THE CATHOLIC Dancing her way into young hearts PAGE 12 June 26, 2015ommentator Vol. 53, No. 10 SERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 thecatholiccommentator.org C GOD’S PLAN Robert W. Muench celebrates 25 years as bishop

By Richard Meek pel this false rumor,’ ” Bishop Muench The Catholic Commentator recalls. A few hours later, however, during a The morning of May 1, 1990, began late night meeting, he was left speech- like any other for then-Msgr. Robert less when Archbishop Schulte brought Muench. He began with a prayer, fol- him in the chapel at Notre Dame Semi- lowed by Mass. A post-breakfast meet- nary and informed him, “You are the ing was scheduled, as was a confirma- next auxiliary bishop of New Orleans.” tion later that night, but “I was totally shocked certainly nothing to sug- ... he “never, never, and flabbergasted,” said gest the day would be life Bishop Muench, who 25 changing. never” thought years later is preparing In fact, later that night to celebrate his silver during the confirma- that as a young jubilee. “As God is my tion ceremony at St. Paul witness, I never thought Church in New Orleans, priest he would about, considered the then-Msgr. Muench by possibility of, wanted his own admission was ever become a to be, expected to be, furious when pastor Fa- planned to be, or prayed ther Michael Fritzen bishop and lead to be a bishop. After SVD, (now deceased), becoming an auxiliary thanked him for fill- a diocese. bishop, I never thought ing in for Archbishop of myself as becoming a Francis Schulte and added, “After all, diocesan bishop.” everyone knows Msgr. Muench is going But God had other plans, one that to be the next auxiliary bishop of New would take him from the Crescent City Bishop Robert W. Muench was installed as the fifth bishop for the Diocese of Baton Orleans.” to the Ohio River near his Kentucky Rouge on March 14, 2002 at St. Joseph Cathedral. Bishop Muench said he “never” “I thought to myself, ‘I will never dis- SEE BISHOP PAGE 10 thought about himself becoming a diocesan bishop. Commentator file photo

All creation sings God’s praise, but people are silencing it, pope says

By Cindy Wooden A lack of respect for creation is a lack “The earth, our home, is beginning not only insists that wealthier nations Catholic News Service of respect for God who created all that to look more and more like an im- who contributed more to despoiling the exists, the pope says. In fact, he contin- mense pile of filth,” the pope writes in earth must bear more of the costs of VATICA N CIT Y – The earth, which ues, a person cannot claim to respect the document. remedying the damage, he also calls for was created to support life and give nature while support- While acknowledg- their solidarity with the poorest of the praise to God, is crying out with pain ing abortion, nor can ing science is not the earth. He urges generosity in transfer- because human activity is destroying one claim to be pro-life Catholic Church’s area ring clean technology, protecting small it, Pope Francis says in his long-awaited without a commitment of expertise, Pope farms, opening access to markets and encyclical, “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our to reversing damage to Francis says “a very protecting people’s jobs. Common Home.” the environment. solid scientific consen- Quoting St. John Paul II and a con- All who believe in God and all peo- With unusually sus” points to global stant theme of the church’s social doc- ple of good will have an obligation to blunt language for a warming and indicates trine, Pope Francis says the church rec- take steps to mitigate climate change, papal document, the “human activity” has ognizes the “legitimate right” to private clean the land and the seas, and start pope decries centuries seriously contributed property, but that right is never “abso- treating all of creation including poor of exploiting the earth, to it, threatening the lute or inviolable,” since the goods of the people with respect and concern, he exploiting other people and acting as if planet and all life on it. earth were created to benefit all. says in the document released at the the point of human life is to buy and con- Situating ecology firmly within Regarding pollution and environ- Vatican June 18. sume as much as possible. Catholic social teaching, Pope Francis SEE ENCYCLICAL PAGE 5 2 The Catholic Commentator The Lighter Side of FAI t H June 26, 2015 | TREASURES FROM THE DIOCESE | DID YOU KNOW In the Resurrec- tion Chapel, a Catholic hero small, intimate chapel located George Washing- the prayer may still be on the campus ton is generally con- used today for gather- of the Catholic sidered one of the ings outside of Mass Life Center, this country’s iconic he- and during Mass at tender portrait roes, not only for serv- the conclusion of the of the Madon- ing as America’s first Universal Prayer. na and Child president but also for Archbishop Car- awaits visitors. his leadership during roll, regarded as the The painting the Revolutionary Patriarch of American adorns a wall War. Naturally, the fa- Catholicism, in 1791 set away from bled cherry tree story, authored a Prayer for the chapel’s whether fact or fiction, the Nation, urging main door, yet speaks to his integrity. Catholics to pray it its placement Washington was frequently with their still draws ev- also heralded among parish communities ery eye. Here, Catholic colonists, as and ask for God’s Mary tenderly he was an ardent supporter of the faith at blessing of the president, the country and holds the in- a time of intense prejudice against Cathol- the faith. fant Jesus as he icism and its followers. Archbishop Carroll’s prayer has with- appears to In November 1775 he banned the an- stood the test of time because it is as in- reach for her in ti-Catholic Guy Fawkes’ celebrations that sightful and relevant today as it was more a loving embrace. The beautiful image of the Madonna’s face is intricately drawn, help- included the burning of an effigy of the than two centuries ago. The prayer is ing to convey the quiet symbolism of a caring mother. Painter Adalie’ Brent (1920-1993) pope. He wrote in “Order of Quarters” on neither politically divisive nor partnered was well-known for her strong command of religious symbolism. A painter, designer of Nov. 5, 1775 that such an insult to Catho- with any specified ideology. Rather it pe- stained glass and a teacher (who taught art at St. Joseph’s Academy as well as at LSU). lics would be “so monstrous, as not to be titions God to guide political leaders and Brent was also a graphic designer and the first director of the Louisiana Arts and Science suffered or excused.” states that true freedom, wisdom and Center. Her Madonna and Child painting was just one of many commissioned works for His words were of little surprise to most peace comes not from government but the Catholic Life Center. Several of her other designs also grace the Bishop’s Chapel, in- since Washington, in addition to his public from God. Those words still ring true for a cluding a stained glass wall, crewelwork, an enamel crucifix and candlestick holders. All support of Catholicism, also occasionally country with so much racial, political and of these works were developed by Brent to complement each other, tying together the attended Mass. During the Constitutional cultural dividedness. chapel’s theme of resurrection. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator Convention in 1787, he led a delegation to Two months after Washington’s death attend Mass in Philadelphia. The actions in 1800, Archbishop Carroll delivered a crystallized his message that Catholics moving eulogy for the late president at | PICTURES FROM THE PAST would be held in the same standing as St. Peter’s Church in Baltimore. The eu- Protestants in the fledging nation. logy, delivered on Feb. 22, 1800, which is Washington also counted numerous Washington’s birthday, honored the first Catholics among his circle of friends, in- president and his legacy. cluding Archbishop John Carroll, the first Archbishop Carroll also orchestrated bishop in the United States who would lat- the founding and early development of er serve as archbishop of Baltimore. Georgetown University. The school began Washington even had Archbishop Car- instruction in November 1791. As grati- roll, who was the only bishop in the coun- tude for the archbishop’s support during try at the time, author a prayer for the the war, Washington gave him a modified president’s inauguration in 1789. Accord- version of the seal of the United States ing to the United States Conference of to Georgetown, a seal the university still Catholic Bishops, the prayer, or sections of uses today.

| CORRECTION

St. Joseph Church Parish in French Settlement borrowed $809,978.30 for construc- tion of the new church. The resolution on file at the chancery gave authorization for a total cost of construction in the amount of $2,169,060. The loan was paid off in May.

thecatholiccommentator.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator Bishop Robert W. Muench Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager Father Tom Ranzino Assistant Publisher Penny G. Saia Production Manager Richard Meek Editor Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor Rachele Smith Staff Writer Father Stanley J. Ott celebrated his first Mass in December 1951 at Trinita dei Monte, The Catholic Commentator (ISSN 07460511; USPS 093-680) Rome, shortly after his ordination Dec. 8, 1951. A native of Gretna, Father Ott celebrated Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South Acadian his first Mass in the United States in his hometown at St. Joseph Church on July 20, 1952. Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton He was installed as the third bishop for the Diocese of Baton Rouge March 25, 1983, where Rouge, LA. Copy must reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Sub- he served until his death on Nov. 28, 1992. Photo courtesy of the Archives Department, Diocese of Baton scription rate: $14.00 per year. POSTMASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. Rouge June 26, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 3 LCCB director satisfied with ‘different’ legislative session

By Richard Meek to go two years without another found it to be offensive, especial- and also funnels tons of money riages. Also, the court is likely to The Catholic Commentator marijuana conviction. ly those of faith,” he said. back in the economy.” either make same-sex marriage Tasman said the bill allows He said the goal is to adopt He said the organization will the law of the land or kick it back A legislative session that was individuals who have made mis- legislation in 2016 that will cre- continue to lobby for the credit to the states to decide. as perplexing as it was cantan- takes the “opportunity to make ate a system to give those fami- by educating legislators of its ad- Tasman said he expects little kerous culminated with a budget the right choice and not have lies who wish to bury miscarried vantages. change if the court opts for the that left few happy and a looming those wrong choices detrimen- children access to their remains. With the session completed, latter. He said the state consti- financial crisis that legislators tally impact their future.” On the educational front, the focus now shifts to the U.S. tution defines a marriage as a one day will be forced to resolve. “You get a felony on your re- Tasman said he was grateful for Supreme Court, which is expect- union between one man, one For legislative veteran and cord and the likelihood of you no changes to the state voucher ed to release a series of decisions woman. For that to be changed, Louisiana Conference of Catholic finding a job is abysmal, thereby system, although there was an that could have far-reaching he said, the law would have to be Bishops executive director, Rob trying to put food on the table attempt by one legislator to ex- effects on how the country is challenged in court or an amend- Tasman, the session certainly and feed a family is difficult,” he clude kindergarteners. Tasman shaped culturally as well as en- ment put before the voters. had its oddities, but it was also added. “When you looked at the said history shows that Catholic vironmentally. The decision like- “I don’t see our state legisla- one that he said left him satisfied statistics, how people are sen- schools are most effective ac- ly to draw the most attention is ture supporting a bill that would regarding social justice and edu- tenced when convicted of that cepting scholarship students at how the court will rule on same- put same-sex marriage on the cational issues. crime and its disproportionate the earliest possible age. sex marriage, and whether states ballot,” he said. “I don’t see that “In general I was pleased with impact on people of color forced “There’s far less the student will have to recognize those mar- right now culturally.” the way the session went, espe- us to weigh in. It was important may have experienced in a nega- cially with regard to our issues,” to justice reform.” tive way that we would have to try Myra T. Patureau Tasman said. “It was a very dif- However, Tasman said LCCB to overcome and correct,” he said. MEd, REALTOR® ferent session in terms of the feel. would not have been involved if Tasman expressed disap- Myra T. Patureau Licensed in Louisiana,® USA Certainly, the budget conversa- the bill had also included provi- pointment regarding the final MEd, REALTOR Licensed in Louisiana, USA tion dominated the entire session. sion for distribution of marijua- budget, which only plugged (225) 937-8776 Cell 225.937.8776(225) - Mobile273-6233 Office “As we got to the final week, na or its legalization. He added short-term holes and did not [email protected] you saw the political games come the bill drew a rarely seen circle provide for a long-term solution. (866) 731-8657 FAX toll free [email protected] - Office in play.” of support, from the conserva- He said LCCB is concerned be- 225.274.1273 - Fax www.ediesotor.com Tasman said perhaps one of tive Pelican Institute of Public cause any future funding cuts www.ediesotor.com the more interesting twists was Policy to the American Civil could potentially affect some of Realty, LLC the legislators asserting inde- Liberties Union to the Catholic the state’s most vulnerable. Edie Sotor Personal, Customized Service with HighR ealty Standards, llc and a Strong Work Ethic pendence against the wishes of Church. He said an attempt to push EdiE Sotor Gov. Bobby Jindal. Tasman said Although not passed into law, through an increase in the state Jindal traditionally has been Tasman said he was encouraged earned tax credit, which would able to push through many of his by a study resolution that will al- have benefited the working poor, priorities, but this year he expe- low for legislators to address an fell through on the final day. The Mr. D’s Tree Service rienced difficulty on several of existing law that does not permit proposal called for a tax credit of his agenda items. parents of miscarried children to 3.5 percent of the federal earned ovEr 35 yEars ExpErIEncE Tasman credited the pushback bury their child if the child was credit, double the current state Don Decell, owner to the fact Jindal’s term is expir- less than 20 weeks old. The law rate. carl BaBin, owner ing and the legislators’ own frus- states that health professionals “(The credit) helps people • Economical • Fully Insured • Quality Work tration with the financial matrix must treat the child as medical who are literally doing the best they were trying to fix at the same waste, a term Tasman finds “of- they can, working every day, CALL TODAY! time adhering to the governor’s fensive.” having jobs,” he said. “It gets 225-292-6756 mandate of the budget remaining “Many medical providers also them off government assistance neutral revenue. Jindal demand- ed any new taxes had to coincide with a tax reduction of equal val- ue from another area. Hospice is not about giving up “I really think the legislators felt their hands were tied by all … it’s about taking control of that,” Tasman said. “Plus, fi- nally they were not willing to • We rely upon the intercession of our Blessed Mother to assist us in imitating the healing ministry of Jesus give another deep cut to higher Christ as we care for terminally ill patients and their families. ed, especially. Healthcare was a • We call forth the compassion and kindness of our staff, who serve in this health care ministry, to respond to concern but almost secondary to the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of our patients and their families. higher ed.” Tasman noted several posi- • We believe in the sacredness of life from conception to natural death, and we devote ourselves to tives from the session, one of the supporting patients and families through the dying process at the end of life’s journey on this earth and new life in eternity. more visible being the softening of the state’s harsh penalties for marijuana possession. The bill reduces the maximum penalty for possession of less than 2.5 pounds from 20 years to eight. Other changes include the addi- The right people, tion of a second-chance provi- doing the right thing sion for first-time offenders and for the right reason. raising the bar for possession to SERVING PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS be considered a felony. www.NotreDameHospice-NO.org • (225) 243-7358 Additionally, records can be 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. expunged if an offender is able 4 The Catholic Commentator LAUDATO SI’, CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME June 26, 2015 A call to care for Earth

