01088221

Vol. 46, No. 10

Four ordained to priesthood, one to transitional diaconate

By Pamela Seal ordinands of the impor- Diocese of Lake Charles tant role prayer plays in their vocation. LAKE CHARLES — “As Pope Benedict in God’s call to five men the Year for Priests re- overcame many twists and minded us, people look to turns in recent months the priest to be an expert leading up to the Sacra- in prayer,” said Bishop ment of on Provost. “Through his ex- Saturday, June 27, in the ample of prayer and per- Cathedral of the Immacu- sonal relationship with late Conception. God, the priest informs The ordinations of the us that God is not some Rev. Samuel Bond, Rev. philosophical abstraction Joseph Caraway, Rev. An- but a deeply personal God drew DeRouen and Rev. who touches our hearts, Levi Thompson to the minds, and souls.” priesthood — the largest At the conclusion of his number of priests to be or- remarks, Bishop Provost dained at one time in the expressed what a happy 40-year history of the Dio- day it was for the Dio- cese of Lake Charles — cese of Lake Charles say- was a reminder that God’s ing, “United with family grace always prevails, and friends, bishop and even amidst a pandemic. priests, deacons and reli- Joining these four men gious, we all rejoice in the on his own priestly jour- graces that will flow at ney was Rev. Mr. Michael the opening of Wisdom’s Beverung as he was or- arms and the embrace of dained a transitional dea- Christ, the bridegroom of con. With God’s grace, he his Church.” will be ordained to the The parents of the four priesthood in 2021. priests were among those Bishop Glen John Provost is joined by the four priests and one transitional deacon ordained during the June His Excellency, The rejoicing. 27 Mass in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Shown, from left, are Rev. Andrew DeRouen, Rev. Levi Most Reverend Glen John Thinking about what Thompson, Bishop Provost, Rev. Joseph Caraway, Rev. Samuel Bond, and Rev. Mr. Michael Beverung. Provost, Bishop of Lake a gift a parent of a priest spiring to see your little child that you raised since he gy in the Diocese of Lake Charles thanking his brother Charles, was the ordain- receives, Marty DeRouen was an infant become a priest.” priests for all their good work. ing for the invi- said he and his wife Ju- Born on the same day as Hurricane Audrey in 1957, The four newly ordained priests offered blessings tation-only Mass that was lie are not giving Andrew Julius Caraway III said his son Joseph could not have individually to Bishop Provost. They will each take up streamed live on social away but instead getting given him a better birthday gift. “I feel like I am going their assignments as parochial vicars effective July 1, media and through the so much back in return. to explode from the inside. It is overwhelming” he said as announced by the Very Rev. Ruben Villarreal: diocesan website. In his “The world just pours standing alongside his wife, Ladonna. “I don’t feel like I homily, Bishop Provost love on him, and we get a am touching the ground. Nothing can top this.” Father Bond at the Cathedral in Lake Charles stressed the importance bigger family through his of Wisdom from the Book priesthood.” In addition to the role parents play in planting seeds Father Caraway at St. Henry Parish in Lake Charles of Sirach. Father Bond’s mother, and cultivating a life of prayer for these young men, priests also serve as mentors during their discernment Father DeRouen at St. Theodore Parish in “A priest must be hum- Mitzi, said she had a hard Moss Bluff and St. Pius X Parish in Ragley ble enough to admit his time identifying what she process. To honor them, the ordinands each choose one weakness, courageous was feeling emotionally priest to assist with vesting. Father Thompson at Our Lady Queen enough to act on the truth, before Saturday’s ordina- Deacon Beverung was assisted by the Rev. Whitney of Heaven Parish in Lake Charles prudent enough to judge tion. “I could not explain Miller. For Father Bond, it was the Very Rev. Ruben Deacon Beverung will serve his diaconate when he must speak, and it, but during the ceremo- Buller, V.G.; for Father Caraway, it was his cousin, Rev. internship at St. Philip Neri Parish in Kinder. patient enough to know ny, I was overcome with Michael Caraway; for Father DeRouen, it was the Very when he must be silent,” emotions of happiness,” Rev. Edward Richard. V.F.; and for Father Thompson, it was Rev. Roland Vaughn. Masses of Thanksgiving — the first ones celebrated he said. “All of this re- she said. “I could not stop by the newly ordained in their home parishes — took quires Wisdom, a Wisdom crying.” Bond’s father Jo- Before the vesting, every priest in attendance lays hands on each ordinand one at a time. This symbol of place in the following churches: Rev. Caraway, St. John which you do not possess, seph said with enthusi- the Evangelist Mission in Lacassine; Rev. DeRouen, Ca- unity among the brother priests was especially poignant that comes from God, and asm, “All things are pos- thedral of the Immaculate Conception in Lake Charles as Rev. Trey Ange and Rev. Michael Caraway laid hands that remains a gift. sible with God.” assisted by Deacon Beverung; and Rev. Thompson, St. on Joseph Caraway. All cousins to one another, Joseph is “A priest needs this Frank Thompson com- Theodore in Moss Bluff — all on Sun- the third among them to be ordained to the priesthood Wisdom in abundance,” pared his experience of day, June 28; and Rev. Bond, Our Lady of LaSalette Par- since 2017. Bishop Provost contin- attending the Mass of Or- ish in DeQuincy on the evening of Saturday, June 27. ued, “especially in this dination with the visit to The collective gathering of priests, including several challenging world. … The Rome he and his wife Eva retired servants of God, was a visible reminder of their ***** greater the challenge, the shared while Levi was selfless vocation in service to others. To read Bishop Provost’s homily in its entirety online, more is required of your studying there. “I feel like Bishop Provost expressed his congratulations to all visit www.lcdiocese.org/3-news/2953-bishop-provost-s- response. This is the work the Heavens are rejoic- the families of the newly ordained saying that the call ordination-homily. To view the Mass of Ordination, visit of Wisdom.” ing. It was unbelievable,” to priesthood issues forth from family life by creating a www.youtube.com/lcdiocese and click on Ordinations to He also reminded the he said. “It was really in- fertile ground of prayer. He also acknowledged the cler- the Priesthood and Diaconate.

