THE CATHOLIC PAGE 12

Blessings on the bayou July 6, 2018ommentator Vol. 56, No. 11 SERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 thecatholiccommentator.org C THE NEW SHEPHERD Baton Rouge has a Catholic population of 227,052. Bishop Duca “I have to tell you I’m not clear about the ‘why me’ part,” said the bishop- designate. “I have to admit I have been to lead surprised or puzzled by most of the pastoral assignments I have received diocese over my life. But, no matter how quick By Bonny Van The Catholic Commentator

The sixth bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge was greeted with applause, smiles and hugs as he approached the podium for his introduction to the peo- ple June 26, just hours after the Vatican announced the appointment by Pope I had to move, or how unprepared I felt Francis. or overwhelmed or humbled, in every Bishop-designate Michael G. Duca case, when I embraced the assignment, replaces Bishop Robert W. Muench, without reservation, I found the joy who is retiring after 16 years. The two Bishop-designate Michael Gerard Duca speaks to the media as well as priests, dea- and blessings I know now that God in- bishops arrived together, with Bishop cons and staff of the Diocese of Baton Rouge after being introduced as the sixth tended.” Muench handling much of the intro- bishop for the diocese. Bishop-designate Duca is currently the bishop of the Diocese Bishop-designate Duca then broke ductions for the press event, which con- of Shreveport. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator down in tears in recalling the special tained a variety of emotions from both bond he had developed with the people men, who had clearly formed a special Baton Rouge,” said Bishop-designate Bishop-designate Duca was ordained in Shreveport, saying, “I fell in love with camaraderie. Duca to the dozens of priests, deacons, a priest in 1978 for the Diocese of Dal- those I served, and I also found that in “I was completely surprised by this diocesan employees and members of las. After serving in several parishes in every case, I discovered the goodness in appointment and while I am sad to the media packed into the Westerfield that diocese, he served as rector of Holy the people of God. leave the good people of the Diocese of Center on the campus of the Catholic Trinity Seminary in Irving, Texas from “I intend to do no less here in Baton Shreveport, I immediately accepted the Life Center. 1996 to 2008. Rouge,” he continued. “And, I will give appointment without reservation as I Bishop-designate Duca has been In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI ap- myself to you as your bishop and the work see this as the will of God in my life and, bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport pointed him as bishop of the Diocese of before us to build the kingdom of God, I guess by extension, the will of God in for the past 10 years, his first bishop Shreveport, with a Catholic population here in this portion of south Louisiana.” the life of the Diocese of Shreveport and assignment. A native of Dallas, Texas, of 40,000. In contrast, the Diocese of SEE DUCA PAGE 8 Bishop Muench celebrates jubilee

By Richard Meek en Jubilee of his ordination June 24 on a The Catholic Commentator steamy Sunday afternoon at St. Cathedral. Several hundred family members, many of Bishop Robert W. Muench’s 50-year who traveled long distances to be in atten- spiritual odyssey as a priest and bishop has dance, and friends gathered for the Mass. taken him from New Orleans to Covington, Also attending were retired Archbish- Kentucky and back to familiar territory op Alfred C. Hughes of New Orleans, who along the banks of the Mississippi River in was Bishop Muench’s predecessor in Baton Baton Rouge. Rouge; Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond Bishop Muench celebrated the Gold- of New Orleans; New Roads native Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, who is currently the bish- Left, Bishop Robert W. Muench was all smiles op in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux; as he celebrated his Golden Jubilee Mass on and several bishops from the state of Loui- June 24 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton siana. Rouge. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator SEE ANNIVERSARY PAGE 10 2 The Catholic Commentator July 6, 2018 BISHOP MUENCH FLASHBACK Sufficient Grace

By Dina Dow path, opened by Jesus’ act of redemption, is paved with enough grace to endure the obsta- The call of the faithful is to proclaim the cles. We have the freedom to respond to this message of God to all people. Sometimes this invitation of grace in choosing to do what is is easy. Other times this is difficult. God’s good and leading others to do the same. In all grace provides strength for this we do, we praise God’s glory task, as we hear in the Sunday in Jesus Christ who came Mass readings for the 14th and Life-Giving to show the way to eternity. 15th Sundays in Ordinary Time. FAI H From birth to death, new life to His grace is sufficient, for it provides new life, our God is kind, thus humility, endurance and holiness. we yearn for this salvation! We The prophets: Just doing my job persist to exist, today and eternally. Ezekiel and Amos, prophets of the Lord, We are in good company were just doing their ordinary work when God Jesus faced the same challenges, thus we called them to deliver a message of repentance are in good company. St. Mark’s Gospel tells to the “bold of face and stubborn of heart” (Ez of the second rejection Jesus experienced 2:4). God’s grace assured them, as prophets, by those in his hometown, as he profoundly Bishop Robert W. Muench prays with disaster recovery workers the Spirit to endure, the words to proclaim, taught in the synagogue. The people could from Catholic Charities Diocese of Baton Rouge in the aftermath and the humility to accept the rejection. Both not possibly believe this was coming from Je- of Hurricane Gustav in 2008. The bishop had to cope with several prophets were successful at delivering the sus, the son of Mary and Joseph. How could natural disasters while shepherding the Diocese of Baton Rouge, message, but, as God had prepared them for, he be such a great teacher? He was “amazed including Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hurricane Isaac in 2012 and the recipients rejected it. They did not want at their lack of faith” (Mark 6:6). Yet, he en- the historic flooding of 2016. Catholic Commentator file photo to hear it and ended up in desolation. Recall dured by sending his apostles two by two to a time when routine was interrupted and you nearby towns. They were minimally equipped were inspired to invite another to change their in supplies, yet maximally equipped by the | DID YOU KNOW behavior. Did you experience strength from Holy Spirit to proclaim the message of repen- God to do the right thing out of love? Were tance and expel demons. Those who listened you able to deliver the message with charity received more. Those who did not listen were and patience? Did you persist? Were you told left standing in the dust. Silent time with God to “go away?” If so, have you continued to pray Grace for this person? Paragraph 1999 of the The Catechism of the Today’s frenetic lifestyle un- aged, if not downright prohibited. A thorn in the side Catholic Church states, “The grace of Christ is doubtedly extracts a toll on one’s After all, can one really hear God St. Paul gives incredible insight into the the gratuitous gift that God makes to us of his physical being and psyche, as in one ear with the cell phone in the gift of “sufficient grace.” Impaled in his side by own life, infused by the Holy Spirit into our Americans are finding it increas- other? hardships, beatings and reminders of his past soul to heal it of sin and to sanctify it.” This ingly difficult to maintain a healthy Typically, each retreat includes life (pre-conversion) evil bears down upon is the message of the prophets, St. Paul and work/personal balance. a daily Mass, and the sacrament of St. Paul. Yet, he passionately persists through furthered by Jesus: to repent (sacrament of Mental health experts constantly reconciliation is almost always of- consistent obstacles in order to proclaim the reconciliation), be free of sin, and live a life of stress the need to, in modern par- fered. message of salvation in Jesus Christ. Noth- holiness (vocation) fortified by sufficient grace lance, “unplug,” a reference to the Some retreats do allow talking ing will stop him, not even his weakness. In of God given to us (baptism), strengthened to torrent of modern gadgets consum- away from the main house, but oth- fact, he admits that in weakness the power of be missionary disciples for the journey (con- ing our daily lives. ers require silence at all times the message is made-perfect, thus holy, as he firmation) and fortified (holy Eucharist). This Often lost in this dialogue is the Although retreats are relative- writes, “Therefore, I am content with weak- is, indeed, enough. spiritual health of our own souls, ly new in the church, not being in- nesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord and how that can be nurtured, al- troduced until the 16th century, constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ lowing for the fanatical pace we all the model goes back to the 40 days am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 10). with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, try to maintain. Christ spent in the desert. So why persist? as he chose us in him, before the foundation Fortunately, the Catholic Church The Society of Jesuits was the Because our life has purpose and meaning, of the world, to be holy and without blemish provides an easy, relatively low first religious order to introduce re- we must persist. St. Paul writes in the Letter before him” (Ephesians 1:3-4). cost answer, and that is a retreat of treats into their practice. to the Ephesians the reason we exist. First, we varying length at a retreat house or During the 17th century St. Fran- are “set apart” for a life of holiness and sac- Dow is director of Evangelization and spirituality center. Traditionally, re- cis De Sales and St. Vincent de Paul rifice. Second, our destiny is salvation. The Catechesis for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. treats are either two or three days, heavily promoted retreats and by although some can be much longer. the 19th century they had become However, there are also excellent much more popular. one-day retreats that are available Today, many retreats are special- for those that are time-challenged. ized, including those for married The purpose of a retreat is for couples or those whose marriages thecatholiccommentator.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator devotion, prayer and meditation to might be in trouble. grow in one’s spiritual faith. Tradi- There are several retreat centers Bishop-designate Michael G. Duca Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager tionally, retreats are silent, meaning in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, in- Father Tom Ranzino Associate Publisher Bonny Van Staff Writer no talking is allowed while in the re- cluding the Bishop Robert E. Tracy Richard Meek Editor Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation treat house, including at meals. Center in Baton Rouge, Manresa Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor Nicole Latiolais Graphic Designer Silence is required to allow re- House of Retreats in Convent, Ro- treatants to spend quiet time with saryville Spirituality Center in Pon- 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, God and to reflect on the messages chatoula, Our Lady of the Way Spir- Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton Rouge, LA. Copy must of the retreat. As part of the retreat, itual Life Center in Tickfaw and the reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Subscription rate: $14.00 per year. POST- the use of electronic devices, includ- St. Joseph Spirituality Center in Ba- MASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. ing cell phones, is strongly discour- ton Rouge. July 6, 2018 A NEW SHEPHERD The Catholic Commentator 3

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Bishop Robert W. Muench says he feels ‘fine’ during one of his last public statements during a press confer- ence to introduce the new bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Photo by Richard Meek|The Catholic Commentator Join Father Matt Lorrain Viking River Cruise on the Bishop Muench is ready Romantic Danube June 14 - 24, 2019 Includes to pass the ‘baton’ 3 night post package in Prague *Special Round Trip Airfare from New Orleans $549 By Bonny Van skills, training and expertise in “I feel FINE!” he said, grin- includes air plus fee The Catholic Commentator areas of theology, spirituality, ning and gesturing with his For additional information call Tootie. canon law, psychology, seminary arms held out by his sides. Then, *Airfare cost is based on availability; subject to change by Viking Cruise Lines With a bounce in his step and and vocations ministry, health he took the podium and made a twinkle in his eye, Bishop Rob- care, ecumenism and adminis- one of his final public statements ert W. Muench expertly guided tration. We look forward to the as bishop of the Diocese of Baton Pearson’s Travel World his replacement past Diocese of celebration of his installation Rouge. 7949 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge • 225-926-3752 Baton Rouge employees, staff, on Friday, August 24, 2018, the “I feel fine because I have priests and deacons, through Feast of St. Bartholomew, at 2 such pleasant memories, deep four television cameras and a p.m. in St. Joseph Cathedral, Ba- memories, deep-seated mem- row of seated reporters to the ton Rouge. I extend my deepest ories and as I mentioned at the Anthony ’s Italian Deli front of the room at the Wester- congratulations to Bishop Duca (anniversary) Mass before I ran Fresh Made field Center on the campus of the and assure him of my personal out of water inside of me, as I BEST MUFFOLETTAS IN TOWN! Catholic Life Center. The bishop support of him and to his antic- looked around the congregation, Party Trays has been eagerly awaiting this ipated ministry to the church in I had such a profound emotion- Cheese & Meat moment since sending his letter and of Baton Rouge.” al experience of individuals and Sandwiches of resignation to Pope Francis on Bishop-designate Duca ap- families and clergy, religious his 75th birthday in December, peared reserved and awed by the who have been an essential part Lasagna To-Go as required by canon law. attention that comes with the of the 50 years I’ve had the priv- Made Fresh Daily “With gratitude to God and job. In his first words to the me- ilege of being a priest. And, one to Pope Francis, and with open dia, Bishop-designate Duca even of the great things about being Large $47.95 hearts and open arms we wel- mentioned that Bishop Muench a bishop emeritus, you’re still a Small $29.95 come the appointment of Bishop had not stopped smiling since deacon, you’re still a priest and Michael Duca, current bishop the newly appointed bishop ar- you’re still a bishop, but you 5575 GOVERNMENT ST., JUST WEST OF JEFFERSON HWY. of Shreveport, to be the bish- rived in Baton Rouge the night don’t have to make the decisions. PHONE ORDERS WELCOME! 225-272-6817 OPEN MON.-SAT. 9:30 - 6:00 PM op-elect of Baton Rouge,” said before the 10 a.m. press event. You don’t get to go to the meet- Baton Rouge’s only TRUE ITALIAN DELI Since 1978 Bishop Muench with great en- Bishop Muench, who had ings. So, if you’re worried that thusiasm during a press con- been released from Our Lady of I’m going to be lonely, pray for IN HONOR OF JULY BEING DEDICATE TO THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS: ference announcing the ap- the Lake Regional Medical Cen- me! I don’t think I’m going to be Consequently, St. Peter can formulate the apostolic faith in the divine plan of salvation in pointment of Bishop-designate ter one day earlier after becom- lonely. And, no one will be pull- this way: “You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers... with the Michael G. Duca. ing dehydrated during the recep- ing harder for Bishop Duca than precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was destined before “By nature, person, character, tion of his 50th anniversary of Bishop Muench!” the foundation of the world but was made manifest at the end of the times for your sake.” disposition, education and expe- his ordination as a priest, smiled The bishop then talked about Man’s sins, following on original sin, are punishable by death. By sending his own Son in the rience, Bishop Duca is eminently playfully with those crowded the first time he was appointed form of a slave, in the form of a fallen humanity, on account of sin, God “made him to be sin qualified for this position as one into the room when asked during a bishop in the diocese of Cov- who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” who radiates the love and joy of the press conference how he was ington, Kentucky, and how he Catechism of the Catholic Church #602 Jesus Christ. He brings unique feeling. SEE FINAL PAGE 9 4 The Catholic Commentator A NEW SHEPHERD July 6, 2018

