THE CATHOLIC

CFebruary 12,ommentator 2021 Vol. 59, No. 1 2020 LPA NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR thecatholiccommentator.org REMEMBER! REPENT! BELIEVE! Guidance for Ash Wednesday and our call to conversion he penitential character “give up” a sense of normalcy my gratitude to every our time. Our first Lenten of what we observe for nearly a year without any pastor and parishioner for liturgy is Ash Wednesday, so Tas church during the indication the pandemic would working together to meet I give this instruction for our Lenten season has surely been soon be over. the challenges of this past gatherings. magnified during the past Most notable this past year year. Unfortunately, we are The Congregation for year! was our inability to gather still in need of vigilance to Divine Worship and the Beginning in March 2020, for the Easter Triduum to slow the spread of this virus. Discipline of the Sacraments Lent was quickly interrupted celebrate the foundational and But unlike last year we are published guidance on Jan. by a total lockdown. The life-giving memorials of the better prepared so we WILL 12 regarding the distribution faithful were unable to institution of the Eucharist observe and celebrate the of ashes on Ash Wednesday. worship in person as we and the passion, death and liturgies of Lent, Holy Week “The priest should first From the Bishop are usually accustomed. resurrection of our Lord Jesus and Easter this year even address all those present, Bishop Michael G. Duca Individually and collectively, Christ. if our gatherings will still and he only says the formula we were forced to literally Allow me again to express need to reflect the realities of SEE BISHOP PAGE 13 Dominican Friars announce withdrawal

By Richard Meek The Catholic Commentator

The Dominican Friars are leaving Holy Ghost Church and St. Albert the Great Chapel and Catholic Student Center, both of which are located in Hammond and within blocks of each other, no later than the summer of 2022, thus ending more than a century of service in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, most prominently in Tangipahoa Civil Parish. In a letter dated Jan. 26 that was addressed to the Holy Ghost congregation and read at Masses the weekend of Jan. 30-31, Father Thomas Condon OP, Prior Provincial of the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Martin de Porres, said that “after much prayer and deliberation, the province has come to the painful decision that we must withdraw from Holy Ghost Parish and St. Albert Catholic Student Center and close the related Dominican Community in Hammond by June 30, 2022. “We are returning the parish to Holy Ghost Church in Hammond. File photo | The Catholic Commentator the pastoral care and ministry of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, who will community life and to better serve the with Bishop Michael G. Duca to assure “It is our hope, though, that in provide the clergy in the future.” many pressing needs of the church in a smooth transition. times of challenge we can continue to The letter went on to say “we want our province we must consolidate our Bishop Duca, in a letter dated Feb. strengthen our core mission as baptized to assure you that the Dominicans houses and ministries.” 2 and also addressed to the Holy Ghost members of the faithful to bring Christ have no desire to leave you. However, The letter assured Holy Ghost congregation, noted that “change is and his salvation to others.” for the sake of strengthening our parishioners the friars are working never easy. SEE FRIARS PAGE 16 2 The Catholic Commentator February 12, 2021 | DID YOU KNOW Imitating Christ By Dina Dow what I am doing for others leading them on a path of salvation. Am I seeking first, what From green pastures to ashes, we contin- is best for me or best for another? Am I, like ue our pilgrim journey witnessing the liturgi- Jesus with the leper, doing what is good for cal season pass from Ordinary Time to Lent. others for their own personal well-being? Am The Sunday Mass readings in the 6th Week in I making an outcast of others because of their Ordinary Time focus once again afflictions? Am I imitating on the healing ministry of Jesus, Christ in what I think, say followed by the dawn of Lent Life-Giving and do? with the call to prayer, fasting FAI H Come home for Lent (Jl and almsgiving, stepping stones for 2:12-18) our 40-day journey to Easter. Ash Wednesday is here. Some Be gone (Lv 13:1-2, 44-46) have likened this past year as a long season of The prescription of the law during the Lent beyond the traditional 40 days. It could time of Moses directed that anyone bearing seem that way, as we ebb and flow through ‘To dust you shall return’ the sores of leprosy, diagnosed by the chief the pandemic: light one day, darkness the priest, would be designated as “unclean” and next. But how is God allowing us to grow in On Ash Wednesday people push “You will go down to the neth- cast out of the community to “dwell apart, his light during this time. We hear in Chapter aside the culture’s pulsating mes- erworld. making his abode outside the camp.” If one 2 of the Book of Joel the announcement of a sages encouraging the pursuit of “For if the mighty deeds done in were to approach a leper, the leper was to day of the Lord. If you go back to Joel, Chap- worldly indulgences and acknowl- your midst had been done in Sod- identify as “unclean” to avoid a close encoun- ter 1, you will read the announcement of “an edge their mortality and need for om, it would have remained until ter and possible spread of infection: a perma- unprecedented disaster.” repentance. Catholics, and people this day. nent quarantine. This was almost like death It is in Chapter 2 that God calls the Israel- of other denominations, visit their “But I tell you, it will be more to those who were essentially outcast, aban- ites back to him with their entire heart, “with churches and embrace what may tolerable for the land of Sodom on doned and gone from the community. fasting, weeping and mourning.” Times of seem like the stone-cold ritual of the day of judgment than for you.” Be made clean (Mk 1:40-45) disaster remind us of just how precious and receiving ashes and being told, In the Middle Ages those who This reading from the Book of Leviticus fleeting is life. In these times, as even in good “Remember that you are dust and were about to die were laid on the sets the scene for the account of the cleansing times, our hope rests in God’s mercy, love and to dust you shall return.” ground on top of a sackcloth sprin- of a leper in St. Mark’s Gospel. Here we see gratuitous compassion. God only wants what By participating in Ash kled with ashes. The priest blessed a leper approach Jesus. Falling to his knees, is best for his people. Wednesday, Catholics are partici- the person with holy water, saying, the leper, in an act of faith, begs Jesus, “If God does not desire our sinfulness to be pating in the liturgical use of ash- “Remember that thou art dust and you wish, you can make me clean.” The man our end. Rather, he welcomes our repentance, es that originated in ancient times. to dust thou shalt return.” with leprosy not only broke the Mosaic Law, our contrite hearts as we admit our fault and In the Book of Esther, Mordacai Afterwards the priest would he risked his life to request such a petition. desire to be reconciled to him. Upon our act put on sackcloth and covered him- ask the person, “Art thou content What moved him? Perhaps he heard about of contrition, God responds as he opens the self with ashes when he heard of with sackcloth and ashes in tes- or witnessed Jesus’ teaching or performing floodgates of his eternal mercy and invites us King Ahasuerus’ decree to kill all timony of thy penance before the miracles in Capernaum. Hence, he was con- to come home WITH ALL OUR HEARTS. the Jewish people in the Persian Lord in the day of judgment?” The fident on placing himself at the feet of the one St. Paul explains now is the time to be Empire. dying person would reply, “I am he knew could make him clean. The leper reconciled to God for salvation has come in Job lamented in sackcloth and content.” professes hope, “If you wish …” The power of Jesus Christ. Now is the time. Not tomorrow. ashes after being severely tested. Eventually, the use of ashes was the man’s petition is his hope in Jesus’ “yes.” Now. Daniel prophesized that the Baby- adapted to mark the beginning of Jesus, our Lord, “moved with pity,” touched Stepping stones: alms, fast, pray (Mt lonians would capture Israel when Lent. The earliest editions of the the leper without hesitation and said, “I do 1:1-6, 16-18) he wrote, “I turned to the Lord Gregorian Sacramentary, which will it. Be made clean.” Jesus sent the healed So where do we begin? We begin with the God, pleading in earnest prayer, dates at least to the eighth centu- man to the priests to verify the healing and one who walks the path with us: Jesus. He with fasting, sackcloth and ashes.” ry, contain the ritual for the “Days establish him to “dwell within the camp” of not only accompanies us, but he also guides Sackcloth and ashes were also of Ashes.” life in community. Jesus healed the one who our actions and empowers our disposition by used as a public sign of repentance The Catechism of the Catho- was outcast and now, made clean, was able to teaching us how to give alms, pray and fast. and humility before God. lic Church underscores how Ash go home. When we partake in these three actions All of the “men and animals” Wednesday sets the tone for en- Imitating Christ (1 Cor 10:31-1:11) we are to act so that only God knows. This is a in Ninevah were in sackcloth and tering into that long dusty journey St. Paul reminds us that our actions should path of humility. As we “step on these stones” ashes when Jonah preached re- with Jesus during Lent, which it come from desiring to proclaim the glory of our actions are loving sacrifices which are pentance there. describes as among the “intense God without the spotlight on ourselves. Am SEE GOSPEL PAGE 15 Jesus himself called for repen- moments of the church’s peniten- tance in Matthew 11:20-24: “Then tial practice” (CCC#1438). he began to reproach the towns Jesus’ temptation reveals the where most of his mighty deeds way in which the Son of God is had been done, since they had not Messiah, contrary to the way Sa- repented. tan proposes to him and the way thecatholiccommentator.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to men wish to attribute to him. you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty “This is why Christ vanquished Bishop Michael G. Duca Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager deeds done in your midst had the Tempter for us: ‘For we have Father Tom Ranzino Associate Publisher Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation been done in Tyre and Sidon, they not a high priest who is unable to Richard Meek Editor Nicole Latiolais Graphic Designer would long ago have repented in sympathize with our weaknesses, Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor sackcloth and ashes. but one who in every respect has “But I tell you, it will be more been tested as we are, yet without 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, tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the sinning’ (Heb 4:15). By the solemn Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton Rouge, LA. Copy must day of judgment than for you. 40 days of Lent, the church unites reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Subscription rate: $14.00 per year. POST- “And as for you, Capernaum: herself each year to the mystery of MASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. “Will you be exalted to heaven? Jesus in the desert” (CCC#540). February 12, 2021 The Catholic Commentator 3 Stations trace Jesus’ final journey to Calvary

By Debbie Shelley could easily lead one to become devastat- The Catholic Commentator ed. But in following Christ’s lead to nev- er give up, Father Bayhi teamed up with Jesus’ footsteps to a gruesome death artist Aaron Neville in 1996 to record the on Calvary are traced, in one sense, his- still popular CD: “Doing it Their Own torically and physically when a person Way: A Contemporary Meditation on the participates in the Stations of the Cross Way of the Cross.” devotion during Lent. An inspirational, thought-provoking, Worshippers also become part of God’s meditation, each station is represented ongoing love story when they allow him to by real-life experiences and situations. step into their lives and join in his suffer- All revenue from the $20 CDs are used to ing and learn to love like him, according support Metanoia Manor and can be pur- to Father Jeff Bayhi, pastor of St. John the chased by visiting the Closer Walk Min- Baptist Church in Zachary, and Father istries website at closerwalkministries. Brent Maher, pastor of St. Agnes Church The 12th Station of the Cross, Jesus dies on the cross, is depicted in this beautiful station com. in Baton Rouge. at St. Elizabeth Church in Paincourtville. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator file photo Even in looking at and experiencing The Stations of the Cross follow the worse of what sin and death throws at the path of Christ from Pontius Pi- “Some of them beg and plead, ‘God refuge to female adolescent victims of hu- the world, Father Bayhi said the Stations late’s praetorium to Christ’s tomb. In please deliver me from this,’ ” Father Bay- man trafficking. of the Cross are a reminder that after Je- the 16th century, this pathway was hi said. “These poor darlings have suffered so sus went through suffering and death, officially entitled the Via Dolorosa The Stations of the Cross is an assur- unjustly because there was no one to be death was “no more.” And following in his (Sorrowful Way), or simply the Way of the ance that redemptive work is being done there with them in the midst of their suf- footsteps, the same will be true for us. Cross or Stations of the Cross. in the midst of suffering, Father Bayhi fering.” “When we allow God to be with us to “The stations came about because the said. In three years of operation, Metanoia our suffering, not only do we come back to Blessed Virgin Mary would daily walk the “I look at the Stations of the Cross Manor has served 53 girls, only one of life, we come to new life that we’ve never path of Our Lord in Jerusalem in remem- and I think about the Blessed Mother and them was international and the rest were known before. That life may be sanity, so- brance of what he had done for us. Her about all the things she had to go through from Louisiana. briety, that life may be free of resentments walking in his footsteps is a great sign to to say yes to God and how powerful her And the harrowing damage inflicted and anger,” said Father Bayhi. “There’s us of the fact of Jesus’ earthly life,” said yes was,” he said. upon them by the sins of others, and at new life at the end of the tunnel and that’s Father Maher. “While fully God, he is also “There was a great deal of suffering on such heart-breaking tender young ages, what the Stations of the Cross teach us.” fully man. her part. But as the mother of the Savior “The stations commemorate the plac- she was very able to deal with the suffer- es where Jesus walked, fell, spoke, bled, ings that come with that.” wept, suffered and died. They point to the Father Maher’s favorite station is the fact that Christ experienced all things like fourth where Jesus meets his mother us except sin.” along the way to Calvary. Pilgrims flock to the Old City of Jeru- “What a powerful mystery!” exclaimed salem to take in the sites and sense what Father Maher. “The son of God and the it must have been like on that day when mother of God both allowing their will Christ cruelly and unjustly suffered and to be submitted to the father’s will and a died at the hands of the sinful humani- final moment of earthly union before ev- ty that he came to redeem. Particularly erything changes on Calvary. during Lent many gather at their local “As a son, too, I often reflect upon my church parishes to pray the devotion. own deep love for my mother and what As good as the pilgrimages and church Jesus’ heart must have felt to see her in gatherings are, the deeper meaning of that moment – the love and consolation at Christ’s death on the cross that Good her presence but also the sorrow and ag- Friday is not contained to a certain time, ony that she had to witness these things.” place and location, noted Father Bayhi. But the Stations of the Cross would be “When we point our lives to Jesus as little more than a morbid moment of pity- a historical figure and not as a contem- ing “poor Jesus” if one misses it is also a porary figure, we lose the opportunity to call to conversion and, in the end, it brims develop a personal relationship with the with hope and life. Lord. A personal relationship is what is “(The stations) help us to acknowledge going to get us through no matter the sit- our own individual situations hidden in uations in life.” them – false judgments made or received, With crises such as COVID-19, civil our own falls in weakness and sin, harsh unrest, economic hardship, climate prob- words spoken at us or from us, mental and lems and political acrimony, there has physical sufferings, the reality of death been suffering in many different ways, and sorrow and more,” said Father Maher. according to Father Bayhi. “Our Lord is not distant from us and the “All the pain of addiction, the pain of stations are reminders of that. Sometimes insanity, all of the pain of abuse, the pain the simple question ‘How does this apply of people who spouse comes in says, ‘It’s to me?’ or ‘Where do I see this in my life?’ over, I’m out of here,’ and leave and they is a very fruitful one for our reflection.” think, ‘what did I do?’ They had no idea Father Bayhi, who founded Metonoia …” Father Bayhi said. Manor in 2018, sees the suffering face of He particularly sees suffering in the Christ in young victims of human traf- people with addiction issues that he min- ficking. Metanoia Manor is a faith-based isters to. residential facility that offers a place of 4 The Catholic Commentator February 12, 2021 Rite of Election to be held at local church parishes

