Diocese Of Baton Rouge Year of St. Joseph & 60TH Anniversary Curriculum For Catholic Schools & Schools of

OVERVIEW

“On July 22, 1961, Blessed Pope John XXIII established the Diocese of Baton Rouge, comprising the twelve civil parishes located in south Central Louisiana. The Holy Father named St. Joseph Church in the See city, built in 1853-1855 and renovated many times since, to be the new diocese’ Cathedral” (https://diobr.org/history)

On December 8, 2020, promulgated the Year of St. Joseph in an Apostolic Letter entitled, “Patris Corde.” This means “With a Father’s Love” in English. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_letters/documents/papa-francesco-lettera- ap_20201208_patris-corde.html

This lesson plan has been created to enable students in the Diocese of Baton Rouge to learn about the history of this Diocese and reflect on the role of the of Baton Rouge in their faith life. Students will also learn story of St. Joseph, Patron of the Diocese, apply his virtues to present-day life, and become aware of the numerous local churches named for St. Joseph, as well as devotions and traditions dedicated to him.

This lesson plan is designed to be extended over several class periods if desired. Teachers of the various grade levels will need to adapt this packet of material to their specific situation.

Objectives

• The learner will acquire knowledge about: o Scriptural foundations of the Holy o God’s Plan for the Church as taught in the Catechism of the Catholic Church o Mission of the Church o History of the Diocese of Baton Rouge o Role of the bishop in a diocese o Facts about the assigned to the Diocese of Baton Rouge. o What is a Cathedral? o Life of St. Joseph as revealed in Sacred Scripture, as well as numerous prayers for intercession and traditions o The various churches in the Diocese of Baton Rouge named for St. Joseph

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Digital Materials

1. Online Prayer to St. Joseph [SEE APPENDIX]

2. Online Resources are available for all grade levels which contains the following information:

§ A History of the Diocese of Baton Rouge § Duties of a Bishop § Bishops of the Diocese of Baton Rouge § The Cathedral § Suggested Extension Activities

• Book for each student in Pre-kindergarten through grade four https://diobr.org/documents/2021/8/St.%20Joseph%20Coloring%20Book.pdf

• Liturgical Feast dates celebrating St Joseph [SEE APPENDIX]

• Logo for Year of St. Joseph and the 60th Anniversary for the Diocese [SEE APPENDIX]

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We offer thanksgiving to God for 60 years of vitality as the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

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LESSON PLAN MATERIALS 60th Anniversary of the Diocese of Baton Rouge

Lesson One Foundations of the Holy Catholic Church

"I Believe in The Holy Catholic Church"

Section One Scriptural Foundations

Acts 1:1-12 The Promise of the Spirit

Acts: 1:13-14 First Community in Jerusalem • Obedient to Jesus’ final command, the Apostles waited for the coming of the promise of the Father in the upper room. As they waited, they prayed. o How would have the Apostles prayed? o Review with the learner types of prayer: § Vocal (Catechism 2700-2703) § Meditation (Catechism 2705-2708) § Contemplative (Catechism 2709-2719) o Our Father (the prayer Jesus taught them to pray) (Catechism #2759, Mt. 6:9-13)

Acts 2:1-11 The Coming of the Spirit

Acts 2:42-47 The Communal Life, the Church

Section Two God’s Plan for the Church

The Church is the Light of Christ, as Christ is the light of humanity. o The Church has no other light than Christ's; according to a favorite image of the Church Fathers, the Church is like the moon, all its light reflected from the sun. (Catechism 748)

The Church is instituted and sustained by Christ Jesus. It is the community of faith, hope, and charity, as a visible organization through which he communicates truth and grace to all men."

The Church is at the same time:

- a "society structured with hierarchical organs and the mystical body of Christ.

- the visible society and the spiritual community.

- the earthly Church and the Church endowed with heavenly riches." (Catechism 771)

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Mission of the Church

Section Three Matthew 5:14a [Salt & Light]

“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

Section Four Missionary Discipleship: Matthew 28:16-20 [The Great Commission]

“The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Lesson Two Our Great Land

Section One A Short History of the Diocese of Baton Rouge [https://diobr.org/history ]

1700

1. On New Year’s Day, 1722, Fr. Pierre Francois Xavier de Charlevoix celebrated the first in Baton Rouge on an improvised altar in a plantation home.

2. In the early days of what would eventually become the Diocese of Baton Rouge the needs of the various Catholic settlements were met by priest chaplains and religious sisters. They ministered to the needs of the explorers and were missionaries to the Native Americans.