BISHOPS of the DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE

BISHOP ROBERT E. TRACY was appointed the founding bishop for the newly formed Diocese of Baton Rouge in 1961. The bishop was installed Nov. 8, 1961 and served until his resignation on March 21, 1974. Bishop Tracy, born Sept. 14, 1909, in New Orleans was educated in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and ordained a priest on June 12, 1932. From 1962 to 1965 he participated in the Second Vatican Council in Rome. Bishop Tracy oversaw the construction of the Catholic Life Center and the renovation of St. Joseph Cathedral. He died April 4, 1980.

BISHOP JOSEPH V. SULLIVAN, born Aug. 15, 1919 in Kansas City, Mis- souri, was appointed the second bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge by (Blessed) Pope John Paul VI on Sept. 4, 1974. Bishop Sullivan was a prominent leader in the pro-life movement and committed to the doctrines of the Catholic faith. He was vigorous in his promotion of Catholic schools within the diocese. Bishop Sullivan NICE TO MEET YOU! –From left, Father Michael Alello, pastor of St. Thomas More died on Sept. 4, 1982. Church in Baton Rouge, Father David Allen, pastor of Holy Family Church in Port Allen and Father Patrick Broussard, parochial vicar of St. Thomas More, welcome BISHOP STANLEY J. OTT was born June 29, 1927 in Gretna and installed Bishop-designate Michael G. Duca to the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Photos by Richard as the third bishop in the Diocese of Baton Rouge on March 25, 1983. He was or- Meek|The Catholic Commentator dained to the priesthood in Rome on Dec. 8, 1951. Bishop Tracy had previously appointed Bishop Ott judicial vicar of the diocese and he later became chancellor. On June 29, 1976 (Blessed) Pope Paul VI appoint- ed him Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and he served there for more than six years. In 1991 Bishop Ott was diagnosed with inoperable cancer and gave a unique personal witness to the faith in the way he accepted his illness and pending death. He died on Nov. 28, 1992.

BISHOP ALFRED C. HUGHES was appointed the fourth bishop of the di- ocese on Sept. 7, 1993. Born Dec. 2, 1932, Bishop Hughes was educated in public schools in his native Boston until he entered the seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Boston on Dec. 15, 1957 and ordained an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Boston on Sept. 14, 1981. Bishop Hughes was installed in Baton Rouge on Nov. 4, 1993 and later ap- pointed the Archbishop of New Orleans in 2002. Under his episcopal leadership in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, special emphasis was given to promoting the new Catechism of the Catholic Church in parishes and schools. He initiated a com- prehensive Strategic Planning Process, the successful Campaign for Tomorrow, renovation of the Tracy Center into an overnight retreat facility and expansion of the Catholic Education Trust Fund. ​

BISHOP ROBERT W. MUENCH, a native of Louisville, Kentucky and raised in New Orleans, was appointed the fifth Bishop of the diocese on Dec. 15, GREETING STAFF – Bishop-designate Michael G. Duca shakes hands with Barry 2001 and installed March 14, 2002. Bishop Muench was ordained to the priest- Schoedel, associate director of the Office of Evangelization for the Diocese of hood on May 18, 1968 and to the episcopacy as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdio- Baton Rouge, while Dina Dow, director of the Office of Evangelization and Cat- cese of New Orleans on June 29, 1990. echesis, looks on. It was the first time the bishop-designate met employees of He was installed as Bishop of Covington, Kentucky on March 19, 1996, where the Diocese of Baton Rouge. he served until being installed in Baton Rouge. Through his words, actions and many appearances, Bishop Muench has used his characteristic good humor and enthusiasm to spread the message of Christ’s redeeming love. He has displayed a unique ability to touch the lives of young people and families through his ministry.

BISHOP-DESIGNATE MICHAEL G. DUCA was appointed the sixth bish- op of the Diocese of Baton Rouge by Pope Francis on June 27, 2018. Bishop-des- ignate Duca was born in Dallas, Texas on June 5, 1952. He attended Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, Texas from 1970 to 1978 and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Dallas on April 29, 1978. After serving in several parishes in the Dallas area and as vocations director for the diocese, he served as rector at Holy Trinity Seminary from 1996 to 2008. On May 19, 2008, Bishop-designate Duca was in- stalled as the second bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport. He presently serves as a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops and immediate past president of the Louisiana Interchurch Conference. He serves as a trustee to Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and St. Joseph Seminary in Covington. His installation as bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 24, the Feast of St. Bartholomew, at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. ALL SMILES – Bishop-designate Duca speaks with diocesan employees follow- ing his first press conference after being appointed by Pope Francis as the sixth bishop for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. July 6, 2018 A NEW SHEPHERD The Catholic Commentator 5 Bishop-designate Duca welcomed by employees

By Debbie Shelley “I have met Bishop (designate) Duca The Catholic Commentator at different meetings before. He seems so warm, welcoming and approachable. I see “He’s a man who’s not afraid to roll up how he connects with people so well,” said his sleeves and get to work until the job Linda Fjeldsjo, coordinator of the Prison is done,” said Jean Dresley, refugee reset- Ministry Office and St. Joseph Homes. tlement director for Catholic Charities of “I am excited for the incarcerated as the Diocese of Baton Rouge in describing they hopefully get to meet him – that he Bishop-designate Michael G. Duca, who will continue the traditions of the bishop has been appointed by the Vatican to re- visiting them,” she added. place retiring Bishop Robert W. Muench. She was also encouraged as she looked Dresley worked with Bishop-designate around at the representatives of the Duca in establishing Catholic Charities in various ministries in the diocese who the Diocese of Shreveport. She served as welcomed the bishop-designate and ex- executive director there from 2010-2016 pressed their enthusiasm for the work go- before she and her husband moved to Ba- ing on in the diocese. ton Rouge. “There’s just a lot of excitement,” said “It was a holy time,” said Dresley, say- Fjeldsjo. ing that Bishop-designate Duca “has a Dina Dow, director of the Office of Bishop-designate Michael G. Duca (right) greets employees at the conclusion of a June 26 heart for the margin- Evangelization for the press conference announcing that Pope Francis appointed him the sixth bishop of the alized.” Diocese of Baton Rouge, Diocese of Baton Rouge. He is pictured speaking to (left, from front) Michael Miller, assis- In an effort to bet- said, “He (Bishop-des- tant superintendent of schools of the Diocese of Baton Rouge; his daughter, Julia, a rising ter serve the people ignate Duca) has a great freshman at St. Michael High School in Baton Rouge; and C.J. Roy, disaster recovery su- in the Shreveport Di- sense of humor, humility pervisor for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic ocese, which is 11,129 and service. I think this Commentator square miles, a satel- is a great opportunity for lite office for Catholic him personally to walk Charities was opened into the doors of a di- Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Monroe in 2016. verse, vibrant diocese.” Dresley said her phone “blew up” from She said the bishop-designate con- Diocese of Baton Rouge the number of phone calls from people veyed his support and enthusiasm for after it was announced that Bishop-des- evangelization in his comments and looks ignate Duca was appointed as the sixth forward to working with him in proclaim- bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. ing the Gospel Message. DAY OF “I am thrilled,” said Dresley. “I have Darryl Ducote, director of the Office so much respect and admiration for him. of Marriage and Family Life, also liked He’s a fantastic shep- Bishop-designate Duca’s herd.” personal greeting of em- RENEWAL She noted that the “He’s a man who’s ployees at the press con- bishop-designate put ference. an “incredible amount not afraid to roll “I was very impressed of mileage on his car” with how personable he “Praise Rally” to visit the parishes up his sleeves and was and how pastoral he and people of the Dio- was in his concern for cese of Shreveport. get to work until people,” said Ducote. August 4, Saturday “He’s very serious “I was also inspired about getting around the job is done.” by his intent to reach out and being a real pres- to all the difference cul- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. ence to them,” said Jean Dresley tures in the diocese, es- Dresley. Refugee Resettlement Director for Catholic pecially when he offered Our Lady of Mercy Parish Center She further pointed Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge his welcoming com- (445 Marquette Ave. at Government St.) out that Bishop-des- ments to the Hispanics ignate Duca is a man in Spanish.” who respects the talents of the people He was also encouraged by Bish- whom he works with and “lets them do op-designate Duca’s recognition of the what they do best.” importance of families in south Louisiana Praise/Worship, Teaching, Personal At the conclusion of the press confer- culture. ence announcing his appointment at the “It’s assuring that he will be supportive Testimony/Prayers for Healing & Catholic Life Center on June 26, Bish- of the outreach and programs our office op-designate Duca personally shook offers,” Ducote said. Baptism in the Holy Spirit hands with and talked to diocesan em- Ducote said the bishop-designate’s ployees who were present to greet him. meeting with the people indicates that Lunch provided He left a good first impression on many his support of the “pastoral needs for the employees who occasionally saw him in people will filter to all the ministries of No registration required. Info: 225-636-2464 the past or met him for the first time. the church, both ordained and lay.” 6 The Catholic Commentator July 6, 2018 Donating body to science/ Flags on the altar