By Debbie Shelley pen in the bishop’s church, the cathedral.” Rite of Election and/or the combined rite the unbaptized as the elect ready for the The Catholic Commentator This happens in two ways: one is called at the cathedral given the COVID pro- Easter sacraments,” Father Ranzino said. the Rite of Election, which is only for the tocols. We were very concerned that we A pastor can do it within a Liturgy of Because of COVID-19, for the first time un-baptized, according to Father Ranzi- would not be able to house in this cathe- the Word that afternoon or another day of in the Diocese of Baton Rouge there will no. dral, based on the COVID restrictions, the pastor’s choosing. be no diocesan gathering at St. Joseph “In some dioceses they celebrate that the number of people that normally at- “At the cathedral, it’s not done within Cathedral to celebrate the Rite of Elec- rite only for the unbaptized. During that tend. the Mass, it is a Liturgy of the Word,” Fa- tion for the unbaptized and/or the Call to rite the bishop declares them, those who “We also didn’t want this to become in ther Ranzino said. Continuing Conversion of baptized candi- are called catechumens, to be the elect. anyway a superspreader.” He said the decision to do things dif- dates who are preparing for confirmation They are chosen for the sacraments of The diocese deals with hundreds of ferently this year has a couple of advan- and/or Eucharist or reception into the full baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at candidates and sometimes more than 100 tages. communion of the Catholic Church. the next Easter Vigil,” he said. unbaptized at the cathedral, Father Ran- “The pastors know how safety proto- As a precaution to help diminish a pos- The second way is the combined rite. zino pointed out. cols can be done best in his own church,” sible spread of the coronavirus, for this The combined rite includes not only the “When you say you’re going to have a said Father Ranzino. year only, Bishop Michael G. Duca is dele- unbaptized catechumens but also those godparent and a sponsor and if you are In addition to keeping things safe, Fa- gating each pastor to celebrate the Rite of who are baptized non-Catholic and they dealing with a child over seven you need ther Ranzino said a parish community, Election in their local church parish, ac- wish to receive confirmation and Eucha- to have parents and team members, the particularly if it’s done within a Sunday cording to Father Tom Ranzino, director rist. Also included are those who were numbers add up very quickly,” he said. Mass, can see what a Rite of Election or of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of baptized Catholic but were not catechized Parishes can limit the Rite of Election combined rite is all about. Baton Rouge. and have not made their first Commu- to only the unbaptized catechumen and “It’s a little streamlined but the es- “When you’re in the liturgical Rites of nion. They, too, would receive confirma- perform it in a Sunday Mass on the first sence of the rite is still there,” said Father Christian Initiation for Adults, there is a tion and Eucharist. Sunday of Lent, or they can do a com- Ranzino. particular locale and minister that replac- “At our cathedral, we have had the tra- bined rite within the Mass. Bishop Duca is going to send to ev- es the local pastor in terms of celebrating dition of doing the combined rite. This Father Ranzino noted that a separate ery parish a brief exhortation telling the rites for initiation or the journey to- year, because of the pandemic, consulting rite for the already baptized, The Call to (cathechumens and candidates) that al- ward initiation, and that specific locale across the region on what other dioceses Continuing Conversion for the Already though “we can’t gather, the pastors are and minister is for the Rite of Election,” were doing and having many conversa- Baptized, is not a required rite to be cel- going to represent him in declaring the Father Ranzino said. “And that belongs to tions with Bishop Duca, it seems reason- ebrated. unbaptized as the elect and accepting the bishop. Most of the time it would hap- able to reconsider how we might do the “Baptized candidates do not have to be into candidacy the already baptized – he recognized this way. The combined rite has great joy with the wish we can all be is an option, it does not have to be done. together but he will be present by praying What does have to be done is declaring with the church.”

Bishop Duca appoints new deans

By Richard Meek Father David said the dean is to as- The Catholic Commentator sure that good administrative practices enable the communities of faith to prac- Bishop Michael G. Duca on Jan. 5 an- tice good stewardship in all areas of par- nounced that the number of deaneries in ish life, which include convoking deanery the Diocese of Baton Rouge was being re- meetings, assuring that parish pastoral duced from six to five. and finance councils are operating in On Jan. 29, Bishop Duca announced accord with the law and promoting for- the new deans: Father Michael Alello, mation of clergy by encouraging partici- dean of the Baton Rouge Deanery; Father pation in retreats. Additionally, the dean Matt Dupré, dean of the South Deanery; has the responsibility to assist in several Father Reuben Dykes, dean of the North- other areas, including substituting for east Deanery; Father Eric Gyan, dean of the bishop when necessary and assuring the East Central Deanery; and Father sacramental records are well kept. Todd Lloyd, dean of the North Central Father David said a dean also assists Deanery. the fraternal support of the clergy in his Father Dupré has also been appoint- dean, those in trouble or in need, fosters ed Apprentice Defender of the Bond. gatherings of clergy for fellowship, for- Deans assist pastors and (church) par- mation and organization; makes regular ishes of the deanery by fostering good telephone calls and email to the priests of liturgical practice in accord with the law the deanery; visits priests who are hospi- of the church and diocesan regulations talized or in ill health and welcomes new (for example, assuring that vessels and clergy into the deanery. vestments of church parishes are kept in According to Father David, the bishop good order), according to Episcopal Vic- is free to appoint whom he desires in the ar Father Jamin David. SEE DEANS PAGE 5 February 12, 2021 The Catholic Commentator 5 Child exposure to pornography expands during pandemic

By Richard Meek Ducote said sev- those involved are The Catholic Commentator eral resources are looking for ways to readily available for have it connect peo- Isolation. parents, including a ple innocently look- Boredom. booklet – “CONFI- ing for something Electronic device. DENT Helping Par- online and something Three key ingredients often cited as ents Navigate Online connects them to contributors to young people being ex- Exposure” – that porn site,” he said. “It posed to pornography, often as early as 11 will be distributed happens when people years old. Save Haven weekend are not really expect- Those factors have taken on more sig- providing parents ing it.” nificance during the COVID-19 pandem- concrete direction Ducote sees the ic when students are at home, often by on what steps to fol- church as playing a themselves because of virtual learning, low when they learn critical role because and are likely contributing to a rise in por- their child has been pornography can be nographic viewing among young people. exposed. Tips include so damaging to chil- “Helping parents deal with (their chil- preparing parents to dren and parents. He dren being exposed to pornography) is discuss the issue with said the church can going to be really important,” said Darryl their children, offer- support parents and Ducote, director of the Office of Marriage ing direct guidance provide them with and Family Life for the Diocese of Baton on having that con- the necessary re- Rouge. versation with their sources. Assisting parents whose children have children and follow- “I think that’s the been exposed is the focus of Year Two of ing up on an ongoing basis. antine working from home, are feeling rationale for doing this as a diocese,” Du- Save Haven Sunday, scheduled Feb. 27- “One of the things parents may have to lonely and bored. He said he is constantly cote said. “This is an important ministry 28. Year One, which debuted in 2020 deal with, and this could cause a lot of rift amazed how easy it is for people to have for the church and to do it on a diocesan during the early stages of the pandemic, between kids, is taking phones away in access to pornographic sites, even when level gives cover to the priests to address a raised the issue of children viewing por- the beginning so they do not have access they are not trying. very sensitive issue. Everybody is doing it nography. to them,” Ducote said. “That is part of the “It’s such a profitable industry that at the same time on behalf of the diocese.” Ducote said the second year of the way the booklet can help, so kids are not three-year program developed by internet at risk. monitoring company Covenant Eyes in “It’s a difficult problem.” conjunction with the Archdiocese of New Another accessible resource is the Orleans focuses on providing resources to website cleanheartsonline.com, which he help parents so they can help their chil- has created an individual homepage for T 2021 dren. each diocese participating in Save Haven “The reason the focus is on the parents Sunday. BaTon Rouge is because the parents are in the best po- “Click on the Diocese of Baton Rouge sition to deal with this early on,” Ducote and there are incredible resources for said. “The point here is pornography does parents, clergy, parish ministers, educa- Diocese DiRecToRy some devastating things to the kids, pri- tors, men, women,” Ducote said. “It’s just marily creating a sense of shame. They amazing what they have put together, and is eRe start to follow up with it and as a result they continue to update that.” h ! of their shame they disconnect from their Clergy members will also find suggest- The new directory has all of the family and parents. ed homilies addressing the issue, as well “Part of the goal of Save Haven Sun- as suggested Prayers of the Faithful and current listings and information on day is to make parents aware this is a bulletin announcements. churches, clergy, schools, diocesan serious issue and to equip them to deal “It saves the clergy a lot of time and departments and personnel of with this in the home so it is addressed work,” Ducote said. the diocese, religious, deaneries, before it comes a serious issue, some- Pornography among older adults is institutions and organizations and times carrying over into adulthood and also becoming an increasing problem, more! marriage, where it can have devastating Ducote said, because many older adults, effects.” especially during these times of quar- To place your order, fill out the form below and mail to The Catholic Commentator, P. O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316 with a check or money order for $9.50 for each directory ordered. The deans  efficient operations,” Father David said. directory will be mailed to you. From page 4 “Aside from assuring good structural or- ganization, deans provide an important territory as the dean, but Bishop Duca pastoral resource by gathering clergy for engaged in a consultative process with formation and fellowship.” Number of Diocesan Directories Ordered each deanery, gaining from the active “Priests rely upon their brother priests in the area their input regarding priests for support as do deacons with Name a dean. their brothers, and this has become es- “The reorganization of our deanery pecially true during the pandemic and Address boundaries and the appointment of the when ministry feels isolated,” he added. new deans to serve as co-collaborators “The deanery structure reminds us all City State between the bishop and clergy of these that we are all part of the body of Christ.” five territorial regions will facilitate The deans have been appointed for a Zip Phone with area code more dialogue to improve effective and three-year term that began Feb. 1. 6 The Catholic Commentator February 12, 2021 Year of St. Joseph It is my understanding that Pope confession, Eucharist communion and the imprisoned, visiting the sick and persecuted. God will help us “where Francis declared this year the prayers according to the Holy Father’s burying the dead. The spiritual acts of man is in danger, where man suffers, Q “Year of St. Joseph.” Why did he intentions) to the faithful who, with mercy include comforting the sorrowful, where he runs away, where he experi- do this and what does it mean to me? a soul detached from any sin, shall counseling the doubtful, instructing the ences rejection and abandonment.” Basically, Pope Francis did this participate in the Year of St. Joseph, in ignorant, admonishing the sinner, bear- Pray an approved prayer or act of pi- to honor St. Joseph and remind the occasions and with the modalities ing wrongs patiently, forgiving injuries ety (such as “To you, O Blessed Joseph”) A us that he is an intercessor for (moral qualities) indi- and praying for the in honor of St. Joseph especially on days us in heaven. The decree from Rome, cated by this Apostolic living and the dead. dedicated to St. Joseph’s memory, such dated Dec. 8, stated: “To perpetuate Penitentiary.” Also, pray the as his feast days (March 19 and May the entrustment of the whole church to There are basically six rosary with your 1), on the 19th day of every month and the powerful patronage of the guardian ways to obtain a plenary family. Engaged every Wednesday. of Jesus, Pope Francis has established indulgence in the Year of couples can also “The gift of the Plenary Indulgence that, from today’s date … until Dec, 8, St. Joseph: obtain this indul- extends particularly to the elderly, the 2021, a special Year of Saint Joseph will Meditate and contem- gence by praying sick, the suffering and all those who for be celebrated, in which all faithful, after plate the Lord’s Prayer the rosary together. legitimate reasons are unable to leave his example, may daily reinforce their for at least 30 minutes, Entrust your the house, and who with a soul detached own life of faith in complete fulfillment or participate in a spir- daily life (work and from any sin and with the intention to of God’s will. All the faithful will thus itual retreat of at least daily activity) to fulfill, as soon as possible, the three cus- have the opportunity to commit them- one day that includes the protection of St. tomary conditions in their own home or selves, with prayer and good works, to mediation on St. Jo- Joseph or pray to wherever the impediment detains them, obtain, with the help of St. Joseph, head seph because St. Joseph St. Joseph that all shall recite an act of piety in honor of St. of the heavenly Family of Nazareth, “invites us to rediscover Stump the Deacon of those in search Joseph, Comfort of the Sick and Patron comfort and relief from the serious hu- our filial (loving) rela- Deacon George Hooper of work may find of a Happy Death, faithfully offering to man and social tribulations that besiege tionship with the father, employment and God their suffering and the hardships of the contemporary world today.” to renew our devotion that the work of their life.” This decree included ways to re- to prayer, to dispose all people may be Quotations above come from the ceive a plenary indulgence. In case you ourselves to listen and correspond with more dignified. On May 1, 1955, Pope actual Decree on Year of St. Joseph don’t remember, a plenary indulgence profound discernment to the will of Pius XII instituted the Feast of St. Jo- Indulgences issued in Rome on Dec. 8, removes all temporal punishment due God. seph the Worker so that “the dignity of 2020. to sins that have already been forgiven; Complete an act of corporal or spir- work be recognized by all.” it purifies our soul before we can obtain itual act of mercy. The corporal acts Pray the “Litanies of St. Joseph” in DEACON HOOPER is a deacon assistant heaven. The decree also states: “The of mercy include feeding the hungry, its entirety, or some other prayer to St. at Immaculate Conception Church in Plenary Indulgence is granted under giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the Joseph, for the church persecuted and Denham Springs. He can be reached at the customary conditions (sacramental naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the relief of all Christians who are being [email protected].

the Catholic Commentator available at your church parishes and local outlets including:

AMITE Dixie Maid Drive In Southside Produce Romero’s Summerfield Senior Living PRAIRIEVILLE Winn Dixie Express Mart Spanish Town Market Ross Tire Winn Dixie Rouse’s Family Dollar The Fresh Market Sherman/Balhoff BAKER Fresh Pickins The UPS Store Steve Rabalais JACKSON S T. FRANCISVILLE B R Healthcare Goodwood Hardware Tony’s Seafood Sullivan Hardware LA Vet Home Magnuson Hotel Northridge Healthcare Hi Nabor Supermarket Vernon’s Hardware Trey Marino’s Florest Schneider Pediatric Clinic Jefferson Manor Walgreen’s Walgreen’s NEW ROADS BAO T N ROUGE Lake Sherwood Village Winn Dixie Walmart Neighborhood Market St. Vincent DePaul Store SUGLA HTER Affinity Nursing Home Mail Bag Winn Dixie Grace Healthcare Facility Albertson’s Matherne’s CENTRAL DENHAM SPRINGS Alexander’s Highland Grocery Mercedarian Sisters (Sr. Dulce) A+ Cleaners Lake Primary Care PAULINA VACHERIE Ascension Books and Gifts Municipal Building B-Quick OLOL Childrens Health Pediatrics Matherne’s Schexnayder Supermarket Anthony’s Deli Old Jefferson Comm Care Best Stop Rouse’s B R General Hospital Ollie Steele Manor Bourg Insurance PQULA EMINE WALKER Bergeron”s City Market OLOL College Callihan Law DONALDSONVILLE OLOL Physicians Group OLOL Medical Center Bet-R-Store OLOL Medical Center Central Automotive Butcher Boy Bordelon’s Pharmacy OLOL Physicians Group Central Donuts POONCHAT ULA WHITE CASTLE Brookstown Hardware Red River Bank Circle K GONZALES Bohning Supermarket Daigle Supermarket Calandro’s Reeves Cracker Barrel Gonzales Mental Health Ctr. Rosaryville Community Carpenter House Rite Aid CVS Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Ctr. ZACHARY Catholic Art and Gifts Rouse’ s Market Demco OLOL Ascension Med Plaza PORT ALLEN Lane Regional & Nursing Home Central Plumbing St. Clair Manor Frog’s Rouse’s Family Medicine Oak Wood Nursing Home Charlie T’s (barber) St. Mary’s Bookstore Indian Mound Grocery St. Elizabeth Hospital Hubbins Rouse’s Circle K St. Vincent DePaul Stores Jerry Lees Port Allen Court House Zachary Manor Cracker Barrel St. Vincent DePaul Dining Room Oak Point Supermarket HAMMOND St. Vincent DePaul Store CVS Shell Station Ochsner Medical Rouse’s Delmont Garden’s Library Shopper’s Value Rogers Eye St. Vincent DePaul Store February 12, 2021 FAITH JOURNEY The Catholic Commentator 7 ‘Come Follow Me’ invites parishioners to fast, pray novena