By Richard Meek “This encyclical is a call to the world Global Warming The Catholic Commentator to care for our common home and im- prove our relationship with our natural The obligations of individuals to and social environments,” she said. “I U.S. CATHOLICS’ RISING CONCERN FOR GLOBAL WARMING care for creation is as critical as that of know our network will be prayerfully caring for each other, noted local and reflecting on how best to serve, advo- 32% 2013 48% national officials of Catholic Charities cate and convene around these issues, 2015 commenting on Pope Francis’ recently and I look forward to learning alongside released second encyclical “Laudato Si’, them.” Care for the Common Good.” As a network of Catholic social U.S. CATHOLICS’ VIEWS ON GLOBAL WARMING The pontiff said the Earth is crying service agencies, Catholic Charities out with pain because it is being de- throughout the world work in commu- 71% Yes there is solid evidence of global warming stroyed by human activity. At one point, nities to bolster sustainability by pro- 22% No solid evidence he even said the earth is beginning to tecting the earth as well as safeguarding 7% Mixed evidence/don’t know look like a “pile of filth.” the poor, Sister Donna said. She said the 48% Global warming is a serious problem 12% Global warming is not a problem “The pope is calling us to fully em- encyclical calls on us to focus on being brace the incarnation, the fact that God stewards of not only the world’s natural is here, right now throughout all life resources but people as well. and all of creation; the Kingdom of God “Laudato Si’ focuses on our moral is at hand in the spiritual and material obligation to be good stewards of God’s world,” said David Aguillard, chief ex- creation and address the destructive im- ecutive officer of Catholic Charities of pact our choices can make on the world the Diocese of Baton Rouge. “There is around us,” she said. “These choices, no separation between the moral, the tied to environmental degradation, are theological and the physical world that associated with exacerbating the impact POPE FRANCIS’ APPROVAL RATINGS ON ADDRESSING SPECIFIC TASKS God made. We are a part of one sacred of natural disasters, disproportionately 53% creation.” impacting the poor and vulnerable who 55% Environmental issues 65% “Some people will surely resent the are often less able to rebuild their lives.” Sex abuse scandal pope’s thoughtful statements about po- “(The encyclical) promises to shine a 63% Needs/concerns of women litical and economic matters, but he is light on our moral obligation to care for 80% Reforming Vatican bureaucracy following the path that Jesus took,” he all of God’s creation, from our neighbors 78% Standing up for traditional values added. “Jesus called into question the who are marginalized to the Earth that 79% Promoting good relations between religions dominant religious, economic and po- nourishes us all,” she said. “I look for- 84% Needs/concerns of families litical beliefs of his day, and the pope is ward to reading this teaching document 79% Spreading Catholic faith following in his footsteps.” in great detail, and encourage all peo- Needs/concerns of poor

Sister Donna Markham OP, president ple of good will to join me in studying, Source: Pew Research Center survey. May 5–June 7, 2015 of Catholic Charities USA, said Catho- reflecting on and living out the insights lics are called to respect life from natu- and teaching of this profound docu- ral beginning to natural end. ment.” Sexual abuse policy in the Diocese of Baton Rouge

Churches, schools and youth organizations have an ob- abuse by an employee of the Church or a volunteer in one of the và thông báo lên Giáo phận qua đường dây đặc biệt (225- ligation to provide children and youth with a safe place to Church’s programs has been set up: 225-242-0250. 242-0250) hoặc qua những người hướng dẫn ở số (225- worship, study or participate in activities sponsored by the Anyone victimized as a child or young person is urged to 336-8708). Catholic Church. report this first to secular authorities (Louisiana State Police or In its ongoing effort to ensure that this is being accom- State of Louisiana Department of Social Services) as well as to En Relación a la Protección plished, the Diocese of Baton Rouge has established an of- the special diocesan “Sexual Abuse Victim Response Contact fice of Child and Youth Protection. With the establishment Line” (telephone 225-242-0250) or to the diocesan counselors at de Niños y Gente Jóven of this office, the diocese has also implemented a process for Catholic Charities (telephone 225-336-8708). reporting alleged abuse of a minor. La Sra. Amy Cordón se desempeña como la Oficial The Diocese of Baton Rouge has trained professionals Protectora de Niños y Jóvenes para la Diocesis de Baton available to provide counseling and information about ad- Những Điều Cần Biết Về Bảo Rouge. Su oficína se encuentra en el Catholic Life Center, ditional care if needed. Information about reporting an in- 1800 South Acadian Thruway, en Baton Rouge. Su di- cident is printed here in the three languages that are more Vệ Trẻ Em và Người Trẻ rección es P. O. Box 2028, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028; commonly used in this diocese: English, Vietnamese and telefono 225-242-0202; fax 225-242-0233. Spanish. Cô Amy Cordon là giám đốc Văn Phòng Bảo Vệ Trẻ Em Uno de los programas que la Iglesia ha establecido es và Người Trẻ của Địa phận Baton Rouge. Văn phòng làm la linea telefonica especial y confidencial de “Contacto việc ở tại Tòa Giám Mục, 1800 South Acadian Thruway, para Responderle a la Victima del Abuso Sexual” com- Issues relating to the Protection Baton Rouge. Họp thư là P.O. Box 2028, Baton Rouge, LA etido por empleados de la Iglesia o voluntarios: 225-242- of Children and Young People 70821-2028; điện thoại: 225-242-0202; fax: 225-242- 0250. 0233. Cualquier persona como un niño o un jóven victim- Mrs. Amy Cordon serves as Child and Youth Protection Offi- Một đường dây liên lạc đặc biệt và uy tín dành cho việc izado debe reportar el incidente primero a las autori- cer of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Her offices are at the Catholic thông báo những trường hợp lạm dụng trong giáo xứ sẽ dades como la (Policia Estatal o al Departamento Estatal Life Center, 1800 South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge. Her được dùng là: 225-242-0250. (Ministerio) de Servicios Sociales asi como también a mailing address is P. O. Box 2028, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028; Những nạn nhân bị lạm dụng trước hết cần phải báo la linea de “Contacto para Responderle a la Victima del telephone 225-242-0202; fax 225-242-0233. cáo lên các cơ quan chính quyền (Cơ Quan Cảnh Sát Tiểu Abuso Sexual” (telefono 225-242-0250) o a los conse- A special confidential “Sexual Abuse Victim Response Con- Bang—Louisiana State Police hoặc Văn Phòng Xã Hội Tiểu jeros de la Diocesis en las Caridades Catolicas (telefono tact Line” to be used in reporting any instance of child sexual Bang—State of Louisiana Department of Social Services), 225-336-8708). June 26, 2015 LAUDATO SI’, CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME The Catholic Commentator 5

Orthodox Metropoli- tan John of Pergamon and Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, talk after speaking at a news conference to present Pope Francis’ encyclical on the envi- ronment at the Vatican June 18. The encyclical is titled, “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Com- mon Home.”

Carolyn Y. Woo, president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, speaks during a news con- In the encyclical, Pope Francis urges rest of nature cannot be real if our hearts ference to present Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment at the Vatican June 18. Catholics to cultivate simplicity; it is good lack tenderness, compassion and concern The encyclical is titled, “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home.” Photos by CNS for the soul and for the planet, he says. “A for our fellow human beings,” Pope Francis constant flood of new consumer goods can insists. ENCYCLICAL  of creation speaks of God’s love and power baffle the heart and prevent us from cher- For example, he says, “it is clearly incon- From page 1 and that every created being is part of in- ishing each thing and each moment,” the sistent to combat trafficking in endangered terdependent whole, the pope writes. pope writes. species while remaining completely indif- mental destruction in general, he says it “Everything is related,” the pope says, The encyclical presents the vision of an ferent to human trafficking, unconcerned is important to acknowledge “the human “and we human beings are united as broth- “integral ecology” that highlights not only about the poor, or undertaking to destroy origins of the ecological crisis,” and while ers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage, the interconnectedness of all created life, another human being deemed unwanted.” ecology is not only a religious concern, woven together by the love God has for but recognizes how political, economic, so- “Everything is connected,” the pope those who believe in God should be espe- each of his creatures and which also unites cial and religious values and decisions are writes. “Concern for the environment thus cially passionate on the subject because us in fond affection with brother sun, sister interrelated and impact the way people live needs to be joined to a sincere love for our they profess the divine origin of all cre- moon, brother river and mother earth.” with one another on the planet and use its fellow human beings and an unwavering ation. In the document, Pope Francis calls on resources. commitment to resolving the problems of Pope Francis singles out for special national governments and the leaders of “A sense of deep communion with the society.” praise Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch international institutions to be serious and Bartholomew of Constantinople, who has courageous in adopting strict measures to made environmental theology a key topic slow and reverse global warming, protect of his research and teaching since the ear- the rain forests and ensure the availability INFERTILITY: You’re Not Alone ly 1990s. Before the encyclical’s release, of clean water for all. Courage will be need- A day-long workshop discussing the struggle of infertility from a the pope told a group of priests that he ed, he says, to adopt policies that initially had asked the patriarch to join him for the may slow the pace of economic growth, Catholic perspective, including the spirituality of infertility, causes public presentation of the encyclical, but but which will be farsighted in ensuring a and treatment options, balancing hope and grief, and more! the patriarch had a scheduling conflict and future for their voters, their voters’ grand- so sent one of his top theologians, Metro- children and all humanity. politan John of Pergamon. “We know that technology based on Saturday, July 25, 2014 People are fooling themselves, Pope the use of highly polluting fossil fuels es- 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Francis says in the document, if they think pecially coal, but also oil and, to a lesser “things do not look that serious, and the degree, gas needs to be progressively re- St. Thomas More Activity Center planet could continue as it is for some placed without delay,” he says. 11441 Goodwood Blvd. time.” Such people in all honesty are giving But he also calls on every Catholic and themselves permission to carry on with all people of good will to do their part by, Baton Rouge, LA their current lifestyles and habits; their at- for example, using only non-polluting $10 pp • Lunch provided titude is “self-destructive,” he says. detergents, recycling paper, using public In large sections of the encyclical, Pope transportation and putting on a sweater Francis’ language is poetic, echoing the instead of raising the heat in the winter. REGISTER AT: www.MFLDiobr.org tone of St. Francis of Assisi’s “Canticle of And he urges Catholics to return to the Creatures,” which is the source of the the practice of saying grace before meals, “laudato si’” (praised be you) in the encyc- a habit that reminds them regularly that Keynote Speaker Carmen Santamaria, coauthor of the lical’s title. He quotes a large section of the the food they are about to eat is a gift that book, The Infertility Companion for Catholics. hymn of praise in a section on the place of comes from the earth and from God. each creature in the harmony of creation. At the end of the document, Pope Fran- The canticle is most famous for its refer- cis offers two prayers he composed him- ences to “brother sun,” “sister moon” and self: “A Prayer for Our Earth” and “A Chris- “our sister, Mother Earth.” tian Prayer in Union with Creation.” TOPICS INCLUDE: But, the pope says, “sister earth” is cry- The first prayer includes asking God ing out, “pleading that we take another to “bring healing to our lives that we may • The Spirituality of Infertility by Carmen Santamaria course” marked by healing and protecting protect the world and not prey on it, that the earth and all its inhabitants. we may sow beauty, not pollution and de- • NaProTechnology: Restoring Hope & While Christians cannot “put all living struction.” Office of Marriage & Health to Couples with Infertility by Susan Caldwell, MD, NFPMC beings on the same level nor ... deprive The second prayer includes the peti- Family Life human beings of their unique worth and tion, “O Lord, seize us with your power and Diocese of Baton Rouge • Balancing Hope & Grief by the tremendous responsibility it entails,” light, help us to protect all life, to prepare Phone: 225-242-0323 Darryl Ducote, LCSW St. Francis’ hymn expresses the truth that for a better future, for the coming of your Fax: 225-336-8731 God is creator of all things, that every part kingdom of justice, peace, love and beauty.” 6 The Catholic Commentator June 26, 2015 Rosary while driving?/Abuse victim still loves church