I would like to donate my re- Next, following the medical research, diocesan bishop, who most often leaves it Methodist girl. (The wedding ceremony mains to medical science. Does any bodily remains should be entombed to the discretion of the local pastor. was conducted in her church, with both Qthe Catholic Church approve or or buried in consecrat- Having said that, it is her Methodist minister and a Catholic disapprove of this action? (Chesapeake, ed ground. And finally, true that the U.S. bish- military chaplain officiating.) We have Virginia) it is wise for someone ops’ Committee on the been blessed with four children who were The Catholic Church not only intending to donate his Liturgy has encouraged all baptized Catholic. allows this but encourages it. Your or her body to communi- Catholic parishes not Now that the children are grown, Adonation could enable doctors, cate that desire to family to place a national flag my wife and I typically attend separate nurses and medical researchers to under- members well in advance in the sanctuary itself church services on Sundays, but occa- stand the human body better and save to avoid surprise or and so, more often, it is sionally (perhaps twice year) I will go to lives in the future. family friction at the time displayed in a church’s church with her or she will come to Mass The U.S. Catholic bishops in their pol- of death. vestibule. Underlying with me. When she is with me at Mass, icy document Ethical and Religious Di- that suggestion is the I usually remain in the pew with her at rectives for Catholic Health Care Services Our parish is fact that Catholics be- Communion time. But at her church, the state that Catholic health care facilities meeting in tem- long to a universal faith minister regularly announces that all should provide the means for those who Qporary quarters community that tran- who are present are welcome to receive wish to donate organs and bodily tissue for Mass because we are scends national borders communion. both for transplant and for research building a new church. Question Corner and that, as St. Paul tells So my question is this: What is the (No. 63). Likewise, St. John Paul II in This place has the Amer- the Philippians (3:20), Catholic Church’s teaching about re- his 1995 encyclical “The Gospel of Life” ican flag and the Arkan- Father Kenneth Doyle our primary citizenship ceiving communion at other churches? called organ donation an act of “everyday sas state flag flanking the is in heaven. (Fisherville, Virginia) heroism” that nurtures a genuine culture altar. Should those flags This same thinking Except for very limited circum- of life (No. 86). be removed during the Mass? (Jones- guides the placement of flags on a casket stances, a Catholic is not permit- A couple of cautions are in place, boro, Arkansas) during a funeral Mass, and here there Ated to receive communion at a though. First, a Catholic funeral Mass Perhaps surprisingly, the Catholic actually is a rule that governs. The Order non-Catholic service. The church’s Code may and should still be held, even Church has no binding regulation of Christian Funerals provides that “any of Canon Law provides that the faithful without the presence of the body (i.e., a Aon the placement of flags within national flags or the flags or insignia “receive them (the sacraments) licitly memorial Mass), to entrust the deceased a church building neither in the Code of associations to which the deceased from Catholic ministers alone” (Canon person to the Lord and to allow the fami- of Canon Law nor in any of its liturgical belonged are to be removed from the 844.1). ly to mourn and pray together. books. It is left to the judgment of the coffin at the entrance of the church. They This is based on the Catholic belief may be replaced after the coffin has been that there is an unbroken chain of valid taken from the church” (No. 132). During ordination from Jesus and the apostles Look for the Mass itself, a white funeral pall down through succeeding generations normally covers the casket as a symbol of of Catholic bishops, and that the same The CaThoLiC CommenTaTor the person’s baptism. continuous line does not apply with Prot- aT your LoCaL ouTLeTs inCLuding: It sounds to me from your question, estant ministers. though, that you may be borrowing a There is an exception made in Canon ✔ Affinity Nursing Home, Baton Rouge ✔ Oak Wood Nursing Home, Zachary Protestant worship space while your 844.2 that allows Catholics to receive the ✔ Anthony's Deli, Baton Rouge ✔ Old Jefferson Community Care, own new church is being built. If this is sacraments in Orthodox churches (i.e., ✔ Alexander’s Highland Market, Baton Rouge the case, I think that as a grateful guest “in whose churches these sacraments Baton Rouge ✔ Our Lady of the Lake Regional I would be cautious about doing any are valid”) in a circumstance where “it ✔ Ascension Books & Gifts, Gonzales Medical Center, Baton Rouge and “structural rearrangement” and might be is physically or morally impossible to ✔ Baton Rouge General Hospital, Walker tempted to leave the national and state approach a Catholic minister.” Baton Rouge ✔ Our Lady of the Lake Physician flags just where they are. ✔ Baton Rouge Healthcare, Baker Group, offices with locations FATHER DOYLE is a retired priest in the ✔ Benedetto’s Market, Addis throughout the Diocese I am a cradle Catholic and a Diocese of Albany, New York. Questions ✔ Bohning Supermarket, Ponchatoula ✔ Reeve’s Supermarket, Baton Rouge product of 16 years of Catholic may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle ✔ Calandro’s Supermarkets, ✔ Rouses, Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Qeducation. Thirty-seven years at [email protected] and 30 Baton Rouge Donaldsonville, Hammond, Plaquemine, ago, I met and married a very nice Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, NY 12203. ✔ Catholic Art and Gifts, Baton Rouge Prairieville and Zachary We are one family, ✔ Daigle’s Supermarket, White Castle ✔ St. Elizabeth Hospital, Gonzales and we mourn the senseless tragedy ✔ Fran U, Baton Rouge ✔ St. Mary’s Books & Gifts, at the Capital Gazette together. ✔ Grace Healthcare, Slaughter Baton Rouge Our hearts grieve the loss of our fellow newspaperWe arestaffers. one family, ✔ Hi Nabor Supermarkets, Baton Rouge ✔ St. Vincent dePaul Stores throughout We wish comfort and peace for their families, friends, co-workers ✔ and all who have been touched by this heartbreakand – we mourn Hubbins Grocery, Port Allen the diocese and healing to those who are recovering. ✔ Lane Regional Hospital, Zachary ✔ Schexnayer Supermarket, Vacherie the senseless tragedy ✔ Louisiana Vet Home, Jackson ✔ Southside Produce, Baton Rouge at the Capital Gazette together. ✔ Matherne’s Supermarkets, ✔ Tony’s Seafood, Baton Rouge Baton Rouge ✔ UPS Store, Coursey Blvd., Baton Our hearts grieve the loss ✔ Magnuson Hotel, St. Francisville Rouge of our fellow newspaper staffers. ✔ North Ridgely Healthcare, Baker ✔ Whole Foods Market, Baton Rouge We wish comfort and peace ✔ ✔ Oak Point Supermarket, Central Winn Dixie in Hammond, New Roads for their families, friends, co-workers and all who have been touched by this heartbreak – as well as your local church parish and healing to those who are recovering.

THE CATHOLIC

PENNSYLVANIA

ommentatorASSOCIATION CSERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 July 6, 2018 FAITH JOURNEY The Catholic Commentator 7 Buying into First Beatitude RESTHAVEN GARDENS OF MEMORY & FUNERAL HOME investment in spiritual future ® We make it personal. This article will focus on the mandments) are like a road- themselves. Not only in dona- for a better farewell first of the Eight Beatitudes: map, a ‘how to’ book of instruc- tions, but giving of their time Blessed are the poor in spirit, tion,” said Father Adkins. and talent. If they couldn’t do 11817 Jefferson Highway 225-753-1440 for the kingdom of heaven He saw fellow students at it themselves, they would cer- www.resthavenbatonrouge.com is theirs. LSU live out the beatitudes tainly find someone who could when he studied there. do it,” said Father Adkins. By Debbie Shelley “There were people from The beatitudes can be chal- 2x2” Rest.small.honor.those.cc’16 The Catholic Commentator good families who would help lenging for people who want to people at the Student Union know “what it takes” and “what Mr. D’s Tree Service Whether one has millions Center,” said Father Adkins. I must do to get into the king- or only a few dollars to spend, “That’s the first time I noticed dom of heaven.” And because ovEr 35 yEars ExpErIEncE they can invest their future in that you don’t have to be rich no one can say with certainty Don Decell, owner the kingdom of heaven by liv- economically to serve others. where their lives are headed carl BaBin, owner ing the first of the Eight Beat- “Even in the Marine Corps in a physical sense, they can • Economical itudes: Blessed are the poor (which Father Adkins served be secure about their eternal • Fully Insured • Quality Work in spirit, for the destination by being CALL TODAY! kingdom of heav- poor in spirit and 225-292-6756 ens is theirs, said “They (beatitudes and following the rest Father Howard of the beatitudes, Adkins, pastor of commandments) are like a roadmap, according to Father Join Mater Dolorosa Adkins. Church in Inde- a ‘how to’ book of instruction.” “We don’t know Fr. Mike Moroney pendence. what will happen in “Every time I Father Howard Adkins the future. I think August 7-14, 2019 read that (first be- Pastor of Mater Dolorosa Church in Independence Jesus’ words (in on a Viking River Cruise atitude) I think of the beatitudes) are 8 Day Rhine Getaway individuals, who ‘This is what I want.’ are economically rich or poor, in), there were people who I think we can go back to the Optional Pre and Post Packages who use their free will to accept would do what’s necessary to beatitudes and see that they 2 nights each in Lucerne or Amsterdam whatever God sends their way. help people, and not just in put us on the right path to the *Special Round Trip Airfare from New Orleans $549 Whether it be something easy Marine Corps training. Marine heavenly kingdom,” said Father includes air plus fee or hard, something they know Corps life can be difficult.” Adkins. Limited Space • For additional information call Tootie. about or they may not know Father Adkins said he would *Airfare cost is based on availability; subject to change by Viking Cruise Lines about, it’s the fact that they use see sergeants spend whatev- Next: Blessed are they who their free will to do whatever er time is necessary helping mourn, for they will be com- Pearson’s Travel World God says is necessary,” said Fa- younger Marines. forted. 7949 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge • 225-926-3752 ther Adkins. One of the biggest role mod- He said the Catechism of els for Father Adkins in living the Catholic Church has a good out the beatitudes was his fa- Receive The Catholic breakdown of the beatitudes. ther, who worked for the CIA. “We tend to forget that book, “He would tell us things he Commentator in but it is important,” smiled Fa- was doing that would make us your mailbox every ther Adkins. pull our covers over our head,” The catechism states: “The said Father Adkins. “He would other week—all beatitudes are at the heart of be gone six to eight months at year long. Jesus’ preaching. They take up a time. We knew he was alive, the promises made to the cho- but there was no contact. But THE CATHOLIC sen people since Abraham. The he was doing whatever was Subscribe Today! beatitudes fulfill the promis- necessary to help. He did his Commentator es by ordering them no longer work quietly, and he did it very ENCLOSED SEND MY SUBSCRIPTION TO: merely to the possession of a well.”  Check territory, but to the kingdom of He said that his father was NAME ______heaven.” well regarded, and after he  Money order ADDRESS ______It also states that the beat- passed away from health is- for $14 per person itudes respond to the natural sues, once a year his mother per year. CITY ______STATE ______desire for happiness. would receive visitors from the  I’d like to give ZIP ______Father Adkins often refers CIA who asked one question: a subscription to the beatitudes in his hom- “Do you need anything?” for an additional —AND PLEASE SEND GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO— ilies. He noted that they are The parishioners at Mater $14 per year. NAME ______something we must “do,” along Dolorosa and its mission chap- with the Ten Commandments el, St. Dominic in Husser, have To pay by credit card, ADDRESS ______call The Catholic and two commandments of also shown Father Adkins that CITY ______STATE ______love: love God with all you they abide by the spirit of the Commentator at heart, soul and mind and your first beatitude. 225-387-0983. ZIP ______GIVEN BY ______neighbor as yourself. “I have seen people I know MAIL TO: THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR, P. O. BOX 3316, BATON ROUGE, LA 70821-3316 “They (beatitudes and com- that were completely giving of 8 The Catholic Commentator A NEW SHEPHERD July 6, 2018

DUCA  address, the bishop-designate said he scribed foodie, said he anticipates “hit- great enthusiasm and excitement,” he From page 1 is committed to supporting those who ting the ground walking” as opposed to said. “And, I’m anxious to meet all of you serve in the church. “running” when he officially takes pos- over the next years of my life as a bishop Though the geographical area of the “I look forward to meeting the priests session of the diocese because “there is of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.” Diocese of Baton Rouge pales in com- and deacons of the diocese and also the a good organization, a good structure, a In a nod to his Texas roots and the parison with that of Shreveport, 5,513 diocesan staff,” said Bishop-designate good spirit in the church” in the Baton large Spanish-speaking population in square miles versus 11,129 square miles, Duca. “But, at the end, the priests, dea- Rouge diocese. He also mentioned an ac- his home state, the bishop-designate the bishop-designate inherits a much cons and lay leaders of the parishes and quaintance in Shreveport, whose brother made a statement in Spanish, “especially denser population concentration that institutions are those that I want most is a priest in Baton Rouge and stated that now when things are so uncertain for so includes 64 church parishes, one Cath- to be seen as in solidarity with. They are the Baton Rouge diocese has “the best many people.” olic university, 31 schools, 51 diocesan the ones we, the Catholic staff, are here group of priests in Louisiana.” “Basically, what I said was that I want priests, 56 active permanent deacons to support because they are the ones, the “That was very encouraging and Bish- them to know that they are part of our and more than 100 combined religious outreach, that touch the people of God.” op Muench has given me the same kind family, we are one church and I can say brothers and sisters. In his first public Bishop-designate Duca, a self-de- of encouragement and so I come with a that openly because I know that this is a city of much diversity,” he added. “When I moved to Louisiana, I thought that I would have shrimp and seafood in my freezer, more than I could eat. I moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, and ended up with meat pies and tamales, which have been a great gift. But, I first experienced in Shreveport, the diversity of culture and influence throughout this whole Louisiana state. “It’s a wonderful diversity, and I know we have Vietnamese, African-American; we have other cultures that are here all around, and I just want to say, we all have to consider that we are one family and when one part of the family suffers, we all suffer, and we need to have that kind of unity together.” Bishop-designate Duca then refer- enced a speech made at the recent U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting “about the importance of being close to one another” and getting to know each other and each other’s struggles. “We need to get close to (the poor) to understand their lives because in the end, we all want the same thing,” he said. “So to our brothers and sisters that don’t speak English, I want them to know that they are part of our family. If I could say this in Vietnamese, I would, but that’s way beyond me and I’m not going to try to say it in south Louisiana because I would mess that up, too.” In follow-up questions, the bish- op-designate acknowledged that the transition from “the north to the south” will not be an easy one, saying, “I’m in way over my head here.” “I don’t even know enough to know how much I don’t know about south Lou- isiana to be worried about how much I don’t know,” he added. “Culturally, I know that I’m in a different place so I have to learn the culture and the way people interact. “I know that there’s north Louisiana, there’s south Louisiana and there’s New Orleans.” But he also emphasized the univer- sality of the church, saying “even though there may be a great difference in cul- ture, there is one church language, you might say, the language of the Mass, the language of the sacraments, the language of prayer. So we start off together with that.” Bishop-designate Duca is tentatively scheduled to be installed on Aug. 24 at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral. July 6, 2018 A NEW SHEPHERD The Catholic Commentator 9