By Richard Meek in our land to hear God’s call,” to the Book of Genesis as The Catholic Commentator he said. well as Moses, who fasted Father Johnson said he be- for 40 days and 40 nights. Father Josh Johnson has is- lieves God is “inviting us to “After he came out of his season sued an invitation to join him transform us in the Diocese of his face was shining, his life and the Office of Vocations in Baton Rouge to discern about was transformed and so was a rosary novena dedicated to vocations, to think about reli- the community transformed vocations to the priesthood and gious life, so people of this land because of his intentional, con- religious life in the Diocese of can hear his invitation and re- sistent prayer and fasting,” he Baton Rouge. spond to his path of particular said. The novena is aptly called holiness.” Father Johnson also recalled “Come Follow Me.” “If we, like Moses, hear how Jesus prayed in the desert “Every day we want to in- God’s voice in prayer, we in for 40 days and after he had vite family, individuals or a turn can encourage the men in finished was when he called the group community to pick one our land to discern a state of life first priests. day during Lent to fast, a fast vocation to the priesthood and “I believe this Lenten season of bread and water or one meal religious life,” he added. “Our something all of us can do is and two small meals,” said Fa- prayer and fasting can also help pray and fast,” he said. “Not all ther Johnson, who is the voca- them to hear God’s call as well of us can get out and go to Mass tions director for the diocese. as through their time spent in because of the pandemic. Many “You fast for that intention will prayer with God and fellow- people are staying home. be for vocations for the dio- ship with other members in our “One thing we can do wher- cese.” community.” ever we are is listen to Our La- He said while fasting, the Father Johnson said when dy’s invitation to pray the rosa- rest of the church parish where the Blessed Mother has ap- ry.” that individual is a member will peared in the past she has al- Father Johnson has also cre- be invited to recite the rosary ways shared the same message ated an E-book which includes for parishioners participating of praying the rosary and fast- a daily reflection on the life in the communal penance. ing. He noted her invitation is and witness of a priest or con- “The prayers of the commu- not necessarily new, especially secrated religious saint who nity will sustain the disciples that of fasting. can inspire those striving for who are fasting for the people He said that fasting dates holiness in their walk toward eternity. Along with the stories Johnson said. “Their stories of the saints, the E-book also hopefully inspire us not to set- highlights current and historic tle for mediocrity but strive for pictures of the deacons, priests holiness in this land.” and consecrated religious Below are links to Fa- Bishop Duca announces brothers and sisters in the di- ther Johnson’s “Come Follow ocese. Me” video and the link to his The E-book features the life E-book: of one person for each day of https://youtu.be/1EIz- new appointments Lent. B1YqkrE; https://www.diobr. “We long for saints to be org/documents/2021/1/Come Bishop Michael G. Duca has seph Church in Paulina, Holy formed in the diocese,” Father FollowMe-compressed-3.pdf appointed Father Alexander Rosary Church in St. Amant, St. Sheldon as sacramental minister Theresa of Avila Church in Gon- to Our Lady of Prompt Succor zales, Immaculate Conception of Church in White Castle. the Blessed Virgin Mary Church Father Sheldon will assist Our in Denham Springs, St. Philo- RESTHAVEN Lady of Prompt Succor pastoral mena Church in Labadieville GARDENS OF MEMORY & FUNERAL HOME administrator Father Al David- and St. Jean Vianney Church in son by presiding over liturgies Baton Rouge. ® and attending to the spiritual Father Sheldon also served as We make it personal. needs of the people of White administrator at St. Pius X, St. for a better farewell Castle. Jules Church in Belle Rose, St. 11817 Jefferson Highway Bishop Duca also announced Elizabeth Church in Paincourt- 225-753-1440 that Deacon Eddie Renz, an in- ville as well as chaplain at St. www.resthavenbatonrouge.com cardinated deacon of the Dio- Michael the Archangel Diocesan cese of Biloxi, Mississippi, who Regional High School in Baton has now moved to Loranger in Rouge. 2x2” Rest.small.honor.those.cc’16 the Diocese of Baton Rouge, has He was also a member of the been assigned as deacon assis- Father Alexander Sheldon Presbyteral Council. tant to Mater Dolorosa Church Father Sheldon will reside in in Independence. Deacon Renz LSU and Notre Dame Seminary the parish rectory of St. Anne will assist Mater Dolorosa pastor in New Orleans. Church in Napoleonville. Father Reuben Dykes. He has previously served as Bishop Duca announced Fa- A native of Warren, Michigan pastor at St. Pius X Church in ther Sheldon’s appointment Jan Father Sheldon was ordained by Baton Rouge and parochial vic- 20, which was effective immedi- Bishop Alfred M. Hughes on July ar at Most Sacred Heart of Jesus ately. 6, 2001 at St. Joseph Cathedral. Church in Gramercy, St. Michael Deacon Renz’s appointment Bishop Sheldon is a graduate of Church in Convent and St. Jo- was effective Feb. 1. 8 The Catholic Commentator February 12, 2021

THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR Next Issue Deadline ... FEBRUARY 17

RedemptoRist st. GeRaRd school Motto: “ A Building of Excellence with Four Walls built on Christian Values & Tomorrow’s Future Resource –Our Children” Come and see what we have to offer ... ❖ TOP GAINS Pre-K Program for EBR ❖ Morning Care and After Care ❖ Improved Athletic Program ❖ Tutoring Program Now ❖ Enriched Curriculum Accepting Applications ❖ Religion Education Program ! ❖ Tuition Assistance Program Apply Now Pictured are, far right, are Bill Curth, and second on right, Missie Curth, coordinating couple for the Retrouvaille Program of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, and their children, Will, and Sister Caterina, of the Pre-K – 8th Grade for 2021–2022 Poor Friars and Nuns. Photo provided by Missie Curth

Cheryl Domino, Principal • Fr. Tat Hoang, CSsR, Pastor For more information visit www.rsgbr.org or call 225-355-1437. Cultivating Scholars with Pride and Passion Help for troubled marriages

Debbie Shelley struggles, reconciliation and The Catholic Commentator healing. The Curths, who are members The storms married couples of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral experience in their marriages in Houma, said Retrouvaille can lead them to despairing their saved their marriage. relationship is “going under.” The couple married in 1984 The Retrouvaille Marriage and in 2015, after their children Help Program provides a lifeline were of adult age, believed they that pulls them back to solid had nothing in common and that ground and recover the intimacy they didn’t like being around and love of their marriage. The each other. next Retrouvaille Weekend for “We were living what is called the Diocese of Baton Rouge is a married-single lifestyle, which scheduled March 5 ‑ 7. means we were living separate “Retrouvaille is for married lives,” said Missie Curth. “We couples of all faiths who are were miserable and ready for struggling with their marriage. divorce.” We give you the tools to get back The Curths found to that loving relationship,” said Retrouvaille online and Missie Curth. traveled to Austin, Texas for She and her husband, Bill, are the weekend program. the coordinating couple for the “The ride to Austin was Retrouvaille Program for the miserable and very quiet,” said Diocese of Baton Rouge. Missie. “‘You fill up the car with Retrouvaille is a three-phase gas and I’ll go get lunch,’ that was program, beginning with the the extent of our conversations.” weekend experience, followed The weekend provided the by post-weekend sessions and tools to help the Curths open up monthly peer couple support conversation, which breathed sessions, called Continuing fresh air into their relationship. Our Retrouvaille Experience “We talked the whole way (CORE). home, all eight hours home, During the weekend, couples which was new for us,” said are helped to reestablish Missie. communication and gain new Upon returning, the Curths insight into themselves as became involved in the Baton individuals and as a couple. This Rouge Retrouvaille Community, component is presented by three attending the post-weekend couples and a priest or minister sessions and CORE support Please give generously in the collection team. The presenting team has group meetings. on February 13th & 14th. experienced disillusionment, “They were able to give us pain and conflict in their lives the tools to help us be able to and offer hope as they share communicate – and it was their personal stories, personal SEE RETROUVAILLE PAGE 10 February 12, 2021 The Catholic Commentator 9 Catholic school leaders lauded for thriving during challenging times By Debbie Shelley from which students learned that reached such a state of ecstasy when The Catholic Commentator charity is a blessing for the giver as praying that he was actually lifted off well as the receiver.” of the ground. Hence he is the patron Catholic Schools administrators The total value of this year’s saint of aviators. were awarded for leading their collections was more than $17,000, Urging the youth to dig deeper, the school communities during a Palmisano said with pride. bishop, will ask students, “Okay, St. challenging 2020 with the light of While COVID-19 made is necessary Hubert was a good hunter, but that’s knowledge and light of Christ during to limit the numbers attending the not what made him a saint. What the annual Catholic Schools Week Mass, Palmisano said it presented made him a good saint? And they’ll Mass celebrated Feb. 3 at St. George an opportunity to recognize school say “Oh, yeah,” surprised that there Church in Baton Rouge. leaders and their families with the was a reason. Dr. Melanie Palmisano, Outstanding Leadership Awards as In the case of St. Blasé, he was a superintendent of Catholic Schools well as educators who have served in doctor and enjoyed a high profile in for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Catholic education for many years. the community. But he was regarded welcomed attendees with a note of The Mass was livestreamed. as a man of strong faith and for gratitude. In his homily, Bishop Michael G. that reason the people in his area “Today as we celebrate the liturgy Duca pointed out that the Mass fell appointed him as bishop. we give thanks for principals, on the feast of St. Blasé. Although Constantine had parents, students, clergy, alumni, The bishop noted that he is in the legalized Christianity at the time the board members, presidents and middle of confirmation season. Before king of Armenia did not like the idea community partners who answered he confirms the youth he spends a few and persecuted St. Blasé. Because St. God’s call in hope for the ministry of moments with them. He will “check Blasé would not renounce the faith Catholic education,” said Palmisano. in” on what saint confirmation names he was torn with wool combers’ irons “We are all thankful for the gifts the students used, musing that in the and beheaded. received through Catholic education. age of the internet, some students pick “So he was not only a well-respected Bishop Michael G. Duca praised administrators and As a sign of our thankfulness each saints names for interesting reasons man of faith, probably a good bishop, educators in the Diocese of Baton Rouge for school collected donations for – such as St. Hubert, the patron saint but faithful to the end. And that’s why overcoming the unique challenges of the past year Catholic Charities (of the Diocese of hunters; St. Sebastian, the patron he’s a saint,” said Bishop Duca. during the annual Catholic Schools Week Mass of Baton Rouge in January), putting saint of athletes; St. Cecilia, the He pointed out that St. Blase’s story celebrated Feb. 3 at St. George Church in Baton Rouge. into action the gratitude of families patron saint of music; or St. Joseph illustrates how the Catholic faith is Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator for the gifts from Catholic education, of Cupertino, who is said to have SEE CSW PAGE 14

CONGRATULATIONS, YOU SURVIVED 2020! CHOOSE TO THRIVE IN 2021. The year 2020 wreaked havoc with pandemic, hurricanes, riots & family conflict. Lesson learned: If you FAIL to PLAN, you PLAN to FAIL. The year 2021 brings great hope with more resiliency than EVENT OPTION 1—“ON DEMAND WEBINARS” To ever before, two COVID vaccines in Louisiana & family accommodate your busy schedule, we are now offering harmony. Key to success: Hope for the best, but PLAN for the private online webinars available for viewing 24/7 ON worst! Why not get your Legal Estate Plan in place now? DEMAND. If you have about 2 1/2 hours to spare, please Protecting your family will bring you PEACE OF MIND. plan to join one of our ON DEMAND VIRTUAL WORK- NEW! Guests Now Have 2 Options to Attend an EDUCA- SHOPS via Zoom at any time of the day beginning at 9:00am TIONAL Event! Pick Your Pleasure & CALL TODAY TO on Wednesday February 17th through Friday February REGISTER. 26th at 12 noon. IF YOU WANT TO: EVENT OPTION 2—“IN PERSON OFFICE SEMINARS” There is nothing better than attending an event “in person.” Now *Maintain family harmony and stay out of court instead of dealing with that we are in a new phase of re-entry and recovery, consider revenge lawsuits by disgruntled heirs after someone dies, venturing outside to attend one of our IN PERSON OFFICE *Protect against people having undue influence over estate settlement, SEMINARS. All January In Person Workshops Will Take Place *Make your children’s future inheritance divorce proof, Laura Poché In Our Baton Rouge Office.* *Manage conflicting interests when there are multiple marriages or Author & Estate Planning blended families, & Administration Attorney •Monday February 22– 9:30am til 11:30am *Create a simple legal estate plan for your family in only 6-7 weeks and •Tuesday February 23– 9:30am til 11:30am keep it up to date without it costing a fortune, What Her Clients Say •Wednesday February 24– 11:30am til 1:30pm *Choose whether you need a Will, a Trust, or both, •Wednesday February 24– 6pm til 8pm *Protect your spouse and kids against the very costly and emotional “When we received your advertisement in the •Thursday February 25– 2:30pm til 4:30pm •Friday February 26– 10:00am til 12:00noon Louisiana interdiction process in case you become disabled while alive, newspaper, it seemed to be what we were looking *Maintain your financial privacy by keeping nosey neighbors, identity for. We made the reservation of one of your thieves and the government out of your daily life and estate settlement, seminars and we were not disappointed. In a (*)Baton Rouge Office Location: 4960 Bluebonnet Blvd, *Start the 5-year look-back period to qualify for Medicaid benefits to clear, concise way you explained how we could Suite C pay nursing home costs in the event of catastrophic illness, avoid probate and how to make it easy for our IMPORTANT GUIDELINES FOR OUR EDUCATIONAL EVENTS: Though “On *Provide for special needs persons without losing valuable benefits, children to know what our desires are concerning Demand Webinars” are online, we do limit the number of people who can join a particular AND/OR our health issues and our end-of-life desires. We webinar to ensure personalized attention to those who are serious about getting their estate *STOP worrying about your estate so you can ENJOY LIFE, THEN plan in place. Our “In Person Office Seminars” employ strict social distancing standards for appreciate the estate planning portfolio with the everyone’s safety. All Events are open to FIRST-TIME ATTENDEES ONLY and current CALL 225.224.8099 to save your spot at one of our FREE events! layman’s version of the estate plan. We also Poche’ Law Firm clients. The Events are geared towards people who intend to put a legal appreciate the layout of the portfolio along with estate plan in place in the near future. Please have your personal calendar handy at the event Seminar attendees receive a FREE copy of Laura Poche’s Book, should you decide to start your legal estate planning immediately! Finally, if married, both “Estate Planning Advice by a Woman for Louisiana Women: A the glossary of legal terms. Thank you Mrs. Poché spouses must attend the Event to ensure that all decision-makers are involved in the Guide for Both Men and Women About Wills, Trusts, Probate, for all your help.” Curtis & Pat Dockens, Baton family’s coordinated estate plan. Thank you for your attention to these important Event Rouge, Louisiana guidelines. *Non-Louisiana residents are invited to participate for a nominal fee. Powers of Attorney, Medicaid, Living Wills and Taxes.” Please contact the office for details. Poché Estate Planning Law Firm, 4960 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite C, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Call 225-224-8099 To Register! 2315 Florida Street, Building 200, Suite 202, Mandeville, LA 70448 - By Appt. Only 10 The Catholic Commentator February 12, 2021

RETROUVAILLE  that same lift to get out of whatever is In their formation, the Shows and supporting you.” From page 8 troublesome in their marriage. discovered how their families of He noted that Retrouvaille serves a The Curths emphasized that the origin play an important role in variety of couples, from newlyweds to amazing,” said Bill Curth. “During the Retrouvaille Weekend is a good starting their relationship. couples who have been CORE sessions we were given more point, and it opens doors, but equally Rachel, who is more married more than tools to help our relationship. The whole important is the follow-up support and extroverted, described 50 years. They’ve also program is incredible.” care. This part of the ministry is one her family as pretty had couples who have The Curths said, similar to the way which St. Isidore the Farmer Church in open to discussing driven from hours away one must maintain their vehicle if they Baker parishioners Kevin and Rachel anything, and to attend the two-hour hope to keep it for a long time, couples Shows are the coordinating couple of Kevin, who is more meetings, which shows must maintain their marriage if they the CORE sessions. introverted, comes they are making their want to stay together for the long-term. In 2015, the Shows were going from a “closed book” marriage their priority. They noted that Retrouvaille is like through a difficulty when they realized family. The differences And while Christian having a “tool box” for marriage. that about every six months an issue led them to have formation is not And it can also help in developing cropped up that they wrestled with assumptions about specifically part of the healthier relationships with children to resolve. Kevin heard about an what the other was program, it does also and other family members. upcoming Retrouvaille Weekend on thinking and feeling invite God’s presence The Curths burst into laughter Catholic Community Radio and he and and perceiving what back into the marriage. together when asked if the program has Rachel attended. each other was saying “We put God in benefited their family as well. “That was an eye opening experience. in conversations. They the center of (our “It’s funny, when they (children) talk I finally realized that Kevin and I did learned how to work marriage),” said Kevin. to their friends, they’ll say ‘Well what not effectively communicate with each through that. “We know he is our about your parents? What are they other. Retrouvaille identified those “It’s freeing,” said rock and know that like?’ ” said Bill. “The kids will say, barriers and helped us get through Rachel. “There’s no is what he intended. ‘Well, before or after Retrouvaille?’ ” them,” said Rachel. ‘right’ or ‘wrong.’ It’s a special thing. It “Children learn what they live,” said Having been through the trauma of We don’t have that solidified our family Missie. the 2016 flood together, which flooded emotional roller coast barometer.” and put everything in order.” “We’re their role models,” Bill chimed their house with five feet of water, They realized that during difficult “It’s like witnessing a miracle,” said in. among other issues, the Shows had conversations, it’s important to “cool Rachel. “And pre-Retrouvaille we would not been going through counseling and off” or “take a break” or “refreshment For confidential information or to have been too proud of that,” added had experienced some healing. But time” and pick back up when the topic register for the next weekend, call 985- Missie. they found Retrouvaille catapulted can be discussed calmly. 232-5963, email retrovibrcomcoor@ But they are now proud to offer their their relationship closer to where they Kevin said, “With CORE you have gmail.com or visit HelpOurMarriage. lived experiences to couples who need wanted it to be. other people who are praying for you com.