Decree of Announcement St. Louis graduates of Pastoral Assignments

The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake recognized for achievements Charles, hereby announces the pastoral assignments for LAKE CHARLES — Several St. Louis Catholic High School the year Two Thousand and Twenty for the Diocese of Lake Charles, . graduating seniors from the Class of 2020 were recognized for their academic and athletic achievements as their senior year Effective July 1, 2020: culminated in May. Katherine Jester earned a $3,200 scholarship from the The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, The Very Reverend Anthony Fontenot – Pastor, Saint National Honor Society. She applied for the award through Bishop of Lake Charles, has asked that during Raphael Parish in Iowa and its mission, Saint Joseph in the St. Louis Catholic’s school chapter of NHS. Jester plans LeBleu Settlement the hurricane season of 2020 the people of the to attend Texas A&M University and major in chemical Diocese of Lake Charles pray the following The Reverend Jom Joseph, HGN – Pastor, Saint Charles engineering. Jester also earned recognition to the LHSAA prayer, composed in 1957 by The Most Reverend Borromeo Parish in Fenton and its mission, Saint John the Composite All-Academic soccer team for her perfect 4.0 GPA, Maurice Schexnayder, Second Bishop of Evangelist in Lacassine and she also represented Southwest Louisiana on the LHSSCA Lafayette, following Hurricane Audrey: West All-Star soccer team. O God, Master of this passing world, hear the The Reverend Rojo Koonathan, HGN – Pastor, Christ the Athletic achievements included two seniors signing letters King Parish in Lake Charles and Dean of the South Deanery of intent and four others receiving LHSAA All-Academic humble voices of your children. The Sea of Galilee obeyed your order and The Reverend Mr. Michael Beverung – Diaconate Internship, Composite Team honors for maintaining a 4.00 unweighted returned to its former quietude. Saint Philip Neri Parish in Kinder GPA throughout their high school careers. Golfer McKenzie LeDuff signed her letter of intent at You are still the Master of the land and sea. The Reverend Samuel Bond – Parochial Vicar, Cathedral of home this year, but still made her commitment to Alabama We live in the shadow of a danger over which we the Immaculate Conception in Lake Charles, and continuing State University offi cial despite the atypical circumstances have no control: the Gulf, like a provoked and theological studies at the University of Saint Mary of the surrounding COVID-19. Track and fi eld athlete Luke Benoit angry giant, can awake from its seeming lethargy, Lake in Mundelein, Ill. signed his letter of intent with the University of Louisiana and overstep its conventional boundaries, The Reverend Joseph Caraway – Parochial Vicar, Saint Ragin’ Cajuns. invade our land and spread chaos and disaster. Henry Parish in Lake Charles Seniors Maggie Bruchhaus (tennis), Ethan Hebert (tennis), During this hurricane season we turn to You, Carson Mixon (baseball), and Sophie Stine (track & fi eld) O loving Father. Spare us from past tragedies The Reverend Andrew DeRouen – Parochial Vicar, Saint received All-Academic Composite Team honors for 2019- whose memories are still so vivid and whose Theodore Parish in Moss Bluff and Saint Pius X Parish in 2020 from LHSAA for at least a second time this year. To wounds seem to refuse to heal with the passing Ragley and part-time assistant to the Diocesan Director of earn Composite Team honors, a student-athlete must have an of time. O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our Beloved Communications unweighted 4.00 GPA and cannot have a ‘B’ on their transcripts. Brucchaus (basketball), Hebert (cross country and soccer), Mother, we ask you to plead with your Son on The Reverend Levi Thompson – Parochial Vicar, Our Lady our behalf, so that spared from the calamities Queen of Heaven Parish in Lake Charles Mixon (football) and Stine (volleyball) earned recognition for their academic and athletic achievements at prior LHSAA common to this area and animated with a true Signed by our hand and that of our Chancellor, on this state events during the school year. spirit of gratitude, we will walk in the footsteps twenty-seventh day of June in the Year of our Lord Two Alex Yokubaitis had a stellar wrestling career with the of your Divine Son to reach the heavenly Thousand and Twenty. Saints, racking up four state titles. He added another accolade Jerusalem where a stormless eternity awaits us. to his repertoire in May when he earned an All-American Amen. Honorable Mention by Wrestling USA, the only wrestler from Louisiana to do so. In addition, Yokubaitis was nominated The Most Reverend Maurice Schexnayder Glen John Provost for the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award by the Second Bishop of Lafayette Bishop of Lake Charles National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Presented annually to a high school senior, this award is based equally on outstanding wrestling success, scholastic achievement and citizenship or The Reverend Deacon George Stearns community service. Yokubaitis is headed to Oklahoma State Chancellor University in the fall. 01088222