FINAL  “I’ve had 16 years here. I’ve a commercial, it will be this: For THE CATHOLIC COMMENTATOR From page 3 had 28 years being a bishop any potential candidates for the along with 22 years prior to Catholic priesthood, think about Next Issue Deadline ... JULY 11 looked to the retired bishop that being a priest and frankly, it, pray about it, consult about it.” there, Bishop William Hughes, being a deacon priest is one of From the time he entered for advice on problems. the greatest privileges any of us the seminary at 13-years-old in “He’s gone to the Lord, but he can have,” said Bishop Muench. 1956, through the 12 years of had this very deep studying to be a voice and I’ll nev- priest and his 50 er forget him tell- years as a priest, ing me, like when the bishop said he I would go with a never had any re- Call Blocker Tree and Landscape today! difficult problem, grets concerning Fully Licensed and Insured • Free Estimates he would say, ‘Well, his vocation. Licensed Arborist #17-2227 • Licensed Irrigation #17-0691 Bob, that’s a very “I’ve had long Owners Trey Blocker and Brant Fox difficult problem. days, I’ve had I understand why hard days, I’ve you find it difficult.’ had difficult days. And, I told him one But, there was time, ‘Well, Bill, I never an instant For when hope one day I’ll be in which I want- able to say to some- ed to be any- body, ‘Bishop, I un- thing other than you get derstand, it’s a very a priest,” said tough problem!’ Bishop Muench. buffalo’d. “And, that wish “Being a Catholic has been fulfilled!!! priest means you “You see, priest- give up your own hood, is relational; personal family, it’s interpersonal. although, obvi- Joe Skibinski, Agent We’ve got an agent for that. It’s not just about ously, you main- 1953 Perkins Rd Baton Rouge, LA 70808 making executive tain your family Bus: 225-387-0201 Toll Free: Sometimes you just never know decisions; it’s not Bishop-designate Michael G. Duca and Bishop Robert W. of origin but (you 888-387-0201 what’s going to cross your path. just about organiz- Muench face the media together, hours after the Vatican an- have) the family Just know I have your back. ing and planning nounced the appointment by Pope Francis. Photo by Richard Meek | of the church and So when accidents happen, and trying to bring The Catholic Commentator the community. you have a real person who (things) together. How people are so can get the job done right, and Priesthood is a spiritual privi- “And, with the challenges of good to us and what it means … right away. Like a good neighbor, lege.” being bishop, there also comes to pray with people, privately or ® Bishop Muench then shared great joys, closeness to people, publicly, to be a member of their State Farm is there. the story of a recent meeting and Sunday at that (anniver- family by extension. This will not CALL ME TODAY. with a woman who said she’d sary) Mass, as I was looking at cease but it will be in a new situ- never met a priest in person and the congregation and the people ation. And, I welcome this time. how the incident made an impact in the sanctuary, it just put in- It is time for someone younger, on him because of how respect- side of me, intangible as well as with more energy to take the ba- ful she acted toward him. tangible memories of the joy of ton, the red baton, Baton Rouge, 1101160.2 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL “People are good,” he said. priesthood. And, if I can make and to take it down the road.” “We’re all made of the same clay and, we all have to try the best that we can. But, when you come to a point, the appointed time, Hospice is not about giving up it’s time now to move to the next stage, the next step, but I do so … it’s about taking control filled with the joy of the love of the priesthood. And, so, I’ll be • We rely upon the intercession of our Blessed Mother to assist us in imitating the healing ministry of Jesus able to continue as needed. The Christ as we care for terminally ill patients and their families. ministry, the bishop and I were • We call forth the compassion and kindness of our staff, who serve in this health care ministry, to respond to talking about this, of diaconate, the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of our patients and their families. of priesthood and of episcopacy, if necessary, but I serve at the • We believe in the sacredness of life from conception to natural death, and we devote ourselves to pleasure of how Bishop Duca supporting patients and families through the dying process at the end of life’s journey on this earth and new life in eternity. would need me or wish me to help.” Bishop Muench stated that the next two months, until Bish- op-designate Duca is installed in the cathedra (the chair of the bishop in his church) and takes The right people, possession of the diocese, will be doing the right thing a transition period but he is “now for the right reason. in the background” and wanted SERVING PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS “everyone to know there is only www.NotreDameHospice-NO.org • (225) 243-7358 one diocesan bishop at a time Notre Dame Hospice does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability or age in admission, treatment, ability to pay, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. and that bishop is Bishop Duca.” 10 The Catholic Commentator | July 6, 2018 July 6, 2018 | The Catholic Commentator 11

lee GoldenANNIVERSARY  Jubi“(God) has opened new people and opportunities to a tremendous gift and resource you have been. I be part of my life and ministry. I thank God for the call love you and I always will.” From page 1 to priesthood.” A reception at the parish hall followed. Shortly The Mass was celebrated two days before the Vatican Bishop Muench said his jubilee was a celebration of into the reception, Bishop Muench was overcome announced Bishop Michael G. Duca of Shreveport as the priesthood, and offered special thanks to his broth- with dehydration and transported by ambulance the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, replac- er priests. to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Cen- ing Bishop Muench. “By its very essence, the priesthood is relational, rela- ter, where he was held overnight and released “As I gaze on all of you here, I am overwhelmed,” tional to Jesus and relational to others,” he said. “One of the following morning. He resumed his normal Bishop Muench said in his homily. “It would be impos- my favorite aspects of being a priest is to pray with peo- duties on June 26, which included welcoming sible for me to adequately thank every one of you who is ple one-on-one and in groups, privately and publicly.” Bishop-designate Duca during a press confer- here and to acknowledge what you mean to me and how He mentioned several of the many responsibilities of ence June 27. I assure you I do not take you for granted.” a priest, including proclaiming the word of God, baptiz- Throughout the Mass, a smile rarely left the bishop’s ing, anointing the sick, imparting the apostolic blessing face, and his homily was sprinkled in with equal doses on the dying, performing marriages, counseling the dis- of humor, theology, reflection and appreciation. heartened or confused and being an effective minister Following the Mass, Bishop Muench greeted sev- He offered special thanks to his parents, Sister Mary of hope. eral well-wishers during a reception at the parish Alice a former principal at St. Leo the Great Elementary “Additionally, the priest is a beneficiary of goodness hall, including his sisters, pictured right. From left, School in New Orleans and two clergy members for en- beyond measure,” Bishop Muench added. “The appreci- are Jo Ann Talken, Mary Pringle and Marsha Morse. couraging him to join the priesthood as well as offering ation, the trust, the bonding with the people of the faith, guidance and support during the 12 years of his semi- those seeking to understand the faith, what gifts they nary life. He recalled walking into St. Joseph Seminary bring to the priest. in St. Benedict in 1956, when it still had a high school on “God has graced me. I thank God for the call to priest- campus, and from that time forward “never wanting to hood and for the ministry of priesthood. And I thank be anything other than be a priest. those of you who have been a part of that ministry. What

Left, Bishop Robert W. Muench was all smiles as greeted the large congregation who had gathered at St. Joseph Right, several bishops, including Archbishop Gregory M. Cathedral to celebrate his Golden Jubilee of ordination. Aymond of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, attended Photos by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator the Mass, which was celebrated June 24. Pictured, from left, are Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of the Diocese of Hou- ma-Thibodaux, Bishop Louis F. Kihneman of the Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Archbishop Aymond, retired Arch- bishop Alfred C. Hughes of New Orleans, retired Bishop Michael C. Jarrell of the Diocese of Lafayette, Bishop John D. Deshotel of Lafayette and Bishop Ferdinand J. Cheri of New Orleans.

Following the Mass, the bishop was greeted as he processed down the aisle, Many of the priests of the Diocese of Baton Rouge were in attendance. Archbishop Hughes, former bishop of the Diocese of taking time to acknowledge the many kind comments he was hearing. Baton Rouge, expressed his joy at being at the celebration. 12 The Catholic Commentator July 6, 2018 New name, same ministry for Blessings Mission By Debbie Shelley began Blessings on the Bayou Father Alello worked to bring While DeJohn’s home, was ings on the Bayou, so the Bless- The Catholic Commentator in 2009 when he was pastor of the mission to Baton Rouge after spared, nearby homes were ings Mission was a natural move. St. Philomena Church in Laba- he became pastor of STM. flooded. Her aunt and uncle “You can see how we are “You’ve got to be really quick dieville as a way for youth to see This year, STM partnered lost everything and stayed in a blessed. How people have homes and keep up the good work eth- that they can serve people “right with the St. Bernard Project FEMA trailer. Her grandmoth- and nice things in those homes. ic. Not slacking off is the key to in their own backyard” by help- (SBP), a local organization as- er’s home was badly damaged as You can also see devastation in getting the job done,” said Jo- ing those on fixed incomes in the sisting rebuilding efforts of area well, and she stayed with them. our community,” said LeFeve. seph Parson, a youth from Most Labadieville, Napoleonville and homes damaged from the flood. “So it’s very near and dear to He added, “Once you see that Blessed Sacrament Church in Ba- Thibodaux areas. Sixty-four youth worked with my heart,” said DeJohn. just a few miles away someone ton Rouge in express- about 30 college mentors Macullen Mire, a member of has lost everything, you feel con- ing the importance of and adults on seven work the youth group at St. Aloysius nected to the person.” time during a diocesan- sites throughout the Baton Church in Baton Rouge, like- The best part of the mission wide Blessings Mission Rouge area. wise, had an uncle whose home for LeFeve was interacting with hosted by St. Thomas Most of the youth had in Central flooded in 2016. the owners. More Church in Ba- personal experiences of “I know what it means to be “You can see the complexion ton Rouge June 13-17. flood recovery because flooded and not be back in the of the homeowner when you fin- Youth learned that time they have had friends and house two years later,” said Mire, ish. They are so happy,” he said. was critical in helping family whose homes were who had spent time refitting Homeowner Stephanie Walk- people who were wait- impacted. drywall, cleaning and painting. er beamed and chatted with the ing to get back into Parsons said he had an The biggest challenge of the missionaries and expressed her their homes two years uncle whose home flooded. mission for Mire was meeting after the flood of 2016, Through the experience new people, going into unfamil- as well as the need to he learned how to “face iar situations and having new take their time bonding challenges and keep going. experiences. with the homeowners You’ll be OK.” “But that’s also the best part,” they were helping and “SBP does good work in he said. fellow missionaries to the community,” said Par- At night, the youth talked form lasting relation- sons, who is open to doing about what it means to be a mis- ships. future mission work. sionary and serving people and The Blessings Mis- Olivia DeJohn, a mem- getting an understanding of the sion is a continuation ber of the STM youth problems experienced by the of the work started in group, did everything from people they were helping. Labadieville as part of nailing boards, helping Hanna Hebert, a member of Blessings on the Bayou. Macullen Mire cuts some trim for a house during to put up shelves, paint- the STM youth group, said the Father Michael the Blessings Mission. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catho- ing stairs and cleaning the homes of her grandmother and Alello, pastor of STM, lic Commentator bathroom. aunt, who lived next door to each other and down the street from her, flooded. They stayed with Advertising is now being accepted for the her family and she helped clean out their homes, comforted them and then helped them move back in after their homes were re- Diocese of Baton Rouge paired. Because the youth slept on 2018-19 Directory site at STM, the biggest chal- Isabelle English (back) and Hanna The official directory for the Diocese of Baton Rouge lenge for Hebert was not having Hebert paint a door as part of the the comforts of her own home. Blessings Mission. When should you consider inpatient hospice care? But the graces for her includ- Don’t miss this opportunity ed becoming more independent, appreciation. which is a good preparation for Walker was in denial that her to have your message seen by college. home would flood and did not Isabelle English, another leave until she saw water in her

decision makers in the 2018 – 2017 Directory Rouge Baton of Diocese member of the youth group at carport. Her home took on more St. Aloysius, said her childhood than three-and-a-half feet of wa- Diocese of Baton Rouge. home in French Settlement ter. It took her a year-and-a-half The Carpenter House staff is ready to intervene if you or a loved one are facing clinical problems that cannot be addressed at home with traditional hospice care. If the patient meets criteria, we can help manage uncontrolled symptoms from the comfort of our inpatient facility, flooded, so she felt a connection to get back in her home, which St. Joseph Hospice The Carpenter House. The Carpenter House provides is a home-like theconfi denceatmosphere and security where patientsof a hospital and family with the members comforts can of receive a home assistance with symptom management and, when appropriate, their stay is covered by Medicare. to those who experienced a loss. still needed many repairs that You can feel confi dent knowing your loved one is cared for by our experienced team . Space andprofessionals time. is limited. Most common uncontrolled symptoms: of healthcare She helped with the gutting of she could not afford.  Uncontrolled pain  Pain requiring use of IV-administered medications  Unresolved dyspnea or shortness of breath that house as well as another one “They’ve been awesome,” said  Uncontrolled nausea/vomiting  Uncontrolled anxiety or agitation  Terminal agitation T in that area. Walker as she looked glowingly S ®  Uncontrolled or unresolved pruritis JOSEPH For  additionalUncontrolled constipation or diarrhea H O S P I C E Questions? Let us help. Call 225-769-4810. “A lot of people cannot af- upon the youth as they worked informationReplace fear with or confi dence. to Call The Carpentermake House today. ford to completely renovate their like bees. “They didn’t even home and are still struggling. know how to do it. Now look at D I O C E S E O F B A T O N R O U G E space reservations now, I’m glad I can help,” said English. them, they sound professional, She enjoyed the “faith work” like it’s their job.” call or email and “team work” of the mission. Lifting up such people in need “It’s great to see how you can tugged at the heart of Jakob Wanda Koch at 225-387-0983 impact lives,” she said. Greer, also of St. Aloysius, as he Joseph LeFeve, from St. Aloy- saw poverty during a trip to Eu- sius, has participated in Bless- SEE BLESSINGS PAGE 13 July 6, 2018 The Catholic Commentator 13

