THE CATHOLIC Cajun artist honors childhood PAGE 3 January 23, ommentator2015 Vol. 51, No. 25 SERVING THE DIOCESE OF BATON ROUGE SINCE 1963 thecatholiccommentator.org C MARCHING FOR LIFE Rally details Terri Schiavo’s fight

By Richard Meek The Catholic Commentator

Nearly 10 years after the death of his sister, Bobby Schindler con- tinues to mourn her loss. Time may ultimately heal those wounds, but it’s the images of her final days that are likely to linger. Images of the person that was once his vibrant sister, full of life, full of personality, reduced to a mere skeletal frame by means of forced starvation and dehydration. Schindler is the sister of Terri Schiavo, who died a painful death two weeks after her feeding tubes were removed in a legal skirmish that drew worldwide attention, and saw President George W. Bush and Congress become involved. “Death by starvation and dehy- dration is one of the most barbaric (forms of death) we can imagine,” said Schindler, who delivered the keynote address at the 22nd annu- al Respect Life Rally on Jan. 11 in The 22nd annual Respect Life Rally on Jan. 11 at the Bishop Tracy Center attracted nearly 100 supporters, including state director for the main auditorium of the Bishop Black Advocates for Life Dr. Kathy Allen, left, and her family. Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator SEE RALLY PAGE 10

Diocese to host black Catholic conference

By Barbara Chenevert parochial vicar at Christ the King calling is to bring people together,” The Catholic Commentator Church and Student Center at said Father Johnson, whose moth- LSU. The hope of the conference is er is white and whose father is Af- The Diocesan Office of Black to bring as many people from the rican American. Catholics is sponsoring a St. Mar- Baton Rouge area together as pos- Monique Scott-Spaulding, one of tin De Porres Catholic conference sible to experience the healing of the coordinators of the conference, in May to allow everyone to expe- Christ.” said the program was meant to be a rience the healing power of God Everyone is invited – black, community builder to bring all rac- during a time when there is so white, Asian, Hispanic, he said. es together. “It is not only meant to much division in the country, Fa- “My prayer is that a lot of people highlight the contributions of Afri- ther Josh Johnson said. come to see that black Catholics can Americans, but to be a unifying “We have all had pain and suf- have something to offer the church. effort. We are all called to the same Read the Catholic Schools Week fering. We have all experienced “As a bi-racial man, who has ex- mission and we are called to do it special section in this issue! division with God and our neigh- perienced the hurt of black people together,” she said. bor,” said Father Johnson, who is and the hurt of whites, I believe my SEE CONFERENCE PAGE 20 2 The Catholic Commentator The Lighter Side of FAI t H January 23, 2015 | TREASURES FROM THE DIOCESE | DID YOU KNOW African-American prayer

Feb. 1 is National Day African American and of Prayer for the African African families before American and African you today. May we be Family. proud of our history and The first Sunday of Feb- never forget those who ruary, a month designated paid a great price for as Black History Month, our liberation. Bless us was created as this Nation- one by one and keep our al Day of Prayer by Father hearts and minds fixed James Goode OFM in 1989 on higher ground. Help as an opportunity to give us to live for you and not thanks for families and to entrust every for ourselves, and may we cherish and family to the loving care of Jesus. proclaim the gift of life. Bless our parents, The theme this year is “Courage: I Am guardians and grandparents, relatives Praying for You.” and friends. Give us the amazing grace to SERVICE FOR TWO – “Let us pray for ourselves and each be the salt of the earth and the light of the The Chapel of the Ma- other, for our families need courage in or- world. Help us, as your children, to live in donna, unofficially la- der to overcome the daily demons of this such a way that the beauty and greatness beled “the smallest world. Our families need courage to raise of authentic love is reflected in all that we church in the world,” is their children and other folks’ children. We say and do. Give a healing anointing to located on River Road need courage to conquer violence in our those less fortunate, especially the moth- three miles north of communities … courage to build up our erless, the fatherless, the broken, the sick White Castle. A Mass is people when daily dosages of helplessness and the lonely. Bless our departed fam- celebrated annually on haunt us … courage to keep on living when ily members and friends. May they be the Feast of the As- it is difficult and draining … courage to be led into the light of your dwelling place sumption of the Bless- on mission among those who our world where we will never grow old, where we ed Mother, but with a wants to dismiss,” said Father Goode and will share the fullness of redemption and seating capacity of Therese Wilson Favors who composed a shout the victory for all eternity. This we two, the congregation brochure for the day of prayer. ask in the precious name of Jesus, our assembles on the front Below is a special prayer written by Fa- Savior and Blessed Assurance. Amen. lawn. File photo | The Catholic ther Goode especially for the observance: Holy Mary, mother of our families, pray Commentator “God of mercy and love, we place our for us.”

You keep in touch with your Ger- to the United States via a boat trip that Qman heritage. Tell us about that. lasted three weeks. We also will visit the hometown of the Schatzles. I am looking I grew up in Acadia Parish, in forward to this trip. ACrowley, to be specific. Between My last name is Schatzle and my pater- ...with FATHER MIKE SCHATZLE, pastor Crowley and Rayne there is a German set- nal grandmother’s name was Schneider. of St. George Church, Baton Rouge tlement, called Roberts Cove. Many fami- My mother’s maiden name was Klein. My ly members were born and raised there. It maternal grandmother’s name was Isen- Golf is one of your hobbies? Are was settled in the mid 1880s. berg. So my German heritage comes from Qyou pretty good at it? How did you Through the efforts and research of both parents. start playing? Father Charles Zaunbrecher, a native of My dad’s sister had a son, Martin Roberts Cove and priest of the Lafayette Leonards, who was a priest in the Diocese Growing up, I played every sport Diocese, heritage tours to Germany and of Lafayette. He died in August of 2014. Athat was available: baseball, foot- the homes of the original settlers were or- My great-uncle (mom’s side) was Msgr. ball, basketball, soccer and tennis. At that ganized. I had the opportunity to travel to Anthony Isenberg, who was also a priest time golf was considered a “rich man’s” Germany five years ago. I am scheduled of the Lafayette Diocese. His first assign- sport. I think that I inherited my sense to join a tour this June. The itinerary in- ment was St. Joseph Church (now Cathe- Following ordination, the sport that I A of humor from my dad. It’s a qual- cludes a stop in Trier, Germany, which is dral) in Baton Rouge. At that time in the most enjoyed was tennis. ity that I cherish. I think humor has a lot my grandmother’s birthplace. She came SEE FATHER SCHATZLE PAGE8 My first parish assignment was to to do with Christian spirituality. Holy Rosary Church in Houma. There I have enjoyed reading the recent was an older priest, assigned to Holy Ro- book written by Rev. James Martin SJ sary with me, who was an avid golfer and entitled: “Between Heaven and Mirth; always looking for someone to join him Why Joy, Humor and Laughter are at the thecatholiccommentator.org | Facebook.com/TheCatholicCommentator for a round of golf. I learned to play from Heart of the Spiritual Life.” Father Mar- him. It can be a frustrating and challeng- tin tells of many saints who had a sense Bishop Robert W. Muench Publisher Wanda L. Koch Advertising Manager ing game but I began to enjoy it. It is a of humor. Also, the recent exhortation Father Than Vu Associate Publisher Penny G. Saia Production Manager sport that I could play as I got older and a by Pope Francis is entitled: “The Joy of Richard Meek Editor Lisa Disney Secretary/Circulation number of priests played the sport. I en- the Gospel.” I know that God has a sense Debbie Shelley Assistant Editor Barbara Chenevert Staff Writer joy golf but never have become proficient of humor. We can tell from the Gospels, The Catholic Commentator (ISSN 07460511; USPS 093-680) at it. especially the parables, that there was a Published bi-weekly (every other week) by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge,1800 South Acadian genuine sense of joy in the life of Jesus. Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808; 225-387-0983 or 225-387-0561. Periodical Postage Paid at Baton You are known as a jokester. Where I find that having a sense of humor Rouge, LA. Copy must reach the above address by Wednesday for use in the next week’s paper. Sub- did you get your sense of hu- helps to put people more at ease with me. scription rate: $14.00 per year. POSTMASTER, send address changes to The Catholic Commentator, Q P.O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746. mor? How do you use it in ministry? Sometimes the collar can be intimidating. January 23, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 3 Cajun artist honors childhood through her paintings

Cajun paintings like the on the left are specialties of Marie Swindler, who grew up in a four-room cabin with her par- ents and eight sib- lings. Photo by Barbara Chenevert | The Catholic Commentator

houses were her specialty. my faith,” she said. Swindler says she has slowed down be- She has set aside a table in her living cause of her age, and back problems, but room as a mini art studio, but she said she still sets aside an hour each day for shaky hands have prevented her from prayer. painting for long stretches of time. From 6 to 7 each evening, her children “I don’t feel old. I walk my mile every Ninety-year-old Marie Swindler loves to paint Cajun cabins reminiscent of her childhood know not to call her. She has a special day and work in the yard and keep my home in Point Coupée Civil Parish. A parishioner of St. Isdiore Church in Baker, she has prayer corner in her bedroom that is sur- house relatively clean. I still got all my generously donated some of her artwork to the church parish. Photo by Barbara Chenevert | The rounded by a well-worn Bible, numerous marbles,” she said laughing. “I look at the Catholic Commentator prayer cards and prayer books, all show- paper (obituaries) and I see many who ing signs of frequent use. died younger than me. I think God has By Barbara Chenevert low parishioners at St. Isidore Church in “I don’t know what I would do without forgotten me.” The Catholic Commentator Baker, Swindler annually donates a Cajun scene painting to the St. Isidore auction. “I’m not very good at drawing. I don’t “They do pretty good with it. I think they know why people think I can draw. I leave get between $300 and $500 per paint- much to be desired,” 90-year-old Marie ing,” she said. Swindler said from the couch of her Baker St. Isidore called on her again recently to home. help with a cookbook it was publishing as But her children, grandchildren and a fund raiser. They asked her to design and LENT friends fortunate enough to have one of draw a cover picture, and after they saw it, her paintings would disagree. she said, they asked her to draw something Swindler’s artwork decorates her to separate the different sections of the home – Cajun cabins reminiscent of her book, which is called “Harvest of Blessings.” 2015 childhood days, swamp scenes, crawfish, “I told them I’m no artist, but I did it chickens and apple paintings cover just with God’s help. They only gave me about A special section of The Catholic Commentator about every wall. Some are painted on two weeks,” she said. Issue date: February 6 canvas, some on glass, some on old saw The cookbook cover features the old blades. St. Isidore Church, which she placed on Deadline: January 28 “I took classes in deco- a background of antique rative painting in the early Swindler annually looking wooden planks We are looking for ‘MEATLESS’ 1980s. That’s what got me and followed suit on the di- started,” said this moth- donates a Cajun vider pages for consistency RECIPES and LENTEN EVENTS for the er of five, grandmother, throughout the book. upcoming Lent 2015 special section. great-grandmother and scene painting Swindler and her late soon to be a great-great husband, Claude, have Please send yours to Lisa Disney at ldisney@ grandmother. to the St. Isidore been active parishioners Her first painting was since 1958. They sang in diobr.org; or mail to The Catholic Commentator, of an apple that she cop- auction. the choir, were active with P. O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746; ied from a picture the the Knights of Columbus instructor had given her and she admits and its auxiliary and coordinated the St. Fax 225-336-8710. she now copies many of the objects and Vincent de Paul chapter at the church. (High resolution digital photos may also be submitted scenes that she paints, except those of Marie Swindler was also a part of the Al- and will be used if space allows.) the Cajun cabins and swamps. Those, tar Guild. she said, come from her memories. She She and Claude met on a blind date Lent 2015 will feature: • A Collection of Seafood and Lenten grew up in a small four-room cabin and were married three months later. “My Recipes by our readers and advertising restaurants. • Fasting & Abstinence where she lived with her sharecropper momma said it wouldn’t last but it lasted Regulations in the Baton Rouge Diocese, Lenten Retreats, Opportunities for father, her mother and eight siblings in 67 years,” Swindler said. Her secret: do Spiritual Renewal, Fund Raisers sponsored by churches, schools and Catholic Pointe Coupée Civil Parish. “That’s my things together. Spend a lot of time to- organizations. favorite thing to paint, Cajun cabins and gether. She said even when her husband the rivers,” she said. worked in his workshop she would go out For advertising information call 225-387-0983 Called the “Cajun artist” by her fel- there and build things with him. Bird- 4 The Catholic Commentator NATIONAL | INTERNATIONAL January 23, 2015 Dominican sister chosen to lead Catholic Charities USA

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (CNS) – Domini- versity of Detroit and was named a fellow tween the oversight and policy responsi- can Sister Donna Markham has been cho- in the American Association of Clinical bilities of a board member and the day- sen to succeed Father Larry Snyder as the Psychologists. Last year, she was awarded to-day nitty-gritty of a leader, but “I’m a new president of Catholic Charities USA. the prestigious Harold S. Bernard Train- bit new. This happened on Friday,” Jan. 9, The announcement was made Jan. 12 ing Award from the American Group Psy- she said of her hiring. “I haven’t done a lot at Catholic Charities headquarters in Al- chotherapy Association in February 2014. of ruminating about a lot yet. Governance exandria, a suburb of Washington, D.C. “There can be no greater call than to and organizational administration are Sister Donna becomes the first wom- serve and advocate on behalf of persons two different roles. I’m quite aware of that an to lead Catholic Charities, which was who struggle to get by in a world where because I’ve served in both capacities in founded in 1910. She will officially take they are all too frequently relegated to the my life. They serve distinct roles.” over from Father Snyder on June 1. margins of society and where they long Catholic Charities USA is the national In a Jan. 12 telephone interview with for dignity, hope and compassion,” said office for Catholic Charities agencies - na Catholic News Service, Sister Donna said Sister Donna in a statement, adding she tionwide, which help a combined 9 mil- it is “a wonderful story” that three of the was “honored and humbled” by her se- lion-plus people a year regardless of re- United States’ leading Catholic service or- lection. “I feel blessed to walk among the ligious, social or economic backgrounds. ganizations are headed by women, listing many dedicated Catholic Charities work- Father Snyder will return to his home Carolyn Woo, president of Catholic Re- ers across the country who daily make the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis lief Services, and Sister Carol Keehan, a Gospel come alive through their care for Sister Donna Markham to do ministry there. Daughter of Charity who is president and their sisters and brothers in need.” Born in Illinois north of Chicago, Sister CEO of the Catholic Health Association. With Mercy Health, Sister Donna is ple in ministry. Donna grew up mostly in Michigan and “I see myself as number three at least,” working on changing how behavioral From 2004 to 2010, Sister Donna was Ontario, earning her first college degree Sister Donna said. “It’s the first time for health care services are delivered across prioress of the Adrian Dominican congre- from the University of Toronto. Catholic Charities, but certainly not the seven geographic regions. Beforehand, gation in Michigan, and served a one-year “My first priority is to get to know the first time in this country.” she served for 10 years as the president term in 1991-92 as president of the Lead- people.” Sister Donna said. “I don’t know Currently president of the Behavioral of the Southdown Institute in Ontario, ership Conference of Women Religious. all the people who work in the office, and Health Institute for Mercy Health based and was the founding director of the Do- She also served eight years as a member I don’t know all the diocesan directors. I in Cincinnati, Sister Donna, a board-cer- minican Consultation Center in Detroit, of Catholic Charities’ board of trustees, think those priorities get put in place in a tified clinical psychologist, has a doctor- serving there for 13 years. Both agencies two of those as board chair. dialogic way when you have those kind of ate in clinical psychology from the Uni- focused on the psychological care of peo- Sister Donna noted the difference be- in-depth conversations.”

For back issues of The Catholic Commentator visit thecatholiccommentator.org. Pope urges Filipino families: Dream, resist ‘ideological colonization’

PASAY CITY, Philippines (CNS) – or wife. Then he added, to much laughter Pope Francis urged Catholic families to from the audience: “Don’t ever lose the dream of how they might fulfill the will dream of when you were boyfriend and of God, while resisting “ideological colo- girlfriend. Very important, that.” nization that tries to destroy the family” But the pope noted that St. Joseph’s through such practices as contraception dreams also revealed the “dangers which and same-sex marriage. threatened Jesus and Mary, forcing them The pope spoke Jan. 16 to a meeting of to flee to Egypt and then to settle in Naz- families at the Mall of Asia Arena, which areth. So too, in our time, God calls upon was filled to its capacity of 20,000 people. us to recognize the dangers threatening The arena reverberated with people cry- our own families and to protect them ing out “We love you Lolo Kiko” (Grandpa from harm.” Kiko, the Filipino nickname for Francis- First among these dangers, Pope Fran- co) as the pope walked the red carpet, cis said, was what he called an “ideolog- stopping to touch the faithful and bless ical colonization that tries to destroy the families who were among those repre- family.” senting the 86 dioceses of the country. “It is not born of the dream that we Commenting on a reading from the have with God from prayer, or from the Gospel of St. Matthew, in which St. Jo- mission that God gives us; it comes from seph twice learns God’s will for the Holy outside, and that’s why I say it is coloniza- Family from an angel in a dream, Pope tion,” the pope said, adding that it referred Francis said dreaming could serve an to “materialism and lifestyles which are analogous purpose in Christian families. destructive of family life and the most ba- “I very much like this idea of dreaming sic demands of Christian morality.” in a family,” the pope said. “Every mother The pope said the “family is also and father dreams of their son or daugh- threatened by growing efforts on the part ter in the womb for nine months. Isn’t of some to redefine the very institution of that true? You dream of how your son or marriage, by relativism, by the culture of daughter might be. It isn’t possible to have the ephemeral, by a lack of openness to a family without such dreams. When you life.” lose this capacity to dream, you lose the Pope Francis called on Catholic fam- capacity and energy to love.” ilies to be “sanctuaries of respect for Pope Francis said such dreaming could life, proclaiming the sacredness of every provide solutions to family problems and human life, from conception to natural reveal the good qualities of one’s husband death.” January 23, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 5 OLOL earns prestigious Women’s Choice Award

Our Lady of the Lake Re- Commission on Cancer, as well Mary Bird Perkins-Our Lady of “Women spoke and clear- by meeting the highest standards gional Medical Center has been as demonstrated excellence in the Lake Cancer Center is proud ly defined what is important of excellence and performance.” chosen a Women’s Choice Award clinical performance with re- to join that fight with high qual- to them when seeking the best The Women’s Choice Award recipient as America’s Best Hos- gard to cancer care measures, ity services that include chemo- cancer hospitals in America and program provides women with a pital for Cancer Care, a distinc- and for its high recommenda- therapy, radiation, surgery, palli- the standard of excellence they trusted third party endorsement tion that recognizes Our Lady tion rate, a measure that is im- ative care and cancer research.” expect for themselves and their based on patients’ hospital expe- of the Lake for providing excep- portant to women in choosing a The Women’s Choice Award is families,” said Delia Passi, chief riences in their community, and tional patient care and cancer hospital. the only distinction that identi- executive officer and founder of supports that with clinical con- treatment for women and their “One of the most important fies the nation’s best healthcare the Women’s Choice Award pro- sideration. By carrying the Wom- families. decisions a woman can make in institutions based on robust cri- gram. “As one of America’s Best en’s Choice Award seal, OLOL has According to hospital offi- her battle with cancer is the fa- teria that considers patient sat- Hospitals for Cancer Care, Our joined an elite network of hospi- cials, OLOL was selected be- cility she chooses to fight her dis- isfaction, clinical excellence and Lady of the Lake is demonstrat- tals committed to a global mis- cause it has met the compre- ease,” said K. Scott Wester, pres- what women really want when it ing a commitment to fulfill the sion to empower women to make hensive care standards of the ident and chief executive officer comes to treatment and a quality needs and preferences of women smart healthcare choices. American College of Surgeons of Our Lady of the Lake. “The hospital experience. Louisiana top-ranked pro-life state Louisiana has been ranked the most pro-life human life. state in the nation for the sixth consecutive year by “We know, however, that our work is not done. Americans United for Life. We will continue until every life is protected by law AUL released its 2015 “Life List” Tuesday, Jan. and every woman is defended against the profit 13, after analyzing progress made legislatively or motive of the abortion industry.” in litigation in 2014. The annual “Life List” ranks Louisiana Right to Life and a strong group of al- all 50 states based on each state’s body of law as- lies led the effort to pass several pieces of pro-life sociated with life issues, ranging from abortion to legislation in 2014, including the historic HB 388, euthanasia. the Unsafe Abortion Act, which requires abortion- Following Louisiana as top pro-life states are ists to have admitting privileges at a hospital within Mississippi, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. 30 miles of their facility. This bill was signed into law Washington state was ranked as the worst state by Gov. Bobby Jindal and is now being challenged in for life for failing to protect women from an un- federal court, with a trial scheduled for March. monitored and under-regulated abortion industry. Other pro-life legislation included: Ranking just above Washington are Vermont, Ore- HB 305, which provides that no representative gon, California and New Jersey. of a business or organization that performs abor- Renee Elliott Invites you to join us on Saturday, Jan. 31, 9 “We are thankful to be named the most pro- tions may provide instruction in schools that re- am – 12 noon at Oak Lodge Reception Cen- life state in the nation once again,” said Benjamin ceive state funding. ter, 2834 South Sherwood Forest Blvd., Baton Rouge. Our speaker Clapper, executive director of Louisiana Right to HB 1274, which protects the lives of the unborn will be Renee Elliott. For the past 14 years she has served the Lord as a Charismatic Catholic. She is the leader of Life. “Our legislature and our governor made sig- at 20 weeks in complicated cases involving the the Corpus Christi Prayer Group at St. Alphon- nificant strides in 2014 to protect women from the condition of the mother. If no advance directives sus Church. Reservations are $15 each thru Jan. abortion industry and defend the value of every are in place, the life of an unborn baby at 20 weeks 26th. No seats will be sold at the door. Please human life. Louisiana Right to Life led the way in post-fertilization and older will be preserved in the indicate the number of reservations and send a 2014 as well as in the past six years to make sure situation where his/her mother falls unconscious check made out to BR Magnificat with attendee names to: Kathy Simoneaux, 9650 Victory Lane, we set the standard for our nation on how to defend during pregnancy. Denham Springs, La. 70726.