Planning a THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR St. Joseph Hot-off the Press & Altar? Deliveredto You for The Catholic Commentator will be Only $14 per year publishing a list of St. Joseph Altars in the Diocese of Baton Rouge in our March 12 issue. The deadline to be included is March 2. If you would like to submit a listing, include: • Date and time(s) • Place of viewing including street address • Contact person, name of church or organization, and phone number and send to email [email protected]; or FAX to 225-336-8710.

TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL 225-387-0983. February 12, 2021 VOCATIONS The Catholic Commentator 11

1234 56789 11120 131 Finding a purpose in life 41 51 61 71 1189 By Richard Meek While a sophomore at Thomas Zelden said he and Deacon The Catholic Commentator More College of Liberal Arts in Dawson shared many of the 210 2 22 Merrimack, New Hampshire, same life experiences, including 32 42 Four years into his legal ca- Zelden spent a semester study- being a single parent to a young reer, something was missing in ing in Rome, and it was there daughter. Zelden and Deacon 265 27282 92 Josh Zelden’s life. that a theology professor, rec- Dawson became instant friends. 03 13 33342 353 So he left a job he had se- ognizing a special quality in his “He was a real godsend to cured at a New Orleans law firm student, asked Zelden if he had me,” Zelden said. 63 73 83 shortly after graduating from ever considered the priesthood. With Deacon Dawson’s en- 93 04 14 LSU Law School, admitting he “I sort of politely said, ‘Of couragement and the approval 24 34 was “kind of a ship without a course, Father, thank you for of his parents, his daughter and captain.” asking,’ ” Zelden said. “In my Bishop Michael G. Duca, Zelden 45464 4 74 Little did he realize at the mind I said, ‘Good Lord no! I walked through the doors of his 84 409 5152535 time that ship would dock at want to make money and I want future this past August. Notre Dame to get mar- Today, five months into his 554565

Seminary in ried.’ ” first year at Notre Dame, Zelden 75 85 95 New Orleans, But that one is at peace, the spiritual joy the first step on brief interac- rooted in his heart the valida- 06 16 26 his journey to tion in 1995 tion he made the right choice. drow.www g moc.scilohtacrofsema priesthood. But stuck with “I am pleasantly surprised at ACROSS DOWN first, there were Zelden more the level of intimacy and actual 1 The Works of Mercy require us to 1 “…and the waters that were gath- life lessons on than he wanted relationship I am building with visit them ered together he called ___.” the horizon, to admit. Jesus and Mary as well,” he said. 5 Mother of Isaac 2 “What’ll ___?” 10 Org. 3 Billiard implements and some per- “It kind of “You kind of hear that; it 14 Sewing case 4 Young goats sonal storms to stunned me sounds like a cliché. But I’m 15 Tusks 5 Buying or selling of spiritual things be weathered. and woke me starting to realize there are 16 “Skedaddle!” 6 ___-garde 17 Retired 7 Decays After leaving up a little bit,” depths to that idea I was not 18 Leader of the Maccabees 8 Catholic actor Carney New Orleans, he said. “I real- aware of, that I’m breaking into 20 The Council of Trent met in three 9 16th century saint with a flowery he secured a ly did immedi- that are beautiful and fruitful.” 22 Daughter of Pat Boone and convert name Josh Zelden job at a firm in ately bury it be- Not surprising, after living in to Catholicism 10 Gray 23 MI neighbor 11 Garment his native Ba- cause I wanted a spacious homes and a town- 24 Super Bowl XLII champs 12 Flies high ton Rouge, where would meet to participate in the way of the house, Zelden said one of the 25 ___ of the Sacred Heart 13 Prying fellow attorney Steven McCol- world too much.” biggest adjustments was accli- 29 City in the Archdiocese of Cologne 19 Conjunction lister, whom Zelden called a A more telling moment would mating to dorm life, with the 30 Tiny particles 21 Charged particles 31 Spoiled child 24 Some kids “fantastic man and a great men- come shortly before he was to bathroom located down the 32 The feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola is 25 ___ of milk and honey tor. Brilliant and a good Chris- ask his girlfriend at the time to hall. It was quite the change but the last day of this month 26 Agenda notation tian man.” get married. He said, “some- he has embraced the structure 36 Semi-monthly tide 27 Hopper Zelden pivoted to real estate thing hit me,” and he knew he of seminary life, which is fondly 37 Bicuspids 28 Sound equipment 38 Potpourri 29 Papal letter signed by the Pope’s law, engaged in the buying and needed to consider the priest- referred to as the Rule of Life. 39 Drs. For 37A secretary and sealed with the selling of commercial property, hood. “I’m just really surprised how 40 Guns the engine Pope’s ring commercial leases, etc. “It was sort of a mystical wonderfully liberated I feel be- 41 Daughter of Ethan Allen who 31 Ales became a nun 32 Saint of Orleans By this time, his personal life prayer experience; I can’t even cause of that,” he said. “I was ex- 42 Lively, as in sailing 33 Bone that parallels the radius was also in transition, endur- describe it,” he said. “This heavy pecting to grow into it, fight it. 43 Catholicism is the official religion of 34 Hayes of “The Mod Squad” ing the despair of a divorce and presence of God saying ‘you It has been so light and freeing. this tiny country 35 Spool-like toy sharing custody of his daughter. need to consider it. Now it is the “The first semester has gone 44 Four door cars 37 Conduct business 47 Spread, as cards 41 The ___ of “Happy Days” Zelden later went to work for time to really think and pray as well if not better than I ex- 48 Club rules 42 Stretch wide a title company but even the job about it because you are about pected.” 49 Snow storm 43 Chiefly change did little to temper his to make a decision.’ ” Zelden said he loves to read 54 Reception of Holy Orders 44 Vermont specialty internal restlessness. After spending nearly a week and to write, so the academic 56 Cyberauction site 45 Senior 57 Litigious type 46 Milk store “It just wasn’t quite satisfying in prayer, he had a “strong adjustment, especially after 58 Christmas song 47 Biblical bad weather and fulfilling as I hoped a career sense” marriage was his destiny. stepping out of the classroom 59 Prod 48 Manager would be,” he said. “(The new “In retrospect, it was sort of more than 20 years ago, has 60 Agile 49 Feathered creature job) made me realize that kind an ironic revelation,” Zelden been smooth. 61 Warming drink 50 OT prophetic book 62 Colors 51 “___ Ben Adhem” of empty dissatisfaction was said. “I did need to get married. “I would rather read and write 52 Yard implement still there.” Even though it did not end up about theology than some ran- 53 Stains During his times of intro- well it was a necessary part of dom real estate transaction,” 55 Literally, “The Way” spection, alone in his thoughts, the journey. I think I was listen- he said. “It’s a labor of love, and Solution on page 14 Zelden reflected back on a call- ing to God (to get married) even I absolutely love it. I can’t get ing that he heard on more than though it was sort of a bizarre enough. It has just energized one occasion but had not yet an- turn.” me.” swered. It was then he began to After going through the di- “I have a sense of peace and Tree Service discern the possibility of priest- vorce, after a 20-year legal ca- calm,” he said. “(His previous Mr. D’s hood, spiritual seeds that were reer that left him unfulfilled, work and personal experiences ovEr 40 yEars ExpErIEncE planted at an early age while at- Zelden knew the time was right were) all necessary. It was just Don Decell, owner tending Mass. to consider the priesthood. preparing me for now. I would carl BaBin, owner “I thought it would be kind of Along the way he met Deacon not have been ready 10 years • Economical cool to be up there in charge,” David Dawson, a seminarian for ago, two years ago. I am ready • Fully Insured • Quality Work he recalled with a chuckle. “But the Diocese of Baton Rouge who now.” CALL TODAY! that was not the feel of a voca- is scheduled to be ordained to 225-292-6756 tional call.” the priesthood in the spring. 12 The Catholic Commentator VIEWPOINT February 12, 2021 The faith of saints in times of crisis