BEARS ON PARADE – Pre-kindergartners at Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Baton Rouge visit the kindergarten classroom during the class’s annual Bear Parade at the school. Joining the parade was pre-kindergarten assistant and bear Terry Fountain. Photo provided by Lisa Cossè | Sacred Heart of Jesus School

MIDSUMMER NIGHT – Students in the eighth grade at St. Jude the Apostle School in Baton Rouge performed their interpretation of the Shakespeare plays, “Othello,” “Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Macbeth” which were part of their literature cur- riculum during the school year. The students, under the guidance of English teacher Megan Riedel, wrote, directed and choreographed their own unique versions of the plays in a performance entitled, “Shakespearience Goes Hollywood.” Photo provided by Starr Driesse | St. Jude the Apostle School

LAW DAY – Madison Davis, left, and Madelyn Fitch, students at St. Jean Vianney School in Baton Rouge, participate in Law Day May 1, sponsored by the Baton Rouge Bar Association. Local middle and high school students were invited to wit- ness a formal opening of court. SJV student Bella Bull won second place in the poster contest and Brooklyn Flowers won the Middle School Division in the essay contest for Law Day. Photo provided by Adele Kleinpeter | St. Jean Vianney School

 with a hammer and nail or fountain pen BLESSINGS my inspiration is to make the world bet- The Back to School special section will be in the From page 12 ter,” said Greer. July 20 issue of The Catholic Commentator. rope last summer. STM Youth Ministry Coordinator Find out what will be happening in the “I said, ‘Man I wish I could help them.’ Rosie Vutera was pleased with the enthu- But I had to leave,” said Greer. siasm and spirituality expressed by the Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools When the opportunity to participate missionaries. for the 2018-2019 school year. in Blessings on the Bayou came up, he “I always love watching them coming jumped at the opportunity to help people in the first day with fears and anxieties of Deadline is July 10! who had “strife and troubles.” what may be something as simple ‘where Greer said he has participated in Hab- am I going to sleep or shower?’ to what itat for Humanity builds in the past, but they are missing at home,” said Vutera. To inquire about advertising your products and did it for service hours. The Blessings “All of these anxieties will build strong services to this specialized market mission was different because he was in- walls up and by the end of the week, or space reservation contact tentionally participating. the majority of the walls will be broken “I will always remember about the im- down. The community that is built with- Wanda Koch at 225-387-0983 or poverished people – how disaster effects in the large group and within their small email [email protected]. people personally rather than statisti- groups is absolutely incredible. cally,” said Greer. “It more than a block of “As a youth minister, I’m seeing the THE CATHOLIC text on paper or text.” change in my youth as individuals, as Greer would like to become a public leaders both in our group and parish and servant and help set policy. strong witnesses to Christ in their ac- “Whether I help the less fortunate tions.” C   14 The Catholic Commentator ENTERTAINMENT July 6, 2018

Motion Picture Association of America and co-writer Gary Ross and his script one overly enthusiastic couple (Ed Helms MOVIE ratings: collaborator Olivia Milch will also get an and Isla Fisher) continuing a monthlong G – General audiences; all ages admitted eyeful of glamor. Less easily sloughed off game of tag decades into their adult PG – Parental guidance suggested; some than the principal theft is a subplot in- years. Supposedly, it’s all about hang- REVIEWS material may not be suitable for children USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting volving the revenge-driven frame-up of ing on to the fun of youth to avoid the PG-13 – Parents are strongly cautioned to classifications: the selfish art dealer (Richard Armitage) encroachments of age and grown-up give special guidance for attendance of A-I – General patronage whose cowardice sent Bullock’s char- responsibilities. But director Jeff Tom- children under 13; some material may be A-II – Adults and adolescents acter to the slammer in the first place. sic and screenwriters Rob McKittrick inappropriate for young children A-III – Adults A vengeance theme, a bedroom scene and Mark Stellen ramp up the crotch- R – Restricted; under 17 requires accom- A-IV – Adults, with reservations panying parent or adult guardian involving handcuffs, brief nonmarital level gags instead. Skewed moral val- L – Limited adult audience NC-17 – No one under 17 admitted sensuality, drug use, a couple of profani- ues, physical violence, drug use, partial O – Morally offensive ties, at least one rough and several crude nudity, references to aberrant sexuality, terms. A-III; PG-13 fleeting profanities, pervasive rough lan- Hereditary text, a few profanities, numerous rough guage. O; R A24 and crude terms. L; R Incredibles 2 This subtly creepy horror tale keeps Disney Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom the audience guessing exactly what lies Ocean’s 8 This visually impressive but predict- Universal behind the string of macabre occurrenc- Warner Bros. able sequel to the much-loved 2004 ani- Follow-up to the 2015 reboot of a fran- es besetting a middle-aged couple (Toni Clever humor keeps this elaborate mated film, written and directed again chise that began with Steven Spielberg’s Collette and Gabriel Byrne), their high crime caper on pace as a recently re- by Brad Bird, lacks the spontaneity, blockbuster 1993 screen version of Mi- schooler son (Alex Wolff) and 13-year- leased ex-con (Sandra Bullock) and her charm and style of its precursor, sacri- chael Crichton’s 1990 novel “Jurassic old daughter (Milly Shapiro). An un- longtime partner (Cate Blanchett) bring ficing story for relentless action which Park.” With the last of the cloned dino- usual blend of intense family drama and together an eccentric fashion design- may frighten younger viewers. The saurs at the heart of the series facing ex- a foray into the occult, writer-director er (Helena Bonham Carter), a jeweler mother (voice of Holly Hunter) of a fam- tinction due to a volcanic eruption, the Ari Aster’s feature debut mostly pays (Mindy Kaling), a con artist (Awkwa- ily of superheroes is chosen by a media former head (Bryce Dallas Howard) of patient viewers off with a resounding fina), an experienced fence (Sarah Paul- mogul (voice of Bob Odenkirk) to lead the theme park that once featured them conclusion, and Collette is furiously in- son) and a computer hacker (Rihanna) to a campaign to rehabilitate the image of and an ex-trainer (Chris Pratt) from tense throughout. But the gloomily at- pull off a heist at the Metropolitan Mu- “supers” and bring them back into ser- the same facility agree to help trans- mospheric film, which initially goes easy seum of Art’s annual gala. Their target vice. That means parental roles are re- port them to an isolated sanctuary. But on the gore, gets less restrained in that is a unique diamond necklace they must versed, and the father (voice of Craig T. there’s a conspiracy afoot to abduct the respect as it goes along. Black magic and manage to convince Cartier’s to loan to Nelson) must now stay at home and cope outsized critters and use them as weap- Satanist themes, gruesome events and a movie star (Anne Hathaway) for the with the kids (voices of Sarah Vowell, ons. Beyond the refreshingly innocent, images, drug use, glimpses of full male event. Grown viewers willing to treat Huck Milner and Eli Fucile). Before long on-again, off-again romance between and female nudity in a nonsexual con- larceny as nonchalantly as do director the family will reunite to save the world, the two leads, and the dubious appeal again. Fortunately, amid the bluster the of watching dinos run amok and chow film retains good messages about love, down on the occasional extra, director family, courage and helping others in J.A. Bayona’s action adventure has little need. Action violence and gunplay and to offer. Much animal violence with oc- mild profane and crass language. A-II; casional gore and a few gruesome im- PG ages, some gunplay, a couple of profani- ties and milder oaths, a single rough and Superfly several crude and crass terms. A-III; Columbia PG-13 An Atlanta cocaine dealer (Trevor Jackson) aims to increase his sales so he Race 3 can get out of the business. But blunders Yash Raj by his hotheaded partner (Jason Mitch- With this wild action thriller, in Hindi ell), conflict with a gang of competitors with English subtitles, director Remo (led by Jacob Ming-Trent), a broken rela- D’Souza reboots the Bollywood fran- tionship with his mentor (Michael Ken- chise with a new cast and a stand-alone neth Williams) and the machinations of story. It’s a whirlwind of a movie, part a Mexican drug lord (Esai Morales) all family soap opera, part James Bond hinder his plan. Helmed by Director X, adventure, and part “Dancing with the this unimpressive update of 1972’s “Su- Stars.” An Indian mobster (Anil Kapoor) per Fly,” tolerates rather than fully justi- lives in exile in the Middle East with his fying the protagonist’s life of crime, pre- extended family, including his spoiled senting it as the only avenue to success twins (Daisy Shah, Saqib Saleem). A love open to him as an African-American. But triangle among the gangster’s nephew its scenes of gory gunplay, together with (Salman Khan), the family henchman an essentially pornographic sequence (Bobby Deol) and a con woman (Jessica depicting group sex the pusher engages (Jacqueline Fernandez) plays out amid in with his two cohabiting girlfriends gun battles and explosions (often filmed (Lex Scott Davis and Andrea Londo) in slow-motion), as well as on the dance make it unacceptable for viewers of any floor in elaborately choreographed se- age. Graphic bloody violence, aberrant quences. In the end, the film’s central sexual behavior, rear and upper female theme about family loyalty is at odds nudity, about a half-dozen profanities, a with its skewed morality according to couple of milder oaths, pervasive rough which crime, in this case at least, pays and crude language. O; R very well indeed. Relentless but mostly stylized action violence, including gun- Tag play and torture, a possible nonmarital Warner Bros. encounter, some sensuality, a few crude A high raunch factor stains this ac- and crass terms. A-III; not rated by the count of five childhood friends, led by Motion Picture Association of America. July 6, 2018 The Catholic Commentator 15

1234 5678 9011121 CCDBR earns high honor 31 41 51 61 71 81 From Staff Reports has long recognized the need for enforcement of The Catholic Commentator lawful immigration policies, the separation of 91 02 12 families fails to recognize the fundamental truth 232 2 42 Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge that “we are one family in God’s eyes.” He joined was recognized nationally for its work with im- the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in con- 265 2 28297 203 migrants as the recipient of the 2018 Midsouth demning the practice. 32331 3 43 365 3 Pro Bono Champion Award by the American Im- “This is not how one nation under God re- migration Lawyers Association (AILA). sponds. In fact it is contrary to the Gospel. We 387 3 93 AILA praised the agency for “tirelessly fulfill- are called to welcome those in need, not tear 04 14 24 ing its mission of ‘welcoming the stranger’ for apart their families,” he said. 34 4445 decades.” With a staff comprised of immigration With the expansion of immigration enforce- attorneys, paralegals and Department of Justice ment policies, Aguillard anticipates an increased 476 4 498 40515 accredited representatives, CCDBR provides pro demand for immigration legal services, and 53542 5 565 5 75 bono and low cost legal representation to indi- seeks to grow the Immigration Legal Services viduals with immigration legal needs, and also Division by hiring another bilingual immigra- 85 95 06 works within the state’s two primary immigra- tion attorney to add to its award-winning staff. 16 26 36 tion detention facilities to educate detainees on CCDBR recently secured a grant from the Kel- their rights. logg Foundation to partner with Southern Uni- 46 56 66