BEAUTIFUL MUSIC – St. John the Evan- gelist Church in Plaquemine hosted an Epiphany concert on Jan.4 featuring the vocals of Father Greg Daigle ac- companied by the Bill Grimes Orches- tra. The annual performance was held to benefit St. John Interparochial School. Father Daigle performed holi- day classics with an additional surprise, St. John fourth-grade student, Anna Claire Campbell joining the show in the part of Virginia during a special perfor- mance of “Yes, Virginia.” This year’s concert supports the return of music programs to St. John. David Aguillard has rejoined the faculty and will be teaching music and theatre classes, as well as directing the annual Walk with Jesus and Living Way of the Cross pro- grams during Lent. Father Daigle and Campbell are shown in the picture. Photo by St. John Church 6 The Catholic Commentator January 23, 2015 Comment on applause; annulling non-Catholic marriages

Recently, in answer to a reader’s We have some cation.” “Lord, hear our ous marriage in order to get married in question, you suggested that really fine young prayer” strikes me as an a Catholic Church? (I understand the Qapplause for a musical perfor- Qpriests being “invocation” while the requirement for Catholics, but it doesn’t mance during the Mass is inappropriate ordained in our archdi- recitation of the complete seem to make sense for non-Catholics.) and breaks the flow of the liturgy. May I ocese, and they are now Hail Mary does not. (Pennsylvania) invite consideration of a possible adden- in our parishes. Some Evidently in England, dum to your comments? of them have us praying drawing on a medieval The two letters above are indic- There are faith communities in the the Hail Mary at the end practice, some parishes ative of a widespread miscon- U.S. where applause during religious of the (Sunday and daily) were reciting the Hail Aception: Many, many Catholics services is not meant to thank the choir Mass intentions and the Mary after the final believe erroneously that any marriage and musicians; rather it is a sign of being Prayer to St. Michael the petition. In 2012, Bishop not performed by a Catholic priest or united in the message of the hymn and Archangel at the end of Kieran Conry of Arundel deacon (or with the approval of the uplifted in worship. As the predominant- weekday Mass. I thought and Brighton wrote to Catholic Church) does not “count” in ly white and ethnically Western Euro- that this was not permit- his clergy asking them to the church’s eyes. But, of course, this is pean congregations in the U.S. seek out ted under the current Question Corner discontinue that practice. not so. Can you imagine the uproar that and welcome new Catholics to join our liturgical rubrics, or has He said that some years would ensue if the church were to de- church, new customs will follow and they something changed? Father Kenneth Doyle before, the Vatican had clare as invalid every marriage between will, I think, enhance our experience of (Washington, D.C.) written to the bishops two Protestants, simply because no joy in worshipping the Lord. (Detroit) of England and Wales Catholic priest was there to officiate? In the liturgical documents of advising that such devotional prayer So the Catholic Church begins with This reader’s letter makes an the church, you would look in during the petitions should be (in Bishop the presupposition that a marriage be- important point. It also serves Avain for any absolute and specif- Conry’s words) “gradually and gently tween two non-Catholics is valid. But the Aas a helpful reminder that our ic prohibition of the two practices you discouraged.” church has the right to determine who focus may at times be too narrow. The mention. However, the spirit of the lit- The Prayer to St. Michael (“Defend can get married by the Catholic Church Catholic Church is, in fact, a “big tent.” It urgy would seem to argue against their us in battle ...”) was written by Pope Leo and to do so, one has to be free of any gathers into a common faith more than inclusion within the Mass. XIII in 1886. Although it is no longer previous marriages and that may require a billion people from a wide variety of The General Instruction of the Roman recited at the end of Mass, in 1994, St. an annulment process. (Some of the more backgrounds and cultures, and liturgists Missal says that after each of the peti- John Paul II encouraged Catholics to use common grounds for annulment are: lack do well when they seek to accommodate tions is announced in the prayer of the the prayer privately. of consent, intention to preclude children this diversity. faithful, the congregation supports the permanently, deep-seated psychological petition by reciting together an “invo- I am a Protestant married to a immaturity or instability, etc.) Protestant (my first marriage For someone from another faith who Qwas also to a Protestant), and wants to become Catholic, that person Look for I want to join the Catholic Church. I needs to be in “good standing” in the eyes The CaThoLiC CommenTaTor was told by a priest that my husband of the Catholic Church; for a married and I would have to have our previous person, this means living currently in aT your LoCaL ouTLeTs inCLuding: marriages annulled before I can join the a marriage recognized by the church as church. (The annulment process would valid. So any previous marriages on the ✔ Affinity Nursing Home, Baton Rouge ✔ North Ridgely Healthcare, Baker ✔ Albertsons, Baton Rouge ✔ Oak Point Supermarket, Central parallel the RCIA discussions over the part of either spouse would first have to ✔ Alexander’s Highland Market, ✔ Oak Wood Nursing Home, Zachary next year.) I would appreciate your be annulled. Baton Rouge ✔ Old Jefferson Community Care, opinion and advice; is it true that we ✔ Ascension Books & Gifts, Gonzales Baton Rouge both need to have our earlier marriages FATHER DOYLE is chancellor for public ✔ Baton Rouge General Hospital, ✔ Our Lady of the Lake College, annulled? (Milwaukee) information and a pastor in the Diocese Baton Rouge Baton Rouge of Albany, New York. Questions may be ✔ Baton Rouge Healthcare, Baker ✔ Our Lady of the Lake Regional Why does the Catholic Church sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfat ✔ Benedetto’s Market, Addis Medical Center, Baton Rouge and ask non-Catholics to receive a [email protected] and 40 Hopewell ✔ Bohning Supermarket, Ponchatoula Walker QCatholic annulment to a previ- St., Albany, NY 12208. ✔ Calandro’s Supermarkets, ✔ Our Lady of the Lake Physician Baton Rouge Group, offices with locations | ✔ Catholic Art and Gifts, Baton Rouge throughout the Diocese OBITURARY ✔ Daigle’s Supermarket, White Castle ✔ Reeve’s Supermarket, Baton Rouge ✔ Grace Healthcare, Slaughter ✔ St. Mary’s Books & Gifts, Sister Marie Schwan dies ✔ Hi Nabor Supermarkets, Baton Rouge Baton Rouge ✔ Hubbins Grocery, Port Allen ✔ St. Vincent dePaul Stores throughout Sister Marie Schwan (formerly known teacher for five years in Catholic elemen- ✔ Lane Regional Hospital, Zachary the diocese as Sister Jerome Marie) CSJ passed away tary schools then served as Dean of St. ✔ LeBlanc’s Food Stores, Gonzales, ✔ Schexnayer Supermarket, Vacherie Dec. 30 in Cleveland, Ohio. She was born Joseph College in Crookston, Minnesota Donaldsonville, Hammond, Plaquemine, ✔ Southside Produce, Baton Rouge in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1933 and baptized for seven years. She spent 21 years bearing Prairieville and Zachary ✔ Tony’s Seafood, Baton Rouge Darlyne Marie, the daughter of Jerome J. various responsibilities for her religious ✔ Louisiana Vet Home, Jackson ✔ UPS Store, Coursey Blvd., Baton and Amanda Martell Schwan. She is sur- community – serving as a delegate to the ✔ Matherne’s Supermarkets, Rouge vived by a niece, Rita Schwan Zeier, of Mad- General Chapter in France in 1968, Re- ✔ Baton Rouge Whole Foods Market, Baton Rouge ison, Wisconsin and was preceded in death newal Coordinator, Provincial Councilor ✔ ✔ Magnuson Hotel, St. Francisville Winn Dixie in Baton Rouge, Hammond, by her brother, John J. Schwan. and Provincial Coordinator in Crookston. ✔ Murray’s, St. Amant New Roads and Ponchatoula Sister Marie entered the Sisters of St. From 1988 to 2002 she was associate di- Joseph in Crookston, Minnesota in 1949, rector of the Jesuit Retreat Center in Osh- as well as your local church parish professing final vows in 1955. She held a kosh, Wisconsin. She then moved to Loui- bachelor’s degree in English from Viterbo siana to minister as formation director. THE CATHOLIC College in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, a master’s Sister Marie moved to Baton Rouge af- in education from Marquette University ter Hurricane Katrina and was involved in and a master’s in theology from the Uni- spiritual direction and gave some prayer versity of Notre Dame. mornings and prayer days throughout the CSERVING THE DIOCESE O F BATON ROUGE SINCE 1962 Sister Marie began her ministry as a diocese. January 23, 2015 FAITH JOURNEY The Catholic Commentator 7 ‘Women in Spirit’ ends long hiatus; returns to cathedral

By Debbie Shelley Barbara C. “Bobbie” Carey, president and stay strong in my faith,” Saul said. The Catholic Commentator of The Communication Institute, dis- “No matter how dark things may seem at cussed facing changes and adversity in times, give thanks always; and to show Excitement is building among women her talk, “We are like Baking Soda.” She gratitude for the great things that God has in downtown Baton Rouge as a monthly noted baking soda has been around for provided for me. oasis in their often pressure-filled lives in 100 years and its core elements remain “It is important to serve, love and for- the office or home, meetings of Women in the same, but its role has changed from give our brothers and sisters in Christ. It Spirit (WIS), resumes at the newly reno- baking ingredient to multi-purpose agent. is also important to learn and grow from vated St. Joseph Cathedral Parish Hall She noted as people go through challeng- everything that has happened in my life. after more than a year-long hiatus. es, like baking soda, their values, beliefs All of these things stayed with me be- Father Jerry Young, former pastor and inner core should remain the same. cause, in my opinion, it is good advice for of St. Joseph Cathedral, saw a need for She said a strong spiritual life enhances everyday living,” Saul said. women of all denominations downtown to that. Terri Gilbert, a member of Healing gather during lunchtime for a meal and to Carey believes Women in Spirit has Place Church, was moved by a presen- be fed spiritually as they learn from each remained the same in its purpose – giv- tation on the Greater Baton Rouge Food other and hear speaker’s inspiring stories. ing women a safe harbor in a constantly Bank by Charlene Montelaro. Following some brainstorming sessions changing world. “I was not aware of the hunger in our of the women of the Cathedral, WIS was “In an environment of pop psychol- back yard. It was very informative,” Gil- formed. ogy and sound bites, Women in Spirit bert said. “I think the meetings spread an The organization’s simple mission has provides true intellectual and spiritu- awareness in our community of how we not changed and is most likely the reason al renewal on an ongoing basis,” Carey can be the church to the people.” for the group’s success, said WIS chair- Former Gov. Kathleen Blanco was the said. She said WIS has made her a stronger person Susan Vincent. speaker at the first Women in Spirit meet- Other speakers have included campus person and member of a larger group of “This (WIS) allows us to step inside ing at St. Joseph Cathedral Parish Hall in ministers, community and government people of faith. other people’s faith and spirituality so 2009. File photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commen- leaders, educators, a Methodist minister, “This group broadens my arena of that we can perhaps see new life in our tator a Jewish rabbi and a Buddhist monk. growth and increases my awareness,” Gil- own experiences and verbalize it as well,” Vincent noted that when the organi- bert said. “We are stronger as a group. Je- Vincent said. She discussed her decision to call for zation held its last meeting in September sus’ last prayer for the believers, in John Former Gov. Kathleen Blanco was the a day of prayer after the storm and said 2013, it wondered if it would survive the 17:20-26, was for us to be ‘as one’ (in uni- first speaker for WIS in 2009. In her pre- government cannot interfere in people’s long break until the parish hall renova- ty); so that people would come to know sentation, “Walking in Faith: Surviving religious life. tions were complete. The group kept in him.” Troubled Waters,” Blanco talked about “America was founded with freedom of touch with its members through month- WBRZ news anchor Sylvia Wither- how people are called to be vessels of God religion, and that is a precious, precious ly emailed prayers and received positive spoon will speak about “The Good News in their public and private lives and how gift,” Blanco said. feedback and questions about when the of the Gospel: Sharing Your Story of God’s she never anticipated God would call her She also talked about personal trage- group would meet again. Glory” at WIS’ next meeting on Thursday, to lead Louisiana through the aftermath dies, including the death of her son, Ben. That enthusiasm was expressed from Jan. 29. To RSVP email sjwomeninspir of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. She said Many WIS talks focus on facing life’s attendees such as Carmel Saul. [email protected] or call the cathedral office at the state was “living the life of Job.” challenges. “I learned to always believe in myself 225-387-5928. Nonviolence as the ultimate path to peace

r. Martin Luther King Jr. I don’t believe in a violent ultimate victory over the forces couragement to others like him is a great American hero. strategy in search for equality. of evil and injustice. who can remain steadfast in DHe practiced the noble No monuments are built to hon- In the Sermon on the Mount, the fight against injustice. King art of nonviolent opposition to or those who favor violence. Jesus spoke of the importance approached this cause with a injustice in the same way that The words of Jesus apply to of being “poor in spirit.” This is child-like spirit. Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson leaders and peacemakers such part of the Beatitudes, which the He understood the phrase, Mandela practiced. He led peace- as King: “No one has greater love pope has urged us to memorize “turn the other cheek,” and knew ful demonstrations against those than this, to lay down one’s life because “blessed” are the meek, that nonviolence was not a sign in authority to defeat practices for one’s friends.” the merciful, the clean of heart, of weakness, but a winning tactic such as segregation, racial dis- Upon deeper reflection, the peacemakers, the persecuted. for attaining ultimate victory. crimination and unequal treat- King’s life brings us back to the “Rejoice and be glad, for your And he was right. ment under the law. All three of idealism of Jesus, who despised reward will be great in heaven,” these leaders followed peaceful the arrogance of the Pharisees. we’re told. FATHER CATOIR writes on issues of teachings to attain victory over Spirituality These Jewish leaders laid heavy These words of Jesus heeded spirituality for today’s Catholic the evils of their day. burdens upon the people, and by King continue to give en- for Catholic News Service. King was a peacemaker. He we hear in Matthew 23:4, “They confronted fierce hatred in an For Today tie up heavy burdens (hard to environment in which opposition Father John Catoir carry) and lay them on people’s came from both sides, white and shoulders, but they will not lift a Honor Those We Love. black. I was with King in Selma, finger to move them.” GARDENS OF MEMORY &FUNERAL HOME -CREMATORY -MAUSOLEUMS Alabama, for nearly a week. A down in places like Ferguson, The Lord fearlessly rebuked Protestant minister had been shot Missouri, as a sign of outrage. them. It follows therefore that and killed there the week before, I believe this is counterproduc- when Jesus asked us to be meek and American bishops had sent tive. There is no need for violent and humble of heart, he wasn’t priests to Selma to express our demonstrations. Can it bring real encouraging timidity in the 11817 Jefferson Highway solidarity with the protesters. reform? I believe violence only face of evil. He was suggesting 225-753-1440 I think of him when I see brings more heat than light to defiance, but a kind of nonviolent www.ResthavenBatonRouge.com stores that have been burned explosive situations. opposition, which has as its goal 2x2” Rest.small.honor.those’13 8 The Catholic Commentator January 23, 2015 Bishop Muench’s former pupil appointed auxiliary bishop

By Richard Meek president, “a position he served was very lonely. I grew up with a The Catholic Commentator with great distinction,” according family and bouncing things off of to Bishop Muench. other people. I needed that sup- Bishop Robert W. Muench Bishop-elect Cheri received port. I received a lot of that from welcomed with pride the ap- the Christian Leadership Award the religious communities of New pointment of his former student, at his graduation, the prestigious Orleans.” Father Richard J. Cheri III OFM, and highest honor the school, Prior to beginning his position as the auxiliary bishop for the which is now closed, awarded to as campus minister at Quincy Archdiocese of New Orleans. one graduate each year. University in 2011, he was direc- Pope Francis announced the “He has always led by exam- tor of campus ministry at Xavier appointment of Bishop-elect ple as well as by insight and di- University. In addition to his post Cheri, a New Orleans native, on rection,” said Bishop Muench. at Quincy, he is vicar of Holy Cross Jan. 12. “He has an engaging personality, Friary, located on the campus. “Bishop-elect Cheri is gifted warm disposition and friendly Bishop-designate Cheri also is with significant talents, both su- smile. a board member of the National pernatural and natural,” Bish- “(He) comes from an extreme- Black Catholic Congress and has op Muench said in a statement. ly faith-filled New Orleans Catho- been involved in activities includ- “He is a clergyman of integrity, a lic family, one whom I met in my ing the NBCC gatherings, the U.S. charismatic leader and an effec- first year of priesthood (1968). bishops’ subcommittee on Black tive minister of the Gospel. He The Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic worship and the Nation- manifests great love of God and joins me in heartily congratu- Bishop-elect Richard J. Cheri al Joint Conference of Black Reli- of the church.” lating (Bishop-elect Cheri). We gious Planning Committee. Bishop Muench taught Bish- also congratulate Archbishop roles in black Catholic liturgy, Church in Nashville, Tennessee. According to his biography op-elect Cheri religion in his ju- Aymond and the Archdiocese of music and spirituality, in ad- He served as a choir director and on the NBCC website, he creat- nior and senior years at St. John New Orleans in his selection.” dition to having served on the guidance counselor at Althoff ed youth gospel choirs in several Vianney Preparatory School. Bishop-designate Cheri, who Franciscans’ provincial council Catholic High in Belleville, Illi- places, began the Black Saints In his senior year, Bishop-elect turns 63 Jan. 28, has a back- and as their director of friar life. nois, while part of a contingent Celebrations for the Archdiocese Cheri was elected student council ground that includes extensive He originally was ordained that launched St. Benedict the of New Orleans and is convener as a priest for the Archdiocese of Black Friary in East St. Louis, and facilitator of Go Down Moses New Orleans May 20, 1978. He an outreach to the poor, Afri- Retreats for African American studied at Notre Dame Universi- can-American community. Catholic Young Men. ty and at the Institute for Black “I was a diocesan priest, and “It was a total surprise, but it Catholic Ministry at Xavier Uni- I was very involved in ministry was a wonderful moment to just versity, both in New Orleans. in the black community,” Bish- be told that I was appointed aux- After serving as a priest at op-designate Cheri said, explain- iliary bishop,” said Bishop-desig- four parishes in New Orleans and ing his three-year discernment in nate Cheri. “I also want to thank Marrero, in 1992 he entered the becoming a Franciscan. “A lot of (Archbishop Aymond) for accept- novitiate for the Order of Friars my support at that time was from ing me in this position as well. I Minor, in the Sacred Heart Prov- the religious communities that look forward to just working with ince, based in St. Louis. Bish- were primarily staffing parishes the people of New Orleans again. op-designate Cheri made his sol- in the black community of New It’s going to be great to be back in 1-800-235-2772 emn profession as a Franciscan Orleans. the city.” in 1994. Since then he has served “I got used to that. I said, ‘Well, as a chaplain at Hales Francis- if I’m getting support from them, The Clarion Herald and Cath- can High School in Chicago and I might as well be a religious.’ olic News Service contributed to as pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Being a diocesan priest for me this story.

FATHER SCHATZLE  60s. Dr. Thomas Casanova (Tommy’s dad) was From page 2 our family’s opthamologist, so we followed his son, Tommy’s career. early 1900s, the associate pastors of St. Joseph Attending college seminary in Wisconsin and traveled to the rural areas of Baton Rouge to cele- my theological studies in New York, I listened to brate Mass. Father Isenberg’s name is listed in the many LSU games on WWL Radio in New Orleans archives of St. George Church. on Saturday nights. Now that I am in Baton Rouge, Most people think that I am Irish because of I usually attend at least one game a year in Tiger ATTORNEYS AT LAW my facial features and complexion. I am often mis- Stadium. taken for Father Mike Collins, who came from the I have been a New Orleans Saints fan since they 270 S. Sharp Road • Baton Rouge, LA 70815 • (225) 924-7597 Diocese of Ireland, but I am not aware of any Irish began in 1967. I lived through the razzing of sem- JAMES R. COXE, III and ASSOCIATES blood in me. inarian classmates in Wisconsin and New York Personal Injury General Practice through their many losing seasons. AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS WILLS and SUCCESSIONS WRONGFUL DEATH CORPORATIONS You are an avid fan of LSU and the Saints. PRODUCT LIABILITY SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY SEAMAN/HARBOR WORKERS CLAIMS REAL ESTATES QDo you get to go to many games? Tell us something most people don’t know MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CRIMINAL DEFENSE Qabout you. Family Law Personal Bankruptcy I did not have the opportunity to attend Notary in Office ALSU (seminary studies took precedence) but There might be some confessional material TELEPHONE (225) 924-7597 growing up in south Louisiana, it was almost au- here but most people don’t know that I have “In Home Consultations on Request” A tomatic that I became a fan of LSU. My classmate a temper. People who are closest to me and work at St. Michael’s in Crowley (Godfrey Zaunbrecher) with me know this well. With the help of God’s received a scholarship to play football at LSU and grace, I think I have mellowed a little as I get older, was the starting center for the Tigers in the late but it is something that continues to challenge me. January 23, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 9

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for a construction project at St. Jean Vianney Church in Baton Rouge on Jan. 4-5. Pictured, from left, pastor Father Tom Ranzino, St.Jean Vianney principal Wendy Ross, director of preschool Amie Williams, Sarah and Shane Mor- Students pictured in grounding breaking ceremonies are, from left, Braxton Rodrique, rison, Gwen Cotton, Michael Montgomery and capital campaign co-chairmen Cindy and Samantha Simmons, Alivia Montgomery, Brock Waguespack, Katie Polson, Grace Morri- Mark Polson. Co-chairmen not pictured are Matt Cotton, Misti Montgomery, Janell and Ron son, Trey Simpson, Corrine Ganley, Jack Banister, Michael McLeod, Charli Huffine, Nicho- LaBorde. Photos provided by Katie Jeter, St. Jean Vianney School las Harper and Carter Reems. Construction project ushers in new era at St. Jean Vianney

St. Jean Vianney Church “I’m delighted that our com- nasium will house two meeting cold,” St. Jean principal Wendy minor renovations to the pre- in Baton Rouge held a pair of munity is ready to move forward rooms that will be available to Ross said. “As far as our basket- school will have to be made. groundbreakings Jan. 4-5, ush- on these projects,” pastor Father parish ministries as well as allow ball and volleyball programs, we With the gym being built in front ering in a new era for both the Tom Ranzino said. “The commu- PE classes to be held indoors. will now have the opportunity of the pre-school entrance, a parish and the school. nity has prayed, thought, planned Additionally, St. Jean’s sports to host games on our campus walkway will be laid to the cur- The groundbreakings, which and prepared for six years to get to teams, which have been forced to making us the home team and rent back door of the pre-school, included students as well as this place. So here we go. practice outdoors or in commu- hopefully make practices a little giving it a new entrance. In ad- church personnel and staff, were “The completion will be good nity gyms, will now have a place more convenient for our players dition, these renovations will al- for projects that will include a for the church, the preschool and to call home. and their parents. Having this low the pre-school to serve more walkway and porte-cohere as the elementary school.” “During the school day we new facility will only add to the children in its program. well as a gymnasium that the Parishioners are eagerly an- will be able to hold PE class- well rounded experience our stu- The $3.4 million project is school will be able to utilize. A ticipating the completion of the es indoors so our students can dents already receive.” expected to be completed in 10 capital campaign that began two covered walk and drive-through still exercise even if it is rainy or Because of the construction, months. years ago has collected $1.6 mil- as rainy days often present soggy lion in contributions and anoth- challenges getting into the church. er $2.5 million in pledges. The 10,000-square-foot gym- MASS SCHEDULES 2015

If you missed the Mass Schedule booklet in the Dec. 26 issue of The Catholic Commentator, copies are available and can be picked up at The Catholic Commentator office.