Recently, at a parish discussion Do you have any advice? (City of origin He keeps saying that he wants to group, several people suggest- withheld) return to Mass. (He says this on his own; Qed that a good time to pray the believe me, I put no pressure on him, rosary is while you are driving your car. As you indicate, many victims although I myself am a very committed I, though, have two questions: a) Is that do bear deep anger toward the Catholic.) But every Sunday morning, he a good prayer practice? And, b) Is it pru- Aaggressor, extend that resent- seems to find some reason why he just dent and safe? (Albany, New York) ment to the church as a whole and carry can’t get up and go to church. it for the rest of their lives. I understand My question is this: Is it possible, Different people will give you that. I can’t even begin to imagine how because of everything that he has done different answers – and logically, it must feel to have trusted someone you wrong in the past that a “bad angel” is Abecause of the spiritual value of considered a visible representative of influencing him not to go back to Mass or the practice and the safety of the driver. God in your life – and to have had that to reconnect with the church? I am shy It depends a lot on the particular indi- trust so violated. It doesn’t surprise me about talking to our parish priest about vidual: How much am I able to concen- that, in the wake of this, a person could it, but if this is a possibility, is there trate on prayer, while staying attentive Question Corner lose faith in the church (or even in God) something that can be done to release to safety? and find that faith difficult to regain. him from this hold? When I see him so The ideal, of course, is to pray when Father Kenneth Doyle But there are other victims such as broken, I feel that my heart is wrapped in you are free to focus fully on the Lord, yourself who are able to make distinc- thorns. (New Zealand) but I don’t believe God is offended if you couple of extra Hail Marys just to be safe. tions, to separate in their minds the of- break the boredom of an isolated high- Perhaps when I reach heaven, I’ll get fender from the church. They realize how I do not believe that your son is way by speaking with him. Here’s the credit for the “overage”!) far that offending priest strayed from under the control of a “bad an- way I’ve worked it out in practice. If I’m what he was ordained to do: to image the Agel.” It’s much more likely that he driving in the city – surrounded by traffic I have read countless stories of compassion of Jesus. These victims still is in the throes of depression, which is and watching for turns – I don’t compli- those abused sexually by priests. love the church; they want simply to be an increasingly common disease in our cate that by adding a rosary to the mix. QI was abused by a priest who also heard, to be healed and to be made whole fast-paced world, a medical condition But on a country road – or even a drugged me. I took my faith seriously – and they desire deeply to continue to be with medical remedies. superhighway that is virtually empty – I then, and I still do. I think there should nourished by the church’s services and its My guess is that he simply does not sometimes do put a “ring rosary” on my be a way to connect with victims who sacraments. have the psychic energy to act on his index finger and pray it as I drive. (But love the church despite what happened. Fortunately, there are some dioceses better instincts, his professed desires even with that simple 10-beaded help, I But most victims’ groups I have read where retreats are offered specifically to be “a good man” and to seek strength tend to lose count and wind up saying a about seem to heal by hating the church. for those who were sexually abused by through the Eucharist. representatives of the church. There you Your first goal, if you have not done so would find, I’m sure, others who feel the already, is to find a competent psychia- Look for way you do and are able to support you trist, one experienced in treating young The CaThoLiC CommenTaTor by sharing both their stories and their adults and one with whom your son faith. would be comfortable in speaking. aT your LoCaL ouTLeTs inCLuding: Perhaps you might inquire from your God works most often through indi- diocese (specifically, from the victims viduals, especially those in the healing ✔ Affinity Nursing Home, Baton Rouge ✔ Oak Point Supermarket, Central ✔ Anthony's Deli, Baton Rouge ✔ Oak Wood Nursing Home, Zachary assistance coordinator) whether such professions. I would suggest, too, that ✔ Albertsons, Baton Rouge ✔ Old Jefferson Community Care, opportunities might be available nearby. you do speak with your parish priest ✔ Alexander’s Highland Market, Baton Rouge especially if he knows your son – and in- Baton Rouge ✔ Our Lady of the Lake College, My son, who is 19, has suffered vite him to find a casual way to approach ✔ Ascension Books & Gifts, Gonzales Baton Rouge from anxiety and depression your son and simply ask him how he is ✔ Baton Rouge General Hospital, ✔ Our Lady of the Lake Regional Qsince puberty, although it’s only doing. Baton Rouge Medical Center, Baton Rouge and recently that we have recognized it for Hopefully, that might begin a dialogue ✔ Baton Rouge Healthcare, Baker Walker what it is. He began using marijuana in that could lead to your son’s return to the ✔ Benedetto’s Market, Addis ✔ Our Lady of the Lake Physician his early teens, dropped out of school, comforting grace of the sacraments. ✔ Bohning Supermarket, Ponchatoula Group, offices with locations struggled to hold a job and was very I can only imagine your pain at seeing ✔ Calandro’s Supermarkets, throughout the Diocese unstable. your child undergo such suffering. Con- Baton Rouge ✔ Reeve’s Supermarket, Baton Rouge His girlfriend recently gave birth tinue to pray and I will, too that the Lord ✔ Catholic Art and Gifts, Baton Rouge ✔ St. Elizabeth Hospital, Gonzales to their son, whom he loves dearly. He will ease your son’s agony and your own. ✔ Daigle’s Supermarket, White Castle ✔ St. Mary’s Books & Gifts, seems to want very much to become what ✔ Grace Healthcare, Slaughter Baton Rouge he calls “a good man,” but he keeps slip- FATHER DOYLE is chancellor for public in- ✔ Hi Nabor Supermarkets, Baton Rouge ✔ St. Vincent dePaul Stores throughout ping. (The other day he told us he feels formation and a pastor in the Diocese of ✔ Hubbins Grocery, Port Allen the diocese that he is a “pathological liar.”) The trust New York. Questions may be sent to Fa- ✔ Lane Regional Hospital, Zachary ✔ Schexnayer Supermarket, Vacherie in their relationship has been broken so ther Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@ ✔ LeBlanc’s Food Stores, Baton Rouge, ✔ Southside Produce, Baton Rouge many times that I don’t think his girl- gmail.com and 40 Hopewell St., Albany, Gonzales, Donaldsonville, Hammond, ✔ Tony’s Seafood, Baton Rouge friend will take him back. NY 12208. Plaquemine, Prairieville and Zachary ✔ UPS Store, Coursey Blvd., Baton ✔ Louisiana Vet Home, Jackson Rouge ✔ Matherne’s Supermarkets, ✔ Whole Foods Market, Baton Rouge Baton Rouge ✔ Winn Dixie in Hammond, New Roads Find more ‘archived’ viewpoints from ✔ Magnuson Hotel, St. Francisville and Ponchatoula ✔ North Ridgely Healthcare, Baker Father Doyle or any of our columnists at as well as your local church parish The Catholic Commentator Online under THE CATHOLIC “Viewpoint” at: thecatholiccommentator.org CSERVING THE DIOCESE O F BATON ROUGE SINCE 1962 June 26, 2015 FAITH JOURNEY The Catholic Commentator 7 Execution set Sister Helen’s soul on ‘fire’ By Debbie Shelley black people. She only thought of victims and founded the organi- The Catholic Commentator black people as servants. zation Survive, which counsels “I grew up during the era of and supports grieving families. “What starts as just as a slow Jim Crow,” said Sister Helen in The opera also follows Sister little current becomes a white wa- a question and answer session Helen as she accompanied Sonni- ter rapid, but you ride the wave,” at the Manship Theater. “I nev- er to his death in an electric chair. said Sister Helen Prejean CSJ to er questioned what it meant to Rather than ending with the eerie describe the tumultuous spiritu- not be able to drink from a water long beep of a heart monitor flat- al journey people take with her fountain because of your race or lining when Sonnier died, Sister as she moves from a quiet life of not be able to go into a theater be- Helen demonstrates she has been prayer to advocating for social cause of your race.” galvanized to seek the abolition justice and counseling men on God made it clear to her that of the death penalty. death row in her book, “Dead Man he did not want her to be “just a “When they strapped him in a Walking.” The book was made into nice, pious nun, but someone who wooden chair and pumped elec- a major motion picture and an op- will be on the side of the poor and tricity through his body until he era by composer Jake Heggie. marginalized.” was dead, his killing was a legal Sister Helen discussed her call She moved to the St. Thomas act. But what I saw set my soul on to social justice to kick off a “Cele- housing project in New Orleans. Portraying a scene from the opera “Dead Man Walking” in which Sister fire – a fire that burns in me still,” bration of Jake Heggie and Sister There she saw what it means to Helen Prejean accompanies inmate Elmo Patrick Sonnier, renamed Jo- Sister Helen said. Helen” residency in Baton Rouge not have medical care, education seph DeRocher in the opera, to his execution are, from left, Claire Shack- Heggie’s opera captures the June 12-13, sponsored by the and other basic necessities of life leton, Sister Helen; Akuda Esin, guard; Brian Bonin, DeRocher; Nicholas drama and human element and Louisiana Concert Movement. and, above all, hope. Sister Helen Abraham, guard; and Stephen Rushing, Warden George Benton. Photo by asks, “what is justice?” “Dead Man Walking” is based realized the critical role educa- Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator On June 13 samples of Heg- on the true accounts of the events tion plays in obtaining a better gie’s music set to Sister Helen’s that led Sister Helen to Louisi- life, and the people of the housing Sister Helen said the opera lationship and the turning down poetry on this topic were present- ana State Penitentiary in Angola project did not have it. conveys her feelings, as laid out of requests for Sonnier’s pardon. ed at University United Method- to become a spiritual advisor for “I didn’t realize teachers were in the book, during her drive to The book and opera also un- ist Church. That night, excerpts a man on death row. Her book having to bring their own toilet Angola. flinchingly look at the difficulties from the “Dead Man Walking” and poetry, including “The Deep- paper and paint their own class- “I was scared,” said Sister Hel- she encountered with the victims’ opera were performed by mem- est Desire: Four Meditations rooms,” Sister Helen said. en as she wondered what she had families, who were angry with bers of the Opera Louisiane and on Love,” and “Seeking Higher As she worked to correct this gotten herself into. her for helping Sonnier. They con- New Orleans Opera at The LSU Ground,” so inspired Heggie that injustice, she received a challenge But when the guards brought fronted her with, “How can you be School of Music. The full opera he set them to music. The “Dead that changed her life. A member Sonnier shackled and hand- with that scum and do nothing will be performed in New Orle- Man Walking” opera has been of the Louisiana Coalition of Jails cuffed into the room, Sister Hel- for us? We are Catholics, too,” and ans March 4-6. seen in more than 40 produc- and Prisons asked if she would en looked into his eyes and saw asking where was she when their Sister Helen said the book tions on five continents. write a letter to Elmo Patrick a human being. She became his children needed a spiritual advi- and opera leave people to pon- A native of Baton Rouge, Sis- Sonnier, an inmate on death row spiritual advisor. sor as they were being murdered. der their feelings about the death ter Helen said she was Catholic at Angola, who was convicted of The rollercoaster of emotions “An anger, which I deserved. I penalty. “I see Jesus on the cross, school educated and graduated killing two teenagers. She and began with Sister Helen helping should have reached out to them,” with his arms outstretched offer- from St. Joseph’s Academy. She Sonnier corresponded, and then Sonnier take responsibility for said Sister Helen, who actively ing love and reconciliation to all,” was oblivious to the suffering of she went to visit Sonnier. his crime in their deepening re- ministers to families of murder she said. Cultivating an attitude of joy

y aim in my work is to health – physically and mentally. to be brave and to overcome our while the world rejoices; you will encourage everyone I It is not merely a medical fears: “I have told you this so that grieve, but your grief will be- Mcome into contact with concern; this is a spiritual prob- you might have peace in me. In come joy” (Jn 16:20). to live a more joyful, optimis- lem. The failure to control your the world you will have trouble, St. Catherine of Siena under- tic life. In the face of all the thoughts and fears shows a lack but take courage [or cheer up], stood these words as an invita- troubles we face in this world of discipline, and sometimes a I have conquered the world” (Jn tion to joy. She put it this way: today, I realize that this task can weak faith as well. Jesus taught 16:33). “All the way to heaven is heav- seem daunting to some. But I us to reject pessimism and fear, You can scoff at the simplici- en.” also know that everyone can do not only because it leads to a loss ty of his words, but do it at your something positive to change of faith and hope, but also be- own peril. Jesus was a realist. FATHER CATOIR writes on issues of the course – or at least his or cause a joyless spirit can cause He said, “Amen, amen, I say to spirituality for Catholic News her attitude – toward living a health problems that won’t go you, you will weep and mourn, Service. happier life. away. Granted, we can’t live for- Some say there’s an associ- ever, but we can take steps to live ation between a good frame of Spirituality longer and as happier people. mind and good health. Anecdot- If you’ve been reading my col- Honor Those We Love. ally, we hear of people who can For Today umn over the years, you know GARDENS OF MEMORY &FUNERAL HOME -CREMATORY -MAUSOLEUMS ward off disease by maintaining that I keep stressing the impor- a good attitude. Yet we bring so Father John Catoir tance of cultivating an attitude of much misery upon ourselves by joy. I do this for you, but also for the way we allow our minds to ways. If you do not cultivate a myself. It takes mental discipline absorb all the gloom and doom joyful, optimistic state of mind, to focus on positive thinking. 11817 Jefferson Highway around us or imagine the worst- you will most assuredly live a life This form of ascetical discipline 225-753-1440 case scenario. of needless emotional pain. This is often overlooked. www.ResthavenBatonRouge.com This can be costly in a lot of in turn could take a toll on your And yet, Jesus called on us 2x2” Rest.small.honor.those’13 8 The Catholic Commentator June 26, 2015 Bishop Muench announces appointments

Bishop Robert W. Muench has ap- appointment was effective June 9. general operations. and Father Eapen have all agreed to assist pointed Father Trey Nelson administrator Father Nelson is filling in for St. Lou- Father Philip Eapen CMI, has been ap- in the weekend Mass schedule. of St. Louis King is King of France pointed parochi- SLKF business manager Gene Sharp of France Church pastor Father al vicar at SLKF, has agreed to serve in his capacity for the in Baton Rouge. Jack Nutter, who effective July 1. foreseeable future, according to Bishop Father Nelson has been granted Father Eapen has Muench. will retain his du- a medical leave of been serving as The bishop also announced Deacon ties as pastor at absence. parochial vicar Donald Musso has accepted becoming St. Jude Church Also, retired at Our Lady of administrator of Most Blessed Sacrament in Baton Rouge as priest Father Mercy Church in Church in Baton Rouge effective immedi- well as chairman Mike Collins will Baton Rouge. ately while pastor Father Phil Spano re- of the Diocesan assist in oversee- Father Nelson, covers from surgery. Task Force. His Father Trey Nelson ing the parish’s Father Mike Collins Father Collins Father Philip Eapen Kicks for Kids needs help to get students started on right foot