The Most Reverend Glen John Provost Bishop of Lake Charles

July 17, 2020

THE SOCIETY OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF THE DIOCESE OF LAKE CHARLES Statements of Financial Position June 30, 2019 and 2018

2019 2018 Assets: Cash and equivalents $ 14,674,156 $ 20,727,487 Investments 1,306,292 939,078 Accounts receivable, net 466,160 421,407 Grants receivable 67,500 72,500 Pledges receivable, net 5,489,573 8,533,214 Loan receivable 48,389 48,389 Cash value of life insurance policies 699,987 715,123 Prepaid insurance and other expenses 827,301 403,518 Property, equipment, and improvements, net 10,301,192 7,963,282 Investments pledged as collateral 100,000 100,000 Deposit in self-insurance pool 285,116 285,116 July 1, 2020 Beneficial interest in securities held in trust 1,948,375 1,9304,980 Wednesday TOTAL ASSETS $ 36,214,041 $ 42,140,094 My dear People of God, Liabilities and Net Assets: Last month, we rejoiced at the ordination of four Accounts payable $ 1,440,006 $ 540,073 native sons to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. This is National collections and other payables 195,877 142,374 the product of much effort. Thirteen years ago, I issued Accrued insurance claims payable 291,086 276,014 a challenge to pray for vocations to the Priesthood for Contributions and benefit payables 148,960 84,080 the Diocese. For these thirteen years, our parishes Due to parishes 1,622,207 1,561,933 have responded with the Forty Hours of Devotion. Deferred revenue 18,276 15,438 In addition, you responded with your generosity of Other post employment benefits payable 4,835,404 4,172,402 treasure when the Lord in his fi delity called men to Contingent liability - - discern a call of service. Total Liabilities $ 8,551,816 6,792,314 With these treasures in mind and in a spirit of openness, I wish to present the accompanying Net assets - without donor restrictions 10,047,628 13,437,716 Net assets - with donor restrictions 17,614,597 21,910,064 fi nancial statements of the Diocese of Lake Charles for your review which tells of the efforts of the Local Total net assets $ 27,662,225 35,347,780 Church of Lake Charles educating seminarians, evangelizing the area, caring for those in need, giving TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 36,214,041 $ 42,140,094 solace through our retreat center, and many other ministries. Statement of Activities An independent accounting fi rm conducted an Year Ended June 30, 2019 audit of our fi nancial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards as determined Without With by State and Federal Laws. If you would desire Donor Donor 2019 greater detail or have any questions, please feel Restriction Restriction Totals free to contact our diocesan Offi ce of Administration Support and Revenue: (337-439-7400) or visit the Diocesan website (www. Parochial tithe $ 2,682,331 $ - $ 2,682,331 lcdiocese.org). Diocesan assessments 6,820,102 260,064 7,080,166