December 26, 2014 2015 MASS SCHEDULE The Catholic Commentator 32

The Mass Schedules booklet is a handy guide to have when seeking information about all the Catholic churches in the Diocese of Baton Rouge such as Sunday, weekday and Holy Day Mass times; clergy; phone numbers; location; directions; website Joe Skibinski and email address. Diocese of Baton Rouge Agent Each year our reader response has been 1953 Perkins Rd. overwhelming and readers tell us that they 2015 Mass Schedule Baton Rouge, LA 70808 keep their copy of the Mass Schedules for easy Bus: 225-387-0201 reference all year long. Toll Free: 888-387-0201 [email protected]

The Catholic Commentator (Catholic Life Center) 1800 S. Acadian Thruway Baton Rouge, LA 70808 10 The Catholic Commentator | January 23, 2015 January 23, 2015 | The Catholic Commentator 11 ‘WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE?’ RALLY  with us today.” because of medically controlled and gov- From page 1 Schindler detailed a rift among ernment healthcare. Schindler’s family and his sister’s husband, “Pro life is not just about abortion,” he Tracy Center. Michael Schiavo, that began in 1992 when said. “There are other issues we need to fight “(Schiavo) suffered a death that is inde- he moved his wife to a different facility. He with just as much zeal. There is a prejudice scribable,” he added. “If we do this to a dog, said his sister was neglected and “ware- and bias happening in our country today.” we go to jail. It’s a felony crime.” housed” at the new facility, and with no He said modern culture is “becoming more In a moving and often emotional 50-min- additional treatments her condition contin- and more desensitized to death. Once we ute speech, Schindler told his sister’s story ued to deteriorate. accept that to kill a person, whatever way to approximately 100 pro-life supporters, In 1995, with Terri Schiavo showing no that might be, to end suffering where does who began the rally with a rosary. He went progress, Michael Schiavo petitioned the it stop? If we don’t respect life, if we don’t through the events of Schiavo’s life and sub- court to have his wife’s feeding tubes re- respect the dignity of life how do we value sequent court battle but also attempted to moved. The judge ruled in his favor, thus anything else in our society?” raise awareness of what he believes is an setting the stage for a seven-year legal bat- Protecting the dignity of life was also alarming increase in how the elderly and tle that culminated in March 2005 when the message of Bishop Robert W. Muench medically vulnerable are being treated. the feeding tubes were removed. in his opening prayer. Bishop Muench, who Schiavo collapsed in February 1990 from Terri Schiavo would remain alive for two recently completed his annual visit to death what Schindler said are still undetermined weeks before passing away March 31, 2005. row at the Louisiana State Peniterary in causes. Oxygen was blocked to the brain for “We never thought for a moment (the Angola, recalled how two former death row several minutes, resulting in what would ul- court) would be successful in starving Terri inmates have recently been released after timately be irreparable brain damage. to death, especially when there was a family new DNA evidence proved their innocence. However, Schindler said through inten- willing to love and care for her just “I can’t imagine what it would be sive rehabilitation and therapy Schiavo be- the way she was,” Schindler said. like to be in a cell for 30 years gan to show marked improvement. He went into great detail to convicted of something I did “We came to terms she would not be explain how he believes not do and knew I did not like before, but we had tremendous hope patients’ rights are being do to be finally released,” with the way she was progressing,” he said. held hostage by physi- he said. “Our prayer and “Even if she never did progress we loved cians, hospital boards our work is brings us her the way she was and would have cared and ethics committees. together. To prayer and for her the way she was. She was not brain He said those three enti- commit to work for the The rally attracted people of all ages, dead, she was not terminal, there were no ties are exerting increas- dignity and respect of all including teenagers and even the machines keeping her alive. ing control into the lives human life.” very young. “If Terri were alive today, she could be of individuals, getting to the Stephanie Verdin, a senior point where they decide who at St. Michael High School, also receives appropriate medical treat- delivered her winning presentation ment. in the annual Pro-Life Oratory contest. She He said cases similar to his sister’s are spoke on euthanasia. happening every day and will only continue The annual Louisiana Right to Life to increase. march is scheduled Jan. 24 at LSU. “Every single day we are killing these Nearly 500 people, including youth, people and nothing is being done,” he said. priests and deacons were scheduled to at- “Where is the outrage, where is the fight to tend the annual March for Life in Wash- Bobby Schindler delivered a moving keynote address during the 22nd annual Respect Life Rally on Jan. 11 at the Bishop Tracy Center. Schindler talked about his sister, Terri Schiavo, who died after her stop this from happening? ington, D.C. feeding tubes were removed in 2005. Photos by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator “It’s an issue that affects every one of us.” “People like Terri and even the elderly and other medically vulnerable that are not “We never thought for a dying, that are being sustained by feeding tubes, these people have been tagged by the moment (the court) would be death culture to not only make it easy to kill them by changing the laws but conning us successful in starving Terri to that this is OK,” Schindler added. “They are using reasons such as cost and mercy. This death, especially when there is what we need to address. For whatever reason, it seems to me a lot of people are was a family willing to love buying into this narrative.” Schindler said he is sympathetic to stop- and care for her just the way ping abortion but lamented the fact he does not see the same awareness or education she was” in addressing what is happening to the el- derly and medically vulnerable. He said the Bobby Schlinder danger to those individuals is increasing Brother of Terri Schiavo

St. Michael senior Stephanie Verdin receives her award The Knights of Columbus lead the procession of pro-life supporters as they prayed the from the annual Pro-Life Ora- rosary. tory contest from Danielle Van The rally began with nearly 100 people in attendance praying the rosary while processing around the main auditorium of the Haute, director of the dioc- Tracy Center, esan Respect Life Program. 12 The Catholic Commentator January 23, 2015 Search of Catholic truth life changing for teen By Debbie Shelley one true faith that Christ started,” said be a pro-life leader. The Catholic Commentator Stewart. In doing her apologetics work, Stewart She also noticed as she studied the has discovered that as a follower of Christ, Catherine Stewart, 17, a member of faith that while there are a lot of good sacrifices must be made. St. Patrick Church in Baton Rouge, dis- apologetics books, she did not find any “Going into this I knew that it was not cussed the Catholic Faith with a friend that were written in a way that teens and going to be simple and easy – because who is Baptist for more than two years. young adults could easily grasp. After the more we try to do the will of God, the The friend wanted to know about some of several weeks of prayer, she was moti- harder the devil works to try and stop us. the things that many Catholics are asked: vated to write an apologetics book, “How Some people will ignore me because of my why they honor Mary, why they pray to to Become a Heroic Catholic: A Guide age; I’m supposed to be too young to do the saints, why the church has a pope and to Defending Catholicism for Teenag- this, and thus they don’t take me as seri- how they came to believe that Jesus is ers and Young Adults.” The title is based ously as they could,” said Stewart. truly present in the Eucharist. on a statement of Father Terence Henry In addition to taking the risk of being “I felt like I should have known the an- TOR, president of Franciscan University misunderstood or “set aside,” Stewart swers – I had to change that,” said Stew- of Steubenville, Ohio: “The age of casual has also had to get over the fear of public art. Catholicism is over, the age of heroic Ca- speaking. She spent eight months delving into tholicism has begun. We can no longer “It makes me very anxious and I the answers, including visiting apologet- be Catholics by accident, but instead be strongly dislike doing it – yet when I need ics websites such as Catholic Answers, Catholics by conviction.” to, God is good and gives me the strength catholic.com, reading the Catechism of One of the areas which took the most and peace to do so,” said Stewart. the Catholic Church and Jimmy Akin’s reflection and thinking upon for Stewart She said she knows the price of be- “The Fathers Know Best,” which focuses was understanding the church’s teach- ing a disciple only grows higher as she on the teachings of the early fathers of the ings regarding faith alone, salvation and continues to try to follow the call of God church. works. in her life, yet she knows that is nothing As Stewart looked into answers to help “If you have faith but you do nothing compared to the sacrifices Jesus made for her defend the faith, her beliefs were con- with it, you lose what’s special with your her. She said she is glad to make sacrifices firmed. faith. We’re not called to be selfish. We’re Catherine Stewart is evangelizing others and step outside of her comfort zone for “It was exciting, because as I was learn- called to share our faith with everyone – through her apologetics work. She recent- Christ. ing the answers to the questions she was our faith with everything, what we say, ly wrote an apologetics book, “How to Be- She believes the fruit of her sacrifices is asking, I learned it (Catholicism) was the what we do,” Stewart said. come a Heroic Catholic.” Photo provided by Cath- helping her to introduce her non-Catholic erine Stewart teens and young adults to the truths of the Catholic faith and awaken her Catho- One of the chapters Stewart’s book lic peers to the treasure they have in the focuses on is the fact that the church is church. pro-life. In this project, Stewart has a “Today’s young Catholics don’t know wealth of knowledge to draw from, as why they believe what they believe. I want she has been involved in pro-life minis- them to know the answers are out there try for several years. She attended Camp and give them the confidence to do the re- Joshua for three years, and the Joshua search. It (the Catholic faith) is steeped in Leadership Institute and is working with history, tradition and the Bible – it makes Students for Life of America learning to sense,” Stewart said.

BUCKLE UP – Louisiana State Trooper Michael Talley spoke with St. Thomas More School students about safety in driving and the critical need to wear seatbelts. Talley pro- vided information on dan- Teaching Students the Way They Learn! gers associated with distrac- tions while driving, including Dyslexia, A.D.D., A.D.H.D. the use of cell phones. He also discussed passenger KEY ASPECTS OF OUR PROGRAM: safety and laws related to • College preparatory driving and the use of alco- •Language-based learning hol. Photo provided by Tootie Lee | St. The •Multisensory curriculum Thomas More School •Structured writing program Brighton •Low student-to-teacher ratio School •Certified, fully trained faculty

www.thebrightonschool.org Elementary K - 5 • 225-923-2068 | Middle/High School 6 - 12 • 225-291-2524 Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

The Brighton School admits students of any race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and athletic and other school- administered programs. January 23, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 13 Diversity of the church love being Catholic, and I’m going of salvation history. The To my left was a black sality of the church. Everyone was there. to tell you why. My reason at this church tells a story. man, from what I could Jesus came for them all; all the nations, Imoment has nothing to do with On that day we moved hear, his accent portrayed all the peoples, young and old, rich and apologetics, though I think apologetics downward into the womb African descent. His voice poor. are good and important. It’s not because of the church, to the crypt. was booming, his body A Catholic pew is one of the few places of arguments for justification through This space is different. It’s large, but, during the sign you can find a homeless man and a sena- grace, or purgatory, or even the true less cold, much smaller, of peace, his handshake tor on the same level, doing the same presence of Christ in the Eucharist, at but it loses none of its was soft. To my right was thing. What other organization of people least not directly at this point in time. I grandeur. We walked in a plethora of religious sis- can claim to have such a large family love being Catholic because we’re catho- just as benediction was ters, most from the order with one heart and mind? I may not be lic. Seems like a tautology, I know; that’s ending. The congregation of the Servants of the Lord able to speak your language of origin, but the point. I’ll explain by describing an was singing, the organ and Our Lady of Matara. I can speak your language of destination. experience I had a few weeks ago, one was ringing, and incense I only knew so because I And it sounds something like “Amen,” that was as profound as any I’ve ever was flinging. It was quite spotted one of the younger followed by the reception of God himself had in my life. the sensual extravaganza. Sign of the Times sisters. I had taught her at into myself. I was in Washington, D.C., preparing And yet the most St. Michael. They had blue Furthermore, this family does not with different leaders of our diocesan profound part was still Deacon Brad Doyle habits, like the Marian merely extend laterally. Surely, at March for Life Pilgrimage, which always to come. I took my place dome of the church. Their Sunday Mass, I am connected with the happens in late January. We decided to toward the front left of the nave. As I faces were intent on prayer. They looked entire world, but I am also connected attend Mass in the crypt of the National prayed, I snuck quick glances to my right like brides. There were Asians and His- with all of history. The communion of Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. and left. Directly in front of me was, panics. There were young people and old saints is there. The choirs of angels are It is a massive, beautiful Eastern look- what seemed to be, a homeless woman. people; little old ladies in chapel veils and there. Next to that homeless woman ing building, actually the 22nd largest Her clothes were dirty. Her bag worn young girls in sweat pants. with matted hair sat St. Thomas More. church and the second in the United and packed full to the brim with bags Why do I describe so much to you? Next to the sisters in blue sat St. Maria States. One can see it from far away, the that made copious amounts of noise as it Because this is why I love being Catholic; Goretti – St. Fulgentius of Ruspe? Yep, blue dome rising over the busy horizon. was moved. Her hair was matted. Quite because we are catholic. I mean that we he is there. I don’t really know who he is, If Mary was a church, I think she’d be frankly, she had the longest dread lock I are universal, or more precisely, we are or know how to pronounce his name, but this one. The upper church is expansive. have ever seen. It must have came to the “according to the whole.” The profound he ate our Lord entered eternal life and is Mosaics cover almost every inch of the creases of her knees. She spent most of experience I had in the crypt of that extraordinarily worried about your and ceilings. Millions of pieces of stone and the Mass hunched over, hands over her church was an experience of the univer- my salvation. glass take shape into beautiful pictures face, in silent prayer.

SCIENCE ROCKS – St. Joseph’s Academy held its annual school science fair on Jan. 8 at the Catholic Life Center. The theme was “Science Rocks!” Experts from a vari- ety of disciplines judged the projects. There were 94 projects, in the categories of behavioral and social sciences, biochemistry, botany, computer science, earth and planetary science, energy and transportation, electrical and mechanical engineer- ing, materials and bioengineering, environmental management, environmental science, math, medicine and health, microbiology, physics and zoology. Students practice their presentations with each other before meeting with the judges. Photo by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator

Send your school and youth news, and story ideas to Debbie Shelley, assistant editor, at [email protected]. 14 The Catholic Commentator ENTERTAINMENT January 23, 2015

freedom by helping a team of Chinese and live action is based on the celebrated se- Motion Picture Association of America American investigators including Wang ries of children’s books by Michael Bond. MOVIE ratings: G – General audiences; all ages admitted Leehom, Tang Wei and Viola Davis track After an earthquake destroys his home, PG – Parental guidance suggested; some down the programmer responsible for a talking bear (voice of Ben Whishaw) REVIEWS material may not be suitable for children a lethal cyberattack on a nuclear power from “darkest Peru” travels to Britain in USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting PG-13 – Parents are strongly cautioned plant. Director Michael Mann’s charac- search of a fresh start. There he’s adopted classifications: to give special guidance for attendance teristically stylish, moody crime portrait by a London family (Hugh Bonneville, A-I – General patronage of children under 13; some material may succeeds up to a point thanks to kinetic Sally Hawkins, Madeleine Harris, and A-II – Adults and adolescents be inappropriate for young children visuals that suit the morally shaded ma- Samuel Joslin) and initiated into the ritu- A-III – Adults R – Restricted; under 17 requires accom- terial. Yet, while free of grossly offensive als of townhouse living. But danger lurks A-IV – Adults, with reservations panying parent or adult guardian elements, the film ultimately turns out around the corner in the guise of a sadis- L – Limited adult audience NC-17 – No one under 17 admitted O – Morally offensive to be a standard action-thriller that glo- tic museum taxidermist (Nicole Kidman) rifies physical violence and unintention- who thinks the newcomer would make a ally demonstrates that hacking is far from fine addition to her collection. Some mild- ery. Screenwriter Paul Webb intersperses a novel or elevated form of criminality. ly scary action sequences, brief innuendo, Selma the inspiring rhetoric of the time with Considerable, moderately graphic, action a few instances of bathroom humor. A-II; Paramount behind-the-scenes insights into heated violence, a mostly implied premarital PG A crucial battle in the long struggle for debates over strategy among King and his sexual relationship, some crass language. African-American equality is compel- associates, the constant threat of violence A-III; R Taken 3 lingly recreated in director Ava DuVernay under which they were forced to live as Fox fact-based drama. With the passage of the well as the emotional burden placed on Inherent Vice Framed for the murder of his ex-wife 1964 Civil Rights Act behind him, Presi- King’s wife Coretta (Carmen Ejogo) by Warner Bros. (Famke Janssen), a former covert agent dent Lyndon Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) is her spouse’s numerous infidelities. Given The meandering plot of this detective (Liam Neeson) goes on the lam, tracked anxious to concentrate on promoting the its historical value, the film is possibly yarn starring Joaquin Phoenix is perhaps by the detective assigned to the case (For- economic measures of his Great Society acceptable for mature adolescents. Some better appreciated in the 2009 Thomas est Whitaker) and by Russian mobsters program. But Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. harsh violence, an adultery theme, about Pynchon’s novel on which the film is (led by Sam Spruell) he suspects are the (David Oyelowo) is equally determined to a half-dozen uses of profanity, a couple of based. On screen, however, its “nothing is real culprits. Along with vindicating his secure long-overdue access to the ballot rough terms, occasional crude and crass as it seems” ambiance has all the charm innocence, the retired operative is out to for minority voters in the South. With Al- language. A-III; PG-13 of a bad sunburn. Writer-director Paul protect his daughter (Maggie Grace) from abama, under its implacably segregation- Thomas Anderson’s adaptation empha- becoming the gangsters’ next target. Di- ist governor, George Wallace (Tim Roth), Blackhat sizes the narrative’s amorality and makes rector Olivier Megaton’s lackluster action continuing to resist such reform, King Universal the proceedings appear vaguely smutty sequel, which also features Dougray Scott agrees to lead a long protest march from A computer hacker (Chris Hemsworth) rather than intriguing. When not aim- as the rub-out victim’s second husband, Selma to the state capital of Montgom- serving time in federal prison can win his lessly getting high, characters are being fails to engage viewers sufficiently to make killed or else indulging in joyless sexual them care much about anyone on screen. encounters. Frequent drug use, strong Though the turmoil portrayed never gets sexual content, including scenes of aber- bloody, Neeson’s character recklessly en- rant behavior and much crass banter, per- dangers pursuing police as well as civilian vasive rough and crude language. O; R bystanders in his efforts to evade capture. Considerable action violence with mini- Paddington mal gore, a premarital situation resulting TWC-Dimension in pregnancy, adult dialogue including Written and directed by Paul King, this a possible reference to abortion, a half- delightful, warmhearted comedy for the dozen uses of profanity, at least one rough entire family which mixes animation with and several crude terms. A-III; PG-13 Biography offers highlights into life of Cardinal Dolan

Among U.S. Catholic leaders, Cardinal ington, two years as seminary vice rector Timothy M. Dolan is probably, due to his in St. Louis and seven years as rector of the role as archbishop of New York and to the North American College, his rise through attention he garnered in 2013 as a poten- the episcopacy auxiliary bishop in St. Lou- tial candidate for the papacy, the most rec- is, archbishop of Milwaukee and, seven ognizable Catholic leader in the country. years later, archbishop of New York and Just as he’s an excellent interview subject his subsequent elevation to cardinal. on the morning news programs, his life As a reporter for the New York Daily makes for interesting reading as portrayed News, Boyle began covering Cardinal in “An American Cardinal: The Biography Dolan in 2009, when he celebrated his fi- of Cardinal Timothy Dolan” written by nal Mass in Milwaukee after being named Christina Boyle. archbishop of New York, and covered him Boyle does well in organizing the gi- through his participation in the conclave. ant steps that comprise the cardinal’s life. Boyle writes Cardinal Dolan is a loyal Sandwiched between the run-up to the friend and devoted churchman; his grasp 2013 conclave and the election of Pope of church history is second to none; he is Francis, she sequences chapters covering equally competent in standing toe-to-toe the cardinal’s boyhood, life as a seminar- with the president of the United States and ian in St. Louis and Rome, parish ministry, the governor of New York as he is in com- graduate and doctoral studies, a five-year forting a troubled member of his flock; and stint at the apostolic nunciature in Wash- he sees his primary role as that of a pastor. January 23, 2015 ENTERTAINMENT The Catholic Commentator 15