By Richard Meek right foot,” according to David School Board to include some of These are all mine!’ Her mom for the Kicks for Kids program. The Catholic Commentator Aguillard, chief executive offi- their students in the program,” said these were the first new Parents arrive with vouchers cer of CCDBR. Aguillard said Aguillard said. “That area is one shoes the girl had ever owned.” in hand to help their children Catholic Charities Diocese of the expansion has put the pro- of the poorest we serve, and we Since 2007, Kicks for Kids make their selection. Baton Rouge (CCDBR) is seeking gram’s bud- can’t turn our has paired up with area church- Aguillard said the agency donations to help students start get in the red, ‘My sisters didn’t backs on the es and Payless Shoe Source to needs to raise an additional the school year with new shoes. hence the call children. collect funds to buy new school $6,000 to help reach the goal of CCDBR announced plans to to the commu- have them before me! “Last year shoes for 5,550 children. helping 700 students. To make expand its Kicks for Kids pro- nity. one fourth Each year Payless Shoe a donation, visit CatholicCha gram to buy school shoes for “It’s tough These are all mine!’ grader told Source gives a discount on the rities BR.org; mail a check to more children and petition the to say ‘no’ when me, showing shoes, opens early with extra Catholic Charities, P. O. Box community for support to help we get a request like the one off a pair of sneakers, ‘My sis- staff at designated locations 1668, Baton Rouge, LA 70821- students “start school on the we got from the Pointe Coupée ters didn’t have them before me! and stocks up on popular styles 1668; or call 225-336-8700. OVER 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE Spreading the Good News! Since 1963

• The latest Catholic news in the Diocese of Baton Rouge • Vatican, national and international news • Family, youth and young adult interests • Coming Events in the diocese • Columns from local and national leaders • Entertaining features and movie reviews • Critical analysis of Catholic developments • Special sections of interest to our readers Never miss a single copy! Have The Catholic Commentator mailed directly to your mailbox for a little more than $1 a month. Send a $14 check or money order with your name and THE CATHOLIC mailing address to The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316;

or call 225-387-0983. Month xx, xxxx Vol. Cxx, No. xx ommentatorSERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 www.diobr.org/tcc picture fr. brunet June 26, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 9 Father Brunet celebrates 60 years as a priest

By Rachele Smith Another example of faith that has re- the first administrator of St. Joseph Ca- The Catholic Commentator mained with Father Brunet through the thedral. It lasted for about a month,” he years is when he was a pastor at Our Lady said. The year was 1955. of Mount Carmel Church in St. Francis- During that time, Bishop Robert E. It was a time when cool Kats wore ville. He explained that one of his parish- Tracy was appointed to Baton Rouge, jeans cuffed at the bottom, Hollywood ioners took in a family from Cuba. Fleeing and Father Brunet was assigned to other eyes donned full skirts that twirled, and the communist state, the family left all of parishes through the years, including St. penny loafers actually lived up to their their personal possessions behind except John the Evangelist Church in Plaque- name with teens placing real pennies in for one thing: a picture of the holy family. mine and St. Joseph Church in Grosse their stompers. To Father Brunet, the symbolism is spe- Tete. It was time when you could buy a new cial. While we can lose everything in our “Have chalice, will travel,” laughed Fa- Chevy Bel Air for around $2,000, fill her lives, our faith is paramount, and just like ther Brunet as he recalled his past assign- up with gas that cost just under 30 cents for this family, it will sustain us. ments. per gallon, and if you decided to buy “Later, the family was taken to Wal- “But I knew White Castle would be my wheels with a radio installed, then chanc- Mart, and the woman started crying just last stop,” said Father Brunet. Through es are you were rocking and rolling to to see so much stuff there on the shelves,” the years, he completed five separate as- Bill Haley and his Comets as they played said Father Brunet. signments at Our Lady of Prompt Succor “Rock Around the Clock.” Witnessing faith and God’s love, how- Church. But while families hoped to be the first Father Jules Brunet ever, is only the start. Father Brunet has Father Brunet’s younger brother, also in line at Disneyland’s summer opening also seen many changes in the church it- a priest, retired last year. They now share in California, and all U.S. paper currency self. In 1961, he was serving at St. Joseph a home, and even though schedules are was redesigned to add “In God We Trust,” tired priest living in the area,” said Father Church (today it is St. Joseph Cathedral) difficult, the two try hard to attend fami- a 24-year-old man was making the deci- Brunet. when Baton Rouge became a diocese. ly gatherings and especially dinners with sion to begin a life of service to the Cath- As one thing lead to another, Father He had to make a decision: stay in Baton their siblings. They also celebrate Sunday olic Church. Brunet, who had moved to Thibodaux to Rouge or go to New Orleans. When he de- Mass together. It’s a special time. That man was Father Jules Brunet, be closer to family, was recruited (quite cided to stay with the newly created Dio- “All I can do is be grateful,” said Father and 60 years ago he was ordained to the willingly) to teach a class. Today, he cese of Baton Rouge, his first assignment Brunet. “I give thanks for everything. priesthood for the Archdiocese of New teaches several classes, including a 10- from Archbishop Joseph F. Rummel of Even when I appreciate the beauty of Orleans. At that time, the Diocese of Ba- hour course on the Trinity and a 10-hour New Orleans was to act as administrator a tree or a flower, I know that God gave ton Rouge had yet to be created. course on St. Paul. of St. Joseph Cathedral. me that, and I show appreciation. I give “A year or so before I was ordained, I “It (the St. Paul course) was something “Not many people know that, but I was thanks.” remember sitting and looking out over the I had actually started putting together city, and I remember thinking that we (the when I was at White Castle. It was some- seminarians) were going to convert New thing I had always been interested in,” Orleans in two years,” said Father Brunet. he said, reflecting on his last 13 years as “But two years later (after ordination), a priest at Our Lady of Prompt Succor I remember driving through New Orle- Church in Iberville Civil Parish. ans, and I thought to Having the oppor- myself, I can’t even tell tunity to lead these everyone in this city, “I say Mass every day, studies (“I’m booked ‘Hello!’ How am I go- up to teach classes ing to convert them?” here in my home, and through April 2016,” he added amid laugh- he said) encourages Celebrating and Recognizing ter as he recalled the I offer this Mass for Father Brunet to con- innocence and opti- tinue to grow in his 68 Years of Catholic Education at mism of youth. the whole church ... I own faith and to con- Redemptorist High School Yet, for 60 years, Fa- tinue to give of his tal- Baton Rouge, Louisiana ther Brunet has man- have always thought ents. aged to bring others to But faith is not Your presence is requested at a Christ through mento- of my purpose as just a one-way street, ring, teaching, coun- and as he has given seling, leading, praying bringing everyone to others, Father Bru- Mas and, most of all, loving. net has also received. s of Thanksgiving It is something he con- closer to God” He especially remem- tinues to do every day. bers God’s grace and Monday, June 29, 2015 “I say Mass every day, here in my love through individuals he has served 6:00 in the evening home, and I offer this Mass for the whole through the years. St. Gerard Majella Catholic Church church,” said Father Brunet who added “When I was in Destrehan (at St. that he couldn’t think of a better way to Charles Borromeo Church), a young cou- 5354 Plank Road start the day. ple had experienced a miscarriage, and Baton Rouge “I have always thought of my purpose we were burying their child. This was ac- Reception immediately following Mass as bringing everyone closer to God,” he tually the seventh baby that this couple said. lost,” explained Father Brunet as he re- in the RHS Student Center That personal commitment is especial- called the sadness felt by everyone at the ly seen today. In what many would see as funeral. Alumni, friends and former faculty are the “golden years” of retirement, Father “But I remember the husband picking Brunet is still living out his original call. up dirt and throwing it on the casket. especially welcome! “My niece was in Bible study at St. Despite everything, he still had the cour- RSVP: www. Thomas Aquinas (in Thibodaux) watch- age to bury that child with dignity,” said csobr.org ing tapes and listening to albums when Father Brunet. “It was his faith that gave she told everyone that her uncle was a re- him the courage to go on.” 10 The Catholic Commentator | June 26, 2015 June 26, 2015 | The Catholic Commentator 11

Bishop Robert W. Muench, right, was joined by Arch- bishop Philip M. Hannan of New Orleans, left, during Bishop Muench’s installation for the Diocese of Baton  until another shocker came six years later to be assigned outside its boundaries. Rouge on March 14, 2002 at St. Joseph Cathedral. BISHOP when the bishop was notified by the Vati- When the Diocese of Baton Rouge was From page 1 Catholic Commentator file photos can he was being assigned as the bishop established (in July 1961) I distinctly roots and back home along the banks of of Covington, Kentucky. For the nearly remember thinking, ‘That’s a nice part the Mississippi River. Along the way he lifelong resident of New Orleans, who has of the state, but I’ll never be assigned has made lasting friends, his effervescent a penchant for Cajun cuisine and was even there now that it has become its own personality leaving a mark at each stop. entrusted with the “tough job” of visiting diocese.’ God still laughs at that one.” On June 29, 1990, the native of Louis- renowned Antoine’s Restaurant in New And with his typical humor he jok- ville, Kentucky who was reared in the Gen- Orleans on several occasions to help plan ingly added, “When the announcement tilly area of New Orleans, was ordained the menu for the visit of then-Pope Paul II of my move to the Diocese of Covington auxiliary bishop for the archdiocese, in 1988, the news came as a surprise. was made, some people from the north admitting he “never, never, never” thought “I was a ‘died-in-the-wool’ priest of shore of Lake Pontchartrain (a suburb that as a young priest he would ever be- the Archdiocese of New Orleans,” Bishop of New Orleans) thought their area was come a bishop and lead a diocese. Muench said. “One of the attractions of be- going to be its own diocese.” He settled comfortably into the role ing a diocesan priest was I expected never The bishop said the transition to Covington was eased because of his relationship with outgoing Bishop Wil- liam Hughes. Also, Bishop Muench’s former classmate, Father Ray Hart- man, also retired, lived in the diocese. Family has always been a priority in the bishop’s life so it was comfort- ing to him that most of his relatives still live in Louisville, about 100 miles from Covington. He was able to spend Family has always been a priority for Bishop Muench. During his installation Mass in Baton COMMITMENT TO CHRIST Rouge, he is shown serving Communion to his mother, Mary Muench, while his father, Wil- Thanksgiving and Easter with them and some of his relatives would occasionally liam, waits to receive. attend Sunday Mass at the Basilica of the Assumption in Covington. Bishop Muench’s pastoral journey came full circle in 2001 when it was announced he would be returning to Louisiana to replace Bishop Alfred C. Hughes, then the bishop for the Diocese of Baton Rouge who had been assigned to replace retiring Archbishop Schulte in New Orleans. “I was totally surprised and taken off-guard,” the bishop said, adding that A somber Bishop Muench celebrated the funeral Mass of Vicar General Father Than Vu earlier the announcement came only a week this year. The two had developed a close relationship since Father Vu was appointed vicar gen- after the rededication of the Basilica of eral. the Assumption, which had undergone a massive restoration and refurbishment project. As he reflects on a quar- ter century of memories, Bishop Muench said one of the great joys in his ministry is the opportunity to be out in Bishop Muench said what the community. Whether it’s blessing a building, attending a graduation or participat- he has found most reward- Bishop Muench visits each of the high schools in the diocese at least once a year and cel- ing in a church parish event, the bishop enjoys being around the people he shepherds. ing is the privilege of being ebrates the annual Catholic Schools Week Mass, where he interacts with teachers and stu- able to celebrate the Chrism dents. Mass, ordination, Holy Week events, confirmation and The bishop’s smile, whenever he discusses his life as a priest or a bishop, is the Diocesan Golden Jubilee Mass. He added he enjoys testimony to the countless good times he has enjoyed. celebrating the sacraments as well as “working side- ment to prison ministry, including annual be an effective leader. ties along the way. Leading people for 25 by-side with other bishops, visits to death row at the Louisiana State “By nature, we priests want to accommo- years will do that. priests, deacons, consecrated Penitentiary in Angola. date everyone; that is not always possible But whether it was good times or bad, religious, lay faithful for the Pastoral by nature, the bishop, perhaps or perhaps even desirable. Commitment to Bishop Muench has never wavered from cause of Christ, the church not surprisingly, said the most difficult try to do the best thing under a particular his commitment to prayer, from his com- and community.” part has been “administration, administra- circumstance is what should be the goal of a mitment to developing a stronger relation- Among his myriad of tion, administration.” leader, accepting that criticism and com- ship with Christ. Several years ago he responsibilities and duties, “Making and implementing decisions plaints are inevitable even it turns out the admitted he stopped approaching God for Bishop Muench makes it a often divides people with different opin- decision was best for the long term.” specific answers to problems; rather he just point to make annual visits ions,” he said. “The process of decision- The bishop’s smile whenever he dis- “promised to seek to deepen our bond, and to the seven Catholic high making is first to consult and seek to cusses his life as a priest, as a bishop, is trust I will be properly directed.” schools in the diocese, visits obtain agreement: consensus, if not una- testimony to the countless good times he Bishop Muench will celebrate his jubilee Bishop Muench is shown baptizing a young adult into the Catholic Church during an Easter Vigil Mass at St. four elementary schools per nimity. In my opinion, an executive whose has enjoyed. But as with any profession, he at the 10 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral Throughout his nearly 50 years of ministry, Bishop Muench has enjoyed interacting with Joseph Cathedral. year and has a deep commit- motivation is to please everyone will not has also experienced his share of difficul- on Sunday, June 28. young people. 12 The Catholic Commentator June 26, 2015 Dancer waltzes her way into the hearts of special needs children