“We are grateful that AILA recognizes the versity Law Center to establish the Southern moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www work we’ve been doing to protect one of the most University Immigration Law Clinic for Inclusiv- ACROSS 65 School spot vulnerable groups of people in our community. ity and Racial Healing. The clinic is set to launch 1 Five virgins in Matthew 25 66 Shem’s eldest son Our Gospel mission is even more relevant today in September and will provide opportunities for 5 Equips with the federal government’s policy of separat- law students at an HBC to gain hands-on experi- 9 Poor actors DOWN 13 Mountain goat 1 “I will raise you up on eagle’s ___…” ing children from their families,” said David C. ence in immigration law and work with individu- 14 “…and they shall ___ their swords 2 Apple variety Aguillard, Executive Director of CCDBR. als from other cultures to forge cross-cultural into plowshares” (Isa 2:4) 3 Caravansary Aguillard said that while the Catholic Church relationships. 15 Spine-tingling 4 Praises 16 Screenwriter Ephron 5 Blind as ___ 17 Teen scourge 6 Energize again 18 These fell in Jericho 7 Plant-eating aquatic mammal 19 Score 8 Like some tomatoes 20 Melt 9 ___ being 21 Call forth 10 Guthrie who converted to Catholi- Child nutrition program to be funded 22 Parodies cism 24 Not at attention 11 Land of ___ 25 Holy and honey By Richard Meek tor of the Louisiana Conference cut to save child nutrition was 27 Mount from which Moses saw 12 Mobutu ___ Seko The Catholic Commentator of Catholic Bishops. He said the that the salary supplement dra- Canaan 15 Female sheep funding was cut from $8,357,204 matically impacts so many indi- 31 Toward the stern 23 Wife of Abraham 34 “___ against the dying of the light” 26 Catholic Oscar-winning actor of A third special session of the to $7,589,213. viduals and parties. Carville had 35 “See, I am sending you out like “Leaving Las Vegas” fame Louisiana Legislature proved He said he does not have ac- said that without the funding her lambs into the midst of ___.” (Lk 28 Mary, ___-Virgin 10:3) 29 Capital of Switzerland to be the charm in securing curate figures on the financial program would likely close, and 37 Section in the Bible 30 Tasmanian more than $15 million in state impact on individual schools but 180 employees would have lost 39 Bedtime recitations peak funding for nonpublic schools. his hope is it will not be too great their jobs. 40 Attack with severe criticism 31 Where the altar 41 The Dead and is located The legislators on June 24 once spread out among all par- Additionally, her program, the Red 32 “By the sweat of your ___ you shall broke what had been an al- ticipants. which is expected to receive ap- 42 Cell “messenger” eat bread” most six-month stalemate by Tasman said the cuts were un- proximately $1.3 to $1.5 million 43 Architect Saarinen (Gen 3:19) 44 “___ lizards!” 33 Former Russian ruler agreeing to a .45-cent sales tax, avoidable but said agreeing to the in funding for the upcoming 46 Applauds 35 Enclose in paper replacing the temporary one- required services cut was neces- school year, had more than 1,400 48 Paul’s companion during his mis- 36 Abraham was probably glad to see cent sales tax that had been sary to save the school lunch sal- students in the state’s free and sionary travels this in the desert 52 Anorak 38 Jail approved in 2016 and expired ary supplement, which was not reduced lunch program. Nearly 55 Biblical name 39 Country June 30. Revenue from the new funded heading into the special 700 of those students are receiv- for Syria persons tax has allowed for the funding session. ing three free meals a day at the 57 Cite of the 41 Notched first miracle 44 Hired of child nutrition services and “This particular session, with school. 58 Letter by which a priest is released 45 ___ Creed required services for nonpublic all of the challenges that we “If (the funding) was not re- from one diocese and accepted into 47 ___ off ot you! schools. faced and in many respects, the ceived, it would clearly have another 49 First bishop of Canada 59 Not mad 50 Jungian term “I was so very grateful and sort of imminent reality that impacted the students in our 60 Opposite or absence of good 51 Melchizedek’s domain (Gen 14:18) thankful,” a much-relieved Lyn- some parties were going to be schools, not the least of which 61 Snow conveyances 52 Nuisance da Carville, director of Child Nu- dramatically impacted by the those that are there on the free 62 Major and bar ender 53 Wheel shaft 63 “…hallowed be 54 Go for a spin? trition Services for the Diocese cuts that were going to be nec- and reduced lunch program and thy ___.” 56 They will inherit the earth of Baton Rouge, said. “I was truly essary, I was really concerned may only be receiving their best 64 Cast leader? Solution on page 18 very concerned for our students, about how those areas we were meal of their day in our schools,” parents, our educational system watching out for would be im- Tasman added. as well as my staff that we were pacted,” he said. “It was clear to He also expressed relief that not going to be here. me that essentially we were go- other areas in which he had Magnolia House “I’m grateful for our legisla- ing to have to take a cut. It was funding concerns, including the tors to understand that we are a trade off. Louisiana Department of Health Estate Sales important to our community “As many agencies and institu- and food stamps programs were and they have a sense of loyalty tions and good causes that were fully funded. His concern with to our students.” taking millions and millions of the LDH funding was men- 225-383-6923 However, funding for required dollars in cuts I think we still tal services for those who have Estate Liquidation services for nonpublic schools fared well in the end.” addictions as well as nursing Rex Ransome did take a $768,000 hit, ac- Tasman said the logic behind homes and long-term care pro- www.MagnoiaHouseEstateSales.com cording to Rob Tasman, direc- agreeing to the required services grams could be at risk. 16 The Catholic Commentator VIEWPOINT July 6, 2018 The soul of America is in danger

e worry about our coln’s Greatest Speech,” wrote policies. St. Paul was speak- campaigning never ends and These virtues are: 1) Soli- children, our rela- that “Neither vindication nor ing of just laws that protect authentic governance never darity: We are all debtors of Wtives and our friends triumphalism is present in the the weak; he was not giving begins.” Also, instead of news the society of which we are a who begin to go down a dark second inaugural. At the bed- blanket approval of every law. helping to build consensus, we part. We owe much of who we path in their lives. Whether rock is Lincoln’s humility.” Sessions should have read have competing media giving are to our society and should it is infidelity in marriage, From such beyond the us “alternative facts.” Both pay back by being committed dishonesty in business or ad- men and women first five verses. the Gospel and the Catholic to the good of one’s neighbor. diction to alcohol or drugs, we as Lincoln and Verse 8 says, Church’s social teaching are The founders of our country see the light of goodness dim Emma Laza- “Owe noth- hijacked to promote partisan called this “civic virtue.” 2) in their lives, and we wonder rus who wrote ing to anyone, thinking. This makes it dif- Compassion for all who are if their souls are being lost. the poem, “The except to love ficult for our church whose suffering: This is a Gospel Our nation too has a soul, a Great Colossus,” one another; mission is to foster “a political virtue that will promote ac- soul that for many years has which included for the one who culture that seeks and sustains tion which will unite us and burned brightly, as expressed the words on loves another the common good.” promote the common good of so beautifully on monuments the Statue of has fulfilled the Bishop McElroy’s solution everyone. (I think we just ex- like the Statue of Liberty and Liberty, the soul law.” Cruelty was to go back to Pope Fran- perienced this in Baton Rouge the Lincoln Memorial. of America has to children and cis’ address to Congress in with the 2016 flood.) 3) Integ- “Give me your tired, your been formed. their parents 2015. The pope didn’t offer rity: This is a virtue always de- poor, your huddled masses That soul is now hardly qualifies political analysis, but rather manded in others while often yearning to breathe free, the imperiled. as love or good chose to emphasize the virtues neglected in our own behavior. wretched refuse of your teem- We are sepa- Another law. House that helped famous Ameri- In our political lives we excuse ing shore. Send these, the rating children Speaker Paul cans unify us in the past. He hypocrisy in members of our homeless, tempest-tossed to from their par- Ryan, R-Wis., spoke of Lincoln who fought own party while raging at the me, I lift my lamp beside the ents in families Perspective said he is not for freedom for everyone. He supposed hypocrisy of political golden door.” These words on who present Father John Carville comfortable praised Dorothy Day who opponents. 4) Hope: Without the Statue of Liberty anticipat- themselves at our with the policy. sought economic justice with a hope we settle for all the ugli- ed a future world that would borders, fleeing “We don’t want special care for the poor. Then ness and meanness of what need a generous, big-souled from wars and death threats children to be separated from he invoked the dream of Dr. is politics now. When we do America. in Central American countries their parents.” Martin Luther King Jr. that led this, the new normal is always “With malice toward none; like Guatemala and Honduras. Bishop Robert W. McElroy to nation-wide participation a step down, a lessening of with charity for all; with firm- Most are begging for asylum of the Diocese of San Diego in promoting racial equality. whatever common good there ness in the right, as God gives here, not sneaking across the is certainly familiar with this Finally, he cited the Trappist was. And only those who hope us to see the right, let us strive border. Our draconian policy particular instance of Ameri- monk Thomas Merton whose can achieve the last virtue. 5) on to finish the work we are in; of taking children, even in- ca’s shrinking soul. The “Wall” life and writing fostered the Being peacemakers: Democra- to bind up the nation’s wounds; fants, away from their parents begins in his diocese. On conviction that only through cy cannot be a zero-sum power to care for him who shall have is deliberately designed to dis- April 18, he gave an address at genuine dialogue and encoun- contest. My side gets it all; born the battle, and for his courage refugees from coming Loyola University, Chicago. It ter can we create a world con- your side gets nothing. widow and his orphan—to do at all. The “golden door” has was entitled “Civic Virtue & formed to Gospel values. These virtues of heart and all which may achieve and turned into a wall and a threat. the Common Good: Forming Bishop McElroy says that soul, which are Gospel virtues, cherish a just and a lasting “You apply for asylum; we take a Catholic Political Imagina- Pope Francis was suggesting can make America a golden peace, among ourselves and away your children.” tion.” The bishop declared that that, before we can return to door, a leader for the common with all nations.” With vic- Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo there is “a profound sickness good politics, we need deep good of her citizens and for the tory almost assured, in the of Houston, president of the of the soul in American politi- conscience formation. We world of nations to which we last days of the Civil War, United States Conference of cal life ... undermining the core have to change our attitudes by are joined. President Abraham Lincoln Catholic Bishops, said recently democratic consensus that is acquiring better civic virtues. ended his second inaugural that separating mothers from the foundation of our identity Only then can we be unified FATHER CARVILLE is a retired address pledging to bind up their babies was “immoral.” as Americans.” He traces this enough to produce good laws priest in the Diocese of Baton the nation’s wounds, the whole Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ back to the disintegration of and policies that will serve Rouge and writes on current nation, which he had fought to cited St. Paul in Romans Chap- bipartisan relationships in the common good of all our topics for The Catholic Com- keep united. Historian Ronald ter 13 approving law and order Congress that has resulted citizens and the other nations mentator. He can be reached C. White in his book, “Lin- as justification for our border in a culture “where political of our world. at [email protected]. | Pray for those who pray for us Mission Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the Baton Rouge Diocese. Statement July 10 Rev. Frank M. Uter Br. Clifford King SC Dcn. Ronald J. Hebert The mission of The Catholic Dcn. Benjamin J. Dunbar Jr. July 15 Rev. Ju Hyung (Paul) Yi Sr. Adelaide Williamson CSJ Commentator is to provide Br. Harold Harris SC Dcn. Edward J. Gauthreaux July 20 Bishop Robert W. Muench news, information and com- July 11 Rev. Henry C. Vavasseur Sr. Margarida Maria Vasques FMOL Dcn. Clayton A. Hollier mentary to the people of the Dcn. Kirk Duplantis July 16 Rev. Gerard F. Young Br. Malcolm Melcher SC Diocese of Baton Rouge, Catho- Sr. Vandana Thomas CMC Dcn. Steven C. Gonzales July 21 Bishop-designate Michael G. Duca lics and their neighbors alike. July 12 Rev. John the Baptist Do Minh Vu ICM Br. Noel Lemmon SC Dcn. George Hooper In doing so, The Catholic Com- Dcn. W. Brent Duplessis July 17 † Bishop Robert E. Tracy Sr. Janice Wray CSJ mentator strives to further the Br. Ronald Hingle SC Dcn. Richard H. Grant July 22 Rev. Howard R. Adkins wider mission of the Church: to evangelize, to communicate, to July 13 Rev. Joseph H. Vu Sr. Doris Vigneaux CSJ Dcn. Michael J. (Shelley) Joseph educate and to give the Catho- Dcn. Jeff R. Easley July 18 † Bishop Joseph V. Sullivan Br. Paul Montero SC lic viewpoint on important Sr. Thanh Tam Tran ICM Dcn. Tim Grimes July 23 Rev. Donatus Ajoko issues of the present day. July 14 Rev. Miles D. Walsh Br. Roger LeMoyne SC Dcn. Robert J. Kusch Dcn. Natale (Nat) J. Garofalo July 19 † Bishop Stanley J. Ott Sr. Martha Ann Abshire FMOL July 6, 2018 VIEWPOINT The Catholic Commentator 17 Mourning