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Unpack Your Heart 41 51 61

Meet me where the sunlight ends The days when you grind to a crawl 71 81 91 Meet me where the truth never bends The treasure that hides behind your walls 2201 22 Bring all that you’re scared to defend I want it, I want it all And lay it down when you walk through my 32 254 2 door (Repeat refrain.) 276 282 209 313 332 34353 Throw all of it out on the floor Your sorrow, your beauty, your war I’m on your side 376 3 398 3 04 I want it all, I want it all So shed your shadow And watch it rise 14 432 4 44 Refrain: Oh, I’m on your side 465 4 74 84 Bring your secrets, bring your scars So shed your shadow Bring your glory, all you are And watch it rise 4590521 5 35 Bring your daylight, bring your dark Into your darkness 554 5 576 5 Share your silence I’ll shine a light And unpack your heart 598 506 621 636465666 Bring your honor, bring your shame 76 86 96 Show me something the rest never see All your madness, I will change Give me all that you hope to receive Won’t you lay down, down your guard 07 17 27 Your deepest regret dies with me Share your silence 37 47 57 The days when you stumble and fall And unpack your heart moc.scilohtacrofsemagdrow.www Sung by Phillip Phillips | Copyright © 2014 by Interscope Records ACROSS DOWN 1 Ishmael, to Jacob 1 Trinity author 6 River Moses turned to blood 2 Bright star 10 Ishmael and Isaac, to Abra- 3 Greenish blue ham 4 Veranda Make a commitment to become a 14 “…a chosen race, a ___ 5 Antelopes priesthood” (1 Pet 2:9) 6 Fiddle-playing, Christian- 15 Bus. School course hating ruler beacon of hope for others 16 Coil 7 Sacred image 17 An ex of Donald 8 Royal saint hillip Phillips’ recent the 17-year-old winner of the 2014 18 Defeat decisively 9 Bury 19 “Are you ___ out?” 10 Weapon David used to kill release “Unpack Your Nobel Peace Prize. She stood up to Goliath 20 Texas diocese where the Heart” describes one those who would deny education to 11 O’Neill’s daughter P Alamo is found 12 A queen of Jordan person’s promise of support for girls in her native country of Paki- 22 Not one, down home 13 Agile another. He tells this person to stan, and as a result was shot and 23 Words at the end of the aisle 21 Jesus’ description of the “bring your secrets, bring your nearly died. When she spoke out in 24 LA problem Pharisees (Mt 23:27) 26 Toward the stern scars, bring your glory, all you favor of education for girls, she was 25 Lever for rowing 29 Hook’s hand 26 Given name of Mother Te- are.” He invites this individual not thinking of an act that would 32 Paul escaped from Damas- resa to “bring your daylight, bring eventually make a global impact. cus in this 27 First year student your dark, share your silence, Rather, she was simply trying to 36 Seize 28 “___ and See” 38 Alphabet string 30 “___ homo” and unpack your heart.” He follow her heart and believed that 40 Rapper’s skill 31 Dropsy assures the person that “your any teen should receive the advan- 41 Facial feature 33 Greek prayer deepest regret dies with me,” tages of an education, regardless of 42 View 34 Intro giver and that “I’m on your side.” gender. 44 Killer whale 35 Tantalize 45 First name in cosmetics 37 The devil In short, he believes that On The Record She decided to take a stand, and 47 Arab ruler 39 City west of Tulsa he can provide unconditional in doing that, she did more than 48 Fastens a knot 43 Rub out support. What if you resolved she could have imagined. Her story 49 Beach finds 46 Samuel’s mentor Charlie Martin 50 One-time Catholic Repub- to be that kind of friend to oth- has increased awareness of provid- 51 First man 53 Big foot? lican National Committee ers? What if others could find ing education to girls all over the 54 Patron saint of servants Chairman a safe haven in you so that they could release world. Surely, such a goal aligns with God’s 56 ___ of God 52 Catholicism is the official religion of this tiny country their fears, insecurities and regrets about past vision of dignity and value for all. 58 Bethsaida, to Philip 55 Participant mistakes? Surely, such openness and support Set no small vision for your goals and when 61 Type of council 57 Jewish month of Passover 67 Saudi would mean that they would discover a shining you think there’s nothing you can do, think of 58 Soccer star Mia 68 Italian spewer 59 Treat that can be divided light in the world, one inspired by the love of the 17-year-old who stood up for other girls. 69 “Same here” 60 Supernatural force God. The love of God exists within you and once you 70 Restaurant offering 62 Golden Rule preposition You can aspire to be this kind of shining light decide to “unpack your heart,” you can become 71 A great deal 63 Sunday service 72 Small house for others in all kinds of relationships: roman- a beacon of light for every person that you meet 64 Taxis 73 Biblical kingdom 65 French girlfriend tic, as a friend or as a colleague. You may think and become hope in a world facing vast chal- 74 Piccadilly Circus statue 66 Bits of thread you don’t have the temperament to handle oth- lenges. 75 Beginning Solution on page 18 ers and some people are just not your type or Ask yourself: What is my passion? Who do have personalities that don’t mesh with yours. I want to make a positive difference for? You That’s understandable. cannot know what good might come when you However, you may have more power to do make a commitment to a cause you deeply care good in the world than you know. You may not about. The key is to go out and do it. be able to help everyone but, if you are willing, you can do more than you think. MARTIN is an Indiana pastoral counselor who You can start with the community around reviews current music for Catholic News you, but you can also help the rest of the world. Service. Your comments are always welcome. None of us, as individuals, can single-handedly Please write to: [email protected]; or 7125 stop problems such as terrorism or hunger. But West CR 200 South, Rockport, IN 47635; or like you can do more than you can imagine. on Facebook at “Charlie Martin’s Today’s Music Consider the example of Malala Yousafzai, Columns” and post a comment or suggestion. 16 The Catholic Commentator VIEWPOINT January 23, 2015

| EDITORIAL A pope who suffers push-back gracefully

A culture of hate hen I was a “Did the First Extraordinary chaplain at Synod of Bishops reveal two rmed gunmen walk into a ently nothing more than one’s own WLSU, I was different visions of the church?” French newspaper office hatred of law enforcement officials, often intrigued by stu- asked Ms. Piqué. Pope Francis Aand kill 12 people in a cold an alarming trend following the dents who wore a rubber answered that in general he thinks and calculating fashion. case in Ferguson, Missouri when a bracelet on their wrists those attending benefited from the Thugs assassinate two New York young African-American male was embossed with the ini- exchanges of the synod. “Two quali- police officers while they are still in killed by an officer. tials WWJD signifying ties (in the synod) were needed,” he their cruiser. Demented and twisted minds “What would Jesus do?” said, “the courage to speak and the Two seemingly unrelated events, somehow rationalize the taking of I guess I wondered how humility to listen.” And then quite occurring an ocean and certainly an innocent victim’s life can further often they really asked bluntly he added: “Are there any a culture apart. Yet, the crimes are a cause or is rooted in the doctrine themselves that in the completely obstinate in their posi- inexorably linked with the com- of a religious belief. Neither is ac- midst of their escapades. tions? Yes, there certainly are.” For mon thread of hate tying the two ceptable, but breaking this cycle is But they had the right them, he said we should pray “for together. Hate for one’s religion, arduous at best, especially when theology, a theology Another the Holy Spirit to convert them.” race, country or perhaps even the living in a country that condones shared, I think, by our Pope Francis insisted in the color of one’s uniform. the legalized murder of the unborn present pope. Perspective interview that neither he, nor Car- A burgeoning culture of hate and criminals living on death row. Elisabetta Piqué, dinal Kasper, who first broached is ingratiating Violence simply begets a correspondent in Father John Carville the Communion for the remar- itself into society We live in a violence, whether it Italy at the Vatican for ried question, nor any other synod on all levels, from involves administer- La Nacion’, Argentina’s principal newspaper, father was trying to change dogma, the the overt acts of diverse society ing a lethal injection in recently obtained an interview with Pope essential understanding of Christian mar- violence to the un- the so-called name of Francis. The interview was carried also by riage. But in his final address at the end of spoken prejudices and our culture justice or assassinat- America, our national Jesuit weekly maga- this first session of the synod Pope Francis lying deep within ing two police officers zine. Piqué asked Pope Francis about his asked what can we do for the divorced and one’s own heart. It differences, under the perverse efforts to keep Catholics from leaving the remarried. “What door can we open for is culture, which mindset of revenge. church, and why there seemed to be opposi- them? ... Communion alone is no solution ... has at its foundation our skin colors, A society advocat- tion, or the media’s term, “push-back,” to his They have not been excommunicated, true a total disregard for ing death over life is a strategies. The prime example, of course, was (according to church law). But they cannot all life. our religious society that will ulti- his attempt to strengthen Christian family be godparents at baptism, they cannot read The disturbing mately crumble under life through this past fall’s Extraordinary the readings at Mass, they cannot give Com- uptick in high- beliefs are to be its own sword. Synod of Bishops. Cardinal Raymond Burke, munion, they cannot be catechists. There are profile violent acts We live in a diverse an American, said that entertaining ideas about seven things they cannot do ... . Come can be couched in celebrated, not society and our culture like giving divorced Catholics who remarried on! If I tell all this, it seems that they are a number of ways. differences, our skin without an annulment permission to receive excommunicated de facto?” In the case of the used as tools for colors, our religious Communion would destroy the church’s Pope Francis insists that we look at the French massacre, beliefs are to be cel- traditional view of marriage. This and other reality of modern marriage, divorce and the alleged suspects violence. ebrated, not used as out-reaches to hurting Catholics, such as remarriage. That is being close to people expressed a desire tools for violence. Until families with homosexual children, would – people Jesus came to help, to save. And to die as martyrs, hoping their leg- we reach that point more innocent leave the church like a ship without a rudder. we are his instruments. “So let us open the acy would be of heroes rather than victims, whether it is a police of- Cardinal Burke noted that these issues were doors a bit more,” he says. And immediately the gruesome killers they were. ficer, journalist, inmate or a person already settled in the firm position on them he answers the objections: “Why can’t they The assassinations in New York in the wrong place at the wrong taken in the Catechism of the Catholic Church be godparents? ‘No, no, no, what testimony are even more appalling, appar- time, will pay with their lives. published under St. John Paul II. will they be giving their godchild?’ The tes- Pope Francis’ answers to criticism of him timony of a man and a woman saying, ‘My | because of his calling for frank discussion of dear, I made a mistake, I was wrong here, PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PRAY FOR US critical Catholic issues today reveals much but I believe our Lord loves me, I want to Please pray for the priests, deacons and religious women and men in the about the pope and about the new direction move on.’ Any more Christian witness than Baton Rouge Diocese. he wants the church to assume. He said, that? And what if one of the political crooks referring to himself, that “the pope tried among us, corrupt people, are chosen to be Jan. 27 Rev. John Carville Feb. 3 Rev. Gregory J. Daigle to open the gate and to listen to everybody somebody’s godfather? If they are properly Dcn. J. Thomas Traylor Dcn. Alfred Adams Sr. .... the pope was not the issue, but rather wedded by the church, would we accept Br. Warren Laudumiey SC Sr. Huong Nguyen ICM different pastoral positions .... Resistance is them? What kind of testimony will they give Jan. 28 Rev. Edward Chiffriller SSJ Feb. 4 Rev. Peter Ai Dang now evident. And that is a good sign for me, their godchild? A testimony of corruption? Dcn. John W. Veron Dcn. Michael A. Agnello getting the resistance out into the open, no We must change things a little; our stan- Sr. M. Nathalie MC Br. Paul Montero SC stealthy mumbling when there is disagree- dards need to change.” Jan. 29 Rev. Charles Chukwuani Feb. 5 Rev. Jamin S. David ment.” As his interviewer, Piqué observed, “As Dcn. Doanh Van Vu ICM Dcn. Donald L. Ard Pope Francis plans to continue with next a pope you are different because you speak Br. Noel Lemmon SC Sr. Mary Noel OP fall’s synod and his path of open discussion with utmost clarity, you are completely Jan. 30 Rev. Thomas F. Clark SJ Feb. 6 Rev. Al M. Davidson of changes the church could make to better straightforward, you don’t use euphemisms Dcn. J. Peter Walsh Dcn. Frank E. Bains serve the Gospel and the church’s people. and don’t beat about the bush; the course of Sr. Elizabeth Navya CMC Br. Eugene Patin CSsR While there are many factors in modern your papacy is extremely clear.” Clear, yes, Jan. 31 Rev. Michael J. Collins Feb. 7 Rev. Christopher J. Decker society that cause people to leave the church, but not without opposition. Nonetheless, Dcn. James E. Wax Dcn. Thomas D. Benoit in the interview he wonders about church Pope Francis will continue his path, asking Br. Will McCue SC Sr. Georgeann Parizek RSCJ leadership: “What is it that we ourselves do, himself, first of all, what would Jesus do? Feb. 1 Rev. Paul D. Counce Feb. 8 Rev. Vincent J. Dufresne what is within the church that makes people (More about WWJD next issue.) Dcn. P. Chauvin Wilkinson Jr. Dcn. Mark T. Berard unhappy? It’s that lack of closeness (to peo- Sr. Ann Catherine Nguyen OSF Br. Marcel Riviere SC ple); it’s clericalism. Today, to be close means FATHER CARVILLE is a retired priest in the Dio- Feb. 2 Rev. Randy M. Cuevas Feb. 9 Rev. Thomas P. Duhé to reach out to Catholics, to seek people out cese of Baton Rouge and writes on current Dcn. Henry J. Zeringue Dcn. Willie M. Berthelot Sr. and be close to them, to sympathize with topics for The Catholic Commentator. He can Br. Malcolm Melcher SC Sr. Johanne Pedersen CSJ their problems, with their reality.” be reached at [email protected]. January 23, 2015 VIEWPOINT The Catholic Commentator 17 Understanding and appreciating our differences

t’s common for us to see God’s grace we know, real transfor- our diversity. Similarly for migrants in our countries, to how we and blessing in what unites us. We mative growth mostly how we conceive of the real deal with different personalities inside Inaturally sense the presence of grace happens when, like the presence of Christ in the our families and places of work, to how when, at our core, we feel a strong moral aged Sarah and Abra- Eucharist, how we imag- we deal with other Christian denomi- bond with certain other persons, church- ham, we are forced to ine Christ as being really nations and other religions. Without es and faiths. That, biblically, is what set off to a place that’s present inside of bread and endorsing a naive syncretism and defines family. foreign and frightening wine, can take many forms without denying the rightful place for But what if what separates us, what and that strips us of all and can be spoken of in discernment, it must still be affirmed if what makes other persons, churches that is comfortable and different ways, without it that our differences, conceived as an and faiths seem foreign and strange is secure. Set off, God told meaning that we’re speak- expression of a deeper unity that we also a grace, a difference intended by Sarah and Abraham, to ing of a different reality. cannot yet conceive, open us up more God? Can we think of our differences, a land where you don’t St. John Paul II, address- fully to the deep unfathomable, inef- as we think of our unity, as a gift from know where you’re going. ing an interfaith gather- fable mystery of God and, at the same God? Most religions, including Christi- Real growth happens ing, once commented that time, prevents us from making an idol anity, would answer affirmatively. and real grace breaks In Exile “there are differences in of our own ideas, our own religious Thus in both the Jewish and the in when we have to which are reflected the traditions, our own ways of understand- Christian Scriptures there is the strong, deal with what is other, Father Ron Rolheiser genius and spiritual riches ing faith, and our own theologies and recurring motif that God’s message foreign, different. Learn of God to the nations.” ideologies. Moreover, accepting differ- to us generally comes through the to understand, writes John of the Cross, Christian de Cherge, after a lifetime of ences as being intended by God and as stranger, the foreigner, from the one more by not understanding than by un- dialogue with Islam, suggests that our the presence of grace in our lives should who is different from us, from a source derstanding. What’s dark, unfamiliar, differences have a “quasi-sacramental prevent us from constructing our iden- from which we would never expect to frightening and uninvited will stretch function,” that is, they help to give real tity, particularly our religious identity, hear God’s voice. Added to this is the us in ways that the familiar and secure flesh in this world to the riches of God, on the basis of opposition to others and notion that when God speaks to us we cannot. God sends his word to the earth who is ineffable and can never be cap- the unhealthy need to forever protest generally experience it as a surprise, as through “angels” and they’re not exactly tured in any one expression. our own uniqueness and truth against something unexpected, and as some- something we’re familiar with. Our differences then are part of what’s other. thing that does not easily square with If this is true, then our differences the mystery of our unity. Real unity, God loves us all equally. Difference, our normal expectations as to how God are also a grace. Accordingly, seeing which needs to reflect the richness of then, understood as part of the mystery should work and how we should learn. things differently does not mean that God, does not exist in uniformity and of unity, should help keep us humble There’s a reason for this. Simply put, we are not seeing the same things. Ac- homogenization, but only in bring- and honest enough to let others take when we think we are hearing God’s cordingly, different notions about God ing into harmony many different gifts their proper place before God. voice in what’s familiar, comfortable and different ways of speaking about and richness, like a beautiful bouquet and secure, the temptation is always to God do not mean that we’re speaking of of flowers brings together a variety of OBLATE FATHER ROLHEISER, theologian, teach- reshape the message according to our a different God. The same holds true for different flowers inside one vase. Our er and award-winning author, is presi- own image and likeness, and so God of- our churches, having different concepts legitimate differences are rooted inside dent of the Oblate School of Theology in ten comes to us through the unfamiliar. of what it means to be church does of the same God. San Antonio, Texas. He can be contacted Moreover, what’s familiar is com- not necessarily mean that there isn’t This has implications for every area at: ronrolheiser.com and facebook.com/ fortable and offers us security; but, as some deeper underlying unity inside of our lives, from how we receive im- ronrolheiser

| LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Even though St. Pope John guilty murderer and the injustice “there can be no separation from treme measure, it clearly leaves Defending Paul II spoke against the prac- of murdering an innocent baby those two scourges” (capital open its possible use. Not so with tice, he never declared it was to be equivalent? If Catholics are con- punishment and abortion), is an abortion. Therefore, to state that death penalty placed on the same level as abor- sidered “abhorrent” for agreeing absurd statement. “equally as abhorrent as abortion tion or the church condemned that some murderers should die Since common sense is not is the continued practice of capi- It was troubling to read a capital punishment. All his papal on death row, what should be the always so common, a reference tal punishment” is plain wrong, Commentator editorial calling predecessors and saints acknowl- judgment on those Catholic activ- to the Catechism of the Catholic and contrary to the teaching of capital punishment and abortion edged the right of a country to ists who have allowed many mur- Church provides all of the clarity the church. “equally abhorrent.” Additionally, fairly use capital punishment. Je- derers to kill again because of pa- that is necessary. Article 2267 If it is your personal opinion a CNS article in the same news- sus implicitly approved it by not roles granted by ever-increasing states the following: that capital punishment should paper celebrated deceased Gov- condemning the practice after the numbers of activist judges? “Assuming that the guilty be abolished, please make that ernor Mario Cuomo as “a politi- good thief told Him “We receive party’s identity and responsibil- clear to readers. To state other- cal trailblazer on the side of doing the due rewards for our deeds ... ” Paul Blanchard ity have been fully determined, wise is to imply that the church away with capital punishment,” The church has always ac- Brusly the traditional teaching of the teaches that abortion and capital while the piece made excuses for knowledged Catholics can dis- church does not exclude re- punishment are on a moral par, his grisly pro-abortion record. agree on capital punishment, but course to the death penalty.” and they are not. The truth is, the Catholic not on abortion, euthanasia and Editorial erred Though article 2267 goes on Church has never officially ruled embryonic destruction, which are I am writing in reference to to point out that this penalty Stephen M. Stafford that capital punishment is un- always to be condemned. Abor- your editorial “Respect all life” should only be used as an ex- Walker acceptable. The Cathechism of tion, by far the biggest destruc- from the Jan. 9 issue of The the Catholic Church states: “the tion of innocent human life in Catholic Commentator. Though church has acknowledged as our society, is the paramount is- you are correct to point out that Letters to the Editor well-founded the right and duty sue when voting for a candidate; we must protect the unborn, you Letters to the Editor should be typed and limited to 350 of legitimate public authority to capital punishment is not. Pope are wrong to equate abortion words and should contain the name and address of the writer, punish malefactors by means of Benedict XVI made this point with capital punishment. Com- though the address will not be printed. We reserve the right penalties commensurate with the clear before the 2008 presiden- mon sense is enough to know to edit all letters. Send to: Letters to the Editor, The Catholic gravity of the crime, not exclud- tial elections, although far too that an innocent unborn child Commentator, P. O. Box 14746, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-4746, ing, in cases of extreme gravity, few Catholics listened. is not the moral equivalent of a or to [email protected]. the death penalty.” Are justice for the crime of a convicted murderer, and that 18 The Catholic Commentator COMING EVENTS January 23, 2015

Young Married Couples Retreat – A retreat, “Is Main streets, Baton Rouge. B, Baton Rouge. Bring a friend. For information, email Christ Alive in Your Marriage?” sponsored by the Dio- staloy [email protected]. cese of Baton Rouge Young Adult Ministry Program, Magnificat Breakfast – Renee Elliott, leader of the for married couples who are in their 20s and 30s, will Corpus Christi Prayer Group of St. Alphonsus Church St. Vincent de Paul Mentors – The St. Vincent de be held Saturday, Feb. 7, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the St. in Greenwell Springs and member of the inner-healing Paul Society is looking for good mentors who are inter- George Kleinpeter Parish Activity Center, 7808 St. prayer team, will speak at a meeting of Magnificat, a ested in beginning a personal relationship with a person George Dr., Baton Rouge. Cost is $40 per couple. Regis- ministry to Catholic women, Saturday, Jan. 31, 9 a.m. in poverty to encourage, affirm, support and challenge tration deadline is Monday, Feb. 2. For information, call – noon, at the Oak Lodge Reception Center, 2834 S. the person to improve his or her life and help him or 225-456-5421 or email [email protected]. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Baton Rouge. Reservations can her track down community resources. For information, be made by mailing a check for $15 per attendee made call Sue Chenevert at 225-205-1461 or email suechenev Immaculate Conception Mission – As a prepa- out to BR Magnificat by Monday, Jan. 26 to Kathy Sim- [email protected]. ration for Lent, Deacon Glenn Harmon will present a oneaux, 9650 Victory Lane, Denham Springs, LA. For mission, “New Beginning, Back to the Basics,” Monday, questions, call 225-665-5459. American Holocaust Memorial Open House Jan. 26 – Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Immaculate Concep- – The American Holocaust Memorial, 4829 Benning- tion Church, 865 Hatchell Lane, Denham Springs. Dea- Married Couples Retreat – A Willwoods Married ton Ave., Baton Rouge, will hold an open house Satur- con Harmon and his wife, Linda, spend an average of 40 Couples Retreat will be held Saturday, Feb. 7 - Sunday, day, Jan. 31, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. weeks a year ministering and singing in Catholic church- Feb. 8 at St. Joseph Abbey in Covington. A donation of es during missions. For information, call 225-665-5359. $275 is requested. Pre-registration deposit is $50. To Ash Wednesday Retreat – An Ash Wednesday Re- register and for more information, call Jason Angelette treat, “We Believe,” will be held Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Women in Spirit – WBRZ news anchor Sylvia at 504-830-3716 or visit faithandmarriage.org. St. Alphonsus Church, 14040 Greenwell Springs Road, Witherspoon will speak about “The Good News of the Greenwell Springs. Donna Speeg will speak about the Gospel: Sharing Your Story of God’s Glory” at a Women St. Aloysius Singles Social – All single are invited power of Divine Mercy in her life. Registration is $30, in Spirit meeting, Thursday, Jan. 29, noon – 1 p.m., at to attend a social of St. Aloysius Singles Wednesday, which includes lunch. Deadline to register is Tuesday, Feb. St. Joseph Cathedral Parish Hall, corner of Fourth and Feb. 4, 6-8 p.m., at Restaurant IPO, 421 Third St., Suite 10. For information and to register, call 225-933-0270.