3. The first Catholic church was dedicated on March 16, 1738, in the settlement of Pointe Coupee’.

4. Among the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s most prized historical records are sacramental registers brought by the Acadians expelled from Nova Scotia. In 1774, these settlers erected the church of St. Gabriel, the oldest surviving church structure in the entire Mississippi River Valley.

5. In 1787, the area that comprises the Diocese of Baton Rouge was administered by the Diocese of Havana, Cuba because the Province of Louisiana was under the control of Spain.

6. In 1792, a parish was established by the Spanish in Baton Rouge and its first pastor was Fr. Carlos Burke. A church built before his arrival, whose exact location is unknown, was originally named Our Lady of Sorrows.

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1800

1. The Spanish controlled colonies in what was called the West Florida region which included Baton Rouge until 1810. It then became known as the West Florida Republic.

2. In 1812, the Territory of and the former area of the Republic of West Florida became Louisiana, the eighteenth state of the Union.

3. The area of Baton Rouge was no longer under the control of the Diocese of Havana, Cuba, and according to Spanish law, all vestments, ornaments and vessels placed in Baton Rouge when Our Lady of Sorrows parish first began had to be returned to Spain. Fr. Juan Brady, pastor at that time, sold the church building to the parishioners for $600.00 and deposited that money with the Royal Spanish Treasury.

4. Sometime between 1817 and 1828 the name of the parish was changed to St. Joseph. Planning and construction of a new church was completed between 1852 and 1856. This church structure had a square tower instead of a steeple. In 189, a steeple was added to St. Joseph Church. This steeple had to be replaced with a new one in 1966 because of severe damage from Hurricane Betsy.

5. During the Civil War, St. Joseph Church was badly damaged when the city of Baton Rouge was bombarded by Union boats.

1900

1. In the early 20th century, many Mission-Revivals were held in Churches and communities to bring the Gospel to rural towns. A railroad Chapel Car called St. Paul and manned by Redemptorist fathers held weeklong sessions throughout the area. A circular advertising the mission states, “Travelers can take passage on any part of the road. Travelers are advised to bring no other baggage but good works. Children who have not attained the age of reason are carried free, provided they are held on the lap of their mother – the Church.”

2. With all of the bayous and streams separated by marshland and swamps and very few roads in south Louisiana it was difficult for local people to attend religious services. Fr. Jules Toups, in 1936, began servicing these areas with a floating chapel, Mary Star of the Sea. It was equipped with everything necessary for the celebration of Mass and the administering of sacraments.

3. On July 22, 1961, Blessed Pope John XXIII established the Diocese of Baton Rouge comprising twelve Louisiana civil parishes and naming St. Joseph Church in Baton Rouge to be the new diocese’s cathedral. This Article from the Catholic Commentator shares the explanation of what is a “Papal Bull.” http://thecatholiccommentator.org/pages/?p=27077

Section Two Geography and Servant Leaders

1. The Diocese of Baton Rouge covers twelve civil parishes and a land area of 5,405 square miles. https://diobr.org/geography

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2. The Diocese of Baton Rouge Coat of Arms explained. https://diobr.org/coat-of-arms

3. The Diocese is divided into 64 parishes, two ethnic apostolates and two University Chaplaincies. Interactive Map of the Churches https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1bR9D0rcGlQlcQRL- hNXMWMCF6bGUvJcE&ll=30.368868147475347%2C-91.16718677259334&z=8

4. Parishes are grouped by deaneries. https://diobr.org/parishes

5. In addition to the bishop there are 72 diocesan priests and 33 religious priests that serve the Diocese.

6. The Diocese of Baton Rouge has 73 permanent deacons, 80 religious sisters and 17 religious brothers.

7. There are four Catholic hospitals assisting over 750,000 people annually, as well as 4 homes for the aged, 5 specialized homes and 7 centers for social services assisting over 300,000 people.

Section Three Faith Formation and Education

1. There are 30 Catholic schools in eight of the civil parishes in the Diocese; five parochial high schools enrolling 3,925 students, three private high schools with a total of 2,446 students and 22 elementary schools which educate 10,139 students.