aints are part of our Catholic one of the three or four most important under the direction of St. Ambrose 1,500 pages. In it he critiques the pa- tradition. They went out of favor figures in the history of the church and himself. St. Augustine was baptized by gan gods of the Roman Empire which Sduring the Protestant Reforma- a master of the Latin language.” His St. Ambrose in the Milan Cathedral at was falling apart and would end in the tion and have remained so in some “Confessions,” the story of his early life the Easter Vigil of 387. West only 16 years after St. Augus- present branches of Protestantism. and conversion to practicing Christiani- St. Augustine decided to return to tine’s death. Rome, he said, was dying The cause may have been an exagger- ty, invented the genre of autobiography. Africa with his mother and son. He because it was grounded in self-love. It ated emphasis on relics and miracles It was so masterfully written that in the hoped to found there a Christian philo- was the earthly city which worshiped ascribed to saints during the Middle seminary we had to translate it to learn sophical community like he had near false gods who were projections of the Ages. Emphasis on saints was seen good Latin. It is, in Bishop Barron’s Milan. They went to the Roman port of Romans themselves. The Roman gods during the Reformation as taking words, “a self-portrait of a soul or even Ostia to catch a ship. While waiting were violent, promiscuous, jealous away from the true center of Chris- more precisely, a prayer overheard.” All there, St. Monica became ill and died. and vain. Nations and empires can be tian faith. That center that St. Augustine writes She told her son and grandson to bury judged by what they worship. That is is Jesus Christ, God’s in it is addressed to God. her there and then continue on. The what they value most and seek to imi- only begotten son, and On the very first page he Catholic Church celebrates her now as tate. The Roman gods were marked by the biblical writings, writes one of the most St. Monica. One of my favorite stories I what St. Augustine called the “lust of Old Testament and quoted phrases in the his- read somewhere, perhaps in the “Con- dominating.” Rome, if you remember, New Testament, that tory of Christian spiritual- fessions,” is St. Augustine teasing his in the Roman mythology was founded describe God’s plan for ity, “Lord, you have made mother by calling her a “meribibula.” by twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, our salvation through us for yourself; therefore, It meant that she liked her wine, and nursed by a wolf. Romulus murders the faith experiences of our heart is restless until she drank it straight, without water. Remus. Which one did the Romans one people, the Jews, it rests in you.” People then, afraid of the impurity of name their city after? The one who and then Jesus’ mission As a college student, St. drinking water, often mixed it with dominated. accomplished through Augustine took a mistress wine. But not St. Monica. Why dilute St. Augustine argues that the City his birth, death, resur- whom he never names, but good wine? of God must be like God’s kingdom on rection and the send- together they had a son, He did found his community but not earth, as we pray in the “Our Father.” ing of his apostles and whom they named Adeo- long after, the people of the port city of If it is to last, it must worship not its disciples throughout Another datus. That translates, Hippo needed a priest and pressed him own will but the will of God, the one the world to proclaim “Given by God.” Whether into service. St. Augustine intensified God of creation who according to his Gospel. Gospel Perspective it meant “Thank you, God” his study of Scripture to serve them Bishop Barron “brings the world into means “good news,” and or “Oh my gosh!” St. Au- better and soon gained a reputation as being in a purely generous and non-vio- it truly is, for in Christ Father John Carville gustine never makes clear. a preacher and administrator. When lent act of love. In a word, order comes God shares his eternal However, the boy did stay the bishop of Hippo died, St. Augustine through peace.” life with us. In God with him as he pursued was their choice to succeed him, and he As Pope Francis said, we live in a we never truly die. That is why early a career as a teacher and writer, first served them as bishop from 395 until time of reckoning, a time of crisis. St. church writers sometimes referred to in Rome and then in Milan, while the his death in 430. He was very active as Augustine also lived in times that were all Christians in a particular church mother did not. St. Augustine’s own a bishop but also dedicated his evening changing drastically. He died in 430 as community as “saints.” mother, St. Monica, a devout Christian hours to writing many spiritual essays the Vandals were sacking his see city of Furthermore, saints with a capital widow who had prayed for him with and books, including the “Confessions;” Hippo. “S” are much more than miracle work- many tears during the years, joined a study of the trinity, “De Trinitate;” He truly was a pivotal player. His ers and their relics. In the history of him and Adeodatus in Milan. It was the which influenced the dogma of the view of the world, God’s place and ours, Christianity, they have been a visible year 384. Adeodatus died still a young trinity proclaimed by the Council is worth considering. sign of God’s grace working in and man some years later. of Chalcedon in 450; and finally his through men and women whose lives About this time, St. Augustine came masterpiece, the “The City of God.” He FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest in the and works have transformed our world under the influence of St. Ambrose, battled against the heresies of his day, Diocese of Baton Rouge and writes on in times of great crisis. They have often the great bishop of Milan, who became adding greatly to the church’s theol- current topics for The Catholic Commen- been our light, leading us from dark a mentor and spiritual father to him. ogy of grace. He insisted that, yes we tator. He can be reached at johnnycar- times into a more promising future. Inspired by St. Ambrose, he began a can lead holy lives, but only with God’s [email protected]. How this has happened was illustrated study of the Bible, especially the writ- help. in a recent book by Bishop Robert Bar- ings of St. Paul and St. John. He asked St. Augustine called his “City of ron, “The Pivotal Players: 12 Heroes for baptism and became a catechumen God” “a big and difficult work.” It was who Shaped the Church and Changed the World.” It is good reading for those | who would like to get some histori- Pray for those who pray for us cal perspective on our present crisis Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese. caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Pope Francis recently wrote, “I see Feb. 18 Rev. Minh Hai Nguyen ICM Br. Noel Lemmon SC Dcn. Donald Ard this time as a reckoning ... To enter into Dcn. Michael F. Thompson Feb. 23 Rev. Jason P. Palermo Sr. June Engelbrecht OP crisis is to be sifted. Your categories Br. Clifford King SC Dcn. Milton Webre Feb. 28 Rev. Amal Raj Savarimuthu IMS and ways of thinking get shaken up; Feb. 19 Rev. Tan Viet Nguyen ICM Sr. Therese Dinh ICM Dcn. Frank E. Bains your priorities and lifestyles are chal- Dcn. J. Thomas Traylor Feb. 24 Rev. Amrit Raj IMS Br. Michael Migacz SC lenged. The basic rule of a crisis is that Sr. M. Denise MC Dcn. P. Chauvin Wilkinson Jr. Mar. 1 Rev. Michael J. Schatzle you don’t come out of it the same. If Feb. 20 Rev. Thanh Van Nguyen ICM Br. Roger LeMoyne SC Dcn. Thomas D. Benoit you get through it, you come out better Dcn. John W. Veron Feb. 25 Rev. Thomas C. Ranzino Sr. Dianne Fanguy CSJ or worse, but never the same.” This is Br. David Landry SC Dcn. Alfred Adams Sr. Mar. 2 Rev. Alexander J. Sheldon exactly what happened with the first of Feb. 21 Rev. Nicholas J. (Jack) Nutter III Sr. M. Dominique MC Dcn. Mark T. Berard Bishop Barron’s “Pivotal Players,” St. Dcn. J. Peter Walsh Feb. 26 Rev. Rubin Reynolds Br. Paul Montero SC Augustine. Sr. Mary Ann Diaz DM Dcn. Michael A. Agnello Mar. 3 Rev. Philip F. Spano Bishop Barron notes that “(St.) Feb. 22 Rev. Michael J. O’Rourke OP Br. Malcolm Melcher SC Dcn. Willie M. Berthelot Sr. Augustine of Hippo (North Africa) was Dcn. James E. Wax Feb. 27 Rev. Anthony J. Russo Sr. Ileana Fernandez CSJ February 12, 2021 VIEWPOINT The Catholic Commentator 13 Finding peace in common truth | letter to the editor Few options t has been said that the polarization of our to be open-minded. This means that you honestly society is an epistemological problem: intel- admit that you could be wrong. It means you sin- Ilectually, we disagree; so an cerely attempt to be objective, recogniz- egarding Dr. Mein- ered, Japan’s emperor objective person doesn’t know ing your biases and putting them aside. ert’s castigation of the Hirohito refused to quit who is telling the truth. Objectivity gives equal weight to those RWWII atomic bombs, after Hiroshima. One legal standard of de- arguments and evidence that contradict Christians for generations 4. Bomb targets that would termining truth is “evidence your position as it does to those that will mourn the 250,000 quickly break the em- verified beyond a reasonable confirm it. So an open mind is willing dead. It’s unfathomably peror’s will to continue doubt.” So for instance, if I told to change if evidence and reason require horrific. But I also sympa- fighting. you that I own an acre of land it. All I can do is ask; it is you who must thize with those wanting Truman chose #4, in Hancock County Mississippi choose. to end the war quickly with showing constraint by not (which I do), you would tend to But why would you even consider minimized mutual suffer- bombing more populated believe me because of my good such a request? You would consider such ing. Yes, President Truman targets or multiple cities si- moral character, and more so, if I a request if you are a person of good will. and the target committee multaneously (more bombs verified my claim by showing you The polarization of our country is also considered future reconcili- were available). Amaz- a legal deed of ownership. You an affective problem: we hate each other; ation with Japan, sparing ingly, that ‘shock and awe would be even more convinced we distrust each other; we have made heavily populated Kyoto. effect’ proved to prevent if I took you to Hancock County Guest our neighbor an enemy, contrary to the What was America’s al- subsequent use of nuclear where the records at the court- teachings of Christ. If we intellectually ternative? Dr. Meinert pon- weapons. house again confirmed my claim. Columnist disagree but bear good will toward each tificates about the ends not Finally, this rebuttal was My presenting evidence verified other, we can seek common ground and justifying the means, but prompted by Dr. Meinert’s beyond a reasonable doubt, justi- Father Bob Stine compromise. But if we bear each other math counts. If innocent assertion that “If one ap- fies your believing I am telling ill will, we will never agree. Finding suffering is unavoidable, proves of the atomic bomb, the truth. common truth comes down to this: the aren’t we morally obliged one must also approve of If, on the contrary, you continue to doubt, how choice, the decision to have good will and open- to minimize it? If one in- abortion”. I believe that do I convince you? Since your mind is already mindedness. nocent death is intolerably God views the indescrib- made up, such that it won’t accept verifiable evi- immoral, we’d all be Third able suffering in Hiroshima dence, I cannot appeal to your intellect. Instead, I FATHER STINE is a retired priest in the Diocese of Reich subjects today. and Nagasaki as awful but must appeal to your will. I must ask you to decide Baton Rouge. I see Truman having four necessary. The means justi- options: fied the ends. Furthermore, 1. Abandon the war and beyond my commitment to bring our troops home, my faith and fellow man, DUCA  it is more widespread in Eu- Lent is a time to “repent and boasting of the sol- I hold nothing more dear From page 1 rope and other countries. believe in the Gospel, to turn diers saved. But with than working to end the Brothers and sisters in away from the darkness of sin 10,000,000 east Asians abortion holocaust. Who Christ do not let this small and to live in the light.” and two million Japa- possesses the moral certi- “Repent, and believe in the change become a distraction These calls to conversion nese dead, the war would tude that these two beliefs Gospel” or “Remember that for you from the deeper mean- on Ash Wednesday reveal the have surged. are incongruent with my you are dust, and to dust you ing of this ritual marking the heart and soul of the season 2. Invade Japan. Sec- Catholicism? That’s a fu- shall return” once over all the beginning of our Lent. Listen of Lent. It is not about where retary of War Henry ture discussion between an people. Wearing their masks, to the admonition when you we get ashes on our heads but Stimson’s staff projected all-knowing God and me, clergy and lay ministers are receive the ashes: “Remem- rather more about whether 800,000 American and not an editorial edict. instructed to sprinkle the ash- ber that we are dust …” or to the external sign of ashes 4,000,000 Japanese es on the head of each person “Repent and believe …” This reflects that we are interiorly deaths. Richard Bosse without saying anything.” pandemic has turned us all accepting the call to change 3. Drop bomb #1 on an Baton Rouge In the Diocese of Baton around. our lives and get ourselves uninhabited target, hop- Rouge, we will adopt this During this Lenten season right with God. ing the ‘shock and awe guidance with one variation, we need to pull away from the This is why I am asking effect’ would end the and I ask the cooperation of world, with its pervasive chat- that we all accept the sprin- war. Although consid- the clergy and laity in this ter that relentlessly tempts kling of ashes as the way we, practice unique to 2021. Re- us to seek pleasures, power, as a diocese, will receive ashes ceiving ashes will follow the possessions, so we can create this year. I suggest that as we same practices used in your a penitential silence where approach to receive the ashes parish for approaching the we are able to once again we bow our heads, humbly, re- altar for receiving Commu- hear God’s call to holiness. ceiving the ashes on the top of Mission Statement nion with mask and physical Through our Lenten practices our heads and taking to heart distancing. of prayer, fasting and alms- the words from the prophet The mission of The Catholic Commentator is to Since reciting the admoni- giving we “REMEMBER we Joel to “Rend your hearts, not provide news, information and commentary tion to Repent/Remember is are dust …” and that we do your garments, and return to to the people of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, no different from saying “The not live forever in this world the Lord, your God”(Jl 2:12- Body of Christ” at Commu- because our ultimate destiny 18). This Ash Wednesday let Catholics and their neighbors alike. In doing nion, I suggest, but leave to is to be with God. us humbly receive our ashes so, The Catholic Commentator strives to further the discretion of the pastors, We remember that we do on the head and then Remem- the wider mission of the Church: to evangelize, the option to proclaim the call not have forever to make a ber, Repent and Believe! to conversion individually to change, but in fact, “Now is to communicate, to educate and to give the each person. While the distri- the acceptable time, now is Catholic viewpoint on important issues of the bution of ashes via sprinkling the day of salvation!” (2 Cor present day. over the head is not a common 6:2). practice in the United States, We also rediscover that 14 The Catholic Commentator COMING EVENTS February 12, 2021

CSW  A fond saying today is “Where’s the At the conclusion of Mass, assistant of St. Elizabeth School in Paincourtville. From page 9 science in that?” or “What do the scientists superintendent Michael Miller read a “I go to school everyday to practice my say?” according to Bishop Duca. proclamation from Governor John Bel profession, but most of all to bring my dedicated to teaching the whole truth, in He emphasized Catholic education Edwards proclaiming Sunday, Jan. faith first and foremost to everyone. which reason and faith are compatible. from the beginning has not only delved 31 – Saturday, Feb. 6 Catholic Schools “St. Elizabeth is blessed to have the “I think that sometimes people look at into the truths of the natural world Week in Louisiana. Proclamations from mission of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Catholic education and (to them) it’s just with clear attention to the scientific Edwards and other civil leaders in the Christ and giving a good education. I am simply educating. We want to send our method but has produced great scientists Diocese of Baton Rouge can be viewed humbled to be part of that.” child to Catholic schools because they are who have produced great discoveries, at csobr.org. Kling has served in the educational going to get a good education at Catholic foundational discoveries that are much of Jeff Larson, chairman of the diocesan field for 21 years and his first year in schools. The truth of the matter is there’s what the science of the world is based on. school board, commended recipients of Catholic education. so much more than that,” Bishop Duca “We as Catholics do not fear the truth the Outstanding Leadership for facing St. Michael the Archangel Regional said. because we believe in the end there is the many challenges of 2020 with Diocesan High School principal Ellen “Catholic education is not just an one truth,” the bishop said. “So we seek exceptional leadership, planning and Lee, who was recognized for serving education, it is a Catholic education,” it with all our minds, talents and gifts, corroboration, but even more so, from a 40 years in Catholic education, said she he added. “Catholic not just because it and we teach it to the students to look common base of faith in God. enjoyed interacting with the students and hands on the Catholic faith but its hands for those foundational truths on which Following Mass, attendees expressed watching them grow in their faith and on the whole understanding of the way everything is based.” the fire for the mission of Catholic knowledge. we continue it, the style, the substance He stressed that Catholic education education in their hearts. “We couldn’t have done it without and what it means to educate. teaches this world did not create itself “Working in Catholic education, everyone coming together and being “We certainly commit ourselves to a but was created by God, wherein lies the especially at St. Elizabeth School, has determined to provide the best clear, honest, examination of the truths beginning of the richness and true value been personally and professionally experience for our students, parents and of the natural world.” of Catholic education. rewarding,” said Dr. Andy Kling, principal the community,” said Lee.

The Catholic Commentator For help placing your classified ad, PO Box 3316 call 225-387-0983. All classified ads are prepaid. Baton Rouge LA 70821-3316 Classifieds Credit cards are now accepted. Print Your Ad Here announcements Business service Business service While we at The Catholic Com- THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA HOUSEKEEPER mentator do our best to bring re- Accounting and taxes for businesses, MATURE DEPENDABLE liable advertisers to our readers, non-profits and individuals; business, 20 + YEARS EXPERIENCE we are not responsible for any computer, financial and management HAVE REFERENCES claims made by any advertiser. services. 30 years experience; profes- CALL DEBBIE sional, prompt and personal attention. 225-369-1976 Call 225-296-0404. Charlotte’s Custom Designs LEBLANC’S TREE & STUMP Drapery, Roman Shades, Bedding, Business service REMOVAL, INC. Fabrics, Upholstery, Shutters and Blinds. Prompt service–Free estimates 225-936-8649 BROUSSEAU'S Painting FULLY INSURED Interior and exterior painting. Experi- E. H. “Eddie” LeBlanc DATES TO RUN: enced and reliable. Free estimates. Call Phone 383-7316 225-241-8488. For sale Check Category: ❑ Announcements ❑ Business Services HOUSE WASHING Allan’s Tree Service ❑ Cards of Thanks ❑ For Rent ❑ For Sale ❑ Help Wanted MILDEW REMOVAL Two cemetery plots. Oaklane Cemetery Specializes in large and dangerous tree CALL 225-276-8236 Highway 73, Prairieville, LA 70769. $3000 ❑ Positions Wanted ❑ Legal Notices ❑ Other ______removal. Licensed and insured. Senior each. Call 225-571-0738. citizen and law/military discounts. Allan Mr. D’s Tree Service MAIL TO: The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316 Johnson 225-241-8789. 3 Licensed Arborists Two burial plots. Resthaven Garden Free Estimates of Faith. Access to bench and sidewalk. Enclosed is $9.50 for the first 15 words + 15¢ for each word thereafter + 25¢ per line for each CALL TYRONE Fully Insured $5500 both. Call 225-324-1043. special effect (all caps, centered line, bold lettering); for a total of $______for each issue. “WHEN IT NEEDS FIXING” Don Decell owner Call for charging on your credit card. LEAKING SINKS, FAUCETS, PIPES 225-292-6756 UNCLOG DRAINS AND TOILETS Advertisements will not be published without full payment in advance. REPAIRS OR REPLACE GARBAGE Custom Face Masks & More DISPOSALS Personalization is my specialty! Help Wanted PLUS OTHER REPAIRS I bring your designs to life SUCH AS SMALL ENGINES AND with DIVA flair. Face masks, t-shirts, In sales employment advertise- HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES, ETC. NAME onesies, drink ware, ments, the advertiser must name CALL 225-802-4522 OR 225-346-6246 home décor, & MORE! the product or service to be sold. www.etsy.com/shop/divinediva33 Ads must state how wages will be ADDRESS Medicare Solutions David Didier – Senior Advisor Dave’s Bicycle Repair and Sales. Free paid (salary, commissions, etc.) if All Medicare Questions Answered estimate. Expert economical repair on all money is mentioned. The ad must CITY PHONE Call 1-800-935-9750 or brands. Call 225-924-4337. By appoint- also state if there is an investment [email protected] ment only. required.