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 BuSineSS Service BuSineSS Service Help Wanted Help Wanted While we at The Catholic Commenta- Mr. D’s Tree Service HOUSEKEEPER In sales employment advertisements, Opening for Principal tor do our best to bring reliable ad- 3 Licensed Arborists Mature, Dependable the advertiser must name the prod- July 2015 vertisers to our readers, we are not Free Estimates 20+ Years Exp., References uct or service to be sold. Ads must St. Joseph’s Academy, a Catholic high responsible for any claims made by Fully Insured Debbie state how wages will be paid (salary, school located in the heart of Baton any advertiser. Don Decell & Carl Babin, owners 225-266-7655 commissions, etc.) if money is men- Rouge, is seeking a forward-thinking 225-292-6756 tioned. The ad must also state if there and energetic Principal to serve, starting July 1, 2015, as the educational leader Baton Rouge Care Service. Serving Ba- is an investment required. BuSineSS Service Donnie’s Furniture Repair & Uphol- ton Rouge and surrounding areas since of the second-largest, all-girls school stery. We do refinishing, repairs, caning, 1960. Registered sitters, nurses, and in the country. Founded in 1868 by the LEBLANC’S TREE & STUMP painting of furniture and upholstery. nurses aides for the sick and elderly in Sisters of St. Joseph and situated on 14 REMOVAL, INC. In business 43 yrs. Pick up and delivery. the home, nursing homes and hospitals. Looking for a acres of residential property, this flag- Prompt service–Free estimates 10876 Greenwell Springs Rd. 225-272- Licensed and bonded for private duty ship school for technological innova- FULLY INSURED 2577. See our showroom. care. 225-924-6098 or 225-667-0480. tion has an enrollment of 1,066 students E. H. “Eddie” LeBlanc www.batonrougesittersregistry.com. caretaker? Need with 71 teaching faculty. The School has Phone 383-7316 THOMAS LUNDIN, CPA a unique and seamless blend of long- Accounting and taxes for businesses, standing tradition with cutting-edge non-profits and individuals; business, some work Pennington Lawn and Landscape or ale teaching and learning, including the computer, financial and management F S launch of an aggressive STEM initiative. 225-806-0008 services. 30 years experience; profes- done? Have a Lawn & bed maintenance. Clean-up neg- First Communion Chalices The next Principal shall be committed to lect. Call for your free estimate. sional, prompt and personal attention. and passionate about academic excel- 225-296-0404. Paint your own chalice. A special keep- sake for a special event. $12 includes home or a car lence for the 21st century, furthering the St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of a Dave’s Bicycle Repair and Sales. Free Catholic faith and the charism of the Sis- Peaceful Death. St. Joseph Hospice is chalice, all materials needed to paint pickup and delivery, free estimates, ex- it and firing in a kiln. Schedule your ters of Joseph, and empowering young available to support families as they face pert economical repair on all brands. or furniture women to be future leaders who can end-of-life decisions. Peace, comfort, school event for 2015 now. 225-924-4337 or www.davesbicyclerepair. Louisiana Pottery meet the challenges of the world they dignity and support can make every day com. to sell? Place are inheriting. Candidates interested in "a good day." Call 225-368-3100 for more Contact Judy at (225) 657-5572; www.louisianapottery.com serving in this inspirational role of edu- information. Anthony's Furniture Specialties. We cational leader for the School’s students restore hurricane damaged furniture. your ad in the and faculty are encouraged to apply. Ap- BROUSSEAU'S Painting If it's furniture we do it all! Refinishing, 1995 GMC Yukon SLE,4-door, leather, plication materials include: resume, cov- Interior and exterior painting. Experi- re-upholstery, pick up and delivery, etc. towing package, power seats, CD, AM/ CLASSIFIEDS! er letter of interest highlighting specific enced and reliable. Free estimates. Call 2263 Florida Blvd., BR. 225-413-2607. FM stereo. $2,200. Call 225-663-2210. interest in SJA, statement of educational 225-241-8488 or 225-928-7194. philosophy, and list of 5-7 references Call including contact information. Gloria Kitchen counter tops. Call for free es- Support the advertisers of The Catholic Commentator. H. Snyder, Search Consultant The Edu- timates. John O'Neill 225-938-6141 or 225-387-0983 cation Group gloria@educationgroup. 225-683-6837. They make your Catholic newspaper possible! com, (214) 906-7886, Dallas, TX .

Print Your Ad Here UNCLE NILE SONS ROYAL ECON LOOP IVANA ROUT INOR SANANTON IO NARY IDO SMOG DATES TO RUN: AFT SMEE BASKET Circle Category: Announcements—Business Services—Cards of Thanks—For Rent—For Sale—Help Wanted GRAB BCDE RHYME —Positions Wanted—Legal Notices (other ) NOSE SCENE ORCA Mail to: The Catholic Commentator, P.O. Box 3316, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3316 ESTEE EM IR TIES Enclosed is $9.50 for the first 15 words + 15¢ for each word thereafter + 25¢ per line for each special effect (all caps, centered SHELLS ADAM EEE line, bold lettering); for a total of $______for each issue. ZITA SON Advertisements will NAME HOME ECUMEN ICAL not be published ADDRESS ARAB ETNA ASAM I without full payment in MENU LOTS CABIN CITY PHONE advance. MOAB EROS ONSET www.wordgamesforcatholics.com January 23, 2015 The Catholic Commentator 19 Lawmakers say protest institutional conscience

WASHINGTON (CNS) – service provider that declines” to throughout Illinois stopped relations are properly reserved timidation.” Speakers at a policy summit provide services that contradict adoption placements when laws to such a marriage.” Some have raised concerns in Washington on Jan. 13 ad- their moral beliefs. required equal treatment of ap- According to Labrador, the that church-run facilities could dressed the issue of protecting “Because of our religious be- plicants in same-sex relation- act is meant to protect individu- lose their tax-exempt status, for institutional conscience as it liefs, we are being told that we ships. Catholic teaching oppos- als, organizations and corpora- example, if they refused to ac- pertains to adoption, marriage cannot participate” in providing es the adoption of children by tions holding traditional views commodate a wedding reception and abortion. services, said Kelly, a Catholic, same-sex couples. on marriage from what he calls for a same-sex couple able to le- U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Penn- at the Heritage Action Conserva- Also speaking at the policy a “climate of intolerance and in- gally marry. sylvania, discussed conscience tive Policy Summit. summit was U.S. Rep. Raul Lab- protections for religious and The act is meant to protect rador, R-Idaho, who discussed other adoption agencies, which the rights of institutions such as the Marriage and Religious is the aim of the Child Welfare Catholic adoption agencies that Freedom Act, or H.R. 3133, a Tree Service Provider Inclusion Act, known would be forced to either provide measure he said he will sponsor Mr. D’s as H.R. 5825. adoption services that conflict in the new congressional session. ovEr 35 yEars ExpErIEncE The bill would prohibit the with their moral views or close It would prohibit any adverse Don Decell, owner federal government, and any their doors, as was the case for action such as revoking tax ex- carl BaBin, owner state that receives federal fund- agencies in Massachusetts and emption or denying a federal • Economical ing for any program providing California in 2006 and Illinois contract toward those who be- • Fully Insured • Quality Work child welfare services, from “dis- in 2011. lieve marriage is meant to be a CALL TODAY! criminating or taking an adverse Catholic Charities in San binding union of one man and 225-292-6756 action against a child welfare Francisco and Boston and one woman and/or that “sexual

The Catholic Commentator For help placing your classified ad, PO Box 3316 call 225-387-0983. All classified ads are prepaid. Credit Baton Rouge LA 70821-3316 cards are not accepted.

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Diocese of Baton Rouge The Catholic Commentator Catholic Schools Office www.csobr.org STAFF WRITER Principal Opening Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge 2015-2016 School Year Holy Ghost Elementary School, Hammond, LA General Statement of Duties The Diocese of Baton Rouge has thirty schools in eight civil parishes, This person seeks out, writes about, and photographs interesting and newsworthy events to with a focus on strong Catholic identity in all schools. The district is keep Catholics in the diocese informed of the Church's work, to highlight the ministries of nationally accredited and standardized test scores are above state and people and organizations as well as record the events of the local diocese and the global church. national average. Catholic schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge… Information is presented and events photographed in a clear, concise and accurate manner in Evangelize Hearts, Educate Minds and Embrace the Future this bi-weekly publication, on the website and through social media. Holy Ghost Catholic School in Hammond, La. was founded in 1912 by Dominican Sisters and currently includes more than 700 students in Education and Experience Requirements Grades PK – 8 and more than 60 staff members. The school promotes • Bachelor’s degree in mass communications or journalism or equivalent with a minimum of a Catholic environment of loving, learning and living in Christ though three years’ of reporting experience required; academic excellence, Gospel values, and a nurturing community. • Strong knowledge of the Catholic faith required; Principal candidates must work well with teams, have excellent • Technically proficient in photography, writing, editing, proof reading, website and social communication skills and possess the ability to include all stakeholders media; in the ministry of Catholic education. • Computer skills required, experience with Mac preferred; Applicants must meet the following criteria: • Familiarity with the Diocese of Baton Rouge strongly preferred; practicing Catholic preferred. • Practicing Catholic • Minimum of 5 years of teaching or school administrative experience in Catholic education preferred Other Requirements • Credentials that meet the Louisiana State Department of • Strong interpersonal skills essential with the ability to work and communicate with people of Education requirements for certification all levels and backgrounds; • Demonstrated Leadership Ability • Excellent verbal/written communication skills, interviewing skills/techniques, and • Availability prior to or on July 1, 2015 presentation skills;

Mail letter of interest, updated résumé with at least three references, • Customer service oriented, and ability to accurately meet deadlines and maintain schedules; and copies of all transcript(s) to: • Valid, current driver’s license and own reliable transportation; Holy Ghost School Principal Search • Due to the nature of this job, employee must be willing to work outside regular office hours, Catholic Schools Office including late afternoons, evenings, and/or weekends due to event coverage and deadline P.O. Box 2028 requirements. Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028 Deadline for application: March 1, 2015 This is a full-time position with excellent pay and benefits. Please submit resume, letter of The schools of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, admit students of any race, color, interest and three to five writing samples to [email protected], or Human Resources, Catholic national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded Diocese of Baton Rouge, P.O. Box 2028 Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2028. or made available to students at its schools. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of educational policies, admissions policies, Deadline to apply is January 30, 2015. scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs. 20 The Catholic Commentator January 23, 2015

CONFERENCE  Besides Father Johnson, how the healing power of Christ Call 225-387-0983 for advertising information From page 1 speakers will be include Deacon brought them home to the Cath- Larry Oney and his wife, Andi, olic Church. Originally the conference a mixed race couple who have Rapper K. Levy will share his SINCE 1979 was designed to be an opportu- overcome racism through their music with the group along with nity for newly ordained Father faith. Growing up, Deacon Oney the Diocesan Gospel Choir. Ado- Johnson to speak with the young frequently experienced pain at ration of the Blessed Sacrament, adults in the diocese. But the the hands of white people, Fa- reconciliation and Mass will also FAST • AFFORDABLE • GUARANTEED FOR LIFE Holy Spirit guided the organiz- ther Johnson said. Consequently be included in the conference. ers to make it much larger – to he thought all white people were The Knights and Ladies of St. (228-4882) Ask about our 10% discount. Call 1-800-BATHTUB reach out to the entire diocese, bad. But at one point in his life, Peter Claver are being invited to Mention code: “Commentator” or 225-753-6810 for the Archdiocese of New Orleans when his family had no food participate in the Mass. and receive an additional $100 discount. a free in-home consultation. and the dioceses of Lake Charles to eat, a white woman brought The conference is named for and Lafayette, she said, because them food. He experienced a St. Martin de Porres, a bi-racial STEVE DECELL Walk-in Showers Aging-In-Place Consultant Walk-in Tubs the healing power of Jesus is conversion when he saw good in lay Dominican brother who de- meant for everyone. white people. voted his life to the poor and to “It affects how we react to Sister Jackie Jean Marie Gi- sacrifice and prayer in the late pain and triumph. It makes us tonga and Sister Tracey Douglas, 1500s and early 1600s. proactive, not reactive,” she said. members of the Daughters of St. Conference hours are 6 to 10 Now Open The conference will be held Paul, will talk about their call to p.m. on May 8 and all day on May May 8 and 9 at the Catholic Life be brides of Christ. 9, ending with Mass. Those want- at our Center, 1800 S. Acadian Thru- Al and Pearlette Carter, lay ing to attend can register online New way in Baton Rouge. evangelists, will speak about at eventbrite.com. Cost is $30. Location 5575 Government St. Pope says respect for religion should limit freedom of expression Baton Rouge’s onlyDeli Anthony’s TRUE ITALIAN Since 1978. Italian Deli ABOARD THE PAPAL Offering a hypothetical - ex “Now I’ll take a week out in FLIGHT FROM COLOMBO, Sri ample that referred to the Vati- March to look at it. At the end of Just east of Jefferson Hwy. • Mon. - Sat. 9:30 am - 6 pm Lanka (CNS) – Commenting on can’s planner of papal trips, who March, I think it will be complet- • Phone orders welcome! (225) 272-6817 recent killings by Islamist terror- was standing beside him as he ed. Then it will go to be translat- ists at a Paris newspaper, Pope spoke, the pope said: “It’s true, ed. I think that if the translations Francis condemned killing in the one cannot react violently, but go well, in June or July, it could name of God, but said freedom if Dr. (Alberto) Gasbarri, a great come out,” the pope said. of expression should be limited friend, says a swear word against Pope Francis said it was im- It’s a New Year so… by respect for religion and that my mother, then he is going to portant the encyclical come out mockery of faith can be expected get a punch. But it’s normal, it’s soon enough to influence a global

to provoke violence. normal. One cannot provoke, one climate change summit sched- Clean out your closet and give unwanted The pope made his remarks cannot insult other people’s faith, uled to open Nov. 30 in Paris, Jan. 15 to reporters accompany- one cannot make fun of faith.” where he hoped leaders would clothing to St. Vincent de Paul! We desperately ing him on a flight from Sri Lanka The pope said those who show more courage on the subject need your donations of clothing to help us in to the Philippines. During the “make fun or toy with other peo- than in the past. our mission of charity. Help us to help the 50-minute news conference, the ple’s religions, these people pro- While not explicitly replying to poorest of the poor. Last year, we pope also said his encyclical on the voke, and there can happen what a question about the influence of environment likely will be pub- would happen to Dr. Gasbarri human activity on climate change, helped over 15,000 people (free of lished early this summer, and that if he said something against my the pope echoed earlier criticisms charge) with their clothing needs he will canonize Blessed Junipero mother. That is, there is a limit. of man-made damage to the envi- helping them become self-sufficient. Serra, an 18th-century Franciscan Every religion has its dignity.” ronment through such practices missionary to North America, in Regarding reported terrorist as deforestation and overexploita- the U.S. this September. threats to his own life, the pope tion of agricultural lands. Give a hand-up to people in need! Help us Asked by a French reporter said he was not courageous in The pope opened the news with our clothing shortage, and drop your to compare freedom of religion facing pain but had a “healthy conference with an unsolicited clothing donation off at any St. Vincent de and freedom of expression as hu- dose of obliviousness” to his own statement about his decision to Paul location. man rights, Pope Francis linked safety. He acknowledged that his canonize St. Joseph Vaz, a 17th- his answer to the Jan. 7 attacks situation poses dangers to the and 18th-century missionary to at the offices of Charlie Hebdo, crowds of faithful around him, Sri Lanka, without going through We also gladly accept household items, apparently in retaliation for the and said his security detail was the usual process, including furnishings and appliances in good condition. newspaper’s publication of car- keeping him informed and taking verification of a second miracle And we love left-over items from your garage sale. toons mocking Islam’s Prophet “prudent” precautions. attributed to the saint’s interces- Muhammad. Asked about his widely await- sion. Pope Francis said St. Joseph “Let’s go to Paris, let’s speak ed encyclical on the environment, was one of a series of great evan- Call our pick-up service at (225) 267-5447 to clearly,” the pope said. “One can- Pope Francis said the document gelists whom he planned to can- make your large clothing, furniture or not offend, make war, kill in the had already been through three onize without such preliminaries, appliance donation. name of one’s own religion, that drafts by a team under Cardinal in an effort to celebrate the prac- is, in the name of God.” Peter Turkson, president of the tice of evangelization. The pope said freedom of ex- Pontifical Council for Justice and “Now in September, God will- Give your clothing to a great Catholic pression was a “fundamental Peace, and reviewed by the Vati- ing, I will canonize Junipero Ser- human right” like freedom of re- can Secretariat of State and the ra in the United States. He was Organization – St. Vincent de Paul! ligion, but one that must be exer- theologian of the papal house- the evangelizer of the west in the cised “without giving offense.” hold. United States,” the pope said.

January 23, 2015 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 The Catholic Commentator 1B 2B The Catholic Commentator CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 January 23, 2015 Value of Catholic education A week to celebrate y nature and design, dents all the more integrate chools in the Diocese of Ba- Catholic schools education with designated ton Rouge look forward to the Bembody, proclaim, majors and pursuit of mat- Sannual celebration of Catho- teach, witness, inculcate and ters religious and spiritual, lic Schools Week as Communities promote Jesus Christ and as well as academic and ca- of Faith, Knowledge and Service. the church he founded. reer-related. These critical While each school holds special Our diocesan and parish times of life require special events on campus during the week, Catholic school system be- nurturing of the whole all schools also come together to gins at the primary elemen- person: human, physical, celebrate as a larger community. tary level, providing for the intellectual, psychological, Early in the week, the Distin- early formative years of our emotional, religious, spiri- guished Grads Dinner provides a students learning at school, tual, moral and social. venue to honor outstanding gradu- church and home about Catholic schools fulfill ates who have contributed signifi- Jesus and his message, ini- more than learning secular cantly to the community. There is tial perspectives on human From The Bishop studies and skills. They help much to celebrate as guests from From the life, and how to pray and to students face the perennial all schools gather to honor grad- love. They help develop an Bishop Robert W. Muench and fundamental issues uates, who are tangible signs of Superintendent interior disposition to God of “Who am I? Where did the effectiveness of our Catholic and God’s love. The upper elementary level I come from? Why am I here? Where am I schools, which strive to evangelize Dr. Melanie B. Verges of developmental years deal with deeper going?” hearts, educate minds and embrace questions of faith and experience. I acknowledge, affirm and thank Dr. the future within our classrooms, ents of Catholic Charities as a sign During adolescence, when our faith Melanie Verges, Diocesan Superintendent hallways, and playing fields. of their commitment to service. should mature from older child to younger of Schools, her staff, diocesan and local Later in the week, all schools Each year, these donations fill an adult, students are challenged to more devel- schools boards, home and school associa- gather to celebrate Mass with entire truck and contribute greatly oped questions about God and the church, tions, pastors, priest chaplains, administra- Bishop Robert W. Muench and to help people in need within our life and after-life, themselves and others. tors, teachers, staff, volunteers, benefactors, priests from across the diocese. In diocese. Catholic schools provide an environment alumni and alumnae and parents of and addition to prayer during Mass, Second, faculty members with and means to grow in the understanding students in our Catholic schools. The theme two important signs of our Catholic anniversary years of service are of and reasons for faith. At the college level for National Catholic Schools Week 2015 is identity are included in the day’s recognized as a sign of gratitude for (Our Lady of the Lake College), Catholic “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, activities. their generosity of spirit in educa- institutions of higher learning help stu- Knowledge and Service.” First, schools bring gifts for cli- SEE VERGES PAGE 3B

Please join us for the Second Annual Catholic Schools Week

E ST. 1853 Wednesday,Showcase January 28, 2015 5:30 p.m. ✝ St. John School Gym Campus tours available throughout the evening We always welcome private To experience our community during the tours by appointment. school day, tours will also be offered between (225) 687-6616 9 AM and 2 PM on Thursday, January 29. www.stjohnschool.org 24250 Regina St. • Plaquemine Serving Grades Pre-K3-12

Our St. John School family salutes Mrs. Bernardine Legendre “Pride in our Diocese of Baton Rouge Past. Faith Distinguished Elementary Principal Thank you for over 30 years of faith-filled in our Future.” love and leadership to our school. January 23, 2015 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 The Catholic Commentator 3B

ith with Ou r Eye s on n Fa God Award humbling for principal lk i ” a e W “W

By Richard Meek the names of the majority of her

The Catholic Commentator students.