2. The REACH Program, under the patronage of Blessed Margaret of Castello, has four Special Education Centers and ten Dyslexia Labs located within Catholic Schools that educate 56 students. For the history of this program please refer to https://csobr.org/special-education-1

3. There are 8,170 students enrolled in elementary and high school Parish Schools of Religion (PSR).

4. One brother, seven sisters and 1,157 lay catechists serve the Diocese as educators.

5. The Diocese offers life-long formation through the Ministry & Theology Program. Catholic Schools teachers and catechists, as well as lay volunteers are a viable part of this ministry, led by professional theologians who develop and facilitate each course.

Section Four The Bishop

1. The bishop is entrusted with the care of a local church (diocese). He is responsible for teaching and governing. He shares these duties with priests and deacons who serve with him under his leadership.

2. The bishop is considered the chief Shepherd for a diocese.

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3. A bishop must be at least 35 years of age, exhibit piety and wisdom, ordained for a minimum of five years and have a in sacred scripture, theology or canon law.

4. A bishop must celebrate Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation.

5. Only a bishop possesses the power to confer the Sacrament of .

6. The Sacrament of Confirmation is typically administered by a bishop.

7. A bishop must preside over the Mass of the Chrism which is always concelebrated with his priests. The bishop blesses the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick at this Mass; he also consecrates the Oil of Chrism, with his concelebrating priests assisting him.

Section 5 The Bishops of the Diocese of Baton Rouge Linked Activity: “Match the Bishops” [SEE APPENDIX]

Bishop Robert Emmet Tracy 1. Native of New Orleans, Louisiana 2. Birth Date: September 14, 1909 3. Ordained: June 12, 1932 4. Focus: Enjoyed ministering to the young; 5. Chaplain to Catholic students at Tulane University; 6. Chaplain at Catholic Student Center, LSU 7. of Lafayette, 1958 8. Installed as first Bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge on November 8, 1961 9. Bishop Tracy participated in the Vatican II Council in

Bishop 1. Native of Kansas City, 2. Birth Date: August 15, 1919 3. Ordained: June 1, 1946 4. Auxiliary Bishop and , Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, 1967 5. Installed as Bishop of Baton Rouge on September 4, 1974 6. Focus: Pro-life movement

Bishop 1. Native of Gretna, Louisiana 2. Birth Date: June 29, 1927 3. Ordained: December 8, 1951 4. Installed as Bishop of Baton Rouge on March 25, 1983 5. Focus: Spiritual Renewal 6. Delegate to the World of Bishops in Rome 7. Thousands were inspired by Bishop Ott as both a good shepherd and an inspiration during his illness and death.

Bishop 1. Native of , 2. Birth Date: December 2, 1932 8

3. Ordained: December 15, 1957 4. Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, 1981 5. Installed as Bishop of Baton Rouge on November 4, 1993 6. Focus: Promotion of the Catechism of the Catholic Church; Attempts to combat racism and poverty 7. Co-adjutor of New Orleans, May 2, 2001 8. Metropolitan Archbishop of New Orleans, January 3, 2002

Bishop Robert W. Muench 1. Native of Louisville, Kentucky 2. Birth Date: December 28, 1942 3. Ordained June 18, 1968 (Archdiocese of New Orleans) 4. Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of New Orleans, June 29, 1990 5. Installed as Bishop of Covington, Kentucky, March 19, 1996 6. Installed as Bishop of Baton Rouge, March 14, 2002 7. Apostolic Administrator of Baton Rouge June 26, 2018 – August 24, 2018 8. Retired/Bishop Emeritus August 24, 2018 9. Focus: Church’s ministry to young people and renewal of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the life of Catholics

Bishop G. (Linked Activity: Bishop Duca Puzzle) [SEE APPENDIX]

1. Native of , 2. Birth Date: June 5, 1952 3. Ordained April 29, 1978 (Diocese of Dallas) 4. Conferred the Title of Reverend Monsignor, December 20, 2004 5. Installed as Bishop of Shreveport, May 19, 2008 6. Installed as Bishop of Baton Rouge, August 24, 2018 7. Focus:

Section 6 What Is a Cathedral? Linked Activity: Cathedral Puzzle [SEE APPENDIX]

1. A cathedral is the main/principal church of a diocese and the home Church of the diocese’ bishop.

2. A cathedral is frequently one of the largest worship buildings in a town and may be considered a monument because it honors God.

3. Ordinations, Rites of Election and Chrism Masses most appropriately take place in a cathedral.

4. Due to the importance of a cathedral, the anniversary of a cathedral must be celebrated by the diocese.

5. The cathedral is often known as the bishop’s Seat because the bishop usually resides there and it is the home Church of the Diocese.

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6. This is also represented by the bishop’s Chair which is prominent and a permanent Chair within the cathedral.