SICK SARAH ASSN ETUI IVORY SHOO NEED A JOB, YOUR ABED MATTATHIAS SESS IONS CHERRY AD ONT GIANTS provide a service or want to tutor, LITANY BONN HERE. ATOMS BRAT JULY it all starts with the Classifieds. NEAP TEETH OL IO DMDS REVS FANNY CALL For information on how to advertise YARE MONACO 225-387-0983. SEDANS FAN in The Catholic Commentator, call Credit BYLAWS BL IZZARD cards ORDINATION EBAY accepted. SUER CAROL POKE 225-387-0983. SPRY TODDY HUES drow.www g moc.scilohtacrofsema February 12, 2021 The Catholic Commentator 15

Fulfillment in the desert (Mk on our heads, “This is the time of GOSPEL  THE CATHOLIC From page 2 1:12-15) fulfillment. The kingdom of God is Led by the Holy Spirit, Jesus at hand. Repent and believe in the directed to serve God and others and begins his mission with prayer and Gospel.” Here we begin our personal Commentator not for to boast. When we give, we give fasting in the desert. Those 40 days journey in the desert. from our time, talent and treasure of abstinence prepared him for what Year of St. Joseph MARK YOUR CALENDAR for the good of those who have less was to come. He is not alone. Satan As St. Joseph protected the Blessed than us. When we fast, we offer our attacks our Lord with temptations of Mother and the child, Jesus, on their Next issue, Feb. 26 sacrifice for a way of obedience, temporal promises. Yet, unlike Adam journey to Egypt, may St. Joseph discernment and self-gift for love who accepted the empty promises of protect us from all evil and lead us on a DEADLINE FEB. 17 of God and love of others, same as Satan, Jesus conquers the temptations path of holy comfort and peace. Amen. Jesus did on the cross, the ultimate and begins the fulfillment of salvation JMJ sacrifice of love. When we pray, we for all. He emptied himself completely Issue Mar. 12 pray to deepen our relationship with “for our sake and our salvation.” Upon Dow is the director of the Office of DEADLINE IS MAR. 3 God, respond to God’s will and grow returning to Galilee Jesus says the Evangelization and Catechesis for the in love of neighbor. words we hear as ashes are sprinkled Diocese of Baton Rouge. Classifieds Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted

Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge Principal Opening Associate Director 2021-22 School Year for Evangelization and Catechesis

St. Theresa of Avila School General Statement of Duties (EA/EI Partnership) The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis seeks to enlighten, empower, and Gonzales, Louisiana enable the faithful to live, to the fullest, their baptismal call as the People of God. It provides assistance through a variety of means to assist the faithful in growth and St. Theresa of Avila School, currently serving 340 students in Grades 4 - 8, seeks a development in the fields of faith formation and pastoral ministry. principal with a strong Catholic identity, commitment to growth, collaborative spirit, The Associate Director assists the director and collaborates with the staff in and strategic vision. With approximately 30 professional staff members on site, St. providing vision, leadership, and advocacy for pastors as well as parish and school Theresa School is part of the East Ascension/East Iberville Partnership with St. John catechetical leaders in the religious education and formation of the children, youth, Primary School to serve families in the area. The Partnership serves the following and adults in their parishes and schools. The Associate Director also assists with church parishes in the area: St. Anne, St. Anthony, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, St. consultation and providing services to parish and school leadership, staff, and vol- Gabriel, St. John the Evangelist, St. Joseph, St. Mark, St. Stephen, and St. Theresa of unteers in the ministries of a culturally diverse Church, according to the goals and Avila. St. Theresa School’s mission focuses on striving for spiritual growth and academ- objectives outlined in the General Directory and National Directory for Catechesis, ic excellence. while seeking innovative ways that reach all people. St. Theresa is part of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, which has thirty schools in eight Education and Experience Requirements Master’s degree in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, Religious Education or a related civil parishes and a strong Catholic identity as the focus in all schools. The district is field required. nationally accredited through Cognia (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), • A minimum of three years direct experience at the parish or diocesan level and standardized test scores are above state and national averages. Catholic schools in working with youth of all ages and adults, in administration, management, teaching the Diocese of Baton Rouge and training. Evangelize Hearts, Educate Minds, • Demonstrated knowledge in Catholic teachings, in particular, the documents of the United States Catholic Bishops’ related to Evangelization and Catechesis and Encourage Talent, and Embrace the Future! other documents on faith formation and their applications in ministry are required. Applicants must meet the following criteria: • Due to the nature of this position, it is required that the incumbent be a practic- • Practicing Catholic ing Roman Catholic, in good standing, who is registered and active in a parish and • Master’s Degree and able to meet La. Non-Public Requirements for Administration possesses a working knowledge of Catholic teachings and doctrine. • Five Years Minimum Experience in Education, Preferably in Catholic Schools Other Requirements • Demonstrated Leadership Ability, Preferably in Catholic Education • Strong interpersonal and communication skills essential; organizational, analyt- • Must be Available on or before July 1, 2021 ical, and problem solving skills required; superior verbal, written, and presentation Mail resume, copies of all college transcript(s) showing degrees, and three letters of skills; and attention to detail a must. • Background in technology with the knowledge and ability to demonstrate experi- recommendation to ence with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Learning Man- Catholic Schools Office agement Systems, Database Management, Constant Contact, Live Video conferenc- Attn: St. Theresa School (EA/EI Partnership) Principal ing and webinars and use of use and development of Social Media and Website as P.O. Box 2028 tools for formation. Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028 • Strong knowledge and understanding of: the Charter for the Protection of Young Deadline for Application: March 15, 2021 People, the ministerial outlook of the Second Vatican Council, diocesan structures, The schools of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic parishes and organizations required. origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its •Demonstrate experience in various technological methods of communication and schools. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration formation, developing and facilitating workshops, training events, presentations, and of educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school public speaking. administered programs. • Must be self-directed and have the ability to work independently, ability to exer- cise judgment and discretion in matters of significance and ability to collaborate with the offices of the Christian Formation Secretariat. Credit cards accepted. • Flexibility to work evenings and long hours when necessary and the ability to travel in one's own vehicle to various diocesan locations as required. YOUR AD HERE. 225-387-0983 Please submit letter of interest, resume, and references to [email protected] Application Deadline is March 5, 2021 16 The Catholic Commentator February 12, 2021

FRIARS  and St. Helena Church in Amite. mission of the Carmelite Fathers who From page 1 The Dominicans also staffed St. had been entrusted to tend to the Margaret Queen of Scotland Church spiritual needs of Catholics from the The bishop said he is committed in Albany, located in Livingston Civil territory of Florida to the east bank of Printing to working with the Dominican Parish, from 1912-1920. the Mississippi River, Rosaryville was Provincial and the four (clergy In neighboring Tangipahoa, the purchased by the Archdiocese of New members) who serve Holy Ghost and Spanish Dominicans would continue to Orleans in 1882. some St. Albert to help “achieve a smooth minister for another 18 years, until 1938, The Benedictine Fathers of St. transition as possible for both the when the American Dominican Fathers Meinrad Abbey in St. Meinrad, Indiana, 40,000 parish and student center.” stepped in. settled on the property in 1889. He said he will work through his The American Dominicans helped By 1914 the Benedictines had moved delegates and personally work with Holy establish a school at Mater Dolorosa in to Covington, establishing what is copies Ghost and St. Albert parishioners to 1949. In 1994 the Dominicans ceased now St. Joseph Abbey, allowing for the “discern our next steps moving forward pastoral care of not only Mater Dolorosa Spanish Dominicans to purchase the every other in terms of future parish leadership, but also St. Dominic in Husser. St. land. continuation of the parish’s mission and Dominic continues to be a mission In 1939, the Dominican Sisters, an expansion of evangelization efforts chapel of Mater Dolorosa. Congregation of St. Mary purchased week for throughout the Hammond community.” The Spanish Dominicans established the property and remained there until Bishop Duca thanked the four Dominican St. Thomas of Aquinas School, which selling the property in 2020. the Diocese clergy currently serving both parishes would later be renamed Holy Ghost “The Diocese of Baton Rouge is and said they have been an “inspiration” School, at Holy Ghost in 1912. The order grateful to the Dominican order for to him. gave way to the American Dominicans at their 100-plus years of ministry,” of Baton “Indeed the Order of Preachers has Holy Ghost in 1937. Episcopal Vicar Father Jamin David left a lasting legacy for these parishes The American Dominicans continued said. “The friars have spiritually touched Rouge and our diocese that will never be their ministry at St. Helena until 1991. thousands of lives, especially those in replicated,” the bishop said. The order was also responsible for the Tangipahoa Civil Parish area. The Dominicans’ presence in what is building the first school building at St. “The friars’ commitment to educating now the Diocese of Baton Rouge, dates Joseph School. young Catholics has been a cornerstone to 1912. The Spanish Dominican Fathers The Dominicans’ legacy is also etched of their ministry, forming men and THE CATHOLIC cast a long shadow in Tangipahoa, serving in Rosaryville, which was located on women who have become leaders in their ommentator at St. Joseph Church in Ponchatoula, a beautiful tract of land located off parishes and business communities CSERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 Holy Ghost Church in Hammond, Our of Louisiana Highway 22 between as well as instilling the principles of THECATHOLICCOMMENTATOR.ORG Lady of Pompeii Church in Tickfaw, Ponchatoula and Springfield. Catholic faith to their own families,” said Mater Dolorosa Church in Independence Originally a part of the apostolic Father David.

2 Great Ways You Can Help the Needy this Lenten Season!

Join Bishop Michael Duca and Chef John Folse at the Count Your Blessings Supper To-Geaux! Friday, March 12, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Our Lady of Mercy Parish – Drive Thru Soup Parade

During this 2021 Lenten Season, we all need to reflect on the blessings in our lives! Come join us for our 26th Annual Count Your Blessings Supper. Although we cannot gather this year as we normally do because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we can Count Our Blessings and come together to help those in need by supporting our charitable work with the first-ever Drive-Thru Soup Parade. Chef John Folse will prepare a delicious Lenten soup of Spinach, Artichoke and Crabmeat Bisque. For convenient travel and to avoid hot soup spills, we will distribute frozen soup in 2-lb. bags (each serves four, 8-oz. servings). Heating instructions are included. Come and Count Your Blessings with Bishop Michael Duca, Chef John Folse, and John Pastorek. This year’s Count Your Blessings Supper To-Geaux is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (drive-thru at your convenience) on Friday, March 12th, at Our Lady of Mercy Parish. Order your tickets today by using this order form, order online at svdpbr.org, or give us a call at (225) 383-7837, ext. Ticket Order Form ------Clip and send in------O. No on-site tickets will be sold the day of the event. Deadline for Yes, I want that Soup! I would like _____ bag(s) at $40.00 (four servings). Enclosed is my check for $______. phone or online ticket sales is Wednesday, March 10th by 1 p.m. If you Name:______are unable to parade with us, please consider making a Lenten gift to Address:______St. Vincent de Paul to help in our work with God’s poor. Financial City: ______State: ______Zip: ______gifts can be mailed to: Society of St. Vincent de Paul, P. O. Box 127, Make checks payable and mail to: Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0127, or made online at svdpbr.org. P.O. Box 127, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0127. For more information, call us at (225) 383-7837, extension O, or order online at svdpbr.org. You Can Answer a Prayer and Save a Life!

Join WBRZ-Channel 2, Pat Shingleton, the Baton Rouge Clinic and St. Vincent de Paul in filling prescriptions for the needy. Our St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy provides a solution for individuals who can’t afford their life-sustaining prescription medicine. We are seeing more people who are breaking tablets in half and skipping doses of medicines in a desperate attempt to make ends meet. Visit our website at svdpbr.org to save someone’s life by filling a prescription. THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR | FEBRUARY 12, 2021

PRAYER SERVICES | THE LIGHT IS ONLentLent FOR YOU! | PENANCE SERVICES | STATIONS OF THE CROSS Lenten regulations for the Diocese of Baton Rouge

As per the Pagella Policies of the full meal a day at most, although taking Friday throughout the year which is not fasting and almsgiving are paramount. Diocese of Baton Rouge, as in the rest of of other smaller quantities of food at the a solemnity and fasting on all Lenten Clergy (priests and deacons) who have the church in the United States, Catholics other customary mealtimes is permitted. weekdays (especially Wednesdays legitimate residence and active ministry aged 18 through 59 are bound by a grave Food and drink “between meals” and Fridays), and on Holy Saturday, is within the Diocese of Baton Rouge have obligation to observe a solemn fast (excepting only water and medicine) is strongly recommended to all the faithful. been delegated the power to dispense the on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. not permitted on fast days. There always remains, of course, faithful of the diocese, in individual cases Catholics aged 14 and up are to abstain To abstain from meat means the grave obligation to participate at and for a just reason, from the obligation from meat on Ash Wednesday, all refraining from eating beef, veal, pork or Holy Mass on all Sundays and days of to observe a particular day of penance or Fridays of Lent and Good Friday as well. poultry at least, although not necessarily obligation. to commute some or all of its obligations These norms have been established by eggs, milk products or meat broths, Each in his or her own way, every to other pious works. Included in this is the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops or condiments made from animal fat. Christian is bound to do penance by the faculty to dispense from the Lenten in accord with the norms of canons 1249- The consumption of fish, shellfish and virtue of divine law. Only ill health obligations to fast and abstain from meat. 1253 in the revised Code of Canon Law of reptiles is permitted if desired. or some similar situation of urgency Yet the obligation to do some kind of 1983. Beyond the mandatory days listed excuses. During the Lenten season, penance remains a serious one and will To fast means to consume only one above, abstinence from meat on every Christ Jesus’ own challenges to prayer, not be taken lightly by a good Catholic. SEE STATIONS PAGE 6B

2B The Catholic Commentator LENT 2021 February 12, 2021 Ash Wednesday in the Diocese of Baton Rouge Sts. Anthony of Padua and Distribution of Ashes St. Alphonsus Church St. Jean Vianney Church Le Van Phung Church St. John the Baptist Church 14040 Greenwell Springs Road, 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road, 2305 Choctaw Drive, Baton Rouge 4826 Main Street, Zachary Greenwell Springs Baton Rouge 7 a.m. – English Mass in chapel 7 a.m., noon, 6:30 p.m. 6 & 8:30 a.m., noon, 6 p.m. 6:15 & 8:30 a.m., noon and 6:30 p.m. Noon & 7 p.m. – Vietnamese No meals due to COVID Mask and social distancing required Parish office 225-753-7950 Church office 225-357-4800 Nita Poole 225-654-5778 Church office 225-261-4650 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Immaculate Conception Church St. Benedict the Moor Church Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 11485 Ferdinand Street, St. Francisville 12364 Hwy. 416, Lakeland 5479 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville 2250 Main Street, Baton Rouge 7:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m. 8 a.m., noon, 6 p.m. 7 a.m. Noon, 6 p.m. – Mass with ash Suzanne Maginnis 225-627-5124 Rev. Eliseus O. Ibeh MSP 985-513-3470 distribution St. John the Evangelist Church 57805 Main Street, Plaquemine St. Joseph Church St. Augustine Chapel St. Paul the Apostle Church 7 a.m., 6 p.m. 15710 LA Hwy. 16, French Settlement 174 Hwy. 1003, Belle Rose 3912 Gus Young Avenue, Baton Rouge Marsha A. Dupont 225-687-2402 8:10 a.m. Mass & 5:30 p.m. service with 5:30 p.m. 6 p.m. ashes Rev. Eliseus O. Ibeh, MSP 985-513-3470 Parish office 225-383-2537 St. Mark Church Church office 225-698-3110 42021 Hwy. 621, Gonzales St. John the Evangelist Church St. Joseph Church 8:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m. St. Stephen the Martyr Church 57805 Main Street, Plaquemine 255 N. 8th Street, Ponchatoula Cecile Haley 225-647-8461 22494 LA Hwy. 22, Maurepas 7 a.m. & 6 p.m. – Mass, distribution of 8 a.m. & 6 p.m. 7 a.m. & 7 p.m. service with ashes ashes Adoration after Mass until 5 p.m. St. Augustine Church Church office 225-698-3110 Marsha A. Dupont 225-687-2402 followed by vespers 809 New Roads Street, New Roads 3 p.m. Divine Mercy 9 a.m., noon ashes only, 6 p.m. St. Mary of False River Church St. Patrick Church Angela Perrin 985-386-3749 Rev. Patrick Healy SSJ 348 W. Main Street, New Roads 12424 Brogdon Lane, Baton Rouge 225-638-7553 7 a.m. & 6 p.m. Mass; noon Communion 8 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.; Mass, distribution of St. Gerard Majella Church service with ashes ashes 5354 Plank Road, Baton Rouge Our Lady of Pompeii Church Noon service with distribution of ashes 9 a.m. & 6 p.m. 14450 Hwy. 442, Tickfaw St. John the Baptist Church Mask required Cindy Thibodeaux 225-355-2553 6 p.m. 402 S. Kirkland Drive, Brusly Sabrina Peck 225-753-5750 Deacon Al Levy 985-345-8957 8 a.m., noon, 6 p.m. St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland Layne Mire 225-749-2189 St. George Church (Albany) Our Lady of Mercy Church 7808 St. George Drive, Baton Rouge 30300 Catholic Hall Road, Hammond 445 Marquette Avenue, Baton Rouge Immaculate Conception Church 6:15 & 8 a.m., noon, 6 p.m. – Mass with 6 a.m., noon, 6 p.m. 6:30 & 8 a.m., noon, 6 p.m. 865 Hatchell Lane, Denham Springs ashes Lanie Borum 225-567-3573 Deacon Richard Grant 225-926-1883 7 a.m. – service with ashes 9:30 – 11 a.m. and 1:30 – 3 p.m. drive 8:30 a.m., noon, 5 & 7 p.m. Mass with thru ash distribution St. Thomas Chapel ashes between church and Kleinpeter Activity 32191 Hwy 22, Springfield Mission of Sacred Heart Center Noon 7 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. (Services outdoors) 225-293-2212 Lanie Borum 225-567-3573 225-665-5359

THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR Hot-off the Press & Delivered to You. For only $14 per year, receive The Catholic Commentator at your home or office.

