. This would The sponsors of the $1.9 FATHER KAMMER is a Jesuit priest, response to the COVID-19 2021 and on the racial dispari- reduce the number of people trillion law project that the attorney and director of the pandemic and the widespread ties of poverty in this country. living in poverty by 16 million combined effect will be a strong Jesuit Social Research Institute economic dislocation which it The four provisions are: (1) people, from 44 million to 28 stimulus to the economy, in ad- who also served as executive has caused. extension for 25 weeks through million. dition to all the targeted effects director of Catholic Commu- There are so many provisions Sept. 6 of the pandemic-related In terms of racial disparities, for low-income families and nity Services of the Diocese of in the $1.9 trillion-dollar law unemployment insurance these four provisions combined particular people, programs Baton Rouge from 1984-89. that a short treatment like this benefits; (2) extension for three would reduce the poverty rates and state and local government This column is reprinted with cannot possibly cover them all. months until Sept. 30 of higher as follows: for Black, non-His- services. permission from the Jesuit So- For three primary reasons, I am Supplemental Nutrition Assis- panic people by 42%, from 18.1% Concerns about the law cial Research Institute, Loyola focusing on the impact of the tance Program (SNAP, formerly to 10.5%; for Hispanic people by include: the complete absence of University, New Orleans. 14 The Catholic Commentator April 9, 2021

STATIONS OF THE CROSS –­ Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Baton Rouge first-grade students recently followed the outdoor Stations of the Cross in the St. Joseph Hall Courtyard. Photo by Wendy Milam | Sacred Heart of Jesus School

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HOUSE WASHING Anyone with knowledge of the where- While we at The Catholic Commentator do Print Your Ad Here abouts of Enrique R. Machado is asked our best to bring reliable advertisers to MILDEW REMOVAL our readers, we are not responsible for any CALL 225-276-8236 to contact the Diocesan Tribunal at 225- 336-8755. claims made by any advertiser. Custom Face Masks & More Personalization is my specialty! I bring your designs to life with DIVA flair. Face masks, t-shirts, HeLp Wanted HeLp Wanted onesies, drink ware, In sales employment advertisements, the Sacred Heart of Jesus School Middle home décor, & MORE! advertiser must name the product or service www.etsy.com/shop/divinediva33 to be sold. Ads must state how wages will be School Math Teaching Position: Teach- paid (salary, commissions, etc.) if money is ing position for 6th - 8th grade Math in- mentioned. The ad must also state if there is cluding Algebra I; Requirements for the Allan’s Tree Service an investment required. Position: Bachelor’s degree; Full-time, Specializes in large and dangerous tree Monday to Friday (7:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.). DATES TO RUN: removal. Licensed and insured. Senior St. Ann Church in Morganza is in need To Apply: Email resume to Principal Ce- citizen and law/military discounts. Allan of a pianist to serve for two Masses. cilia Methvin (CMethvin@SacredHeart Johnson 225-241-8789. Check Category: ❑ Announcements ❑ Business Services Please call 225-694-3781, if interested. BR.com). ❑ Cards of Thanks ❑ For Rent ❑ For Sale ❑ Help Wanted HOUSEKEEPER MATURE DEPENDABLE ❑ Positions Wanted ❑ Legal Notices ❑ Other ______20 + YEARS EXPERIENCE HAVE REFERENCES MAIL TO: The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316 CALL DEBBIE Enclosed is $9.50 for the first 15 words + 15¢ for each word thereafter + 25¢ per line for each 225-369-1976 special effect (all caps, centered line, bold lettering); for a total of $______for each issue. Mr. D’s Tree Service Call for charging on your credit card. 3 Licensed Arborists Free Estimates Advertisements will not be published without full payment in advance. Fully Insured Don Decell owner 225-292-6756 INTERESTED IN JOINING NAME THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA Accounting and taxes for businesses, OUR TEAM? non-profits and individuals; business, ADDRESS computer, financial and management services. 30 years experience; profes- We are in need of a CITY PHONE sional, prompt and personal attention. Call 225-296-0404. PART-TIME PROFESSIONAL CALL TYRONE “WHEN IT NEEDS FIXING” COUNSELOR LEAKING SINKS, FAUCETS, PIPES WOMB LUBES PSST UNCLOG DRAINS AND TOILETS in our Baton Rouge clinic. REPAIRS OR REPLACE GARBAGE ACEA INEPT SANE DISPOSALS YOUR YENS TIBIA AGUA PLUS OTHER REPAIRS Send cover letter and resume to SUCH AS SMALL ENGINES AND NAUSEATE BLABS HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES, ETC. [email protected]. Please do not call AD ENSIGNS TRAM CALL 225-802-4522 OR 225-346-6246 or drop in. Interviews will be done by NAY TREASURE Dave’s Bicycle Repair and Sales. Free appointment only. Office hours: 7:30am-4:00pm HERE. POKED FEEDS NOV estimate. Expert economical repair on all brands. Call 225-924-4337. By appoint- SK IT MIXED DIME ment only. ABOUT WOMAN'S NEW LIFE CLINIC CALL IIN SOFAS VIXEN BROUSSEAU'S Painting SEGMENTS TIM Interior and exterior painting. Experi- Woman’s New Life Clinic is a Christian organization 225-387-0983. enced and reliable. Free estimates. Call promoting the sanctity of human life, the dignity of ICKY PELICAN 225-241-8488. women, and the sacredness of sexuality through Credit MOUNT CEMETERY LEBLANC’S TREE & STUMP medical and mental health services. cards OAST SHARP TA IL REMOVAL, INC. www.womansnewlife.com ATNO PUPIL ISSO Prompt service–Free estimates accepted. FULLY INSURED THAN ABELE SEEN E. H. “Eddie” LeBlanc moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www Phone 383-7316 April 9, 2021 The Catholic Commentator 15