7. Cathedrals are large enough to accommodate large groups of people.

8. All cathedrals have a baptismal font.

9. Due to the size of a cathedral, most have a chapel.

MORE ABOUT A CATHEDRAL

1. The Diocese of Baton Rouge’s Cathedral, St. Joseph Cathedral is named for its patron. See the history of the cathedral here: https://www.cathedralbr.org/church-history

2. The bishop is at home in any church in the diocese and can elect a temporary seat (bishop’s church) which symbolizes his authority but there is only one cathedral. Each diocese has one bishop but there can auxiliary bishops.

3. When a diocese is established by the pope he also names the cathedral for that diocese.

4. The anniversary of the dedication of a diocese must be celebrated by all the clergy of the diocese.

5. The word cathedral comes from the Latin language, cathedra, and means chair. In the ancient world, the chair was a symbol of a teacher. The bishop is the main teacher in a diocese and his cathedral is the principal church in the diocese.

6. In the cathedral, the bishop’s Chair is an elevated seat or throne that is built into the sanctuary. It sits at the top of three steps and is a primary symbol of the bishop’s authority.

7. The pastor of the cathedral may be the bishop, or another priest may be appointed in that capacity. The appointed priest is called the .

8. A cathedral is frequently an imposing building in town because it honors God.

9. Cathedrals are often oriented east and west so that they face the rising sun. This symbolizes the risen Christ.

10. The central portion of the church is called the nave. This word comes from the Latin language and means ship. The church is symbolically a ship bearing the people of God through the storms of life.

11. A bishop may reside near his cathedral. He preaches and teaches Divine truth from there and when he dies is usually buried at the site of the cathedral. Deceased bishops of Baton Rouge are buried in the St. Joseph Cathedral courtyard. They are Bishop Robert Emmet Tracy, Bishop Joseph Vincent Sullivan and Bishop Stanley Joseph Ott .

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Activity Appendix for 60th Anniversary Lesson Plan Extension Activities

Online Access • Roots of Faith television series depicting the Churches in the Diocese of Baton Rouge named for St Joseph. o (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN8fHjNOiKo&list=PLXDTkS0skdSylo6YFwtCKZQm CUf9CDt4z )

Pilgrimage Coloring book https://diobr.org/documents/2021/8/St.%20Joseph%20Coloring%20Book.pdf

A coloring book pertaining to the history of the Diocese of Baton Rouge including the Churches named for St Joseph.

Shoe Box Cathedral Materials: Shoe box, glue, tape, construction paper, fabric, wooden pieces, paint etc. Time: 1 – 2 hours Skills: Review parts of a cathedral (Inside the Roman Catholic Church – [SEE APPENDIX] Fine Motor Creativity

Using whatever materials and supplies you feel necessary cover the shoebox and decorate it to depict the interior and exterior of a cathedral.

Advanced Project https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Orxl5n8fJEY

Stained Glass Collage Materials: 11 x 17 inch black construction paper, safety scissors, colored cellophane sheets, tape Time: 30 minutes Skills: Creative expression, art & design Your child can create beautiful paper versions of stained glass that are just as colorful and creative, but without the sharp edges. Hang them in windows or against sliding doors for a colorful effect. With your child, follow the instructions below:

1. Fold a sheet of black construction paper in half, then in half again. 2. Help your child to cut designs out of the folded edges. 3. Open the paper to reveal the holes. Make as many open spaces as possible. 4. Cut squares of colored cellophane paper. 5. Tape the cellophane paper onto the black paper, around the holes. Be sure all the cellophane is taped on the same side of the black paper. This will be the back so be sure that the tape is not visible through the holes. 6. When all the holes have been covered with cellophane, hang the stained "glass" on a window where light can shine through it.

For additional activities, such as word searches and crossword puzzles, [SEE APPENDIX]

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Year of St. Joseph/60th Anniversary Celebration Committee for Catechesis

Rev. Ryan P. Hallford, Secretary for Evangelization, Pastor: Holy Family Church, Port Allen

Dina D. Dow, MTS., Director, Office of Evangelization and Catechesis

West Giffin, Associate Director, Youth & Young Adult Ministry

Julia Scarnato, Executive Director, Hispanic Apostolate

RESOURCE PERSONNEL

Shannon Baldridge, MA, Coordinator of Catechesis & Certification

Ann T. Boltin, Chancellor, Office of the Chancellor; Diocesan Archivist

Very Rev. Paul D. Counce, J.C.L.,

Rev. Christopher J. Decker, Secretary for Communications, Pastor: St. Mary of False River, New Roads