TO SUBSCRIBE, CALL 225-387-0983. February 12, 2021 LENT 2021 The Catholic Commentator 3B 5 Spiritual renewal opportunities of the Lenten season WEDNESDAYS Rev. Mathew Dunn to Jerusalem, beginning on Mt. 5 p.m. confessions followed by the people. Guest speaker will AND THURSDAYS 225-673-5532 Tabor and ending at Calvary. Mass, Divine Mercy Chaplet speak on communal prayer and St. Patrick Church Deacon Randy Clement 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. presentations discernment FEBRUARY 18, 25, 225-673-8307 Feb. 24: Msgr. Robert Fernando Morales 12424 Brogdon Lane, MARCH 4, 11, 18, 25 Berggreen: Joseph, Patron of 985-662-2844 Baton Rouge FEBRUARY 23, the Universal Church 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Word Made Flesh and MARCH 2, 9,16, 23, 30 Mar. 3: Dr. Geoffrey Bain: FEBRUARY 27 Mask must be worn Mini Retreats Joseph, the Old and the New Sabrina Peck 225-753-5750 St. Gerard Majella Church Divine Mercy Chaplet Couples Retreat Seelos Hall St. Thomas More Church Mar. 10: Michael & Erin Franco: St. Elizabeth Church Bible Study: No Greater Love – 5249 Maple Drive, Baton Rouge 11441 Goodwood Blvd., Joseph, Head of Holy Family 119 Hwy. 403, Paincourtville A Biblical Walk through 5:30 p.m. Baton Rouge Mar. 17: Rev. Chris Decker: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Mass 4 p.m. Christ’s Passion DVD series Cindy Thibodeaux 6:30 p.m. follows Tuesday Mass Joseph, the Silent Please sign up before Feb. 15 by Mar. 24: Rev. Michael Russo: Immaculate Conception Church 225-355-2553 Parish office 225-275-3940 calling 225-473-8569 or email Joseph, the Saint 865 Hatchell Lane, [email protected] Mar. 31: Rev. Ryan Hallford: Denham Springs Novena to St. Joseph Divine Mercy Novena Rectory 225-473-8569 Joseph, the Joys and Sorrows 9:30 a.m. Faith Formation St. Mary of False River Church Immaculate Conception Church Parish office 225-383-4127 Center 348 W. Main Street, New Roads 12364 Hwy. 416, Lakeland FEBRUARY 28, Contact Gwen Richard After noon Mass 6 p.m. MARCH 1, 2 Suzanne Maginnis FEBRUARY 24, 225-665-5926 to register MARCH 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Lenten Parish Misson Adoration 225-627-5124 St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland WEDNESDAYS St. George Church Adoration Church AND FRIDAYS 7808 St. George Drive, Mother of Perpetual Help St. Joseph Church 30300 Catholic Hall Road, Eucharistic Adoration Baton Rouge Novena 255 N. 8th Street, Ponchatoula Hammond (Take Albany, LA 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. St. Mary of False River Church 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. followed by St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland exit off of I-12) 225-293-2212 348 W. Main Street, New Roads vespers Church 6:45 p.m. – Sunday After noon Mass Angela Perrin 985-386-3749 6 p.m. – Monday and Tuesday 30300 Catholic Hall Road, FEBRUARY 19, 26, Hammond Rev. Brice Higgenbotham MARCH 5, 12, 19, 26 Novena to Our Mother of FEBRUARY 24, MAR. 9, (Take Albany, LA exit off of I-12) from the Diocese of Houma- Perpetual Help 16, 23 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Thibodaux will be the presenter St. Joseph Church Ash Wednesday Sacrament Adoration with Benediction Mary E. Hebert 225-567-3573 255 N. 8th Street, Ponchatoula 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesdays St. Benedict the Moor Church St. Jean Vianney Church Following 8 a.m. Mass 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fridays 5479 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road, MARCH 5 Angela Perrin 985-386-3749 Lanie Borum 225-567-3573 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. preceded Baton Rouge 1st Friday Mass and 6th by 7 a.m. Mass 7 – 8 p.m. Divine Mercy Devotion Novena to the Sacred Heart of FEBRUARY 17, 24, Rev. Eliseus O. Ibeh, MSP Parish office 225-753-7950 Jesus St. John the Evangelist Church MARCH 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 985-513-3470 Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 57805 Main Street, Plaquemine FEBRUARY 25 2250 Main Street, Baton Rouge “ADO” – Adoration for Young FEBRUARY 22 Followed by 6 p.m. Mass All Leaders Meeting 11 a.m. confessions followed by Adults Marsha A. Dupont Redemptive Suffering by St. Joseph Church Mass then novena Ages 18-35 225-687-2402 St. Joseph Church Jennifer Prather 255 N. 8th Street, Ponchatoula Immaculate Conception Church 7 – 8:30 p.m. 255 N. 8th Street, Ponchatoula Divine Mercy Novena 865 Hatchell Lane, Adoration Service for all the 5 – 6 p.m. followed by vespers Our Lady of Mercy Church Denham Springs ministry leaders to come Nicole Richard nrichard@ 445 Marquette Avenue, 7 – 8:30 p.m. in the church together in prayer in service of sjscrusaders.org Baton Rouge Church office 225-665-5359 SEE SPIRITUALITY PAGE 5B Following 6 p.m. Mass Adoration of the Blessed FEBRUARY 22, Deacon Richard Grant Sacrament 225-926-1883 St. Mary of False River Church MARCH 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Ignite the Heart 348 W. Main Street, New Roads Divine Mercy Chaplet Divine Mercy Chaplet 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. St. George Church Most Blessed Sacrament Church 7808 St. George Drive, 15615 Jefferson Hwy., Divine Mercy Novena Baton Rouge Baton Rouge St. Alphonsus Church 6 p.m. Mass followed by singing 6:30 p.m., adoration, 14040 Greenwell Springs Road, of Divine Mercy Chaplet benediction Greenwell Springs 225-293-2212 Kathy Duplessis 225-752-6230 6 a.m. except 4:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday Divine Mercy Chaplet Novena Divine Mercy Devotion Mask and social distancing St. Jules Church St. John the Evangelist Church required 7165 Hwy. 1, Belle Rose 57805 Main Street, Plaquemine Donna Speeg 225-261-6635 6:30 p.m. with exposition of the Following 6 p.m. Mass Blessed Sacrament, benediction FEBRUARY 18 Marsha A. Dupont NEW! Rectory 225-473-8569 225-687-2402 Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament “Road to Jerusalem” FEBRUARY 24, Lent Devotionals for Children & Adults St. John the Evangelist Church St. John the Evangelist Church MARCH 3, 10, 17, 24 15208 Hwy. 73, Prairieville 15208 Hwy. 73, Prairieville Lenten Reflection Series – Catholic Art & Gifts 7 p.m. Candlelit, Taize-style 6 – 7 p.m. Go To Joseph 6184 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge prayer service; journey, reflect Adoration, praise, worship, St. Agnes Church 225.926.1216 • www.zieglers.com on the life of Christ on the road music, brief scriptural reflection 749 East Blvd., Baton Rouge Hours: M-F 9am-5pm; Sat. 9:30am-4:30pm 4B The Catholic Commentator LENT 2021 February 12, 2021 Stations of the Cross throughout diocese MONDAYS, TUESDAYS, Marsha A. Dupont St. Alphonsus Church Baton Rouge FEBRUARY 19 & 26 225-687-2402 14040 Greenwell Springs Road, 6 p.m. WEDNESDAYS, St. Augustine Church FRIDAYS OF LENT Greenwell Springs Parish office 225-753-7950 809 New Roads Street, St. Benedict the Moor Church 6:30 p.m., mask required, St. Joseph Cathedral New Roads 5479 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville streamed live alphonsus.org, Our Lady of Mount Carmel 412 North Street, Baton Rouge 6 p.m. 5:30 p.m. preceded by YouTube and Facebook Church 11:30 a.m. with confessions at Rev. Healy 225-638-7553 11:15 a.m. confession from 4 – 5:30 p.m. Mary Bridges 225-831-4744 11488 Ferdinand Street, Office 225-387-5928 Rev. Eliseus O. Ibeh MSP St. Francisville FEBRUARY 24, 985-513-3470 Sacred Heart School 5:30 p.m. MARCH 3, 10, 17, 24 FEBRUARY 19, 26, Sacred Heart Church Office 225-635-3680 MARCH 5, 12, 19, 26 St. Patrick Church 2250 Main Street, Baton Rouge St. Augustine Chapel, 12424 Brogdon Lane, 2 p.m. St. John the Evangelist Church Klotzville Immaculate Conception Baton Rouge 57805 Main Street, Plaquemine 174 Hwy. 1003, Belle Rose Church 5 p.m. St. Mary of False River Church Noon, after 6 p.m. Mass 6 p.m. followed by Mass 865 Hatchell Lane, Mask required 348 W. Main Street, New Roads Marsha A. Dupont Rev. Eliseus O. Ibeh MSP Denham Springs Sabrina Peck 225-753-5750 After noon Mass 225-687-2402 985-513-3470 After 8:30 a.m. Mass After 6 p.m. Mass St. Paul Church Our Lady of Pompeii Church FEBRUARY 24, St. Thomas More Church MARCH 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 3912 Gus Young Avenue, 11441 Goodwood Blvd., 14450 Hwy. 442, Tickfaw St. John the Baptist Church Baton Rouge Baton Rouge 6 p.m. St. John the Baptist Church 4826 Main Street, Zachary 6 p.m. 6 p.m. Deacon Al Levy 985-345-8957 402 S. Kirkland Drive, Brusly 8:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m. Parish office 225-383-2537 Parish office 225-275-3940 6:30 p.m. Nita Poole 225-654-5778 St. Mark Church Layne Mire 225-749-2189 St. Joseph Church Sts. Anthony of Padua and Le 42021 Hwy. 621, Gonzales St. George Church 255 N. 8th Street, Ponchatoula Phung Church 9 a.m. MARCH 6 7808 St. George Drive, 1:45 & 6 p.m. 2305 Choctaw Dr., Baton Rouge Cecile Haley 225-647-8461 or Baton Rouge St. Elizabeth Church Angela Perrin 985-386-3749 4 p.m. – English in the chapel 225-450-9469 6 p.m. Mass Start at 119 Hwy. 403, with Mass 6:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross Paincourtville Immaculate Conception 7 p.m. – Vietnamese with Mass St. Margaret, Queen of 225-293-2212 6 a.m. begins Church Church office 225-357-4800 Scotland Church 3 p.m. reconciliation at St. Jules 12364 Hwy. 416, Lakeland Mask required and space may 30300 Catholic Hall Road, St. John the Evangelist Church Church 6 p.m. be limited Hammond (Take Albany, LA 57805 Main Street, Plaquemine 4 p.m. Mass Suzanne Maginnis exit off of I-12) Noon Rectory 225-473-8569 225-627-5124 St. Jean Vianney Church 5:30 p.m. Following 6 p.m. Mass 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road, Lanie Borum 225-567-3573 Lenten fundraisers throughout the Diocese of Baton Rouge

FEBRUARY 17 – 26 $10 (tickets available at church office and $8, to go only $8 plate, drive thru service only; only one & MARCH 20 at the door) Parish office 225-753-7950 entrée will be offered; limited quantity, Fundraising by the Quart Feb. 19 – Sponsored by KC’s: fried safe practices and social distancing catfish, potato salad, dessert, bread St. Mark Lenten Meals during entire meal preparation and St. Elizabeth Interparochial School Feb. 26 – Sponsored by the Men’s Club St. Mark Men’s Club delivery of food 6051 Convent Street, Paincourtville Mar. 5 – Sponsored by RCIA 42021 Hwy. 621, Gonzales Gil Brassard 225-400-5052 or Order forms may be downloaded at: Mar. 12 – Sponsored by KC’s – fried 5 – 6:30 p.m. mbsmensclub @yahoo.com geauxcubs.com/quarting in February catfish, potato salad, dessert, bread $10, includes seafood entrée, vegetable, $22 qt. crawfish pie filling or crawfish Mar. 19 – Sponsored by the Catholic bread, dessert. MARCH 12 stew Daughters Stephanie or Jill 225-647-8461 th $19 qt. shrimp and okra gumbo 26 Annual Count Your Blessings Mar. 26 – Sponsored by the Men’s Club $16.50 qt. shrimp and corn bisque or Supper 225-665-5359 KC #969 Fish Fry shrimp stew St. Vincent DePaul Our Lady of Mercy Church $13.50 qt. chicken stew To go drive thru Our Lady of Mercy St. Patrick KC Lenten Fish Fry 445 Marquette Avenue, $11 qt. white beans Lower School St. Patrick Church Baton Rouge March 20 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. pickup at 400 Marquette Avenue, 12424 Brogdon Lane, Parish Activity Center The Cajun Chefs Too Baton Rouge Baton Rouge 5 – 7 p.m. 107 W. Forth Street, Donaldsonville 4 – 7 p.m. Pick-up 5:30 – 7 p.m. $8 plate, drive through only St. Elizabeth School Office $40 per 2 lb. bag, serves 4 - 8 oz. serving, $10 per plate includes fried catfish, Deacon Richard Grant 985-369-7402 frozen with heating instructions. french fries, coleslaw 225-926-1883 Chef John Folse’s spinach, artichoke and Curbside pickup only/no dine-in crabmeat bisque. FEBRUARY 19, 26, Richard Littrell 225-978-6781 FEBRUARY 26, MARCH 5, 12, 19, 26 MARCH 5, 12, 19, 26 Bishop Michael Duca, Chef John Folse, Rev. Cleo Milano, John Pastorek will be Lenten Suppers Fish Fries Lent Dinners with us to distribute the soup Immaculate Conception Church St. Jean Vianney Church Most Blessed Sacrament Church Purchase tickets at svdpbr.org or by 865 Hatchell Lane, Denham Springs Fr. Engels Hall 8033 Baringer Road, calling 225-383-7837, ext.0. Location: Covered drive-thru take-out 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road, Baton Rouge No on-site tickets will be sold. only Baton Rouge MBS Bishop Ott Center 5 – 7:30 p.m. Drive 5 – 7 p.m. 5 – 7 p.m. February 12, 2021 LENT 2021 The Catholic Commentator 5B 5 The Light is ON for You, sacrament of reconciliation