By Debbie Shelley not, I had something to take back from it,” The Catholic Commentator said Babin. She was elated when she made the Dancing with the LSU Golden Girls be- team, and she is even more excited now fore 102,000 screaming fans at pre-game that she has been chosen team captain for LSU football games electrifies Elizabeth her senior year. Babin. “I can’t imagine my college experi- Outside of the football games, Babin, ence without it,” she said. a graduate of St. George School and St. But she is equally thrilled when she Joseph’s Academy, enjoys the appearanc- instructs children with disabilities at St. es the team makes at charitable events, Lillian Academy in Baton Rouge. which are too numerous to count. “When I walk in in the morning and “It’s quite an experience to see the girls they see me, their faces light up, and they who look up to the Golden Girls running run over to me and hug me and explain up to you and wanting to have their pic- their stories. I may have no idea what they ture taken with you,” Babin said. “I don’t are saying, but they are looking straight think I’m anyone special, but the looks on at me and want my undivided attention. their faces is priceless.” It’s such an indescribable feeling – like She never turns down such requests. hearing the roar of 102,000 plus people,” “I love talking to them and giving Babin said. them attention and letting them know we Babin has been dancing since she was recognize them … teaching them dance 2 years old. Her mother taught dance and moves that they can do by following the was a member of the Tigress dance team, music. I let them know they are amazing now the Tiger Girls. young women,” Babin said. Babin, herself, did not think she had Her love for children especially ex- a chance to make the Golden Girls when tends to those with disabilities, whom she tried out for the team going into her she has been working with since this past Elizabeth Babin loves, and is loved by, the children she has served at St. Lillian Academy freshman year at LSU. spring semester at St. Lillian. in Baton Rouge. Photo provided by Elizabeth Babin “I didn’t have high expectations for Babin had approached the people at St. myself. I thought if it worked out great, if Lillian about teaching classes on dance/ creative movement. They enthusiastically As summer break approached, Babin accepted. Her lessons focused on dance researched camps where she could teach therapy, stretching, balance and being dance during the summer. She agreed aware of themselves in relation to others. when St. Lillian asked her to help with its “That’s where I got to pull in my love summer camp. and passion for dancing,” Babin said. At camp, she reads books to the chil- To prepare for the class, Babin did a dren, helps them slide down the slide, lot of research, reading articles, watch- shoot basketballs, and shapes their lives, ing videos of dance therapy for children as they vie for who gets to stand by her with disabilities and and hold her hand talking with and ob- when they form a serving the physical circle. therapists interact- Babin said she is ing with the kids. happy in the differ- “I would often stay ence she has made (after the classes) in the children’s lives and talk to the direc- at St. Lillian. She tor, who is a physi- noted that at the be- cal therapist,” said ginning of one class, Babin, a biomedical a boy was apathetic major who recently and doing as little applied for medical as he could to get school in New Or- by. She worked with leans. This has taught him, and when he invaluable lessons returned to class the The Back to School special section will be coming on patient care for Elizabeth Babin and Mike the Tiger next time, he gave in July. Find out what will be happening in the Diocese Babin, who is also 110 percent. of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools for the 2015-2016 learning about the end-of-life spectrum as “He even corrected others when they school year. a volunteer at St. Joseph Hospice. weren’t giving their best,” Babin said wryly. To inquire about advertising your products and Challenges came Babin’s way. Toward But she is more taken by the differ- the end of the semester, for example, a ence the children have made in her life. services to this specialized market or space boy in a wheelchair was brought into her At a time when keeping up her grades and reservation contact class. Because her lessons often included planning her future can be daunting, the Wanda Koch at 225-387-0983 or directions such as “stomp,” “step right, children taught her to persevere. email [email protected]. step left” or “jump,” she thought, “What “They are so happy all the time. If they am I going to do?” The child’s physical don’t pick up on something, they don’t the CatholiC therapist assured her that “he can adapt” get discouraged or mad. They laugh and and “he can figure it out.” The boy waved keep trying, they love one another and his arms and moved his legs in his chair, keep trying to help each other out. There’s and Babin incorporated activities in her something different about them, and they Month xx, xxxx Vol. xx, No. xx ommentatorserving the diocese of baton rouge since 1962 www.diobr.org/tcc C lessons that accommodated him. love life,” Babin said. June 26, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 13 What about love?

Does love really mean some- the good of others to the good of thing? Or rather, what does the oneself” (St. John Paul II). word “love” signify – a feeling, Love is a movement in which a chemical reaction, a choice, our soul becomes transformed an action, a desire, a romantic towards the thing we love. “For interest? A word used so often in where your treasure is, there so many different contexts can also will your heart be” (Lk lose its significance. We speak of 12:34). This means that when we loving activities, places, people love lesser goods like pleasure, and things. Someone may say, “I wealth, honor and power more SINCE 1979 love chocolate,” and then say, “I than we love greater goods love God.” Surely there is some like God or other people, this difference here. wounds us. If you want to check Our society seems obsessed whether this is true, consider FAST • AFFORDABLE • GUARANTEED FOR LIFE with the idea of love, unfortu- Sign of the Times any relationship you have suf- (228-4882) Ask about our 10% discount. Call 1-800-BATHTUB nately often to the neglect of the fers when people treat pleasure, Mention code: “Commentator” reality of love. We have plenty of Seminarian Ryan Hallford wealth, honor and power as or 225-753-6810 for a free in-home consultation. and receive an additional $100 discount. love stories and love songs. Even more important than you. Such the motto of a local chicken munity spoke of love to describe decisions distort our relation- STEVE DECELL chain proudly proclaims “One their calling and mission. This ship with God and others. While Walk-in Showers Aging-In-Place Consultant Walk-in Tubs Love.” In more ridiculous mani- love went far beyond emotion these things are good, they are festations the notion of love and pleasure, but communicat- not as good as God and those becomes exclusively associated ed a commitment of faithfulness made in God’s image. with desire and pleasure. When that the first Christians would The church challenges us to Anthony’s Italian Deli this happens, the propaganda not compromise even under reflect on what it means to love. Baton Rouge’s only TRUE ITALIAN Deli Since 1978 of commercials takes a weird the threat of torture and death. Real love is challenging and yet Whatever your occasion, direction of sexualizing every “Love for life did not deter then essential to the fulfillment of potential purchase. Buy this from death” (Rev 12:11). our existence. The hardest thing our specialties are always a hit! sexy car, this sexy website, this This reveals the spiritual we will ever do is love God, and • Birthday parties • Wedding sexy phone, this sexy food. quality of true love. Love would the next hardest is to truly love and other sacrament celebrations • Reunions While we may use the word suffer death before choosing to our neighbor. Whether family, • Graduation • Vacations love to indicate a number of be unfaithful. Imagine if we ap- friendship or marriage, in our • Office lunches • meanings that vary in differ- proached our relationship with current culture it’s easy to treat ent contexts, we cannot ignore God and each other with this relationships as opportunities to Fresh Lasagna To-Go Daily thinking about what love really type of commitment. Imagine if use the person for personal gain. Small 4-6 servings means since this word signifies people loved you with this type Such a mentality seeks pleasure Large 8-10 servings the heart of our faith. We believe of love. Love transforms the over the person. But the church in a God who is love. Love is not soul. In fact, if you think about invites us to ask a very differ- 5575 Government St., just west of Jefferson Hwy. Phone orders welcome! 225-272-6817 Open Mon. - Sat. 9:30 - 6 simply something God does, but the people in your life who are ent question in our relation- love is who God is. “God’s very most loving, you’ll think of those ships. Instead of “what about being is love. By sending his who are willing to sacrifice for pleasure?” the church wants us only son and the spirit of love the good of others. to ask “what about love?” Love in the fullness of time, God has According to St. Thomas always seeks the good of the revealed his innermost secret: Aquinas, love engages the entire person over pleasure. God himself is an eternal ex- person, not only our desires and “Man cannot live without change of love, Father, Son and emotions, but also the mind. love. He remains a being that is Holy Spirit, and he has destined The choice to love moves from incomprehensible for himself, us to share in that exchange” a decision to will the good of his life is senseless, if love is not (Catechism of the Catholic another to an action that com- revealed to him, if he does not Church 221). municates this decision. “Love is encounter love, if he does not ex- The theme of God’s love not merely a feeling; it is an act perience it and make it his own, stretches throughout the Bible, of the will that consists of pre- if he does not ultimately partici- and the early Christian com- ferring, in a constant manner, pate in it” (St. John Paul II).

FEEDING THE HUNGRY Joe Skibinski – During its recent Daisy- Agent to-Brownies bridging 1953 Perkins Rd. ceremony, St. Aloysius Baton Rouge, LA 70808 Troop 10029 donated Bus: 225-387-0201 $250 to the Greater Ba- Toll Free: 888-387-0201 ton Rouge Food Bank as [email protected] part of its philanthropy. This donation will pro- vide over 1000 meals to families in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Photo provided by Melanie Lemoine 14 The Catholic Commentator ENTERTAINMENT June 26, 2015

for young adults sidelines romance, keep- the anonymous extras on whom the ill- Motion Picture Association of America ing the relationship between the central designed creature contentedly munches MOVIE ratings: G – General audiences; all ages admitted characters strictly platonic. But marginal have come to the wrong fictional island. PG – Parental guidance suggested; some tinges of sexuality, some of them distaste- Though the elements listed below rule out REVIEWS material may not be suitable for children ful, make this a doubtful choice for the the “Flintstones” crowd, parents of insis- USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting PG-13 – Parents are strongly cautioned source material’s targeted age group. The tent teens who find their patience in dan- classifications: to give special guidance for attendance prospect of death is also considered from ger of extinction need not feel too guilty A-I – General patronage of children under 13; some material may a strictly secular perspective, impoverish- if resistance proves futile. Some gory in- A-II – Adults and adolescents be inappropriate for young children ing the script’s outlook and putting it at terludes, a bit of comic innuendo, at least A-III – Adults R – Restricted; under 17 requires accom- odds with a Christian worldview. Mature one use of profanity, a few crude and crass A-IV – Adults, with reservations panying parent or adult guardian themes, unintentional drug use, fleeting terms. A-III; PG-13 L – Limited adult audience NC-17 – No one under 17 admitted O – Morally offensive images of pornography with implied mas- turbation, brief, mild irreverence, several Love and Mercy uses of profanity, at least one audible and Roadside a few bleeped F-words, much crude and This profile of Brian Wilson, the driv- Inside Out upsetting incidents, a single mature ref- crass language. A-III; PG-13 ing force behind 1960s chart toppers the Disney erence. A-II; PG Beach Boys, evades a descent into senti- Splendid animated comedy, founded Jurassic World mental gloss. Instead, director Bill Pohlad on strong values, in which an 11-year-old Me and Earl and the Dying Girl Universal adopts an intelligent, steady approach to girl’s (voice of Kaitlyn Dias) personified Fox Searchlight Humans are mere dinosaur fodder in his subject, almost like that of a docu- emotions principally Joy (voice of Amy Sensitive, though ultimately shal- this extension of the $2 billion-grossing mentary. He focuses on lengthy scenes Poehler) and Sadness (voiced by Phyllis low drama in which, at the insistence of sci-fi franchise that dates back to 1993’s showing the young Wilson (Paul Dano) Smith) struggle to help her cope with his mother (Connie Britton), a preco- “Jurassic Park,” Steven Spielberg’s wildly laboriously crafting his distinctive sound the crisis brought on by her family’s cious, movie-obsessed high school misfit popular adaptation of Michael Crichton’s in recording studios. But, in an effort to move from Minnesota to San Francisco. (Thomas Mann) reluctantly befriends a 1990 novel. The potential victims of the avoid sensationalism, he also undoubted- Aided by top-notch supporting perfor- classmate (Olivia Cooke) afflicted with latest crop of genetically recreated pre- ly strips away uncomfortable details from mances from, among others, come- leukemia. As the two develop a genuine historic predators who, for a price, can be the story of the troubled musician’s later dian Lewis Black as the lass’ Anger and affection for each other, the outcast and observed at the resort of the title, include life, during which he’s portrayed by John Richard Kind as her big-hearted imagi- his best buddy from childhood (RJ Cy- a career-focused member of the theme Cusack. Though Pohlad ducks explicit nary friend, co-directors Pete Docter ler) who has also gotten to know, and like, park’s staff (Bryce Dallas Howard), her portrayals or discussions of the substance and Ronaldo Del Carmen prove equally the patient collaborate on a film paying visiting nephews (Nick Robinson and abuse that may have led to Wilson’s expe- deft at tickling and touching the wide- tribute to their new pal. Unusually, direc- Ty Simpkins) and the ex-military ani- rience of auditory hallucinations, his film ranging audience for which their Pixar tor Alfonso Gomez-Rejon’s adaptation of mal trainer (Chris Pratt) with whom she can be appreciated for its celebration of production is suitable. A few potentially screenwriter Jesse Andrews’ best-seller shares a romantic attraction thinly dis- one star’s at least partially successful ma- guised as mutual dislike. Anyone looking neuvering through the moral minefield for interaction more meaningful than that laid down by wealth and fame. A premari- between the DNA disaster of an uber-di- tal bedroom scene, drug use, fleeting in- no to whose rampage director Colin Trev- stances of profanity and coarse language. orrow devotes most of his attention and A-III; PG-13 Historical overview of modern papacy shows political ups and downs