“The students love to be

Bernardine Legendre has called by name,” she said, add- never really left her beloved ing that she visits every class- Plaquemine, a scenic ham- room as often as possible. “My let along the Mississippi River students know if they have a UPCOMING EVENTS where she was born, educated problem or if they need to speak and has spent the majority of with me about anything I will Friends Day her teaching career. There were be available. If I am busy with Open House February 4 her college years at Nicholls something, they know I will get State and six years teaching at back to them as soon as possi- January 28 In-house Registration public schools in West Baton ble.” February 2-4 Rouge and Iberville parishes “If I am having a bad day, 6:30 pm but her heart always remained all I have to do is go to our Pre New Student Registration For more information in Plaquemine, especially at St. K3 classroom and the students Bernardine Legendre February 5-6 John school, where she spent brighten my day,” she added. call 225-869-5778 her entire elementary and sec- “My philosophy is to always be tance of their Catholic education www.stpchanel.org Spring Festival ondary years. available to my students at all in bringing them to where they March 20-22 She returned to St. John in times.” are in life today,” she said. “The 2590 Louisiana Hwy. 44 Paulina, LA 70763 1981 to teach second and fifth Just as Legendre views her values, morals, service and the discipline taught in Catholic “The parents who choose a Catholic school schools is very evident in the success they have achieved in know the importance of their child being their lives.” “The parents who choose a educated not only academically, but most Catholic school know the im- portance of their child being importantly spiritually.” educated not only academically, Bernardine Legendre but most importantly spiritual- ly,” she added. “The majority of grades and in 34 years has risen job as a ministry she said that students who attend a Catho- from teacher to assistant princi- philosophy is shared by her fac- lic school are respectful, disci- pal to principal. This year, she is ulty, staff and administrators. plined, caring, well-mannered being honored with the dioce- She said they all minister to stu- and nurturing to each other.” san Principal of the Year award. dents as well as model the Cath- Legendre said the rapidly “Having been a student, a olic values and morals that “we changing face of technology is teacher, an assistant principal want our students to learn.” the most difficult challenge fac- and principal of a school that “In Catholic schools we don’t ing Catholic educators. She said has been a very large part of just teach about faith, we live educators must make certain my life and now to receive this our faith daily,” she said. “In the students are being challenged prestigious award is truly grat- same way, we not only talk about daily and those young people ifying to me,” said Legendre, a service to others, we service our can relate to the lessons they are 1966 graduate of St. John High community, our church commu- being taught. School. “I was very surprised nity and our local communities She said teachers not only (upon learning of the award). I in so many different ways.” need to educate their students am very humbled because there Having been witness to the but themselves on the vast avail- are so many wonderful princi- success of so many St. John ability of resources used in the pals in our diocese who would graduates, many of whom she modern classroom. be most deserving of this award. taught, Legendre said Catholic “It is difficult today to help I am very honored and thrilled education is a valuable tool for students live according to our that I was chosen to represent success for today’s young peo- Catholic beliefs when there are the principals in our diocese.” ple. She said numerous grad- so many conflicting messages Legendre’s dedication to her uates are sending their own in society and to show students Sunday, Jan. 25, 1 – 3 p.m. students and her determination children to St. John, and many that it is sometimes necessary Pre–K3 through 8th Grade that they reach their potential alumni have earned recognition to go against the crowd when Qualified, Caring Faculty academically, physically, emo- in a number of professional ca- standing up for your faith,” she Excellence in Academics tionally and spiritually shines reers. said. “We must instill in them Religious Education focused on our Catholic Faith through her words and actions. “In speaking with these stu- the strength and courage they Reading Resource/Dyslexia Program She employs an open door policy dents, parents and grandpar- will need to be true to them- Learning Tools – Technology, Science and proudly admits she knows ents, they all refer to the impor- selves as disciples of Christ.” Lab, Multi-Media Library Athletics and Extracurricular Activities Extended Day Care VERGES  are also grateful for the leadership of Bishop Muench and for the support of clergy, adminis- St. Alphonsus Ligouri Catholic School Since 1963 From page 2B trators, faculty, staff, parents, students and all tional ministry. We all know teachers and staff partners in the work of the schools. With strong 13940 Greenwell Springs Road City of Central, LA 70739 members who have made a positive difference stakeholder support, Catholic schools will 225-261-5299 • stalphonsusbr.org in our lives, and we take time during Catholic continue to be gifts to generations within the Dr. Cynthia Ryals, Principal Catholic Schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, Schools Week to honor that dedication. Diocese of Baton Rouge as communities of faith, or ethnic origin in the administration of their educational policies. As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, we knowledge and service. 4B The Catholic Commentator CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 January 23, 2015 Andry chosen Secondary Educator of the Year St. Michael the Archangel ularly gives after school music ing for St. Jude Masses on Sun- role model for all his students,” High School instructor Dr. Kev- lessons to his students who are day, Andry has a full schedule. Lee said. “His love of music, his in “Doc” Andry was selected the eager to learn difficult pieces of But Lee said he still finds time to exceptional work ethic, his pa- Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge music or perfect their techniques. play in the Baton Rouge Sympho- tience and his dedication to the Distinguished Secondary Educa- “I am overwhelmed and hum- ny, living out his love of music for development of his students com- tor of the Year. bled by the recognition of be- 32 years for his students and for bine to make him a valuable gift The Distinguished Secondary ing named the recipient of the the community to enjoy. to St. Michael High School and Educator of the Year Award is Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge “(Andry) is an outstanding the entire community.” annually given to a Catholic sec- Educational Excellence Award. ondary educator who reflects the I am truly blessed to be able to richness and diversity of Ameri- pursue my vocation of teaching can Catholic education. Andry is music and be able to share my a musician, educator and a strong faith among my students and col- Catholic role model for students leagues on a daily basis. I am for- and teachers. He has spent more tunate and blessed to get up every than 26 years as a teacher in Dr. Kevin “Doc” Andry morning and work with the stu- Catholic high schools, while also dents at St. Michael High School,” teaching part time in Catholic el- high schools. Andry said. ementary schools. “(Andry) teaches students Dr. Melanie Verges, Super- Andry received a bachelor’s that they should use their gifts intendent of Catholic Schools degree in music from Loyola Uni- and talents for God; that it is not for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, versity in New Orleans in 1982, about being the best but about be- said, “(Andry’s) professionalism, master’s degree in music per- ing the best that they can be,” St. abundant energy and generosity formance from LSU in 1984 and Michael principal Ellen Lee said. of spirit distinguishes him as an a doctorate from LSU in 1988. “(Andry) uses every moment pos- outstanding educator. He shines During the past six years, Andry sible as a teaching opportunity a light on the talents of his stu- has volunteered at St. Jean Vian- – whether it be about mastery dents and helps them all develop ney School in Baton Rouge to help of music skills, about hard work, a deep appreciation for the arts.” boost the school’s band program about taking risk or about life les- With teaching part-time at a and strengthen the students to sons.” local elementary school, teaching attend St. Michael and other area According to Lee, Andry reg- full-time at St. Michael and play- ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL Ponchatoula, LA Your child's 175 North 8th Street education... 985-386-6421 www.sjscrusaders.org We take it Fully Grades Certified preK–8th PERSONALLY. Faculty OPEN HOUSE for High School Enrichment Credit Call today for your Classes PROSPECTIVE Courses PERSONAL tour. PARENTS Weekly Celebrating Mass Service LIMITED OPENINGS IN GRADES Pre K - 8TH 225-273-3932 2311 N. Sherwood Forest Baton Rouge, LA 70815

St. Joseph School does not discriminate Catholic School on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin

Monday, February 23 10:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.

Open Registration Begins March 2. Louis France KingSt. of January 23, 2015 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 The Catholic Commentator 5B Teacher of the year living her dream in New Roads

By Debbie Shelley Port Allen that were each award- sion as a Catholic school teacher. literally gaping, ‘Really? He did The Catholic Commentator ed Model School Status as part of She said there was a student that? Why?’ He had never heard the Special Plan Upgrading Read- who was not only new to Catholic this before. He was astounded Allison Christina “Miss ing (SPUR) program for commit- schools but to Catholicism. and truly bewildered.” Chris” Chustz is living out her ment and dedication to educa- “I noticed immediately that, She said the child continued dream teaching at Catholic of tional excellence. Chustz adapted unlike his attention toward the in his enthusiasm as he came to Pointe Coupée Elementary in her own classroom model based other subjects, he sat on the know Christ. He carried his new- New Roads where she learned as on the Workshop Way developed edge of his seat for every religion found knowledge to his family, a student. by Sister Grace Pilon SBS of Xavi- lesson,” she said. “He was truly who were grateful. Chustz comes from a long er University in New Orleans. The captivated, engaged, thirsting for Chustz said, “I can still see line of educators on both sides Louisiana Department of Educa- more. Of this I was certain. This the sparkle in his eyes, hear of her family, including her tion filmed Chustz using the mod- child was amazed when I stated the excitement in his voice, grandmother, Dionysia Dawson, el in the classroom for statewide that Jesus died on the cross for us and will never forget the look who was taught at St. Joseph use. to save us from our sins, and he on his little face as he tried to Academy before the school was West Baton Rouge Civil Par- did it willingly. I had only men- take this all in. He was touched merged with St. Mary Elementa- ish selected Chustz to serve on a tioned it in passing, as an adjunct by the hand of God that day.” Allison Christina Chustz ry School and renamed Catholic SPUR evaluation team and se- to my main lesson.” Moments like these are when of Pointe Coupée. lected her its teacher of the year “I assumed this was noth- Chustz said she knows she has teacher, but Jesus is THE teacher.’ “I’m back home, just in a dif- in 1980. ing new to my classroom of little fulfilled her mission as a Catholic One of my students retorted, ‘Do ferent capacity,” said an exuber- At Immaculate Conception Christians before me,” she added. educator – to bring Jesus into all you get it, Miss Chris? You are the ant Chustz. Church in Lakeland, Chustz is “It was then that I realized that the lessons of her students’ lives. teacher, but Jesus is THEE teach- Chustz, who has spent 32 years active in pro-life ministry. She this young boy was being told the “Our Lord Jesus Christ under- er.’ motivating, challenging and lov- helped develop a respect life les- Good News of Jesus Christ for stands our vocation better than “How awesome. Of course, ing students as well as teaching son plan for the parish school of the first time. Right there, sitting anyone, for he was a teacher,” that led us into a lesson on the them the love of Jesus, has been religion, obtained respect life in the front row of Room 11, he she said. “I often remind my stu- use of the word ‘thee,’ foreign to selected the 2015 Distinguished speakers for high school students, looked at me very puzzled, mouth dents of this. I once said, ‘I am the some.” Elementary Teacher of the Year formed a prisoner Christmas for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. card outreach, organized nurs- Chustz earned her bachelor’s ing home visits, held respect life degree in elementary education rosaries and youth living rosaries from the University of Southwest- during October, assisted in the ern Louisiana in 1977 and her parish’s sponsorship of days for Need Help Covering master’s in education with an em- 40 Days for Life, presented in- phasis on early reading from LSU formation to the youth for March in 1980. She went on to receive for Life in Washington, D.C., and Education Costs? her certification in supervisor of supported ICC and Holy Family student teaching at LSU in 1989. school fairs. Ask About Our Back To School Line Of Credit* Chustz taught sixth-grade lan- She also supports the St. Agnes guage arts and K-8 art at St. Pius Soup Kitchen, St. Vincent de Paul, X School in New Orleans and local food banks and St. Jude Perfect For Education Expenses Including: first- and third-grade at St. Lou- Children’s Research Hospital. is King of France School in Baton From her more than three de- Rouge before becoming a third- cades in the classroom, Chustz • Tuition, Fees, Uniforms, Supplies, & Books grade teacher at Catholic of Pointe said she has volumes of adorable Coupée in 2004. She was also a tales that she could tell, but there • PC/Tablet/Notebook Computer faculty member of Chamberlin is “one special moment frozen in • Summer Camps & Enrichment Classes and Cohn elementary schools in time” that emphasizes her mis- • And Even College GAP Expenses!

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*Normal Credit Qualifications Apply & Other Terms And Conditions May Apply 6B The Catholic Commentator CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 January 23, 2015 OLOL students praise Catholic Education By Richard Meek them through the difficult years “an amazing experience.” about God through my school The Catholic Commentator of higher education, according to Lasseigne, who attended St. years.” several students at Our Lady of Thomas More School in Baton “This has given me the abili- Catholic education offers Lake College. Rouge, said attending Catholic ty to strengthen my faith which students the opportunity to St. Joseph’s Academy gradu- schools throughout her academ- is a necessity to have during strengthen their own faith lives ate Emily Lasseigne, an OLOL ic career has been a “wonderful the strenuous years as a college while building an excellent aca- senior who is majoring in biolo- opportunity to not only receive a student,” added Lasseigne, who demic foundation that can carry gy, called her Catholic education great education but to also learn hopes to pursue a profession-

St. Michael the Archangel Diocesan Derek Wiltz

al career at a Catholic hospi- tal. “Being able to pray with my Regional Catholic High School classmates before my classes

and openly talk about Jesus with professors, faculty and peers has added not only to my personal  growth but to my education and future career.” Senior Derek Wiltz, also a biology major, graduated from Tuerlings Catholic High School and either attends Mass at Christ the King in Baton Rouge or Im- maculate Heart of Mary Church in Lafayette. He said Catholic ed-

Emily Lasseigne

ucation has taught him “the truth of Christ, of morality, of how to love God above all else, of how to love your neighbor, of marriage, of family. You can’t learn those things in science and history.” Wiltz said he hopes to pursue a career in sports medicine that will include research so “it can be personalized medicine and sports medicine.” Nursing student Shelby   Thompson, who attends St. Peter Church in Reserve and attended the church parish’s elementary 17521 Monitor Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70817 school, said Catholic education has instilled morals and values 225.753.9782 into her life. “This special learning atmo- www.smhsbr.org sphere has so many facets that are rooted in one’s faith,” Thomp- SEE OLOL PAGE 7B January 23, 2015 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 The Catholic Commentator 7B Our Lady of Mercy philosophy provides educational balance Our Lady of Mercy School in Baton Rouge embraces the philosophy providing students a foundation for a balanced and purposeful life. The comprehensive education focuses on language arts, mathematics, social stud- ies, science and foreign language, which are all crucial in a child’s development. Equally important is a Catholic education, which helps bring students closer to God, develop their minds and build character. A variety of arts education options helps round out all areas of a student’s develop- ment. Involvement in the arts is proven not only to increase academic success in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking and verbal skills, it also gives each student Our Lady of Mercy choir members perform under the direction of Eleanor Bach at the school’s annual Christmas Choir and Band Con- an opportunity to explore his or her gifts cert. Photos provided by Our Lady of Mercy School and share them with the school community. band, choir, art and drama on a more ad- opportunity of growth within their area of ties to perform for the school community Arts education is part of every Mercy stu- vanced level in upper grades. Each program interest and talent. throughout the year, including the school dent’s experience, with music and art in the focuses on specific standards unique to that Mercy’s band program offers students as Christmas concert, Mardi Gras parade, younger grades and as an elective through field of study and provides the student an early as fifth grade an opportunity to dis- church parish fair and a year-end concert cover, develop and showcase their unique in the spring. musical talents. Technology plays a key role as LeBlanc “The instruments students play are cho- uses Apple TV, iPad apps and a band web- sen based on natural fit and student inter- site as academic aids. Two of LeBlanc’s stu- est,” said band director Duane LeBlanc. dents have been selected to participate in The curriculum LeBlanc utilizes is fo- this year’s All Parish Honor Band. cused on creating a school concert band. The choir emphasizes healthy vocal Band members have various opportuni- SEE OLOM PAGE 8B Tradition Our Lady of Mercy band members perform under the direction of Duane LeBlanc at the Mission school’s annual Christmas Choir and Band Concert.

OLOL School From page 6B son said. “Among the many values are re- specting oneself and others, serving oth- ers instead of serving oneself, developing Accepting a deep relationship with God, sharing tal- ents and time to make an impact on your community and learning social responsi- New Students bility to become a productive member of society. for the 2015-2016 Thompson has been involved in a num- ber of service projects, including helping school year! collect food and pack food for Thanksgiv- ing baskets for needy families, styling hair for a group of women at a nursing home 225-647-2803 and visiting with the men at the war veter- Shelby Thompson ans home in Reserve. She has also helped www.sjp-sta.org raise money for the American Cancer OLOL president Dr. Tina Holland said Society and participated in the St. John the school’s Catholic identify fits in with Parish Relay for Life. As an OLOL Student the mission to help students become com- Catholic Schools A Gift for Life Ambassador, she has helped build houses petent professionals as well as good and through Habitat for Humanity and raised faithful servants. money for the American Heart Associa- “We encourage them to be Gospel St. John Primary St. Theresa Middle tion Heart Walk. witnesses while constantly pursuing the 37407 Duplessis Road 212 E. New River Street “I feel it is important to give back for truth through scholarly dialogue,” Hol- Prairieville, LA 70769 Gonzales, LA 70737 the blessings in my life,” said Thompson, land said. “Thus, we in Catholic education who has her career goals set on becoming cherish the dear privilege and the awe- 225-647-2803 225-647-2803 a nurse practitioner. some responsibility to serve the church.” 8B The Catholic Commentator CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 January 23, 2015

OLOM  Education Methods, a mixture of Students learn music liter- mous works and famous compos- Eleanor Bach teaches music at From page 7B Feierabend, Orff, Kodaly & Dal- acy through sight-reading and ers with a focus on songs of the all grade levels. Her general music technique while creating choral croze, and the recently released ear training/aural development. Catholic faith. They even create students use handbells, percus- tone and blend. The choir cur- guidelines of national standards Students study music theory, the their own melodic and rhythmic sion and other classroom instru- riculum is based on The Music for music education. instruments of the orchestra, fa- compositions. ments. Bach’s use of Promethean board technology enhances in- struction through interactive les- sons and projects. Students have the opportunity to join the liturgical choir and lead the school in song during school- wide celebrations of the Mass. Two of Bach’s students were se- lected for the Greater Baton Rouge Children’s Chorus and several of her choir members participate in the Louisiana All State Choir. Drama I and II are offered as electives for sixth through eighth grade students, with Anna Hal- dane using the Louisiana Theatre Standards as the basis of her Dra- ma 1 curriculum. Students hone in on skills such as creative expres- CatholiC sion, aesthetic perception, histor- ical and cultural perspective, and critical analysis. “Theater is the window to the world allowing students to en- SChoolS counter places and things they wouldn’t otherwise have experi- enced,” Haldane said. Haldane’s students learn the importance of all production roles A Gift for Life such as set design, wardrobe, lighting and sound. Dr. Valerie Comeaux teaches 99% of the Class of 2013 entered college Drama II to seventh- and eighth- * grade students. Her students upon graduation spend time practicing vocal and Catholic schools movement activities, and rehears- More than $45 million in scholarships ing individual and team pieces for * awarded to the Class of 2013 combine education with speech and debate tournaments. The Mercy speech and debate Catholic school students achieve “a ‘lens of faith’ team travels throughout Louisi- higher than * ana competing against state high national and state averages on the ACT through which children schools and schools from other ar- eas of the country. Nationally-normed Terra Nova test scores view the world and * The fourth area of arts edu- exceed national average in all subject areas cation is the visual art program. act as living examples Students in grades Pre-K through ACRE test scores on faith knowledge above of Christ. eighth are exposed to art on vari- * ous levels. national norm for all domain and grade levels Mrs. Stacey Brenner Keaton In Pre-K, art is incorporated into daily lessons by homeroom Approximately 177,000 service hours to 2013 DisTiNguishED gRADuATE * teachers. Students in kindergar- ” ten and first grade have art class our community in the 2012–13 school year once a week, and art is offered as a rotating enrichment class for sec- ond through fifth grades. Art I and II are year-long electives for sixth- through EvangElizing hEARTs eighth-grade students. Pamelia Cuccia follows the guidelines EduCating miNDs outlined in the National Visual Arts Standards with a focus on EMBraCing ThE FuTuRE the “Elements and Principals of Art” curriculum. Cuccia’s art lessons focus on the experience www.csobr.org Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Schools 225.336.8735 of creating art and the use of ar- tistic materials such as oil/chalk AsCENsioN | Assump TioN | C ENTRAl | E AsT BAToN RougE | iBERvillE | poiNTE CoupEE | sT. JAmEs | TANgipAhoA | W EsT BAToN RougE pastels, watercolor/tempera paints, markers, colored pencils SEE OLOM PAGE 9B January 23, 2015 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 The Catholic Commentator 9B Sacred Heart drama club students enjoy ‘acting up’ Sacred Heart of Jesus School students are acting up, but club moderators aren’t upset about it one bit. Moderators Beth Jones and Mikelyn Donaldson are actually encouraging them to talk louder. What’s this club all about? It’s called the Tiger Troupe drama club. Formed during the 2013-14 school year, the club is open to seventh- and eighth-grade students and has two types of membership: acting and technical crew. Auditions are not required of students in- terested in the acting component. Any in- terested student is able to join and have a speaking part in all activities. Students interested in participating on the tech crew must secure a teacher’s rec- ommendation for one of those spots. For those students interested in the technical aspects of theatre and video productions, Tiger Troupe gives them the opportunity to produce, direct, film and edit productions. The troupe has starred in, produced, directed, filmed and edited several Tiger- Vision broadcasts that showcase various Sacred Heart Tiger Troupe members are, from left, Katie Frens, Jane Singleton, Anne Marie Dizor, Anna Bowden and Ashley Stevens activities on campus, as well as commer- perform during last year’s production of Big Bad. Photo submitted by Lisa Black Cosse | Sacred Heart School cials for the book fair and art show. The group’s anti-bullying commercial produced you find out it isn’t that bad,” she said. “So and focus (scene study and script memori- said. “They’re enthusiastic, talented and at the end of the 2013-14 school year was many people have low self esteem and, zation) pay dividends in the regular class- willing to tackle any opportunity they are the inspiration for Sacred Heart’s 2014-15 through drama club, we realize we can do room as well. given. It’s a true privilege to work with theme, “Count on Me.”The club’s first stage better than we thought.” “Plainly put, we love these kids,” Jones them.” production, “Big Bad,” was a huge success Tech crew member Landon Simpson with students and parents alike. also has experience in local theatre produc- Its second stage performance, “A Night tions, and now the eighth-grader is learn- at the Wax Museum,” will be presented ing about productions from behind the PTO Redemptorist M R March 20. camera. E D I In less than two years, club members “Being on the tech crew is lots of fun,” S Elementary said they can see a marked improvement in said Simpson.“It’s great that we are getting E T

their performances. Seventh-grader Ashley this experience. There’s so much to learn R

Stevens has starred in a number of local about filming and editing and Tiger Troupe

Catholic School

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theatre productions and is “thrilled” to be is giving me that opportunity.”