TUESDAYS AND 4 – 5 p.m. 225-293-2212 445 Marquette Avenue, Reconciliation Services THURSDAYS Lanie Borum 225-567-3573 FEBRUARY 24, Baton Rouge St. Anthony of Padua and MARCH 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 St. Joseph Church 6 – 7:30 p.m. Le Van Phung Church FEBRUARY 19, 26, 5 – 6 p.m. on March 10 255 N. 8th Street, Ponchatoula The Light is on for YOU 2305 Choctaw Drive, MARCH 5, 12, 19, 26 Deacon Richard Grant 8:30– 9:30 a.m. Immaculate Conception Church Baton Rouge 225-926-1883 Angela Perrin 985-386-3749 The Light is On for You 865 Hatchell Lane, 7– 8:30 p.m. – Vietnamese in St. Benedict the Moor Church Denham Springs parish hall FEBRUARY 17 5479 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville 6 – 7:30 p.m. MARCH 4 3 – 3:45 p.m. – English every 4 – 5:30 p.m. followed by the 225-665-5359 Saturday Ash Wednesday Confessions Light is On For YOU station of the cross Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church office 225-357-4800 Immaculate Conception Church Rev. Eliseus O. Ibeh, MSP MARCH 3, 10, 17 Church 12364 Hwy. 16, Lakeland 985-513-3470 11485 Ferdinand Street, MARCH 23 & 30 7 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m. The Light is ON for You St. Francisville Suzanne Maginnis St. John the Evangelist Church The Light is On For You/ FEBRUARY 22, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Lenten Confessions 225-627-5124 MARCH 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 57805 Main Street, Plaquemine 6 – 7 p.m. Sacred Heart of Jesus Church FEBRUARY 17, 24, Monday Nights of Lent Marsha A. Dupont MARCH 11 2250 Main Street, Baton Rouge MARCH 3, 10, 18, 26 Confessions 225-687-2402 Reconciliation Service 5 – 6:30 p.m. St. Jean Vianney Church Reconciliation St. Mark Church 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road, MARCH 3, 10, 17 MARCH 25 St. John the Baptist Church 42021 Hwy. 621, Gonzales Baton Rouge 402 S. Kirkland Drive, Brusly The Light is On For YOU 6:30 p.m. Lenten Penance Service 6 – 7 p.m. 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. St. John the Evangelist Church Cecile Haley 225-647-8461 or St. John the Evangelist Church 5 – 6:15 p.m. on March 29 Layne Mire 225-749-2189 57805 Main Street, Plaquemine 225-450-9469 15208 Hwy. 73, Prairieville Parish office 225-753-7950 6 – 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. FEBRUARY 18, 25, Marsha A. Dupont MARCH 16 & 17 Rev. Mathew Dunn FEBRUARY 22, 225-673-5532 MARCH 4, 11, 18, 25 MARCH 8, 15, 22, 29 225-687-2402 Penance Service Reconciliation during Lent St. Margaret Church, Albany MARCH 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 7808 St. George Drive, 30300 Catholic Hall Road, The Light is On For YOU Baton Rouge Hammond Our Lady of Mercy Church 5 – 6 p.m. First Communion Dresses SPIRITUALITY  Ourselves and Our Culture” MARCH 14 Our Lady of Mercy Church From page 3B High School 445 Marquette Avenue, (9 – 12th grade) Youth Night Baton Rouge MARCH 6 St. Joseph Church 7 p.m. 255 N. 8th Street, Ponchatoula Family Adoration and Andrew Petipron from Word on Gym to St. Joseph Room Benediction Fire Institute 5 – 7 p.m. St. Alphonsus Church Lauren DeWitt 225-926-1883 14040 Greenwell Springs Road, “DESERT-ED,” how Lent calls Greenwell Springs MARCH 12, 19, 26 us out of the garden into the 8:30 – 9 a.m. desert Mask and social distancing Divine Mercy Devotion Nicole Richard nrichard@ required St. Gerard Majella Church sjscrusaders.org Olga Johnson 225-261-4644 5354 Plank Road, Baton Rouge 5:30 p.m. Mass then Divine MARCH 22, 23, 24 Mercy Chaplet sung MARCH 9 Lenten Mission Confession available during the St. John the Baptist Church Lenten Evening of Reflection: services 402 S. Kirkland Drive, Brusly “Listen to the Voice of God” Cindy Thibodeaux 7 p.m. lead by Rev. Jim Sichko, St. Benedict the Moor Church 225-355-2553 5479 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville Missionary of Mercy 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. MARCH 13 Layne Mire 225-749-2189 Speaker Deacon Alfred Adams Joe Skibinski, Agent from St. Michael the Archangel Retreat for Parents and MARCH 29 Children Church, Convent Tenebrae Service St. Elizabeth Church Rev. Eliseus O. Ibeh MSP St. Joseph Church 119 Hwy 403, Paincourtville 985-513-3470 255 N. 8th Street, Ponchatoula 1 – 5 p.m.; 3 p.m. 7 – 8 p.m., scripture, prayer, reconciliation;4 p.m. Mass MARCH 10 reflection, meditation and music Rectory 225-473-8569 Parish Mission “Converting Rhonda Rossano 985-386-3749

THE CATHOLIC ommentator CSERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963

Visit us online at diobr.org/the-catholic-commentator 6B The Catholic Commentator LENT 2021 February 12, 2021 Holy Week services in Baton Rouge Diocese MARCH 27 & 28 Baton Rouge Good Friday Service the Cross Rectory 225-473-8569 PALM SUNDAY 6 p.m. St. Joseph Church Deacon Al Levy 985-345-8957 Church office 225-355-2553 255 N. 8th Street, Ponchatoula Immaculate Conception St. Augustine Church 10 a.m. – noon confession St. Alphonsus Liguori Church Church 809 New Roads Street, St. John the Baptist Church followed by Stations of the Cross 14040 Greenwell Springs Road, 12364 Hwy. 416, Lakeland New Roads 402 S. Kirkland Drive, Brusly 3 p.m. Greenwell Springs 8 p.m. 4 p.m. Vigil 7 p.m. Angela Perrin 985-386-3749 Noon Stations of the Cross Suzanne Maginnis 8 & 11 a.m. Layne Mire 225-749-2189 3 p.m. Passion Service 225-627-5124 Rev. Patrick Healy SSJ Stations of the Cross No morning mass. Masks and 225-638-7553 St. Patrick Church Immaculate Conception Church social distancing required St. John the Baptist Church 12424 Brogdon Lane, 12364 Hwy. 416, Lakeland Church office 225-261-4650 402 S. Kirkland Drive, Brusly St. Jean Vianney Church Baton Rouge Noon 8 p.m. 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road, 7 p.m. Suzanne Maginnis Good Friday Service including Layne Mire 225-749-2189 Baton Rouge Everyone must wear a mask 225-627-5124 Veneration of the Cross 4 p.m. Vigil Sabrina Peck 225-753-5750 St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland St. Patrick Church 7:30, 9:30 p.m. live streamed & Stations of the Cross Church 12424 Brogdon Lane, 11:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m. St. Mark Church St. John the Baptist Church St. Thomas Chapel Baton Rouge Parish office 225-753-7950 42021 Hwy. 621, Gonzales 402 S. Kirkland Drive, Brusly 3219 Hwy. 22, Springfield 8 p.m. 7 p.m. Noon 3 p.m. Mask required St. Mark Church Cecile Haley 225-647-8461 or 3 p.m. service Lanie Borum 225-567-3573 Sabrina Peck 225-753-5750 42021 Hwy. 621, Gonzales 225-450-9469 Layne Mire 225-749-2189 4 p.m. Vigil Stations of the Cross St. Joseph Church 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. Our Lady of Pompeii Church St. Gerard Majella Church St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland 255 N. 8th Street, Ponchatoula Cecile Haley 225-647-8461 or 14450 Hwy. 442, Tickfaw 3808 St. Gerard Aveune, Church 8 p.m. 225-450-9469 6 p.m. Baton Rouge 30300 Catholic Hall Road, Angela Perrin 985-386-3749 APRIL 1 Deacon Al Levy 985-345-8957 6 p.m. Hammond HOLY THURSDAY MASS Church office 225-355-2553 (Take Albany, LA exit off of I-12) Sacred Heart of Jesus Church St. Jean Vianney Church Noon 2250 Main Street, Baton Rouge Reposition of the Blessed 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road, The Passion of the Lord Lanie Borum 225-567-3573 8 p.m. Sacrament Baton Rouge Service Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 7 p.m. live streamed Immaculate Conception Church Passion Play St. Mark Church 2250 Main Street, Baton Rouge Parish office 225-753-7950 12364 Hwy. 416, Lakeland St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland 42021 Hwy. 621, Gonzales 7 p.m. reposition ends 9 p.m. 3 p.m. Church 8 p.m. St. Margaret, Queen of Suzanne Maginnis 30300 Catholic Hall Road, Cecile Haley 225-647-8461 or St. Paul Church Scotland Church 225-627-5124 Hammond 225-450-9469 3912 Gus Young Avenue, 30300 Catholic Hall Road, (Take Albany, LA exit off of I-12) Baton Rouge Hammond Confession 6 & 7:30 p.m. St. Augustine Church 6:30 p.m. followed by adoration (Take Albany, LA exit off of I-12) Immaculate Conception Church The youth group and junior 809 New Roads Street, until 9 p.m. 7 p.m. followed by Adoration 12364 Hwy. 416, Lakeland youth group will perform the New Roads Parish office 225-383-2537 until midnight 10 a.m. – noon Passion Play 4 p.m. candlelight procession Lanie Borum 225-567-3573 Suzanne Maginnis Ansleigh Barras Munn Rev. Patrick Healy SSJ St. Joseph Church 225-627-5124 225-567-3573 225-638-7553 255 N. 8th Street, Ponchatoula APRIL 2 7 p.m. GOOD FRIDAY Good Friday Service Stations of the Cross St. Gerard Majella Church Angela Perrin 985-386-3749 Celebration of the Lord’s St. Patrick Church Immaculate Conception Church 3808 St. Gerard Aveune, Passion 12424 Brogdon Lane, 12364 Hwy. 416, Lakeland Baton Rouge St. Jules Church Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Baton Rouge Noon 6 p.m. 7165 Hwy. 1, Belle Rose 2250 Main Street, Baton Rouge 3 p.m. Suzanne Maginnis Church office 225-355-2553 7 p.m. Mass; 8 – 9 p.m. 3 p.m. Mask required 225-627-5124 confession; adoration ends Sabrina Peck 225-753-5750 St. Jean Vianney Church 10 p.m. St. Thomas More Church Stations of the Cross on LA 1 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road, Rectory 225-473-8569 11441 Goodwood Blvd., Passion of the Lord’s and St. Elizabeth Church Baton Rouge Baton Rouge Stations of the Cross 119 Hwy 403, Paincourtville 8 p.m. St. Alphonsus Church Noon St. Mark Church 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.; 2 p.m. Parish office 225-753-7950 14040 Greenwell Springs Road, 42021 Hwy. 621, Gonzales reconciliation Greenwell Springs Youth Stations of the Cross 3 p.m. 3 p.m. commemoration of the Our Lady of Pompeii Church 7 p.m., no morning Mass St. Paul Church Cecile Haley 225-647-8461 or Lord’s Passion 14450 Hwy. 442, Tickfaw Masks and social distancing 3912 Gus Young Avenue, 225-450-9469 Rectory 225-473-8569 8 p.m. required Baton Rouge Deacon Al Levy 985-345-8957 Church office 225-261-4650 2 p.m. stations will be on the The Passion of the Lord APRIL 3 church grounds St. Jean Vianney Church EASTER VIGIL St. Alphonsus Liguori Church Immaculate Conception Parish office 225-383-2537 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road, St. Paul Church 14040 Greenwell Springs Road, Church Baton Rouge 3912 Gus Young Avenue Greenwell Springs 12364 Hwy. 416, Lakeland The Passion of Jesus and 3 p.m. live streamed Baton Rouge 8 p.m. 7 p.m. Veneration Parish office 225-753-7950 8 p.m. Masks and social distancing Suzanne Maginnis St. Paul Church Parish office 225-383-2537 required 225-627-5124 3912 Gus Young Avenue, Passion of the Lord Church office 225-261-4650 Baton Rouge Our Lady of Pompeii Church St. Elizabeth Church St. Gerard Majella Church 3 p.m. 14450 Hwy. 442, Tickfaw 119 Hwy. 403, Paincourtville 3808 St. Gerard Aveune, Parish office 225-383-2537 3 p.m. followed by Stations of 8 p.m. SEE HOLY WEEK PAGE 8B February 12, 2021 LENT 2021 The Catholic Commentator 7B 5

For pennies a day receive the Commentator at home!

Serving over 40,000 households of the Diocese of Baton Rouge with over 150,000 readers. For only $14 per year, THE CATHOLIC To advertise, receive The Catholic call The Catholic Commentator Commentator at your home or office. ommentator at 225-387-0983 CSERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 To subscribe, or e-mail us at call 225-387-0983. THECATHOLICCOMMENTATOR.ORG [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTION:  Renewal  New Subscription TO PAY BY CREDIT CARD, CALL: 225-387-0983

TO PAY BY MAIL, REMIT TO: THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR, P. O. BOX 3316, BATON ROUGE, LA 70821-3316 ENCLOSED  Check  Money order for $14 per person per year.  I’d like to give a subscription for an additional $14 per year. SEND MY SUBSCRIPTION TO: GIFT SUBSCRIPTION GIVEN BY: ______

NAME ______RECIPIENT’S NAME ______ADDRESS ______RECIPIENT’S ADDRESS ______CITY ______STATE ______ZIP ______CITY ______STATE ______ZIP ______8B The Catholic Commentator LENT 2021 February 12, 2021

HOLY WEEK  Rectory 225-473-8569 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. Baton Rouge Baton Rouge From page 6B Mask required 9:30 a.m. 7:30, 9:30 live streamed & Immaculate Conception Sabrina Peck 225-753-5750 Parish office 225-383-2537 11 a.m. APRIL 4 Church No 5:30 Mass EASTER MASSES 12364 Hwy. 416, Lakeland St. Gerard Majella Church St. Mark Church Parish office 225-753-7950 7, 9 & 11 a.m. 5354 Plank Road, Baton Rouge 42021 Hwy. 621, Gonzales Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Suzanne Maginnis 8 & 10 a.m. 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. Our Lady of Pompeii Church 2250 Main Street, Baton Rouge 225-627-5124 Cindy Thibodeaux Cecile Haley 225-647-8461 or 14450 Hwy. 442, Tickfaw 9 & 10 a.m. 225-355-2553 225-450-9469 9 a.m. St. John the Baptist Church Deacon Al Levy 985-345-8957 St. Jules Church 402 S. Kirkland Drive, Brusly St. Joseph Church St. Augustine Church 7165 Hwy 1, Belle Rose 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. 255 N. 8th Street, Ponchatoula 809 New Roads Street, St. Alphonsus Liguori Church 6 & 8:30 a.m. Layne Mire 225-749-2189 8 & 11 a.m. New Roads 14040 Greenwell Springs Road, Angela Perrin 985-386-3749 8 & 11 a.m. Greenwell Springs St. Elizabeth Church St. Patrick Church Rev. Patrick Healy SSJ 8 & 10 a.m., noon 119 Hwy 403, Paincourtville 12424 Brogdon Lane, St. Paul Church 225-638-7553 Masks and social distancing 10:30 a.m. Baton Rouge 3912 Gus Young Avenue, required St. Jean Vianney Church Church office 225-261-4650 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road, Your Doctor. Reader shares her Your Health. favorite Lenten recipes Green Bean Artichoke Casserole Anywhere. Teenie Bajon, St. Thomas More, Baton Rouge 3 - 16.8 oz. cans french cut 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, green beans, drained shredded 2 - 14 oz. cans artichoke 3-4 pods garlic, minced Video visits with extended hours hearts, drained 1 med. onion, chopped 2 c. Italian seasoned bread Salt and pepper to taste until midnight 7 days a week. crumbs 1/2 c. olive oil 8 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Chop the artichoke hearts into pieces. Pour the green beans, artichoke hearts, bread crumbs, cheeses, onion and garlic into a 9”x 13” baking dish coated with nonstick spray. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to blend everything thoroughly. Drizzle olive oil over the top and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes, remove foil and bake another 15 minutes. Serves 8-12 servings.

In need of a doctor? Concerned about getting out during the Sweet Potato Dumplings novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak? We’ve got you covered. Teenie Bajon, St. Thomas More, Baton Rouge Our doctors stand ready to virtually visit with patients and help 1 - 8 count of crescent rolls 6 Tbsp. butter you navigate your health during these challenging times. 4 frozen sweet potato 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch patties, cut each patty in 1 tsp. vanilla half Cinnamon for sprinkling Visit ololrmc.com/videovisits to schedule, 1 c. water on top 1 c. sugar or call us at (888) 765-7428. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Open and unroll crescent rolls. Separate triangles. Place each patty in wide end of triangle. As you roll up, tuck ends in. Okay if patty is not Already a patient of one of our doctors and have an active completely covered. Place in 8”x 8” baking dish (9”x13” MyChart account? Simply login to your account to schedule! if doubled recipe) with pointy end down. In saucepan, combine water, sugar and cornstarch. Mix well. Add butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until butter has melted and sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour over dumplings. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake for 35 – 40 minutes.