(CNS) – Although popes are first and traces the history of papal involvement foremost heads of the Catholic Church, in politics from the French Revolution to political issues historically have rivaled the election of Pope Francis. It shows how spiritual ones as topics of concern. Even popes have evolved from temporal rulers today, when a pope no longer holds tem- of the papal states, fighting to maintain poral power, he still wields international their kingdom, to today’s proponents of influence as head of a respected transna- the need for moral and ethical values to tional organization applying moral values guide political decisions. to hot-button world situations. Author Frank J. Coppa is well equipped Even without political clout several to provide the narrative. He is a retired modern popes have contributed mightily history professor at St. John’s University to world history. Polish-born Pope John in New York and author of several previ- Paul II, now a saint, was a major figure ous books on papal history. Although an in the collapse of the Soviet Union and its academic, he uses everyday language and East European communist empire. Pope avoids lengthy quotes from other schol- Benedict XV saw his proposals for ending ars, making the story an easy and flowing World War I initially rejected only to later read. form the basis of U.S. President Wood- Coppa shows how popes have faced var- row Wilson’s 14 Points, which became the ious political challenges – some with suc- framework of an armistice. cess while others wallowed in mistakes “The Papacy in the Modern World” and miscalculations. For more Movie Reviews, visit thecatholiccommentator.org and see ‘Entertainment’. June 26, 2015 ENTERTAINMENT The Catholic Commentator 15

12345 6 789 11120 131 Angels Fail 41 51 61 I try to face the fight within I can’t give up, I can’t give in And I will let this end 1178 91 But it’s over When all is lost and daylight 02 221 2 I’m ready for the riot to ends (Repeat refrain.) begin I’ll carry you and we will live 243 25262 72 And surrender forever The sun begins to rise 82 209 3 I walked the path, it led me Forever And wash away the sky to the end The turning of the tide 13 23 343 353

Remember Gray skies will chase the Don’t leave it all behind 63 387 3 93 I’m caught beneath, with light away And I will never say goodbye nothing left to give No longer 04 14 24 Forever I fought the fight, now only (Repeat refrain.) 443454 dark remains Refrain: Forever Forever, forever 476 484 409 5 When angels fall with bro- 15 25 ken wings Divided I will stand 35 554 556 587 595 Sung by Breaking Benjamin | Copyright © 2015, Hollywood Records 06 16 26 Fighting discouragement, rekindling hope 36 46 56 moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www lternative rock band If you are a teen and you hear ACROSS DOWN 1 These were waved at Jesus 1 Container used for cooking Breaking Benjamin has a peer express such despair, do when he entered Jerusalem 2 Exclamation of surprise Anot produced a new not carry this information alone. 6 Alphabet string 3 Science rm. studio album in more than five Tell a trusted adult that you have 10 Sir’s complement 4 Theology degree (abbr.) 5 Religious speeches years. But to be released in June heard such comments, and you 14 Prairie State hub 6 Poor ___ (religious order) is “Dark Before Dawn,” and off are worried about your peer. 15 Soothe 7 Dictator this disc is their current single Even if this individual has 16 Juan’s “other” 8 Former measure of length 17 Place of reservation for the 9 Some hotels “Angels Fall.” told you about depression in con- Blessed Sacrament 10 “Bad company ruins good ___” Given the discouragement fidence, potentially saving your 19 “…and sends ___ on the just (1 Cor 15:33) and depression that the song friend’s life is more important and on the unjust” (Mt 5:45) 11 Xbox ancestor describes, I have wondered if than worrying about break- 20 St. Thomas’ surname 12 Operatic melodies 21 Early landing place 13 One-twelfth of a year “Angels Fall” conveys some of ing trust. Among teens, suicide 18 Land in which Cain settled 23 Negative electrode the difficulties that the group is often an act of impulse, and 22 Traveled 27 Do away with 23 Throws has faced during this time. Ex- you can never be sure when the 28 Brother of Miriam 24 Reacted to a massage cept for original band founder power of an impulse will over- 29 They come before the entrees 25 People looked like this to the Benjamin Burnley, all of the On The Record come a person’s rational mind. 31 Molts blind man Jesus cured (Mt band’s members are new. As for facing one’s own in- 32 Challenge 8:24) Charlie Martin 33 D.C. lobbying group 26 Scuttles However, Breaking Benja- tense difficulties and discourage- 36 Golf mounds 27 Jai ___ min seems to have overcome ment, likewise do not try to do 37 “___ Angelicus” 30 “___ Dei” problems and continues with a musical sound this all alone. Tell those you trust how you are 33 Old-fashioned way to write a 39 Trillion (pref.) letter that listeners will recognize and appreciate. feeling and ask them to help you find new ways 40 60’s demonstrators 34 Odor The song’s character expresses the discour- of facing this discouragement. 41 Prohibiting perfume? 35 Unit of weight in gemstones agement, perhaps even the despair, that he has Almost always, getting beyond hurting situa- 42 According to Proverbs, a gra- 37 Heaven cious woman gets this (Prov 38 Killed by Cain faced. He has tried “to face the fight within, but tions starts with small, doable steps. These first 11:16) 39 Novelist Morrison it’s over.” He has “walked the path,” but it only steps can be almost anything that returns you to 43 Take into custody 41 Authentic led him “to the end.” He feels like he’s “caught a sense of well-being, even if it is only for a small 45 Jungian term 42 “___ papam” 46 Slow 43 Stay attached beneath” the psychological weight of all of his time. Few problems can be remedied in a single 44 Catholic Olympian difficulties, “with nothing left to give.” action, but when you take small steps toward 49 Natural environment 46 Biblical tooth action? 51 Snacked Yet, he is unwilling to give up hope that his improvement, hope is rekindled. 47 Lover 52 First-class 48 Korean or Japanese, for ex- life could eventually improve. He realizes that Further, make God your ally for your healing 53 Friend who’s française ample even “when angels fall with broken wings, I process. Painful loss or grief can be shared with 54 Approval word 50 Tropical cuckoo can’t give up, I can’t give in.” He is able to say to God. God’s desire to help you past whatever you 60 Scorch 52 Copies 55 Sea, to Sartre another that “when all is lost and daylight ends, encounter is stronger than any of your feelings of 61 Ooze 62 David married his widow 56 “Our Father who ___…” I’ll carry you and we will live forever.” hurt. Simply share what you are experiencing with 63 Sharpen 57 Up to, informally How he will overcome his discouragement God and ask for help. 58 OPEC member 64 Celtic language 59 Chi ___ and refuse to give up is not described, but We all fall in life. Instead of broken wings, we 65 Canonized pope known as clearly hope dwells within him. All of us are find ourselves with shattered dreams and broken “the Great” Solution on page 18 going to face setbacks and, sometimes, very hearts. Still, the song’s mantra can become our hurtful disappointments. own; we can choose not to give up or give in. At times, we may be asked to give up our We will need a lot of help to keep such resolve, dreams as life has changed so much that those but with God’s help and the support of those who dreams are no longer possible. Indeed, we care about us, we can heal our lives and start become the angels with broken wings that the again. song mentions. This power of despair is seen especially MARTIN is an Indiana pastoral counselor who among teens. Sociological research shows that reviews current music for Catholic News Ser- after accidents and homicide, suicide is the vice. Write to [email protected]; or 7125 leading cause of death in this age group. This is West CR 200 South, Rockport, IN 47635; or one reason why we should pay close attention Facebook at “Charlie Martin’s Today’s Music when we see teens feeling discouraged. Columns.” 16 The Catholic Commentator VIEWPOINT June 26, 2015

| EDITORIAL Should Pope Francis “leave science to the scientists?”

he Associated Press on June of the 20th Century was a Jesuit A time for healing 4 announced that Pope priest, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. TFrancis’ encyclical on the An Augustinian monk, Gregor olitics can be a dirty business, but exploiting a national environment will be published on Mendel, is known as the “father of tragedy to further a political agenda is execrable. Unfortu- June 18. By the time you read this genetics” for his scientific work in Pnately, both President Obama and Governor Bobby Jindal column you may have read the text. the 19th century. The Vatican has its are guilty of such inexcusable behavior. Their announcement stated “no own observatory in Castel Gan- After nine innocent victims were gunned down in a South papal document in recent times dolfo, 14 miles out of Rome. And the Carolina church, Obama expressed the expected words of has elicited as much anticipation highly respected Pontifical Academy sympathy from the leader of the country. However, in what was and anxiety as Francis’ encyclical.” for Sciences can trace its roots back in poor taste and quizzical timing, he also used the platform to Of course, environmentalists are to 1603. Pope Francis’ encyclical renew his call for gun control and unapologetically pinned the overjoyed to have the pope’s moral simply continues the tradition. blame for lack of any progress solely on Republicans. authority added to their cause. Why will Pope Francis not leave Considering sophisticated modern weaponry, a revision of And its timing had to be deliber- “science to the scientists?” The best existing gun control laws to reflect the changes in technology is ate, because the United Nations Another answer comes from professor Robin likely coming. will soon hold its climate talks in Darling Young, a theologian from There will be ample opportunity for that dialogue in the fu- Paris. But not everyone was happy. Perspective the Catholic University of America ture, but to raise the issue before the victims have even been bur- Republican hopeful Rick Santorum in Washington, D.C. “When he ied and while a country mourns smacks of political arrogance. said that the pope should “leave Father John Carville (Pope Francis) arrived at the Vatican Equally as offensive was Jindal, calling the president’s com- science to the scientists.” Like our he found it supplied not merely with ments “shameful” and claiming Obama was trying to score governor, he no doubt was seeking the votes of the a troublesome curia, but also with scientific insti- “cheap political points.” Unfortunately, Jindal, who has been an Tea Partiers. tutes. The scientists staffing these institutes know absentee governor for much of his time in office while laying the Whatever side on the climate control debate well that since 1950 there has been a sevenfold in- groundwork nationally for what is expected to be a presidential you may favor, it is important for you as a Catholic crease in urban population worldwide; that energy bid, was equally as guilty. to understand why Pope Francis feels obliged to use has increased fivefold and fertilizer eightfold; Now is not the time for the country to be divided. Rather it is a state his and the Catholic Church’s position. He that crops are menaced by depletion of fresh water time for unity, not animosity; for galvanization, not polarization; isn’t trying to help one American presidential can- and nutrients in the soil. They know that forests for prayer and not inflammatory rhetoric. didate or another. In fact, on a papal plane trip have been clear-cut and land degraded; that inva- Together in prayer we must remember the victims whose lives from Sri Lanka to the Philippines last January, sive animal species flourish everywhere, replacing ended so needlessly while worshipping in the most sacred of according to John Allen, Vatican correspondent natural predators; that the marine eco-system is places. We must also pray for the families of the victims, whose for the Boston Globe, the pope told reporters that in danger; that species extinction is now accelerat- hearts have been fractured and lives shattered because of the human beings “had slapped nature around” and ing at a shocking rate, damaging the diversity on despicable actions of one deranged individual. he was writing an encyclical about the environ- which life on the planet depends. Together we must stand and leave the political posturing for ment to call for “more courageous choices.” They are also aware of the possibility of drastic another day. Since climate change is already a political atmospheric warming up to six degrees centi- issue, the encyclical cannot help but have some grade in the next century. And they understand political edge. However, it will probably focus on that only an international effort with binding | PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PRAY FOR US our universe as God’s creation and our God-given agreements can reverse current trends. Yet the Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the responsibility to care for our planet’s part in it, sole international body currently capable of forg- Baton Rouge Diocese. and thereby care for our fellow human beings ing such agreements, the United Nations, is weak and other living creatures with whom we share and divided. Its subsidiary body, the Intergovern- June 30 Rev. Patrick J. July 7 Rev. Michael A. Miceli the earth. Climate change, to the extent that it mental Panel on Climate Change, has regularly Mascarella Dcn. Alfred Adams Sr. is effected for the worse by human production issued reports on climate change for a quarter Dcn. J. Thomas Traylor Sr. Johanne of green-house gases, is a moral issue. We can century, and yet little on the international level Bro. Ronald Hingle SC Pedersen CSJ choose simpler and more sustainable lifestyles has been accomplished. Indeed, global fossil-fuel July 1 Rev. Matthew E. July 8 Rev. Cleo J. Milano that do less damage to our environment. Wouldn’t consumption is currently skyrocketing, aided by McCaughey Dcn. Michael A. we expect a pope who chose St. Francis of Assisi new extraction technologies. Politically, develop- Dcn. John W. Veron Agnello as his namesake to urge us to do so? ing countries have shown themselves unwilling to Sr. Huong Nguyen ICM Bro. Paul Montero SC In doing so he would actually be quite tradi- refrain from building their own economies on the July 2 † Rev. William H. July 9 Rev. Nutan S. Minj IMS tional. St. John Paul II warned that the greenhouse same fossil-fuel use that made first-world coun- McCue SC Dcn. Donald L. Ard effect “has now reached crisis proportions” in a tries rich and comfortable.” (Commonweal/May Dcn. Doanh Van Sr. Cielo Pesigan DM message for the World Day of Peace back in 1990. 15, 2015) Vu ICM July 10 Rev. Eliecer Montanez- Again, according to Allen, Pope Benedict XVI made Globally we are in a tough situation. The Bro. Warren Grimaldos MCM so many statements on ecology that he was called delicate balance of nature has been thrown off to Laudumiey SC Dcn. Frank E. Bains the “Green Pope.” He caused the Vatican to become an extent that is dangerous. It is not a question of July 3 Rev. Paul A. McDuffie Bro. Eugene Patin CSsR Europe’s first carbon-neutral state and installed stopping the use of fossil fuels, the cutting of trees, Dcn. J. Peter Walsh July 11 Rev. Michael J. solar panels atop its main audience hall. the use of fertilizer or the production of electricity. Sr. Mary Noel OP Moroney The Catholic Church has made some histori- None of that will happen, nor should it. But their July 4 Rev. Roberto Dcn. Thomas D. Benoit cally awful missteps with regard to science. It use must be controlled for the good of the earth Merced OP Sr. Anh-Tuyet arrested Galileo for supporting the truth of Coper- and its inhabitants – all of them. That message Dcn. James E. Wax Pham ICM nicus’ discovery that the earth traveled around the needs to be heeded and acted upon. If the pope Bro. Noel Lemmon SC July 12 Rev. Caye A. (Trey) sun and not vice-versa. And Pope Pius IX in 1869 can contribute to this happening, he must speak July 5 Rev. Andrew J. Merrick Nelson III condemned modernity and all its sciences in his out. He has more science at his disposal than most Dcn. P. Chauvin Dcn. Mark T. Berard “Syllabus of Errors.” But, on the whole, history of us, and the best bully pulpit in the world. And Wilkinson Jr. Bro. Marcel Riviere SC recognizes that the Catholic Church has been one the survival of our planet and of us on it qualifies Sr. Georgeann July 13 Rev. Hung Viet of the foremost supporters of science. As far back as a moral question. Parizek RSCJ Nguyen ICM as Pope Pius XII in 1950s, popes have taught that July 6 Rev. Victor G. Messina Dcn. Willie M. God created through evolution. Contrary to some FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest in the Diocese Dcn. Henry J. Zeringue Berthelot Sr. textbooks being pushed in our own state, St. John of Baton Rouge and writes on current topics for Bro. Malcolm Sr. Christine Paul II stated that evolution was “more than a hy- The Catholic Commentator. He can be reached at Melcher SC Pologa CSJ pothesis.” One of the most famous paleontologists [email protected]. June 26, 2015 VIEWPOINT The Catholic Commentator 17 The best one can do in the circumstances