Amy Jones, Associate Archivist, Archives

Nicole Jones, Coordinator of Events, Office of Youth & Yong Adult Ministry

Stephen Lee, Station Manager, Catholic Life TV

Richard Meek, Executive Editor/General Manager: The Catholic Commentator

Dr. Melanie B. Palmisano, Superintendent, Catholic Schools Office

Danielle Van Haute, MATh., Associate Director Office of Evangelization and Catechesis

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APPENDIX

13 diobr.org/60years Noble St. Joseph, who by sacred trust guarded and protected Jesus and His Blessed Mother, we humbly ask that guided by your paternal devotion, we too may courageously safeguard the defenseless.

Devoted St. Joseph, who by the work of your hands cared for all the needs of the Holy Family, we humbly ask that guided by your compassion, we too may provide for the needs of those in our homes, communities, and the world.

Obedient St. Joseph, who by humble heart responded to the voice of an angel, we humbly ask that guided by your confidence, we too may act upon God’s prompting in our lives.

Righteous St. Joseph, who by great virtue committed your entire life to Mary and Jesus, we humbly dedicate our lives under your fatherly care to the Blessed Mother and our Lord Jesus, now and forever. Amen.

St. Joseph, holy patron of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, pray for us! Feast Day Planning Guide Diocesan-Specific Feast Days and Events

May 1, 2021 - The Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, "60 Years in the Year of St. Joseph" begins July 22, 2021 - Celebration of the Papal Bull Announcing the Creation of the Diocese of Baton Rouge November 8, 2021 - The Diocese of Baton Rouge's 60th Anniversary Liturgical Celebration March 19,2022 - The Solemnity of St. Joseph, "60 Years in the Year of St. Joseph" ends

Other Days and Feasts to Celebrate June 20, 2021 - Father's Day, a day to celebrate our earthly, spiritual and heavenly fathers December 25, 2021 - The Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, a day to celebrate the Incarnation, God becoming man December 26, 2021 - The Feast of the Holy Family, a day to celebrate the domestic church January 23, 2022 - The Feast of the Holy Spouses, a day to celebrate the betrothal of Our Lady and St. Joseph and all holy marriages

The Bishops of the Diocese of Baton Rouge

[Match the name to the Bishop]

BISHOP ROBERT EMMET TRACY 1961

BISHOP STANLEY OTT 1983

BISHOP ALFRED HUGHES 1993

BISHOP ROBERT W. MUENCH 2002

BISHOP G. MICHAEL DUCA 2018 - present our bishop baton rouge

Word Search

Q F D R P T M K T N Q F M Z T CATHEDRA J R D S E L D N A C W L G I S BISHOP H B T H R O N E S A G O V X I DIOCESE Y T P I D C T V S D D Q Q G R CATHEDRAL K B A P T I S M A L F O N T H LIGHT Q R R L X M S H L N A C C B C THRONE O M D A V G R B G C T T H O N ORGAN E O E R E L E I D I L W A W E CHAPEL S B H D A N D S E L O R P T S BAPTISMAL FONT E R T E P A R H N O E D E H I ALTAR C O A H N G O O I H I P L G R CANDLES O U C T G R Y P A T A Z S I V STAINED GLASS I S R A L O L E T A Z Q A L Z GOD D M U C T A O D S C V V X H G RISEN CHRIST W X D G Q C H R I S M M A S S CHRISM MASS

CATHOLIC

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Crossword Puzzle

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ACROSS

2. Another word for chair DOWN 5. Imposing building of worship within a 1. Central portion of a church Diocese 3. Vow someone makes when wanting to join 8. Large musical instrument in a church the Catholic Church 9. Found within a Cathedral and is used for 4. A window of beautiful colors smaller services 6. A place where people are baptized 10. Our Father 7. Vow a priest makes 14. Provide light 11. The head of a Catholic Diocese 15. From where a priest says Mass 12. Universal Church 16. Where a Cathedral is located 13. A special Mass to bless oils 17. Cathedrals face this to symbolize the risen Christ Across: 2.cathedra, 5.cathedral, 8.organ, 9.chapel, 10.God, 14.candles, 15.altar, 16.diocese, 17.rising sun Down: 1.nave, 3.rite of initiation, 4.stained glass, 6.baptismal font, 7.holy orders, 11.bishop, 12.catholic, 13.chrism mass