ur culture doesn’t give us easy permission to and helplessness within which we find ourselves must that things will never get better, that we will never find mourn. Its underlying ethos is that we move be accepted, and accepted with the knowledge too that lightness of heart again. But grief and mourning call for Oon quickly from loss and hurt, keep our griefs there’s no place to put the pain except, as Rilke says, to patience, patience to stay the course with the heaviness quiet, remain strong always and get on with life. give it back to earth itself, to the heaviness of the oceans and the helplessness. The Book of Lamentations tells us But mourning is something that’s vital to our health, from which ultimately comes the saltwater which makes that sometimes all we can do is put our mouths to the something we owe to ourselves. Without up our tears. Our tears connect us still to dust and wait. The healing is in the waiting. mourning our only choice is to grow hard the oceans that spawned us. Father Henri Nouwen was a man very familiar with and bitter in the face of disappointment, Next, mourning is a process that takes mourning and loss. An over-sensitive soul, he some- rejection and loss. And these will always time, sometimes a lot of time, rather than times suffered depressions and obsessions that left him make themselves felt. something we can achieve quickly by a emotionally paralyzed and seeking professional help. We have many things to mourn in life: simple decision. We cannot simply will On one such occasion, while working through a major We are forever losing people and things. our emotions back to health. They need depression, he wrote his deeply insightful book, The Loved ones die, relationships die, friends to heal and healing is an organic process. Inner Voice of Love. There he gives us this advice: “The move away, a marriage falls apart, a love What’s involved? great challenge is living your wounds through instead of we want but can’t have obsesses us, a In many instances there’s the need to thinking them through. It is better to cry than to worry, dream ends in disappointment, our chil- give ourselves permission to be angry, to better to feel your wounds deeply than to understand dren grow away from us, jobs are lost, rage for a time, to allow ourselves to feel them, better to let them enter into your silence than and so too one day our youth and our the disappointment, loss, unfairness and to talk about them. The choice you face constantly is health. Beyond these many losses that anger. Loss can be bitter and that bitter- whether you are taking your hurts to your head or to ask for our grief there’s the need to grieve ness needs to be accepted with honesty, your heart. In your head you can analyze them, find the simple inadequacy of our lives, the In Exile but also with the courage and discipline their causes and consequences, and coin words to speak perfect symphony and consummation to not let it have us lash out at others. And and write about them. But no final healing is likely to that we could never have. Like Jephthah’s Father Ron Rolheiser for that to happen, for us not to lay blame come from that source. You need to let your wounds go daughter, all of us have to mourn our and lash out at others, we need help. All down into your heart. Then you can live them through inconsummation. pain can be borne if it can be shared and and discover that they will not destroy you. Your heart How? How do we mourn so that our mourning is not so we need people to listen to us and share our pain is greater than your wounds.” an unhealthy self-indulgence but a process that restores without trying to fix it. Pride is our enemy here. We We are greater than our wounds. Life is greater us to health and buoyancy? need the humility to entrust others to see our wound. than death. God’s goodness is greater than all loss. But There’s no simple formula and the formula is differ- Finally, not least, we need patience, long-suffering, mourning our losses is the path to appropriating those ent for everyone. Grieving, like loving, has to respect perseverance. Mourning can’t be rushed. The healing truths. our unique reticence, what we’re comfortable with and of soul, like the healing of body, is an organic process not comfortable with. But some things are the same for with its own non-negotiable timetable for unfolding. OBLATE FATHER RON ROLHEISER, theologian, teacher and all of us. But this can be a major test of our patience and hope. award-winning author, is president of the Oblate First, there’s the need to accept and acknowledge We can go through long periods of darkness and grief School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas. He can both our loss and the pain which with we’re left. Denial where nothing seems to be changing, the heaviness be contacted through his website ronrolheiser.com and of either, loss or pain, is never a friend. The frustration and the paralysis remain, and we’re left with the feeling facebook.com/ronrolheiser. School shootings

hen plane hijacking and-increased mental health now, there is too little emphasis sion of privacy. That’s what they who have arsenals in their became a national vigilance must be introduced. on the students. Many of these said about airport searches. homes should be subject to legal Wthreat, we immedi- Too many suicidal atrocities have My answer is simple: take inspections. We owe our teen- ately addressed the problem by youngsters have been committed by only those measures that are agers respect enough to make upgrading preventive measures access to unse- students with men- constitutional. Cooperating their safety a top priority. at our airports. Ex-ray surveil- cured firearms. tal health issues. parents can tell us a lot. Refusal I know how much harm a lance, body searches, luggage How can a This is a spiritual to cooperate might be a wake- demonic presence can do. I ran inspections were all resisted at person raging with problem more than up call. Some homes are virtual a drug and alcohol rehab for first, but these stricter methods enough hatred a gun control issue. arsenals. Safety measures need a few years. All of our clients worked. The immediate public to commit mass- Too much empha- to be secure. Can these homes were struggling with their reaction was to complain: it’s murder, be at the sis has been placed be identified without violating own demons, and they weren’t too invasive, too time-consum- same time sweet on the moment of the Constitution? afraid to admit it. A demonic ing, too annoying, etc. But now and innocent look- combat, and not All lawmmakers should be influence is part of the mental people feel safer, and the threat ing to one and all? enough on the concerned about the common health issue. I’m calling upon all of hi-jackings is no longer on Most parents know remote cause, the good. Teddy Roosevelt insisted police departments and federal everyone’s mind. when they have brooding dysfunc- that the Constitution was made law enforcement agencies to We need to do the same thing a troubled child; tional killer lurking for the people not the people for flush-out potential killers by for our children, who are ter- maybe not a mass Spirituality in the shadows. the Constitution. Our children upgrading their preventive mea- rified by the mass-murders at murderer, but a This must are terrified by the fear of being sures against school-shootings. schools. We need to upgrade our potential problem. For Today change! I’ve murdered at school. We are Working within the letter of the surveillance techniques. We must turn to tweeted about failing them if we do nothing law, you can make a difference. The problem needs to be the parents more Father John Catoir this problem, but more than fight to ban guns. Lives can be saved, by fostering addressed from a two-pronged for their coopera- none of my critics The Second Amendment is not a spirit of cooperation among all perspective: Tighter preven- tion. offered adequate the issue. This is a spiritual concerned. tion measures are needed To the trained eye the solutions. The most serious and a mental-health problem. May God protect you al- against outside intruders: metal normality or abnormality of a objection was concern over the We need just laws to protect us ways, and may the Lord be your detectors, armed guards, etc., person can be surmised. Right constitutionality of any inva- against disasters. Also, people strength and your joy. 18 The Catholic Commentator COMING EVENTS July 6, 2018

Blessed Mother Feast – Our Lady of Pompeii Church, Vocal Concert – On Wednesday, July 11, 7:30 p.m., Vo- the Scripture passage, “The appearance on the road to 14450 Hwy. 442, Tickfaw, will celebrate its Blessed Moth- ces ad Opus (Voices at Work), an a cappella vocal group Emmaus.” For more information, call Norman Madere at er Feast Saturday, July 7 – Sunday, July 8. On Saturday, quartet from New Orleans, will present their debut con- 504-481-0411, David Drude, 985-974-0657 or Johsn Fisk there will be a procession with the statue of the Blessed cert, Primo, at St. Jean Vianney Church, 16166 S. Har- at 504-427-6601. Mother from the church’s chapel on Fedele Road at 4:45 rells Ferry Road, Baton Rouge. The program will include p.m. to the church. The procession will arrive at the church sacred works from Tallis, Palestrina, Byrd, American Day of Renewal – Catholic Charismatic Renewal of in time for the 5:30 p.m. Mass. On Sunday, there will be a Folks Music and music from Billy Joel. The concert is free, the Diocese of Baton Rouge will host a Day of Renewal, benediction at 6 p.m., followed by a procession with the though donations will be accepted. For more information, “Praise Rally,” Saturday, Aug. 4, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Our statue of the Blessed Mother from the church back to the call 225-753-7950. Lady of Mercy Church Parish Activity Center, 444 Mar- chapel. For more information, call 985-345-8957. quette Ave., Batn Rouge. There will be praise and worship, Humanae Vitae Presentation – A documentary con- personal testimony, prayers for healing and baptism of the Discalced Carmelites – The Secular Order of Dis- cerning the fallout of the free-love experiment against the Holy Spirit. No registration will be required. Lunch will be calced Carmelites will meet Sunday, July 8, 1:30 p.m., backdrop of Pope Paul VI’s 1968 encyclical about love, sex provided. For more information, call 225-636-2464. at the Our Lady of Mercy Parish Activity Center in the and marriage, “Humanae Vitae,” will be shown Thursday, St. Gabriel Room, 444 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge. For July 26, 6:30 p.m., at the Catholic Life Center Main Audi- Supper and Substance – The Diocese of Baton Rouge details, call Ethlyn White at 225-343-3181 or 225-803- torium, 1800 S. Acadian Thwy., Baton Rouge. For more diocesan-wide Supper and Substance, “The Ultimate Date 3391 or email [email protected]. information, visit mfldiobr.org. Night,” will be held Saturday, Aug. 4, at the new activity center at St. John the Evangelist Church, 15208 LA Hwy. Pro-Life Mass – A monthly pro-life Mass will be cel- Men’s Retreat – A men’s retreat, hosted by St. Dominic 73, Prairieville. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. There will be ebrated Tuesday, July 10, 5:30 p.m., at St. Agnes Church, Church in New Orleans, will take place Friday, July 20 – food, adult beverages, live music, talk by Janice Charbon- 749 East Blvd., Baton Rouge. All are invited. For more in- Sunday, July 22, at Rosaryville Spirit Life Center, 39003 net and the “Not So Newly Wed” game. Cost is $75 per formation, call 225-383-4127. Rosaryville Road, Ponchatoula. The retreat is based on couple. Register at mfldiobr.org by Monday, July 23.

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. aNNouNcemeNts BusiNess service BusiNess service BusiNess service BusiNess service While we at The Catholic Commenta- Flowerbeds, landscaping, general yard TURNING 65? Anthony's Furniture Specialties. We re- THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA tor do our best to bring reliable ad- work and debris removal. Commercial MEDICARE QUESTIONS? store hurricane damaged furniture. If it's Accounting and taxes for businesses, vertisers to our readers, we are not and residential. Quality work. Licensed WE CAN HELP furniture, we do it all! Refinishing, re-up- non-profits and individuals; business, responsible for any claims made by with references. Free estimates. Call 225- JOE GOODSON – 225-572-2275 holstery, pick up and delivery, etc. 2263 computer, financial and management 247-6079. JOHNNY STUART – 225-907-3619 Florida Blvd., BR. 225-413-2607. services. 30 years experience; profes- any advertiser. sional, prompt and personal attention. CALL TYRONE LEBLANC’S TREE & STUMP Call 225-296-0404. “WHEN IT NEEDS FIXING” Bill’s Roofing. We stop leaks. Don’t REMOVAL, INC. replace your roof, repair it. Free esti- For saLe LEAKING SINKS, FAUCETS, TOILETS Prompt service–Free estimates AND GARBAGE DISPOSALS mates. Best prices in town. 225-505- Greenoaks Memorial Park. Garden of FULLY INSURED 6195 PLUS OTHER REPAIRS E. H. “Eddie” LeBlanc LegaL Notices Pines. Two plots $3000 each. 225-978- CALL 225-802-4522 OR 225-346-6246 7903 Phone 383-7316 BROUSSEAU'S Painting Anyone with knowledge of the where- Tree shaded plot. Roselawn Memorial Donnie’s Furniture Repair & Upholstery. HOUSE WASHING AND DRIVEWAY Interior and exterior painting. Experi- abouts of Alfonso Quinones is asked to Park. $2100. SW Corner, NW portion, Lot We do refinishing, repairs, caning, CLEANING. FREE ESTIMATE. CALL STEVE enced and reliable. Free estimates. Call contact the Diocesan Tribunal at 225- 81, Section G. Call 225-202-2063 painting of furniture and upholstery. 225-413-2225 225-241-8488. 336-8755. In business 43 years. Pick up and de- livery. 10876 Greenwell Springs Road. For reNt 225-272-2577. See our showroom. HeLp WaNted HeLp WaNted HeLp WaNted HOUSEKEEPER In sales employment advertisements, the advertiser must name the product or service to be sold. Ads must state how Perkins Rowe – Condo for lease. Fur- MATURE DEPENDABLE wages will be paid (salary, commissions, etc.) if money is mentioned. The ad must also state if there is an investment nished. 1 bedroom 1 bath, poolside. Se- 20 + YEARS EXPERIENCE cured parking. $1850 per month. Call HAVE REFERENCES required. 225-715-6428 CALL DEBBIE 225-266-7655 Gulf Shores, Alabama. 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo for rent. Catholic family Dave’s Bicycle Repair and Sales. Free Reach 95,000 readers in the Diocese of Baton Rouge owned. For info and seasonal rates call pickup and delivery, free estimates, ex- by placing your ad in The Catholic Commentator. 225-405-5473. pert economical repair on all brands. Call 225-924-4337 or www.davesbicycle repair. com. Call 225-387-0983. Credit card accepted. usiNess ervice B s Mr. D’s Tree Service THE CATHOLIC Allan’s Tree Service 3 Licensed Arborists Specializes in large and dangerous tree Free Estimates removal. Licensed and insured. Senior Fully Insured citizen and law/military discounts. Allan Don Decell owner ommentator CSERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 Johnson 225-241-8789. 225-292-6756