ecently I led a weeklong retreat for un-fatigued self, my full resources are finite, isn’t tension, and, paradoxically, it seems to give some 60 people at a renewal center. energies and my undivided that always a formula for them more energy. Jesus, while cautioning ROverall, it went well, though ideally attention. During that week tension? proper self-care (Let us go away by our- it could have gone better. It could have of retreat, my office also Circumstance conscripts selves for a while and rest. Mk 6, 31) also gone better if, previous to the retreat, I got second best, I was not us and, in the words of tells us that we should pour ourselves out would have had more time to prepare and giving it my ideal best; but Jesus, puts a rope around completely for others without worrying too more time to rest so that I would have only what I could do, given us and takes us where we much about whether this will kill us or not. arrived at the retreat well-rested, fully-en- the circumstances. would rather not go, namely, I had all of this in mind as I struggled ergetic and able to give this group my total I suspect most time- beyond our comfort, beyond while giving a recent retreat, knowing that undivided attention for seven days. management experts, and always being adequately neither the retreatants nor my office were Of course, that wasn’t the case. The not a few counselors and rested, and beyond always getting my best energies ... though both days leading up to the retreat were con- spiritual directors, would being in control of our own got the best that I could give, given the sumed by many pressures in my regular tell me that the reason this timetable and energies. circumstance. ministry; these were long days that kept tension exists in my life is Admittedly, it’s dangerous And isn’t this a good image for the me preoccupied and tired. Indeed, in the because of my failure to In Exile to over-extend yourself, whole of our lives? We have finite ener- days leading up to the retreat, I had to do set clear priorities and be except that it’s equally, gies, finite time, finite attention, and we many extra hours of work simply to free faithful to them and that Father Ron Rolheiser perhaps more, dangerous are constantly swamped by circumstance, myself up to lead this retreat. So I arrived this sloppy indecisiveness to under-extend yourself so need and pressure. There’s always some- for this retreat partly exhausted and car- is unfair to everyone on every side. If I am as to always have full control of your own thing! And so we are often caught in a rying with me still a lot of pressures from over-extended, it’s a fault in my life, pure energy and commitments and be always major tension as regards our time, energy my regular duties. and simple, which I have a moral respon- well rested and not over-taxed. We can and attention. In any given season within In spite of this, the retreat still went sibility to correct. burn out, but we can also rust-out. our lives, if we are honest, we might have pretty well. I had enough energy and focus But is it really that simple? Are we This, of course, can easily become a to say: This wasn’t the best I might have to make things essentially work. But it really meant to have rationalization for not done ideally, but it’s the best that I could wasn’t the best I could do ideally, though it this much control If I am over-extended, setting proper priorities do, given the circumstance! was the best I could do given the circum- over our lives? Don’t and for letting ourselves Ultimately this is true for our whole stances. circumstance and it’s a fault in my life, ... be non-reflectively buf- lives. It’s never ideal, but it’s the best we Given that confession, it’s fair to ask: need perennially feted by circumstance. can do, given the circumstance. And that Didn’t those retreatants have a right to trump that? Aren’t which I have a moral But the opposite can also should be more than enough when we have me arrive for this retreat more-rest- the generative years be a rationalization used stand before our maker in judgment. ed, more-prepared and more-ready to give of our lives about responsibility to correct. to over-protect our own them my full, undivided attention? Fair much more than comfort and rest. That’s OBLATE FATHER ROLHEISER, theologian, teacher enough. They did have that right; except ensuring our own health and rest? Even the tension, and it’s meant to be a tension. and award-winning author, is president that this was mitigated by the fact that if the purpose of our own self-care is not Sometimes we overextend ourselves, and of the Oblate School of Theology in San all the people who are daily affected by selfish but intended for the better service sometimes we under-extend ourselves. Antonio, Texas. He can be contacted at my regular duties also had that same of others, isn’t that service itself the final Most of the people that I admire most in ronrolheiser.com and facebook.com/ron- right. They too had a right to my time, my culprit? There are needs all over, and our the world suffer from the former, overex- rolheiser. A failed dream

unny how coverage of targeted by the Ku Klux Klan. Hicks. Has the dream died? Or has it turned into an a seemingly benign On the night the Deacons were formed, Robert Hicks ongoing nightmare? Fstory can leave one and his family had been threatened by KKK members Can people of all color co-exist in a society that ap- peeking into a window of and even local police officials. With fear permeating pears to be as racially charged as in the days of separate history. through every wall, the Deacons were formed in the water fountains and sitting in the rear of the bus? It’s Several years ago as a dining room of the house in which we were standing increasingly difficult to comprehend how a society that reporter in the secular me- years later. claims to be so inclusive in its thinking can allow such dia, a report came into the As I hung on every recollection of a tension-filled prejudice to remain so pervasive. newsroom of a house that night that saw men armed with weapons hiding in trees Yet it happens daily. Consider the increasing growth had been vandalized, which and other places on the Hicks property, I reflected how of suburbs, which is nothing more than a modern form usually would not be much society had matured, and that black and white could of segregation. Make no mistake; suburbia can trace its of a story. But the house co-mingle, work together and even marry and raise roots to racism and along the way introducing “white was the former home of interracial families. flight” to our lexicon. Robert “Bob” Hicks, a civil I could not have been more naive. Given recent Paradoxically, African-American leaders are now rights hero in Bogalusa, a Wandering circumstances, including heard railing against gen- city that was at the center of the shootings and ques- Did the violence of the 1960s, trification of longtime black racial strife in the turbulent Catholic tionable arrests of young neighborhoods. 1960s. African-Americans by white which pitted neighbor against Did the violence of the The home, although still Richard Meek law enforcement officials, 1960s, which pitted neigh- owned by the Hicks family, the shocking murder of neighbor, often classmate against bor against neighbor, often was idle when vandalized. Adding intrigue to the story nine African-Americans classmate against classmate, was Robert Hicks had died only a few months earlier. in church by a 21-year-old classmate, not teach us anything? not teach us anything? At the house I met Hicks’ widow and daughter, and racist thug and the vile-filled How the color of a per- that’s when the pages of history came alive. As we stood diatribe of civil rights activist Al Sharpton calling for son’s skin can continue to invoke such rage, anger and in the house, Mrs. Hicks, a remarkable lady, related to a federal law that would prohibit a white crime victim prejudice a half century after so many risked their lives me the circumstances of the formation of the Deacons from shooting an African-American perpetrator in self and paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of equality of Defense, a group of African-American men charged defense, I wonder how accepting we as a society are 50 remains a mystery. Sad to say, Dr. King’s dream of a with protecting civil rights workers regardless of race as years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s inspirational colorblind society is being trampled by bigotry, hatred well as African-American families who might have been words, after the heroics of Rosa Parks and Robert and prejudice emitting from all sides. 18 The Catholic Commentator COMING EVENTS June 26, 2015

Metairie Retreat – Father Whitney Miller of the Dio- Time,” on Saturday, July 18, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at St. Jean ity Center, 11441 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge. Cost is cese of Lake Charles will present a retreat, “Exploring the Vianney Church, 16166 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road, Baton $10 per person. For more information and to register, visit Pathways to Gospel Joy,” Friday, July 10 – Sunday, July 12, Rouge. Cost is $40. Complimentary child care will be pro- mfldiobr.org, or call 225-242-0323. at the Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center, 5500 vided, but please register early. Register online at wfldiobr. St. Mary St., Metairie. Minimum offering is $225. For in- org. For additional information, 225-242-0323. Young People Beginning Experience – A Young formation, call 504-887-1420, email retreats@arch-no. People Beginning Experience Weekend will be held for org or visit retreats.arch-no.org/retreats. Infertility Workshop – The Diocese of Baton Rouge children and teens who lost a parent through death, di- Marriage and Family Life Office will present a program vorce or separation Thursday, July 23 through Saturday, Marriage Enrichment Program – The Office of about the struggles of infertility from a Catholic perspec- July 25 at Rosaryville Spirit Life Center, 39003 Rosa- Marriage and Family Life of the Diocese of Baton Rouge tive, “Infertility: You’re Not Alone,” Saturday, July 25, ryville Road, Ponchatoula. Cost is $200. For details, call will host a program, “Married and in Love … Most of the 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the St. Thomas More Church Activ- 225-294-5039 or visit catholicretreatcenter.org.

The Catholic Commentator For help placing your classified ad, PO Box 3316 call 225-387-0983. All classified ads are Baton Rouge LA 70821-3316 prepaid. Credit cards are not accepted. Announcements Announcements For sAle Business service volunteers Healing of Families Seminar 8/1/15 While we at The Catholic Commentator do 4 plots Roselawn Memorial Cemetery. Calligraphy by Susan Volunteers Needed Complete presentation of Father Sse- our best to bring reliable advertisers to In old part of cemetery. $6000 all four. Hand lettering for all your special needs. The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hos- makula’s book. Details/registration con- our readers, we are not responsible for any Call 919-906-2746 No order too large or too small. Susan pice is seeking seasoned, warm, kind tact – [email protected] claims made by any advertiser. Steele @ 225-293-5715 and helpful volunteers for a Hospitality Program to enhance our home-like en- Business service BROUSSEAU'S Painting vironment. If you like to laugh, comfort, puBlic notice puBlic notice Donnie’s Furniture Repair & Uphol- Interior and exterior painting. Experi- listen, bake, visit or act as a tour guide, stery. We do refinishing, repairs, caning, enced and reliable. Free estimates. Call please share your gifts with patients and painting of furniture and upholstery. 225-241-8488 or 225-928-7194. families facing terminal illness. Call Sandi Advertisement for Bids In business 43 yrs. Pick up and delivery. Mr. D’s Tree Service at 225-769-4810 for more information! 10876 Greenwell Springs Rd. 225-272- Bid Opening for the 2015-2016 School Year 3 Licensed Arborists 2577. See our showroom. Free Estimates (July 1, 2015– June 30, 2016) will be held on Fully Insured Homes For sAle THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA Tuesday, July 7, 2015 for 10:00 am: Don Decell & Carl Babin, owners CENTRAL-3 BR/2BA brick and vinyl Accounting and taxes for businesses, 225-292-6756 non-profits and individuals; business, home. Around 2000 sq. ft. L/A. Dbl ga- rage w/elec. doors, mancave/den, gas computer, financial and management St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of a Bid Location: services. 30 years experience; profes- fireplace, ALL NEW walk-in tub, laminate Peaceful Death. St. Joseph Hospice is floors, a/c, hot water heater, roof, win- Baton Rouge Diocese Child Nutrition Program sional, prompt and personal attention. available to support families as they face 225-296-0404. dows, and huge storage building. Over 1 end-of-life decisions. Peace, comfort, acre lot with RV port. $184,500 ($92 sf) 3300 Hundred Oaks Avenue dignity and support can make every day Baton Rouge Care Service. Serving Ba- “AS IS.” Call 225-954-0333. Leave mes- Baton Rouge, LA 70808 "a good day." Call 225-368-3100 for more sage, will call back. ton Rouge and surrounding areas since information. 1960. Registered sitters, nurses, and CENTRAL-3BR/2BA home. Around Sealed bids can be mailed to: nurses aides for the sick and elderly in MAGGIO CONCRETE 2000 sq. ft. L/A. Dbl. garage with electric the home, nursing homes and hospitals. Form, dig, pour and finish. Driveways, doors, patio, sunroom and gas fireplace. Baton Rouge Diocese Child Nutrition Program Licensed and bonded for private duty patios, sidewalks, parking areas. Resi- Needs “TLC.” Brand new SS refrigerator 3300 Hundred Oaks Avenue care. 225-924-6098 or 225-667-0480. dential/Commercial foundations. Also and HUGE TV with surrounding wood www.batonrougesittersregistry.com. breakout and haul away concrete. IN- entertainment center stays. Less than Baton Rouge, LA 70808 SURED. After you call the rest, call the $76 sf. Great “fixer upper.” $152,500 “AS (225) 387-6421 Kitchen counter tops. Call for free es- best. 225-266-7764/225-448-0803. IS.” Call 225-954-0333. Leave message, timates. John O'Neill 225-938-6141 or will call back. 225-683-6837. PRESSURE WASHING (Bids will not be accepted after 10:00 am on day of bid Patios, driveways, walks, carports, etc. Anthony's Furniture Specialties. 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Print Your Ad Here PALMS CDEF MAAM OHARE LULL OTRO TABERNACLE RA IN MORE ARARAT CATHODE ABOL ISH DATES TO RUN: AARON SALADS Circle Category: Announcements—Business Services—Cards of Thanks—For Rent—For Sale—Help Wanted SHEDS GAGE PAC —Positions Wanted—Legal Notices (other ) TEES PANIS TERA Mail to: The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316 SDS TABU HONOR Enclosed is $9.50 for the first 15 words + 15¢ for each word thereafter + 25¢ per line for each special effect (all caps, centered ARREST AN IMA line, bold lettering); for a total of $______for each issue. GRADUAL HAB I TAT Advertisements will not NAME NOSHED AONE be published without ADDRESS AM IE IMPR IMATUR full payment in advance. SEAR SEEP UR IAH CITY PHONE HONE ERSE STLEO moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www June 26, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 19 School leaders eye the future at summit