GOSPEL  Jesus, whom they did not recognize Information session From page 2 on their journey, “the two disciples recounted what had taken place on apostles, frightened and fearful, wit- the way and how he was made known for spiritual direction ness Jesus resurrected as he breathes to them in the breaking of the bread.” on them the Holy Spirit. Immediately Suddenly Jesus appears in their midst, following, Jesus ordains them to his startling and terrifying them. Can you mission of mercy the forgiveness of imagine? Yet, Jesus knew their hearts internship program sins. All but one were present: St. and questions. He assured them it was Thomas. Where was he? We do not him, flesh and all, able to eat. Again, The Archdiocese of New Orleans sion offered via Zoom on May 4 at 6:30 know. But we do know he did not peace in the midst of the angst. Spirituality Center and the Diocese of p.m. to learn in more detail about the believe their testimony of an encoun- Then (here it comes), “he opened Baton Rouge began a joint partnership prerequisites, the scope of the forma- ter with the risen Lord and insisted their minds to understand the Scrip- to create a Program of Formation for tion program and the expected time- on physical evidence to touch. How tures. And he said to them ‘thus it is Spiritual Direction in Baton Rouge. line of when the program will begin. many times do we proclaim Jesus written that the Messiah would suffer The first Baton Rouge cohort will To register for this information ses- as resurrected only to be met with a and rise from the dead on the third start in August 2022. sion please email Father Paul Gros demand of physical proof, to see so as day and that repentance, for the for- There will be an information ses- at [email protected]. to believe? giveness of sins, would be preached in God’s abundant mercy grants St. his name to all the nations, beginning Thomas to not only see, but to touch from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of Jesus’ hands and side. Stop for a mo- these things” (Lk 24:45-48). What a ment and ponder this passage, “‘Now Scripture study! Imagine Jesus, resur- a week later his disciples were again rected, teaching how his life fulfilled Classifieds inside, and Thomas was with them. sacred Scripture, covenants and all Jesus came, although the doors were that the prophets spoke of. To have Help Wanted Help Wanted locked, and stood in their midst and been there must have been an awak- said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said ening for all. to Thomas, “Put your finger here and But wait, we have this awakening! see my hands, and bring your hand We have the ability to understand the and put it into my side, and do not be Scriptures! For we too have the breath unbelieving but believe.” Thomas an- of God in us, with us, around us. We swered and said to him, “My Lord and have the power of the Holy Spirit in my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have us (baptism), with us (confirmation), you come to believe because you around us. We have Jesus, resurrect- have seen me? Blessed are those who ed, in us (Eucharist/body, blood, soul have not seen and have believed” (Jn divinity), with us (baptism), around 20:24-29). Imagine yourself placing us (community) thus the ability to your finger in the nail-marks on Jesus’ comprehend most of what God truly hands and where the spear pierced his desires in order for us to know, to love side? What is this like? We will, God and to serve him. To bear witness of willing, see the same upon our death. this truth. THE TRUTH. But we must What will this be like? believe him. Believe it. Live it. Fight Resurrection catechesis (Lk for it. Behold it. Die for it. For by his 24:35-48) life, love, mercy, cross, passion and The most amazing movement of resurrection we receive Jesus’ peace. Jesus’ days on earth after the resur- And we, as missionary disciples, are rection and before his ascension is called to proclaim, to testify, to live that he continued to catechize, to and to die in God’s bountiful, merci- teach, to form, to echo the faith into ful, peace. JMJ the apostles and early disciples in St. Joseph, merciful protector of order to equip them for mission. St. the Savior of the world, pray for us. Luke’s Gospel in Chapter 24, verse 35, picks up at the end of the “Road to Dow is the director of the Office of Emmaus.” Having run back to Jerusa- Evangelization and Catechesis for the lem after walking and learning from Diocese of Baton Rouge.