Diocesan appeals - 163,822 163,822 Please note that in keeping with established Contributions and bequests 217,924 1,511,785 1,729,709 practice, this fi nancial statement does not include the fi nancial reports of individual parishes within Grants and subsidies - 1,090,993 1,090,993 the Diocese. Each pastor is responsible for reporting Investment income 224,598 84,727 309,325 publicly the fi nancial statement of his parish in the Gain from disposal of property 190,998 - 190,998 parish bulletin. Special program and other revenues 1,087,641 10,839 1,098,480 Net assets released from I am deeply moved each year through your restrictions 7,417,697 (7,417,697) - generosity. The Bishop’s Services Appeal and the TOTAL REVENUE $ (18,641,291) $ (4,295,467) $ 14,345,824 Return to the Lord Capital Campaign refl ect the generosity of the people of this Diocese. These days of medical crisis and social upheaval have impressed Expenses: upon my heart and mind that the people of the Program expenses Diocese of Lake Charles are willing to assist the Lord Clergy life 1,914,374 - 1,914,374 in making his message known through a giving of their Christian formation 2,307,751 - 2,307,751 time, treasure, and talents. Pastoral services 2,249,928 - 2,249,928 Health care and casualty insurance 5,923,920 - 5,923,920 With humble gratitude, I remain Supporting Services

General administration 9,426,863 - 9,426,863 Sincerely yours in our Lord, Fund raising 208,543 - 208,543 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 22,031,379 $ - $ 22,031,379

(Decrease) in net assets (3,390,088) (4,295,467) (7,685,555)

Net assets, beginning of year 13,437,716 21,910,064 35,347,780 Glen John Provost Bishop of Lake Charles Net assets, end of year $ 10,047,628 $ 17,614,597 $ 27,662,225

Abel Findley Bella Findley Michaela LaFleur Emma Findley Sydney Thomas Visa Newman Jacob Ardoin ‘True Presence’ contest winners announced Winners were an- gious Education and Evan- would be a good way to get Emma Harrell, second — Sydney Thomas, first ticipants a chance to re- nounced recently for “True gelization. people thinking about the place; and Owen Find- place; and Sister Anne Mir- flect personally on the gift Presence: The Eucharist The idea behind the con- Eucharist and how they ley, third place; Grades iam Crouche, R.S.M., sec- they receive in the Eucha- in Art” contest present- test came from a challenge represent it to others.” 3-5 — Bella Findley, first ond place. rist. ed by the Diocese of Lake by Bishop Glen John Pro- Contest categories were place; and Ty Pham, sec- Writing: Grades K-2 — “I think it is very impor- Charles. vost to those who instruct original artwork and origi- ond place; Grades 6-8 — Visa Newman, first place, tant for us to express our This was the first year for students on the Eucharist. nal writing (poetry or cre- Michaela LaFleur, first creative writing; and Catholic faith to others and the contest as a way for stu- “Bishop Provost want- ative writing) for the fol- place; Scarlet Reeves, Grades 6-8 — Jacob Ardoin, not be afraid to talk about dents in grades K-12 as well ed teachers to emphasize as adults to creatively por- the True Presence more lowing age groups: grades second place; and Jacob first place, poetry; Connor what we believe,” she said. tray their Catholic belief in in the religious educa- K-2, grades 3-5, grades 6-8, Istre, third place; Grades Lyons, second place, po- Cash prizes were given to the Eucharist, according tion classes in our Catho- grades 9-12, and adults 18 9-12 — Emma Findley, first etry; and Ethan Nguyen, all who placed. Their art- to Sister Marirose Rudek, lic schools, especially for and older. Winners are: place; Amelia Thomas, third place, poetry. work or writings will be R.S.M., diocesan direc- young people,” Rudek said. Artwork: Grades K-2 — second place; and Bain Sister Marirose said she published in future issues tor for the Office of Reli- “I thought the contest Abel Findley, first place; Jones, third place; Adult hopes the contest gave par- of the Catholic Calendar.