By Rachele Smith improvement. The 2015 Sum- enthusiasm I saw. They (school The Catholic Commentator mer Leadership Summit held at leaders) were thoroughly com- the Catholic Life Center featured mitted to Catholic schools,” said With an eye toward the fu- a “lab” that encouraged school Scott Barron, chief reinvention ture, administrative teams from leaders to reach their highest po- officer with School Growth and diocesan Catholic schools gath- tential by thinking like business facilitator of the program. ered June 8-11 to discuss strate- entrepreneurs. “There was an attitude of we gies for future development and “I admired the energy and can do this. We want to grow. We believe in Catholic schools, and we will do whatever it takes (to be successful),” added Barron. He and his team, which in- cluded several other local and Diocesan Catholic school leaders complete their “assignments” dur- national business sponsors, ing the 2015 Summer Leadership Summit. Using a business mindset, Help Wanted Help Wanted were responsible for “plant- school leaders look for ways to collaborate while focusing on the fu- ing” ideas that would encourage ture of Catholic schools. Photo by Rachele Smith | The Catholic Commentator school growth and improve- ment. Principals, assistant prin- school, the bigger vision is suc- It’s just knowing who to call, who Sacred Heart of Jesus School cipals, school accreditation team cess for all Catholic schools, can help,” she explained. “I feel 2251 Main Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 leaders and teachers involved in something that is nurtured like my little island has become (225-383-7481) the diocese’s leadership develop- through collaboration, and a big community.” ment program, (Catholic Teacher something he saw happening at For Candilora, the benefit of Leader Cohorts) focused on sev- the summit. a big community is reflected in a Sacred Heart of Jesus School eral topics during the three-day “Sometimes there is a cul- strong diocese where all schools workshop, such as the history of ture that is more resistance to are performing well, creating a is accepting their individual schools, the type change. However, Dr. Mel (Mel- win-win for everyone, or even a of relationships they are building anie Verges, superintendent of hand-up when needed. Teacher Applications and the benefits they provide not Catholic schools in the Diocese “During the last week of for the upcoming 2015-2016 school year. only for their students and par- of Baton Rouge), and her team school, we shared resources with ents, but also for the communi- have instilled the idea of doing another school. We knew their ties around their schools. whatever it takes. This attitude situation, and we knew we could Please send cover letter and resume to: Using an entrepreneurial (of collaboration) begins with help,” she explained. mindset that stresses buyers her,” he said. This year’s workshop conclud- Joan Hutson at [email protected] choose companies based on why Sandy Pizzolato, principal ed with school leaders developing or to the above mailing address a product is made and not how at Ascension Catholic School and presenting plans for contin- or what it is, Barron and his in Donaldsonville, agrees. Piz- ued growth and improvement. team encouraged administration zolato, who has attended every Teams also expressed the value of Steeped in Catholic tradition, Sacred Heart of Jesus School is a teams to find reasons why their leadership summit in the dio- their faculty, noting that excellent diverse community dedicated to educating the mind, body, and spirit. Catholic school is important. cese since the first one in 2010, teaching is one of their greatest “We have been working with believes that collaboration is assets, and placed emphasis on Catholic schools across the coun- critical in obtaining success. creating more development op- try,” Barron said in his opening “They (leadership summits) portunities for teachers and find- remarks. “Enrollment has been are very unique, and I credit Dr. ing innovative ways to recruit and declining since 1955, and the im- Mel for that,” she said. retain this vital resource. pact that has had in the U.S. is Pizzolato, who is looking Verges applauded the dedi- phenomenal. We are losing out forward to her seventh year as cated work of school leaders, PARISH DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR on so much. It is a shame. How do principal at Ascension Catholic, emphasizing their planning for Our Lady of Mercy Church and School is seeking a we change that?” explained that every summit has school improvement is critical to Barron challenged leaders been different, focusing on dif- systemic and long-term success. full-time director of parish development. to write belief statements about ferent topics, but all have helped “The leadership skills devel- • The candidate should be dynamic, motivated and an their school, statements that her to reflect and, in some cases, oped during the Summer Lead- experienced development professional who will ensure success of underscored values and ideas to learn from others. ership Summit each year have our programs, goals and events for both the church and school. reflected by the school, not just “Basically, we are all going provided school leaders with the its mission statement. He later through the same things, but tools they need to successfully • Applicants must have knowledge of Catholic faith and values, and the added that there is no clear for- someone may have a way to do lead their schools into the fu- ability to work with the Pastor, Principal, and Parish Administration mula for school success because something better. This gives us ture,” she said. Director, as well as several advisory committees. so many variables are present. a chance to collaborate with oth- Verges noted that strong lead- • Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field with However, while innovation is a ers,” she added. ers and collaboration improve all 5 to 7 years experience. Credentialed Certified Fund Raising Executive process, one clear advantage is As a new principal this year, schools across the diocese allow- is preferred. strong leadership, he said. Erin Candilora appreciates this ing administration teams, fac- “You really depend upon your attitude. ulty and staff at each school the To apply, send a cover letter, resume and references to: administration and board mem- Stepping into the top leader- opportunity to meet their great- bers to create a school design ship spot at St. Aloyosius School est calling. Mr. Randy Arabie, Parish Administration Director that will capture families,” said following the retirement of long- “Ultimately, we develop plans Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church Barron, who explained that when time principal John Bennett, for improvement to provide stu- 445 Marquette Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70806 families commit themselves to Candilora understands the value dents with excellent educational [email protected] their school, both students and of teamwork. programs and experiences so faculty benefit. “Spending time like this with that they (the students) may But Barron noted that while everyone (at the leadership sum- grow holistically in the way that school leaders were focusing on mit), I have seen a coming togeth- God intended for them to grow,” olomchurch.com what they know best, their own er. We have these relationships. Verges said. 20 The Catholic Commentator June 26, 2015 OLOL offering Seeds of vocation planted early Father Hill meal program By Debbie Shelley burgh, Pennsylvania. sions, visiting the sick and shut- The Catholic Commentator “Those 30 years were filled ins and simply enjoying the Our Lady of the Lake Chil- with a variety of experiences: a company of parishioners,” said dren’s Hospital is now providing About 50 years ago, Msgr. year teaching at a university in Father Hill. meals through a summer USDA Patrick Gillespie, then pastor of Taiwan, several summers work- His sense of humor devel- program. St. Agnes Church in Baton Rouge ing in a government lab while oped rapidly by working with Our Lady of the Lake Chil- and vicar general of the Diocese living and helping in a parish in the people of St. Agnes, said Fa- dren’s Hospital announced its of Baton Rouge, asked newly or- Orlando, Florida, a sabbatical ther Hill. Called on to be a tem- participation in the USDA Sum- dained priest, Father Clifton Hill study in St. Louis and Houston porary administrator in 2013 mer Food Service Program to CSSp, to write a column about with a three-week trip to the until Father Charbel Jamhoury provide meals for kids. The his first 50 days as a priest for Holy Land, all punctuated with was named administrator in Our Lady of the Lake Physician The Catholic Commentator. weddings of relatives and stu- January 2015, Father Hill said Group Pediatric Clinic on Good- His comments expressed dents and funerals of relatives he surrounded himself with wood Boulevard is the first Lou- the joy, enthusiasm and pas- and friends,” said Father Hill. good, talented people. isiana hospital-affiliated clinic sion still present in the priest His life changed in the sum- Considering himself fortu- selected to serve as a meal dis- who celebrated his jubilee Mass Father Clifton Hill CSSp has many mer of 2001 when he visited his nate to be in good health, Father tribution site for children 18 and at his home parish of St. Agnes cherished memories of his 50 parents in Baton Rouge. His Hill said he is further blessed, to younger. on June 7, the feast of Corpus years of service as a priest, par- mother had been ill for many have celebrated his 25th, 40th Each meal is prepared by Christi. ticularly at his home church par- years and his father was days and jubilee anniversaries at St. Our Lady of the Lake Food and Father Hill, who grew up ish of St. Agnes Church in Baton away from his 90th birthday. Agnes. Nutrition Services at the Re- on Broussard Street, said his Rouge. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catho- He was on his way home to At the end of his 1965 column gional Medical Center campus family and Catholic education lic Commentator Pittsburgh when his mother’s in The Catholic Commentator, and delivered to the clinic daily. planted the seeds of his voca- caregiver called and told him Father Hill wrote: “Perhaps there More than 5,500 pediatric pa- tion. His mother directed the parish of St. Agnes on Pentecost his father was not doing well. will be difficult times in the -fu tients visit the clinic per month choir for 40 years at St. Agnes Sunday, the “birthday of the “I turned around,” said Fa- ture – days of loneliness or dis- for doctors appointments, di- and taught music at St. Joseph church” and the main feast day ther Hill. He told the depart- appointment or discouragement. agnostic lab work, physical Academy, which was about five of his congregation. ment chairman at Duquesne But the memories of these times therapy, speech therapy and oc- blocks away from his home. Fa- “All the priests who assisted University he would not be able of grace and joy and peace – cupational therapy. Through the ther Hill was a student at SJA me were old and close friends, to teach his classes. He received these first 50 days – will ever be program, children ages 18 and during its first couple of years and it was a thrill to be in their permission from there for encourage- younger receive a meal when when it accepted boys. He then ranks celebrating the Eucha- his provincial “I have been ment and strength they come for an appointment went to Catholic High School rist,” wrote the young Father superior to take and the promise of at the clinic. when it was on Fourth Street Hill in his column. care of his parents blessed by God still greater things The meals provided follow downtown. During his school “The days that followed were until they died at to come.” the USDA My Plate Food Pyra- years, he came into contact with no let-down. Celebrating Mass home. His mother with so much And cherished mid guidelines and include the Sisters of St. Joseph and was (and still is) a great experi- died in 2003 and memories have ac- whole grains, fruits and vegeta- Brothers of the Sacred Heart. ence. If some of the infatuation his father died in on the receiving cumulated over the bles. In addition to appropriate “I picked up from the broth- has decreased, the deepening 2007. past 50 years, he servings from each food group, ers the sense of comradery they awareness of the priesthood During those end of his love noted. meals are served with educa- have. My thought was to be part has increased in proportion. Its caregiving years, “I have been tional materials for families of a religious community. If you opportunities – and its respon- Father Hill helped and care ...” blessed by God with about health, nutrition and ac- were thinking seriously about sibilities – to bring the love of with Masses at St. so much on the re- tive lifestyles. All meals include teaching, you joined a religious Christ to all seem limitless.” Joseph Cathedral and St. Agnes. ceiving end of his love and care. milk or water. community,” Father Hill said. After his ordination, Fa- After his parent’s death, he re- Life, faith, grace, loving par- The Our Lady of the Lake He particularly likes math ther Hill, who was ordained in ceived permission to remain in ents and brother and his family, Pediatric Clinic on Goodwood and science. Norwalk, Connecticut, spent Baton Rouge and was invited by faithful relatives, friends and is one of several participating Father Hill’s vocation was another year in seminary, then Msgr. Robert Berggreen to live confrères, good health, reward- locations throughout the city. a dream come true of being a five years of graduate school at at St. Agnes. ing work, and for 50 years, the A complete list can be found at priest in a community of reli- Rice University, where he lived “Life in a parish – my home gift of priesthood. I am deeply healthybr.com/healthy-eating/ gious and teaching college. with some Dominican friars, parish – was a new and re- grateful for them all. May I use summer-food-service-program. The jubilarian celebrated his and 30 years teaching physics warding experience, with a full these gifts to serve his people,” aspx. first solemn Mass at his home at Duquesne University in Pitts- schedule of Masses and confes- Father Hill said. Clothing Donations Needed ! St. Vincent de Paul Stores are community leaders in distributing clothing and furniture to the needy at no charge, and we need your donations of clothing to help us in our mission of charity. Help us to help the poorest of the poor. Last year, we helped over 12,000 people (free of charge) with their clothing needs, helping them become self-sufficient. Help us give a hand-up to people in need. Drop your clothing donation off at any St. Vincent de Paul location. We also gladly accept household items, furnishings and appliances in good condition. And we love items from your garage sale. Call our pick-up service at (225) 267-5447 to make your furniture or appliance donation. Drop off your donation at any of our locations. Baton Rouge Locations: 1871 Staring Lane, 12107 Florida Boulevard, 5621 Government Street, and 2655 Plank Road. Other Locations: 824 North Morrison (Hammond), 710 Olinde Street (New Roads), 4171 Hwy. 1 (Brusly-in the Casa Loma Shopping Center), 14504 Plank Road (Baker), and 1402 North Burnside (Gonzales – Our Newest Location!). Help us give a hand-up of hope to someone in need by making your donation today! Visit us at svdpbr.org