Pre-K – 7th grade

Y

a member of Tiger Troupe. The tech crew is excited about adding L

Founded 1945

“We have progressed so much since green screen productions this school year. E R last year in projection and focus,” Stevens “Working with the green screen and the M A said.“Being on stage or in front of the cam- green screen app has given us a chance to E N T era has built up people’s confidences.” be more creative in our TigerVision broad- ✔ The club also plays games such as Vo- casts and other videos,” said eighth-grader NSECD Pre-K Program ✔ cal Ping Pong and Ten Second Objects, Breann Keowen. “There’s so much more to Language Science Lab for said seventh-grader Abby Ligon, “and the learn about the green screen that will give Dyslexic Students ✔ games help us with our eye contact, voice us even more creative options for our work.” Christian Environment ✔ projection and quick-thinking.” Club moderators believe that the bene- Extended Day Care ✔ Seventh-grader Madi Holden notes how fits of drama instruction go well beyond the Computer Education ✔ much she has grown since joining Tiger club meetings. Vocal training (articulation, Enriched Curriculum & Troupe. “I used to not want to get up in projection, speech training), teamwork Athletic Program ✔ front of people, but, once you’re up there, (cooperation with fellow cast members) Starboard Programs ✔ Transportation Available ✔ Non-discriminatory admission policy development beyond the classroom, both OLOM  physically and academically. From motor Open House Limited Openings From page 8B skills to positive social interaction, from and various other materials. spatial and mathematical intelligence to January 28, 2015 stiLL AvAiLAbLe She instructs students in artistic skills, creative expression, education in the arts techniques and mimicking other artist’s benefits the whole child. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. styles. Through hands-on projects and “The arts at Our Lady of Mercy encour- technology-enhanced lessons, students age children to develop a love and appreci- Redemptorist Elementary . . . experience learn how to use elements and principals ation of the arts,” Cuccia said. “Each child of art as well as learning about artist’s lives has a chance to participate in something the benefits of Catholic education. and how they created their own famous they love, whether it be drawing, painting, works. singing, dancing, playing an instrument, 3655 St. Gerard Avenue Phone: 225-355-1437 Education in the arts at the elementary acting. Regardless of who can do what, we Baton Rouge, LA 70805 Fax: 225-355-1879 school level affects a student’s growth and all can do something extraordinary.” 10B The Catholic Commentator CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 January 23, 2015 SJA to expand STEM curriculum As part of St. Joseph’s Academy’s strategic plan to more fully integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) across the curriculum, two exciting undertakings have been announced. A STEM lab, or MakerSpace, is currently being creat- ed in a large room in Mother Alice Hall. The lab will be used by all subject areas and will feature brainstorming areas, workspace, 3D printers and other tools and re- sources to enable students to experiment with emerg- ing technologies and work on multidisciplinary projects of their own creation. “Because women have traditionally been under-rep- resented in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, we have identified STEM as an area of focus for the future,” principal Linda Fryoux Harvison said. “The creation of the STEM lab will enhance our students’ ex- posure to a wide variety of opportunities that strengthen their problem-solving and logical-thinking skills as well as their ability to pursue creative and original solutions.” Claire Luikart, special projects manager for SJA’s STEM lessons have long been part of the SJA curriculum, but a new STEM lab will enhance students’ opportunities for technology team, will head up the STEM lab. “Our ul- critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. Here, biology students learned about DNA testing and solved a fictitious timate goal, in addition to having a creative space, is to crime by comparing DNA samples using electrophoresis. Photo by Jennifer Fontaine | St. Joseph’s Academy provide a means for our students to express themselves and build their ideas in a structured environment,” she technology. “We instill in our students that they are the signing, building and programming robots. Teams will said. “We are excited that the MakerSpace will provide future generation of thinkers and creators,” Luikart said. develop and build robots based on engineering princi- a STEM-centric area where critical thinking, creativity “The space will allow our highly talented young women to ples and applying real-world math and science concepts. and collaboration will flourish.” more fully engage in STEM activities on all levels.” Participating teams compete in local qualifying tourna- Luikart said the new lab will provide the means for Additionally, SJA will participate in the FIRST (For ments to advance to state championship tournaments SJA students to expand the scope of the STEM-related Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and ultimately the world championship tournament. work they are currently doing in 3D scanning, 3D mod- Tech Challenge, a robotics competition designed for stu- Plans are being finalized as the SJA tech team antic- eling, 3D printing, electronics, design, programming and dents in grades 7 to 12 to compete head to head in de- ipates the arrival of the robot kit. January 23, 2015 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 The Catholic Commentator 11B

Holy Family brings back the arts St. Elizabeth School In 2013, Holy Serving area children since 1876 Family School in Port Allen decid- ed to bring “the A Catholic Christian family devoted to spiritual growth and arts” back to West academic excellence in a caring and safe environment. Baton Rouge, hir- St. Elizabeth School serves children ing Madlyn Hicks Pre-K 3 through 8th grade. to teach art class as a component Daily Religious Instruction ● Sacramental Preparation of the school’s Family Oriented Environment ● Sodality of Mary multifaceted en- St Elizabeth School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, richment pro- national or ethnic origin in the administration of our educational policies. gram. Hicks has a degree in fine art Caleigh Bonano, fifth-grade and dance from Maddie Grant, third-grade Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and has been teaching art for more than 38 years. Hicks is teaching that art is the basis to all learn- ing whether it is the analytical side of the brain or not. Art is incorporated into so many fields of learn- ing such as computers, math, history and literature. “It is the foundation that you build upon for all education,” Hicks said. Art can be a release of both positive and negative energy for kids, she said. “You submerse yourself into art and it allows you to create and express yourself,” she said. “Art is a ne- Gracie Gantt, second-grade cessity for advanced degrees because it is a thinking craft and through repetition, you learn discipline. them interested. She teaches in all art mediums Art is the unspoken word for many of our children’s from water color, pastels, oils to pen and ink. thoughts.” “Art must speak to people in order for it to be ev- Hicks takes students through the beginning stag- erlasting,” according to Hicks. es of art then on to drawing, scale and proportion. For Holy Family students, art is everlasting and “Everyone can paint but everyone doesn’t have is currently on display not only on their campus but technique,” Hicks said. She wants the children to at the West Baton Rouge Library and the West Ba- VV not only learn these techniques but to also keep ton Rouge Museum of Art. Faith Academics Excellence AscensionAscension C Catholicatholic DiocesanDiocesan RegionalRegional Sc hSchoolool Pre-KPre-K through through 12th12th Grade Grade 202015-201614-2015 RegistrationRegistration CurrentMarch families: 10-14, Feb. 2014 23-27 Call 225-New473 families:-9227 forMarch information 2-6 Call 225-473-9227 for information

St. Francis Xavier School third-grade class taught by Jacqueline Hunt, center back, won the “Give a Heart” challenge by raising the most money. Photo provided by St. Francis Xavier School St. Francis students rise to the challenge The Capital Area United Way held its annual and donate money to support this United Way proj- drive to help more than 300,000 people get ser- ect. Students were given paper hearts for each do- vices in the Baton Rouge area. The students of St. nation they made and each paper heart was posted Francis Xavier School in Baton Rouge, under the in the hallways. Jacqueline Hunt’s third-graders leadership of chairperson Betty Bickham, decided won the challenge, raising the highest amount in to have a different contest than usual to see which donations for the school. St. Francis Xavier’s total class could raise the highest amount in contribu- contributions topped more than $700. The amount tions. Each class was challenged to “Give A Heart” included employees and special events. 12B The Catholic Commentator CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 January 23, 2015 St. Peter Chanel makes science enjoyable St. Peter Chanel School stu- dents have been enjoying learn- ing about science in all grade levels. The PK3 class began the school year learning about pumpkins. They learned about the life cycle of pumpkins and identified the parts of the pumpkin plants in their garden. The students guessed whether a small or large pump- kin would have the most seeds, then checked to see if their hypothesis was correct. They learned that both pumpkins had more than 500 seeds, but their guess was right; the large pumpkin did have more seeds than the small pumpkin even if it was only nine more. The students were excited to realize the size of the seeds St. Peter Chanel PK3 students, from left to right, Kennedy Folse, Alli- were different also. The large son Vincent, Malik Whittington, Jessie Poirrier, Nathan Duhe and Cole pumpkin had large seeds and Keller, learned about the life cycle of pumpkins during a science proj- the small pumpkin had small ect. Photos submitted by St. Peter Chanel Interparochial School Fifth-graders Cohen Veron, right, and Caitlyn Rojas work on their ex- periment.

seeds. The students also en- uct called slime. joyed tasting pumpkin seeds Students also enjoy sharing and making pumpkin shakes to what they learn in science with finish their lesson. other grade levels. Sixth-grad- Students in fifth grade en- ers Madison Beier and TaLaija joyed learning about chem- Allen helped kindergartener ical reactions. They worked Jaci Anslum launch a rocket. through the scientific method Students in fourth- through to determine the outcome of eighth-grade made rockets the experiment, which was to as part of a 4-H National Sci- Academic Excellence Faith Development Personal Growth determine if baking soda and ence Week project, Rockets vinegar would inflate a balloon. to the Rescue. Older students They also combined white glue launched for their buddies, with borax, along with water then helped them launch one which resulted in a new prod- themselves.

www.sjabr.org 3015 Broussard Street | Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 388-2240 St. Joseph’s Academy has a non-discriminatory admissions policy. Chanel students Madison Beier, from left, Jaci Anslum and TaLaija Al- len work on a project to launch a rocket. January 23, 2015 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 The Catholic Commentator 13B Most Blessed Sacrament School celebrates 35th anniversary Just one year after Most Blessed number of MBS graduates continue to Sacrament was established as a church excel academically in area high schools, parish in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, a with many going on to college. Also in school building housing 18 classrooms, 2014, Cloessner was for a second time and an administration building that in- named as Diocesan Primary Principal of cluded a library, were completed and the the Year. school opened with 514 students. Although this year saw several new This year, the school will celebrate its faces in the faculty, there still remains 35th anniversary of providing academic many who have been a part of MBS for and spiritual education to students in 15, 20, and even 35 years. this southeast Baton Rouge area. Each morning the faculty and staff Msgr. Lester C. Lacassagne was ap- gather for prayer, and then pray with pointed as the first pastor of Most Bless- the student body in the gym. The stu- ed Sacrament in 1979 and construction of dent body and faculty attend Mass once the school buildings began shortly after. a week, with the rare exception of severe A faculty of 18 teachers plus an of- or inclement weather, in which case a fice and administrative staff was hired scripture and prayer service is held in and the school opened with 514 student St. Ursula Hall. Catholic identity is vis- its first year. The next year the cafete- Most Blessed Sacrament School in Baton Rouge is celebrating its 35th anniversary. ibly strong not only in the classrooms ria opened with the back of the church Photo provided by Most Blessed Sacrament School with bulletin boards and prayer tables, building serving as the dining area. The was also added on the opposite side of kindergarten, first- and second-grade but also in the campus courtyard which MBS Home and School Association was the church. classrooms, an assistant for third-, is adorned with several religious stat- also formed that year Father Mike Collins was assigned as fourth- and fifth-grades. A reading room ues, and the cafeteria with Christian art Growth was immediate. In 1984, an pastor in 1997. The next year, 10 new teacher is also on staff, as well as full- work, all of which was made or donated annex building used for fine arts enrich- classroom computers, a new office com- time music and art teachers. by staff members or friends of the school. ment and physical education was com- plex including guidance office, enlarged In the fall of 2014 it was announced Through the service projects sponsored peted and French instruction was added teacher work areas, office for Christian that Most Blessed Sacrament Catho- by each grade level and by the school’s to the curriculum. Father Gerard Young formation and additional storage areas lic School was selected a 2013 National Student Council, and are generously sup- was assigned as the pastor that year. were added to the campus facility, and Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the ported by our parents, MBS continues The next year, the annex building was Cloessner was chosen as Diocesan Prin- National Department of Education. This to reach out to the community by giving converted to kindergarten classrooms. cipal of the Year. award is indicative of the fact that a large witness to the Corporal Acts of Mercy. In 1987, Maria Cloessner was em- In 2001, fifth-grade student Adam ployed as principal, an Assertive Disci- Catanzaro was chosen as Diocesan pline program was adopted, and Most Student of the Year, and in 2002, sec- Blessed Sacrament – Long Field opened ond-grade teachers visited Nicaragua, for athletics. In 1988, a 16-station Ap- the site of the Los Ninos Mission, which ple II computer lab for grades K-8 was the school adopted as a service project. opened. The next year, as the parish and In the spring of 2005, MBS celebrated school celebrated its 10th anniversary, its 25th anniversary with a special Mass the Come Lord Jesus program was intro- and a reception in the school gym. In the duced for eighth-grade, participation in fall of that year, MBS accepted 60 new the Duke Talent Identification Program students after Hurricane Katrina dev- initiated, and an extended care program astated New Orleans and surrounding offered. areas. The next 15 years saw much growth A new parish church was dedicated and improvement in several areas of the on Jan. 21, 2007, and the old church was school. The new family activity center refurbished to St. Ursula Hall with a pre- was dedicated, the First Grandparents’ sentation area and small meeting rooms. Day was held, participation in Diocesan The next year SmartBoards and Star- Quiz Bowl for students in grades 3-8 be- Boards began to be installed in the class- gan, and the diocesan 10-year evaluation rooms, and today every teaching area was conducted. has either a SmartBoard or StarBoard. The school continued to improve its In 2009, former student Paul Gros was physical plant and add to the students’ ordained a priest. Also that year, Span- educational and community service op- ish instruction was added to the curricu- portunities. Pre-algebra and algebra lum, a new football field was opened, and were added to the seventh- and eighth- a new, updated phone system installed. grade curriculum, the DARE program The next year a Robotics program was began in fifth-grade and service projects initiated for seventh grade, and MBS were developed for each grade level. Ex- fifth-grade student Olivia Hamilton was ploratory classes (drama, art, computer chosen Diocesan Student of the Year. enrichment, etc.) were added to the mid- Multimedia components were added to dle school curriculum and a guidance de- the newly renovated St. Ursula Hall. partment was established. Father Phil Spano was assigned as A computer lab equipped with 20 pastor in 2011 and in the next few years, computers, and math/science, and fine a new music room, a Spanish classroom arts classrooms were also added. Tech- and a student computer lab enhanced nology throughout the school was con- the school’s educational facilities. Forty tinually updated and the school was the percent of the MBS faculty and staff hold site for multiple diocesan technology masters degrees. Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin. workshops. A new cafeteria dining room There are teacher assistants in each 14B The Catholic Commentator CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 January 23, 2015 2015 Catholic school distinguished graduates named Every year each Catholic school in the Diocese of Ba- taught in the classroom, he said. field of vision loss, the school said. ton Rouge selects one of its alumni as its distinguished LeBlanc is a member of the American Institute of He has also established a charitable organization that graduate. This year these people will be honored at a din- CPAs and the Louisiana State Society of CPAs. He is a informs people of the need for organ donations. ner Monday, Jan. 26 at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton lector and extraordinary minister of holy Communion at A 2004 graduate of Catholic High, Stryjewski said the Rouge. Ascension of Our Lord Church, a member of the Donald- dedicated teachers who provided him with a Catholic ed- The 2015 Distinguished Graduates along with the in- sonville and Assumption Chamber of Commerce, a past ucation helped create and support the moral foundation formation submitted by the schools are: chairman and current treasurer of the Ascension Par- that has propelled him through life. ish Fire Protection District and a member of the Rotary Among his awards are the Harvard Medical School Ascension Catholic School Club. Traveling Fellowship; the Dubin Fellowship for Emerg- He was inducted into the Ascension Catholic Alumni ing Leaders; Harvard University Center for Public Lead- Ascension Catholic’s distinguished graduate is known Hall of Distinction in 2001 and received the Mother Se- ership; Harvard Medical School’s Charles Janeway Prize as the “voice of the bulldogs” at football games. ton Award in 2011. for International Research; the Paul and Daisy Soros Fel- David M. LeBlanc has been lowship for New Americans; USA Today National College a vital part of the school for 30 Catholic High School Academic First Team member; Outstanding Junior of years, serving as past president LSU; and Man of the Year at Catholic High. and treasurer of the Ascension Dr. Tomasz “Tommy” Stry- While at Catholic High, Stryjewski was an exempla- Catholic School Board, the fi- jewski is an accomplished physi- ry student and was concerned with social justice and nance committee, the Purple cian, but it is his desire to eradi- service to others. He volunteered with the Baton Rouge and Gold Club and as master of cate diseases without a cure and EMS while in high school, and while attending LSU, he ceremonies for many events. He his dedication to helping more established Tigers for Donating Life, a group that in- and his wife, Rhonda, as well as than one person at a time that forms people of the need for organ donors. his children and siblings, grad- make him so special, Catholic uated from Ascension Catholic, High School said of its distin- Catholic of Pointe Coupée School David M. LeBlanc creating a family tradition. guished graduate. A CPA with LeBlanc and Ri- Currently in the Residency New Roads Mayor Robert A. Myer said, “Community vere LLC, LeBlanc said Catholic education includes in- Training Program at Harvard is the basis of what a Catholic education is about.” struction in all areas needed to move on to a job or to Medical School Department of Dr. Tomasz “My Catholic education and values based on commu- continue education. Instruction in moral and spiritual Ophthalmology, Stryjewski has “Tommy” Stryjewski nity have helped me to a better mayor, community leader areas helps complete the student and helps them grow written numerous articles in and servant,” said the 1980 graduate of Catholic of Pointe into adults. Extra-curricula activities (sports, spirit medical journals and has received grants, fellowships Coupée. groups) teach the students about other aspects of life not and awards for research, service and leadership in the SEE GRADUATES PAGE 15B

Educating the whole child in the Catholic tradition for a life of meaning and purpose

St. Aloysius Catholic School 2025 Stuart Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225)383-3871 www.aloysius.org January 23, 2015 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 The Catholic Commentator 15B GRADUATES  Scout Sniper School. From page 14B After his tour of duty, Join us in celebration he spoke to students at “Mayor Myer’s vision his alma mater on sev- Grandparent’s Day of Catholic School’s has led to a revitalization eral occasions about Week for the of our community,” said being healthy and serv- Dedication of principal Colleen Caillet ing others. He founded New Academic Building in naming him the dis- the “Disposable Heroes January 30, 2015 tinguished graduate. “His Project,” working to raise business-like approach money and awareness 1:00 pm. has created growth op- Brad Joseph McKee for wounded veterans. portunities that have ben- Through this project, he efitted our school as well has kept many veterans from becoming homeless, as the community. His school officials said. Robert A. Myer ability to work with others “A Catholic education is the most important has led our town to come aspect of a child’s early life,” McKee said. “It helps together for the benefit of all,” she said. form personality and character of the child forev- Myer is an accomplished businessman, a civic- er.” minded leader, a visionary, a philanthropist and The owner of CrossFit of Hammond, McK- a proven leader, the school said. He is chairman ee was the first recipient of the “Heart of a Lion” of the board of Youth Oasis, has served as board Award from Southeastern Louisiana University in director of Volunteer Baton Rouge of the Capital 2014. He was named Citizen of the Year for the city Area United Way, is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Hammond in 2011 and was voted Most Athletic Saint Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School and a volunteer for many school activities. at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in 2003. Hammond, LA www.stafalcons.org He founded the Myer Restore Hope Fund that is operated through the Baton Rouge Area Founda- Mater Dolorosa School tion to help children with severe burns. As mayor, he has worked to improve the city’s recreational Screenwriter Samuel Christopher Spitale came opportunities, which has benefitted the school. to Mater Dolorosa School with big dreams. Add in Offering The president and CEO of Comfort Keepers and a lot of hard work and he has become a huge suc- Express Employments, he has received several cess working with producers such as George Lucas, awards for excellence in his professional life. school officials said. “It is not often that one Holy Family School of our own can work with Healthy Food people such as George Lu- The comptroller of the University of Louisiana cas and be a part of Comic System, Rhoda Rizzuttor Webber is the 2015 dis- Con, (a convention show- tinguished graduate of Holy Family School in Port casing comic and pop cul- Choices! Allen. ture artist and memora- “I realize it is our duty bilia. Spitale is in charge to instill Christian values, of memorabilia from the to provide our children “Star Wars” series). He is with a quality education a role model for our young Samuel Child Nutrition and to encourage parental students to aspire to and Christopher Spitale involvement in the edu- realize that dreams do cation of our children,” come true,” school officials said in naming him this Webber said. year’s distinguished graduate. Program “Holy Family School Spitale “has taken his religious education and provided the foundation cultural experiences from Mater Dolorosa School to be a loving daughter and used them as a foundation for his writing for to my parents, a support- Rhoda films in California,” the school said. ive wife to my husband, a Webber “Mater Dolorosa and the town of Independence caring mother and active are proud to have one of their own share their member of my church.” It also provided an excel- Catholic education and culture ... This is a wonder- lent education, both academically and spiritually ful asset to our school and community.” as well as friends for life, she said. Spitale graduated from Mater Dolorosa in 1988. Webber has served as a coach for soccer and basketball, been treasurer of the Athletic Commit- Most Blessed Sacrament School tee, served as a room board member, secretary of the Advisory Board, and on the parish council for Lindsey Falcon John- Holy Family Church. son is a lector, an extraor- “She is a wonderful person who exemplifies the dinary minister of holy SACRED HEART OF JESUS SCHOOL values that we try to instill in all of our students. Communion, a fourth- Rhoda is in a class of her own. She is the best of grade teacher in the par- OPEN HOUSE the best,” school officials said of this 1977 graduate. ish school of religion, a Pre-K through 8th Grade volunteer with baptismal Holy Ghost School seminars and a St. Jean Vianney youth ministry Tuesday, January 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Holy Ghost School’s distinguished graduate has core team member. helped many veterans with medical expenses, liv- She also serves on the ing expenses and countless other needs. Lindsey Falcon Diocesan Youth Board 2251 Main Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Brad Joseph McKee, a 1999 graduate of Holy Johnson leadership team, the di- 225.383.7481 www.sacredheartbr.com

Ghost, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after high ocesan Young Adult Min- Non-discriminatory admissions school, graduating from the U.S. Marine Corps SEE GRADUATES PAGE 16B 16B The Catholic Commentator CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 January 23, 2015