Print Your Ad Here WI SE ARMS HAMS IBEX BEAT EERIE NORA ACNE WA LLS GOAL THAW EVOKE SK ITS ATEASE DATES TO RUN: SACRED NEBO Circle Category: Announcements—Business Services—Cards of Thanks—For Rent—For Sale—Help Wanted AFT RAGE WO LVES —Positions Wanted—Legal Notices (other ) PASSAGE PRAYERS Mail to: The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316 SCATHE SEAS RNA Enclosed is $9.50 for the first 15 words + 15¢ for each word thereafter + 25¢ per line for each special effect (all caps, centered EERO LEAP IN line, bold lettering); for a total of $______for each issue. Call for charging on your credit card. CHEERS SILAS Advertisements will not NAME PARKA ARAM CANA be published without EXEAT SANE EV IL ADDRESS full payment in advance. SLEDS ETTE NAME CITY PHONE TELE DESK ELAM moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www July 6, 2018 The Catholic Commentator 19 Prayer, music help celebrate World Refugee Day

By Richard Meek legal status and among others The Catholic Commentator attempting to navigate the bu- reaucratic minefields to enter Dramatic shifts in national through legal channels. immigration and refugee poli- Those new policies along with The choir from the Christ the King Christian Center energized the cies have created a sense of con- a much more stringent vetting crowd of more than 100 during a celebration of World Refugee Day on fusion and fear among those process have caused seismic June 24 at the center. The day also offered prayer, Scripture readings who are in the country without changes in the makeup of those and reflection. Photos by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator

entering the country, accord- carry with them the fear they ing to Jean Dresley, director of have lived with the majority of Mission Engagement for Catho- their lives. Sesay said that fear Classifieds lic Charities Diocese of Baton continues to haunt them even Jean Dresley, director of Mission Rouge. in the United States, especially Engagement for Catholic Chari- Help Wanted Help Wanted Dresley said Louisiana has those with illegal status. ties Diocese of Baton Rouge, dis- seen a significant bump in the “There is a fear that maybe cussed how national changes in number of asylees compared to one day (immigration officials) immigration and refugee policies refugees. She said through the will grab them and they will be have affected the number of peo- Ascension first six months of the year the in trouble,” he added. ple allowed into the country. state has already welcomed 53 Dresley explained that dur- Catholic School who have been granted asylum, ing the past several months the Dresley also explained that a Donaldsonville, LA as opposed to 41 in all of last state has welcomed refugees significant problem is children year. from a number of countries. She being granted asylum and join- is accepting applications for the 2018-19 school year Conversely, only six refugees said the biggest challenge those ing their parents, who are al- for the following position: have arrived, compared to what and all newcomers face is un- ready in the country but do not is traditionaly close to 100 by derstanding their rights and the have legal status. She said that 7th & 8th Grade English/Language Arts Teacher this time. benefits and assistance that are puts the family at great vulner- Requirements include: “Federal policies being set and available. ability and risk. • Practicing Catholic the new vetting standards are Perhaps most daunting is the “We are trying figure out how • Teacher certification making it very difficult to make language barrier, and because of to help,” she admitted. Please send resume to it through the process,” Dresley that many entering the country Ann Sperry, state refugee [email protected]. said. “It’s like a funnel and very are unaware of what they are en- coordinator for the Louisiana Cost $194.25 Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. few are making it through.” titled to in terms of public assis- Office of Refugees, agreed with Ascension Catholic School does not discriminate in its hiring practices Dresley’s comments came tance, health care and numerous Dresley for saying the year has based on race, color, national or ethnic origin. during the celebration of World other benefits. been difficult for refugees be- Refugee Day on June 24 at “That is why I need you to be cause of the new policies and EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Christ the King Christian Center my ambassadors to get the word vetting process. in Baton Rouge. More than 100 out because there are so many “The problems are across the Director of Music Ministry people representing countries people who do not realize (what board, not just Baton Rouge, not (Part-time: 20-25 hours per week) from across the globe gathered is available),” Dresley said. “They just Lafayette, not just New Or- for a day of prayer, riveting mu- receive a letter (from the State leans,” she said “It’s across the sic, Gospel readings, preaching, Department) saying congratula- country.” informative talks, fellowship and tions but they can’t understand Financial cutbacks from the a reception that included a vari- everything that is in that letter.” federal government is also creat- Ascension ety of multi-cultural culinary Among other challenges, Dre- ing the potential of closing many dishes. sley said, is the trauma of their of the offices that help newcom- Catholic School Organizer Dauda Sesay, him- past lives and how that can be ers acclimate to their new envi- Donaldsonville, LA self a refugee from Syria, said addressed, integration into a new ronment. ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI the goal of the event was to cre- culture and society, professional “If those offices close who’s is accepting applicationsCATHOLIC for CHURCH the 2018-19 school year ate awareness among refugees, education and licenses obtained going to care for the people?” she St.for Francis the following of Assisi Catholic position: Church is seeking a part-time Director of Music immigrants and asylees as to in other countries not being rec- said. Ministry to lead our faith community as a vital part of the body of Christ. Candidate what assistance is available and ognized in the U.S. resulting in World Refugee Day was June will7th be a &worship 8th leaderGrade able English/Language to plan and oversee the music Arts ministry. Teacher Candidate also to empower families in their highly educated refugees being 20 and celebrations were held shouldRequirements be able to attend include: and conduct rehearsals with choir; rehearse with choir and congregation before Mass when needed; plan and prepare appropriate new surroundings. forced to work in menial and low around the country throughout sacred music • Practicing for all weekend Catholic liturgies and special feast days; and work well in “When they feel empowered paying jobs, money, bullying in the entire week. shared, • collaborative Teacher certification ministry with the Pastor, parish staff, and all volunteers. they are able to engage in the schools and affordable housing, “I want to tell you I will al- Qualifications: Candidate Please should sendbe active resume in the to Catholic Church and in community and allow for them especially in Baton Rouge where ways stand with refugees in this good [email protected]. with the church’s teachings; music ministry experience desired; to become a better citizen,” Se- high occupancy rates have fueled country,” Dresley said to a round Bachelor’s degree required. Email resume and cover letter to the church office: say said. significant increases in rental of applause. “This is what we are [email protected];Salary is commensurate with qualificationsapplication deadline and is experience.July 31, 2018. Cost $159.25 Ascension Catholic School does not discriminate in its hiring practices He added that most refugees rates. called as Christians to do.” based on race, color, national or ethnic origin. 20 The Catholic Commentator July 6, 2018 Father-son breakfast encourages mentorship

By Bonny Van make the wrong choice, you can turn it The Catholic Commentator around and make it right by doing the right thing.” In the parish hall of St. Paul the Apos- The story had a profound impact on tle Church of Baton Rouge, fathers and 19-year-old Southern University civil sons gathered for a special prayer break- engineer student Ethan Sam, who was fast on the day before Father’s Day, June attending the breakfast with his father, 17. But, they were feasting on more than Carlos Sam, and 16-year-old brother, Isa- just fruit, coffee and sausage and egg cas- iah Sam. serole. They were also served a heaping “I’m learning about those that had serving of positive messages along with it tough coming up and they’re really words of wisdom for their families, their successful now and you wouldn’t know fatherhood and their faith. meeting them,” said Ethan. “But, when- “It’s like bonding time to sit down and ever they start talking about their back- listen to the issues raised by the speak- ground it’s like, ‘Wow! They had it hard ers. Sometimes you live in your bubble but they got through it and now look at and you don’t realize there’s other people them.’ So, it’s like motivation because you that went through the same thing with think you have it hard. (He was) 19 and the same concerns and you get little help- raising a child and now (he’s) a constable ful nuggets from the speakers and just … so, it’s like motivation because you can in general conversation with other men,” do anything. They did it, so you can do it.” said E’Vinski Davis, who attended the According to Kennedy, the prayer breakfast with his young son, Ethan Da- breakfast attracted more than just dads, vis, and father-in-law, F.L. Stewart. Baton Rouge Constable Major Reginald Brown talks about his own experiences as a fa- there were “uncles, church leaders, The format of the event involved ther at the 3rd Annual Father and Sons Breakfast in the parish hall of St. Paul the Apostle coaches (and) community leaders also at- prayer, and three speakers followed by ta- Church in Baton Rouge. This year’s event was entitled, “Men on a Mission, Living ‘Godly’ tending.” ble discussions. At one table, the topic of in an ‘UnGodly’ World.” Photo by Bonny Van | The Catholic Commentator “Just anybody can be a role model by conversation centered around diligence. making the right choices and in a Godly “When you’re diligent about your and “lead with God and lead with church ther at 19-years-old. With the guidance of way, trying to the do the right thing,” he work and you do it well, people are go- as keeping them on the right road.” He his mother, he said he took a chance and said. ing to know who you are when you walk added that with so many distractions and changed the course of his life by going to “(This event is) important because we through the door,” said Ra’Shawn Law- bad influences, this is one way to encour- work while attending college and sup- want, first of all, to acknowledge and cel- son. “There’s a difference when you walk age men of all ages to continue making porting his new family. ebrate the gift of manhood, something in a room and people you know flock to “the right choices.” “I was in college, trying to go to school that is, in our community, often over- you for fame, as opposed to someone ap- “It’s just a tie in with Father’s Day and work at the same time at my first job, looked,” said Father Rick Andrus, pastor proaching you and knowing your worth because we want to remind fathers why that my mother helped land, on the back of St. Paul. “(It’s) something that, too of- and wanting to be around you and in- they are fathers and what’s your role as of a trash truck in the city of Baton Rouge ten because of television and music and volved with you and interact with you a father, just not in name but what you in 1965; then, to a service station, chang- media, carry negative stereotypes and because you can help them build them- have to do as a father to encourage young ing oil, fixing flats,” said Brown. “But, that images. We want to celebrate the good- selves. It’s a different fulfillment as op- men not only to a son but a father to a kid was a choice I made, the decision was ness and the strength and the positivity posed to just having an image.” in the neighborhood or a father to a kid simple.” and the spirituality of men in our com- Being a role model, setting a good ex- at church, somebody to be a role model, Brown added that he had three more munity and not only to celebrate that ample and making good choices was the somebody they can follow and somebody children but his first child, Reggie Brown, but to encourage it. You know it isn’t just name of the game for the prayer break- they can look up to and do the right thing Jr., who worked as an investigator in the something that happens once a year, fast, entitled “Men on a Mission, Living in life,” said Kennedy. district attorney’s juvenile court division, but through this coming together once ‘Godly’ in an ‘UnGodly’ World.” Major Reginald Brown, Baton Rouge was killed by an impaired driver on Flor- a year, we find the strength and the en- St. Paul parishioner Gerald Kenne- constable, was one of the keynote speak- ida Boulevard in 2003. couragement and the excitement to move dy, along with his son Justin Kennedy, ers and talked about “the three C’s in our “He worked with youth just like I did beyond this and to continue to be strong, helped organize the event, which is now lives – choices, chances and change.” and he coached and he touched the lives positive images of healthy men in our in its third year. He said the goal was to Brown described the choices he faced of many youths,” said Brown. “The point families, in our jobs, in our community, encourage men to mentor younger men when he learned he was going to be a fa- is the choices you make in life, if you in our churches.”

With the opening of our expanded Sweet Dreams Shelter, we desperately need new volunteers. We would love to have groups and individuals become a part of our Manna Giver’s Program which provides hot meals for the homeless we serve. Every day, homeless people in our community are praying for help. You are the answer to their prayers. Make a small miracle happen by becoming a Manna Giver. A long-time volunteer said, “Being a Manna Giver is such a faith-filled experience. I came to give to the homeless but got back so much more than I gave. It really has enriched my faith life.”

Become a Manna Giver today for our newly expanded shelter! Help someone in need feel the spirit of giving by preparing and serving a meal to homeless mothers, children and families. Volunteer by signing up online at svdpbr.org or calling us today at (225) 383-7837, ext. 207. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Serving our Community Since 1865