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 drop of light interplaying off altar’s crucifix, attendees were glad tidings to the poor. were “going to be a priest.” He CHRISM the gold and green panels of the reminded of God’s mercy. “He has sent me to proclaim added even today many young From page 1 stained-glass window above Bishop Duca was joined by liberty to captives and recovery seminarians believe they are But here the healing oil the altar and shimmering of the priests, deacons and lay of sight to the blind, to let the “going to save the church” of God’s constant presence the red and white cloths draped representatives of the diocese’s oppressed go free and to pro- through their service. But flowed. With a stunning back- from the side of Jesus on the church parishes for the bless- claim a year acceptable to the quickly they learn the priest- ing and distribution of oils. Lord. hood is not at all like they Bishop Duca blessed three “After rolling up the scroll, thought it would be. oils – the oil of catechu- Jesus handed it back to the at- But like the apostles, God mens (oleum catechumeno- tendant and sat down and said, calls them to leave everything RESTHAVEN rum or oleum sanctorum), the ‘Today this Scripture passage is behind and to follow him. GARDENS OF MEMORY & FUNERAL HOME oil of the infirm “That’s part of (oleum infirmo- the priesthood, dy- ® rum) and holy ing to self. We don’t We make it personal. chrism (sacrum “That’s part of the priesthood, run from it, we em- for a better farewell chrisma) – which brace it,” said the will be used in the dying to self. We don’t run from it, bishop. 11817 Jefferson Highway administration of Following Christ 225-753-1440 www.resthavenbatonrouge.com the sacraments we embrace it.” leaves them “free to throughout the love and free to em- year. Bishop Michael G. Duca brace his mission,” 2x2” Rest.small.honor.those.cc’16 The priests’ according to the presence also man- bishop. ifested their unity At the conclusion with the bishop and the church. fulfilled in your hearing.’ ” of Mass, the recessional hymn Referring to the Gospel Addressing the priests, the “Church of God Elect and Glo- readings of the day from St. bishops noted how Jesus spoke rious” played as people left the Luke 4, the bishop noted in his with confidence that was not church, warmly greeting pas- that in the temple of simply the authority of power tors and appearing fortified to Nazareth Jesus read from the or embracing a vocation. journey with Jesus through his scroll of Isaiah: “The Spirit of He said as many priests ap- Passion in the triduum until the Lord is upon me, because proach their ordination, they it reaches its high point at the he has anointed me to bring have a confidence because they Easter Vigil.

Easter Sunday is Just the Beginning of the Easter Season

During the Easter Season, we are reminded of the sacrifice He made and of those who followed in His footsteps so long ago. For them, weakness and doubt became unshakeable faith. They went forward – even unto death – in their roles as disciples, continuing His ministry on earth.

As modern day disciples, our challenge is so great today because of the pandemic. We are called to transform God’s blessings into a visible sign of His presence in these difficult times. We are His physical body on earth, and everything we do can be a reflection of His love. Our journey through life is not always easy. Sometimes the road is steep, and there is no way of knowing what waits for us. Regardless of the path we take, Jesus is always with us.

When He said, “For I was hungry and you gave me food…” He was speaking across time and space to all of us. At St. Vincent de Paul, we can see His face in every person who waits in line for our daily meal, in the faces of the homeless who come to us for shelter and those who hope that our pharmacy can ease their suffering. When we help someone in need during these challenging times, we are extending His hand to them.

This year, our goal is to serve over 220,000 meals, provide 30,000 guest nights of shelter and fill over $1 million worth of prescription medication. Please consider making a gift to Christ’s ministry to the poor.

You can feed the hungry, provide shelter to the Cut out and send in with your financial gift. homeless, or fill prescriptions for the needy during these I have enclosed a gift of $______to St. Vincent de Paul to make a difference by providing for the needs of the poor and homeless. challenging times. Name: ______

Address: ______Give online at: www.svdpbr.org or mail your gift to City, State, Zip: ______St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 127, Baton Rouge, LA 70821