GRADUATES  Prior to his 1989 because of the Communist take- venson received From page 15B election to the over of her country. Sister Uyen, who the Employee of 6th U.S. Con- was born into a Catholic family during the Year award istry Advisory Board and is a team mem- gressional the Vietnam War, remembers attending in 2002 and ber for Charis retreat. district seat, daily Mass at 4 a.m. was honored as This active 1997 graduate of Most Graves was ap- She said she first considered joining a the volunteer Blessed Sacrament School is this year’s pointed by Gov. religious order with her first encounter of the year for distinguished graduate. Bobby Jindal as with a sister at the school she was at- the Sickle Cell “I believe that Catholic education the chairman tending. But she said she realized family Foundation in forms the foundation of a person’s faith. of the Coastal considerations came first so she delayed Kemberly Ann 2014. Stevenson It teaches children at an early age that Garret Neal Graves Protection and her decision. She was an their relationship with God is important Conservation Sister Uyen, who moved to New Or- honor graduate in everything they do: academically, so- Authority. He also worked as chief leg- leans with her family in 1989 and at- of Southern University and received cially, morally and spiritually,” she said. islative aide to the U.S. Senate Environ- tended O. Perry Walker High School, a full scholarship to the University of Most Blessed Sacrament said it chose ment and Public Works Committee. entered the Franciscan Missionaries of Pittsburgh for graduate school. Johnson as its distinguished grad be- Graves has “dedicated his time and Our Lady. cause she is an example of faith and talent to public service, living out our She has Redemptorist High School service to the church and community. school’s mission and motto in a beau- served as a She is active in the church serving in a tiful way,” school officials said. He has nurse at Our Redemptorist High School officials number of ministries for adults as well committed himself not only to being a Lady of Lourdes called attorney Gregory Day Callihan as youth. great husband and father, but also to be- Regional Med- their “largest overall contributor” over Johnson is a reports programmer for ing a public servant. ical Center and the years. Pelican State Credit Union. In addition to his six years as chair- traveled to Haiti The 1985 graduate shows his support man of the state’s Coastal Protection twice to assist by volunteering his time and through Our Lady of Mercy School and Restoration Authority, Graves has with mission monetary donations. “As most choose to worked with U.S. Sen. David Vitter, for- work. She has contribute one way or another, he choos- Newly elected U.S. Congressman mer U.S. Sen. John Breaux and former also worked in Sister Uyen Vu es both, certainly a path much less trav- Garret Neal Graves is Our Lady of Mer- U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin. several other fa- eled and a support that is unparalleled cy’s distinguished graduate. cilities including St. Elizabeth Hospital in the community,” school officials said. “Catholic schools have played a very Our Lady of the Lake in Gonzales and in her current position “The Catholic faith and education is important part in my growth and devel- College as mission services assistant at Our what has shaped Mr. Callihan through- opment. I am extremely grateful for the Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Cen- out his life and lead him to being the gift of my Catholic education” Graves Born near Saigon, Vietnam, Sister ter in Lafayette. successful individual that he is today,” said. Uyen Vu came to the United States in She is a 1999 graduate of Our Lady of school officials said. the Lake College. An attorney with Callihan Law Firm/ Sister Uyen, soft-spoken by nature, Central Title and Closing, Callihan has said she believes she is where God has been an active leader in efforts to keep intended for her to be. “It doesn’t matter Redemptorist High school from closing what happens,” she said. “At the end of at the end of the school year. the day I just feel like, yes, the Lord is He is also president of the Athletic calling me. The Lord is calling me so just Association, and a member of the School be patient.” Board. His three children have also at- Sister Uyen called Catholic educa- tended Redemptorist. tion “a gift from God because it grounds students in the Christian faith. My own Sacred Heart of Jesus School Catholic education influences me in all I do.” As Brother Bernard George Redemptorist Elementary Couvillion cele- School brates 50 years as a Brother Kemberly Ann Stevenson is “an advo- of the Sacred cate for youth who often have no voice Heart, his alma in the world,” Redemptorist Elementary mater, Sacred School said of its distinguished graduate. Heart of Jesus Stevenson has worked with foster School in Baton children in the Pittsburgh area for more Rouge, honors than 15 years. She is an active member him as its dis- Brother Bernard of St. Benedict the Moor Church where tinguished grad- George Couvillion she is a youth minster. She is also work- uate. ing with the pastor to establish a young “Catholic education offers the rich adult ministry for the church parish. gift of holistic education which includes “Catholic education is grounded in instruction formation and personal wit- principles that prepare one to achieve in ness of students’ spiritual life neglected life,” said Stevenson, a 1986 graduate of by most schools,” said Brother “Bernie,” Redemptorist Elementary. who graduated from Sacred Heart in The school said Stevenson has a “dy- 1960. namic personality that allows her to Sacred Heart school officials said create a trusting rapport with the youth Brother Bernie has a “special, unique she works with. She is a dedicated and charisma of trust and compassion rec- compassionate social worker who has a ognized by the church.” He has served passion for underprivileged youth.” as a teacher, director of formation, pro- The director of Transition Services for vincial superior, Catholic school admin- Circle C Youth and Family Services, Ste- SEE GRADUATES PAGE 17B January 23, 2015 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 The Catholic Commentator 17B GRADUATES  Giovingo is “dedicated, energetic, en- al and Christian St. George School From page 16B thusiastic and devoted,” the school said. beliefs that were A senior clerical specialist with the nurtured from “Living the Gospel values is clearly istrator and superior general. Baton Rouge City Court, Giovingo said my early years at evident in the lives of Stephen M. Dille Brother Bernie truly witnesses to the Catholic education has the “unique abil- St. Francis Xavi- and his wife, Jodie,” St. George school Catholic faith by passing on the light of ity to help students grow spiritually as er,” Jones said. officials said. Christ. This has been his life’s vocation, well as intellectually. This is something A semi-re- The 1986 graduate of St. George and the school said. that was extremely important to me as tired trainer for his wife have adopted four children from Brother Bernie currently serves in a student and it will continue to be im- National HIPPY China, two of whom have special needs. campus ministry at St. Stanislaus in Bay portant to me as a future parent.” (Home Instruc- Gail Vavasseur Dille “has truly taken the St. George St. Louis, Mississippi. tion for Parents Jones mission to heart. He and his family live St. Elizabeth School of Preschool Gospel values and promote faith de- St. Aloysius School Youngsters) and HIPPY USA, Jones has velopment and service to others,” the “An ideal example of living the Gos- worked in public education for 33 years. school said. He Randal Roe Cangelosi said his Cath- pel.” That’s how St. Elizabeth School de- She has been involved in prison minis- has continued olic education has made him a better fa- scribes its 2015 distinguished graduate, try at the Louisiana Correctional Insti- to demonstrate ther, husband, son, person and attorney Loretta Rousseau Lirette. tute for Women and active with the early that he is a life- and provided him a quality education Lirette has childhood center at St. Francis Xavier. long learner combined with the teachings of love, re- ministered to “She always exhibits a caring interest in and contributes spect and compassion. youth in Cath- every project she is involved with. She positively to the A lawyer with olic education is an asset to our community and our community to Kean Miller LLP, for 26 years. She church,” school officials said in naming which he be- Cangelosi has has served both her the distinguished graduate. longs.” served with the the St. Elizabeth “Mrs. Jones was selected because of A foreign ser- St. Aloysius Boy and St. Joseph the many contributions she has so feely Stephen M. Dille vice officer for Scouts of Amer- (Thibodaux) given to our church, parish and commu- the U.S. Agency ica Pack No. 7 as communities nity,” said principal Paula Fabre. “She for International Development, Dille is a den leader and as St. Elizabeth believes in Catholic education and is a vi- committed to serving the poor in Third has been a vol- kindergarten brant, vocal supporter who provides en- World Countries, the school added. Loretta Rousseau unteer coach of religion teacher, couragement.” Jones’ many experiences Dille credited his Catholic education Lirette numerous ath- librarian and both with Catholic and public education for the decisions he has made in his life. letic teams. A Randal Roe development director, and as a resource indicate how much she values education “Being able to attend religion class ev- past St. Aloysius Cangelosi teacher for the first- and second- grades for all, especially the young child and the eryday significantly impacted my life. Fair chairper- at St. Joseph School. parents, Fabre continued. SEE GRADUATES PAGE 18B son, he has also chaired the parish golf She is a lector, commentator, extraor- tournament for seven years. dinary minister of holy Communion, He has volunteered with the Ameri- Teen Life volunteer and Steunbenville can Red Cross, the Baton Rouge Cham- on the Bayou youth rally volunteer for ber of Commerce, the Catholic High her present church parish, St. Joseph School Alumni Board and the Louisiana Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. She also Lupus Foundation. was active in her former parish of St. School officials said they chose to Elizabeth, where she was director and honor this 1983 graduate because of his a teacher in the CCD program, a lector, commitment to St. Aloysius Parish, his commentator, extraordinary minister of work ethic and his tireless commitment holy Communion, a choir member and to volunteerism. co-chair of the St. Elizabeth harvest fes- tival. She also represents St. Elizabeth St. Alphonsus School for the Assumption Civil Parish Cham- ber of Commerce. Angelina Marie Giovingo has a “smile “Catholic education educates the stu- on her face that brightens everyone’s dents spiritually, morally, academically day.” That’s what St. Alphonsus School and socially, nurturing a well-formed said in naming this dedicated volunteer conscience which will guide the adult as its distinguished graduate this year. Catholic through life,” said this 1968 A 2003 graduate of St. Elizabeth School. graduate of School officials said they chose Li- St. Alphonsus, rette as the distinguished graduate “be- Giovingo has de- cause of her unwavering faith, her ded- voted her time ication to spreading God’s word to the and talents to youth she educates and her willingness the church and to serve her community in any way she school. She is a can.” member of the church bell choir, St. Francis Xavier School adult choir, a lec- Angelina Marie tor, an extraordi- Gail Vavasseur Jones said Catholic Giovingo nary minister of education nurtured her beliefs in the holy Communion Catholic faith. and an assistant for altar server events. “It instilled the virtues of faith, hope She is also a leader in the youth group, a and love that are still present in my life confirmation mentor and a high school today,” said the 1961 graduate of St. coordinator. She also helps with the St. Francis Xavier School. Alphonsus festival and is a past member “My professional and personal life has of the Pastoral Council. been tremendously affected by my mor- 18B The Catholic Commentator CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 January 23, 2015

GRADUATES  Utah where he has a full-paid scholar- From page 17B ship and is pursuing a doctoral degree. His early education in Catholic These classes and the understanding of schools set him on a caring and com- Jesus’ teachings have provided a blue- mitted path to helping others, school print for my life’s decisions.” officials said. His path has not always In September 2014, Dille and his been one of ease as he struggled with wife were recognized by the Congres- Attention Deficit Disorder as a student. sional Coalition on Adoption Institute “Through hard work and commitment, in Washington, D.C. Jodie Dille was he has persevered to continue his edu- presented the Angel in Adoptions award cation.” for her efforts, with the support of her In 2011, Barrios was awarded a fel- husband, in the area of adoptions and lowship at the University of Tennessee, foster care. Knoxville, which is a competitive re- search award from The National Sci- St. Jean Vianney School ence Foundation. He was invited back in 2012. His work was published in the Education is the key to empowering Journal of Cell Biology while studying future generations to confidently and biological science at LSU in 2012-1013. successfully drive the world in a direc- At the University of Utah, he is a tion that is both hopeful and compas- member of the Brain Awareness Com- sionate, said St. mittee, which executes science outreach Jean Vianney’s programs in local elementary and high ST. ELIZABETH’S STUDENTS OF THE YEAR – St. Elizabeth School announced its Stu- distinguished schools and halfway houses. He also dents of the Year, fifth-grader Saniyah Prean, left, and eight-grader Zane graduate. serves on the recruitment commitment Blanchard. Photo provided by St. Elizabeth School Joshua Paul that organizes and executes interview Barrios, a 2001 weekends for prospective students. graduate of St. the Alumni As- led retreats for 17 years, school officials Jean Vianney, St. John School sociation, volun- said. At LSU, she founded the College is a graduate teered in various Retreat Team and facilitated retreats for student in neu- Stacey LaBauve Allain has shared her efforts and given junior and high school students. robiology and time, talent and treasure with St. John financially to the Eldredge “lives the charism of the anatomy at the School in Plaquemine. school. “Stac- Sisters of St. Joseph in her daily life,” University of Joshua Paul Barrios A 1974 graduate, she has worked with ey has distin- school officials said. “She invites people guished herself to reflect on sacramental moments in in many ways in their daily lives – those moments where the school com- we both receive and give God’s love.” Most Blessed Sacrament munity sharing Stacey LaBauve After moving to Athens, Georgia, El- her time, talent Allain dredge worked for Charis Ministries, a Catholic School and treasure Jesuit retreat with us. Stacey is the wife of a former ministry for sheriff of Iberville Parish, Brent Allain, young adults. As MBS is a 2013 National Blue Ribbon and has given many hours of service,” cordiallyshe invites led retreats, you to attend its School of Excellence. school officials said. she noticed par- She is a charter member of the St. ticipants want- Now in its 35th John Alumni Association and has served OPENing to meet HOUSE with year, MBS on its board of directors. her to talk about continues Allain has been active for many years SUNDAY,their JAN.relation- 11, 2015 to provide a in civic, parish and church organiza- ship with God teaching tions but she continues to put St. John 12:45and their prayer– 2 p.m. atmosphere which School as a priority in her life with the Becky Uffman life. Wanting work that she does for the school, school Eldredge tools to support promotes Gospel officials said. They described her as a this work, she values through humble person who works not for the went to school to be trained as a spiritu- prayer, recognition of honors or awards which al director, the school said. She received worship makes her so much more serving. her certificate in spiritual direction from and service Allain said, “A Catholic education Spring Hill College in 2012. She is also provides students with a strong academ- in the process of writing a book on the projects, and ic foundation enriched in their Catho- transformative power of prayer. academic lic faith. The values learned will guide excellence them throughout their lives.” St. Joseph School with its dedicated • Limited St. Joseph’s Academy Third-grade teacher Veronica Kraft openings Christian Pierson has an “up-beat, can-do atti- • Comprehensive Spiritual Director Becky Uffman El- tude that leads and infuses enthusiasm faculty. K – 8 program dredge said Catholic education “builds into others,” St. Joseph School officials • Extended Day community, deepens your faith, teaches said of their distinguished graduate. Care available • Non-discriminatory discernment and provides a foundation “She is willing to serve whenever admissions of how to integrate faith and life.” asked at whatever task is asked of her. policy This 1998 graduate of St. Joseph’s She is always part of the solution if ever Academy has been involved in Catholic a problem arises. She is a great cheer- 8033 Baringer Road ministry since serving as a peer minister leader for St. Joseph School,” school of- Baton Rouge, LA 70817 225-751-0273 at SJA. Her love of retreat ministry be- ficials said. www.mbsbr.org gan during high school and she has now SEE GRADUATES PAGE 19B January 23, 2015 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 The Catholic Commentator 19B GRADUATES  terest in promoting the school and has the Catholic Church,” school officials also a leader in From page 18B helped to organize alumni events. said. “He has committed his life to fos- the recent cap- Brown, who is a sales administrator tering the spiritual, intellectual and per- ital campaign Pierson teaches at Springfield El- in her professional life, is “committed to sonal development of all people as com- to build a new ementary School in Livingston Civil the mission of St. Jude School and the mitted disciples of Christ.” gymnasium. Parish and was named the Springfield value of Catholic education. She is al- Dawson has served locally and in- “He is al- teacher of the year as well as the Amer- ways positive, helpful and dependable in ternationally in the dioceses of Lake ways willing to ican Legion teacher of the year in 2008. whatever the needs of the school,” school Charles and Baton Rouge and the Arch- help out anyone A room officials said. diocese of New Orleans. when asked,” mother for eight He participated in Domestic Church the school said. years and win- St. Louis King of France School in Poland, which led him to help devel- Bruce Gerard Mohon is a ner of the 2011- op an English-speaking branch of Do- Mohon lawyer in the 2012 Mother St. Louis King of France School offi- mestic Church in Louisiana. Domestic firm of Bruce G. Seton Award, cials say they have watched 2000 grad- Church is a lay movement to strengthen Hohon LLC and an assistant district Pierson “infus- uate Florence Bonaccorso Folse grow marriages and family life. attorney for the 23rd Judicial District. es her positive into a “caring, loving and responsible Dawson has been a speaker on faith, He has three daughters who are also attitude into adult who gives back to her school and spirituality and sexuality at St. Michael attending Catholic schools so he contin- everything she church community.” School. ues to support Catholic education, the does. She is hap- “Even though she lives in another He was named distinguished gradu- school said. Veronica Kraft py and active in city, she makes the daily drive into Ba- ate of St. Jean Vianney School in 2006. “What sets Bruce apart from others Pierson all aspects of her ton Rouge to teach at a school she loves. is his willingness to always offer advice life: family, her Then she stays late to tutor or coach St. Peter Chanel School or support to the faculty and staff of St. children’s school as well as her own, her students. As a teacher, she has a great Peter Chanel.” He believes in the mis- church and her community. She lives love of her students and expresses con- St. Peter Chanel School chose as its sion of the school as a Christ-centered God’s message of evangelizing through cern for them personally and academi- distinguished graduate Bruce Gerard curriculum and how it provides the her actions and attitude,” school offi- cally,” the school said. Mohon, a lawyer who has “held true to young people today a method to contin- cials said. “She has a continued dedication to the values and morals that his Catholic ue to practice their faith in their every Pierson, who graduated from St. Jo- the school and to the church parish, education has given him.” day lives, school officials added. seph in 1988, said she believes Catholic despite the changes the school has A 1980 graduate of St. Peter Chanel, “He was raised with great work eth- schools provide students with the op- been through since she was a student. Mohon “has given back to the commu- ics and an active faith life that he con- portunity to develop their God-given She continues to be an active, involved nity, church parish and school in his tinues today as a parent and lawyer. talents through academic excellence alumni.” various roles as parent, alumni, school His willingness to be involved in his and Catholic faith through prayer and Folse has also served in the Knights board member and finance committee children’s education and school along service. of Columbus auxiliary and coached member, school officials said. He was SEE GRADUATES PAGE 20B Pierson has served on the school’s many church and school teams. home and school association, the school Folse said Catholic education in- advisory board and the pastoral adviso- spired her dream to become an educa- ry board. She also volunteers with Va- tor. “During my adolescence, I learned cation Bible School, Children’s Liturgy, the importance of education and real- THIRST youth group and serves as an ized that God gave me gifts and I should extraordinary minister of holy Commu- not waste them. He blessed me with nion. She is secretary of the Ponchatoula parents who cared deeply enough about FFA and fund-raising chair for Spring- my faith to work hard and make sacri- field Elementary. fices so I may have a bright future while serving God.” St. Jude School “Catholic education is the foundation of who I am,” she said. “It forged my de- Lauren Ed- votion to the holy family and especially monston Brown to the blessed mother and taught me said she believes to open my heart to others and not be Catholic educa- judgmental.” tion reinforces a foundation St. Michael High School Community Faith Academics of faith in God Community Faith Academics and the church Catholic education “provides for expo- Prospective Student Open House by educating sure to ideas of truth, beauty and good- ProspectiveJanuary 29, 2015, Student 10:00 Openam – 1:00 House pm the whole child: ness, but most importantly, for an actual January 29, 2015, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm mind, body and experience of the SJV School Library - Prospective Students & Parents Meet and Greet SJV School Libraryin Library - Prospective with Faculty Students and Administrators, & Parents Meet and Greet Lauren Edmonston spirit. person of Jesus in Library with Faculty and Administrators, Brown Student-Guided Tours of the Campus A 1991 grad- Christ,” said Da- Student-Guided Tours of the Campus uate of St. Jude vid Charles Daw- School, Brown has served the St. Jude son Jr., a 2000 church community by volunteering for graduate of St. Sunday school, Children’s Liturgy and Michael High on the parish fair auction committee, School. for which she has also served as chair- This year’s person. At St. Jude School she has distinguished Educating kindergarten through eighth grade for 30 years! served on the advisory council and as a graduate is the Educating kindergarten through eighth grade for 30 years! room mom and helped in the cafeteria, David Charles director of the library and with SantaLand. Dawson Jr. Family Life St.St. JeanJean Vianney SchoolSchool Brown has made great contributions Apostolate for 16266 S. Harrell’s Ferry Rd. Baton Rouge, LA 70816 ∙ 225‐751‐1831 now that she has returned as a parent of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. 16266 S. Harrell’s Ferry Rd. Baton Rouge, LA 70816 ∙ 225‐751‐1831 two students enrolled at St. Jude, school Dawson “embodies the mission of St. www.stjeanvianneyschool.orgwww.stjeanvianneyschool.org ∙∙ Follow us on Twitter, Facebook,Facebook, and and Instagram Instagram officials said. She has taken a deep - in Michael by constantly striving to serve 20B The Catholic Commentator CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2015 January 23, 2015

GRADUATES  St. Theresa Middle / John Primary Schools. the values Tanzania. She later received a From page 19B St. John Primary School Frequently a substitute teach- she learned master’s in nursing from South- er at St. John, where her 6-year- as a student eastern Louisiana University. with his busy work schedule Frances Katherine Oliver old twins attend school, Warth- at St. There- She has been inducted into shows his commitment to giv- Warthen said Catholic education en has also volunteered in the sa. Her ded- Sigma Theta Tau, the honor so- ing back the gifts that he has has instilled in her a foundation school cafeteria, as a coach, a bus ication to ciety of nursing; the Golden Key been given.” of core values that has allowed driver and “for anything they her family, International Honor Society; Mohon said “Catholic educa- her to live a fulfilling life of joy ask,” she said. community, and the National Society of Col- tion is important in that it rein- and happiness. School officials said she is a church and legiate Scholars. forces our foundation of faith The 1994 graduate of St. true representative of “warrior St. There- and provides a Christ-centered Theresa of Avila is being hon- spirit,” citing her dedication to Frances sa is truly St. Thomas More School curriculum each and every day.” ored as the distinguished grad- her family and school. She con- Katherine exempla r y uate of St. Theresa Middle/St. tinues to live her life based on Oliver Warthen … She has Father Matthew Edward continued McCaughey greets St. Thomas to volunteer and be present at More students when they arrive a moment’s notice to assist the for class in the carpool line. He school in continuing its mission then joins of service, spiritual growth and them and academic excellence. the faculty A parishioner of St. Gabriel for morning Church in St. Gabriel, Warthen prayer. serves her church as a member It wasn’t of the committee that coordi- long ago that nates St. Gabriel Day and for Father Mc- Children’s Liturgy. Caughey was one of those St. Thomas Aquinas s t u d e n t s . High School He gradu- Father ated from Matthew Nurse practitioner Katy St. Thom- Edward Klaire Zahn volunteered to go as More in McCaughey to Tanzania, Africa, to serve a 1998. population Now assigned as the parochial in dire need vicar in his home parish, Father of nursing McCaughey is active with the care. school, participating in retreats, This 2001 reconciliation, faculty prayer and graduate of school Masses. He visits students St. Thom- in the classroom, shares lunch as Aquinas with them and frequently attends High School athletic and other co-curricular provided events. nursing Through his presence on cam- care, local Katy Klaire pus throughout the school day healthcare Zahn and in his celebration of school initiatives, Masses, he is an “inspiration to community outreach, vaccina- the faculty and students,” school tions and maternity care to the officials said. “He continuous- Ever find yourself people of Tanzania. ly gives back to our school and “She has modeled her life church community through his by emulating the mission of St. presence and spiritual leader- following in the footsteps Thomas Aquinas High School ship.” and the development of the “For all the blessings Father whole person,” the school said. McCaughey received from St. of someone whose feet She has used skills learned while Thomas More, the opportunity to at STA to further the meaning of give back has been an even great- are half your size? a true servant in today’s world. er blessing … Father Matthew has The distinguished graduate witnessed the joy of the church said, “By extending values of faith in his assignment at STM.” Catholic faith tradition into the Father McCaughey gradu- classroom, Catholic education ated magna cum laude from Kids are amazing. To follow in their footsteps often leads to powerful places. And at Our Lady instills moral grounding for a LSU with a bachelor of science of the Lake Children’s Hospital, we are constantly striving to ensure they receive the best full faith-oriented life, focused in chemical engineering. He medical care possible. Like operating a 24/7 critical care transport team and running health on service for the greater good.” received the Donald W. Clay- centers in local schools. Yes, kids are amazing. We’re here to do amazing things for them. Zahn is a board-certified psy- ton Excellence in Engineering www.ololchildrens.org chiatric nurse practitioner, work- Award and the Chancellor’s Re- ing with children and families search Scholarship. in the community. She earned He graduated summa cum her bachelor’s degree from the laude from Notre Dame Semi- University of Miami, where she nary with a masters of divinity studied International Business. and received the Father Michael Zahn went to Duke University J. McGivney Vocations Scholar- to pursue a nursing degree and ship. He was ordained a priest while at Duke she ministered in in 2012.